When shopping for engineered timber flooring, it is important to consider the quality of the product and whether it meets certain standards for performance and safety. One way to determine the quality of engineered timber flooring is by looking for compliance documentation, which is a set of documents that provide evidence that the product meets certain requirements or standards.
There are several types of compliance documentation that are relevant to engineered timber flooring, including:
- Product certification: This type of documentation certifies that the product has been tested and meets certain performance standards, such as strength, stability, and durability. This is typically provided by an independent testing organisation or a professional association.
- Environmental certification: This type of documentation certifies that the product has been made in an environmentally responsible way, such as by using sustainable materials or energy-efficient manufacturing processes. This can be provided by organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
- Health and safety certification: This type of documentation certifies that the product is safe for use in the home and does not contain any harmful substances. This can be provided by organisations such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or the European Union’s E1 Emissions Standard.
By looking for these types of compliance documentation, you can ensure that the engineered timber flooring you are considering is of high quality and meets certain standards for performance, environmental responsibility, and health and safety. This can give you peace of mind and help you make an informed purchase decision.
To review our compliance documents, you can view these under our downloads section here.
Engineered timber flooring can be a more environmentally-friendly flooring option compared to some other types of flooring. Here are some of the environmental benefits of choosing engineered timber flooring for your home:
- Sustainable sourcing: Many engineered timber flooring products are made from wood that is sourced from sustainably-managed forests, which helps to preserve natural forests and promote responsible forestry practices.
- Recycled materials: Some engineered timber flooring products are made from recycled materials, such as sawdust or recycled wood fibers, which reduces waste and conserves resources.
- Long lifespan: Engineered timber flooring is a durable and long-lasting flooring option, which means it can be used for many years before needing to be replaced. This reduces the amount of flooring material that needs to be produced, transported, and disposed of over time.
- Low VOC emissions: Many engineered timber flooring products have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which means they release fewer harmful chemicals into the air when installed. This can improve indoor air quality and contribute to a healthier home environment.
- Can be recycled: When it comes time to replace your engineered timber flooring, the wood can be recycled or repurposed, further reducing its environmental impact.
In summary, choosing engineered timber flooring for your home can offer a range of environmental benefits, including sustainable sourcing, the use of recycled materials, a long lifespan, low VOC emissions, and the ability to be recycled.
At Vienna Woods we committed to continually improving our commitment to sustainability. This is an ever evolving promise to source and work with suppliers who are committed to developing and delivering more sustainable products. We are proud to share some of the certificates our products have received as a part of this process.
One of the great things about engineered timber flooring is the variety of finishes available, which can help you achieve the desired look and feel for your home. Here are some of the different finishes available for engineered timber flooring:
- Matte finish: A matte finish has a smooth, non-reflective surface that gives the flooring a more natural, understated look. It is a good choice for areas with lower traffic or for homeowners who want a more subdued look.
- Satin finish: A satin finish has a slightly glossy appearance that adds a touch of shine to the flooring. It is a good choice for areas with moderate traffic, as it is more resistant to scratches and scuffs than a matte finish.
- Gloss finish: A gloss finish has a highly reflective surface that gives the flooring a shiny, polished appearance. It is a good choice for formal or elegant spaces, but may show scratches and scuffs more easily than other finishes.
- Hand-scraped finish: A hand-scraped finish is achieved by manually scraping the surface of the wood to give it a distressed, rustic appearance. It is a good choice for homes with a traditional or antique look.
- Wire-brushed finish: A wire-brushed finish is achieved by running a wire brush over the surface of the wood to create a textured, rough appearance. It is a good choice for a more rustic or casual look.
- Distressed finish: A distressed finish is achieved by creating artificial imperfections, such as dents or scratches, in the surface of the wood. It is a good choice for a shabby chic or vintage look.
By considering the different finishes available for engineered timber flooring, you can find a product that fits the style and aesthetic of your home.