The quality assurance process is one of the most important in manufacturing. The strength and resistance of the floorboards, the stability and durability of the flooring, and the stability and durability of the flooring that is laid afterwards, all depend on the precise preparation of the wood drying according to the set parameters. This is just the beginning and there is a long way to go before the oak plank becomes a floor.
Another crucial element of our quality assurance is our rigorous testing regime, which scrutinises every aspect of the flooring finish. From structural strength to oiling quality and the surface resistance to liquids, the tests are carried out with pinpoint precision to ensure that our oak flooring demonstrates unparalleled craftsmanship and lasting value for our customers.
We will discuss in more detail how and what kind of tests are carried out in our Ecowood factory, because we want to openly show and inform all those who are interested in oak flooring manufacturing about the complex process and our constant efforts to provide only high quality floorboards. We have manufactured and installed more than 3 million m² of oak floor boards in Lithuania and other European countries.
Oiling Is the First Step to Protecting Oakwood
Ecowood floorboards are coated with SAICOS protective oil from Germany. Two types of oil are used for double protection: oil that creates a solid base, 2-5 layers of coloured oil or part of another technology are used to create the desired colour. The surface is always protected with premium SAICOS protective oil. This is probably the highest quality oil of its kind, friendly to people as it is made from vegetable oils and waxes, thus creating a health-friendly environment. Oil is an important tool in woodworking because it has several important functions:
- It naturally protects the wood, allows it to breathe and regulates humidity
- Protects floorboards from scratches, making them more resistant to external influences
- Increases resistance, prevents water and other liquids from soaking into the wood
- Finally, it facilitates the maintenance of oak floors, increasing their durability
It is therefore essential to regularly test that the floorboards are coated with a sufficient layer of protective oil. Our craftsmen carry out periodic and systematic testing during the manufacturing process, thus ensuring that any customer buying oak flooring receives a top-quality product.
Testing is carried out by weighing the boards before and after oiling. This way, we can calculate how much oil is applied per square metre with precise data marking. The oil is absorbed into the surface layer of the wood, so the equipment specifically designed to perform this function – to incorporate the oil into the wood – is regulated and continuously monitored to ensure that there is no deviation from the required standard.
Surface Resistance to Liquids: Oak Flooring Is Suitable for the Bathroom!
Our oak flooring is suitable for all rooms: living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens. Be confident to install it if you have underfloor heating – oak floorboards are perfect for modern homes and office spaces.
What makes us confident that you can rely on quality and adaptability to different living situations? This is yet another test to measure and ensure the resistance of our floors to the effects of liquids. The floorboard is taken after drying after finishing and four different liquids are used for the test: water, coffee, red wine and Coca Cola. Why these liquids? The answer is obvious, we are using typical liquids that have different effects on the surface, that leave colour stains, and that are very common in our household.
At home, spilling a cup of coffee, for example, a person cleans the floor immediately, but we leave the indicators soaked in the liquid for up to 24 hours and still covered with glass lids to prevent evaporation. After a day’s storage, we wipe the test board and observe whether there are any signs of liquid remaining. If the board is properly coated and there are no stains, quality is assured. This means that you won’t experience any unpleasantness with our flooring in domestic conditions, it will be resistant to spillages of common household liquids, you just have to wipe it dry and no consequences!
Finish Adhesion Test to Ensure Durability
It is important to test how firmly the finish used adheres to the wood surface. A properly bonded finish gives the oakwood protection and resilience, and the flooring will last a long time and be easy to maintain, clean and renew.
One of the methodologically validated tests is the ‘coin’ test. We take a coin-like metal plate and swipe it firmly across the surface of the finished board. We then assess whether there is any damage.
The finish must not be affected by such scratching once it has been properly bonded to the wood surface. For our customers, this means that the flooring we produce in your home will resist this level of scratching. It is understandable that sharp, pointed objects, etc., can leave scratches, because we are talking about natural wood after all! What’s more, there are no generally invulnerable floor surfaces, including vinyl, etc. Our test aims to ensure that the quality and durability are maintained under regular circumstances.
Cross-Section Test to Gain Even More Resistance
Another test to make sure that our floorboards are resistant to mechanical damage and that the finish is firmly bonded to the wood surface. This is a more precise and serious test for the product, as it engages a special scratching tool. It is used to make indentations on the dried floorboards, then we apply the film, peel it off and analyse the results. The test uses a special qualitative methodology to show how deeply the finish has penetrated the wood surface, how resistant the surface is to these mechanical scratches, etc.
This and the tests discussed above have a fundamental objective: not only must the customer receive a floor of the desired colour, width and laying pattern, but the surface must also be resistant to spillages, scratches or wear and tear caused by heavy foot traffic. In other words, customers can rely on the quality guaranteed by Ecowood’s craftsmen and the state-of-the-art equipment they operate.
Ecoboard, the Special Floorboard Base Panel as the “Champion” of Testing
Ecoboard, a specially manufactured flooring base panel made in Germany, withstands special quality tests carried out in Germany by EPH-Dresden, one of Europe’s most respected wood products laboratories. The tests have shown that our Ecoboard-based double-layer flooring board is a high quality product that we offer to our customers with strong confidence.
The impressive “delamination” test disproves any concerns about the strength and durability of the floorboard. The results of all tests are “zero”. After the tests, there were no signs of delamination between the Ecoboard and the oak layer or even in other parts of the floorboard structure. Everything remained unchanged despite the extreme nature of the tests:
- 6 hours of immersion in water at 20°C.
- 24-48 hours in a climate chamber: air temperature 23 °C, relative humidity 50%.
- 8 hours drying at 60°C
- 16 hours drying at 80 °C.
No abnormalities were recorded in the laboratory after this test and this is noted on the certificate issued.
Thermal resistance tests were carried out in a German laboratory as well. The results showed that the thermal resistance of the Ecoboard-based oak double-layer floorboard is 0.11 W/m*K, which means that not only will the room be warm and cosy after installation due to its good permeability, but also the wood itself gives an unparalleled feeling of comfort – it makes you want to walk barefoot on the floor.
Formaldehyde emissions have been tested as a part of the quality analysis. The result: Ecoboard double-layer floorboard based on Ecoboard meets Europe’s highest E1 class. Formaldehyde emissions are below the Limit Of Detection. Why is it important to look into how the board or other flooring you are planning to buy and install on underfloor heating is manufactured? If adhesives are used to fix (plywood, structure, other components) that contain substances that are harmful to humans, they can evaporate and create health risks. We recommend that you ask for certificates if you plan to buy synthetic flooring such as vinyl to be sure you will have an environment free of harmful substances..
What Do Customers Gain With Quality Tests?
Just a few facts about what oak flooring brings to your home or office space, after the flooring has undergone a quality assurance process in our factory and has passed the “test”.
Durability, longevity, because properly oiled oak floorboards are optimally protected against wear and tear. The flooring receives a protective layer that increases its durability and allows it to withstand heavy foot traffic and daily use. At the same time, however, natural wood “breathes”, creating a healthier environment for people.
Lasting beauty, because the quality assurance process of oiling ensures that the natural beauty of oak wood will last for a long time. We preserve the richness of the colour and texture of the wood, ensuring that the flooring retains its aesthetic appeal for years to come, giving your home a lasting beauty.
Resistance to environmental factors, as the oiling process creates a barrier that protects the oak flooring from environmental factors such as moisture, spills and liquids, and the flooring is significantly less worn, even in areas of heavy foot traffic.
Wide range of applications. Liquid-resistant flooring gives you more versatility as it can be installed in all areas of the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms. With our high-quality flooring, we give you the opportunity to style your entire living space with the timeless elegance of oak.
Easy maintenance, a healthier indoor environment, thanks to properly oiled oak floors with a finish that adheres firmly to the surface, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Eco-friendly oiled natural oak allows you to breathe in nature instead of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that synthetic flooring inevitably does. Natural wood and the use of naturally sourced products such as SAICOS oil and adhesives free of formaldehyde and other substances harmful to health create an environment that combines aesthetics and well-being.
