Abrasion resistance
The abrasion resistance rating given by manufacturers in the product specifications defines the wearing properties of the surface laminate and specifies the appropriate range of applications.
Acclimatisation
During transport, the wood flooring planks are subject to different climatic and temperature changes which makes acclimatisation generally necessary. The shrink-wrapped products must be stored in the room where they will be installed over a period of 48 hours. The following climatic conditions must be met before, during and after installation:
Floor surface: min 18C
Air temperature: approximately 20C
Relative air humidity: 50-65%
Please make sure that the packages are not exposed to draughts and that they are not placed next to a wall. They must be stored horizontally in the middle of the room with a minimum distance of 0.5m to the wall, stored on 4 wide planks.
Airborne Sound
Small differences in transient and density changes in the air. These can be perceived directly by the human ear.
Alkaline Salts
Occurs in concrete sub-floors when water carries diluted alkaline salts to slab. Can cause floor failure by destroying the adhesive’s bond and can work its way through goods’ seams and tile joints.
Balancing Layer
Refers to the impregnated layer on the underside of the core material. Has similar physical characteristics (expansion coefficient, moisture resistance etc) to top layers. This layer protects the core from moisture ingress and gives dimensional stability.
Beading and Profiles
A variety of profiles are available for smooth transition between adjacent rooms and different types of flooring.
Profiles to compensate for differences in height
Beading to conceal joints between laminate flooring and thresholds, tiles or other obstacles.
Profiles to cover expansions joints
Staircase nosing
Bevelled Edge
The edge of solid wood planks is edged at a 45 angle to emphasise the pattern and/or to compensate for sub-floor irregularities.
Bowing
A specific type of warping. Slat has a curvature form end to end, flatwise, from a straight line.
Brinell Hardness
Indicates the specific hardness of individual wood species (see page 3).
Brushed and Oil Surfaces
These planks show a prominent grain. They look especially traditional and authentic. This effect is created by the use of steel brushes which take off the soft parts of the wood giving the planks additional strength. This surface treatment is only available in solid wood flooring ranges.
Burl
A swirl or twist of the grain of the wood which usually occurs near a knot but does not contain a knot.
Care and Cleaning with a Damp Cloth
Damp means that the cloth is not dripping but well-wrung.
Checks
A rupture or opening along the grain of the wood, developed during seasoning. Generally seen on sides of a quarter sawed slat along a ray.
Cleaning
Please refer to manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions. Wood floorings are simple and quick to clean. Just a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a bristle floorhead for smooth floors. Soil and dust are best removed using a damp, well-wrung cloth. More persistent stains require the use of manufacturer’s specially formulated cleaning fluids.
Click ‘n Fix
These parquet, laminate and wood veneer ranges offer trouble-free and glueless tongue and groove connections. The individual elements are ‘clicked’ into each other, are self-aligning and can be walked upon immediately after installation. The individual planks can be taken up at any time for repair or removal and can be installed again.
Compression strength
Expresses a product’s ability to withstand localised compression caused by chair legs or high heels.
Core Board
Depending on the brand of the laminate flooring, the core board consists of particleboard or fibre board with a minimum thickness of 6mm manufactured from untreated, selected sawmill off-cuts. For parquet, pine wood staves with close set annual rings are used.
Counter-Acting Layer (see Balancing Layer)
Refers to the impregnated layer on the underside of the core board. This layer protects the core from moisture ingress and guarantees dimensional stability.
CPL
CPL = Continuous Pressure Laminate – a product with a surface layer made from continuously pressed laminate.
Crook
A specific type of warping when a stave has a curvature from end to end, edgewise, from a straight line.
Cross Breaks
Separation of the wood cells across the grain. Such breaks may be due to internal strains resulting from unequal longitudinal shrinkage or to external forces.
Cupping
A specific type of warping when a slat or board becomes ‘U’ across the face. Often an illusory condition caused by premature sanding of a cupped floor.
Diamond Milled Edge
This very precisely milled edge ensures highest fitting accuracy of the individual elements and ensures extremely easy, precise installation. The sturdy tongue furthermore ensures a very strong, stable connection.
Dimensional Stability
Computerised drying, diamond milling tools and constant control at all stages of the production ensures excellent dimensional stability,
DPL
DPL = Direct Pressed Laminate - a product with a surface layer made from laminates fabricated in a short-cycle press process.
Electrostatic Charge
Electrostatic charge is caused by friction between two materials. Wood has a low conducting capacity and offers a good protection against electrostatic charge. The acrylic lacquer of parquet can cause a light electrostatic charge. So can laminate flooring if the humidity in the room is very low. The possible higher electrostatic charges of approximately 2000V are normal in comparison with other floorcoverings. When heating is used, sensitive people should make sure that the relative humidity in the room is between 50-65% in order to avoid electrostatic charge.
Emission Classification
The term ‘emission classification’ or similar, followed by the rating ‘E1’ is an indication that the formaldehyde emissions are within the permissible level for wood-derived products of max 0.1ppm (parts per million); laminate flooring is in full compliance with relevant technical and environmental legislation.
Environmentally Friendly
Reputable manufacturers guarantee the constant high quality of the raw material from durable forest economy and a conscious use of nature. The packing also is usually made from one material and can be recycled.
EPH
The development and testing laboratory for wood technology in Dresden, Germany which tests laminate floors in all aspects such as dimensional accuracy, abrasion fastness, swelling and light fastness.
Equilibrium Moisture Content
The moisture content at which wood neither gains nor loses moisture when surrounded by air at a given relative humidity and temperature.
Expansion Gaps
Depending on the layout and the area, expansion gaps have to be installed as follows:
within areas longer than 12 metres
within areas wider than 8 metres
passages (one room to the next)
thresholds
if connecting rooms are of different shape
if there are expansion gaps in the sub-floor/building
room sizes of max 80m2
Fibreboard
A broad generic term inclusive of sheet materials of widely varying densities manufactured of refined or partially refined wood fibres. Bonding agents and other materials may be added to increase strength, resistance to moisture, fire or decay or to improve some other property.
Fibre Saturation Point
The stage in drying or wetting wood at which the cell walls are saturated with water and the cell cavities are free from water. It is usually taken as approximately 30% moisture content, based on oven-dry weight.
Fill
Procedure in preparation to level low spots, depressions, holes and the like to level surface.
Fire Classification
Inflammability rating of a flooring product according to local or national legislative requirements.
Proof of conformity is the responsibility of the manufacturer concerned. DIN 4102-Bi, a common fire classification used in European product documentation, confirms that the product is flame-resistant.
Firmness of the Sub-Floor
Before installation of any type of floor, the firmness of the sub-floor must be tested. Should there be any cracks, these have to be renovated by a specialist before installation.
Flag
A heavy dark mineral streak shaped like a banner.
Floor Surface made from Several Strips
The surface of this floor will be joined together from 2, 3 or 4 strips. This technique, which gives the floor a harmonious appearance, requires a high degree of knowledge and care.
2-strip floor - this design gives the floor a refined appearance as the extra wide strips emphasise the beauty of the wood.
3-strip floor - this design emphasises the typical characteristics of the wood. The surface may be harmonious or made from wood with a lively pattern or knots. The wood is selected according to fixed criteria and an experienced eye.
4-strip floor - as the surface of the plank consists of 4 strips, the appearance of this floor is quite lively.
Footfall Sound
There are two types of footfall sound:
sound that is perceived in other rooms
sound that is audible within the room a person walks in
Glue
Special-purpose glue is used to join individual floorboards together and should be applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Glueing
Connecting flooring elements using a special glue which has to be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Grading
The grading describes the pattern of the floor (quiet to lively with a high presence of knots).
Grain
A general term describing the direction and alignment of the wood planks.
Growth Rings
Increments of growth which appear as figures in the floor. Seen in a cross section of a log as rings around the centre of the log. When only one growth ring is formed during a year, it is called an annual ring. Viewing the end of a parquet board, they appear in bands or layers.
Hardwood
General term used to designate wood produced from broad-leafed or deciduous trees in contrast to softwood which is produced from evergreen or coniferous trees.
Heartwood
The non-active centre of a tree generally distinguishable from the outer portion (sapwood) by its darker colour.
HDF
Abbreviation for High Density Fibreboard, often used as a compact core ply in laminate products. Particular properties include exceptional strength, durability and dimensional accuracy.
HPL
HPL = High Pressure Laminate - a manufacturing process for laminate flooring. The first step of this manufacturing process is the pressing of the overlay, the decorative paper and several stabilising papers into one unit. This unit is then pressed with the core ply and the counter-acting layer.
Humidity of the Sub-Floor
The humidity of the sub-floor, if this consists of mineral material (ie screed, anhydrite, ceramic tiles or natural stone) is very important. Measuring of the humidity is always done using a CM humidity measuring device.
Humidity Equilibrium
Wood or wood-derived materials will take up the relative air humidity and temperature of the surroundings if left there long enough.
Hygroscopicity
Wood is able to take in water (liquid or steam) but can also release it again under certain circumstances. When exposed to air, the wood will take on a certain level of moisture. The degree depends on the type of wood.
Impact Sound
Minimal reverberation in solid objects. This sound is normally not perceived by the human ear. Impact sound can change into airborne sound which can then be perceived.
Initial and Thorough Cleaning
Before the floor can be used, wood shavings, dust and dirt must be removed using a broom or vacuum cleaner. Soil and dust are best removed using a damp, well-wrung cloth using cleaning agents recommended by the manufacturer. More persistent stains require the use of specially formulated cleaning fluids as recommended by the manufacturer.
Insensitivity to Stains
This is to emphasise that the surface of laminate flooring is insensitive to stains caused by food, eg stubborn stains like pen, felt pen or lipstick can be removed using specially formulated cleaning fluids. The insensitivity to stains is tested according to the European standard EN438-2,15.
Installation Direction
The visual impact of wood flooring consisting of individual elements is determined by the installation direction in the room which depends on the incidence of the light and the main line of vision. The installation direction can influence the optic of the room, ie the perspective. It is always advisable to determine the installation direction together with the user. The best advice is to install the individual flooring elements at an angle of 180 (in reference to the length of the element).
Installation Iron
This tool is used to join the tongue with the groove next to walls or under radiators.
Installation Techniques
The common installation technique is a floating installation. The only exception is solid wood floors – they are either screwed, nailed or glued.
Joist
One of a series of parallel beams used to support floor loads and supported in turn by larger beams, girders or bearing walls.
Kiln
A chamber having controlled air flow temperature and relative humidity for drying wood.
Kiln Dried
Dried in a kiln with the use of artificial heat.
Knot
Cross section of a tree branch with grin usually running at right angles to that of the piece of wood in which it occurs.
Knot Hole
Opening produced when knots drop from the wood in which they were originally embedded.
Lacquered Surfaces
These surfaces offer a silky finish. The exclusive look achieved by several layers of UV acrylic lacquer lends an elegant touch. Furthermore, lacquered surfaces are hygienic and easy to clean.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a multi-ply wood-derivative consisting of an upper wear and décor layer comprising one or several plies. The wear layer (overlay) is made from special resin-coated cellulose to provide a hardwearing, durable surface.
Light-Fastness
A reference, for example, to 6 on the Wool Blue Scale (Scale from 0-8) is an indication that the décor layer of a product hardly changes colour even when subjected to intense light, such as the UV rays of the sun.
MAS
Molecular Absorb System. This system, used by some manufacturers, serves to reduce the sound within a room or a building. The unsurpassed 3-step effect reduces the footfall sound by more than 50% and the sound becomes lower and thus more pleasant. The reverberation and the vibrations of walking are avoided on both even and uneven floors and results in pleasurable walking conditions similar to a full stick installation.
Melamine Resin Coating
This specially treated surface makes laminate flooring products extremely hardwearing and protects the décor layer below.
Mineral Streak
A general term used to describe discolouring in hardwoods. The discolouring ranges from greenish brown to black and has a high mineral content (also called mineral stain).
MDF
Medium density fibreboard. Lighter in weight than high density fibreboard.
Multi-Layer Construction
In order to avoid, or to reduce the natural movement, swelling and shrinking of the wood, parquet usually consists of three layers. The top layer and the counteracting layer assure the dimensional stability of the parquet planks. The middle layer should either consist of pine staves with close set annual rings or plywood.
Oil-Treated Surfaces
The decision in favour of oil-treated surfaces is also a decision in favour of an ecologically valuable surface protection. The wood keeps the natural look and touch. Breathing surfaces create a healthy room climate which is a bonus for persons suffering from allergies. Also, oil-treated surfaces are very easy to clean and can be refurbished locally. There is a choice between natural-oiled and white-oiled.
Overlay
Term used to describe the resin-coated wear layer of laminate flooring products rendering the product hardwearing and easy to clean.
Particleboard
Particleboard, otherwise often referred to as chipboard, is a wood-derived product made by subjecting wood chips and binding agent to intense pressure.
Parquet Planks
Definition: According to DIN280 Part 5 parquet planks are industrially produced, surface-treated (eg lacquered) flooring planks made from wood or a combination of wood, wood-derived or other materials, whose surface is made from wood and which do not require re-treating after installation.
They mostly have a tongue and groove connection and are joined using glue. As far as appearance, design possibilities and durability are concerned, there are no big differences to traditional parquet if these planks are installed by an expert. The usable layer is approximately min 2mm thick, the total top layer approximately 7mm. The most important wood species are Oak, Beech, Ash, Pine etc. The parquet planks are usually offered in different formats eg 2-strip, plank etc according to each manufacturer.
Pith
The small, soft core occurring near the centre of a tree trunk, branch, twig or log.
Planked
Planked floor panels have a quiet appearance. The surface of the planks are made from one piece, are quite flowery and, after installation, look very refined.
Porosity
The surface of laminates is sealed and pore-free. For aesthetic reasons, however, some manufacturers may choose to emboss the resin coating of their products with a slightly patterned structure.
Ratings
The requirements depend on the user of the floor - whether the floor is to be used in private or public areas. These requirements are to be considered when choosing a flooring material for a specific place. Also, the indications given by the manufacturer (eg for industrially used areas) have to be considered. Wood-derived flooring products are not suited for use in wet locations, like bathrooms, shower rooms or laundries, etc.
Ray
Tissue formed in a living tree radiates from the pith towards the perimeter of a tree across the growth rings. Rays are very distinct in the Oak species.
Reaction
Reaction of the wood with respect to changes in dimension and shape when the surrounding relative humidity changes. Favourable reactions are: little swelling or shrinking; little difference between radial and tangential swelling; regular flow of the fibres and slow exchange of humidity between the wood and the surrounding.
Regular Cleaning
Every floorcovering is subject to natural wear which depends on the quality of the floorcovering and the degree of use. Regular cleaning helps maintain the value. Wood flooring has a tough and dense surface. Dirt cannot stick to the floor and is therefore easy to remove. A vacuum cleaner or a dry mop should be used to remove loose dirt. A practical hint - such coarse dirt can also be removed using a statically loaded duster. The daily use of impregnated dusters can cause the impregnation to stick to the floor which, in turn, will cause dirt to stick to the floor, too. There is no need to use film-forming agents. Do not use floor wax! This does not stick to dense laminate flooring and will lead to unsightly stains, streaks and tracking.
Relative Air Humidity
The relation between the humidity contained in the air and the maximum possible humidity possible at a specific temperature (mostly expressed as a percentage).
Repair
Individual heavily damaged floorboards can often be replaced by a flooring specialist, without leaving behind any tell-tale signs or visible clues. Repair kits are available to deal with scratches, stains and more localised damage.
Resistance - to cigarette burns
Expresses a material’s ability to withstand a burning or trodden-out cigarette butt without noticeable surface deterioration. The degree of resistance is established in a standardised test method in compliance with European standard EN 438-2, 18.
Resistance - to roller/castor chairs
The roller/castor chair test is performed in compliance with DIN 54324 and involves passing weighted chair rollers over a test surface. After a predetermined period under stress conditions (50,000 or 1000,000 revolutions), the floor undergoes a visual check to ascertain the extent of damage and wear.
Room Climate
Wood, similar to all other natural materials, breathes. If the air is very dry, the humidity contained in the wood is given off and the wood shrinks. The result will be smaller or larger gaps. Higher air humidity can cause swelling. Basically, this is not a bad thing but a natural property of the wood. The ideal room climate is a temperature of between 180 -200C and a relative air humidity of 50-65%. It is, therefore, essential to make sure that these conditions are met. To achieve this, the use of a humidifier is recommended.
Rotary-Cut Veneer
The tree trunk is fixed into a specific machine, then a knife continuously ‘peels’ off thin pieces of wood (thickness between approximately 0.25-8m).
Sapwood
The live wood portion of a tree encircling the heartwood. Generally, it is lighter in colour than the heartwood. It is especially notable in walnut and ash.
Scratch Stress
Determines the lowest energy applied to a diamond tip that will leave a continuous scratch in the surface. This will give an indication about the hardness of the surface. This is, however, influenced by the structure of the surface, the gloss and the design.
Shrinking
Diminution of the dimensions and, with it, the volume of the wood caused by the decrease of humidity. Shrinking, as well as the opposite process, swelling, is only possible below the saturation grade of the wood.
Skirting
Used to cover the expansion gap between the floor and the wall.
Sliced Veneer
Cutting of individual think wood sheets (veneer) from the trunk of the tree.
Slip Resistance
Working areas with an increased skidding danger are normally equipped with ceramic floorcoverings. To determine the slid-blocking factor, a test person will walk on an area whose incline will be increased until the person slips. Depending on the angle of incline, floorcoverings are divided into five categories from R9 to R13. Floors of the group R9 are used in public buildings and correspond to an angle of 3-10.
Softwood
General term used to describe wood produced from needle and/or pine bearing trees.
Sound insulation
Insulation materials such as polyethylene foam, corrugated cardboard, felt or cork sandwiched between the load-bearing structure and floating laminate floor, ensures that structure-borne footfall sound is reduced. There are also absorbing systems which are directly applied to the flooring which reduce the footfall sound.
Splits
Separations of wood fibre running parallel to the grain.
Stain
A discolouration occurring in or on flooring of any colour, other than the natural colour of the species. For instance, blue stain, brown stain.
Structural Height
Structural height refers to the total height of the floor in millimetres. If a floor is less than 10mm high, door frames normally do not have to be cut. A thinner floor is better suited for renovations eg if the floor is meant to be installed on top of another floorcovering.
Swelling
The enlargement in three dimensions and with it the volume by absorption of humidity. Swelling is only possible up to the saturation of the fibres, ie up to 28-36%. It is also possible that wood will shrink. Swelling and shrinking will repeat itself if humidity is applied or removed.
Swelling/Shrinking
Changes in the volume of the wood due to absorption or release of humidity and the resulting tendency of inner tension.
Taber Test
Denotes a test performed in accordance with the European standard EN 438-2.6 with the aim of analysing resistance to abrasion. During the experiment, a section of laminate flooring is rotated under two abrasive sanding wheels. Rotational speed, sandpaper grain and replacement frequency are meticulously laid down by the procedural guidelines. The operative unit of measurement is the number of rotations before wear becomes apparent. The initial point (IP) value describes the point at which the first signs of scuffing begin to appear; the final point (FP) is reached when the wear and décor layer have been 95% obliterated. By this time, the product is considered to have reached the end of its useful life. DIN allows for a mean wear index number by taking the average IP and FP values.
Taking the Squaring of the Room
Prior to installation, the squaring of the room has to be taken in order to determine on which side of the room installation is best started (groove facing the wall).
After measuring and taking the squaring of the area of the room, it must be determined that, on the one hand, the last row of planks on the opposite wall will not be narrower than 5cm and, on the other hand, the last element to be installed will not be shorter than 30cm for laminate floor or 60cm for parquet floor.
Furthermore, it cannot be excluded that a room is not square so that it must be determined on which side of the room the last row of planks has to be cut in.
Tangential
Describing the surface and section of wood perpendicular to the rays and more or less parallel to the growth rings.
Tapping Block
This tool is placed on the tongue side of the plank. The tongue and groove is joined by lightly hammering the tapping block. For the installation of the glueless ‘Click ‘n Fix’ floors, the use of the tapping block, including horizontal guide piece, is absolutely essential.
Testing the Evenness
The evenness of the area where the wooden flooring is to be installed is measured by putting a levelling rod onto the highest points of the sub-floor. Then the lowest point with reference to the highest point is determined (standard DIN 18 202 ‘Tolerances in Structural Engineering’; Table 3, line 3). The manufacturer can stipulate the tolerance of line 4 (distance between points of reference 1mm, maximum gauge = 3mm). In any case, the tolerance of line 3 (distance between points of reference 1mm, maximum gauge=4mm) has to be observed.
Testing the Sub-Floor
The obligation to carry out tests and the hints for testing are mentioned in Din 18 356 ‘Parquet Flooring’ and DIN 18 365 ‘Floorcoverings’ Part 3.1.1 and to be observed when installing wooden flooring.
Thermal Conductivity
Value for passage of temperature through a specific material. Indicates the quantity of temperature which is transported through a length of 1m of cross section of 1m2 in 1 second at a difference of temperature of 1K (=1C). The thermal conductivity of wood depends on the grain direction, the density and the humidity of the wood. It is required for the arithmetical proof of heat protection (heat insulation) of buildings or constructional elements. The lower the figure, the better the insulation.
Thermal Transmission
A high thermal transmission coefficient (or low thermal resistance) is required if laminate flooring products are to be installed in rooms with under-floor heating. This is, of course, subject to manufacturer’s approval.
Tongue and Groove Joint
An interlocking method of joining boards using a protruding tongue which mates with a matching groove.
With a conventional tongue and groove joint, a bead of glue is applied to the concealed joint to give a tight-fitting smooth and lasting bond. By making the tongue and groove as an interlocking profile, the need for glue may be unnecessary.
Top Layer
The top layer of parquet floors consists of real wood. Depending on the design, the top layer consists of one or several staves (strips).
Twisting
Warping in which one corner of the product, which is normally flat, twists out of the plane of the other three.
Typical Properties
Swelling (enlargement) and shrinking (diminution) of the core ply of wood elements due to humidity increase or decrease are typical properties.
The expert glueing of the tongue and groove connection is no absolute sealing ie no absolute protection against penetration of humidity. This means that the surface of installed wood flooring may not be treated with wet mops, etc.
If the floors are subjected to extreme climatic conditions (relative air humidity <30%/>90%), changes in the dimensions or distortions will occur in accordance with the products typical properties.
Under-Floor Heating
Subject to a manufacturer’s approval, wood flooring products are suitable for use in conjunction with waterfed under-floor heating. Low thermal resistance ensures that heat energy from the heating system penetrates into the room and is not deflected downwards. Please remember that wood flooring must not be used in conjunction with electric under-floor heating.
Untreated Surfaces
Upon request, many manufacturers will be able to supply all types of wood and gradings of solid wood floorings. The individual treatment of the planks can take place after installation.
Vapour Barrier
In order to prevent damage through rising damp, it is essential to install a PE foil of minimum 0.2mm directly onto the mineral sub-floor (eg screed, tiles, etc). It is important to make sure that the PE sheets overlap by a minimum of at least 200mm at all joints and must cover the entire surface. Taping of the joints is not necessary if this overlap is used. 20mm of the sheets is placed against the wall thus creating a ‘tub’ effect. Thicker foils may be required in certain circumstances.
Veneer
A thin sheet of wood, rotary cut, sliced or sawed from a log, bolt or flitch. Veneer may be referred to as a ply when assembled.
Wall gap
Expansion joints and lateral clearance between wood flooring and adjacent walls, load-bearing pillars, thresholds, central heating pipework, etc. Helps reduce tension caused by the fact that wood, a natural product, expands and contracts under the influence of changes in climatic conditions. For precise retails, refer to manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Warping
A general term describing any distortion in a piece of wood from a true plane.
Wood Filler
An aggregate of resin and strands or shreds of wood which is used to fill openings in wood and provide a smooth, durable surface.
