Counter-balanced wood flooring
Thanks to the compensation of tensions introduced
through technical development, wood has found a new stability
in 'Counter-balanced' (engineered
systems) where a substantial hardwood veneer is laid onto a
base of other timbers giving you the beauty of solid wood without
any of the problems of shrinkage or natural movement associated
with
solid wood and at a lower cost. Like wood it can be sanded
and refinished. Obviously the systems to look for are those with
the best veneers
and construction. For example, criss crossed Birch makes a
superb base.
Ecology
Each layer in the engineered system has its part to play. On
top, for aesthetics, the finest species of hardwood from sustainable
sources. Below for technical reasons a resistant, fast growing
wood species. In this way not only do you get a better product,
but it is a correct and rational use of the forests
What is a 'Counter-balanced' floor?
Natural wood is prone to expansion and contraction. The
construction of an engineered floor controls and considerably
reduces this by neutralising the movement of one wood
against the other
The top layer containing longitudinal fibres is more
stable thanks to a multi layer support with a prevalence of
transverse
fibres.
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