Performance of multi-layered wood flooring elements produced with sliced and sawn lamellas

The performance of multi-layered wood flooring produced with sliced and sawn top-layers was evaluated in this study. Slicing checks side orientation was evaluated by pressing the veneers with checks side oriented upwards and/or downwards the flooring surface. The performance of produced flooring boards were evaluated using a climate chamber test with regard to the dimensional stability (SS-EN:1910) and appearance. Delamination resistance was tested according to the ANSI delamination testing procedures. Results of the climate chamber test revealed immerging of a high amount of slicing checks to the surface of parquet boards after the first dry cycle. Checks tend to be larger around knots. Checking was qualitatively assessed as being more severe on the boards with checks side up. Dimensional stability was assessed to be slightly better for the sliced top-layers compared to the sawn ones. Parquet elements produced with veneers checks side facing downwards had poor delamination resistance. The best results regarding delamination resistance was achieved when using sliced lamellas with the checks side facing upProwood