FAQ

What is the difference between a single solid timber floor plank and a three-layer wooden plank?

The difference between the two types of plank lies above all in the solidity they are able to provide. The Cadorin three-layer cross grain structure is designed especially to balance the natural movements that occur in wood, so that elements of notable dimensions can be produced. When single solid timbers are cut to large sizes, this kind of stability cannot be guaranteed.
The traditional floor plank consists in a single solid length of wood. Movements in timber are an important and natural feature; accordingly, floors laid using long and wide planks are more likely to present problems with alignment, resulting even in large gaps and warpage or buckling.
The structure of Cadorin three-layer wood flooring material has been researched and designed so as to ensure maximum stability over time, guaranteeing the correct balance of the plank, whatever the type of wood. The three-layer material comprises:
First, top layer of hard wood, at least 4.5 – 5 mm thick, depending on the particular species;
Second, middle layer of solid deal with grain running transversely, engineered to give superior stability, thickness 6 to 11 mm;
Third, bottom or counterbalancing layer. Same wood and grain quality as the top layer, 4.5 – 5 mm thick, or other hard woods of similar specific weight, or Austrian larch, an optimum, highly resilient wood species.
With the Cadorin three-layer wood flooring solution and the comfort it affords, floors can also be laid in interiors with radiant heating or cooling systems without any need to distance the panels, by virtue of the superior flexibility built into the flooring material. This is a structure with great added value, which can be used to manufacture planks of appreciable size, guaranteeing maximum stability over time.

What is the difference between parquet floors widely available on the market, and a Cadorin floor?

Without doubt, Cadorin brand products are renowned for the beauty of their surface finishes and their solid structure.
First of all, Cadorin floors guarantee stability and structural quality for planks of whatever size and for every kind of application envisaged, and are guaranteed long-lasting. Parquet flooring products often have only a thin layer of wood, or are balanced with two-layer backing or strips of mediocre quality or low specific weight. The natural movements that occur in timber are not to be underestimated, and an inadequately structured parquet element will be more easily affected by movement and expansion once laid.
No less important is the quality of finishes, whether varnish or oil. Here too, parquet flooring products are often of limited professional quality, and even if the appearance is pleasing when the floor has just been laid, it happens that after a certain time they are found to lack strength, or wear easily, or lose their finish.
Another important aspect of Cadorin floors is the care dedicated to environmental sustainability and green building. Indoors, breathing clean, healthy air devoid of harmful substances, especially where underfloor heating is installed.

The question that arises most frequently is whether parquet is suitable for underfloor heating:
 CADORIN replies: Yes, ours is, but the question is very important… let’s look into it:

Nowadays, 70% of parquet floors are intended for either heating or cooling floor screed. This type of heating, combined with a material such as wood, makes it possible to achieve ideal and natural living comfort; what’s more, a warm and living material such as wood is able to return real pampering that can improve people’s well-being.
In fact, wood, as opposed to ceramic, stoneware or marble, prevents direct contact with the heat emitted by radiant panels. It is a material that manages to cut direct heat transmission by distributing itself evenly over the surface.
 
For this purpose, the plank structure must be wholly adequate, both in terms of supports, gluing and the wood used.
 
Cadorin parquet is WHOLLY SUITABLE. The TWO- and/or THREE-LAYER structure is designed to accommodate the normal settling of wood, and in the case of underfloor heating, the stress it undergoes as it dries during operation.

What must be provided in a parquet floor with underfloor heating use?

The manufacturer must ensure that the layers do not peel off; that the flatness of the board is not deformed; that the board or part of the layers do not rise; and that elastically it follows environmental and seasonal wood moisture, reducing in size with dryness (winter) and returning to its original size (summer) when moisture is regained.
It is very important to make a choice aimed at the qualification of the plank structure, rather than the thickness.
CADORIN usually supplies 14 or 16 mm thick parquet for this use, but 21 mm is also suitable.
Wood receives heat and distributes it, in my experience the more elastically structured it is, the better it adapts.
The difference in thermal performance between a 10 mm thickness and the upper 14/16/21 mm thicknesses is absolutely minimal.
Instead, it is important that the heating system is done properly.
 
A note of caution: avoid hygroscopic woods such as Maple and Wenge because they suffer from excessive drying.
It is important and useful to consult the information that is prominently displayed on the CADORIN purchase documentation and partly also on this page

https://www.cadoringroup.com/laying-and-upkeep/laying-and-useful-suggestions/

The varnishes you apply to parquet floors: are they durable?

Cadorin uses only next-generation, professional grade varnishes, especially suitable for high quality parquet. These are devoid of lead or ceramic hardeners that increase the surface hardness of parquet flooring but leave it lifeless and static like a laminate, creating an unpleasant “plastic” look.
Cadorin varnish finishes offer the maximum guarantee of protection obtainable with minimal thickness, besides assuring resistance to wear for all kinds of private dwellings as well as commercial premises exposed to low-medium traffic, and — even after long periods of time — avoiding the unsightly “faded” appearance typical of inferior finishes. Varnishes used by Cadorin also have superior elastic properties which, in the event of impact or accidents, allow wooden elements to expand without the finish cracking, lifting or flaking off.
In addition to their strength, these products also produce a first rate visual impact, given that they enhance the beauty and vigour of wood grains to maximum effect.

What does the upkeep of a natural oil finish involve?

Cadorin uses Biofa natural oil, which is among the best available on the market. After more than 15 years in use for wood floor finishes, it has been shown to provide optimum coverage of the wooden surface and is easy to maintain, with very long renewal intervals. On delivery of the parquet floor, Cadorin provides a detailed product data sheet, whilst in the packaging, the customer will find information on proper care for of all kinds of finishes, and in the case of oil, certain useful tips to follow.
Bear in mind that the finish will develop its optimum level of protection around 20-30 days after the floor has been laid (if maintained as recommended by the manufacturer). If other work has to proceed during this initial period, it is advisable to keep the floor well protected by covering it over with a soft, thick and breathable sheet material. Periodic cleaning is simplicity itself:
The most important point is to use only a vacuum cleaner, fitted with brush attachments for parquet floors.
Use a neutral detergent and a suitable protective emulsion occasionally, avoiding abrasive or acid substances. Cadorin provides advice on precisely which natural products are preferable;
The oil should be renewed only if the wood requires it. If the floor is not located in a commercial premises, this could mean even several years after installation.

What are the ideal ambient conditions for a parquet floor?

Wood parquet flooring is a natural material, and its performance and visual attributes are best displayed in surroundings maintained at a temperature of between 15 and 22 °C. Similarly, the relative humidity of the ambient air should be between 45% and 65%. It is recommended that rooms be kept well aired in order to maintain these conditions.

How can I be sure that I have purchased an original Cadorin product?

Alas, the practice of imitating high end products, especially Italian products such as those made by Cadorin, is all too common nowadays. To identify an original Cadorin flooring component there are certain distinguishing marks that need to be verified:
The quality certificate that accompanies all Cadorin products, along with the Product Identification Data Sheet
The rear of every single Cadorin plank or element bears the markings “www.cadoringroup.it” and “110% prodotto italiano”
Every shipment contains a piece laser-marked with the Cadorin logo

To be certain always of finding Cadorin original products, approach only authorized dealers and check that the brand is expressly indicated in the purchase documents.

How can I be sure of selecting the right parquet?

Unfortunately this is not always easy; there are countless offers on the market and it is often difficult to identify the origin, traceability, supply chain or true quality of a parquet product. Which is why Cadorin seeks to lend a hand, whatever the kind of parquet selected, by offering three simple tips:
Obviously, you must like the product in terms of its visual impact, and it must fit in with your idea of how the home should feel. Appearance is not everything, however. Always make certain that the finishes utilized are tough and designed for long-lasting service;
Check the construction: look carefully at how it is made, not only the part exposed to view, but the underside as well. It should be solid and have no harmful effects, and the traceability of the materials employed must be documented. Also, check that the product is suitable for the kind of use or installation you envisage (underfloor heating or cooling, suspended or glued, and so forth);
Identify the manufacturer: is the product made in Italy, or is the name you see only that of an importer? The guaranteed identity and traceability of the manufacturer must be clear and consistent, because you need to know who to get in touch with, should the need arise, after the floor has been installed.

To ensure you have all these aspects under control, make sure you obtain the manufacturer’s “product identification data sheet” — which must supplied by law, when requested, even before the product is actually ordered. The document should read:
“The following product identification data sheet fulfils the requirements contained in Law n° 126 of10/04/1991: “Consumer information standards”, Law Decree n° 101 of 08/02/1997: “Rules of implementation”, and Law Decree n° 206 of 06/10/2005: “Consumer Code” , also the DECLARATION OF PERFORMANCE in Europe Construction Products Regulation 305/2011
And finally, enjoy!

Which woods to use?

Cadorin uses more than 30 different selections of wood species for its collections. In effect, every wood has particular properties that make it ideal for one given type of use rather than another. These woods are used and processed responsibly, and as sustainably as is possible, to create diversified collections of planks suitable for different needs and uses. Among the woods utilized are European or American oak, several wild quercus species, and Italian, European or American walnut, maple, chestnut, American cherry and European cherry, teak, and no less important, antique woods salvaged from period homes, with many more besides.

Does Cadorin also offer a parquet installation and maintenance service?

As a manufacturer, Cadorin is not involved directly in the actual laying and care of floors, but cooperates with approved dealers and installers in order to ensure that the customer receives a full and comprehensive service. The company also provides useful tips on how best to perform the necessary tasks. In this way, the superior and certified craft qualities of Cadorin products can be preserved for as long as anyone could wish.

What are the factors that make Cadorin products ideal for green building?

Wood is a natural material capable of stirring emotions, and has always been a part of our life. It offers many different advantages and, if processed and treated correctly and legally, can be used to create attractive and warm interiors with minimum environmental impact. Cadorin undertakes to help the consumer make choices that are both sustainable and green. Accordingly, the company embraces green methods of workmanship and building, endorsing 6 main factors:
1. Legally sourced and traceable timber
2. Environmental health
3. All-Italian manufacture
4. Production utilizing clean and renewable energy sources
5. High professional work ethic
6. Certifications

Do you also make pre-finished flooring products?

Certainly. Pre-finished parquet comes with the finish already applied. The extensive Cadorin offering includes a choice of many different finishes, and exclusive surface textures giving highly attractive and pleasing results when installed, both as floor coverings and as wall-claddings. There are various exclusive textures patented by Cadorin.