From the Forest to your Living Room: How engineered hardwood floors are made

What distinguishes high-end engineered hardwood flooring from others is the choice of raw materials and the manufacturing process. Crafting a top-quality product involves decisions that may not always prioritize speed or cost efficiency but deliver unparalleled results in terms of durability and beauty. 

At RIVA Spain, we exclusively utilize 100% European White Oak due to its ideal balance of density and resistance. Oak, rich in tannins, can undergo various treatments and absorb colors easily, offering a wide range of aesthetic options. After harvesting the oak, it undergoes a factory manufacturing process involving several crucial stages. 

1. PRESSING

An engineered wood floor consists of multiple layers, with pressing being the process of combining the top layer with the core or bottom layer. Two pressing methods are commonly used: hot press and cold press. The hot press, while enabling higher manufacturing volumes, sacrifices quality for quantity due to compromised adhesion from heat. In contrast, cold pressing, RIVA Spain’s preferred method, ensures a stronger bond with less impact on the top layer, preserving color and texture while enhancing stability.

2. PROFILING

Following pressing, the boards pass through a profiling machine where they are joined. Tongue and groove is a common profiling method, while click systems are more typical in lower-end products. Beveling, achieved through a beveling machine, creates a V cut along the edge, facilitating a smoother installation when joining boards. After profiling, the boards are brushed. 

3. BRUSHING

Brushing is vital for enhancing the wood’s appearance by bringing out the grain and adding texture. A steel wire brush is applied to the wood’s top layer, providing a tactile, natural feel. The level of brushing can be adjusted to achieve different surface finishes, preparing the wood for the next step: filling. 

4. FILLING

In this stage, open knots on character grade planks are filled to enhance the floor’s aesthetics. The choice of fill color impacts the overall look, with options like black for a rustic effect or white for a modern appeal. 

5. FINISH

The final step in the manufacturing process involves applying protective finishes to the wood’s surface. The finish type influences the gloss or matte appearance of the wood and includes options like UV lacquer, oil, and reactive finishes. 

The number of coats applied determines the level of protection against everyday wear and tear. RIVA Spain applies 6 layers of finish to make its hardwood floors more durable and to protect them from scratches and spills.   Crafting high-end engineered hardwood floors demands precision, quality materials, and meticulous attention to detail at every stage of production to achieve a durable and beautiful final product.