Performance evaluation of strip parquet flooring panels after long-term, in-service exposure

Due to its extraordinary hardness, decorative appearance and possible small dimensions, black locust wood is assumed to be an excellent material for strip parquet flooring. The favourable colour changes achieved by controlled steam treatment further increased the utilization potential of this material. Flooring was installed on a student dormitory stair landing in heavy use. Due to the flooring’s very high exposure, 5 years was considered a long enough period to compare the different face layer materials during in-service test. Oil was used as a coating to avoid the remarkable protecting effect of hard film-forming varnishes (acrylic, etc.) against abrasion. Besides the flooring turning grey (all face layers no matter what treat ment), only some delamination occurred at certain places after five years in service. The laboratory test results for abrasion resistance, dimensional changes and deformation were analysed. Additionally, the Brinell-Morath hardness after indoor service and the abrasion due to indoor service were analysed. In terms of abrasion resistance, dimensional changes and deformation, no essential differences were found between the oil-treated and untreated black locust wood on the one hand, and the control oak specimen on the other. Long-term tests showed that, after 5 years in service, the Brinell-Morath-hardness decreased considerably for all the tested materials. The type of section and the presence of wide rays influenced the rough ness and the waviness of the surface after indoor service.