ᐅ Parquet flooring installed with numerous small holes (woodworm)
Created on: 11 Dec 2024 10:51
H
haeusle-in-bw
Hello everyone,
We bought a house and had 120 sqm (1,292 sq ft) of new hardwood flooring (Joka country-style oak planks with knots) professionally installed by a flooring specialist. The flooring looks really beautiful and was expertly glued down, but over the past few weeks, on closer inspection, we noticed that a large portion of the planks have small holes in the wood, similar to those caused by woodworm damage. Some of the holes are filled with putty, while others are not.
I assume that some of the holes are too small to have been detected and filled during the machine-based puttying process. So: I don’t believe there is any active woodworm present (we haven’t seen any beetles, frass, and the planks were treated by the supplier anyway). However, it seems likely that woodworm was once present, and I’m quite bothered by the number of holes. Dirt can get in everywhere. Of course, we paid a significant amount of money for these 120 sqm (1,292 sq ft) of new hardwood flooring! About half of the planks are affected.
Therefore, my question is: is this considered a defect that we are justified in complaining about? Or is this within the acceptable range of “tolerances” or “natural imperfections”?
If yes, should we address this with the flooring installer or directly with Joka?
I look forward to hearing your opinions.
Best regards
We bought a house and had 120 sqm (1,292 sq ft) of new hardwood flooring (Joka country-style oak planks with knots) professionally installed by a flooring specialist. The flooring looks really beautiful and was expertly glued down, but over the past few weeks, on closer inspection, we noticed that a large portion of the planks have small holes in the wood, similar to those caused by woodworm damage. Some of the holes are filled with putty, while others are not.
I assume that some of the holes are too small to have been detected and filled during the machine-based puttying process. So: I don’t believe there is any active woodworm present (we haven’t seen any beetles, frass, and the planks were treated by the supplier anyway). However, it seems likely that woodworm was once present, and I’m quite bothered by the number of holes. Dirt can get in everywhere. Of course, we paid a significant amount of money for these 120 sqm (1,292 sq ft) of new hardwood flooring! About half of the planks are affected.
Therefore, my question is: is this considered a defect that we are justified in complaining about? Or is this within the acceptable range of “tolerances” or “natural imperfections”?
If yes, should we address this with the flooring installer or directly with Joka?
I look forward to hearing your opinions.
Best regards
It is not my role to evaluate comments made on this topic – but I find it difficult nonetheless...
Now, how a parquet surface (and we are talking about engineered parquet here, not solid parquet boards or strips) should look is clearly defined by the product datasheet. It includes a classification of the parquet wood, and depending on that classification, it is either “pristine” (to put it simply) or it contains knots of various sizes that have been filled.
Small holes in the wear layer, as in this case, are out of the question!
This is a valid reason for complaint, yes, but there is also an option for “neutralization.”
Every parquet installer knows how to handle hard wax (for parquet woods).
For small hole diameters, after a proper repair, nothing will be visible.
I would recommend reporting this as a “notice of defect” to the seller in writing as soon as possible (!!) (warranty lasts 5 years), requesting that the holes be professionally repaired (never specify how the repair should be carried out).
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Regards, KlaRa
Now, how a parquet surface (and we are talking about engineered parquet here, not solid parquet boards or strips) should look is clearly defined by the product datasheet. It includes a classification of the parquet wood, and depending on that classification, it is either “pristine” (to put it simply) or it contains knots of various sizes that have been filled.
Small holes in the wear layer, as in this case, are out of the question!
This is a valid reason for complaint, yes, but there is also an option for “neutralization.”
Every parquet installer knows how to handle hard wax (for parquet woods).
For small hole diameters, after a proper repair, nothing will be visible.
I would recommend reporting this as a “notice of defect” to the seller in writing as soon as possible (!!) (warranty lasts 5 years), requesting that the holes be professionally repaired (never specify how the repair should be carried out).
-----------------
Regards, KlaRa
KlaRa schrieb:
How they should look is clearly and explicitly determined by the product datasheet.KlaRa schrieb:
There is absolutely no question of small holes in the wear layer, as in this case!!But you have already seen the excerpts from the product datasheets, haven’t you?ypg schrieb:
But you have already seen the extracts from the product datasheets, haven’t you? Answer:
Given the appearances (in the photos), I don’t even need that.
Due to my professional background, I am familiar with the standards and related commentary; such hole-like formations are neither considered acceptable in the regulations nor acceptable for aesthetic reasons.
No product datasheet for parquet wood will suggest that pitting-like appearances on the parquet surface are typical features of the parquet you want to buy!
There is no need for an additional look at the relevant product datasheet.
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Regards, KlaRa
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nordanney20 Dec 2024 11:43KlaRa schrieb:
No product datasheet for hardwood flooring will mention that pitting-like appearances on the surface of the parquet are part of the typical characteristics of the flooring you are purchasing!
There is no need to check the product datasheet for this! You should have taken a look. Then you would have seen the very first datasheet in your long career where this is listed as a product feature:
nordanney schrieb:
Then you would see the first data sheet in your long career where this is listed as a product feature @nordanney:
I honestly wouldn’t have believed it! Thanks for the hint.
All that can be said is: if a consumer reads these notes, understands them, and still buys such a product, then there is no helping them.
[Joke:] I am now eagerly waiting to see the first product data sheet for laminate flooring that states the (note: very weak) locking system between the panel edges can magically unlock itself.
Note 2: I have already seen this in Switzerland—installation incomplete and never subjected to proper contractual use. Almost all panel edges with open gaps. The data sheet might (also jokingly) state that this product offers privacy but usage is not recommended.
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Greetings to everyone: KlaRa
Addendum:
To prevent the questioner from falling into a "depressive phase":
Holes like the ones we are referring to here can also be visually concealed using colored hard wax that matches the surface.
I would advise a layperson against purchasing such a kit and attempting the repair themselves.
The processing seminar, which I also attended, is necessary for proper use and for mixing and applying the wax colors to achieve an exact color match.
(Hard wax from the company König (available as a wax set with burner, etc.))
To prevent the questioner from falling into a "depressive phase":
Holes like the ones we are referring to here can also be visually concealed using colored hard wax that matches the surface.
I would advise a layperson against purchasing such a kit and attempting the repair themselves.
The processing seminar, which I also attended, is necessary for proper use and for mixing and applying the wax colors to achieve an exact color match.
(Hard wax from the company König (available as a wax set with burner, etc.))