ᐅ Individual parquet plank differs from the rest of the flooring

Hello everyone,

We have purchased a condominium in a newly built development. During the second inspection, we noticed one plank in the hardwood floor that looks different. It is much darker than the rest of the floor. In addition, the entire surface is smooth (like polished), but this one plank feels rough.

Does anyone know what might be causing this? Is there anything that can be done without having to replace the plank? Otherwise, what would be the legitimate steps for the builder to take for corrections?

We recorded the issue in the inspection report as follows: Living room floor has a rough surface.

I am attaching a photo – I hope it is clear.

I hope you can help us a bit. Thank you very much in advance.

In the picture, I can only see that the parquet is laid in an unusual pattern. The wood itself has a varied selection with light and dark spots. If you had only posted the picture, I wouldn’t have known there was a "defect." Even with the explanation, I don’t see it, since the entire selection is quite varied (which doesn’t look bad). Based on the picture, I would say: There is no defect.

Here is another photo from a farther distance. The plank is clearly darker than the rest.

There is also the difference in texture from smooth to rough.

Wait one year and you won’t see any sign of it anymore.

It is probably an effect related to the natural raw material, and the different surface might also indicate that this plank was once somewhat damp (wood fibers have raised).

What I find more disturbing is the laying pattern, especially since it looks like the plank joints in adjacent rows are aligned exactly at the same points. Normally, as far as I know, this should be avoided. So, there is actually no stagger, right?

But if the surface is rougher, it might have actually been treated differently. Perhaps one is lacquered and the others are oiled, or vice versa. Or one was replaced later due to real damage and wasn’t treated at all.

@cokejoni Did you receive a construction (scope of work) description, and how was the parquet supposed to be finished?

By the way, I think the strip of parquet is quite narrow. How wide is it? Would it not have been simpler to just tile it?