‘The technology came into being five years ago in co-operation with the inventor, who developed technology for hardening wood. What it boils down to is that a sort of powder is made. Basically, this powder is a mix of wood particles which are mixed with resins. Obviously, the composition of those resins is Darko Pervan’s secret,’ says Joris Philipsen, as he explains the procedure.

HDF, powder, wood veneer, and a special press
The procedure starts with an HDF panel with a density of over 1,000 kg. You then apply powder, followed by wood veneer. This is then pressed with presses which you can compare with presses for multiplex, so this is different from working with engineered parquet. The huge force turns the powder into fluid so that it penetrates into the wood pores, which you literally petrify.
‘We’ve been involved with this product since day one,’ Mr Philipsen says. ‘Initially, we used this product to target architects and project workers, and now, in a second phase, we’re approaching the parquet world. We deliberately waited because it’s a technical product with an ecological side, and architects were the ideal point of contact. Their reactions were highly favourable and that’s why we’re now approaching parquet traders. In the Benelux we work together with two partners. Lofra from Molenbeersel has been on board for three years, whilst recently the firm Kerkhofs Parket from Peer has joined us, and the latter, in particular, will approach parquet professionals. In France we work closely with the people from ADA (Atelier des Architectes).’

Diverse ecological assets
Joris Philipsen mentioned that it is a technical product with an ecological side. We feel that the ecological aspect is a particularly strong asset.
He comments: ‘In our sector oak is particularly popular, but it gets cut too quickly. If we don’t do anything, sooner or later we’ll get supply problems with this wood sort. We work with a top layer of just 0.6, exactly the same as with veneer. That’s where all the similarities with veneer woods come to an end; our ecological assets embrace much more than purely the consumption of noble wood. Another asset, for instance, is good compatibility with floor heating and therefore much lower heating costs. Also very important: This is a totally glueless process. The powder takes over the function of the adhesive and fills the gnarls and pores, and that results in a completely different wearing process. If with veneer floors the top layer is worn out, you can discard the floor and you’re confronted with a limited lifespan. First of all, due to the hardness of the top layer, our product does not allow any dirt to penetrate into the pores. Therefore, the end result looks more like a tile, but you can finish it with hard wax oil. If a scratch appears, it’s easy to remove it. Renovation is simple: You remove the hard wax coat, keep exactly the same top layer, and simply apply a new coat of hard wax oil. No more scouring is needed; after all, there’s no longer a loss of wood.’
Our interviewee then also points out that this product has a huge benefit with regard to fire prevention and that the fitting is also easy: ‘B:hard is in fire class B, so it is virtually non-inflammable and therefore perfect for fitting in public buildings. For the fitting, we work with fixed lengths, something which is easy in itself. Moreover, this is a product which rests on an HDF base of very great density. Therefore, it has excellent dimensional stability, something which is complemented by a 5G click system from Välinge. It is easy to fit either floating or glued.’

Distressed is an option
We also hear that Stöckl currently offers 223 and 283mm wide in planks, with a fixed length of 2.20 metres. There are also special patterns, with a herringbone which is 120mm wide. Something very interesting in comparison with a classic veneer floor is that you can also distress this floor.

Joris Philipsen explains: ‘That’s impossible with a veneer floor. After all, you get bubble formation if you put your planks under water. This product has no problems with that and allows for distressed colours. That takes nothing away from the fact that we also sell it untreated or treated with hard wax oil or lacquer with high resistance.’

‘It’s also good to refer to the thickness again, which is about the same as with a ceramic tile. And so, with the fitting, you don’t have to take account of the classic 14-15mm as with a parquet floor. It is possible to do the screed in the same way everywhere, and with an extra aesthetic benefit. Since you’re working with cut veneer, you have plenty of availability of top sorts.’

‘It should be clear that I consider this to be the next generation of floors. This is the next step in reducing the use of wood, and that is ecological awareness par excellence. Moreover, all the wood originates from Austria, with the exception of the oak, which we fetch from nearby Croatia, so there’s only a tiny ecological footprint in terms of transport.’

B:hard is currently only available in oak and American walnut. Are they going to extend that choice?
Joris Philipsen concludes: ‘We’re busy working on it. We also intend to develop powders for softer wood sorts. For that matter, I’d forgotten another benefit. Since this product doesn’t include classic adhesive, it also has a very low content of formaldehyde!’