Prefinished engineered hardwood flooring is created by adhering to multiple layers of wood and several coats of sealants, finishes, and protective layers. The main differences in quality often stem from the choice of the chemical material such as adhesives and finishing products used in the process.
Flooring products finished in Southeast Asia are frequently produced with minimal oversight or regulation regarding the chemicals used in the finishing process. This lack of control has led to products that often contain high levels of VOC (volatile organic compounds) and harmful substances like formaldehyde, which can compromise air quality and pose health risks.
In contrast, American and European manufacturers must adhere to strict environmental standards, particularly those set by their governments and organizations like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board). These agencies rigorously monitor the emission of hazardous chemicals, ensuring that flooring products meet stringent safety criteria.
At Bergamo Floors, we are fully regulated by the European Union, and we prioritize the use of safe, non-toxic chemicals in the production of our floors. The adhesives used in our products are free from harmful substances, and our finishing materials not only meet but exceed the regulatory requirements, ensuring the highest level of safety and quality for our customers.
Here are a few certifications we carry that indicate our superior quality specifically in terms of being a safe product for your home:
Eurofins is an independent agency that measures the emissions of wood flooring in indoor environments, ensuring products meet high standards for air quality. At Bergamo Floors, we proudly hold the Indoor Air Comfort GOLD Certification, a prestigious recognition that guarantees our flooring products have exceptionally low emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). This certification ensures that our floors contribute to a healthier indoor environment, meeting the highest standards for air quality and safety.
CE Marking. We proudly hold CE certification that indicates a product conforms to the health, safety, and environmental protection standards required for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).
All birch plywood panels used for our flooring comply with the TSCA Title V requirements established by the EPA. TSCA Title V refers to a section of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the United States, specifically targeting the regulation of formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. It sets national standards to limit the amount of formaldehyde that can be released from certain wood products, ensuring safer indoor air quality.
Our Floors are subjected to specific test CATAS which cover each of these aspects and help us monitor and improve the performance. CATAS is a prominent research and testing laboratory based in Italy, specializing in the wood, furniture, and construction industries. They offer a wide range of services that help manufacturers ensure the quality, safety, and performance of their products. CATAS has built a reputation as a key player in certifying products according to both European and international standards.
