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A key part of the strength, performance, and quality of engineered hardwood flooring is the substrate / core beneath the wear layer (sometimes called the “veneer”).
Engineered hardwood was introduced a few decades ago to address the stability issues inherent in solid hardwood floors. Plywood was the natural choice for a stable, high-performing core due to the layered nature and perpendicular grain pattern, essentially nullifying many of the concerns related to moisture and humidity, when properly installed. See our installation Instructions for more details.
We are proud to say that all Allora floors are constructed using only the highest quality CARB Phase 2 certified birch plywood that comply with the TSCA Title VI requirements established by the EPA.
Don’t be fooled by other companies advertising the quality of their engineered floors if they are not using Birch plywood cores. Recently, many manufacturers have moved way from plywood cores due to the rising cost of materials and their inability to source high-quality Birch plywood.
Birch plywood is a far superior choice of species is because it is much more resistant to wear and tear. Birch has almost no holes or spaces between layers which lends to its greater stability in all climates. Birch also consists of crossbanded layers, which creates a stronger, more balanced core.
Furthermore, Birch has better adhesive properties than other species, which is important when combining the wear layer to the substrate core. Glue does not adhere as well to other species which can lead to delamination, cupping, and movement when faced with differing climates.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has greatly affecting the supply chain of plywood and Birch plywood in particular. Both Russia and Ukraine are leading sources of Birch, but due to EU restrictions, most manufacturers simply cannot source plywood and have resorted to less-stable, lower-quality substitutes, such as teak, pine, and eucalyptus, or a combination of these species.
Due to our manufacturing capacity and existing mills in Europe, outside of Russia and Ukraine, we have been able to source the highest quality Birch plywood. While other companies tout their inferior substrates while still charging a premium price for their flooring, we are offering an incredibly beautiful, premium, Made in Italy product, with a European Oak wear layer and high-quality Birch plywood, from top to bottom.
When it comes to luxurious engineered hardwood floors, don’t settle for less and don’t settle for inferior products with distracting packaging, such as “exotic teak” or fancy sounding “cores.” If it’s not Birch plywood, it simply cannot be considered the highest quality engineering flooring!
We are proud to say that our floors are beautiful – not just what you see after installation, but from top to bottom and everything in between.
The highest quality materials, 100% Made in Italy. That is the Allora difference.
