The various types of oak parquet are divided into three appearance classes marked by corresponding symbols. The circle, triangle, and square indicate not so much the quality, but rather the performance and aesthetic appearance, according to the international standard UNI EN 13489:2018.
These classes have been adopted because each wooden board has unique characteristics, such as grain and knots, which stand out to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the chosen product.
Specifically for the Dream and Signature lines, we have decided to interpret this classification in a more original way. Among our products, in fact, the circle symbol indicates the Pure range, consisting of floors with a uniform tone and regular grain interrupted only by occasional bird’s eyes. The triangle is typical of the Natural line with its light color variations, small-sized knots, and overall homogeneity of the grain. The square corresponds to Spirit and Wild: the former owes its strong aesthetic impact to pronounced knots and color variations; the latter to more pronounced knots, cracks, and splits; filled flush.

What do the appearance class symbols mean?

The UNI EN 13489 standard provides us with tables for each wood species that indicate the characteristics of each appearance class. Specifically, for noble wood floors in oak, the circle label indicates the presence of sound knots with a diameter of less than 3 millimeters and medullary rays, but excludes traces of bark or sapwood, which is the lighter part of the material found in the immediate vicinity of the bark. Instead, the triangle distinguishes oak with sound knots with a diameter of less than 8 millimeters with possible traces of sapwood up to 50% of the front surface. Medullary rays and streaks are also allowed, without any limit, but not bark residues. For the square class, however, all characteristics are allowed without limit of size and quantity, as long as they do not compromise the resistance and wear of the parquet.

Quoting an excerpt from the standard, we finally specify how the materials used for the surface are considered, how the installed floor should appear, and the classification tolerance of each batch:

“The material used for the top layer must be selected hardwood or softwood, young and healthy without rot, fungi, mold, or insect damage. There are variations from one list to another, but the overall impression of the installed floor must show the homogeneous character of each classification. Considering the inevitable classification differences, 3% of the batch elements may be of other classes. Additional elements of other classes are allowed to the extent that the overall impression of the floor is not disturbed.”

Classification for oak