Five reasons why you should purchase European made hardwood floor.

One of the questions we get in our Austin showroom from our clients when selecting engineered hardwood is “Where is this made?” Others are more direct and ask specifically that we offer products that are not made in China. Aside from American hardwoods, there are several reasons why a builder, designer or homeowner may want to purchase hardwood floors made in Europe.

Here are five practical reasons why we believe you should buy hardwood floors that are made in Europe.

Because the European Union has much more stringent environmental and sustainability regulations (especially compared to China) it means that the flooring produced is sourced through an environmentally responsible process. The European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) is the leading regulator for the timber industry in the old continent, and it aims to combat illegal logging and promote sustainable sourcing with the full backing of the EU government.

Several studies have shown that its policies to ensure responsible forest management have helped reduce the environmental impact of timber production and contributed to overall sustainability. In fact, other countries – like the US – have looked to the EU for guidance in developing sustainable timber practices.

To further highlight its sustainability advantage is important to consider that the most popular wood floor species for home builders and interior designers in the US over the last 10 years has been European White Oak.

Because a large part of what is available in US flooring showrooms is sourced in Europe, it is often first shipped to China, manufactured, then shipped across the ocean to the US. This practice adds to the negative environmental impact the final product has. Not only because of questionable manufacturing practices in China, but also because of the additional ocean freight. Sourcing the manufactured product directly from Europe drastically reduces the environmental impact.

European manufacturers usually offer a wide variety of design options when it comes to engineered hardwood. Because EU manufacturers are more in-tune with market trends and consumer demand, they create constant innovation in terms of colors, patterns, finishes and especially plank dimensions. European manufacturers are leaders in offering a wide range of aesthetic options to suit a variety of interior styles and tastes.

European countries adopt strict regulations and implement thorough quality control measures in the manufacturing process. These practices ensure that European hardwood floors meet or exceed industry standards for dimensional accuracy, moisture resistance and overall product quality. It is not uncommon to have every plank we install on a project in Austin, Texas to be initialed by a quality control specialist in Lithuania.

These customer-centered, quality control measures contribute to increased customer satisfaction and product reliability.

There is a misperception that European engineered hardwood flooring is always more expensive. That is not always the case, especially when compared with other products manufactured at the same specifications. The added value is that European manufacturers prioritize quality materials, craftsmanship, and stringent production standards with the goal of delivering a multi-generational product. An engineered hardwood that can be sanded, refinished and refurbished multiple times.

Moreover, European engineered hardwood flooring is often accompanied by comprehensive warranties that provide peace of mind to consumers. These warranties not only ensure the product’s quality but also highlight the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Investing in a higher-quality product upfront can result in long-term cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Millennium Hardwood Flooring
9705 Research Blvd Suite C1
Austin, TX 78759

512-351-2258