THE STRUCTURE OF BEFAG WOODEN FLOORING

BEFAG wooden flooring has 3 layers. The lower and the middle layer are made of pinewood. The top layer is made of hard wood types, which are available in various colours adjustable to the atmosphere of the space.


 

CONSTRUCTION OF THE WOODEN FLOOR

• 1-STRIP - the top layer is made of one single piece of wood (lamella)
• 2-STRIP - the top layer is made of 2 lamella rows
• 3-STRIP - the top layer is made of 3 lamella rows

 

CLICK SYSTEMS AT OUR WOODEN FLOORS

BEFAG Parquet has the licence far the click system from the swedish Valinge company.

2G - is a CLICK system, thanks to a smart tongue solution the wooden panels will be clicked together, so they stick together very tight, but if needed they can be opened and separeted again.
5G is a next generation of click system, the laying work goes faster thanks to a leaf spring which is included into the short side of the wooden floor. lt is also called drop-down-system.
 

SURFACES

LOOK OF THE SURFACE

SANDED SURFACE: A surface prepared by fine sanding, which after laying down can be further modified with various surface treat­ ments (varnishing, oiling, staining) according to the customer's needs.
BRUSHED SURFACE: The final surface of floor strips is created using special brushes to remove any loose and soft particles up to an exactly controlled depth. This method enhances and emphasises the natural grain of the timber.
BEVELLING: The two longitudinal or all four edges of the strips are bevelled at 30°, thereby creating V-shaped grooves between the installed strips.

SURFACE TREATMENT

SILK MATT LACQUER: This is the most common surface treatment method which creates an easy to clean surface compris1ng seven layers of lacquer and featuring sealed pores and good scratch and abrasion resistance.
MATT LACQUER: A surface treatment method creating a surfacethat is easyto clean and closely resembles the subdued shine of natural wood surfaces. lts physical resistance is similar to semi­ gloss lacquer.
OIL LOOKING -MATT LACQUER: this is a kind of open pored way of lacquering, it is even more emphasizing the wood's natural grains and beauty.
INVISIBLE LACQUER: An extra matt lacquer system developed primarily far oak wood, which creates the effect of an untreated surface.
SPORT LACQUER: This coating complies with the requirements of EN 14904. Due to the special characteristics of sport lacquering, on the one hand, it prevents accidents caused by slippery surfaces, and on the other hand, it avoids injuries due to abrasive surfaces.
HEAVY-DUTY LACQUER: A surface finish with increased abrasion resistance recommended far rooms with above the average wear (offices, community rooms etc.).
FIRE RETENTIVE VARNISHING LACQUER: Parquet treated with such surface systems belongs to the fire resistance class Cfl-sl, so it can be used even in rooms with a high fire resistance rating.

COLORING

LIMEWASHING: The grooves formed by structuring are filled with a white substance, this is how the final surface is created.
STAINING: Staining enables us to change the color of the wood and underline it's beauty without masking up the natural grain of the surface.

OILING

A surface treatment with natural oil gives the wood a natural appearance  an­ dit highlights the beauty of the grains. Oil penetrates into pores of the timber, it protects the surface and also makes the parquet even more resistant. The oil used by the BEFAG Parquet Factory contains a high percentage of vegetable oils, natural minerals, as well as natural resins. The parquet thus becomes water-repellent, non-slip, pleasant to the touch and strongly durable. A very important factor is that the oil does not prevent the vapor permeability of the timber, which is important not only far health, but also lifetime of the floor will be extended

 

BRINELL HARDNESS

American Walnut - 2,8 kg/mm2
Steamed Beech - 3,3 kg/mm2
Oak - 3,5 kg/mm2
Danube Oak - 3,5 kg/mm2
Ash - 3,5 kg/mm2
Merbau - 4,9 kg/mm2

 THESE DATA ARE BASED ON WOOD-BOOK LITERATURE.
 

WARRANTY

We provide a 21-year warranty on the structure far all our standard products and a 5-year warranty far varnishing, as stated in the Warranty Ticket.
 

PACKING UNITS

1 board = 2200 x 192x 14 mm = weight = 8 kg/m2
1 package = 6 boards = 2,534 m² = 2200 x 192 x 85 mm
1 pallet = 5x7 package = 88,69 m² = 225 x 108 x 70 cm = (~710 kg)
1 full truck load (FTL) = 33 pallets = 2.926,77 m² = ~ 23.430 kg
 

IMPORTANT ADVISE FOR TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF WOODEN FLOORS

Wooden floors have be transported in a clean, dry transport area, protected from moisture, protected from damage. Until the time of installation, it must be stored in a dry room, protected from direct weather influences, in such a way that it can not absorb moisture from the environment. When storing and using parquet, it is important to ensure optimal temperature and humidity. The optimal storage and use climate corresponds to an equilibrium wood moisture of 8-9 %; this means a relative humidity of 40 to 55 % at 20 °C.

PLEASE NOTE

Photographs shown in this catalog cannot reproduce the full beauty of the colour and grain diversity that exists in timber despite the most careful matching even within batches of the same quality category. Therefore we advise that you visit your local BEFAG distributor or the manufacturer before making your final purchase decision.






 

Relative Humidity

 

Wood is a natural, heterogeneous material. Due to its fine, fibrous structure, it always contains water and can absorb or release moisture in response to changes in environmental humidity. Among its many components, cellulose stands out, making up 40-50% according to literature. This fibrous structure plays a key role in water regulation.

Natural, fibrous materials like wood and textiles respond to changes in air humidity. Similarly, mineral-based building materials such as concrete and brick exhibit comparable behavior, but in fibrous materials, this can also lead to dimensional changes, particularly in wood.

In practice, it is important to understand how wood moisture changes with variations in air relative humidity and temperature. Moisture equilibrium is crucial as it indicates the moisture content wood will maintain under different usage conditions, based on air relative humidity and temperature.

These physical laws cannot be ignored. The use of this traditional, versatile, and health-supportive material in our living environment is essential. Today, there are numerous modern technical solutions to mitigate undesirable effects.

Low humidity, which can be problematic in our case, not only affects wood but can have multiple harmful consequences on the human body. The following diagram illustrates the changes in well-known negative factors dependent on humidity.

For an ideal indoor and workplace climate, humidity plays a decisive role alongside temperature and air cleanliness. In our geographical conditions, excessively humid environments are relatively less frequent. When they do occur, humidity should be reduced. We can induce an excessively humid environment through closed, well-sealed windows, non-ventilating walls, and frequent moisture introduction such as cooking and drying clothes.

In contrast, the excessively dry air during the long, continental winter months has significant negative impacts. Ventilation during the heating season does not alleviate excessively dry air. Without artificial humidification during this period, the air will draw moisture from its surroundings, including the skin, mucous membranes, plants, and wooden products.

Air moisture content is measurable and expressed as relative humidity. A hygrometer, or humidity measuring instrument, is used for this purpose. Medically, a relative humidity of 40-60% is recommended, as this range is considered ideal for human health, as well as for plants, animals, furniture, and parquet flooring.

Relative humidity indicates the amount of water air contains at a given temperature compared to the maximum it can hold at that temperature. Hence, temperature is significant, as warmer air can hold more water (g/m³).

Relative humidity can decrease to about half due to heating, which is what happens when we ventilate. In winter, air at freezing temperatures may contain only 1-2 g/m³ of water, leading to a relative humidity of 12% indoors without humidification. In practice, additional moisture from people, plants, and small humidifiers typically keeps this value from falling below 18-25%, although this is still very low.

The consequences of excessively dry air include:

• Discomfort, reduced oxygen intake and transport in the bloodstream
• Increased risk of colds
• Dry skin
• Dust formation
• Damage and cracking of furniture and parquet

The moisture-related properties of wood mentioned earlier are even more pronounced in parquet. Large surfaces interact with the environment relative to thickness, and in finished parquet, the dimensions of individual elements have increased.

There is some variability depending on the conditions under which the wood grew, but a typical shrinkage value of 0.33% is observed for a 1% decrease in wood moisture content.

Example 3: If the moisture content of tongue-and-groove parquet decreases from 8% to 5%, the expected dimensional change is: 3 x 0.33% = 0.99% If the element's width is 65 mm, the expected gap size is: 0.0099 x 65 = 0.64 mm

Example 4: In finished parquet: 3 x 0.0033 x 192 = 1.9 mm Although this seems significant, the shrinkage is reduced by about 70% due to the stabilizing middle layer in the three-layer construction of finished parquet. In the most unfavorable case, even with beech wood, gaps larger than 0.5-0.6 mm per element are unlikely. If the movement of elements is restricted, such as by heavy furniture, the movement is transferred to multiple elements without gap formation, combining these values.

To mitigate critical cases, there is a growing trend to use adhesive installation on concrete instead of floating installation. This is recommended for floor heating to improve heat transfer. Practical experience shows that this installation method is more favorable in preventing gap formation, although gaps cannot be completely avoided under extreme climatic conditions. However, the accumulation of gaps can be prevented.

Adhesive installation requires a significantly better, more even concrete surface to avoid excessive adhesive use. In multi-story buildings, attention should also be drawn to the need for sound insulation, as underlayment foam cannot be used.

This phenomenon is inconvenient for homeowners but unavoidable in extremely dry climates. In the summer, with increased humidity, the gaps disappear. During this season, equilibrium moisture content can reach 11%, which does not cause damage due to the elasticity of wood.

Air Conditioning Unfortunately, this term often only refers to cooling during the summer, sometimes combined with moderate rehumidification. We already know its importance in winter, but smaller room humidifiers can be found on the market as a solution. Their performance and regulation are questionable, as demonstrated in one residence. Even distribution of introduced moisture is also crucial.

There is a wide range of residential humidifiers available, but fewer options for high performance and regulated systems. Heating vaporizing humidifiers have relatively high energy requirements, and warm steam is biologically less favorable. Cold evaporators with moist surfaces generally have low performance. Ultrasonic devices can offer a favorable solution. Recent developments suggest a new generation has emerged. Operating at 1700 kHz instead of the previously known 40-100 kHz ultrasound frequency, performance in "l/hour" significantly increases with only 0.05 kWh energy consumption. However, cold humidifiers require some water preparation (softening), especially with harder water.

Taking a 100 m² apartment with a ceiling height of 2.70 m, where relative humidity at 20°C is 19% (i.e., 3 g/m³), the total water content is: 100m² x 2.70 x 0.003 = 0.81 kg To reach the ideal state of 50% at 20°C, the total water content should be: 100 x 2.70 x 0.008 = 2.16 kg The missing 1.36 kg might seem insignificant, but it reflects a momentary state. In a dried-out apartment, many other hygroscopic materials (textiles, furniture, wallpaper, curtains) are present, making the actual "water deficit" much larger than the calculated amount.

In our opinion, to protect our health and values, much greater importance should be given to this issue within architectural and building engineering circles. Modern printing, paper, and textile industries could not function without addressing this. A wide range of options is already available at trade fairs, in professional journals, and on the internet.

Note: The data provided are indicative values taken from literature.

Surface treatment

Structuring: The surface of the parquet is worked with special brushes. The final surface is created by brushing away the softer, looser parts of the wood to a defined depth. This process further accentuates the natural grain and pattern of the wood. The surface remains open (vessels and pores are not sealed), so natural, open-filled knots in the wood are also visible.

Beveling: The edges of the parquet planks are beveled at a 30-degree angle on either two longitudinal or all four edges, creating a V-shaped groove at the joints when installed, which corresponds to the size of the bevel.

Whitewashing: The grooves created during the structuring process are filled with a white substance, resulting in the final surface. The surface remains open (vessels and pores are not sealed), allowing the visibility of small, open knots and imperfections in the wood.

Silk Matt Lacquer: The most common surface treatment method, creating a closed-pore, scratch- and wear-resistant surface that is easy to clean. It consists of seven layers of lacquer.

Matt Lacquer (closed-pore): A less glossy lacquer finish that closely resembles the natural appearance of the wood. Like the silk matte lacquer, it is durable and easy to maintain.

Oil-effect Matt Lacquer (open-pore): A lacquer treatment that further highlights the natural pattern of the wood. The surface remains open (vessels and pores are not sealed), revealing smaller, open, cracked knots in the wood.

Staining: Staining allows for a change in the wood’s color, enhancing or equalizing its natural tones. It alters the color of the surface without covering the wood’s grain.

Pre-oiled: A natural oil surface treatment process that gives the wood a natural appearance, enhancing its grain and texture. No further oiling is needed after installation. With regular maintenance, the original look is preserved for years. The surface remains open (vessels and pores are not sealed), so smaller open knots in the natural wood are also visible.

Unfinished: A surface that has been finely sanded and prepared, which can be further treated after installation according to the customer's preference (oiling, staining, lacquering).

Reinforced Lacquer: Recommended for areas with higher traffic (offices, communal spaces), offering a more durable, wear-resistant surface.

Sports Lacquer: This coating meets the requirements of the EN 14904 standard. Due to its special properties, the sports lacquer prevents accidents caused by slippery surfaces and also avoids injuries due to overly sticky surfaces.

Fire-resistant Lacquer: Parquet treated with this surface system belongs to the Cfl-s1 fire resistance class, making it suitable for use in areas with high fire-resistance requirements.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING BEFAG PARQUET

The high-quality parquet you have purchased will create an aesthetically pleasing and durable floor covering for your room, provided you follow the instructions in this guide.

Preparation:

1. Carefully review our warranty conditions, which are included in the Warranty Certificate, before starting the parquet installation.
2. The parquet installation should precede all other construction or assembly work—such as painting, finishing, and installation of fixtures—to prevent damage and scratches to the floor. In case of later work, make sure to protect the parquet surface with coverings.
3. Check the quality of the subfloor: it should be free of dust, solid, level, and dry. Use a ruler (about 2 meters) to check for levelness; any unevenness exceeding 2 mm requires subfloor leveling. Measure the moisture content of concrete: it should not exceed 2%. Check the room's air humidity: it should be between 40–60% at normal room temperature.
4. For new building structures or new subfloor concrete, always lay a 0.2 mm thick vapor barrier foil on the subfloor; it is also recommended for other cases. For overlaps, use at least a 10 cm overlap.
5. Lay a sound-absorbing intermediate layer, such as a 3mm polyethylene foam board, felt, or cork, to help reduce footstep noise.
6. Unpack the appropriate amount of parquet bundles for the entire surface or at least several bundles and check their contents: as natural wood, the planks may have color variations. By sorting them correctly, the aesthetic appeal of the finished surface can be further enhanced. If you find any defective planks, do not install them; set them aside, and we will replace them. However, we cannot accept complaints for planks already installed.

Usage: During use, the aim is to minimize extra impacts and dirt exposure to the parquet. A doormat should be placed in front of the door to prevent fine sand particles from getting in, as these are the finest abrasive particles that wear down the lacquer surface. Felt pads should be attached to the feet of furniture to protect the surface from scratches. Pointed, heavy loads can damage the parquet. It is important to note that different types of wood have slightly different hardness levels, but high-heeled shoes can leave marks even on the hardest wood parquet. The casters of office chairs, in particular, are highly demanding on the surface, so they must be protected with appropriate mats.

Cleaning and Maintenance: The finished parquet is either lacquered or oiled, so no additional lacquering is required after installation. However, depending on use, it may need re-oiling. The parquet can be cleaned with a dry or barely damp cloth—maximum mist-damp—using special floor care products available in stores. During cleaning, it is important to avoid excess moisture. Do not mop the parquet!

Non-water-soluble stains should be removed immediately with a solvent (except for strongly caustic substances), but chemical cleaning should be avoided. To refurbish a worn lacquer layer, the old lacquer should be sanded using fine-grit sandpaper (P 120–P 150) in the direction of the wood grain. The dust created must be carefully removed from the surface, and then the lacquer can be applied in multiple layers. Between each coat, the surface must be lightly sanded. A test lacquer application should be done first. After the test, check the adhesion, discoloration, and overall quality of the new finish. Only proceed with the full re-lacquering if the test is satisfactory. Before purchasing lacquer, seek advice from a professional. Regular use of commercial floor care products can significantly delay the need for complete re-lacquering. Remember: Wood, even in its processed state, is a “living” material, and it reacts sensitively to extreme climatic conditions, just like humans.

For both the wood and the parquet to remain in good condition, proper room climate is essential. For example, at a temperature of 20°C, a relative humidity of 45–55% is ideal. If, during the heating season, the relative humidity drops below these levels for extended periods, the parquet may dry out considerably, and gaps may form between or even within the individual planks. This is a natural phenomenon. To prevent this, it is necessary to continuously measure and adjust humidity and temperature in the heating season, using artificial humidifiers as needed. In cases of excessively damp or humid climates, artificial dehumidifiers are required (such as air conditioners or dehumidifiers).

Important! This parquet is made from wood, so it reflects the natural variety of colors and structural diversity typical of wood, which can also be found within a single quality grade. Therefore, the parquet samples shown in our publications are for informational purposes only.

Floating Installation of PanLoc System Parquet.

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Lacquered Surface

Usage During use, the goal is to minimize extra wear and dirt on the floor. A doormat should be placed at the door to prevent fine sand grains from entering, as these are the finest abrasives that wear down the lacquer surface. Furniture legs should have pads (e.g., felt) attached to them to protect the surface from scratches. Pointed, heavy loads are harmful to the floor. It’s important to note that different wood species have slightly different hardness, but even the hardest wood floors can be marked by stiletto heels. The rollers of rolling chairs wear down the surface, so they must be protected with specially designed pads.

Cleaning and Maintenance The pre-lacquered floor does not need additional lacquering after installation. It can be cleaned with a dry or slightly damp (foggy) cloth, or with floor care products available from specialized retailers, but you must protect it from moisture. We recommend the OVERMAT (distributed by BEFAG Parkett Kft) Parkett Cleaner. Non-water-soluble stains should be removed immediately with a suitable solvent (except for highly corrosive substances), but chemical cleaning should be avoided if possible. When refreshing the worn lacquer layer, the old lacquer should be sanded longitudinally with fine-grit sandpaper (P 120-P150). Carefully remove the dust from the surface, then you can apply multiple layers of lacquer. Between each layer, roughen the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. Prior to lacquering, do a test application. After the test, carefully check the adhesion, discoloration, and quality of the surface. Only proceed with full re-lacquering if the test is satisfactory. Before purchasing lacquer, consult an expert. (Recommended lacquer type: solvent-based parquet lacquer.) The need for complete re-lacquering can be greatly delayed by regularly applying commercially available floor care products.

Remember Even in its processed state, wood is a "living" material, and it responds sensitively to extreme climatic conditions—just like humans. Therefore, proper room climate is essential for both human and floor well-being. This means a relative humidity of about 45-55% at 20°C. If the relative humidity drops consistently or often below these values during the heating season, the parquet can dry out excessively, and gaps may form between the individual elements and even within them. This is a natural occurrence. To prevent this, it is necessary to continuously measure the humidity and temperature during the heating season and supplement the humidity with artificial humidifiers.

Important This parquet is made from wood, so it reflects the natural variability and structural diversity of wood, even within a single quality grade. Therefore, the parquet patterns shown in our publications are for reference only.

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2. Natural Factory-Oiled Surface

Cleaning and Care Instructions for Factory-Oiled Parquet

The oiled surface is characterized by highlighting the unique grain patterns of the wood species. These breathable surfaces create a pleasant natural effect. The durability and wear resistance of oiled floors depend greatly on proper and regular cleaning and maintenance.

To ensure that you can enjoy your parquet for a long time, please follow the advice listed below!

Usage During use, the goal is to minimize extra wear, dirt, and moisture on the floor. You should prevent small stones and fine sand grains from entering, as these are the finest abrasives that scratch and wear down the surface. Regularly vacuum to remove any debris. Pointed, heavy loads are harmful to the floor. Different wood species have different hardness levels, but even the hardest wood can be marked by stiletto heels. Furniture legs should have pads (e.g., felt) attached to them to prevent scratches. Rolling chairs use the surface extensively, so they must be protected with specially designed pads or rubber wheels (EN12529).

The floor and its surface must be protected from moisture. Any spilled water or liquid should be wiped up immediately. Frequent or excessively damp cleaning may damage the surface.

First Care After Installation The parquet is factory-oiled and does not require additional oiling after installation. If you decide to oil the surface afterward, please make sure to do it professionally or have an expert do it. However, for high-traffic areas (public spaces), it’s recommended to do the first care treatment after installation to serve as an additional protective layer. While not necessary for residential use, if you choose to proceed, follow these steps:

1. After installation, vacuum to remove dust and other dirt.
2. Apply a small amount of OVERMAT (distributed by BEFAG Parkett Kft) maintenance oil and rub it evenly into the surface with a soft cloth or pad. Remove excess oil. Do not apply with a brush or roller, as this can lead to material loss and extended drying time.
3. After 6-12 hours of drying, the surface can be used, but avoid wet cleaning for a week.

Dry Cleaning For the oiled surface, vacuuming with a suitable parquet vacuum head is usually sufficient.

Wet Cleaning and Maintenance Combined After dry cleaning, use OVERMAT (distributed by BEFAG Parkett Kft) Parkett Cleaner, which is a natural, solvent-free product that can be diluted with water. This product cleans and cares for the parquet simultaneously. The frequency of maintenance depends on usage intensity. For private homes, clean every 2-4 weeks; for public spaces, offices, and restaurants, clean every 1-2 weeks or 1-2 days, respectively.

1. If the surface has been treated with another product or is heavily sticky or dirty, we recommend using OVERMAT (distributed by BEFAG Parkett Kft) Parkett Cleaner to remove dirt and old residues.
2. Dilute the cleaner with water (half a cap per 5 liters of water) and apply it with a soft cloth or damp mop.
3. After drying (about 30 minutes), wipe the surface with a soft pad or cotton cloth to improve the appearance of the surface.

Refreshing, Renovating If the surface loses its shine or gets scratched during use, it can be easily refreshed with OVERMAT (distributed by BEFAG Parkett Kft) maintenance oil, which extends the life of the oiled floor.

1. Vacuum to remove dust. Use OVERMAT (distributed by BEFAG Parkett Kft) Parkett Cleaner to clean the surface from other impurities.
2. Apply a small amount of OVERMAT (distributed by BEFAG Parkett Kft) maintenance oil and rub it evenly into the surface with a soft cloth or pad. Remove excess oil. Do not apply with a brush or roller, as this can lead to material loss and increased drying time.
3. After 6-12 hours of drying, the surface can be used, but avoid wet cleaning for a week.

Please follow these instructions for every treatment! Before using, try the product in a less noticeable area to test its effect. Whenever possible, treat the entire surface to maintain uniformity in the appearance of the parquet. Never use abrasive, strong alkalis, or solvent-based cleaners! These can permanently damage the surface. Tools soaked in oil pose a fire hazard; therefore, after use, lay them out to dry completely or soak them in water.

Always follow the manufacturer's warnings!