Durability Test For Our Wood Floor Finishes

At Hoff Parquet, we understand how important the resistance of wooden floor surfaces is to our customers—especially when it comes to everyday exposure to liquids. That’s why we don’t just rely on product specifications; we rigorously test our wood floor finishes to ensure durability and long-lasting protection.
To guarantee chemical resistance, we regularly perform surface resistance tests in accordance with EN 13442, a European standard for determining the impact of various household liquids on wood flooring finishes.
Real-World Testing ConditionsThe testing method is straightforward but effective:
Different liquid substances are applied to finished wood surfaces and left for 24 hours. These include:

• Water
• Coffee
• Acetone
• Ethanol
• Red wine
• Ink
• Ammonia
• Other common household solutions

After the exposure period, the degree of surface damage is evaluated on a scale from 1 (severe damage) to 5 (no visible damage).

Key Findings from Our Tests
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Thanks to our deep understanding of finishes and how they interact with various liquids, we can confidently recommend the best options for durability and aesthetics.

• Hardwax Oil Finish (30g/m²) – Shown in the top row in “Clear White” and the fifth row in “Clear”, this finish performs exceptionally well against all tested liquids--except ammonia. Still, it provides excellent protection and retains the natural look of wood.
• Hardwax Oil (140g/m²) – Found in the second row, this heavy application offers the best overall resistance, outperforming other finishes in almost every category. However, the surface loses its natural appearance, resembling that of a varnished floor.
• Natural Oil Finish – Shown in the third row, natural oil-treated surfaces are more sensitive and less resistant to liquid exposure. These finishes are ideal for clients seeking natural aesthetics but require more regular maintenance.
• Oil with High Resin Content – The sixth row demonstrates a more durable option, offering good resistance. However, the trade-off is a noticeably yellowed tone compared to hardwax-treated samples.
• Water-Based Varnish – Interestingly, even water-based varnishes (7th row) show vulnerability to ammonia, which was an unexpected outcome given their general performance.
• Untreated Wood – The bottom row serves as a control sample, highlighting the vulnerability of raw wood to liquid staining and damage.

Why This Matters to You
At Hoff Parquet, we don’t just apply finishes—we know our finishes. Through ongoing testing and years of hands-on experience, we’ve developed a thorough understanding of how different products behave in real-life scenarios.
Thanks to this research, we are extremely confident in the durability, performance, and quality of the wood flooring finishes we offer. Whether you choose a natural oil, a hardwax finish, or something in between, you can trust that we only sell what we’ve tested, proven, and believe in.