The adequacy of using chestnut wood for floors was studied, and its usage compared to the already recognized oak wood. As relevant characteristics for floors: density of wood, radial and tangential shrinkage, dimensional stability and hardness were researched. By measuring: the thickness of the coat, adhesion, scratch and impact resistance, so as colour changes of the varnished surface, the quality of the surface system was investigated. Wood was coated with polyurethane varnish, varnish with an acid hardener, and 2 water varnishes. The density of the chestnut wood is lower than the density of the oak wood. The chestnut wood has a considerably smaller shrinkage in the tangential direction, also in the tangential direction the indicators of dimensional stability are more favourable. Because of the lower density the hardness of the chestnut wood is also lower. Polyurethane coat proved to be the best concerning adhesion, impact and scratch resistance. It is a bit poorer when it comes to colour alterations, because it changes the surface of wood colour-wise. The least colour changes are caused by water varnishes, but they have very low adhesion, and are inadequate for more burdened surfaces. The varnish with the acid hardener is not scratch and impact resistant, and is inadequate, because it is hard and fragile. Chestnut wood is less adequate for surfaces that are heavily burdened, but it is recommendable for spaces with a great humidity fluctuation.
|
