Why Chinese Made Wood Flooring Is Cheaper and Inferior to Italian Made Flooring
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Government Subsidies and Low Labour Costs
Hazardous Chemicals and Formaldehyde Emissions
We are one of the only UK wood flooring retailer and manufacturers who DO NOT sell Chinese manufactured flooring.
When choosing either a solid wood or engineered wood flooring, the price difference between Chinese-made products and high-quality European options can seem significant. But behind the lower cost lies a difference in manufacturing standards, materials, and ethics that directly affect the durability, safety, and appearance of your floor.
1. Government Subsidies and Low Labour Costs
China’s manufacturing sector benefits from substantial government subsidies and extremely low labour costs. While this allows producers to sell flooring at lower prices, it also encourages mass production with less focus on craftsmanship, consistency, and environmental responsibility.
2. Inferior Raw Materials
Much of the raw timber used in Chinese flooring is sourced from Europe, but typically of lower grade. Because these timbers often have visible imperfections or inconsistencies, they are heavily coloured or stained to hide defects. This is why you will rarely find a genuine “natural” finish in Chinese-made wood flooring.
In contrast, Italian manufacturers select only premium grades of European oak, celebrating the wood’s natural grain and character.
3. Shorter Plank Lengths
Chinese-made engineered and solid wood floors often feature shorter planks—usually not exceeding 1500-1600 mm. Even when marketed as “random lengths up to 2 metres,” the percentage of longer boards is typically very low. Shorter planks can make a floor appear busier and less seamless, reducing the sense of space and elegance that longer boards provide.
4. Hazardous Chemicals and Formaldehyde Emissions
Perhaps the most concerning difference is in air quality and health safety. According to the Global Community Monitor, formaldehyde emissions from Chinese-made flooring far exceed those from European-made products.
Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is often used as a cheap bonding agent in laminate and engineered flooring. These emissions can negatively impact indoor air quality, leading to potential long-term health risks.
Italian-made flooring, by contrast, adheres to some of the strictest environmental and safety regulations in the world. Manufacturers use low-emission adhesives and finishes that meet European E1 or even CARB Phase 2 standards, ensuring a cleaner, healthier home environment.
5. Lack of Regulation and Inconsistent Standards
Overseas producers often operate with little oversight or differing quality standards. This leads to inconsistent thicknesses, weak bonding between layers, and finishes that wear prematurely. Floors may look good at first, but their structural integrity and appearance quickly deteriorate.
European manufacturing, especially in Italy, is held to rigorous environmental and technical standards. Every stage of production is carefully monitored, from the sourcing of FSC®-certified timber to the precision engineering and finishing processes that ensure longevity and beauty.
6. Fungus and Mold Risks
Another issue occasionally associated with imported wood flooring is the development of fungus or mold. Some Chinese made flooring products have been reported to arrive with elevated moisture content due to poor kiln-drying processes or inadequate storage and shipping conditions.
When wood is not properly dried and stabilised before manufacturing, it can create an environment where mold spores and fungal growth develop either during shipping or after installation. Aside from damaging the flooring itself, mold growth can also contribute to poor indoor air quality and unpleasant odors.
High-end European manufacturers carefully control moisture levels throughout the drying and production process to prevent these issues and ensure the long-term stability of the wood.
7. The True Cost of Cheap Flooring
While low-cost imports might appear attractive in the short term, the long-term consequences often outweigh the savings. Poor durability, unhealthy emissions, and environmental concerns make these products a costly compromise.
Just as we care about the origin and quality of the food we eat, we should care equally about the materials that surround us in our homes. Choosing responsibly made flooring from Italy not only ensures a safer, more sustainable environment, but also guarantees timeless quality and elegance that will last for generations.
