Article by Corina Sfia, PR Tempini and Journalist
Wood is one of the natural elements characterized by strength and flexibility. Symbolically, it is characterized by generosity and idealism because wood is always trying to develop and expand. It heralds the beginning of life, spring, buds, sensuality, and fertility. Perhaps for this very reason, in the house where we establish our own family, we are tempted to choose wood flooring – parquet. Most of the time, to make a decision, we inform ourselves on the internet, consult with family, various specialists, visit stores, compare shades, textures, looking for the type of wood that best fits both the objects in a certain space and resonates with our personality. Because essentially, wood is a material that “lives” permanently in the house with us, and the decision, generally the purchase decision, is not made solely based on scientific reasoning but is closely tied to the emotional states it generates in us. However, we must be careful about the differences between quality material and less quality material. Comparing quality parquet to wine, we can affirm that its appearance becomes more beautiful over time. The differences between good quality wood flooring and poor quality wood flooring start, first of all, from the origin (essence) of the noble wood: oak, beech, ash, etc., as well as its origin – the area of provenance – which significantly influences its quality through the characteristics given by the climatic conditions of the geographical area. The temperature differences between seasons, specific to an area, make the wood that develops in different seasons have different parameters (mainly density), an aspect that decisively influences its stability when laid. ITLAS, one of the top Italian wood processing companies, exclusively uses in its production process certified noble wood of controlled origin, which it procures from countries with an optimal climate, especially from France and Montenegro. Another technical characteristic of double and triple-layer parquet that contributes to its stability is the intermediate birch plywood layer, composed of seven layers positioned and glued perpendicularly, with crossed grain, a technology also patented by specialist technicians from Itlas. Last but not least, the company, recognized internationally for its elaborate processing procedures, some carried out in collaboration with major Italian designers, differentiates itself from other companies in the field by processing the surface of the noble wood so that the aesthetic aspect satisfies the most demanding tastes.
When we talk about Itlas parquet, the Assi del Cansiglio series is remarkable because beech wood from the most renowned beech forest in the world, Cansiglio, located at the foot of the Alps in northern Italy, is used in its manufacture. On the Cansiglio plateau, the beech grows at an altitude of 1000 meters, which is unique and unusual for this conifer. To withstand this height, the trees have developed a unique structure and resistance, which makes their wood acquire special qualities. In fact, beech wood from Cansiglio has been exploited since the period of the Republic of Venice, being used in the construction of the frames of warships of the fleet that dominated the seas for nearly a millennium.
We all know that history, form, and matter are elements that give uniqueness to a material, whether it is wood, metal, or stone. For this very reason, when we try to make the best decision, we must go to the root, the sap, and the essence of it, because parquet is not just a simple floor; it can be a living witness of your entire existence that roots imprints, memories, histories. As Patrizio Dei Tos, the investor of the Itlas company, says, “a floor from this collection can be considered a veritable work of art.”
**** Today, the Cansiglio forest is strictly managed, with a record of each tree. Thus, the age and evolution of each beech are known. The cutting and commercialization of beech wood from Cansiglio is done only with government approval within a strict reforestation program.
