Classification of forest products in Greece: the case of wood flooring

Abstract

The classification systems used by wood flooring enterprises in Greece has been investigated, using a questionnaire. After 56 answers, the results showed that there are deviations in grades and in the criteria currently used to classify wood flooring. There were reported very different grading systems, adopting from three to more than six grading categories. The majority (40 %) adopted five grading categories, but there were also enterprises using main (three or four) and also a number of subcategories. Deviations were also observed among the producers who claim to apply the same criteria and different trade names may be used for the same or similar qualities. Although there are difficulties, it is imperative that common national standard is accepted or conformation with the European standards. Evaluators should be trained to the same standard, in order to achieve this goal.