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With the shifting global economic landscape, domestic timber prices have surged, leading to rising production costs and unprecedented pressure on the flooring industry. To cut expenses, some companies resort to substandard practices, such as producing two-color boards, transfer boards, veneer panels, thin-back sheets, and short-lived boards—commonly referred to as the "five ghosts" in the industry. These products are misleading and can deceive consumers. How can buyers identify these "five ghosts" and avoid falling for them? Let’s uncover the truth.
**Uncover the wooden floor: Avoid buying the “five ghostsâ€**
**1. The secret of the greasy swatch board**
Some manufacturers use sapwood (the outer layer of raw wood) mixed with core material to create a solid wood appearance. They color-match the surface to hide the color difference, making it look like high-quality solid wood. However, the sapwood and core material differ in air dry density, moisture content, and hardness, which can lead to warping, cracking, and deformation over time.
**Identification tip:** Sand or cut the floor; you’ll notice a significant color difference between the surface and the end.
**2. The hidden issue of the greasy finger-jointed board**
These boards are made by joining low-quality wood pieces using glue, then sold as pure solid wood. Due to excessive adhesive use, they emit high levels of formaldehyde and are prone to warping and cracking from uneven stress.
**Identification tip:** Look for visible finger joints after sanding or cutting.
**3. The shoddy veneer board**
Some flooring uses a thin solid wood veneer (0.05mm–2mm) glued onto an inferior substrate. This creates an illusion of solid wood but is unstable and prone to peeling. The adhesives used may also release harmful chemicals.
**Identification tip:** Check both the top and bottom surfaces. Solid wood floors have matching grain patterns, while veneer boards show different textures.
**4. The fake transfer board**
Made from lower-grade wood with imperfections like knots or cracks, these boards are painted to mimic natural wood grain. Their surface paint is often weak and prone to flaking.
**Identification tip:** Natural wood grain has variation, while transfer boards have uniform patterns, with noticeable differences between front and back.
**5. The short-lived board**
These floors fail to meet quality standards in terms of paint adhesion, hardness, and moisture control. As a result, they tend to warp, peel, or scratch quickly.
**Identification tip:** Evaluate the floor on-site. If it shows signs of peeling or lacks durability, it may be a short-lived board.
To avoid the “five ghosts,†keep these three tips in mind when purchasing flooring:
- **Choose reputable brands.** Big brands usually have better quality control and reliable after-sales service.
- **Avoid being tempted by low prices.** As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.†A huge price difference from the market average should raise red flags.
- **Inspect the product carefully.** Compare the texture, and if possible, saw the floor to check its internal quality.
Brand flooring offers strong support, professional installation, and long-term reliability. These companies are closely monitored by authorities and maintain their reputation. In contrast, the so-called “five ghosts†make up about 30% of the market. Though they may imitate branded products, they lack real quality assurance and often disappear after selling. Consumers must stay alert to protect their health and investment.