Development work built on the basis of our own wooden floors
HARDER was born out of the need to develop a vinyl floor that would better reflect the aesthetics of Scandinavian interior design. According to Myllymäki, there were plenty of options on the market, but few of them were based on a truly Nordic visual language.
Novafloor photographed and scanned its own wooden floors, whose shades and textures the company had been developing for a long time. These were used to create patterns that were not intended to imitate wood, but to bring out its natural grain pattern and matte finish. The surface structure was realised with engraved printing plates to give the patterns a truly three-dimensional feel.
A look that is tied to Nordic homes
HARDER’s world of shades is built on the conditions of Scandinavian light. Light and natural oak tones were chosen because they fit in with the most common Finnish interior styles without overemphasising the floor. The matt finish is a conscious choice – it resembles oil-rubbed wood and works in an understated way indoors.
On a practical level, HARDER is designed for premises where the floor is subject to daily stress. Vinyl resists splashes, bumps and constant use, making it a viable solution, especially for kitchens, hallways and families with children. “Vinyl is the rational choice these days, unless you are in a situation where you specifically want real wood,” says Myllymäki.
HARDER’s construction also includes a feature that is exceptionally useful in Finnish conditions: some of the products in the range are cold-resistant. This makes them suitable for use in cottages and outbuildings, for example, where temperatures vary according to the season.
Quality verified by independent tests
The HARDER product family has undergone extensive safety and environmental testing. It has an M1 emission classification, a German TÜV certificate and an EPD environmental declaration. These certificates show that the products have been assessed for indoor air quality, safety and environmental impact.
The strength of HARDER is not a single feature, but a whole, where technical structure and appearance are honed to support each other. Novafloor wanted to bring to market a floor that would last as well as it pleased the eye.
“We wanted a floor that could withstand everyday use,” summarises Myllymäki. The HARDER product family is built on this idea – a long-lasting, carefree and visually timeless solution for Finnish homes.
