Mafi

Updated · 3 sources · 2 min read

Quick answer

Mafi is an Austrian manufacturer of premium natural wood flooring operated by mafi Naturholzboden GmbH in Schneegattern, Upper Austria1. The maker specializes in a signature symmetrical three-layer construction using the same timber species on the face and backing layer with a transverse conifer core, naturally finished with air-dried plant oils and chemical-free thermal treatments23.

Mafi is an Austrian producer of high-end engineered wood flooring, solid wood stairs and wall elements. Headquartered in Upper Austria, the company is recognised for its commitment to unlacquered, open-pored timber surfaces and balanced multi-layer engineering. This profile summarises the specifications, construction methods and technical data published on the manufacturer's official website.

What is the corporate background of Mafi?

According to company registration records on its official website, the business operates as mafi Naturholzboden GmbH, with corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities located at Utzweihstraße 25, 5212 Schneegattern, Austria1.

All Mafi natural wood floors comply with European CE directives in accordance with ÖNORM EN 143421. The company operates international flagship showrooms in Salzburg, Vienna, Milan and Schindellegi (Switzerland), distributing its bespoke floors to residential and commercial architectural projects globally1.

How are Mafi planks constructed?

Mafi places central emphasis on a symmetrical three-layer board architecture designed to counteract the hygroscopic movement of natural timber2:

  • Symmetrical balance: Both the top surface lamella and the bottom backing layer are made from the exact same wood species, subject to identical drying and thermal conditioning2. Because both exterior layers exert equal mechanical tension against relative humidity changes, the board resists cupping, warping and tension cracking2.
  • Softwood core: The transverse middle core consists of Austrian softwood (spruce) glued at a 90° angle to the face lamellas, dampening dimensional changes across the board width2.
  • Adhesive standard: Layers are laminated using formaldehyde-free PVAc white glue, preventing off-gassing and VOC emissions2.
  • Dimensions and formats: Mafi produces single-strip wide-plank flooring in lengths up to 5 metres and widths up to 300 mm2. For renovation projects with restricted thresholds, the company manufactures a 10 mm "Thin-Plank" format comprising a 3 mm top layer, a 90° softwood core, and a 1.8 mm balancing backing2.

What surface treatments and thermal processes are used?

Mafi adheres strictly to natural surface treatments without film-forming coatings3:

  • Air-dried natural oils: Planks are treated exclusively with natural linseed-oil-based finishes that penetrate deep into the cellular structure of the timber without forming a plastic coating on top3. Pores remain open and breathable, allowing the wood to regulate indoor humidity and feel warm underfoot3.
  • Vulcano thermo-treatment: To achieve deep brown and dark shades without synthetic stains or chemical dyes, Mafi subjects regional timbers to heat and steam in its proprietary "Vulcano" process3. The heat alters the sugar compounds within the wood cells, colouring the timber evenly through its full depth while substantially reducing shrinkage and swelling behaviour3.

Alongside Austrian peers such as Admonter and Swiss makers like Bauwerk, Mafi is widely specified for low-emission interiors requiring verified ecological standards.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Mafi natural wood floors manufactured?
Mafi manufactures its natural wood floors at its headquarters and production facility located at Utzweihstraße 25 in 5212 Schneegattern, Austria1.
What is Mafi's symmetrical plank construction?
Mafi constructs its planks using a three-layer system where the visible top wear layer and the bottom backing layer are made from the same timber species with identical thermal treatment, balanced around a perpendicular softwood core and bonded with formaldehyde-free white glue2.
How does Mafi finish its wood surfaces?
Mafi avoids synthetic varnishes and UV oils, finishing boards exclusively with natural linseed-oil-based finishes that penetrate open pores and cure naturally through contact with ambient air3.
What is Mafi Vulcano wood?
Vulcano is Mafi's chemical-free thermo-treatment process using only heat and steam to darken European hardwoods and softwoods all the way through, providing rich tones while enhancing dimensional stability3.

Sources

  1. Imprint & Company Information, mafi Naturholzboden GmbH. Accessed .
  2. Symmetrical Plank Structure, mafi Naturholzboden GmbH. Accessed .
  3. Evolutionary Surface, mafi Naturholzboden GmbH. Accessed .

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