Hardwood flooring Suppliers....US vs. China and others

Let me start by saying, many of the domestic manufacturing companies in the hardwood industry are playing catch-up when compared to companies overseas. Countries like China, Norway, Sweden,Canada and Italy have invested more in equipment and new technology than companies here at home. Some of the nicest hardwoods available are produced in Italy and China. Manufacturing facilities overseas have state of the art machinery and are able to produce a perfect/uniform true square edge. The US Suppliers are not able to produce their products with such precision. A complete change over of equipment would have to be done, in order to accomplish this. Another point, I would dare to say that 99 percent of all products that are made in the US, have Rotary peeled veneers. You can read more about the problem in my article titled "Rotary-Peeled vs. Sliced-Cut veneers.
This on my blog at www.the-floor-man.blogspot.com As far as toxicity, there is a certain formaldehyde during the process in which it is made in most instances, but it is usually low level amounts. Products like Mullican Hardwood is being made in Indonesia and they are formaldehyde free. Another example, DuChateau is a hardwood flooring company that produces solid hardwood in Holland. The engineered line is produced in China. The European Oak veneers are shipped overseas from Holland and sent to China, then are sold in various markets. DuChateau is a higher-end product and it is not because of shipping. It all boils down to having better equipment. Solid hardwoods that are made in China are typically made up of Chinese oaks (different grade of lumber from what we have here domestically) and Pacific birch. Both of the products have a lower Janka rating than say a Domestic white oak. Perhaps all solid hardwood sold in this country, are made and harvested here domestically. If you are in the market to buy solid hardwood, there is no need to buy Chinese products, as we have a better supply of lumber. When it comes to purchasing hardwood, pay attention to the details first. Do not base your purchase solely on price. When you purchase solely on price, you are not doing anyone any favors, including yourself.
Thanks
The Floor Man