Defective markings?

[suschords]

Hello all,
My condo association is installing laminate flooring in the common hallways to replace the carpet, and immediately I noticed random deep scratch marks on almost every panel. There does not seem to be any tactile feeling of scratches on the surface, which leads me to believe that it’s a printing defect. The entire hallway’s flooring is marked with these apparent scratch marks.
I called the association and sent a picture, and they told me that it’s intentional and “part of the design”. This feels fishy to me. These aren’t denim jeans… I’ve never seen wood flooring with scratches on purpose. My gut tells me that they bought defective flooring at a discount and not disclosing it. What do you guys/gals think? Picture attached in link.

 

[Mark Brown]

Those are there on purpose. People make terrible design choices all the time, this is just one of them. The small benefit is that someday, when there are real scratches, they will blend in

 

[suschords]

Those are there on purpose. People make terrible design choices all the time, this is just one of them. The small benefit is that someday, when there are real scratches, they will blend in

Wow, I am dumbfounded by the dumb design choice, but at least I can feel better knowing that my association isn’t trying to pull (another) fast one on us.

 

[Mark Brown]

I could be wrong, but they look like rather typical "chatter marks" or whatever other dumb name they like to give them. Then you add the fact that most laminates/vinyls do not have a registered embossment and well there you have it.
It isn't my cup of tea either.

 

[MikeAntonetti]

I am with you 100% on that. Not sure if laminate was a good choice to begin with but. Here is a floating vinyl plank that looks like a water stain. I’m a condo unit that has water issues to begin with. It’s definitely part of the design and I rejected it for a choice in our condo. My MIL showed me the unit next door it’s in and she thought there was water damage.

 

[Commercial Floor Rep]

The technical term is "decorative distressing". (Not kidding either, that's really what it's called). From the marketing/design team departments point of view it's supposed to create a rustic visual that resembles an aged wood floor to add more depth and realism.

Thanks @Mark Brown now you made me think about marketing people and designers and now I need a shower.. It's like hanging out with a pad salesman or a divorce attorney.

 

[C.J.]

Is that SmartCore from Lowe’s? I’ve had the exact same issue and it looked exactly like that big ol fish eye marking.