FLOORING
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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february / march 2018
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Discover the Future of Flooring. • 100% Waterproof • Durable, Hardwearing, Long Lasting • Soft and Comfortable Underfoot • Licensed Locking System with End Drop Lock • Suitable for both Commercial and Residential • Resilient to Water & the Busiest of Family Life
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Resilience
Upfront
FLOORING
Hi, and welcome to Flooring magazine. We have a bumper issue this month, and have a lot to cover so let’s get started. Our News section covers a great deal from all over Australasia, and Overseas News looks at what is making headlines in the floor world across the globe. Icons this issue looks at one of the greats of the flooring community – Bill O’Halloran. Bill from Signature Floors has led an illustrious career and we take you behind the scenes of his life, his career in the business and the evolution of one of this country’s premier flooring retailers. The photos in this Icons spread are great too, and speak volumes on Bill’s strong family life and professionalism as well. There’s a great Q&A with Kendall Waller from Quick Step, and don’t miss our usual sections on Software, Airstep Retailer of the Month, Carpets and Rugs, Laminate, Floating Floors, Vinyl, Product Updates and Prep, Install and Care. I am also bringing you two case studies this month – one from New Zealand and the other closer to home from Brisbane, Queensland.
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND february / march 2018
vol 36 no 1 News 6
Mapei Official Partner at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
11 Signature Floors Acquires NZ Distributor 15 Welcoming Another Addition to the Choices Flooring Family Overseas News 26 Makinex Construction Products Launches in the UK Adhesives Guide 34 Adhesives Guide 2018 Icons 46 Bill O'Halloran Regular Reports 56 Airstep Retailer of the Month 67 Vinyl 69 Laminate 70 Carpets & Rugs 77 Product Update Front Cover 01 Choices Flooring www.choicesflooring.com.au
There’s also an interesting Safety article by the folks at Classic Architectural Group, and a preview piece on Design Build, which will be held in Melbourne this year. There’s also a round-up of The International Surface Event (TISE) recently held in Las Vegas. I know you’ll enjoy this issue of Flooring magazine, and feel free to contact us with any feedback. Until next time…Enjoy! READ ON THE GO: Scan code to view the latest FREE digital versions of the magazine on our website. Simply click on the front cover once you have scanned the code.
Ronnie Gramazio Editor
www.flooringmagazine.com.au Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 3
News
Winners of Australian Flooring Supplies $10k Giveaway Announced
Gifts included a $500 fuel voucher, a $1,000 Coles-Myer voucher and even a $3,000 Webjet voucher. Craig Hildebrand, general manager of AFS New South Wales, thanked AFS industry partners Ardex, RLA and others for their support with the campaign. “Lastly and most importantly, I would like to acknowledge and thank our customers for embracing the 12 Weeks of Christmas campaign,” Hildebrand said. “The successful promotion capped off what was a stellar year for AFS.” Ugo Tettamanti, general manager of AFS Victoria, said: “The promotion gave a chance for all of our customers to participate and have some fun along the way. “Of course a big thank you goes to the marketing staff, sales and branch staff for all the work that was done behind the scenes to ensure that this promotion ran smoothly.” AFS 12 Weeks of Christmas winners WEEK ONE $500 Eftpos Voucher and $100 AFS voucher: Thanh Truong, Melbourne Master Build WEEK TWO Outdoor Pack & $100 Kathmandu voucher: John Gregory WEEK THREE $500 Red Balloon Voucher and $100 AFS voucher: Mark Weirs, Weirs Flooring Centre WEEK FOUR Home Pack and $150 Coles-Myer voucher: Peter Sanders WEEK FIVE $500 Mantra Voucher and Ted Baker bag: Hayden, AD Home Furnishings WEEK SIX Summer Pack and $150 Coles-Myer voucher: International Solutions
AFS rep Bruce Lugton pictured with the week 10 winner from Cotter Floors.
Christmas shone extra bright late last year for the winners of Australian Flooring Supplies’ 12 Weeks of Christmas campaign. A total of $10,000 worth of gifts was given away to 12 lucky winners, with one prize given away each week between October 2 and December 22, 2017. The campaign aimed to give back to Australian Flooring Supplies (AFS) customers and was designed to alleviate the financial burden of Christmas. 4 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
WEEK SEVEN $500 Fuel Voucher and $100 AFS voucher: Coffs Harbour Carpet Court WEEK EIGHT Executive Hamper: Terry and Chris, The Carpet Tile & Gallery WEEK NINE $500 Dan Murphy’s and $100 AFS voucher: Parkes Carpet Court WEEK TEN Wilson Prostaff Golf Clubs and Bag plus a $300 Drummond Golf voucher: Cotter Floors WEEK ELEVEN $1,000 Coles-Myer Voucher: Golden Carpets WEEK TWELVE $3,000 Webjet voucher: Darren Archer, AR & MD ARCHER PTY LTD
News
Mapei Official Partner at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race captivated spectators again this year over the weekend of 27th – 28th January 2018 with over 100,000 people lining the streets of Geelong, Barwon Heads, Torquay and around the Great Ocean Road for this annual event. This event is now an integral part of the 2018 UCI World Tour calendar and was the first one-day race of the UCI World Tour season further enhancing Australia’s global presence in the world of road cycling. The 2018 UCI World Tour is a competition that is scheduled to include thirty-seven road cycling events throughout the 2018 men's cycling season that began with the opening stage of the Tour Down Under on 16 January and is scheduled to conclude with the Tour of Guangxi on 21 October. MAPEI were again proud to be involved as an Official Partner of this event and welcomed over 500 customers to their VIP Hospitality venue in Geelong which this year was positioned right in front of the Start/Finish line and overlooking the beautiful Corio Bay. MAPEI’s link with cycling started back in 1993 when MAPEI revolutionised professional cycling by sponsoring and developing a team that was UCI ranked No. 1 eight times in their 10-year history. Cadel Evans joined the MAPEI team back in 2002 and continued to train at the MAPEI Sports Centre in Italy under the encouragement and guidance of MAPEI’s Sports Professor Aldo Sassi – a man who helped Cadel make the transition from mountain biker to grand tourer. After Aldo Sassi’s death in 2010, Cadel continued training at the MAPEI Sports Centre under the eye of Aldo’s protégé, Andrea Morelli. After winning the Tour de France in 2011, Evans dedicated his victory to the late Aldo Sassi. MAPEI continue their sponsorship of major cycling events including the prestigious UCI Road World Championships which is held in a different country each year. MAPEI Australia hosted this event in Geelong when it came to Australia for the first time in 2010.
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Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 7
The future of flooring retail has arrived in New Zealand! With a huge range of carpet, timber, laminate and luxury vinyl options customers are sure to find the floor they’ve been searching for. With a fresh new look the showroom aims to provide an unparalleled in-store experience. This is demonstrated by the instore layout, with inspiring product displays and industry leading technology with the 70 inch tv screen of the Inspiration Station which allows consumers to visualise over 2,000 different flooring options in different room images including their own homes. Although the store has recently opened many customers have already had great experiences at the new Choices Flooring East Tamaki showroom. We are here to make the process easy for all customers - states Martin Bolton, Choices Flooring East Tamaki owner.
The Choices Flooring East Tamaki showroom is open for business and they bring the future of flooring to the Auckland community. They are independently owned and operated and their team has extensive knowledge in both flooring product range and design, with exceptional service being core to their business ethic. “We are passionate about flooring, design and ensuring customers select the right product for their homes, whether they be new builds, renovations, investment properties or holiday homes. We are here to help every step of the way from product and design advice for the home through to completing the installation to ensure the outcome for the customer is 100% satisfaction. We are here to make the process easy for all customers.” Stated Martin Bolton, Choices Flooring East Tamaki owner.
For further information regarding Choices Flooring stores in New Zealand please contact John Nicholls
We have had a great experience with the team at Choices Flooring East Tamaki, our room looks amazing and the solution dyed nylon carpet we chose not only looks fantastic but is beautiful underfoot, we are pleased we took the recommendation of a quality underlay and the installation process was hassle free. The before and after visit from staff was a great touch also. Thanks Choices Flooring you are a great team to work with. - Tania and Phil, Howick Choices Flooring East Tamaki look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to their new showroom and are excited to help them find the floor they’ve been searching for. Visit Choices Flooring East Tamaki, 107-111 Harris Road, East Tamaki – (09) 2129483
John Nicholls Group Manager - Retail Development Mobile: +64 27 322 8679 Email: jnicholls@choicesflooring.co.nz
Top & Left: Choices Flooring staff, suppliers, designers, architects, builders, friends and family; Above: Abbey, Colette (Owner), Martin (Owner) and Mia
News
New Technical Centre of Excellence Opened by RLA Polymers in Kilsyth
In a continuing display of confidence in the growth of the Floorcovering Industry and General Construction Segments in Australia, RLA Polymers, in conjunction with parent company, Nan Pao in Taiwan, is proud to announce the opening of a new Technical Centre of Excellence at their Kilsyth Manufacturing facility Almost tripling the size of the existing laboratory, and housed in a purposebuilt new building, this facility will be the centre of excellence not only for their Australian customers, but also to the company’s regional teams, and will also greatly help the parent company, Nan Pao, further develop the Industrial Adhesive Markets within Australia. This newly opened facility follows very quickly after an earlier investment in a new building and equipment to expand their manufacturing capability. Mr Frank Lord, CEO of RLA Group, as well as the Senior Management Team at RLA Australia have been very pleased with the level of support shown by Nan Pao, and their commitment that RLA continues to invest in Australian Manufactured Product rather than following the growing trend for other manufacturers to close their facilities locally in favour of using imported products. 10 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
Having a local Technical Centre of Excellence allows their Technical Managers to respond quickly to the changing market conditions with respect to the development of new products, and also facilitates a rapid response to the needs of customers, whether that need is application advice, or assistance with troubleshooting difficult installations. Nan Pao have an excellent depth of knowledge in Adhesives generally, and this has helped to support RLA in the development of new products, particularly within the Flooring Industry. There has been a growing trend for Floor Covering Manufacturers to introduce new products for which current adhesives systems may not be suitable, and at RLA, they are continually upgrading products and introducing new ones to keep up with this trend. Whilst maintaining and growing our very strong roots within the Flooring Covering Industry, RLA Group has been actively diversifying within a range of markets including Construction Products, Plumbing and Hardware, and Industrial Adhesives. Given the recent investment in their plant and now the new Technical Centre
of Excellence, RLA Group are committed to a long and prosperous presence as a local manufacturer offering high levels of service and support to the clients in all segments of the business.
New Year, New Zealand - Signature Floors Acquires New Zealand Distributor Young & Robins Signature Floorcoverings is pleased to announce the acquisition of one of New Zealand's leading vinyl distributors to further expand its presence in the country. Owned by the Young family for 30 years, Young & Robins has a strong reputation in floor furnishings, known widely for its fashionable sheet vinyls for the home and exceptional customer service. Janice Young, will step down from the family business and retire after a long career in flooring. Anthony O'Halloran announced the move saying "We are excited about the potential for our business in New Zealand. Where previously we have only serviced the commercial specifier market, this opportunity provides the
infrastructure and importantly, talented residential team from Young & Robins to introduce Signature's comprehensive carpet, timber and LVT offering to a new customer base. With a more diversified product range, Signature's key customer groups will enjoy Signature's commitment to service and more importantly instant stock availability". Robert Herten, joins Anthony in welcoming the Young & Robins team to the Signature Family and looks forward to an exciting journey ahead. "We're starting 2018 off with a bang and that's how we intend to continue!”. "We're proud to be one of the largest suppliers of floorcoverings who are still independently owned and operated in Australia."
For the last decade, Signature has undergone a massive and successful transformation from a vinyl and carpet supplier, to now providing a full spectrum of flooring categories. In addition, further expansion is planned on home soil, with a doubling of its warehouse capabilities, scheduled to be completed soon. The commercial team continues to feature its innovative carpet tile and planks ranges in some of Australia's leading institutions, as the residential team enjoy their unprecedented success with benchmark Cashmere Touch, Silk Mirage™ and Pure Wool by Signature® carpet ranges - to name a few. The company now employs over 90 staff across Australia and New Zealand.
Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 11
News
FCIA Produces Industry-Best Practice Handbook in Resilient Installation At a workshop hosted by Polyflor in Sydney on 9th February 2018, the Floorcoverings Institute of Australia (FCIA) Resilient Panel put the finishing touches to a comprehensive Best Practice Handbook for the installation of resilient floorcoverings. The Handbook, to be published following national industry consultations, is the first of three volumes aimed at providing installers, estimators, retailers and contractors with up to date technical advice on the quality installation of resilient, carpet, and timber/ engineered floorcoverings. The resilient volume covers critical installation techniques associated with subfloor assessment and preparation; moisture testing; accessories; underlays; transitions; and installing the complete range of resilient floorcoverings (LVT, heterogeneous and homogeneous vinyl sheets and tiles, acoustic, static dissipative etc).
Industry-wide Collaboration
This is the first comprehensive installation Handbook developed by the flooring for the flooring industry and was compiled
by the following members of the FCIA Resilient Panel: • Armstrong Flooring • Carpet Court • Choices Flooring • Flooring Xtra • Forbo • Karndean • Mapei • MJS Floorcoverings • Polyflor • Signature Floors • Tarkett Experienced flooring consultants William Tree, Don Considine, Gary Eggers, and the FCIA’s Robert Cole also provided expert contributions to the handbook. In addition to providing easy access to a step by step guide to quality flooring installation, the handbook is cross referenced to relevant BCA codes and AS 1884.2012 standards. Following industry consultation, the FCIA will create a digital publication which will be accessible via multiple channels and portable devices.
National Feedback Sessions
Technical experts from the FCIA Resilient Panel will be hosting free industry breakfasts in major capital cities during the last week of March and early April. At these breakfasts the FCIA will be
seeking feedback on the presentation of the information, the practical application of the techniques and procedures, and an indication of the added value the handbook will provide to installers. Flooring Installers and contractors will be able to register for these breakfasts via our website www.fcia.org.au, which will detail dates, times, and locations for each event.
FCIA To Host First Residential Workshop For Apprentices
On the 9th April, 20 apprentices from Victoria and Tasmania will be attending our first FCIA residential workshop, installing new flooring at the Chelsea Public Golf Club clubhouse in South East Melbourne. The workshop will provide real-life training and experience in flooring installation under the supervision and guidance of training providers, industry manufacturers and suppliers, and the FCIA. The FCIA sincerely thanks John Martin (Secretary of the Chelsea Public Golf Club) and the Kingston City Council for allowing the FCIA to train our apprentices whilst renovating the flooring of the clubhouse. In return for this opportunity, the FCIA and our alliance partners are supplying and installing the floorcoverings free of charge which will be of great benefit to the local community. Join the FCIA, follow us on Facebook and look for future articles of the flooring magazine to keep up to date with our exciting National Apprenticeship Program.
Inaugural Annual General Meeting
The FCIA’S inaugural AGM is scheduled for Wednesday 30th May 2018. Become a Member today if you would like to contribute to expansion and growth of the flooring industry through our range of Member Services and technical panels. You can register for Membership on-line via www.fcia.org.au. 12 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
Help us help you!
Give us your feedback on our Resilient Installation Handbook. Register now at fcia.org.au for a free consultation in your state.
Phone (03) 9832 0663 Email info@fcia.org.au
Get involved! @FloorCoveringInstituteofAustralia
fcia.org.au
News
Finishes & Surfaces Magazine Floors the Industry The response to Finishes & Surfaces magazine has been truly overwhelming since its release in late-2017. This ground-breaking publication specifically targets architects, specifiers, interior designers and fit out professionals. “What is of importance to the Flooring industry Australia wide, is that we are working on the 2018/2019 edition”, said Publisher, Vicky Cammiade. “The architect, specifier constantly needs a source for new ideas, new applications, important technical data, as well as the important factor of the level of sustainability, which collectively are all details important to the commercial sector.”
“This is vital to our readers of Flooring magazine as we can provide direct access to the very marketplace they’re after, by providing a unique opportunity to be an integral part of the next edition, by showcasing important projects and fully detailing the product line used and why it was successful in all the tender requirements”.
“Sandie Velkovska our Advertising Sales Manager has several marketing packages available that are very individual and will very definitely get the attention you require” said Vicky. Contact Sandie Velkovska on 03 9890 0815 or email sandie@elitepublishing. com.au to reserve your prime positions now.
Sale of PR Floors to QEP Australia Announced Recently announced is an indicative agreement for the sale of the assets of PR Floors Pty Ltd to QEP Australia (also trading as Australian Flooring Supplies), which has been reached with an expected date of handover of 3 April 2018. Over the past 57 years of ownership PR Floors has enjoyed an ever-changing industry. In an announcement released in February 2018, PR Floors would like to thank valued staff, customers, suppliers and other colleagues for helping the company evolve into what PR Floors is today. This decision has not been taken lightly as the company say that they are passionate and enjoy all the aspects of the business, however, they are also pleased with the outcome of the new ownership to QEP Australia as they plan to continue PR Floors in its current format with minimal change. QEP is one of our largest and longest suppliers of Roberts Flooring Accessories from which they have shared a successful business relationship dating back to the mid 1960’s and in the current management format for over 20 years. Therefore, PR Floors have said that they can assure you that PR Floors is in
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good hands for future growth under their ownership whilst also opening national opportunities via their current network. Following the sale, PR Floors will continue to be headed by Daniel Perrett for the immediate future, working alongside QEP management and the
current team. This will ensure a smooth transition throughout the sale process with minimal disruption to customers, suppliers and colleagues and hence if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your PR Floors team member.
welcoming another addition
to the Choices Flooring family
e r o t s w ne in s
Cairn
Choices Flooring is very pleased to welcome the newest Members into the Choices Flooring family: Craig & Simintra Gower from Cairns in Queensland. Craig has over 29 years’ experience in the Flooring Industry having worked for a number of Flooring Retailers as a Professional Flooring Installer before setting up his own successful Floor Laying business. From their first meeting with the Choices Flooring family, Craig and Simintra were very impressed with the professionalism of the Central Office team and strong network of Choices Flooring members. The Grand Opening was held on Monday 11th December 2017 with guests including VIP’s, Local Business Owners, Clients, Suppliers, Friends & Family all attending the event to witness the Lord Mayor of Cairns (Bob Manning OAM) officially open the new business with a traditional cutting of the ribbon ceremony. “Choices Flooring is known for providing excellent service, quality products and great value to customers - we are really looking forward to being a part of the family!” Simintra said. Andrew Lewis (CEO) welcomed Craig & Simintra into the family and congratulated them on becoming the newest members of the Choices Flooring group.”
We are very excited to be joining a group with such a fantastic reputation and presence in the industry. The size of the group, plus the support systems offered to members were enough for us to know that we were joining the right group. - Craig Gower, Choices Flooring Cairns (Store Owner)
For a strictly confidential discussion about the future direction of your business, please contact: Andrew Lewis
Tim Drew
Chief Executive Officer
Group Manager - Retail Development
Mobile: 0400 400 036
Mobile: 0425 751 756
Email: alewis@choicesflooring.com.au
Email: tdrew@choicesflooring.com.au
choicesflooring.com.au
News
Style Flooring & Interiors National Members Meeting This February, Style Flooring and Interiors hosted their annual National Members Meeting which was themed ‘Going Beyond’, providing members with insight on how to stay competitive in the flooring industry. Held over two days in Melbourne, Victoria, the Style Flooring and Interiors National Members Meeting was the first meeting since the group’s transition from WoolSet to Style Flooring and Interiors in 2016. “It is great to have all of our members together to review our achievements over the past 12 months and discuss what is
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to come in 2018.” GM – Style Flooring & Interiors, Andrew Verstak The meeting revealed many new initiatives, including; exciting new exclusive products, marketing and online strategies and the launch of their latest product category - window furnishings. Style Flooring and Interiors Window Furnishings Collection is Australian made and exclusive to Style Flooring and Interiors. This innovative Collection will be available in a number of stores later this year with a large array of products available including Roller, Roman, Venetian and Vertical Blinds,
as well as, Panel Glides and Plantation Shutters. “We are very excited about breaking into this new category and we are keen to see it in stores over the coming months” - Product Category Manager, Nicole Canty Following the meeting formalities attendees enjoyed a beautiful day on the Mornington Peninsula tasting the local wines and enjoying the picturesque views. The Style Flooring and Interiors National Members Meeting ‘Beyond was the best to date, providing the perfect foundation for the group’s continual success and growth.
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CARPETCOURT.COM.AU 1300 CARPET Laminate - Impressive - Saw Cut Oak Beige
News
Pyrafloor to Host Free One-Day Event Pyrafloor Polished Concrete is setting the benchmark in Decorative Concrete Floors and Polished Concrete Training. Once again this year, Pyrafloor Polished Concrete is hosting a FREE 1 Day Event alongside Experts from the USA after exhibiting at World of Concrete expo to share their secrets and profession on creating decorative concrete masterpieces. This hands-on experience brings their knowledge and expertise in applying chemicals to transform old concrete floors to a polished concrete masterpiece. Join USA Master Applicator, Jonathan Warrick from Summit Concrete Polishing and Crete Colours Chemical expert, DJ Riley in this once off opportunity to learn how to create a masterpiece in your concrete floors that leaves a lasting impression.
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To attend, register your spot by emailing info@pyrafloor.com. au for one of the following events with your name and contact number: Brisbane: Monday 19th March 2018 Sydney: Wednesday 21st March 2018 Melbourne: Friday 23rd March 2018 Alternatively, for more information, contact the team at Pyrafloor to discuss. After registering you will receive further details regarding the location, starting times and details you need to know for this FREE Training Event.
Kenbrock Announces Green Tag Certification Gaining recognised certification of products is very important and Kenbrock are proud to confirm that they have achieved Global Green Tag for its major ranges of Modular Planks, including the market leading Smartdrop & Zenith ranges. This accreditation means that building owners and architects can utilise the GreenStar sustainability tool which is offered through the Green Building Council of Australia for their projects. They will have access to product credits through this scheme by utilising these Kenbrock ranges. The Green Tag accreditation provides assessment of several key areas such as: health, eco-toxicity, post-consumer recycled content, waste reduction, compliance with environmental and labour legislation, no heavy metals & low VOC content. Trevor Morris, CEO of Kenbrock Pty Ltd commented that “this is a first step in our long term strategy to become a leader in environmentally friendly, and fully sustainable, resilient flooring products in the Australian Flooring Industry. It is our responsibility to ensure that our clients are receiving products of the upmost environmental integrity and providing a safe and sustainable environment for the entire Australian community, whilst still keeping the on-trend aesthetics we are known and loved for”. Other Kenbrock products are set to follow suit in gaining the GreenTag accreditation, which is known as a worldwide leader in sustainability accreditation. Bill Moore from Kenbrock described some of the additional benefits of Green Tag that can be discussed with owners of both private and commercial buildings; “in commercial buildings, by installing a sustainable and environmentally friendly flooring for living and public space, it is possible to gain higher returns by attracting and keeping tenants. In global case studies, it has been proved the benefit to health & productivity of staff in areas with accredited products. In private homes consideration of the credentials of all interior finishes is becoming more important in the final decision process”.
Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 19
News
Gerflor Continues to Grow Its Numbers and Presence
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FROM TOP: The national Gerflor team together in the Yarra Valley; A beautiful setting and some social activities added to the enjoyment of the event; Managing Director, Chris Low with his leadership team from left: Evan Graves, Trine Simpson, Glen Sheppard, Sylvia Malic, Suzanne Heng, Ian Zegenhagen and Jutta Fronert.
The national Gerflor team gathered in the Yarra Valley to celebrate the people, plans and products that are driving the agenda for 2018. New team members from Western Australia and South Australia were welcomed to the company that continues to grow in numbers and presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets. A busy program of presentations and workshops was delivered along with a range of team building activities that proved valuable and fun. Exciting new roll and plank products were on display alongside innovations in the healthcare, retail and sport segments. “It is really gratifying to see the diversity of skills now spread across our team. We have an enviable mix of experience and technical knowledge alongside fresh ideas and talents. I feel confident we are well placed to meet the exciting and challenging opportunities that lie ahead,” Managing Director, Chris Low said. Among exciting new developments shared with the team were announcements of a new warehouse in Brisbane to service Queensland customers and Gerflor’s acquisition of DLW Linoleum that produces natural and sustainable flooring made from renewable raw materials and fulfils the requirements of the most important environment certificates. The event also provided a perfect platform to recognise and reward the top performers of 2017 as well as those who notched up important service milestones between five and 20 years.
Overseas News
Five Events You Must See at Domotex Asia/Chinafloor 2018
March 20th – 22nd 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the event’s fruitful campaign and to celebrate, the exhibition reintroduces a variety of events to promote business in all flooring sectors. 1) InnovAction Flooring Campaign The InnovAction high-profile displays unveil the industry’s future, market leading products in CARPET, WOOD, and RESILIENT flooring. InnovAction pavilion exhibitors are automatically enrolled in the 2018 Top-10 Best Products Competition during the show so an onsite audience of 55,000+ attendees can cast their vote for their favorite products.
3) Materia Materia is the one-stop shop to see and even touch the materials that make up the “DNA” of the finished goods used in our office buildings and homes. This popular showcase, originally from the Netherlands, offers an abundant preview of over 300 types of metals, ceramics, plastics, woods, and more, all varying in texture, structure, resistance, weight, and acoustics. 4) cadex
2) Luxury Brands VIPs and invited guests can visit Luxury Brands, a distinct display area presenting 16 carpet design firms who indulge visitors with a variety of new, extravagant products. Luxury Brands is co-organized and sponsored by COVER Magazine. The world-renowned designers joining the pavilion in 2018 are: AMADI CARPETS, ARIANA RUGS, ART RESOURCES, CCTAPIS, CREATIVE MATTERS, EDELGRUND, FRENCH ACCENTS, H.O.C. DESIGN, HOSSEIN REZVANI, LILA VALADAN, NEW MOON, RUG STAR, SAMAD, TUFENKIAN, WOOL & SILK, and ZOLLANVARI.
cadex is a 2-day platform geared toward providing global architects and flooring experts a meeting place to exchange ideas and best practices. In 2017, over 4,000 people
attended the educational conferences to update themselves on current events and discover ways to collaborate on future projects in the Asian-Pacific Region. This year’s conference talking points will cover “Creative Workspaces”. 5) WPC Decking – Hosted Buyer Program WPC decking professionals interested in finding new business partners in China are welcome to apply as a VIP for the WPC Buyers Delegation. For this half-day program, 15 international buyers will be selected for personalized meetings and business match-making with up to 50 WPC decking exhibitors from China, including China’s top decking exporters; SENTAI, NEWTECHWOOD, VIDAR, SUNSHIEN, FORESTAR, LESCO-KINGFA, ZHENGYUAN, HELONG, FURISEN, & XINFENG.
Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 21
Overseas News
Luxury Brands Carpet Show to Shine at Domotex Asia/ Chinafloor DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR, Asia-Pacific’s most established trade show for the flooring industry has seen great success with their signature product pavilions over its 20-year history. However, The Luxury Brands designer carpet showcase in particular has captured the attention and respect of the industry due the event’s quality of hand-made carpets and popularity of the international designers participating.
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The DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR team and COVER Magazine are thrilled to announce the second edition of the curated Luxury Brands exhibition and designer carpet collection taking place in Shanghai March 20th-22nd, 2018. VIPs, invited guests, and international journalists can visit the signature marquee in Hall-W5, presenting 16 renowned carpet design firms who indulge visitors with a variety of extravagant products. Each company introduces two of their finest hand-made rugs with the goal of attracting buyers as well as industry professionals interested in collaborating on future design projects.
The internationally renowned designers from Europe, the Middle-East, and North America joining the pavilion this year are: AMADI CARPETS, ARIANA RUGS, ART RESOURCES, CC-TAPIS, CREATIVE MATTERS, EDELGRUND, FRENCH ACCENTS, H.O.C. DESIGN, HOSSEIN REZVANI, LILA VALADAN, NEW MOON, RUG STAR, SAMAD, TUFENKIAN, WOOL & SILK, and ZOLLANVARI. “After a successful show in 2017, Creative Matters is excited to return to DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR”, says Carol Sebert, President and Founder of the Toronto based firm. “Our contemporary designs are suitable for residential and corporate interiors spanning modern to classic settings, perfect for the mix of traditional and contemporary styles sought after in Asia. Creative Matters' design aesthetic and ethical production, along with the high quality of the rugs we make, are a great fit for this large and dynamic market, and the ‘Luxury Brands’ pavilion is a great way to give attendees a taste of what we do.”
TRYING TO PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER? Layers Diary Financials Debtors Quotes Stock
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Overseas News
Mapei Joins the US Army in Partnership for Youth Success Through the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program, MAPEI Corporation is set to access a well-qualified, experienced pool of young men and women for its current and planned job opportunities. As part of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by MAPEI Corporation President and CEO Luigi Di Geso, MAPEI will enter job opportunities into a database that can be accessed by Regular Army soldiers and Army Reserve soldiers who are part of the PaYS program. When the soldiers select MAPEI as a potential employer, MAPEI has guaranteed them an interview for any available or planned position that matches their career path, especially their military occupational specialty (MOS). ROTC cadets can also become a part of the PaYS program as college seniors and are eligible for interviews after graduation, commissioning and completing their service obligations. During the MOA signing at MAPEI Corporation’s Deerfield Beach Headquarters on December 8, 2017, an audience of civilians and military personnel were addressed by Captain
24 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
Kenneth Bowling, Company Commander of the Deerfield Beach recruiting company, Lieutenant Colonel Randall Newman, Battalion Commander of the Miami Recruiting Battalion, and Mr. Di Geso of MAPEI. Lt. Col. Newman commented, “The Army PaYS program is one of the most important programs we offer our soldiers. We care about our soldiers and we train them well. I have no doubt that the new partnership with MAPEI will afford qualified veterans the opportunity to work in an amazing corporation and help MAPEI to continue to see success in years to come.” Regarding the Reserve Army soldiers in the PaYS program, Newman said, “In order to be successful, you have to be able to be employed, because you can’t make a living on reserve pay[alone]. What’s perfect is if you actually work in a profession that coincides with your military service. . . . Allowing reserves into your corporation is definitely one of those strategic enablers for the United States army, because we rely on our Reserves. Just a quick example – I’m a logistics officer, and 70% of the United States Army’s logistics capability resides
in the Reserve, and that’s a huge amount of our capability used to sustain operations overseas. Supporting the Reserve is critical and I appreciate that.” Di Geso closed his remarks with praise for a program that offers so much to both the soldiers who serve our country and the corporations who employ them. “We here at MAPEI are honored to join this partnership with the Army PaYS program,” he said. “Not only do we feel like we’re aiding a good cause, we are able to employ soldiers who have gained significant depth of experience in their military roles. When we think of their discipline, training, and the way they have been taught about loyalty – these are all traits that we here at MAPEI need and seek.” Di Geso continued, “It’s not easy in today’s workplace to find employees who will join your company and give you the devotion and the strength that a soldier will give. In today’s age, where unemployment, thankfully, is quite low, it’s also quite difficult for us to find employees like these. By joining with the Army PaYS program, not only do we assure that we are helping our military, we are ensuring that we are getting good recruits, good people who will meet the challenges that MAPEI has, not only for us, but for them for the future.”
Meets BCA requirements for Sound Transfer Environmentally Friendly Durability and Comfort Simple Installation Easy Maintenance
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Overseas News
Makinex Construction Products Launches in the UK Makinex Construction Products launched in the UK on 1st January 2018. Makinex Construction products was established in Australia back in 2004 focusing on designing robust light construction equipment for the Hire & Rental industry. Over the past decade their business model has been to take these products to the world, including USA Europe and now launching offices in the UK. Paul Weaver – Makinex Managing Director says: “Entering new markets around the world can be a minefield, two years ago, we partnered with Morris Site Machinery (MSM) in the United Kingdom on this journey. We agreed to partner with MSM as we held similar values designing innovative equipment offering our customers a better more efficient way to do their job. Morris Site Machinery have represented the Makinex range in a highly professional way during this time something we are very grateful for. They have set the foundations for the brand in the UK and now we feel the time is right for Makinex to go it alone. Makinex have big ambitions, their Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) is to have
26 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
20 products in twenty countries in 10 years. They have offices in Australia, Nth America as well as distribution partners in 12 other countries. To help Makinex achieve this goal in the UK they have appointed Russell Boswell-Munday as UK Sales Manager. Russell has gained experience and understanding of the UK hire industry over the past 20 years. Makinex Construction Products have won many awards around the world for innovation including the Executive Hire Show “Innovation Trail Award” back in 2016 for their Powered Hand Truck, as well as a Good Design Award in Australia and the RER Innovation Award in USA 2016 Makinex Constructions Products provides innovative and unique construction products to the global construction and hire industry. Makinex products are Australian designed solutions that vastly increase productivity by providing faster, easier and safer ways for getting jobs done. Makinex products are reliable, efficient and easy to use. Our focus is to provide professional contractors and tradespeople with quality solutions that will save time and money.
Overseas News
Domotex USA to Debut in 2019
Hannover Fairs USA announced recently that it will debut DOMOTEX USA focused on the American residential floorcovering industry in Atlanta, Georgia from February 28-March 2nd, 2019 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Launched in 1988 in Hannover, Germany by Deutsche Messe, one of the world’s top trade show organizers, DOMOTEX is the world’s foremost showcase for floorcoverings innovation. DOMOTEX USA will consist of exhibition space, conferences and education, featuring flooring and flooring innovations in one easy three day trade show in America’s flooring capital, Atlanta. Exhibitors will display the latest machine-made carpets, wall-towall carpeting, textile floorcoverings, handmade rugs, resilient floorcoverings, design flooring /luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and laminate flooring, parquet and wood flooring, as well as application and installation technologies designed for the residential flooring marketplace. “Many industry representatives have been asking us for years to launch the DOMOTEX brand in the North American
28 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
market, as there has not been a flooring trade fair in the eastern US that demonstrates the quality and breadth of the world's leading carpet and flooring show, the DOMOTEX Hannover, ”says Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Management Board, Deutsche Messe AG, Hanover. “In addition, given the strong economy in the US, much is being invested in commercial real estate such as offices, hotels and shops. The number of residential properties is also growing considerably. These are good conditions for the sale of floorcoverings in the USA. ” DOMOTEX USA will target North American-based professionals, including wholesalers and retailers of Carpets, Floorcoverings, Wood Flooring, LVT and, other innovative flooring products for Flooring Retailers, Home Builders, Developers, Floor Installers, and Home Improvement & Buying Groups. DOMOTEX USA will be organized and managed by Hannover Fairs USA (HFUSA), the U.S. subsidiary of Deutsche Messe. “Launching DOMOTEX USA in Atlanta makes perfect sense because we can offer industry players across the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast the chance to both visit exhibitors on the show floor and to tour the area’s manufacturing facilities,” said Raymond Bianchi,
Vice President, Events & Business Development at Hannover Fairs USA. DOMOTEX USA is an extension of Deutsche Messe’s worldwide portfolio of flooring events. With its premiere in February 2019, DOMOTEX USA leverages the power of the DOMOTEX global brand in North America, complementing the floorcovering shows in Hannover, Shanghai and Turkey. “With the introduction of DOMOTEX in Atlanta, we will showcase residential flooring innovations from the center of North America’s floorcovering marketplace, adding another vital Deutsche Messe event to our North American portfolio of shows,” said Larry Turner, President and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA.
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Overseas News
Carpet Design Awards 2018 Winners Announced at Domotex The winners of the Carpet Design Awards for 2018 were announced recently at DOMOTEX in Hannover. The awards are bestowed on outstanding products in eight categories. A total of 24 finalists, three from each category, were picked out from a total of 265 products submitted from 16 countries. In 2018 this prestigious international award for modern handmade carpets is being presented for the thirteenth time at DOMOTEX. A jury of professionals, chaired by Michael Mandapati, carpet expert and founder of Warp & Werft, New York, selected the eight winning carpets on the basis of the design concept and design properties such as color, materials, structure and quality, as well as product sustainability and branding.
30 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
The winners are as follows: in the category Best Studio Artist Design: “Golden Fade” from Salem van der Swaagh, in the category Best Modern Design Superior: “Chaos” from Lila Valadan, in the category Best Modern Design Deluxe: „Galmous Atlas Mountain Rug” from Soufiane Zarib, in the category Best Transitional Design: „Blue Star” from Art Resources, in the category Best Flatweave Design; “Vague Harmony” from Lila Valadan, in the category Best Collection: “Chand LC Collection” from Choudhary Exports, in the category Best Interior: “Mediterranean Capo Boi” from Mariantonia Urru, in the category Best Communication: “Shifting Perception Advertising Campaign” from Edelgrund. This year's Carpet Design Awards clearly reflect the DOMOTEX keynote theme UNIQUE YOUNIVERSE. DOMOTEX has always provided a platform for trends and the displays this year highlight how products and services are being customized to accommodate the needs
and lifestyle of customers and the effects of this trend on the floorcoverings industry. The Carpet Design Awards have been adapted accordingly with two new categories, namely "Best Interior" (high-end customized interior design projects) and "Best Communication" (successful marketing or branding campaigns), adding a new edge and topicality to the awards. Individual and original designs – created with irregularly textured knotting, variations in nap and pile, the experimental and random use of color and pattern – characterize the trend towards design customization and the competition itself. All 24 products that reached the final round of the competition can be viewed until the end of the trade show in the special display Framing Trends in Hall 9, where the focus is on innovative design and interior design trends centering on the keynote theme. Tradeshow visitors can also have their say and vote for their favorite design. The award for the public's
choice will be presented at the end of DOMOTEX. The Carpet Design Awards are staged in cooperation with the magazines HALI and COVER.
Carpet Design Award winners for 2018 – Reasons for the jury’s choice
Category 1: Best Studio Artist Design "Golden Fade" from Salem van der Swaagh Reason for the jury’s choice: The jury was impressed by how the maker uses textile waste to create interesting textures in different techniques. Category 2: Best Modern Design Superior "Chaos" from Lila Valadan Reason for the jury’s choice: The winning rug was felt to have a pattern that reads like a narrative. Category 3: Best Modern Design Deluxe "Galmous Atlas Mountain Rug" from Soufiane Zarib Reason for the jury’s choice: The jury called this a rug with soul that brings to
the surface the best qualities of carpet weaving. Category 4: Best Transitional Design "Blue Star" from Art Resources Reason for the jury’s choice: To take a traditional pattern and turn it into a contemporary look solely through the use of colour is a tremendous achievement. Category 5: Best Flatweave Design "Vague Harmony" from Lila Valadan Reason for the jury’s choice: The winner is a stunning rug that provoked our experienced panel to stop and ask questions about how it is made. Category 6: Best Collection "Chand LC Collection" from Choudhary Exports Reason for the jury’s choice: Top in this category is an original and
well-made collection where each rug references another while remaining unique. Category 7: Best Interior "Mediterranean Capo Boi" from Mariantonia Urru Reason for the jury’s choice: The winning company takes weaving to a place where textile becomes architecture. Category 8: Best Communication "Shifting Perception Advertising Campaign" from Edelgrund Reason for the jury’s choice: This is the sort of campaign that makes you stop and look again, said the jury, a true mark of success when it comes to getting the message of your brand across.
Software choice for our customers, and more product than our salespeople can familiarise themselves with. On the subject of choice, have a look at the article at the following link goo. gl/iJny4w. Think about it in context of the number of samples on display in your showroom.
“Most flooring retailers rely on gut feeling to determine their best sellers.”
Make More Sales
By managing our showroom When we are investing in marketing, we think long and hard about how it should look. We think about what our print ads contain and how they are set out; if we have a website, we want it to be professional and slick and for it not to look like it was designed in 1995. When we are represented in the media, we want to be clear, uncluttered, and understandable. If this is the case, why is there often a difference between how we present ourselves in our marketing, and how our stores are presented? If our customer calls in response to our marketing but finds our shop different to what they have been led to expect, our salespeople are immediately at a disadvantage. There are several reasons our store might not give our customers the best
“There are several reasons our store might not give our customers the best impression of us when they visit.”
32 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
impression when they visit; we have space in this article to talk about two; the first is effects of gradual change that goes unnoticed, and the other is clutter. Gradual Change. How does our shop look compared to the day we opened? If we have had a shop refit in the recent past, how does the shop look compared to when we finished the refit? If we can see a difference for the worse, then very likely we have become acclimatised to the cumulative day to day changes that have eroded how our store first looked. Do we take the time every day to look at our shop, and our salespeople through the eyes of a customer visiting us for the first time? Do we have a daily regimen for keeping our appearance up? Are our samples put away where the salespeople can easily find them? How often is the showroom dusted and vacuumed? Taking pride in our work environment is part of helping our staff take pride in it and helping prospective customers decide we are people they want to deal with. Clutter. Most flooring businesses have far more samples on display than they ever sell; with more samples arriving regularly from suppliers. Samples on display are crammed into our stores, creating a bewildering
The 80/20 rule applies, 80% of your business will very likely be done in 20% of the product you have on display. By reducing the number of samples you display, you will be able to better display those products that are selling. There will also be less confusion for your customers, and you’ll make it easier for your salespeople to become experts in all the product on display. Most flooring retailers rely on gut feeling to determine their best sellers. Other retailers use RFMS to report their top selling products. RFMS also reports the GP% being achieved on top-selling products. For further data to help make display decisions, RFMS can report on individual products showing number of quotes, number of sales, highest lowest and average GP, the colours that are selling, and salespeople selling the product. Information like this makes it easy to decide the products to display. Of course, tastes change and market demand changes; so we need to add in products we think will sell, and monitor them along with all other products to make sure we stay on track, and that our retail space is best utilised for sales. An investment of one hour is all that is required for us to be able to introduce you to RFMS, product performance reporting, and other areas where RFMS will help you improve your flooring business. Chris Ogden is a consultant and Director of RFMS Australasia a supplier of IT solutions specific to the flooring industry, and has an extensive background in all aspects of the flooring industry.
IT - Learning From Other Industries From my first-floor office window, I have a view of the Mosgiel main street. You can imagine the excitement. The other day I watched as a couple of sign writers went about putting signwriting on a shop window, and it occurred to me that if someone had told sign writers 30 years ago their job would change from paints and brushes to software and large format printing machines, they would have been laughed out of the workshop. Perhaps initially they were, but in fact, that is just what has happened. The sign writer today is less likely to show up to your business in paintspattered overalls than he is to arrive with a roll of signage under his arm ready to be applied quickly and cleanly to your shop window. Some might argue that the signwriting trade has been de-skilled; anyone now with some design flair and access to software and hardware can generate professional and eye-catching signs. I haven’t discussed it with an owner of a signwriting business, but I can see significant advantages, and I
expect given the option, the owner of a signwriting business would not go back to the days of brush and paint. Certainly, as consumers, most of us prefer the more professional signage over hand-painted signs; a signwriter today would likely not have a business if their only medium was paint. What’s my point? The same advances in technology that changed the signwriting industry are right now changing the flooring industry. In the flooring industry we are moving away from traditional measuring and quantifying methods to Electronic Quantifying Solutions (EQS). We can assume signwriters 20-30 years ago were dismissive of an electronic solution for a trade that had for centuries, relied on paint and a skilled painter. Similarly, we have those in the flooring industry who find it hard to imagine that EQS can replace the measuring and quantifying methods and skills that have served the industry so well for so long. The move to EQS is underway, with
more using it every day. While the movement might seem slow, it will only be a matter of time before the measurer carrying a tape measure, pad and pencil will be as rare a sight as the signwriter with a van full of paint pots and brushes. In the years to come, it will be the case that measurers and salespeople who cannot use technology or are reluctant to do so, will struggle to find a place in the industry. There will be businesses that will make the move reluctantly and only because they have to keep pace with their competitors, and there will be those who make the change early for the competitive advantage EQS provides. Which are you? Measure by RFMS is the market leader in electronic quantifying. If you are sceptical, make yourself a coffee and take 30 minutes out of your week to at least see what Measure can do. Chris will be happy to show you the future of quantifying in the flooring industry.
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salesau@rfms.com Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 33
2018 ADHESIVES GUIDE Welcome to the Adhesives Guide for Flooring magazine. This inaugural guide is the result from the many requests for information regarding adhesives pertaining to the flooring industry throughout Australia. Flooring magazine asked leading suppliers to nominate appropriate adhesives. We have covered basic information only because there will always be variables that have to be taken into consideration. While it cannot address every situation, this guide can provide a valuable reference point and insight into some of the products available right now in the marketplace. Many companies are listed and this 2018 Adhesives Guide primarily features products that have already been tried and tested. There are also pages of editorial in this guide with images illustrating various uses and types of adhesives, and to showcase to the industry what exactly is out there. Participating companies in the following pages can provide technical advice for specific projects. Flooring magazine encourages readers to seek advice before commencing the adhesives process.
34 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Floor and Wall TECHNOLOGY TO CHANGE FLOOR & WALL LVT INSTALLATION AS WE KNOW IT. “NO ONE ELSE IN THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET HAS THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY AND WILL CHANGE INSTALLATIONS AS WE KNOW IT, THIS WILL REPLACE THE NEED FOR EPOXY ADHESIVE FOR ALL TYPES OF PVC AND RUBBER.”
Benefits include: • No mixing • Re-use after opening • All the benefits of epoxy in a 1k formula, so no waste • A key part of LVT installation in showers & wet areas • Green building certified • No epoxy allergies
LOCAL STOCKISTS FOR See your nearest Intafloors retailer about Mapei Ultrabond ECO MS and other adhesive products. View our entire range at intafloors.com.au QLD
Gibbon Group | Trade Supplies
SA
Intafloors Trade Depot
Sydney: 02 8678 5479 NEW DEPOT Botany: 02 8038 1111 sales@intafloorstrade.com.au
07 3881 1777 sales@gibbongroup.com.au
Adelaide: 08 8346 9833 office@deseal.com.au
McDonalds Flooring Accessories 07 5564 9999 daniel@mcdonaldsflooring.com.au
VIC
NSW
Seal and Sons
FIS Distributors (HO) Keysborough: 03 9768 7248 Knoxfield: 03 9764 2400 Geelong: 03 5521 6670 Preston: 03 9416 7878 sales@fisdistributors.com.au
WA
Kevmor Wholesale Trade Supplies Perth: 08 9277 7177 sales@kevmor.com.au
Adhesives guide
Intafloors Retailers Stocking Australian First Technology in Floor and Wall LVT Installation The Intafloors Group are building on their momentum as a group who are providing sustainable flooring supplies to the Australian flooring installation market as retail stockists for Mapei Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Floor and Wall. “No one else in the Australian market has this new technology and will change installations as we know it, this will replace the need for epoxy adhesive for all types of PVC and rubber”, says Jim Creswell – Mapei Australia National Product Manager Resilient Line. Mapei Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Floor and Wall allows you to install resilient wall and floorcoverings in extreme conditions. There is also no mixing required, the benefit of being completely re-usable after opening, and having all the benefits of epoxy in a 1k formula, there’s no waste. A key part of LVT installation in showers and wet areas, Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Floor and Wall is Green building certified and tradies won’t suffer from epoxy allergies. The feedback from installers has been exceptional. If you’re interested in knowing what these products can do for your next installation job, contact your nearest Intafloors Group retailer for more information on Mapei Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Floor and Wall. Intafloors.com.au
36 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
Adhesives guide
MAPEI has released products for the installation Of LVT, Rubber, Vinyl And PVC floor And wall coverings in extreme conditions resistant to shear loads which makes it particularly suitable for floors exposed to direct sunlight, intense mechanical stress due to forklifts or which are constantly exposed to water (showers, kitchens, etc). This NEW product is also available in the thixotropic version for installing wall coverings in LVT, rubber and PVC – Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Wall. All MAPEI products can contribute valuable points towards Green Star™ credits.
MAPEI are excited to announce the release of two NEW products into the resilient flooring market – ULTRABOND ECO MS 4 LVT and ULTRABOND ECO MS 4 LVT WALL. The different technical aspects of LVT available on the market offer glue-down, click-connect, loose-lay or stick down solutions, which are a real help for the client and the designer when it comes to the actual fitting that is required. In short, the LVT collections available really do provide an application to suit everybody. Mapei has always had a keen eye on the requirements of new design trends and proposes a complete range of systems which technically support and complete the installation of LVT. Solutions that fulfil the need to guarantee reliable, long-lasting installation systems in compliance with the principles of certified eco sustainability, with full respect for international programmes aimed at safeguarding the environment and our health. Modern, solvent-free, one-component reactive adhesives made from silylated polymers specifically developed to bond LVT and replace conventional twocomponent reactive adhesives in all areas where this type of flooring is installed. Very tough and highly 38 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
Adhesives guide
SCHÖNOX® EMICLASSIC® A universal synthetic resin dispersion adhesive uniquely designed for use on various types of flexible floorcoverings including Linoleum, LVT, Sheet Vinyl, Cork, Rubber Flooring, Acoustic Rubber Underlay and even Roll Carpet. This premium adhesive is completely solvent-free according to TRGS 610 and is EC 1PLUS: Very Low Emission certified meeting the strictest of European standards for air quality. Suitable for green star building project or refurbs. Approved adhesive for castor wheels in accordance with EN 12 529. Applications include both wet and
SCHÖNOX success and reputation are based on
pressure sensitive installation practices. SCHÖNOX Emiclassic is easily spread, has short waiting time and rapidly develops a strong bonding strength for fast
the core strategy of consistently developing new quality products, systems, and solutions for customers. SCHÖNOX, part of the Sika group.
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Adhesives guide
CON-TREAT PTY LTD 1300 044 625 www.contreat.com.au
DURACORE PTY LTD 1300 044 625 www.duracore.com.au
INTAFLOORS 1300 245 404 https://intafloors.com.au
MAPEI 07 3276 5000 mapei.com.au
FLOORS Wood/ Hardwood
Fortis 519 UV Polyurethane Fortis 526 Water Based Polyurethane
Laminate
Densi Crete - Moisture Barrier Moisture Proof - Moisture Barrier
Vinyl
Mapei P990
Ultrabond P990 1K Ultrabond ECO S955 1K
244415 074315
Mapei S955
Ultrabond ECO S955 1K
074315
Vinyl Sheet Mapei ECO 380 Mapei ECO V4SP Mapei Roll Coll (Wall Sheet) Mapei ECO MS 4 LVT
Ultrabond ECO Ultrabond ECO Ultrabond ECO Ultrabond ECO Rollcoll Adesilex G19
380 1943416 VS90 Plus 0657116 V4SP 067216 MS 4 LVT 3586115 115112 410306
Vinyl Plank Mapei VS 90 + Mapei ECO V4SP Intafloors Stix Roll It Intafloors Ultrastix Mapei ECO MS 4 LVT Vinyl Tile Mapeo ECO Fix Mapei ECO MS 4 LVT Intafloors Ultrastix
Carpets
Carpets Intafloors Ironstix Intafloors Goldstix
Rollcoll 115112 Ultrabond ECO 170 1946516 Ultrabond ECO TACK 358215 Ultrabond ECO FIX 358010U
Carpet Tile Intafloors Ultrastix Mapei ECO Tack Mapei ECO Fix
Concrete
SureFloor Epoxy Coatings Fortis 519 Polyurethane Fortis 526 Water Based Polyurethane Fortis Concrete Acid Stains Instant Floor Polyaspartic Pro Seal 896 Water Based Sealer
Rubber
42 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
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Ultrabond ECO V4SP 067216 Ultrabond ECO V4SP Fiber 067316 Ultrabond ECO MS 4 LVT 3586115 Adesilex G19 410306
MJS FLOORCOVERINGS www.mjsfloorcoverings.com.au
RLA POLYMERS PTY LTD 1800 242 931 www.rlagroup.com.au
SIKA 02 9725 1145 aus.sika.com
TENSOR 02 6175 0574 www.tensorglobal.com
FLOORS M2001
Timber Flooring Adhesive Fast Set Pu Adhesive Roberts Tru Grip
RL1017 RL1018 R60
MPVA
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RL1017 RL1018 R6355
Sikabond® T55J Sikabond® 58 Sikabond® T53
Wood/ Hardwood
MJS Max Bond Tru-Set Timber 2001
Laminate
MJS Max Bond TNG X-Linking PVA
Vinyl
MJS Max Bond 107 Hi-Grab M107 MJS Max Bond Enviro 2007 MB2007 MJS Max Bond Enviro 2012 MB2012
Conductive Vinyl Adhesive R18 Universal Vinyl Adhesive R200 Ht Vinyl & Plank Adhesive R280 Fr Universal Flooring Adhesive R285 Sheet Vinyl Adhesive PE265 Universal Sheet Vinyl Adhesive PE365 Hi-Tack Universal Vinyl Adhesive GS220 2Part Flexible Pu Adhesive R555
Schönox® Duracoll Bayset # 711-702 Schönox® Emiclassic Bayset # 711-703 Schönox® PU 900 ( 7Kg Kit) Bayset # 711-705
TensorGrip FS900 Vinyl Adhesive FS.900.22 TensorGrip FS707 Water-Based Vinyl Tile Tackifier FS.707.22
Carpets
MJS Max Bond 106 MB106 MJS Max Bond Enviro 2008 MB2008 MJS Max Bond Enviro 2010 MB2010 MJS Max Bond Enviro 2004 MB2004 MJS Max Bond Enviro 2009 MB2009
Commercial Contract Carpet Adhesive R59 Fast Grab Carpet Adhesive R85 Extra Tack Acarpet Adhesive R95 Commercial Carpet Adhesive R100 Carpet Latex R679 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive R656 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive PE999 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive GS444 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive GS300
Schönox® Emiclassic Schönox® Tackifier
TensorGrip FS600 High Strength Carpet Adhesive FS.600.22 TensorGrip FS500 General Purpose Carpet Adhesive FS.500.22 TensorGrip FS470 Carpet Tile Tackifier FS.470.22 TensorGrip FS707 Water-Based Carpet Tile Tackifier FS.707.22
Concrete
Roberts Medi Seal Nu Slab Seal Commerical MB Primer Universal Primer
Sikaflex® 11FC Sikaflex® Tank
Rubber
FR Universal Flooring Adhesive R285 2Part Flexible PU Adhesive R555 Epoxy Adhesive RL1718
RMS GS420 Rl20G R400 R48
90364 478843 520537
Bayset # 711-703 Bayset # 711-701
519871 156879
Schönox® Emiclassic Bayset # 711-703 Schönox® Multi Objekt Bayset # 711-700 Schönox® Pu 900 ( 7Kg Kit ) Bayset # 711-705
TensorGrip FS800 Rubber Bonding Adhesive FS.800.22
Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 43
Adhesives guide
Adhesive Innovation with Quin Global
Gekko brands. Each adhesive is carefully manufactured in their Australian factory. Quin Global’s adhesives are manufactured to quality standards, and their performance tested before supplying you. For more information regarding Quin Global’s floor adhesive ranges, please contact 02 6175 0574 or info@quin-global.com.au
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44 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
You may have come across Quin Global’s TensorGrip and
FLOORING ADHESIVES Roberts has been the trusted supplier to Flooring Covering Installers with high performance quality products for well in excess of 50 years. In continuing that strong tradition, we have introduced two new advanced technology adhesives to suit the ever changing nature of floor coverings. Try them……………..they will become your number one choice.
R280 HT
R285FR
Universal Flooring Adhesive
High Temperature Vinyl Plank and Tile Adhesive
R280 HT is an acrylic polymer high temperature hard set adhesive with a short open time and excellent adhesion. It is fibre reinforced, highly shear resistant with excellent plasticiser migration resistance, non staining properties and provides high resistance to temperature variations.
High shear strength Provides high resistance to temperature variations Fibre Reinforced Short open time High dimensional stability Suitable for PVC Vinyl Plank, Tile flooring, Vinyl Composite Tiles and floorcoverings.
ROBERTS Green solutions
R280
High Temperature Vinyl Plank and Tile Adhesive
HT
Suitablefor PVC Vinyl Plank and Tile flooring,Vinyl Composite Tiles floorcoverings.
R285 FR is an acrylic co- polymer adhesive with strong initial tack qualities and bond for a range PVC vinyl and textile floorcoverings. It is a wet set adhesive and where required can be applied as wet/semi wet adhesive. It is fibre reinforced with excellent plasticiser migration resistance and non staining properties.
Strong Initial tack Easy to apply Fibre Reinforced Suitable to bond wide range of floorcoverings such as PVC Vinyl Sheet and Planks, Linoleum, Textile flooring and some Natural Rubber floorcoverings.
ROBERTS Green solutions
R285 Universal Flooring Adhesive
FR
and Planks, Suitableto bond wide range of floorcoveringssuch as PVC Vinyl Sheet Textile flooringand some Natural Rubber floorcoverings
Linoleum,
Icons Q. Hi Bill, and welcome to ICONS. As you are this issue’s ICON, in some detail what do you feel have been the career highlights for you looking back? Your long association with Signature Floors and how long have you been in the flooring business?
ICONS
Bill O’Halloran
This month, we welcome Signature Floors’ Bill O’Halloran as our ICON. Bill is a legend in the flooring business and through sheer hard work and determination, he has seen Signature Floors grow and evolve into the business it is today. This family-owned business which began modestly in 1989, is now a powerhouse of the industry. In this Q&A, we take a look back at the company’s origins, as well as take a peek inside Bill’s life, growing-up and becoming the ICON he is today. The photos of Bill and family and work colleagues in this feature are a treat, too.
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I started off in the flooring business during school, completing work experience in the carpet department at Ball & Welch, a prominent department store in Melbourne at the time. I started my career as a cadet at Michael Nairn who manufactured “Nairn's Australian made linoleum” in Sydney. Working three shifts a day across seven days of the week, I unloaded the cork and hessian goods from the barges that arrived in Sydney harbour. In 1963 – after moving to the sales team at Nairn - I moved with my wife and children to Tasmania as a result of a promotion, which then led me to work in Adelaide. Nairn was a very influential company at this time and I continued my career with them until the mid-80s when the business changed hands and was sold. It was at this time that I decided to have a go at doing business myself which was the beginning of Signature. It was in 1988, though we started with the business name “New Floors Distributors”. There have been many highlights over the years, however one that does particularly stand out was in 1969, when I travelled to America for Nairn and bought the first twelve foot wide broadloom cushion flooring to the Australian market. This was a very successful launch as it put the fashion back in flooring by offering many more design options - compared to the limited selections with Linoleum floors. Another important occasion was when we introduced needlepunch flooring, as this was what really kick started things off for Signature Floors. My personal highlights for Signature has to be how our family-owned business has grown and evolved – for example in the carpet category we started off with just two rolls!
Q. How long have you been associated with Signature Floors and where and how did it all start? How difficult was it in the ‘good ol’ days to get started within the industry? Hurdles or obstacles or was it plain sailing? Surely, it must have been less competitive or cut-throat compared to today? I started Signature in 1989 and passed the business down to my son, Anthony and son-in-law, Rob in the early 2000’S. Signature begun with just a few products, (and simply) calling on my regular customers, whom I had built strong relationships with over my career. The trade were looking for something a bit different and that is what we had to offer. Our aim was to try to launch and develop new products for the market, sourcing from all over the world, including purchasing carpet from Bolu in Belgium and from the famous De Klerk factory in France. I don’t think it was as difficult in the past as the manufacturers and retailers were also stockists, making it easier to sell rolls. As the business starting to expand, I also shared a warehouse with Robert Levine of Mr Carpet/Mr Vinyl in Melbourne.
Q. Bill, you are undoubtedly an ICON in the flooring business. Are there any aspects you particularly miss most about the business today compared to say, 20 years’ ago? What do I personally miss? The people and the contacts I had. Strong, solid working relationships where we were able to learn and grow together. The flooring industry was different then, currently there is a much stronger focus on sampling and greater competition. Stores would carry their own stock and would buy entire rolls. There were no buying groups in my day and every town had only one flooring business. Saying this, there are a lot more interesting products around now due to the technical capabilities.
Q. What’s your background and family life like, and how did this influence your decisions? Was flooring in your blood growing up?
My passion for carpet really stemmed from my father, who had also worked in the flooring business. He ran the flooring department of the Payne's Bon Marche department store. It was during the recession and he was very lucky as his company had a lot of licences to purchase flooring. Because it was after the War you couldn’t bring carpet or vinyl into Australia easily - the amount of floorcoverings were restricted to the amount of quotas. During my time at school, I also undertook work experience in the same carpet department of Payne’s Bon Marche. There is no doubt that my father being involved in the industry heavily influenced my decision to follow this path.
“The trade were looking for something a bit different and that is what we had to offer. Our aim was to try to launch and develop new products for the market, sourcing from all over the world, including purchasing carpet from Bolu in Belgium and from the famous De Klerk factory in France.” Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 47
Icons “A lowlight for the flooring business has to be seeing the decline of the Australian manufacturer. There was the closure of the linoleum factory that I worked at in Sydney which employed 700 people, with many more closures after that.”
ABOVE: Bill with his family in the 1930s. His father, William O’Halloran, who is at the front left of the image worked at Payne’s Bon Marche Department store. William started the family tradition in floorcoverings.
Q. Do you have any tips and industry suggestions for those starting out? There are plenty of products worldwide. You need to be confident enough to discover a gap in the market and this can be any product. Then you need to develop and fine tune these goods to make them suitable for the Australian market. In addition you need to be courageous and commit yourself to large quantities and also develop a good sampling service. Last but not
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least you need to re-invest your profit back into the business. If you do all that, I think you could do quite well.
Q. Any lowlights you care to mention? And did you climb your way up through hard work and sheer determination? I am assuming that passion for your work played a pivotal role?
A lowlight for the flooring business has to be seeing the decline of the Australian manufacturer. There was the closure of the linoleum factory that I worked at in Sydney which employed 700 people, with many more closures after that. I think it was the passion that made it all possible for Signature Floors. Also we were constantly developing new products targeted to the Australian market. For example, in the past there was only four metre wide vinyl available, which was very expensive as the majority of goods were brought in from Europe. I sourced a supplier in Thailand whose shipping prices were much cheaper because of the shorter distribution distance. Furthermore, a key advantage was the ability for the production of 2m wide vinyl. There were 25 highly qualified people on the production line, mostly chemists, and the factory was able to produce many different colours and designs. From here we further expanded into the two metre market, switching between using Thailand and Europe as a main source for production. We were giving the consumers what they wanted – in this case we gave them modern colourful vinyl floors for a great price. We were having success with what we were doing and gaining a reputation for high quality and consistent goods, so we just continually grew.
Q. Has there been a mentor whom you looked up to – either from overseas or Australia – who gave you the drive to keep going in a single industry through the 50 years?
Icons
There were many retailers that I worked with who gave great advice and supported us heavily – these senior members of management were not just talented marketeers but also solid financial managers. George Slater of Dowlings in Brunswick, George Crookshank from Maits in Albury, Joe Barbuda from Shillerday in Mildura and last but not least Robert Levine were big supporters of our business and great role models. Also, a real driving force to our growth was when our younger family members – Anthony and Rob - started joining the business and providing a fresh approach.
Q. What do you feel is the key to a successful business in Australia? It doesn’t have to be a flooring business; just any business? Building a business on a solid financial foundation is integral. Offering good products, good service and high quality are key for your business to grow. My secret recipe for the Australian market is to introduce goods that are developed and designed with the Australian market
in mind. Introducing products that have been successful overseas does not mean the same will translate over here. This is also relevant in the fashion industry – what is on-trend in certain countries will not extend across the globe. The Australian climate, different lighting and also different habits need to be carefully considered. Another very important issue for us has been suitability and quality. When we decide to develop products with a new supplier we firstly assure we can build a trustworthy relationship. We visit our supplier on a regular basis and not only see their sales team, but also their manufacturing facilities and we keep in touch with the local product development teams. Before we bring product to the market we do intense testing here in Australia. Very often, we also test the installation of new products so we can see how it performs in real life situations. Only if we are convinced of the suitability and personally love the product do we launch it into the market. Another integral element to the product launch is working with our marketing team and also providing intense training to our sales and customer service teams - so we can offer an all-round excellent service to all our customers. 52 TOP: Bill with his colleagues in the boardroom of Nairn’s Linoleum, Auburn, NSW. LEFT: Bill winning an Industry Award in 1981, which was presented by Ron Barassi at the Southern Cross Hotel.
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MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE 2–4 May 2018
DesignBUILD 2018: 12,036sqm Exhibition Space | 22hrs to Network | 300+ Brands | 7,000+ Professionals
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL Whether it’s being exposed to the latest architectural innovations, keeping up to date with flooring design trends, or connecting with the rest of the industry... DesignBUILD has every detail covered.
ARCHITECTURE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION DESIGN
Register at designbuildexpo.com.au #DB2018
Supported by:
Icons
Q. Please enlighten our readers a bit more about Signature Floorsâ&#x20AC;Ś.the structure of the company, key personnel, and how Signature stands outs from its competitors.
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Signature Floors has always been a family business and this is very important to me. Anthony and Rob now continue the family tradition, with Anthony heading the design team and specifically our Axminster carpet business while Rob focuses on developing fantastic new products for the market and leading the rest of the team. Our other teams include a sales, marketing, finance, customer
service, after sales and warehouse team - all working hard to provide the best service possible for all our commercial and residential customers. We stand out from our competitors as for the last decade, Signature has undergone a massive and successful transformation from a vinyl and carpet supplier, to now providing a full spectrum of flooring categories â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whilst still holding the
family business values at the core. We are expanding even further by doubling our warehouse capabilities, which is scheduled to commence soon.
Q. Do you see the flooring industry as a united force in Australia or more as a series of individuals or separate businesses simply striving for the best to serve their customers? With all the different companies present in the flooring field - we do work together and support each other - though I think it would be unrealistic to say we are a united force. We all want to provide the best product and service to the Australian and New Zealand market, so there is a lot of competition. Though, this acts as motivation for Signature to remain competitive. Nevertheless there are many unions in the Flooring Industry. They follow up common goals and act as industry speakers to consumer and government bodies and I have personally always tried to support common interests of our industry. 54
â&#x20AC;&#x153;With all the different companies present in the flooring field - we do work together and support each other though I think it would be unrealistic to say we are a united force. We all want to provide the best product and service to the Australian and New Zealand market, so there is a lot of competition. Though, this acts as motivation for Signature to remain competitive.â&#x20AC;? RIGHT: Bill celebrating his 70th birthday at the Signature office in 2007
Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 53
Icons As an example, quite a while back I established the Australian Retail Flooring Association together with some of my industry colleagues, such as George Low. We successfully lobbied in Canberra to have the import duty refunded that the industry was obliged to pay to the government. I ploughed the money we were refunded from this straight back into the business – which I am very proud of.
Q. I understand that Signature has entered the New Zealand market? We are pleased to announce the acquisition of one of New Zealand's leading vinyl distributors, Young & Robin’s. So far we already service the commercial market and with Young & Robins coming into the equation, we are available to expand into the residential New Zealand market. Having been sold a family business itself, Young & Robins is a like a great fitting puzzle piece. We are using their existing long standing business relationships to widen their product offerings to more than “just” vinyl.
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Through the years Signature Floors has built up such a solid product portfolio - making perfect sense to expand our expert goods and services further than Australia, which is a very exciting development.
Q. In 2018, are there any aspects to the flooring business that you feel are missing today? Do you have any sound advice for youngsters starting out?
develop apprenticeships for other trades in the flooring industry, such as laying and installation services. Finding someone these days to lay sheet vinyl is no easy feat. My advice for anyone young and interested in the industry is to keep the goal you set yourself constantly in mind. My aim was just to simply establish a family business, with any profit we made being ploughed back to continue its growth. For example, I bought my first container for $50,000 and any money made was used to buy the second and then the third – this business value is at Signature’s core.
I think that they should be more trade training opportunities and efforts to
Q. Bill, just lastly, what are you looking forward to, moving forward?
“The new warehouse and market expansion means that there are some very exciting times ahead for the company.”
I am just about to head off on a cruise – so firstly I am looking forward to that! Seeing the consistent growth of Signature as an independently owned company and family business is obviously great to see. The new warehouse and market expansion means that there are some very exciting times ahead for the company.
Retailer of the month
From the Ground Up Floorworld – Caroline Springs, Victoria Floorworld Caroline Springs is still a relatively new flooring store and Director Jay Nicdao’s only hobby. He concedes that he needs to look for interests outside the business, but at the moment it’s still twelve hour days as he works with his staff to secure the business’s future. He’s planned well; he’s ideally located in a strong growth corridor west of Melbourne, their Essendon store turns one year old this February and after six years he thinks he’s got the people he needs to take the business to the next level. Jay came to Australia with his family when he was only five years old. His father was the go-to tailor in his home town of Tarlac City, about two hours North of Manila. His mother was a teacher and like most immigrants, came to Australia because of the opportunities this great nation offers. And he’s made good with a thriving business that employs around thirty people including his sub-contractors. He’s been back to the Philippines but calls Australia home as he works hard to secure the future of his flooring business. After ay did his apprenticeship in landscaping he started his own business. Unfortunately the drought hit him hard so he moved to a large furniture and electrical store to sell floorcoverings. It worked well and he feels that for some reason, he was a natural salesperson. He says that “The customer is not always right; you need to find out what they really want with solid
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advice; to understand them and share their feelings.” In the department store Jay learned the art of selling, then moved on to installations to learn the whole trade before moving on to start Floorworld in Caroline Springs. At 33 years of age Jay is probably amongst the youngest of flooring store owners and of this he is immensely proud. He should be, his people are first-class, the business is well located and sales are good. They support a number of sporting clubs in the area as they give something back to the local community. The future looks good too with developments in Melbourne’s west booming. His Caroline Springs store was purpose-built on 600 square metres with the domestic arm downstairs and commercial on the second floor. Both floors are laid out to suit each part of the business. The Essendon store is smaller and there will be opportunities to open new stores as Melbourne’s west continues to expand. The company is now almost running itself. Jay still gets in at five AM but
says “It’s not hard work like it used to be. I’ve stopped micro-managing the place and I allow my people to run the business. I still get out on-site and lay floorcoverings a few days a week; not the big jobs but enough for my people to see that I’m committed to our future.” And to ensure that the business continues the way it is now, Jay has another three apprentices that he hopes will someday lead the install side of the business; the part that people see; the work they are judged on. In any business that deals face to face with the majority of their domestic customers, Jay feels his people are his most important asset. From Sharon who manages Caroline Springs and Mark at Essendon; Jay’s people are skilled at selling and looking after the diverse needs of their customers. A lot of their commercial work is first install where the work is high turnover, low volume but Jay believes there will be a better margin when the second install comes around. Domestically there are several suburbs in the area where million-dollar
homes are common and Jay sees the store still doing well fifty years from now. There’s plenty of potential for growth. Jay’s partner Tamara gave him five years to “go hard” and that was two years ago. With three more “hard” years to go he’s already considering a sideline in landscaping; a service in demand in a developing area. With one son and another due mid-year, his life is going to get a whole lot busier but he’s planned well and has a good mix of men and women to get the business where it needs to be. He says “Our customers are a lot more demanding these days but our people can sell them what they want; it’s the installation that’s the issue for us. Layers are getting older and there are not a lot of people entering the trade so we have to work on that.” His apprentice program is designed to ensure continuity and a previous apprentice of his is about to take over managing their installs, a sure sign that Jay has it all worked out. He just needs a hobby outside of work and he’ll be set.
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Events
DesignBUILD Returns for Its 32nd Year The only dedicated trade show to bring together Australia’s built environment community, DesignBUILD, is returning for its 32nd year for three days of unrivalled networking and inspiration. Hosted from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 May, with a central theme of ‘it’s all in the detail’, DesignBUILD 2018 features a trade exhibition that will showcase leading service providers such as PowerHouse prefabricated homes, Wattyl Paint and Swiss Krono Group. Alongside the trade exhibition are two paid speaker and education programs, curated to cover the themes of industry compliance, sustainability and innovation. This includes panel discussions on topics such as build to rent, property resale and commercial buildings of the future. The DesignBUILD speaker program provides access to leading industry professionals who will discuss new products, policy and applications needed
58 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
to keep ahead of the game. Keynote speakers Michael McCormack (Milieu Property Group), Robert Simeoni (Robert Simeoni Architects) and Simon Knott (BKK Architects) will be joining the town planners and design panel to discuss how the growth of Melbourne as an international city depends on a successful working relationship between developers, architects and town planners. Alongside the speaker program, DesignBUILD’s ‘Incubator’ is a creative pavilion at the trade show that champions innovative thinkers and gives them a proven, commercial platform to launch their inventions. The five most innovative entries are judged by an industry advisory panel against a set of criteria covering: innovation, creative, sustainability and proposed impact on industry. In another project, DesignBUILD’s RAW allows university students from
architecture and design disciplines to experience the full tender and construction process as they compete to have their designs built as key feature areas on the show floor. Conference director Pia Argiratos says this year’s event will be empowering and relevant, and will include three panels led by respected architecture and design journalist Stephen Crafti. The discussions will be focused on: whether property speculation is compromising design outcomes; innovations in multi-level development; and how architects and town planners can collaborate rather than clash, for mutual benefit. “DesignBUILD is about bringing together people who are talking about the big topics that the industry is starting to deal with. It’s bringing together industry leaders to be able to lead discussions on this,” says Argiratos.
Hybrid Luxury Floating Floor
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“I’m really pleased we are able to bring in a number of important topics that people need to know about. DesignBUILD is an opportunity for people to come together and not only learn about the latest products and innovation, but also to paus and reflect where the industry could do better.” What: DesignBUILD is the only dedicated trade show to bring together Australia’s architects, building professionals, contractors and design community together with manufacturers, suppliers and service providers for three days of
unrivalled networking and inspiration. The event encompasses a trade exhibition alongside two paid education offerings, curated to cover the themes of industry compliance, sustainability and innovation. When: Wednesday 2 May 10:00am to 6:00pm Thursday 3 May 10:00am to 6:00 pm Friday 4 May 10:00am to 4:00pm
Australian Species & Contemporary Decors Available
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC 3006.
Ask about our exciting new range www.preferencefloors.com.au
Events
The International Surface Event 2018 TISE 2018 was held in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) recently. The show will be remembered for its energy and positive sentiments. Flooring magazine was there. The vast Mandalay Bay Convention Centre is the annual location of The International Surface Event (TISE). This year the event comprised three world-class tradeshows: SURFACES, StonExpo/ Marmomac, and TileExpo. It's a four-day extravaganza of everything to do with coverings and facades for just about any horizontal or vertical surface. Frequently used as an event to launch new products, it is also heavy on information about upcoming trends. Every major North American manufacturer is represented, along with most major global suppliers as well. It's one of the few conventions of this type that offers solid opportunities to study and learn what really is going on in the world of surfaces. Some of the educational events included: State of the Industry Report in the Residential and Commercial Markets, presented by the well-regarded Farnsworth Group; Ageing in Place: Surfaces for Seniors; and multiple talks on subjects such as new flooring types, stone restoration, employee management, and style/ design issues. It's also one of the best possible places to be if you are looking for contacts, as a supplier or buyer of surfaces goods. It's a combination of new up-and-comers launching their first products, familiar brands expanding into unfamiliar product lines, and some absolute industry legends who turn out to be surprisingly approachable at this event. In case all of that seems a little stuffy and formal — don't worry, stuffy and formal might actually be the only thing that is illegal in Vegas! For example, it is the first convention we've been to that had its own DJ grinding out tunes to keep the attendees' feet tapping. And if the convention did get a little overwhelming, you had only to step outside into the waiting wonderland of Las Vegas for a half-hour or so to rediscover your sense of enthusiasm. According to the event’s organiser, informa group, attendance for TISE 2018 was up 12% over 2017. Reflecting over the past three years, attendance has grown nearly 30%, it said. Amie Gilmore, director of TISE adds, “The TISE team has been truly honoured by the influx of congratulatory emails from the industry exhibitors, attendees, and the press with how impressive the event was this year. TISE would like to send a special thank you to the entire industry for their continued support and their value they place into TISE. It is our goal to create a marketplace for the industry to gather, do business, and build relationships. We’ll continue to listen and strive to fill the needs of the industry.” Save the Date for TISE 2019 which will be held January 2325, 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, education January 22-25, 2019. For more information, visit www. intlsurfaceevent.com.
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TOP: Karndean Designflooring had a large presence at TISE 2018. MIDDLE: (Left) RFMS demonstrated its flooring software. (Right) Tim Donhue from Forbo Flooring Systems BOTTOM: Makinex displayed its floor stripping products.
Interview
Q&A
with Kendall Waller Welcome to a Q&A with Kendall Waller, Quick-Step Australia’s National Product Manager. We talk about the new Titan Vinyl and Laminate collections for Premium Floors, among other things. Q. Hi Kendall, and thanks for participating in this piece for Flooring magazine. In your own words, explain to our readers a bit about what you do there at Quick-Step? Your role, company structure and the Quick-Step “relationship” with Premium Floors…. My role is a varied one, which is just the way I like it. My normal title is Products and Technical Manager Australia / New Zealand, however in a customer focused business, I am frequently engaged in sales, and all other sorts of problem solving for our customers in Australasia. On the product side, I am responsible for new product, design and range development for our ranges of Quick-Step flooring products, along with development of other non-Quick-Step products sourced through our worldwide manufacturing. Premium Floors Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Unilin in Belgium. As such, we have exclusive access to Unilin’s worldwide expertise in manufacturing Laminate, Wood and LVT flooring. Premium Floors’ role is to bring our international reach to our local retailers in a compelling and efficient way.
Q. How long has the company been around and what makes it stand -out from the pack? Is it the company’s extensive range of flooring products? Premium Floors began in 1981 and has grown into the largest distributor of hard flooring products in Australia. In 2015, Floorscape in New Zealand joined the Premium family and is today the largest hard flooring distributor in New Zealand. Product excellence and brands like Quick-Step have been instrumental in its success, while a continual focus of service, problem solving and making it easy for our customers to install our products has been vital. We have taken a strong role in training over the years. This is now underlined by our Quick-Step Academy for Excellence in Flooring, where we offer our “Quick-Step Master Installer Course” which is in its 2nd year and going strong. After completing the three-day course, the Master Installers receive first-class benefits and unrivalled technical support. The Unilin Academies worldwide have trained more than 2000 Master installers, with outstanding results.
Ask about our exciting new range www.preferencefloors.com.au
LAMINATE
THE 48H / 72H PROTECTION AGAINST EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD SPILLS AND PET ACCIDENTS
Interview
Q. I understand that Premium Floors has introduced the Titan range – an all-new Vinyl and Laminate flooring collection. Please tell us a bit about this new range. Our network gives us access to world class manufacturing in both Asia and Europe. The Titan Laminate and LVT ranges showcase this. These are cost effective hard floor products of the highest quality. They provide a luxury look, with our famously supported warranty all over Australasia. We are really excited to launch this range in the coming months.
Q. Durability, quality and longevity seem to be the hallmarks of Premium Floors’ products. Would you agree and what makes these products so special? I have been in hard flooring distribution for more than 25 years, and it has never been more demanding than today. Never has there been more competition, and never has the consumer been better informed or more demanding. Our role is to make sense of all this for our retailers, while focusing on service, support and products that stand the test of time. The brand-new Titan ranges are another expression of this.
Q. What about the price point for these Titan ranges? Competitive? The new Titan ranges boast mid-market pricing and a lot of features and design for the consumer who knows the look they want but wants to save a little money.
Q. Discuss the new formats of the Titan Vinyl range please. Out new Titan LVT range is unique, it offers 8 identical products in both 2mm and 5mm options. Most suppliers provide 2/2.5/5mm ranges that do not share designs. The Titan range allows the consumer to select a design, and then let the retailer offer 2 different options and price points for that same design, depending on the application and customer.
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Q. Why was it important to ‘Revamp” the Titan Laminate range? Over the past few years we have seen a move away from both gloss and Chinese produced laminate flooring. Gloss finishes are now out of fashion, and difficult to live on, while the reputation for poor quality continues to hound Chinese laminate manufacturers. The new titan Laminate range takes advantage of state of the art European manufacturing, with Oak designs in matt finish. The long panels are over 2m long, while the range hits all the right colours.
Q. Are there any exciting additional up-coming product launches which you can share with our readers? Any future plans?
The thing about the flooring business, like so many other businesses, is that the pace of change and technology is greater than ever. In 2018, we will see exciting performance innovations in both QuickStep Timber & Laminate. Next to that, we will see a further expansion of the QuickStep Laminates with waterproof surface, and a broadening of the role of our QuickStep Master Installer Academy. For the commercial business, we are rolling out a unique new wood design product. The next few months will be a very exciting time at Quick-Step and while it is a little early to share, we look forward to launching a suite of smart and beautiful flooring. So, watch this space!
Q. How important is it for you to be working in the flooring business? What does it mean to you and can you see yourself
doing anything else if you had the opportunity? My career in the flooring business began in cork tiles and coating manufacturing in the late 1970’s whilst in school. I have seen the introduction of floating systems in the early 90’s, introduction of Laminate flooring in the mid 90’s, and an explosion of products and technology in the flooring market ever since. In flooring today, as in other fields, we see the world getting smaller due to technology, driving complexity and a tidal wave of products, specification, standards. The consumer more than ever wants to be across all this complexity, from emissions, to slip, to sustainability and a multitude of performance criteria. It’s an industry full of passionate and often eclectic people, all linked through the common thread of flooring. It’s a market I have learned to love, while developing close relationships within the business. After all, its these relationships that make our work lives meaningful.
Q. Any last words you’d like to share with our readers here at the magazine? Thanks! I continue to be thankful for the business we are in, and for the people within it. Flooring brings so many odd balls together, in a common field. We are all the richer for these diverse interactions, as we all form common threads within the dynamic flooring industry of today. For me, it is all about the innovation when it comes to designing and creating flooring. We continue to strive in finding ways to improve flooring quality so that our customers are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding on their perfect floor
Q. Tell me about the all-new Colonial Plus range? What sets this apart from other laminates on the market?
The all-new Colonial Plus range is simply a beautiful and technologically advanced laminate flooring that has the look, uniqueness and feel of real Aussie timber. The design is made by using high definition variable dot digital printing and allows the creation of high definition colour contrasts and natural colour variations. It is ideal to perfectly replicate the Australian wood species in the finest detail, including all the cracks, colour nuances and even insect marks. The all-new Colonial Plus range has the same waterproof technology as the immensely successful Quick Step Eligna and Impressive range. It also boasts more than 7m² of unique surface compare to the 2m² which is market standard.
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Safety
Luminance Contrast Between Building Elements: How Much Do You Know? At Classic, safety will always be one of our top priorities. Our products have the potential to increase accessibility for all – no matter whether they are young, old, or differently abled. But this is only possible when due care and consideration is shown during the design process. Luminance contrast is one of the lesser known requirements for new building works, but it is also one of the most important. Both the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Australian Standards (AS) have strict requirements regarding minimum levels of luminance contrast – so we thought we would share a few words on this topic. Luminance contrast is defined by Standards Australia as ‘The light reflected from one surface or component, compared to the light reflected from another surface or component’. Essentially, the main objective is to make one object/building element clearly
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distinguishable from another, and this is usually achieved by using very dark or very light materials.
Why is it important?
Luminance contrast is crucial for those suffering from sensory disabilities, especially the vision impaired. People with low vision can have great difficulty navigating their surroundings, and they rely heavily on visual cues. Products that fail to meet the minimum criteria will present many challenges as they can be almost impossible to identify, essentially rendering them useless and potentially dangerous. Australia is a world leader in terms of safety standards, and it is thanks to the BCA and AS that tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) are now made in a range of bold colours that contrast against the colour of the substrate and have appropriate light reflectance properties.
Standards around luminance contrast
AS 1428.1 Design for Access and Mobility specifies that the first building element needs to have a minimum luminance contrast of 30% when compared to the amount of light reflected by the second element. The requirements surrounding stair nosings state that there must be a strip of between 50mm and 75mm depth spanning the width of the path of travel, and this can be set back from the edge of the nosing to a maximum of 15mm. This allows for optimal luminance contrast, clearly delineating the stair edge and providing the visually impaired with the confidence to use the stairs. Integrated TGSIs are required to meet the 30% minimum, but discrete TGSIs require a luminance contrast of 45% and composite discrete TGSIs require 60%.
Safety Classic specialise in providing a wide range of products that meet or exceed these standards.
Measuring and reporting luminance contrast
Initially, the luminous reflectance value (LRV) for the two building elements needs to be determined either in the laboratory or on-site. These two testing methods use slightly different equations and equipment to determine the LRV, but in both cases the instruments need to be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instructions and the guidelines set by SA. Laboratory testing is often used for product samples, and it makes use of a standard light source (D65) supplied by a tristimulus colorimeter or spectrophotometer. This method is best suited for solid coloured objects, and it is not used for translucent materials or illuminated objects. The procedure is straightforward and consists of 4 steps. Firstly, the equipment is placed on the surface to be measured. Measurements are then taken in at least five locations on each building element, though this is increased to ten for uniformly coloured surfaces. The luminous reflectance (Y value) is then recorded for each measurement, and each of these are recognised in AS/NZS 1580.601.2. Finally, wet measurements should be taken, as water and grime on products such as stair nosings and TGSIs can affect the LRV. The surface remains wet for a minimum of 5 minutes before removing any unabsorbed water with a clean cloth. The measurements are taken, and the Y value is again recorded. Once the tests have concluded, a simple mathematic formula known as the Bowman-Sapolinski equation is used to calculate the luminance contrast of the two surfaces under both wet and dry conditions. On-site testing is just as thorough as laboratory testing, but there are a few more steps involved as calculations need to be made to correct any deviations and confirm compliance. Conducted using the prevailing lighting conditions, this method is also used for building elements that are not uniformly coloured. On-site tests use a photometer with a 1° measurement field, the instrument must be corrected to approximate the CIE 1931 colour space and be mounted on a tripod in a fixed position. 66 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
Once the tests have concluded, the report is then written. Each report must provide specific details such as the instrument geometry, light source used, product/surface being tested, locations of the measurements and of course the mean LRV and calculated luminance contrast of the building elements. With the calculations complete, the findings are compared with the acceptable standards for luminance reflectance provided by Australian Standards. There are standards for both the lighter and darker elements, and if a product falls within the non-compliant zone, it cannot be used.
Summary
Luminance contrast is an important aspect to take into consideration when designing or installing new products. Products that meet the minimum standards provided by SA allow the vision impaired to safely navigate their way in public spaces, thus increasing access for all. Classic are proud to play a vital role in ensuring the products we supply and install comply with these standards.
Vinyl Valuing Vinyl the Gerflor Way Gerflor continues to offer the market fresh solutions in the vinyl plank and LVT space. New wider and longer planks sit alongside more conventionally sized options and the colors, textures and finishes complement the latest design trends. Creation, Virtuo and Senso all provide choice and features specifically suited to various applications. In parallel and unlike many of its competitors, Gerflor has not ignored its important roll offer amidst the current hype around planks and LVT solutions. The seamless appeal of sheet vinyl, coupled with the maintenance and hygiene benefits, have been boosted by the loose lay offerings that Gerflor has successfully introduced over two decades. Championed as the ‘no gaps’ choice in flooring, Gerflor Texline continues to ensure there are no gaps in the Gerflor product portfolio. Product Marketing Manager, Jutta Fronert explained some of the reasons behind the diversity in the vinyl market and the enduring appeal of this man made flooring solution. “Next to carpet, vinyl offers the best underfoot warmth and comfort that is so important to most homeowners. The fact that products like Texline can be installed in wet areas is also a popular feature. And in a country as large as Australia where variations in temperature can be so profound in some areas, the
Gerflor Texline Essence : Sherwood Brown captures the aesthetic and practical appeal of vinyl.
dimensional stability of a product that won’t warp and grow is important,” Jutta said. “Whenever we have exhibited at design and homemaker events, we have been quite surprised by the number of consumers who were interested in our loose lay Texline story as a solution to install over ceramic tiles. Whilst some wanted a new look and fresh take on color and design, many simply wanted an alternative to noisy, hard and maintenance heavy ceramic tiles,” she said. “There will always be a percentage of the market for whom health is a key driver in their decision making. The hygiene benefits of vinyl are well documented, particularly the seamless sheet products that guard against germs and dirt penetrating the surface. The fact that Gerflor products not only meet but exceed standards for low VOCs is also very important to an informed consumer.”
Signature Launches “Best-Ever” LVT Collection Yet Discover the new benchmark in premium LVT with the expanded Moduleo® LVT Planks range – the latest addition to the successful collection of luxury grade vinyl planks and tiles. Four collections feature in the Moduleo® range Inspire, Ultimate, Impress and Transform- manufactured to the highest quality and performance standards in Europe. All Moduleo® LVT ranges feature a wide range of timber plank and stone designs with extra-large pattern repeats to emulate the true, natural look of timber and stone. Impress offers in-register embossing to further enhance the grain and texture of real timber. With the highest resolution photographic print, Moduleo® LVT reaches impressive heights in presenting a floor that looks exactly like the real thing, but which performs much better! Developed for design, performance and sustainability best practices, Signature’s contemporary range of LVT allows customers to explore new
design possibilities to create rich, textural experiences across any commercial application. From dark oaks, to light ashes and stony metallics, the natural and unique appearance of these planks offers a range of on-trend colourways for any interior installation. Moduleo® offers style, comfort and performance without the expensive maintenance of real wood, stone and tile - and at a fraction of the cost. Signature Floors Moduleo® LVT is designed and produced at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Europe, which for decades has met the exacting standards of ski chalets in the Swiss Alps, automotive showrooms in Germany and premium fashion boutiques in sunny St Tropez. Now, Australia can also enjoy the benefits of the exacting standards of European design and manufacture. The innovative plank construction offers enhanced dimensional stability with two fibreglass layers, fade proof vinyl design layer and PUR Protectonite™ surface treatment to ensure superior scratch and exceptional stain resistance. Moduleo® LVT is available in both STICK and TAC installation methods for easy application and flexibility. STICK is permanently adhered to the sub-floor and is the ideal choice for wet and sun-exposed areas. ‘TAC’ installation has become a firm favourite due to the quick and easy installation process, low maintenance and the flexible option of removal after installation* - perfect for leased premises. As TAC planks have extra thickness, they also offer improved thermal and acoustic benefits, the preferred choice for busy work environments and multi-res installations. The entire Moduleo® range is available in-stock and features 100% GreenStar Points with 20-year residential and 10-year commercial warranties, giving specifiers a guarantee that Signature Floors LVT will provide exceptional performance for years to come. By offering unlimited creative combinations and the opportunity to design without limits makes Moduleo® LVT the smart choice for any commercial or residential application. *When installed using a semi-permanent adhesive. Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 67
Floating Floors
Karndean Designflooring Introduces its First Floating Floor Collection Australasia’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Designflooring, is introducing its first floating floor collection, Korlok, with its highest performing acoustic qualities to date. With 12 new authentic wood designs (1420mm x 225mm) inspired by Australian, European and North American woods, Korlok reduces noise transfer to rooms below to 19dB, without the need for separate underlay; ideal for an array of commercial environments including multilevel spaces such as offices, apartments and student accommodation. Korlok can be installed over most existing hard surface floors or uneven subfloors without the worry of exposing
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any imperfections underfoot, thanks to its innovative K-Core technology. It also features a superior 5G vertical click locking mechanism and pre-attached acoustic foam backing for quick and easy installation. “Unlike other floating floor products and click laminate flooring, Korlok can be scored and snapped for ease of installation like our established Gluedown and LooseLay ranges,” explained Damien Boyer, head of commercial sales at Karndean Designflooring. He said: “The familiar click-locking system and enhanced core technology means architects, interior designers and flooring contractors can achieve an
authentic and luxurious floor in any space without the need for adhesive and with minimal subfloor preparation. “It will be a real time-saver for specifiers working to challenging deadlines and commercial clients looking for less upheaval and disruption.” “Importantly for our commercial customers, Korlok offers a new flooring solution for any type of subfloor with a wide array of premium wood designs to choose from.” Quieter than traditional laminate, Korlok is waterproof, easy to clean and maintain, and compatible with underfloor heating. Available from February, Korlok offers a 15-year commercial warranty.
Laminate
Carpet Court Launches its Most Impressive Laminate Supporting renovators’ continuing need for total flooring solutions that can be used throughout any space, Carpet Court has added the Quick-Step Impressive collection with exclusive designs to its product portfolio. Unlike traditional laminate flooring, the Quick-Step Impressive collection features a unique Hydroseal coating on each plank’s pressed bevel for superior performance in wet areas, such as bathrooms, toilets and laundries. From an aesthetic perspective, the Impressive collection also taps into the rising trend for textural spaces that hero materials reflecting natural elements, says Kara Norris, Chief Marketing Officer for Carpet Court.
“Industrial references have been hugely popular within commercial and residential fit outs lately, but we’re anticipating preferences to move towards a more natural aesthetic in 2018,” she explains. “The Impressive collection is one of the most ‘true to nature’ laminate flooring ever to hit the Australian market, so it’s perfectly designed to help renovators bring this style to life.” The six-strong collection, which includes concrete wood, sandblasted natural oak, saw cut oak and burned plank designs, features a new generation of laminate press plates, which more authentically replicate the character of real wood décor and structure.
Like the water-repellent coating, the design and structure also run right through into the bevel for a genuine look and feel. As well as allowing renovators to create an authentic hardwood finish for less, the Impressive collection offers all of the other benefits consumers have come to expect from Quick-Step laminate flooring, including: the patented Uniclic® click system for quick and easy installation and superior durability guaranteed by ScratchGuard technology. Quick-Step Impressive laminate is available in 8mm planks. Prices start from $54.90 per m2. For more information on the Impressive collection, visit carpetcourt.com.au visit www.carpetcourt.com.au, or head into your local Carpet Court store.
Quick-Step Laminate Awarded EU Ecolabel Certification Recognizing its efforts in designing and producing healthy and sustainable floors, Quick-Step Laminate, manufactured by UNILIN in Belgium and distributed in Australia by Premium Floors, has become the first flooring company in the world to be awarded the much-coveted EU Ecolabel certification for its direct pressure laminate flooring (DPL).
What is EU Ecolabel
Introduced in 1992 by the European Union, the EU Ecolabel is a certification of environmental excellence. This accreditation is bestowed to products and services meeting high ecological standards throughout their life cycle from raw material extraction to production, distribution and disposal. Ecolabel is intended to guide consumers in their purchase decision by providing reliable and trustworthy information concerning a product’s impact on the environment and health.
The criteria is set by a number of stakeholders including Non-Government Organisations, Governments, industry, academia and consumer groups. In January 2017, the EU Ecolabel for wood, cork, and bamboo-based floorcoverings was revised to include laminate flooring.
UNILIN’s principles for sustainable flooring
wood allows a new tree to capture carbon dioxide before the harvested tree releases its carbon dioxide. Thinking globally by closing the logistics circle locally: UNILIN locally sources its raw materials as much as possible. Nearly all wood sources are located within a radius of 400 kilometres. Producing durable floors with long life cycles.
Cascading is used as a basis for the circular economy: UNILIN aims to keep wood in the materials cycle as long as possible by using by-products of wood waste as raw material. The company believes wood can only be used for energy purposes once no further recycling is possible. Avoiding carbon debt (the difference between the CO2 emitted and the CO2 absorbed by newly planted trees over time) by prolonging the life cycle of wood. It takes a tree 40 years to absorb 1 ton of carbon dioxide. Adding life cycles to Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 69
Carpets & Rugs
Artisan Carpet-makers Launch New Service Creating One-off Carpets for Designer Homes If trying to select the perfect carpet to suit your interior styling has been difficult in the past, a new custom carpet design service is set to solve this issue and let creativity flow. For the first time in its 39-year history, custom carpet artisans, Artistic Flooring, is launching a brand-new division dedicated to servicing the growing luxury and designer home market in Australia. Managing Director of Artistic Flooring, David Williams, said what started as an intriguing diversion when they took on a bespoke project for an industry associate has now become an exciting new market segment for the Brisbane-based master carpetmakers. “Hospitality, retail and commercial have always been our core strengths but in the past year we’ve been asked to work on a number of residential projects and the experience has been incredibly positive, both for the client and for us,” Mr Williams said. “The diversity of product and material we now have, along with years of design expertise, means we can deliver almost anything an interior designer or architect throws at us.”
David Williams
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While new home builders and renovators are the obvious clientele for the new service, Mr Williams said there was also a market for people who needed to replace their carpet – but not their décor. “We recently finished a project in a river-side home that had experienced flooding,” Mr Williams said. “They needed new carpet but wanted it to harmonise with their existing interior design, right throughout the different zones of the house.” “We had different colour schemes to contend with and changes in styling depending on the room. However, the client was thrilled with the end result. And so were we.” Artistic Flooring also specialise in recreating new carpets from old heritage designs – a highly specialised service of interest to people restoring old and heritage-listed homes. “During the renovation of an almost 100-year-old building in Brisbane recently, the original Roaring 20s-era carpet was discovered, still intact, under several generations of flooring,” Mr Williams said. “We were asked to recreate that original design – a blue and green tartan – in brand new carpeting.” “The end result was spectacular and it was wonderful to be part of a project where there was so much respect for the history of the building.”
A Spotlight on REI by Omar Khan About Omar
The inspiration for this collection lies in the ancient Japanese art known as kintsukuroi, whose practitioners use resins enriched with precious gold, silver, and platinum to mend broken pottery. By imbuing these damaged pieces with a luminosity not present in their original form, these craftsmen embrace the whole history of an object, treating age and breakage as things of beauty to decorate and embellish rather than to disguise. The designs within Rei echo these beliefs, celebrating the damaged made whole again.
Across an expansive body of work ranging from furniture design, interior design, and illustration to his groundbreaking creations in rug design, Omar Khanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work is defined by intricate textures and foundational flourishes that display an eclectic mĂŠlange of cultural influences. Available locally through Royal Thai / Above Left.
KGS DIAMOND-FLOOR MADE IN EUROPE
AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR
Carpets & Rugs
Signature Launches PURE Planks Standby to be impressed by PURE, the latest addition to the successful Signature Floors Carpet Planks range. Blending natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s references with contemporary style, PURE Carpet Planks
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showcase stormy greys, earthy tones and bold highlights that together anchor the design elements in premium quality carpet planks. PURE empowers designers to lay their imagination on the floor.
The PURE Planks range consists of a foundation base available in five grey to slate colourways. The neutral base provides the perfect background for two overlay patterns; dynamic FOSSIL and soft, dappled MISTY. FOSSIL creates a bold, signature look with its emerging lines and highlight colours. In contrast, MISTY planks add a more subtle, wistful pattern and texture. Solid colour highlights are added using size and colour co-ordinated MOSS Planks. The colour and synergy between the PURE and MOSS ranges offers exciting solutions for interior spaces - allowing designers to explore many possibilities. The extensive palette of PURE Planks combined with extra heavyduty performance, provides scope for creating impressive floors for use in hospitality, retail, education and office interiors. PURE Planks co-ordinate with all Signature carpet tile and plank ranges and are perfectly suited for use in cutting-edge installations. PURE gives new power to designers to create fresh, exciting floor designs. PURE Planks are 250mm x 1000mm in size, featuring multi-level loop Solution Dyed Nylon and Antron LegacyÂŽ construction and are available in stock from Signature Floors.
YOUR DIRECT LINK TO THE COMMERCIAL MARKETPLACE
ACCESS MORE: • Architects • Specifiers • Interior Designers Reserve your advertising pages now for the 2018 edition of Finishes & Surfaces Magazine. CONTACT • Sandie Velkovska +61 3 9890 0815 sandie@elitepublishing.com.au
www.finishesandsurfacesmagazine.com.au
Case Study
Edward Street Project with Schwamborn So rewarding to help floor layers double their speed in removing pressure sensitive glues. Here’s to another fitout project at Edward Street, well underway with a DSM250 Schwamborn Edge Grinder now on site. After 2 nights working with a larger concrete floor grinding machine, struggling to remove the adhesive from the concrete it was time to look at what options could help them get through it faster, to keep the job on schedule. Once the floors are prepared. The floorcoverings laid. There is a number of other trades needed to complete the project. That’s why it was critical for a faster solution to be found.
Schwamborn does the trick
For over 80 years Schwamborn has been designing, manufacturing and engineering grinding and polishing systems to
ensure floor preparation is made easier. Developing a range of diamonds to effectively remove tough glues, adhesives, membranes, epoxies and high spots in concrete floors the Schwamborn Grinding setups make for fast effective concrete preparation. Being a German Built, designed and engineered machine, Schwamborn Grinders have a quality, performance and efficiency that helps ensure a consistency across floor prep and grinding projects. Ranging from PCD’s (Polycrystalline Diamonds) to a 16 grit aggressive diamond grinding shoe – ranging up to a 150 and 300 Grit diamond for finer grinding the Schwamborn Grinders have what it takes to prepare floors quickly. Up on Level 4, Edward Street, he DSM250 Schwamborn Grinder ground the glue off in a single pass with the 16 grit grey grinding shoes. After having the
larger 480mm grinder using a similar version of diamond grit and bond on hand, the single phase, single speed Schwamborn grinder was able to prepare the floor in ½ the time.
Controlling the dust
Grinding off the adhesive and preparing the floor was a simple process and so was the dust control. With the 250mm Grinders’ dust shroud set at the standard height, vacuum connected the Grinder controlled the dust without any trouble. Grinding along the edges of the floor is done with a simple adjustment of the head rotating it, and changing the shroud the wheel guard the dust from grinding the floor can still be controlled.
Let’s be a part of your project
We love being a part of fitout and refurbishment projects, helping to ensure the floors are prepared correctly the first time before the floorcoverings are laid. Knowing they need to get grinding straight away our team got the new DSM250 Schwamborn Concrete grinding machine to site by 5.30PM when they were to start grinding for the night. Fitout projects work to tight schedules which is exactly why All Preparation Equipment is here to make
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- Angle Grinders; Used on your hands and knees, fast, high speed, great for fast removal on smaller projects and areas. - Stand up Single Phase Grinders; give you a great machine for removing high spots, bulk removal grinding, not designed to finish or flatten a floor effectively but will prepare, remove, grind with speed. Single head machines tend to follow the contour of the floor which is why they are not designed to be used in concrete floor polishing. - Three Headed Concrete Floor Grinders; Great production machine for all-rounder. Excellent for obtaining floor flatness. The perfect machine for larger production in concrete floor prep. These type of machines are like the DSM450 Schwamborn Grinder, which is a variable speed, planetary grinding machine. These machines are also available in Three phase, 400V (DSM530s / DSM650s / DSM800s) and Remote Controlled (650mm and 800mm RC Models). those tough jobs easier. We’d love to hep recommend a faster diamond for your grind machine, have a chat to one of our team today by calling 1800 422 992.
Preparation, the critical step
Preparation of the concrete was critical, because once that was completed the following trades could access the site. Concrete floors need to be prepared correctly, removing all dirt, paint, adhesive, coatings or membrane prior to applying a new covering, primer or adhesive. Concrete grinding was essential to remove all the product from the surface as well as levelling out the high spots in the floor. When preparation of concrete floors is not done correctly, issues occur. Problems happen. And defects appear. Preparation be it grinding or levelling the floor is an essential part of preparing ready to lay. With floor levelling it’s important to consider different products, ensure you clean the floor, then prime it and make sure the mix is done correctly with the right water ratios. This seems common sense but as each product is different and each brand has different requirements, it’s essential every product bag / manufactures requirements are adhered to.
Choosing the right machine.
Sometimes larger machines are not your best option to get production. There is a number of things to consider when looking to upgrade your grinding machine including speed, size, diamonds, grinding head style, vacuum connections, transport and more. All Preparation Equipment has been working with flooring contractors for more than 10 years and has experience to help ensure your investment helps to save you time onsite.
SHIPPING
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Case Study
Flooring Business Owner Teaches Young Guns Life Lessons Having been in the industry for 11 years, Liam Hayes still feels that the best decision he ever made was starting his own business, Hayes Carpet Laying in the Hawkes Bay. “Being in a position to produce a quality tradesperson is hugely satisfying. I was an apprentice once too, so I know having an apprentice qualify is truly the highlight at the end of a massive amount of work and learning by both the apprentice and trainer,” says Liam. Liam takes time with all members of his team to make sure they are comfortable with performing every task they undertake. Liam says, “As a leader, you have to have reasonable expectations. I need to make sure the team are upholding industry standards and keeping workmanship at a high level. What I’m teaching also needs to be pitched at the right level for them to understand. I have to provide good boundaries, and clear instructions or the team will never be able to succeed. One way I do this is by leading by example, working alongside the team to show them hands-on and explain what needs to be done.
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“Once your team become competent you can then step back and offer them the freedom to run their own day. I’m not just training staff, I am teaching my team life skills, both in and out of the workplace. I want to see all of my young guys buy their first home. “You also need to take the time to celebrate achievements, including giving praise when a job is done well. In this line of work, your staff work extremely hard to get the job done. When your team are proud of what they have achieved, they are more willing to work hard, and the outcome is always better. Don’t be afraid to let them know how proud you are. “Celebrating an achievement doesn’t have to be anything big, it can be as simple as drinks or a smoko shout or even a compliment on a job well done. It’s all about treating your team with respect. We are all there to complete the same job and achieve great results together. “One day some of my team will have the chance to own their own businesses,
Legend ‘wise words’ An effective leader needs to lead from the front, give good boundaries, clear instructions and have reasonable expectations. A commitment to industry training means upholding the industry’s standards. Best business decision I made was starting my own business. Life-long learning can only happen with humility and an open mind. At the end of a tough week I can be found working on my car. In 5 years I hope to have produced more award-winning tradespeople. Liam Hayes, Hayes Carpet Laying
and it’s important that they remember their time as an apprentice as something worthwhile so that they will continue to train the next generation.” For more stories about legendary bosses like Liam Hayes visit mybosslegend.nz
Product Update
Dunlop Technics 5 and Durafit 7 – The Best Dual Bond Solution for High Traffic Commercial Areas As you look outside one of the many windows at Changi Airport in Singapore, you see a plane slowly begin to take off. You look down at your watch and, as if on cue, you hear a voice over the intercom advising that your plane is ready for boarding. You stand up and your feet receive the 5-star treatment as the weight of them fully descends upon the carpet. You realise that standing in line as you wait to board may not be as uncomfortable as you had first suspected. After such a long-haul flight, you can’t wait to open the door to your Four Season’s hotel room and collapse on the bed. The elevator opens and an
immaculate hallway greets you. Luckily, the walk to your room is a short one. You swipe the key card and the smell of a newly perfumed interior greets you. As soon as you close the door, you kick off your shoes and sigh in relief. You notice a pair of complimentary slippers and decide to do without, instead choosing to enjoy the soft feeling of comfort underfoot. At first glance, it may be difficult to note the similarities between Changi Airport in Singapore and the many Four Seasons Hotels around the world. However, each of them recognised the importance of durability and support for the countless individuals that walk
through their doors each year which is why they chose Technics 5 or Durafit 7 Commercial Underlay as the supporting foundation for their carpet. Technics 5 (a sponge-rubber) and Durafit 7 (a crumb-rubber) are two of the world’s most successful dual bond underlays, renowned for their exceptional performance and durability. Suitable for heavy commercial use, these underlays are sold globally and have been used in countless prestigious and high traffic locations such as Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Hotel Le Meridien in Paris and The Four Seasons Hotels around the world. Low in VOCs, and boosting extraordinary impact sound reduction, these underlays have been specially formulated to provide superior underfoot comfort and outstanding endurance in high traffic areas. Successfully installed in thousands of contract installations around the world, Technics 5 and Durafit 7 can be placed in locations such as hotels, retail chains, offices, entertainment venues, government buildings, bars and lounges, educational facilities, public spaces and restaurants.
GrinderTec Hand-Grinder Shroud Recently Released by Floorex Floorex is excited to invite you to discover some of the qualities of its newly released designed-by-Floorex GrinderTecTM hand grinder shroud. Floorex has come a long way since Haydn Reynolds first registered Floorex Products in 2001 and 2017/2018 is no exception when it comes to proving that. Last year the company released the GrinderTecTM hand grinder shroud that they designed and produced for those onsite operating handgrinders.
Why Is Design Important?
and caters to eliminating even the smallest of pain-points? Ensuring it may do what it is designed to is also important – but why not consider how long it will be efficiently delivering on what it’s designed to do? Floorex have not only taken these factors into consideration – they have delivered on the concepts, trialled it in reality and designed and produced a hand grinder shroud that will remind you whilst sweating it out on-site, just how much impact the often-overlooked finer details can make.
How Has Floorex Lived Up To A Premium Design Standard With The Grindertectm Shroud?
The first consideration was value for money and long-term, regular use of the shroud. You may have the perfect design – use the wrong material though and it could be rendered near useless or be more a hindrance than a help! Floorex designed the shroud using true Polyurethane moulds – unlike standard PVC, Polyurethane can withstand on-site conditions such as weather impacts and
Design is so important yet quite often something that manufacturers and their designers often get wrong, or simply don’t invest enough time in improving. On-site, real-deal construction work is very different to a theoretical concept and great designs can only come from a designer with not only experience but an understanding of how unique each site, each machine operator and each job may be. General basic shape and material are no doubt a key part in design – but why leave it at that when you can design something that goes above and beyond,
Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 77
Product Update general “man-handling” that can take place. No cracking from the heat or snapping in half if it’s accidentally dropped or perhaps thrown into the back of the ute. Complementing the design material, Floorex have shaped the shroud to protect your hoses. If your hand grinder needs a cord to supply it power – how much power do you get when you don’t have that cord? None! Which is why Floorex have implemented a specific shape that will drastically reduce the amount of rubbing on rough or coarse surfaces which will ultimately result in (sometimes unnoticeable too) damage to the hoses or even breakage. No hose, no power. No power, no grinder. No grinder, no productivity. The material and shape overall mean the shroud fits snugly to the grinder, like a second skin. This provides a superior seal that will eliminate dust, just like it should – and not just for today’s job. For all of your jobs!
Are you serious about your business’ reputation and success as well as your customers getting the best results?
After all, your business and thus your equipment too, are your source of income. It may be cost effective up front to use a cheaper-made product and there is certainly nothing wrong with that for the very short term – however; for long term success in a competitive industry, things such as: - Replacing grinders - Replacement of hoses - Loss of productivity - Potential customer dissatisfaction (due to delays if you need to find new parts etc) and; - Replacement of shrouds (due to their lack of overall design quality) It means you haven’t saved yourself a buck at all. In fact, you’ve likely cost your business in time, money and/or reputation. It’s a big risk to take to endeavour to run a great business on low-quality equipment. Floorex will provide you with the quality, the support and the continuous innovations so you don’t need to take those risks.
78 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
New ‘Turbo Charging’ Backpack Vacuum Offers a Boost of Power for Floors A new battery driven vacuum with fast charging time and a boost function for heavy duty cleaning is introduced by Nilfisk. Another stepping stone towards increased cleaning mobility and flexibility. Trailing a cable between the seats in an auditorium; trying to avoid people tripping over the cable in a supermarket or stretching the cable to the max to reach the tricky spots in airplanes, trains or buses. People working in the cleaning industry are tough. But even so, there are applications where mains powered vacuums can be challenging. Increased flexibility and safety Over the past years the professional cleaning industry has seen an increase in battery driven vacuums. A development mirroring the one that has taken place in the development of power tools, although at a more-steady pace. Although there are significant differences between applications where power tools and cleaning equipment are used, the cleaning industry can learn from this development: “The introduction of battery driven power tools has increased the mobility and flexibility for workers enormously”, says Greg Jones, Product Manager, Nilfisk Australia. “We have for the past years worked with a vision of creating that same freedom for people in the cleaning industry – but without compromising the performance and functionality of the vacs,” he says.
Super charger was on the wish list As a result, Nilfisk has launched the Nilfisk GD 5 Battery. A lightweight backpack model free of cords, that is especially relevant for room to room cleaning and cleaning in demanding spaces like inside lifts - or up and down staircases. But according to Greg Jones, Nilfisk Australia, the increased flexibility is only relevant if the cleaning and battery quality is in place. A record-breaking charging time combined with a boost function was on the wish list when the new product was developed. “Many of the earlier battery driven vacs had long charging times and insufficient power for heavy duty – or even deep – cleaning. We believe that we have solved these issues with Nilfisk GD 5 Battery,” he says.
Facts about Nilfisk GD5 Battery
• Dual-speed motor ensuring high productivity • Exceptional runtime of up to 60 minutes in the 36V Lithium battery. • Short charge time, bringing the battery to 90% in 40 minutes. • Switching between two batteries in vac and charger enables non-stop cleaning • Boost function offers an in-depth performance fit for heavy duty cleaning.
KGS Diamond and Clearchoice Products Introduce New Stone-Floor Rejuvenator KGS Diamond and Clearchoice Products, have been collaborating for the past 11 years and are constantly moving the cleaning industry to a higher level. Clearchoice Products has been looking for a solution that was specifically designed to not only clean but actually help restore all types of stone floors, this latest technology is amazing says John Spiers from Clearchoice. We want a product that can be used on a daily basis in an Auto Scrubber or a mop and Bucket and is economical and we have found it in Stone Shine. The results are spectacular. KGS STONE SHINE+ is a stone REJUVENATOR that cleans, maintains and protects stone surfaces in only one step, leaving no water marks. KGS STONE SHINE+ forms an extremely thin layer of water repellent lime soap. Thus, water and dirt are prevented from penetrating the surface’s
micro pores which extends the life of stone surfaces. KGS STONE SHINE+ maintains the floor in a unique way which leads to having a protected, clean floor with a natural patina / shine. When diamond grinding, KGS STONE SHINE+ can be add in the grinding water and will work as a lubricant that prolongs the life of the tools. KGS STONE SHINE+ binds the dust when cleaning concrete floors with auto-scrubbers. The mixture of KGS STONE SHINE+ and water will also stiffen the lime when diamond grinding which impregnates the surface at the same time.
TIP: To reach the very best results, use the KGS STONE SHINE+ in combination with the KGS DIAMOND ULTRA FINE FLEXIS PAD, grit 8000. KGS STONE SHINE+ has a lower pH than traditional floor cleaning soaps which is beneficial for the surface. It cleans gently but effectively, leaving a lime soap residue to protect the surface. Traditional floor cleaning soaps often have a higher pH, chelating agents and nonionic surfactant. All that takes away the impregnation effect and dries out the stone surface making it more vulnerable to dirt, water and ware. KGS STONE SHINE+ is easy to use, flexible, and cost effective. It is now available to purchase in 5ltr bottles at CLEARCHOICE PRODUCTS shop or in 1ltr package at KGS AUSTRALASIA online store www. kgsdiamond.com.au. Order the right volume to fit your needs and they will happily ship them anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.
EZY - the First Infallible Finish for Floors Under Extreme Conditions Two component double cross-linking finish (Dual Curing) featured by greater ease of mixing and use. It’s possible to simply add the component B into the container of component A and stir wi-thout the need for any particular mixing procedures. In three sheens it maintains the natural look of the wood thanks to its high-level transparency, guaranteeing an excellent coverage and filling capacity, in only two coats. The superb flow, even when applied thickly, completes the characteristics of a product unique in its kind. For faster cycles EZY can be used directly on the wood, as a single component, so just one product is used for greater convenien¬ce. Ezy guarantees an excellent final look even under the most extreme environmental conditions and high resistance to abrasion and rubber marks. EZY is available through South Pacific Timber, Auckland, New Zealand. Visit: www. southpacifictimber.co.nz/ vermeister.
PROVED
NEW & IM
Flooring Feb/March 2018 | 79
Prep, Install & Care
Crete Colours International Develop New Range Crete Colours International has developed a range of maintenance and cleaning products to be used on any polished concrete flooring surface to maintain, clean and enhance floors, keeping them looking stunning for years to come. In cleaning hard surface floors there is 3 common ways of cleaning polished concrete floors. - Sweeping on a regular basis depending on traffic volume. Sweeping removes parties that act like sandpaper to polished concrete floors with standard foot traffic. - Mopping is used for spills or smaller areas. The key is to mop up any spills as soon as possible. C2 Maintenance and C2 Clean satchels have been designed to use in a 20L bucket of water where mopping is the best possible method. - Auto Scrubber. Across commercial, industrial and warehouse floors an AutoScrubbber is the most common cleaning tool. Auto scrubbing machines give a strong consistent clean and take 1 -2 of the C2 Maintenance or C2 Clean satchels per clean. All Preparation Equipment in working with Crete Colours International from
America, the system offers an effective, affordable cleaning system which can in turn be used on any polished concrete flooring surface. Advantages of the C2 Crete Colours MAINTENACE and CLEANING products; - Maintains concrete floor hardness and shine - Flexible dilution for both surface cleaning and deep cleans - Readily biodegradable. Low toxicity. - No rinsing needed for routine surface cleaning of floors. - Available in convenient premeasured 120mL packages for easy dilution and use in commercial / industrial cleaning in auto scrubbers - Ideal for use in residential, commercial and industrial - Removes most common soiling All Preparation Equipment distributes the C2 range of products throughout Australia. With a showroom based in Sydney and Brisbane and an Aust wide freight network you can receive C2 products in a very quick turnaround time. Talk with one of the team today to discuss how you can be making your cleaning and maintenance of polished concrete floors, more effective.
Proving Efficiency in Concrete Floor Preparation No two-floor levelling or grinding jobs are the same which is why more and more weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing contractors setup with equipment like the Schwamborn DSM250. A 250mm Concrete Floor Grinder with the ability to grind along edges, dust free when connected to a reliable concrete vacuum. Working in a fixed speed, the DSM250 has the ability to rotate the head of the machine to left or right depending on the grind. With other features including adjustable handle, height and balance from above the head, a lifting handle and easy tool diamond change system this German Built Schwamborn Grinder is helping prepare concrete floors easier. Seeing a lot of stores, subbies and layers setup with this machine, All Preparation Equipment has provided some further info on Schwamborn as a 80 | Flooring Feb/March 2018
company and there ongoing commitment to the industry to make TOUGH JOBS EASY. Having the ability to change diamonds from the aggressive PCD, or 16 / 20 / 40 / 60 / 80 / 150 Diamond Grinding Shoe, Velcro holders for Sanding and Resin bond polishing pads the Schwamborn diamond tooling system is an easy knock on, knock off place making the transition from one diamond to another a quick and easy move. Onsite every contractor comes across a range of adhesives, thick glues, floor levelling compounds, concrete high spots tile beddings, drains and prep for timber, carpet, vinyl and tiles making it essential that you have access to a good range of diamonds to meet whatever project comes to hand.
FLOORING
Prestige Carpets and SEBO - the Perfect Duet As any good retailer will know, looking after the long term interests of customers and the products they have bought can reap huge ongoing benefits, not only by reducing the number of call-backs and complaints but by building customer satisfaction and gaining repeat sales. In the case of carpets, specifically 100% wool, providing advice on care is an important part of the sales process and should include guidance on which vacuum cleaner is best suited to the floorcovering that has been purchased. For more than 25 years, Prestige Carpets has been producing high quality 100% wool carpets right here in Australia. One of the most common questions they are asked is how to look after a wool carpet. It’s simple, if you follow a few easy rules: Get to spills quickly. Never rub the pile, dab spills only. Vacuum regularly. Above all, the more frequently asked question has always been about what type of vacuum is the best? Prestige Carpets has teamed up with SEBO to recommend the right vacuum for wool carpets, especially loop piles, such as Himalayas Duet (pictured). It’s important that customers know that the wrong vacuum can damage the carpet pile and may void any warranty.
‘Suction only’… it’s not that simple
Not all suction vacuums are suitable for wool loop carpets. Kristine Collins, Product Manager for SEBO Australia explains: “Some ‘suction only’ vacuum cleaners available in the market can damage the loop and cause fuzziness across the carpet surface due to the poor design of the combination head and coarse retracted bristles and most carpet manufacturers never recommend a rotary brush roller due to the aggressive nature. However, SEBO’s good vacuum design and correct carpet cleaning knowledge is behind the technology capable of maintaining 100% wool loop pile carpets in accordance with a carpet manufacturer’s recommendations and at the same time achieving optimum Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)”.
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD ABN: 27 006 876 419 PO BOX 800, Templestowe Victoria, Australia 3106 Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815 Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087 Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au Website: www.elitepublishing.com.au PUBLISHER Vicky Cammiade Email: vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au EDITOR Ronnie Gramazio Email: ronnie.gramazio@elitepublishing.com.au TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Philip Ashley philipneilashley@yahoo.com.au
So which vacuum for 100% wool loop carpet?
Prestige Carpets recommend the SEBO K3 Premium Barrel (9682AU) and SEBO Felix Premium Upright vacuum cleaners to care and maintain their wool loop range. The above units are specially designed with ET1 powerheads (pictured) that allow the user to switch the brush roller off for straight suction cleaning and a uniquely crafted optional delicate brush roller can be inserted for cleaning below the surface gently and effectively. Kristine Collins states “In the specific instance of 100% wool loop carpet the following SEBO vacuum care and maintenance would be advised: Dry vacuum with a SEBO K3 Premium or Felix Premium vacuum cleaner ‘suctiononly’ at least once a week and more often in high traffic areas. Use the electric ET1 power brush fitted with the delicate bristle brush roller (5010GE) on the highest pile setting infrequently. This will prevent soil embedding in the pile and grinding at the base of the tufts, which results in premature wear.”
CHOICE recommends SEBO
CHOICE The Consumer Watchdog has also recommended SEBO K3 Premium Barrel (9682AU) and SEBO Felix Premium Upright (9809AU) vacuum cleaners for the past 7 years as the best overall performers removing the maximum amount of soil and debris from carpets ahead of the leading market brand names. Provide your customers with the complete carpet package including the SEBO K3 Premium or Felix Premium vacuum cleaner recommended by Prestige Carpets for the care and maintenance of their wool loop carpets and be rewarded today.
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Sandie Velkovska Email: sandie@elitepublishing.com.au CIRCULATION MANAGER Georgia Gilmour Email: georgia.gilmour@elitepublishing.com.au PRODUCTION For artwork and production enquiries please email: production@elitepublishing.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN Uber Creative Phone: (03) 8513 0208 Email: connect@ubercreative.com.au www.ubercreative.com.au PRE-PRESS Prominent Digital PRINTED BY Prominent Group Pty Ltd ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD (established 1985) All rights reserved – No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc expressed in articles appearing in this publication are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any consequences of reliance on this information or this publication. ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD PUBLISHERS OF: Supplier Woodworking Magazine, Tile Today Magazine, Discovering Stone Magazine, FB Magazine, Flooring Magazine, Finishes & Surfaces Magazine
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Exhibitions
Ad Index
2017 Exhibitions
MARCH 2018 14-16 EFWEX 2018 European Floor and Wall Exhibition Ghent, Belgium www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition. eu 20-22
Domotex Asia/Chinafloor International Trade Fair for the Floorcovering Industry Shanghai, China www.domotexasiachinafloor.com 26-29
Homedeco 2018 International Exhibition for Floors, Home Textile, Houseware and Interior Design Almaty, Kazakhstan www.homedecofair.com 26-29
Surface Design Middle East 2018 Expo dedicated to the flooring, wall covering and surfaces industries Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.surfacedesignexhibition.com 28-31
Morocco Home Textile 2018 International Home Textile Fair and Decoration Exhibition Casablanca, Morocco www.moroccohometex.com
APRIL 2018 11-15 OTTHONDesign The Home Furnishing and Design Expo Budapest, Hungary www.otthon-design.hu
Airstep Australia
56-57
All Preparation Equipment
75, 79
Australian Floor Style Cooperative Australian Select Timbers
5
Carpet Court Choices Flooring
29 17
Front Cover, 8-9, 15
Classic Architectural Group
65
14-18 The Rug Show International Carpet Show New York, United States www.therugshow.com
Clear Choice Products
71
17-22 Milano Design Week 2018 Decoration Interior Exhibition Milan, Italy www.salonemilano.it
Dunlop Flooring
Floorcovering Institute of Australia
13
20-23
Hong Kong Home Textiles Fair Trade Fair of textiles, Floorcoverings, Upholstery, Furnishings and Accessories Hong Kong, China www.hkhometextilesfair.com
Gibbon Group
35
GMK Logistics
31
Kenbrock Flooring
25
Laser Measure Australia
49
Mapei Australia
39
MAY 2018 20-23 ICFF 2018 International Contemporary Furniture Fair New York, United States www.icff.com
MJS Floorcoverings
44
*** For more information on the fairs or to confirm dates, please check the individual event websites.
Con-Treat 40 DesignBUILD 51 Domotex Asia/Chinafloor
55 Back Cover
Duracore 40 Embelton & Co
Ontera Preference Floors Quin Global RFMS Australasia RLA Polymers Sebo Australia Sika Australia
Get your personal copy of Flooring magazine Just email info@elitepublishing.com.au and supply us with your full contact details.
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Inside Front Cover
27 59, 61 41 23, 33 45 Inside Back Cover 37
Every carpet deserves a SEBO! ______
__________
SEBO Floorcare can help you maximise your customer’s carpet investment by providing them with an effective vacuum cleaner right from the start! The X4 Upright with automatic brush height adjustment, large wheels for easy glide and highly efficient filtration system combine to give an outstanding cleaning performance on any type of floor (including Sisal and Triextra) and for any sized home or commercial premise. Made in Germany and recommended by Flooring Manufacturers world-wide.
X4 - White
X4 - Navy
X4 - Black
To discover more about becoming a SEBO Reseller and to receive your free, handy SEBO Flooring Vacuum Guide: Ph 1300 697 326 or visit www.sebo.com.au
Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First National Asthma Council APPROVED Vinyl Our aim is for you to live in comfort and style, by having a beautiful floor that is produced with indoor air quality in mind, because we recognise that...
More than
2 Million Australians have asthma we spend up to 90% of our time indoors
A Human breathes over 11,000 litres of air each day
Breathe life into your home We are proud to be a partner of the National Asthma Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sensitive Choice program. Heartridge Vinyl Planks are an ideal choice for those who are at risk of allergy and asthma related health problems.
The manufacturing process of our vinyl floors is stringently monitored and designed to utilise only the safest of materials.
Low formaldehyde emission rating A formaldehyde emissions rating of E0, a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emission rating that is well below Australian Standards.
Phthalate free materials With no undesirable phthalates, Heartridge Vinyl Planks can help your customers breathe cleaner and fresher air.
Visit heartridge.com.au/sensitivechoice to find out more.