FFI 100 February 2019 by Media-Pact NV / FFI bvba

INTERNATIONAL trade journal f or impor t , expor t , dis tr ibution and lay ing of par que t , laminate, cor k f loor ing and r elated pr oduc t s

N° 100, Februar y 2019 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept , Nov, Dec) Of fice of deliver y 9099 Ghent X , P911092, BC 31359 - Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

ANNIVERSARY th

FLOOR FORUM INTERNATIONAL Special: Poland

Review Domotex Hanover (D)

Review : BAU Munich (D) Preview: Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR

Preview : MADE Expo Milan (I) Special: Stripping and preparing an old floor mechanically

Close to nature Special: Outdoor floors: wood versus composite

WO O D F LO O R I N G

FLOORING for your BUSINESS

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TARGET MARKETS

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PARQUET INDUSTRIES

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New products soon available: CHEVRON & HERRINGBONE

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FRANCE

Content

Editorial

INTERNATIONAL trade journal f or impor t , expor t , dis tr ibu tion and lay ing of par que t , laminate, cor k f loor ing and r elated pr oduc t s

Anniversary: Floor Forum International n°100

‘There are still lots of misconceptions about wood and woodrelated floors. For instance, it’s still quite staggering to hear some consumers say “my parquet” when they’re quite clearly talking about laminate.’

THE

Special: Poland the the

Review Domotex Hannover (D)

Review : BAU Munich (D) Preview: Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR

Preview : Made Expo Milan (I) Special: Stripping and preparing an old floor mechanically

Floors take up a considerable percentage of the space in the home. And so, it’s no wonder that a floor covering plays an extremely dominant role in determining the sphere and character of the interior. A floor covering is always at hand, tangible, and visible; we live on it. The fact that wooden floors are much coveted has a lot to do with that.

Close to nature Special: Outdoor floors: wood versus composite

WO O D F LO O R I N G

ADV_159x223.indd 1

9/01/19 11:20

Floor Forum International n° 100 February 2019 Photo Lamett

4 Inside news 8 Advertorial Dinachoc (F) 10 Review Domotex Hanover (D) 24 Advertorial Bona (SE) 26 Special New trends in vinyl, LVT and PVC floors 28 Special Oil which can be lacquered 32 Advertorial Lamett (B)

Anniversary

100th

Floor Forum International 36 Special Outdoor floors: wood versus composite 40 Advertorial Briançon (F) 41 Preview MADE Expo Milan (I) 42 Special Stripping and preparing an old floor mechanically 46 Special Repairing substrates: who has the products

for this purpose ? 49 Preview Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR

Bruno Descamps, CEO of Lamett comments: ‘Parquet is certainly on the up because parquet feels warm and no other type of floor can copy that feel. Moreover, parquet is also durable and can last a lifetime. Consumers may be charmed by the product’s warmth, but they’re also increasingly aware of long-term options.’ That assessment squares perfectly with Bruno Descamps the typical choosing process for those (CEO of Lamett) consumers. ‘Consumers look mainly for aesthetic aspects (a rigid plank, a plank with several or few gnarls, the colour, etc.) and durability. Secondly, they will consider the maintenance involved.’ At Lamett, they are well aware that there are often misconceptions about the types, possibilities, and technical aspects. That was also the reason why the company has published a ‘Parquet Bible’, which, amongst other things, is available on the web site. As for general developments, they continue as normal. For instance, multi-layer parquet is still growing at the expense of solid wood simply because it’s more stable. They are quite convinced, however, that solid wood will never disappear completely. ‘Solid wood is still popular in some regions. Lamett produced over 500,000m² of solid parquet in 2018.’ Moreover, it’s also no surprise that 90 to 95% of all those wooden floors are made in oak. Bruno Descamps says: ‘Oak, European or another sort, offers vast options.’ However, at the same time, tropical wood in the interior continues to decline. And then the trends! As for finishes, we have to draw a distinction in terms of regions. He continues: ‘The most popular finish in the region of Flanders is oil; Lamett-Spain supplies mainly varnish, whilst for Lamett-France it tends to be 50/50; Germany prefers oil. If we were to count all the countries of Europe, we’d probably arrive at a 50/50.’ As for fitting patterns, it’s back to the past. ‘Lamett offers both strip and herringbone parquet. Herringbone is right back in fashion. This ancient synchronous fitting method ensures a classic, yet dynamic look and suits modern homes perfectly.’ To sum up, parquet and wooden floor coverings are still developing as an ingenious twosome of technical perfection and tradition; knowledge of wood behaviour and the power of chemical aids ensure stable floors, whilst the look is cherished and preserved down the ages. A bright future!

50 Review BAU Munich (D) 59 Special The ecological footprint of the flooring sector 60 Special Producers of polyurethane adhesives 63 Industry news 64 Special Poland 66 Product news

Editing & advertisements FFI bvba PO BOX 29 9870 Olsene, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)9 385 80 40 Fax: +32 (0)9 385 88 85 sales@media-pact.com www.floor-forum.com Publisher Filip De Ridder

Subscriptions to Floor Forum International: Mail to info@media-pact.com

Lay-out: Be-able Communication www.be-able.be Production: Lowyck - Oostende

Advertising & subscriptions Adriana Dascalu info@media-pact.com Hilde De Ridder floorforum@telenet.be Filip De Ridder sales@media-pact.com Editors: Jean Paul Talbot, Ludwig Janssens, Filip De Ridder Jacques Legros

Translation: Michael Robinson www.glossa.be Floor Forum International is a publication of FFi bvba.

The copyright of Floor Forum International and the articles appearing herein are retained by the publisher. By agreeing to publication of an article in this journal, the author assigns to the publisher the irrevocable and exclusive right under Copyright law to collect charges due from third parties for copying said article and to undertake legal or other action for this purpose. Editorial and advertising copy in this issue have been carefully checked and Floor Forum International bvba cannot accept any responsibility for any errors.

∂ Inside news Cezar

everyone very much who has visited our Original Chapel Parket stand during the fairs Domotex in Hanover and/or BAU in Munich. Visit our website for more information: www.chapelparket.com

Rubio Monocoat

Cezar is a Polish family company started its business activity in the sixties. The start of production of tile profiles in 1994 started a new era in the company's history. Dynamic development noted in 1995 Cezar patented PVC skirting board, in 1997 start of building the production plant in Elk. The basis of Cezar's activity is the production of skirting boards (PVC, polystyrene, aluminum), undercoats and finishing strips (aluminum, steel, brass, PVC). The flagship product of our company are skirting boards made of PVC - Premium, Hi-Line, Hi-Line Prestige and Cezar60. These are strips repeatedly awarded by various industry organizations, enjoying great popularity among customers from all over Europe. What distinguishes our company is above all a wide range of specialist finishing products with over 7,000 items. Over 90% of products are manufactured by Caesar plants in Poland. Currently, over 400 employees work at Cezar. The Cezar company exports its products to 41 countries around the world.

Interior Wood Trends 2019, inspired by Rubio Monocoat At Rubio Monocoat, we breathe wood. As the ‘King of Colours’, it is our mission to accentuate and protect the natural beauty of the wood in every project. In 2017 and 2018 we responded to colour trends when we launched the Rubio Monocoat trend colours. Because we want to continue to innovate and inspire, we are launching our first magazine this year. The idea behind this is to inform and inspire everyone that loves wood about the current trends and in particular how our Rubio Monocoat products can help obtain the desired result. The magazine wants to particularly provide visual inspiration, using realized Rubio Monocoat projects and will also be filled with practical tips and some interviews with experts in their field. To top it off, we will indicate per trend how we can help realize it with Rubio Monocoat products. This magazine will be your inspiration for all your wood projects in 2019, so ask for it today.

LIGNA.TV streams latest industry news on the Internet

Original Chapel Parket

We look back on 2 successful trade fairs in Germany where we have spoken to many potential customers but also were able to meet existing clients. The visitors were introduced to the most exclusive, Dutch made, Original Chapel Parquet floors in which the natural beauty of the wood is preserved as much as possible. Original Chapel Parquet is the founder of distressed and ready-to-use parquet floors and is still distinctive in the market due to the extensive range with endless possibilities and the unique finishing process. We would like to thank

Floor Forum International 100

Hanover. LIGNA.TV is back for a fourth season. Woodworking professionals will be able to tune in to the web TV service during the run-up to LIGNA 2019 and on every day of the show. LIGNA.TV brings the latest industry news and views to the Internet in a series of quality video round-ups. The service will be available from January to May 2019 at www.ligna.de and on its own dedicated LIGNA.TV YouTube channel. The whole package is coordinated and organized by the German

â&#x2C6;&#x201A; Inside news Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers' Association (part of the German Engineering Federation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; VDMA) in partnership with Deutsche Messe. Joiners, cabinetmakers and other woodworking professionals are coming under immense pressure as a result of digitization and escalating customer expectations in terms of product quality and individualization. But the good news is they can tune in to LIGNA.TV for coverage of these and other major industry trends, information on the latest machinery solutions, and first-hand insights from industry peers. They can use the service to find information, complete with real-life examples on things like how to find the right digitization and automation solutions for their needs and how to deal with their industry's worsening skills shortage. With their fresh, modern visual styling and use of information-rich graphics and animations, LIGNA.TV's short, punchy bulletins quickly get to the heart of even the most complex topics, delivering content that is clear and readily understood. By woodworking professionals, for woodworking professionals The LIGNA.TV content is delivered by a presenter teaming up with a practicing joiner/cabinetmaker, who provides answers to topical questions. What do woodworking pros have to say about the given topics? What are the solutions that actually work? What do tradespeople actually need? What are the best approaches to implementation and usage? LIGNA.TV provides information, tradeshow round-ups and entertainment in three formats: "Tischler-Magazin" ("Joinery Magazine"), "Vor Ort" ("In the

Floor Forum International 100

Workshop") and "Im Focus" ("In Focus"). LIGNA.TV: "Tischler-Magazin" The producers are planning to webcast 15 episodes during the period from January to May 2019. Each will be filmed on site in a joinery workshop. Each episode will begin with a brief outline of a particular topic. It will then present the views and opinions of actual joiners and close with a look at relevant solutions plus information on where they will be on display at LIGNA 2019. LIGNA.TV: "Vor Ort" In this report format, the presenters will take a look behind the scenes at a joiner or cabinetmaker at work in his/her workshop. The focus may be on things like unusual products, advanced or unconventional production processes, or perhaps even on a firm with an unusual history. The producers are planning 20 episodes in all. LIGNA.TV: "Im Fokus" Viewers who want to delve a little deeper into various topics can tune into the "Im Fokus" section for longer-form interviews and more detailed information. During the build-up to LIGNA, visitors can use LIGNA.TV to prepare for the show by previewing the innovations, solutions and applications that will be on display. The LIGNA.TV content will remain available after the show is over. Then, from 27 to 31 May 2019, visitors can head to LIGNA and

∂ Inside news experience the live plant and machinery presentations first-hand, network with business partners and ‘compare notes' with their peers – all the things that make a real visit to the show the absolute highlight of the year.

STAUF Klebstoffwerk GmbH maintains contacts with Asia

Osmo

ADHESIVE TECHNOLOGY www.stauf.de

Decking-Oil is an oil-and-wax-based wood finish that has been especially developed for the individual needs of numerous fine woods and softwoods. It smoothens the surface of timber decking and makes it water and dirt repellent. There are 10 various colour tones to choose from. On raw (weathered) wood, two coats are necessary; for renovations, one coat without sanding is sufficient. Alternatively, Anti-Slip Decking Oil can be applied as the second coat. It provides slip-resistant surface and extends the lifetime of decking through additional weather protection. Choose from three different can sizes: 750 ml, 2.5 L and 25 L.

China will be an important market for the adhesives industry in future. DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR is the leading trade fair for flooring adhesives in the Pacific/Asia area, and STAUF Klebstoffwerk GmbH of Wilnsdorf (Germany) is represented there every year. At this international exhibition in Shanghai, STAUF will be presenting its entire flooring technology range at stand W1F-04 in Hall W1, from 26 to 28 March. More than 55,000 visitors and around 1,500 exhibitors from 40 countries are expected. With its Chinese partner Shanghai Inwood Decor Material CO. Ltd., STAUF will be available to answer questions from trade visitors in the German Pavilion. The focus will be on STAUF’s adhesives for wood flooring und floor coverings. The company is looking forward to a successful trade fair and a large number of visitors.

D E S I G N® PA R Q U E T Fr a nc e

Filling technology for wood flooring

Custom made

MACHINED FILLING OF KNOTS IN PARQUET before

after

ANTICO 3 widths

New

CSP Engineering bvba Stenehei 30/10 B-2480 Dessel (Belgium)

Tel: +32 14 37 77 52 info@csp-engineering.com www.csp-engineering.com

OAK PARQUET ANTICO

Parquet manufactured from reclaimed oak beams "RECLAIMED WOOD" Color variations from clear brown to dark brown. Worm holes, splits, discoloration, wood pieces to fill dowel holes. 3 widths : 90 / 135 / 200 mm - T&G

www.designparquet.fr Floor Forum International 100

Advertorial

Dinachoc (F)

DINACHOC® PRESENTS A REVOLUTIONARY THERMOACOUSTIC SCREED WITH VERY HIGH PERFORMANCES UP TO AT LEAST DLW 34DB DINACHOC® OFFERS ‘TECHNOLOGY TO GIVE PEACE AND QUIET’

Everyone knows that wood and its derivatives offer outstanding thermal insulation. However, as for thermal comfort, wood also has some secondary benefits. Wood often helps to reduce sound. You will notice this if you constantly hear the footsteps of your neighbour upstairs or even the shuffling of slippers. A great thinker once said: ‘Hell, just look at others.’ Yet it’s more than that; sounds which we ourselves generate by walking on wooden or laminate floors can annoy others. With the thermo-acoustic dry screed, Dinachoc® can give floor fitters more acoustic comfort.

Types of sound Insulation materials or materials for sound insulation are used to counteract two types of sound.

DINACHOC S700 - 100X50x17mm Acoustic support blocks for the system

Floor Forum International 100

‘Airborne sounds’ indicate vibrations which are caused by the source of sound in the air e.g. voices, a radio, music, a running engine, and such like. Airborne sounds are connected to the adjoining rooms via floors and walls. Airborne sounds spread from outdoors to indoors and vice versa. The airborne sound generates a vibration on the walls (or floors), which reproduce this vibration from the other side (or downstairs). The thicker the wall, the harder it is to reproduce the vibration. Therefore, a thick wall always provides better insulation against airborne sound (= ‘the law of mass’). By contrast, ‘impact sounds’ are generated between materials. In buildings we talk about typical impact sounds such as footsteps, the dragging of a chair, or the sound which accompanies a frame being hung up. The Dinachoc® range offers outstanding protection against the nuisance of these two types of sound.

The Dinachoc system absorbs at least Rw 61dB!

The Dinachoc® solution: System D834, a unique process. The thermo-acoustic Dinachoc® dry screed system ensures that traditional sound insulation concrete screeds are no longer needed. Dinachoc® D834 means lots of benefits for floor fitters. - Very high acoustic insulation performances, ΔLw 34dB for high contact sounds ; - Simple fitting - High insulation with low frequency - Prevents sound bridges - Replaces the classic screed and the covering floor - No waiting time for drying - Contributes to sustainable development, use of recycled materials - Six times lighter than a floating acoustic screed (less pressure on the structure) - Reduced cost price for the total site as compared to a floating concrete screed - It can be combined perfectly well with floor heating. - It can be used with wooden floors in ecological houses. - It suppresses the grinding with the structure. - It adapts to all types of structures. - Materials which have proved their worth for more than 10 years. - It can be fitted under various types of floor covering.

Internationally licensed system and tested in the laboratory

The DINACHOC® D834 system was designed after intensive industrial research and after the completion of scores of tests. Depending on the needs and the type of setting, Dinachoc® has developed and then tested a system for drying the screed effectively. The performances of the Dinachoc® system have been certified by several

independent professional agencies (e.g. CSTB and CEBTP) and then testedon various sites. Incredibly high performances have been registered which are unique worldwide: a minimum reduction of DLW 34dB. Unlike most systems on the market, the Dinachoc® system provides an answer to all sound problems. It adapts to all types of wooden floors and can be fitted under all sorts of floor covering.

Comparison of performances of the Dinachoc® D834 system with a sound insulation concrete screed Load Drying time for the fitting of a floor covering Sound insulation performance of airborne sounds Sound insulation for contact sounds

Sound insulation screed in concrete 90kg/m² 1 to 3 months

DINACHOC®

Benefits

15kg/m² immediate

3dB*

9dB*

6 keer lighter Gain of 1 to 3 months on the site Gain of 6dB

About DLw 20dB*

DLw 34dB*

Gain of DLw 14dB

*In comparison with an uncovered plate

The Dinachoc® D834 system adapts to various settings: - - - - - -

Concrete structure Beam structure On a timber frame construction For night clubs For sports halls For theatres.

Dinachoc Phone : 0033-7-83020314 www.dinachoc.com contact@dinachoc.com

The various possible settings

Floor Forum International 100

Review Domotex Hanover (D)

DOMOTEX 2019 IS OVER FEWER VISITORS YIELD COMPARABLE TRADE FIGURES Domotex 2019, the ‘show of shows’, is over. It was an event to which the big players in the industry on the sides of supply and demand had been looking forward for a whole year. For visitors, this professional meeting means an informative stroll through the market, novelties, and trends. For exhibitors, it’s the very best place to promote their reputation, ‘show off ’ their ranges, and introduce their latest products, systems, or services. We look back on Domotex 2019.

Digital tools

Domotex 2019 – the results

With the verdict ‘The floor sets the stage for any interior’, the renowned designer Sebastian Herkner stressed the dominant role of floor covering in the interior. Floors determine to some extent the context in which we live and the background to our lifestyle. Framing Trends once again brought some amazingly creative innovations. ‘Connectivity’ was the key word at Domotex 2019.

Domotex 2019 is over! Once again, the show confirmed its leading role within the carpet and floor covering market. 1400 exhibitors from 60 different countries came to Hanover to kick off the new year with success. Over 90% of the visitors were decision makers; this was confirmed by the exhibitors. ‘The visitor quality was extremely high,’ they said. The fact that about 70% of visitors came from abroad once again underlines the international character of Domotex as a meeting platform. The organisers noticed greater interest from architects and designers. ‘Thanks to its strong international character, Domotex can be called the ultimate global market place,’ was the conclusion after the show of Dr Andreas Gruchow, who is responsible for the organisation of Domotex Hanover. Sonia Wedell-Castellano, the new global director of Domotex, noticed that new partnerships were forged which would probably have been unthinkable in the past. A mirror of reality? Yes, and more so than ever before! Just take the fall in visitor numbers which the organisers attributed directly to an ongoing market concentration. The result? Fewer decision-makers with more power to make decisions. Indeed, the post-show survey revealed that sales made by the exhibitors remained stable, but there was an increase in the number of purchases per visitor. The exhibitors were well satisfied. ‘We’re delighted with the number and quality of international visitors,’ said Fabian Kölliker, head of marketing at the Swiss Krono Group. Managing director Geert Vanden Bossche from the Balta Group also appreciated the show’s international character: ‘The carpet market is an international business. This is the best place to make relevant contacts.’ Myriam Ragolle, managing director of Ragolle Rugs, also thinks it is an asset that Domotex provides for a global public in barely four days.

Create ’n Connect The inspirational Framing Trends in Hall 9 once again proved its worth. For the second year in a row there were impressive innovations on display from manufacturers, artists, designers, and students. Architects and designers were enchanted by Framing Trends as the beating heart of the show where visitors entered into dialogue with exhibitors. Handiwork meeting point (‘Treffpunkt Handwerk’) in Hall 13, with the theme of ‘Gaining Ground’, also attracted several designers, parquet traders, and painters. The demonstrations opened up a world of new options for professionals.

Floor Forum International 100

A lot of attention was paid to new possibilities and resources for the digital presentation of carpet and floor coverings. An attractive job for marketers and sales managers in companies. This revolved around the visualisation of all phases of the marketing mix. Solutions were also provided for retailers for the digital presentation of products in the shop.

What about trends?

Wood Lifecycle One of the central attractions at the recent Domotex was the Wood Lifecycle presentation. This was a set-up designed by Total Tool Milano to portray the lifecycle of wood in seven different stages, from the tree to the recycled product. Each phase of this set-up was also the introduction of one or more products from leading top class Italian trademarks. Some of the exhibition was filled by Visionme, a company from Hanover itself which, with IUNCO, presented a package of visualisation forms of technology and distribution channels. Another attraction was filled in largely by students and artists. That generated extra involvement from the visitors.

Personalisation and digital printing There was a clear trend to be seen in several segments towards exhaustive ‘individualisation’. That ranged from carpets woven in accordance with an individually chosen pattern to scores of possibilities from digital printing. The latter can be applied to ‘everything’. For instance, Karl Pedross presented possibilities of digitally printed profiles and skirting boards in which the look and feel of even protected wood sorts could be copied perfectly well. In the context of individualisation, too, Pallmann presented no fewer than 24 colours of oil primers (Colour Collection). Others presented geometric figures or woven designs in parquet (e.g. Versailles or Ebony) by way of personalisation.

Vintage and distressed Distressed wooden floors are still a hit. That, combined with the preference for natural materials, has become visible with qualitative parquet floors. Vintage floors made from wood with a history, such as railway sleepers or wooden construction beams: Raftwood was presented by Flamingo Parket, whilst Losan displayed Jungle Oak. There was a whole series of artificially aged floors on show from players such as Cora Domenico, Arbony, and Houtindustrie Schijndel Chapel. We found an authentic surface structure at the Carcassonne floor by Lamett.

An exhibitors overview Floor Forum International

paid to the stand floor! The B:Hard, a composite parquet floor of 11mm thick with specially processed wood veneer, was supplied by the Austrian manufacturer Stรถckl Parkett and fitted by Lofra Benelux, the exclusive importer of this floor in Belgium and the Netherlands. The fitted type was the Type Crack Crystal (grey) in 22.3 x 220cm. This floor is 100% ecological, partly through the low consumption of hardwood and the low formaldehyde content. The B:Hard is a floor with outstanding technical qualities, something which the high-traffic Floor Forum and Floor Forum International stand obviously needs. It certainly was busy at the stand! Whilst there was an impression of a considerably lower number of visitors, certainly on the first and last days of the show, there was a constant flow of visitors and exhibitors to and from the Floor Forum stand. The peace and quiet at the stand was aided by the excellent subfloor from Mac Lean, Isosilence 1 x 10m, which was 2.8mm thick.

Auer Metallprofile At this 31st Domotex Hanover your trade journal stand was also a place of informative relief for both visitors and exhibitors alike. In keeping with tradition, the Floor Forum stand radiated the atmosphere of a Belgian pub where you could share thoughts with others over a refreshing glass of blond Leffe and a freshly cut slice of quality Italian ham. You could also familiarise yourself with the Floor Forum trade publications (the Franco-Belgian and international magazines) and look ahead to 2019. This was the place to hatch plans, make arrangements, and conclude deals, but in a sphere slightly detached from a purely business setting. Obviously, some extra attention was

As every year, Auer Metallprofile GmbH has presented itself at the Domotex, the world's leading trade fair for carpets, floor coverings and accessories, in Hanover with a new, larger stand. Once again, the focus of our exhibition was on profiles made of stainless steel, which are manufactured according to individual wishes and are in demand by customers from France, England, Scandinavia and the Baltic States. Furthermore, we were able to present our innovations in the field of aluminum profiles. Numerous visitors from home and abroad showed great interest in the new wall profiles, reversible stair profiles, and the extra-wide APL-transition profile. During the Domotex, the Auer sales team was able to hold interesting discussions with trade visitors,

Floor Forum International 100

Review Domotex Hanover (D)

contractors, architects and wholesalers and conclude new supply contracts as well as deepening existing trade.

The numerous visitors demonstrated that Domotex in Hanover represents a dynamic event where meet international buyers, customers and suppliers.

Domotex 2019 saw Alsapan, the only French manufacturer of laminate flooring, present its new range for 2019/2021 Laminate. In 2019, Alsapan showcased its 2 flagship brands: - Alsafloor, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historical high-end brand, features in-registered products, a 5G clip and a durability rating of 23/33 AC5 or AC6. Installation options for the Alsafloor range include herringbone and French style (mixing planks of different widths) with 7 patterns extending from the classical to the highly decorative. - Alsapro, the latest of our brands, spotlights short and sharp collections delivered for inventory and designed to meet the various needs

Alma by Giorio looks extremely satisfied back to the participation on Domotex. We presented our last innovations and our stand attracted a great deal of attention from fair visitors, especially the new colors combined with particular geometry. Domotex 2019 offered us the opportunity to meet our costumers from both Italy and abroad and to present our new products, first of all our new range of Reagent treatments, which have attracted considerable interest. Even Adisportfloor (presenting a large range of innovative sport systems, all CE marked ad FIBA certified) and Terra da Bosco (focused on unfinished and design parquet) are really satisfied by this great fair.

Alsapan

ALMA BY GIORIO | ADISPORTFLOOR | TERRA DA BOSCO

DURABI L

Two-component water-based polyurethane lacquer for wooden ďŹ&#x201A;oors

TWICE DURABLE

in comparison to standard two-component lacquers CHIMIVER PANSERI S.p.A.

PONTIDA (BG) - ITALY - Tel. +39 035 795031 chimiver.com - info@chimiver.com

Floor Forum International 100

CARE

PRO

of the building market. Available in planks of 7 to 12 mm thickness, 5G or tap-in clips and a durability rating of 23/33 AC5 or AC6. Vinyl. Alsapan’s IDEAL vinyl flooring range was a further feature of Domotex 2019. The company, with nearly 25 years’ experience in manufacturing laminate flooring, invested in a new vinyl flooring production line in 2017. IDEAL is high-performance rigid vinyl flooring with a standout design and a patented assembly system for easy fitting. The range includes: - 17 patterns aligned with current consumer trends - a choice of 3 strikingly-realistic surface structures - 2 formats: planks of 123.7 cm x 22.5 cm and tiles of 61.2 cm x 30.4 cm, for unfettered personalisation - 1 total thickness of 5.5 mm, including a 0.55 mm wear layer and a built-in underlay Find more details on www.alsapan.com.

B-Fix The B-Fix team returned home from Domotex Hanover 2019 full of enthusiasm. Apart from welcoming existing clients, B-Fix had made a priority of expanding its dealer network. This edition was a vintage year full of highly impressive contacts. This was more than likely the fruit of meticulous planning and several years of attendance at the shows. B-Fix is now working on a new stand concept for next year. One thing’s for sure: You mustn’t miss it! See you at Domotex Hanover 2020.

Blanchon French authenticity The Blanchon stand hosted visitors from all over the world to the theme of French authenticity. Apart from wood finishes with various effects, Blanchon Industrie also promoted Excimer® for vinyl floors. This technology has won awards for stable ultra-matt and uniform finishes, as has its filler mastic range. Their new products for 2019 are

PINK BLOCKER 2C The ultimate answer to create the most beautiful looks on your wood!

Hardwood which turns pink during the finishing process can ruin the nice aspect of the intended appearance of the wood. Ciranova® has developed a product which when applied to the wood will prevent this pink colouration.

Pink blocker 2C - before

Pink blocker 2C - after

www.ciranova.eu Produced by Debal Coatings nv Tel +32 (0)51 30 11 40 | info@ciranova.be

Floor Forum International 100

Review Domotex Hanover (D)

woodsamples and on the floor, Ciranova received many positive reactions. Pink Blocker 2C is a unique waterbased reactive stain to “discolour” and “block” the pink and red tone effect which occurs in some hardwoods. Pinkblocker 2C is compatible with all stains and protective finishes from Ciranova and Ciranova Industrial finishes. Ciranova proves once more during Domotex their leadership in developing unique stains and natural finishes.

USFloor - COREtec®

the glazer for Iceberg parquet with the brightest finish on the market and an ultra-natural aspect in one or two components, and the ultra-matt oil without the Easy oil cleaner, with a simplified application for warm parquet floors. Finally, the Renovation Glazer charmed their customers with its practical features and versatility (one coat for renovation with no sandpapering on wood, PVC, or laminate). They also promoted their Carver finishes.

Chimiver

Among the novelties brought to Hanover this year, Chimiver has bet on the Ecotraffik 2K two-component water-based hight durability polyurethane lacquering for wooden floors characterized by: high solid content, black heel mark resistances allowing its use for high traffic surfaces. Our booth was actually designed and set up in order to give to the customer the idea of traffic, of a city able to make people understand that Chimiver products are suitable for high traffic resistance even in the most extreme conditions. The area set up with the basket wanted to recall our products approved by FIBA. CHIMIVER also made an explanatory videos for each range of products shown, in particular 8 yellow "totems" where customers could also touch the results of the products applied.

Ciranova SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF OUR PINK BLOCKER 2C

Ciranova looks back at a successful edition of Domotex Hanover. With the launch of the new PINK BLOCKER 2C presented on different

Floor Forum International 100

Sunday funday at COREtec®’s exhibition stand at DOMOTEX Hanover. The multi-layer flooring expert delighted visitors with this year’s novelties and a ticket to the booth’s secret room. Seated in a space-themed chamber, guests were shown a short video about COREtec®’s upcoming launch of a revolutionary new collection. Jan Dossche, President USFloors Europe, lifts a corner of the veil: “We are working on something new, that is sure to cause a big bang in the flooring universe. We revolutionized the market in 2012 with the introduction of our 100% waterproof core technology and we plan on wowing the market once again in 2019.” USFloors will communicate more about the new product in the coming months, but Stijn Windels, Marketing Director USFloors Europe, already sparked the DOMOTEX public’s interest: “Imagine a ground-breaking product that combines all the benefits of ceramic tiles with the ease of COREtec® installation. Get ready to touch the future of flooring!”

CSP Engineering Also our 3rd concesutive participation on Domotex was more than worth it. Again it turned out to be the ideal opportunity to meet with relations, clients and new contacts from the wood flooring world. The visitors were mostly interested in the presented developments on the filling technology such as the new types of machines with the PAR-Filler® Mono for limited capacities and the PAR-Filler® Duplex for industrial productions. These innovations combined with the low consumption of CosmetiWood® wood filler with the PAR-Filler® result in an even faster return of investment. Also our newest member in the range the PAR-Cardboard® for taping cardboard strips around packs with wood flooring received a lot of interest. CSP Engineering has a satisfied feeling about this edition of Domotex and is already looking forward to Ligna.

Cezar In January 14, 2019, this year's edition of DOMOTEX in Hanover, one of the world's largest flooring events, came to an end. During the 4-day event, 1400 companies from over 60 countries presented their assortment. The fair was visited by over 40,000 visitors. Among the exhibitors, as every year, company Cezar from Poland could not be missing. This year we have presented a number of products that we are most proud of. These were for instance full range of colors of skirtings PVC Premium, HiLine, HiLine Prestige and Duo2 slats, door frame profiles from the Elegance collection, a new line of aluminum profiles and stainless steel from the Luxor family, a series of aluminum profiles for LVT panels. Also new in the Cezar range were lacquered MDF skirtings and protective profiles in new finishes. We would like to thank our clients for visiting the stand of the Cezar company during the Domotex 2019 trade fair. See you at Domotex 2020!

Design Parquet Custom-made parquet solutions

“A la française” style playing with the perspective Authentic and timeless, the “A la Française” style mixes regularly 3 different widths of planks. This look changes the aspect of a room and bring a different perspective. Custom-made parquet. Design Parquet will present its project references and bespoke solutions: - special designs: Hexagonal, squares, 3D cube seen in perspective - Panels mixed with exotic wood or metal insert www.designparquet.fr

ESTAPARKET Domotex 2019 was a great opportunity for ESTAPARKET to present a range of new parquet designs and patterns. Focus was to introduce new surface finishing solutions that preserves charm and beauty of natural wood and match the trend. Our innovative PURE LINE finishing keeps color of unfinished wood in lacquer varnish creating a more natural wood feeling. Lacquer surfaces with 5% gloss has a matt finish, natural look and enhance grain patterns of wood. Designers have noted that our Ash designs with new finishing would be their 1st choice. Herringbone pattern with CLICK is our innovation that can be installed floating. 1 strip joint lamella pattern that has higher grade wood at more affordable price was very well accepted. We thank everyone who visited our booth. We hope to see you next year!

FAXE

French company Design Parquet has been producing engineered and solid wood floors for twenty years. In that time, they have built up a strong reputation with both innovative and classic products and have been the preferred suppliers for prestige projects in France and at international level. The manufacturer will display its know-how for special parquet. Chevron in customized size and pattern Design Parquet offers Chevron in various angles and in made-tomeasure. For example with a length up to 2 meters.

Thank you to DOMOTEX for yet another excellent exhibition. As always, being back was a real pleasure. FAXE experienced a large and genuine

The wood filler range for wood industry ■ Economical powder 1kg = 1.3kg of paste ■ Ready-to-use, fast drying ■ Depth of filling 20mm ■ Special formulas for planed and brushed wood ■ 8 standards colors or counter-typing on demand ■ Package from 5 to 310kg, in buckets or in barrels ■ Manual or automatic application

TE WA R

BA ED S

Call a specialist

+33 5 61 98 40 88 www.briancon-production.com

INDUSTRY

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Review Domotex Hanover (D)

interest in our exhibition stand of wood care products, and especially our wood treatment demonstrations. Throughout the day, our wood care experts demonstrated lye products, showcasing how to transform plain oak wood floors to beautiful, grey oak or golden brown “smoke effect” oak. Should you wish to receive information on lye products or other products from the extensive FAXE range of wood care products, please do not hesitate to contact Sales Manager Torben Olsen on +45 4033 0283 or to@esbjergpaints.dk. You are also most welcome to visit our website on www.faxewoodcare.com

FLO.IT A RENEWED SUCCESS FOR FLO.IT Domotex continues to be the world's leading showcase for carpet and floor coverings. It has underscored its reputation as the sector’s biggest and most important hub for business, innovations and trends. Despite a slightly slowdown in attendance, probably consequent to Bau Fair, the caliber of the show’s visitors remained extremely high, allowing a profitable purchasing volume. Indeed , Flo.it has collected more than 200 new contacts from all over the world, looking for a good alternative of Chinese/polish imported product.

Color Hardwax-oil 2K Lanai 071

The VOC-free finishing product with fast curing and full chemical and mechanical resistance after 24 hours.

Janna 170 Denali 175 Ceram 178 Kamet 179 Pago 770

New Ceram 178 Now available in 13 colours!

Pinta 773 Tanna 776 Savo 872

Easy maintenance with

Floorservice Maintenance Oil!

Rossing 875 Koro 972 Taupo 975 Sakar 979

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Why such success? Flo.it offers a certified product, completely Made in Italy at a competitive price with a wide selection of finishes.( option between unfinished or finished product). At least but not last, among the latest trends and fashions Flo.it presented its new products HERRINGBONE and CHEVRON, a clear evidence of the continuing innovation and research of the company. We want to express our gratitude to all those visited our stand at these edition of Domotex 2019. We give appointment to all next year , and in the meantime you can send your request and to get information visiting our web site www.florianinc.com or contact us by e-mail at : sales.floor@florianinc.ocm

Forestry Timber

Forestry Timber had a busy 4 day event at Domotex 2019, meeting with current clients, as well as potentially new clients from around the world. Our internationally diverse team of sales directors and product specialists were constantly engaged. Over the last few years Forestry

ThsaNks or haRing

ideas At

Domotex

Timber has invested heavily in marketing support for all our direct clients. This was evident in our display. Our booth was +300sqm with over 150 colours ranging from whites to strong dark colours, with every possible texture and finish. A novelty this year was our Baroque wall panelling collection - featuring 30 different patterns which drew much interest from all passersby. Forestrytimber.com

Floorservice

During the Domotex show in Hanover, Overmat showed a number of new collections of existing Floorservice products By use of impression-displays, we made it easy to get a good idea on how the Floorservice products could be used in any interior, this year based on the trends of 2019. Nature Protect 2K The new Floorservice lacquer Nature Protect 2K not only allows oak maintain its natural colour and look, but also of other types of wood

such as Wengé, Maple, Jatoba, Afzelia, White Ash and Walnut. LED and UV oil After the introduction of Floorservice LED oil during the Domotex 2018 we now showed a lot of other possibilities and finishes. We also showed a lot of new combinations with our UV oil. Prime Stain New added this year were the Prime Weathered Grey and Prime Weathered Black collections. These pre-treatment products have been developed to give oak wood a weathered and greyed or aged and almost black appearance. Hard wax-oil 2K In addition to the existing Naturio and the 12 previously introduced colors, our newest color Ceram 178 could be admired on a beautiful large shelf. The Ceram is an extra white variant. Tailor-made collection One of Overmat’s specialties: The possibility to, together with you, create your personal bespoke collection! Are you interested in Floorservice LED oils but would you rather decide on the colours yourself? It’s possible! We are happy to discuss the possibilities for your own bespoke collection.

Decking Oil

WOODCARE SINCE 1926

• • • • •

Basic treatment and maintenance of decking wood. Enhances the color and structure of the wood. Provides excellent UV protection. Available in a solvent and a waterborne version. Can be delivered in many different colors, some as standard and others require a quantity of minimum 100 liters.

Contact Torben Olsen Tel. +45 40 33 02 84 for further information. Esbjerg Farve- & Lakfabrik A/S, DK-6700 Esbjerg Tel. 75 12 86 00, www.esbjergpaints.com.

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Review Domotex Hanover (D)

in outdoor areas has required very different and complex stands and accessories. The Impertek Rail System allows outdoor raised floors to be created with boards and a mixed top finish. Ideal for set-ups with large-sized stoneware tiles, Rail System is an integral part of Pedestal Line, and adds three new elements to the complete range of Impertek supports and accessories: a joist and two types of heads, which allow stability and finishes that have been unthought of so far with ceramic stonewares. Find more at www.impertek.com.

Inpa Parket

KARL PEDROSS AG

Using the motto “Saving the forest with every print!” PEDROSS presented its patented direct digital printing on skirting boards and profiles in Hanover recently. A rigorously tested technology, which joins the existing production options. Through the usage of UV-curing direct printing ink, a limitless range of motifs on various substrate base materials with a brilliant look and unique feel are now possible, completely without the digital printed foil. This means that PEDROSS can now print exclusive, protected woods, extraordinary designs and countless other individual motifs directly onto base materials such as spruce, MDF or PVC. In addition, PEDROSS presented new, high-quality special lacquer finishes that allow an even better adaptation to a wide variety of floors. Thanks to various gloss levels, pearlescent, scratch-resistant varnishes and many other refinement options, each skirting board blends perfectly in its surroundings.

Küberit Sometimes companies stand out more by going somewhat against the flow. The flow at Inpa Parket is clearly a little different to that of the general trend, but it is obviously bearing fruit! There seems to be a slight decline in the advance of tropical wood sorts, an advance which was all the rage ten years ago, but Inpa Parket is seeing a strong rise in demand. The limited range and the ever rising price of oak are seen as the driving forces. That means that Inpa Parket did well at the recent Domotex show. The company stood out with its exotics amongst about fifty others who were highlighting oak. And so, Inpa Parket is pleased to have gained some serious buyers since Domotex 2019.

Trade fair première: Küberit Mono-Clip

Janser Grinding Machine COLIBRI Lightweight with Power! Subfloor preparation - in an easy way! Janser introduced a new grinding system in spring 2018, which provides relief to your job. This smart grinder only weighs 35kg. With the folding guide handle, the COLIBRI is light and compact and can be easily transported upstairs in staircases. The machine has the special features of a high performance of 2.200 rpm, high torque of 43 Nm, easy tool changes with 4 different discs, competitively priced and high surface performance. To increase the pressure on the surface and for a better grinding performance, there is as an optional 10 kg additional weight. The COLIBRI machine has a water level for setting of grinding disc, ensuring even grinding performance on each surface.

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A technically sophisticated and elegant profile system With the two-part profile system Mono-Clip, Küberit will be presenting the first system for laminate, parquet and hardwood flooring at the industry trade fairs in January. Due to its very narrow structure, it looks incredibly delicate and at the same time enables an expansion joint of 13 mm. A new clip technology makes it even easier and faster to process than before. Thanks to this innovative profile structure, Mono-Clip offers up to 60% more benefits than conventional systems. 13 mm expansion joint, 8% smaller visible surface "End customers preferably want elegant, narrow profiles that are as stable and durable as the well-known classics. The new two-part Mono-Clip profile system fulfils these requirements: For example, at just 31.5 mm, the connecting profile has an 8% smaller visible surface while remaining highly functional, but at the same time also has an optimised expansion joint measuring 13 mm," says Lars Maier, head of the Germany Sales division, explaining the new system.

Lamett Lamett launches new collections at Domotex 2019

Highlights of the trade fair presentations included - FN digi-direct: digital direct print on skirtings and flooring profiles on a variety of base materials such as plastics, aluminium and solid wood. - FN roomy: this convertible room element consists of system components like beams, boards, joint hangers, connecting elements and attachable accessories that you can configure and assemble based on your needs. There is almost no need to use screws. - FN flush-pro: the plaster-flush profile. It is made of aluminium and is applied before the wall is plastered. - White lacquered spruce and pine profiles.

Original Chapel Parket

Domotex 2019 was the big kick-off for Lamett's brand new wood and ParquetVinyl collections. The parquet specialist doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand still and always thinks of new collections to be able to answer every question and trend. In addition to the new collections, they also launched their new campaign 'Close to nature'. The most striking new wood collection is Carcassonne, an original weathered floor with a rugged look. The wood selection includes beautiful weathered knots and cracks that create an exclusive, rustic look. On the ParquetVinyl side, they presented the new tile collection Caldera. You get the looks of a stone floor, but with the benefits of ParquetVinyl: easy to install and maintain.

Mac Lean

Thank you to all visitors to our stand at Domotex. It was nice and useful again. We look forward to further cooperation with the newly acquired contacts and our existing customers. So that with the latest concepts in subfloors and plinths we can build an excellent range for our clients.

FN Neuhofer

FN Neuhofer is renowned for its innovative strength in product development, which ensured the company stood out from the crowd at this year's Domotex and Bau trade fairs.

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Review Domotex Hanover (D)

the extensive range with endless possibilities and the unique finishing process. We would like to thank everyone very much who has visited our Original Chapel Parket stand during the fairs Domotex in Hanover and/or BAU in Munich. Visit our website for more information: www.chapelparket.com

Ô MUR

or modernize the walls of a house. During the Domotex exhibition, a virtual reality animation was presented to visitors to the Ô MUR stand. The installation system is available in different rooms of the house for a total immersion and an unforgettable experience! The virtual reality application Ô MUR is available for download on mobiles and tablets. You can find the video of the application as well as the assembly explanations and a project calculator on the website Ô MUR ( www.o-mur. com). Ô MUR products are available for distribution with a product presentation display and demonstration video.

Renzo Borgonovo /Figli di Nando Trabattoni

gd Pidiprogetto · ph Jacopo Ferrari

For its international development, Ô MUR was present, for the second consecutive year, at the Domotex exhibition in Hanover. Ô MUR is a unique and innovative fixing system, which allows you to lay clip floors on the wall. This year Ô MUR presented a preview at Domotex, the Ô MUR RENOVATION system: the ideal solution for all renovation work to fit out attics without having to carry out major work. The aluminium rails are perfectly suited for installation under the roof, and are fixed directly on the rafters. The Ô MUR system, simple and quick to install, offers many creative possibilities to renovate

“Renzo Borgonovo Srl” and “Figli di Nando Trabattoni Srl” would like to thank all the visitors and exhibitors of Domotex Hanover 2019 for their warm welcome and presence, which has made our first attendance at this Fair a fruitful and valuable experience. While having on show our standard version of Hot Embosser “Borgore 800/ITI”, we introduced to the public our newest machine’s development: our Electric Heating System, which completely gets rid of gas usage, considerably raising the safety-standard of the machine. Among our new roller’s designs, the highlight of this year is the pattern “Shou Sugi Ban”, which, deliberately inspired by the ancient Japanese tradition of construction-wood burning for the

Your places are important Make them unique Wooden solution for outdoor. A world of quality and natural design.

www.ravaiolilegnami.com 20

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preservation of the wood itself, replicate this awe-striking natural wood-burnt pattern!

simple and fast removal of single boards without needing to intervene on the whole flooring.

Ravaioli Legnami

Rubio Monocoat New: Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging and 2019 wood trends

Ravaioli Legnami, one of the leading companies in the world of outdoor flooring and cladding, has launched at Domotex 2019 two new products that will have a strong impact in the decking market. RhinowoodTM Wax Pine, the new wooden deck board with an exceptional durability and dimensional stability, gained through the innovative and patented production process consisting in impregnation by wax. This special changes its physical and mechanical properties, conferring to it the stability and durability of exotic woods without altering its aesthetics. RemoClip is the innovative patented fastening system which revolutionizes the world of traditional decking installation. RemoClip adapts to boards of any thickness and material, both wood and WPC materials and it is featured with special wings, allowing the

The Domotex 2019 exhibition was again a real success for Rubio Monocoat. We had a lot of innovations to show you. With Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging, we are responding to the current trend of authentic, aged looks. It is a non-reactive pre-treatment, which is available in 10 colour ranges. Unlike reactive products, Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging is easy to reproduce and can be used on virtually all wood types (including those that do not contain tannins!), without overlaps during application. More about this in this magazine. In our first

NEW NEW Product

RUBIO® MONOCOAT PRE-AGING

Non-reactive pretreatment to give new wood an old look

10 stable colours that are easy to reproduce • no overlaps • excellent stain resistance after treatment with our oil • applicable to virtually all wood types www.rubiomonocoat.com

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magazine, we would like to inspire you with an overview of all of the interior wood trends for 2019 and how Rubio Monocoat products can be used to create them. It is filled with tips from our specialists and interviews with influencers in our sector. Request your magazine today and let yourself be inspired.

Repex Floor Something new at Repex Floor!

Domotex’s professional visitors were invited to discover on the Repex Floor booth the new range of machinery of the French manufacturer: belt sanders including the dust-free «Cyclone», validated by the BG BAU control office, the famous «Original» Edger and the new «4D monobrush» sander. With 52 Kg, three motors of 1100, 1500 and 2200 kwh, many trays, mono, 4 and 5 discs, and rotation speeds ranging from 150 to 600 round/minute, it also allows sanding, polishing, grinning and cleaning of wood, concrete and mineral floors. In standard

version, it benefits from a fully aluminium frame, a perfectly ergonomic aluminium handle and exceptional strength. In addition its large diameter wheels make its movement easy, including in the stairs.

Solidor Rubber & Products Solidor Rubber & Products is a renowned manufacturer of products and solutions made from rubber and plastic for a wide range of applications in different sectors. In addition to a wide range of own solutions and standard products, special attention is paid to specific solutions according to the needs of each customer. The company is specialized in the production of high quality terrace supports for wooden plank floors and concrete tiles. The terrace supports can be continuously adjusted in height from 1 cm to 1 m and can be delivered with special top plates for a solid and precise placement of the planks and tiles. The durability of the plastic and the solidity of the construction guarantee a smooth installation of the terrace in all circumstances, and an unprecedented supporting

UniqUe by natUre

Every floor is custom made For commercial & residential use Sustainable produced in The Netherlands Easy maintenance

www.chapelparket.com

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power. It’s a reliable and qualitative solution that smoothly defies the time and the elements.

Tover

SPAČVA This year at Domotex and Bau fair we presented our new collections of oak solid flooring. Our visitors were mostly atracted by Chevron rombus design. Solid flooring, from Slavonian oak, will give specail character to every home. Why to keep it simple, when we can create luxurious interior? Color range that goes from lighter to darker tones, Chevron rombus design, or our standard dimensions give a lot of space to be creative. Final touch are solid doors that you can incorporate with oak solid flooring. No matter are you bigger fan of classic or modern design, our solid doors can satisfy your needs. If you have missed our stand at Domotex or Bau fair go to our web page and see our products, or contact us through e-mail. Although we are exporting in more than 30 countries, we are opened for new business.

Great success of our top-quality products at Domotex 2019, thanks to our loyal customers, curious visitors and solid staff. Visitors have particularly appreciated the endless possibilities of Uniqua self-linking water-based lacquer for high traffic. The full colour solutions in only two coats with the Paint version, R10 certified Anti-slip version and natural look to feel the original sensation of wood with the Natur version. Parquet professionals have gone into the technical details of our oils, in particular L’Olio 100%, one-coat, solvent-free and Or Maxi hard wax oil, which both offer very high performance in terms of resistance to wear and spots in a kaleidoscopic array of 33 different colours. Finally, we have successfully proposed detergents and maintenance products with private labeling to reach a major number of customers willing to offer a customized cleaning system. Tover, be part of it.

NEW FORMULATED LACQUER RANGE FROM WOCA DENMARK

Fast drying WOCA Master Lacquers are quick-drying water-based lacquers, whether or not you are working with a 2K hardener.

Easy application The lacquers feature superior flowability, collect nicely and are easy to apply with a roller, with no special equipment required.

AVONIAN OAK

Superior performance

The Master Lacquer System includes:

- Master fillers – for filling gaps between floorboards, for example in older or solid wood floors - Master primers – for saturating surfaces and reducing side-bindings before lacquering - Master lacquers – developed and optimised for various different environments and loads - Master Cleaner and Master Care – for care and cleaning, to keep the surface looking attractive for a long time

WOCA Master Lacquers feature cross linking technology that produces a hard-wearing surface when compared with similar products on the market. As well as being hard-wearing, Master Lacquers are also highly resistant to chemicals. The lacquers have been tested against every imaginable type of everyday occurrence, such as spilt coffee, red wine, cola, detergents, oil and fat.

Attractive final results The extensive range of glosses, combined with a traditional, light or untreated look, make WOCA Master Lacquers an attractive option for many different environments. The Master Lacquer System is your guarantee of long-lasting, attractive floor results.

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Advertorial

Bona (SE)

‘WATERBORNE’ IS PART OF BONA’S DNA MEGA ONE - A PIONEERING CONFIRMATION OF BONA’S COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION

It all started with coffee, strange as it may seem. In 1894, the 26-year-old Wilhelm Edner opened a grocery store in Malmo, Sweden, and the assortment soon grew beyond just coffee. In 1910, he added a completely new product to the range - the first floor wax to see the light of day in Sweden. In 1919, Edner registered his floor wax business and introduced several new wooden floor products – a first innovative move that marks the beginning of Bona’s expansion during the last century. Today, Bona operates in over 70 countries through subsidiaries and distributors, and offers professional flooring contractors a full range of products for the installation, renovation, and maintenance of floors.

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The pioneer in waterborne finishes Bona’s 1970s were largely devoted to researching and developing waterborne finishes. 1979 will forever be a milestone with the launch of Bona Pacific, their very first waterborne finish (100% acrylate). Improved versions followed during the next decade and the fact that waterborne finishes were going to affect the course of Bona was confirmed again in 1993, by Curt Persson, head of research and development at the time. He concluded then, what we now know to be true: ‘Waterborne finishes are here to stay. Today, I see no reason for

anyone to continue using solvent-based finishes. We now have waterborne alternatives that are as good, if not better.’

Always one step ahead Whenever new forms of technology emerge, we always find Bona amongst the market leaders. And waterborne lacquers have demonstrably set the course. Bona entered the UV lacquer market with its finishes in 1984. Seven years later, in 1991, Bona Pacific 1, the first lacquer developed from copolymer technology, was introduced. The innovative technology made the product more resistant than previous waterborne lacquers, and Pacific 1 went on to become one of Bona’s most successful lacquers thus far.

Time saving Bona Mega ONE dries in barely one hour. That means that you can abrade soon after with no risk of clogging. Fast and simple once again - as the product isn’t tacky after only one hour of drying, considerable savings on sanding materials can be made, lasting significantly longer.

Top result The product’s excellent fill and levelling properties, as well as its great build, ensure easy application and outstanding durability. Mega ONE doesn’t yellow and the end result can be considered one of deep warmth. It is simply superior, which is confirmed by those who have tried it:

Evolution of Mega

Testimonies

In 1997, Bona launched a 1-component waterborne finish called Bona Tech Mega, the hardest and most durable lacquer produced by Bona up until then, and the original member of the Mega-family. Since then, the Mega-family, consisting of premium lacquers for heavy domestic and light commercial areas, has advanced and grown. Today, it consists of Bona Mega, Bona Mega Natural, and the recently launched - Bona Mega ONE, a finish delivering speed, convenience and performance.

Darin Grimes, Elegant Floors (North Carolina, United States): ‘The finish was easy to apply, great build after two coats, and the clarity was exceptional. The homeowners couldn’t be happier with the finished product and Mega One will be our go-to one-component waterborne finish on our future projects.’ Mr. Kablan, Parkett Kablan (Germany): ‘Viscous, closes the pores better. It covers the surface more evenly. Very good filling/building properties. Gives the wood a nice color! Very fast drying time!’

Bona Mega ONE takes the market by storm

For more information please visit us on www.bona.com

With Mega ONE, Bona has once again taken a major step on its road towards perfection. In a comparative test with six leading 1-component waterborne finishes, Bona Mega ONE scored higher than the average in no less than seven of the eight test criteria. Mega ONE does not only provide excellent and durable protection, but it also considers the flooring contractor’s comfort.

Fast and simple A primer and a top coat in one - the pioneering properties of Bona Mega ONE mean that the product can be used for both sealing and finishing. Thanks to its 1-component technology, it doesn’t have to be mixed which eliminates waste. In terms of speed and simplicity, Mega ONE cannot be beaten. Levelling

Drying time

Filling power

Mid abrasion

Taber res.

Scratch res.

Chemical res.

Scuffmark

Industry average

Bona Mega ONE

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Special

New trends in vinyl, LVT and PVC floors

DESIGN FLOORS OFFER A WORLD OF DECORS CHOOSE FROM THE MENU OR A LA CARTE, BUT WOOD LEADS THE WAY Did you know? The development of floor coverings also has a similar history of its own. For ‘design floors’ we go back about 100 years to discover ‘one’ forerunner of vinyl and PVC floors and laminate. Even in those days, ‘printed paper’ played the lead role in creating decors. ‘Felt cloth’ was the newcomer’s name.

A smooth floor covering in a roll Felt cloth was a smooth floor covering consisting of felt impregnated with bitumen and fitted with a decoratively printed and durable top layer. The product was developed in the 1920s and produced by Manufacture du Nord Balatum at Baisieux, which was formed in 1923 by three industrialists, including Auguste Lannoye, owner of the Papeteries de Genval. The product and name were protected by licence. Felt cloth, which was sold in rolls, enjoyed its greatest popularity in the middle of the previous century when it provided a cheap and more easily applied alternative to linoleum and before the emergence of products such as wall-to-wall carpet, vinyl floor covering, and laminate.

New interior products The post-war recovery and prosperity and population growth led to major expansion. New products were also developed based on synthetics. For instance, in 1961, a new PVC factory opened in the Netherlands. In 1962, the name changed to Balamundi Nederland to signify that the Dutch company was part of a global conglomerate which had its headquarters in Luxembourg. Moreover, the change of name underlined the fact that the old product of felt cloth was still one of the many domestic and interior products which the company supplied. Nowadays, flexible floor coverings and laminate account for a large part of the market.

Clients therefore have a choice

Photo – Plastivan

Trends in design floors? The decorative possibilities of LVT, PVC, and linoleum floors actually know no bounds. All styles are possible: plain or heterogeneous, bright or sober, tile decors, marble and stone, just modern or simply classic, etc. Nevertheless, as with all imitation floors, wood decors are highly popular. Producers have clearly followed laminate makers (if they didn’t already make both). Digital print technology has created a vast source of new options with flexible floors, as it has with laminate.

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As we’ve said, all things are possible! Wood decors occupy a top position in the preference of many consumers. Wood decors are extremely natural and, thanks to embossing, the structure is tangible. History is repeating itself. Some producers speak of a striking popularity of ‘rustic decors’. And so, vintage wins here, too! For instance, there are collections of various trademarks with a range of decors inspired by distressed floors or recycled wood from furniture items, old objects, or old floors.

No limit as regards sorts As is the case with laminate, all the popular sorts of wood are also on offer in vinyl, PVC, and linoleum. The fact that the ‘art of digital print’ has penetrated here, too, makes anything possible. Expensive wood sorts have suddenly become available at reasonable prices in an extensive number of floor types, some of which are barely 2mm thick, a blessing in the case of renovations. Since this is a matter of photograph and print technology, the sort of wood does not affect the cost price at all.

With oak on top And the wood sort winner is, yes, oak, of course! The vast majority of all wooden floors are designed in oak. Whenever vintage is a trend, the ‘oldest’ sort of wood comes into the foreground. Lots of consumers associate the name of classic parquet almost automatically with oak, if only because in times past oak was the only available sort of wood. More exclusive sorts of wood such as mahogany, cherry, walnut, and such like tended to be reserved more for (higher class) furniture manufacture. Moreover, distressed versions such as ‘smoked’ floors, brushed, hand-scraped, and such like are adaptations which were designed primarily in oak because it was the qualitative type of wood which was most in stock, but also because it lends itself ideally to such special treatments.

Two specialists Alsapan Alsapan Flooring sells three products: a laminate range with over 60 decors in several thicknesses, a vinyl range with 21 decors (wood or concrete), and parquet in eight designs. The vinyl range includes fantastic decors, with wood and tiles being the major trends. The most popular decors in the three categories are still the natural wood tints or greyed wood. There’s natural wood, light oak, etc. Striking collections are the Atlas, Héphaïstos, Hestia, or Leto. Personalised floors are not an option here. Alsapan concentrates on producing large volumes.

Plastivan Wood decors (with oak as the top favourite) still form the basis at Plastivan as well within each collection with a trend towards light grey and dark grey colours. Tile designs are also popular within the LVT floors since they are ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture resistance is an important factor. Here the Viligno collection goes along with modern colours and designs. As we’ve said, oak still plays the lead role in the nevertheless generally curved wood structures. As regards colours, at Plastivan they have noticed that grey shades are growing in popularity, but so, too, are weathered decors such as the Viligno reclaimed oak.

Pave your business path

26-28 March, 2019

Special

Oil which can be lacquered

OIL/LACQUER SYSTEMS ARE GETTING FULLY INTEGRATED COMBINATION OF FINISHES OFFERS LOTS OF BENEFITS

Photo – Bona

We won’t call them sworn enemies, but within the range of parquet finishes we can certainly refer to them as traditional ‘rivals’. Historically, clients who opt for a wooden floor have had to face the tough choice between oil and lacquer as a finish. It has always been the floor fitter’s task to give advice about that choice and to explain the benefits and drawbacks of both finishes. Today, oil and lacquer come together in an almost brotherly hybrid combination. They do combine the benefits, but some people also see a small drawback.

Oil as a finish The parquet floor finish has a huge impact on the maintenance and the way in which the floor is ‘perceived’. In times past, people had to

Floor Forum International 100

choose somewhat between an ‘authentic look’ and ‘low maintenance’ and between ‘a carefree existence’ and ‘constant caution’, and it wasn’t a simple choice. Oil does have its own assets.

Natural look The natural look is probably the most important asset of oil as a finish for wooden floors. An oil finish satisfies completely the modern sense of natural aestheticism. The use of natural products is in fashion, that’s for sure. Moreover, we’re also seeing a return to nature from a technical point of view. We’re rediscovering the strong features of natural products. Moreover, for a long time oil was the only finish to become completely matt and, moreover, it does have strong functional assets.

Maintenance

The execution

For a long time people regarded the maintenance of an oiled floor as a drawback as compared to a lacquered finish. Yet that’s not entirely justified. If an oiled floor is maintained properly, there is very little chance of it ever needing to be renovated. After all, it is maintained with products based on oil and each maintenance service involves some degree of oil being added to preserve the saturation.

The execution of an oil-lacquer system implies as a first task the application of the oil. And so, we’re going to impregnate or ‘saturate’ the floor. The floor gets all the properties of an oiled floor, including the visual ones. According to a certain procedure and after a certain drying time (both dependent on the maker’s instructions), a lacquer is applied in the second phase as the definitive finish. Obviously, the oil and lacquer used are harmonised completely with each other. Once the coat of lacquer is applied, the floor has the assets of a lacquered floor, but still the look of oiled parquet.

Repairability When a lacquered wooden floor is due for renewal, drastic action is required. The wood has to be completely sandpapered down to the bare wood. Since a coat of lacquer must form a uniform whole, it’s absolutely out of the question to renew only a part of the floor. Nor can you repair damage in patches. That immediately brings out the big asset of oil. Oil can be repaired in patches and it is also perfectly possible to add some extra oil for high-traffic places. That makes oil absolutely ideal as a finish for distressed floors.

Lacquer as a finish What about the look? Many people regard the gloss of a lacquer or varnish as the ‘weak point’ of a lacquer finish. Whilst bees wax and oil respected the authenticity of the wood so beautifully, the covering coat of lacquer gave the floor a satin or even shiny gloss which seriously compromised the look of the wood. That, together with the yellowing effect of many lacquers, made many customers opt for oil or wax. In recent years, producers have also managed to make matt lacquer finishes. There is even talk of ultramatt or ‘invisible’ lacquers. That has completely removed one of the biggest objections to lacquer.

What about maintenance? With our current living standards, we now expect that a floor can be walked on and ‘enjoyed’ every day, that it is durable, and that it is to some extent resistant to the penetration of grease, colouring agents, and damp. Our time is limited, so we really don’t feel like spending too much of it on cleaning a floor. And so, it’s no surprise that lots of consumers have a clear preference for a wooden floor finished with a sound coat of varnish. After all, it’s just as easy to clean a lacquered floor as a ceramic floor or vinyl and linoleum.

What about repairability? What some people regard as a drawback can also be seen as an asset. A polished or oiled floor is usually meant to go on being waxed or oiled. However, we’re living in an age when consumers like to renew their interior completely from time to time. The advantage of a lacquered floor is that it is possible to sandpaper the floor completely blank in order to renew it completely. Once the floor has been sandpapered, all types of renovation are possible. Customers can opt for the addition of a particular colour or they can even convert to oil or wax. The other way around is not so simple.

Oil-lacquer systems have seen the light of day Although matt to ultra-matt lacquers which put paid to the drawback of the ‘shiny’ floor have been around for many years, lots of people still swear by the natural look of oil. That might be due to a slight ignorance and part of the floor fitter’s advisory role is to probe this issue. Today, it is certainly part of the floor fitter’s advisory role to inform customers about the existence of oil-lacquer systems. After all, oil-lacquer systems give a conclusive answer to often unjustified objections or myths.

Some peripheral remarks Compatibility Most producers point out that their lacquer-oil system should be seen as ‘a system’. Combining the oil with a different lacquer (e.g. from a different producer) is not excluded entirely, but in such cases they do advise you explicitly to carry out a test first.

Compromising assets One producer points out that applying a coat of lacquer on top of oil means that some of the aforementioned assets of oil are lost. It is no longer possible to do repairs in patches and therefore oil’s suitability for distressed floors is also lost. The advantage of the fact that oil doesn’t show any cracks under fluctuating conditions is also lost.

The DevoNatural range of professional parquet floor products meets the highest standards when it comes to treating parquet floors. It is all about quality without compromise, developing products using the best raw materials and cutting-edge technologies. DevoNatural is available in original colours and contemporary finishes, which are fully in harmony with the latest trends in interior design.

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Floor Forum International 100

Special

Oil which can be lacquered

What’s on the market? Adesiv Adesiv presents WB Oil, a colouring agent with modified vegetable oils for impregnating wooden floors indoors. Paviolio WB 2 can be painted over with a waterborne dual-component varnish. The product itself is a mono-component product with excellent colour features and high penetration power. The finish can be applied in one work session. The product is suitable for all types of wood. Obviously, the floor has to be clean and dry (between 8 and 12%) and sandpapered with a maximum grain of 150. The sandpapering has to be done perfectly because the smallest imperfection is magnified by Paviolio 25 WB. And so, the product can be used on all types of wood, but it comes into its own best on wood such as oak, larch, and cherry.

Bona Bona Craft Oil 2K’s unique formula based on vegetable oils ensures rapid drying and the very best protection. It is the ideal finish for sometimes troublesome types of wood such as kambala, afzelia, and walnut. It is further good for use on smoked oak and steamed beech. Bona Craft Oil 2K ensures a rich, waterproof, and stain-proof surface, and it’s ready for use after drying for only eight hours (Neutral), or up to 12 hours (Colour Oil). Bona Craft Oil 2K is overcoatable with Bona Traffic (premium lacquer) for even better protection of the parquet oil, and thereby easier maintenance of the wooden floor. You don’t have to, but you can! The oil, as a standard, is supplied in 9 modern colours. The colours can be mixed endlessly, resulting in that you can basically get any colour required. Some markets (Netherlands, Germany, France & England) offer tinting to cover an even wider array of colour choices.

Blanchon Blanchon has several oils which can be finished with lacquer, but the number one is Solid Oil. The company has had a full range of waterborne lacquers for over 25 years. Aqua Pro is the range for parquet traders and floor specialists. The assortment includes primers, single

Floor Forum International 100

and dual-component lacquers, a water-based oil, a binding agent for putty, and a whole range of special colours for big surfaces. The entire range of dual-component products, with Intensiv in the lead, is suitable for working in the manner specified above. Blanchon has various dual-component lacquers: Belmont (ceramic), Intensiv (carbonate), Blumor SD (polycarbonate), and Sport (carbonate). Belmont (EC1R) is an odourless lacquer with exceptionally good properties. Intensiv (EC1R) is also odourless and offers very high resistance to chemical products and high traffic. Intensiv is in fire category CflS1.

Ciranova UN1CO – FORTICO : oil-lacquer system To have the best possible protection with a minimum amount of maintenance, you can apply our antiscratch lacquer FORTICO 2C on top of UN1CO. By applying FORTICO 2C natural on top of the UN1CO, the natural look and feel of an oiled floor will be retained. If you want some more shine you can apply FORTICO 2C mat or satin. For more information concerning the application of the FORTICO on top of the UN1CO, please contact our technical team.

Chimiver Chimiver presents LIOS BIOIL Natural and LIOS BIOIL Colorato LIOS BIOIL Natural is a natural oil treatment for wooden floors. It is very durable, protects the wood giving a smooth effect enhancing the natural look of the wood grain. LIOS BIOIL Colorato is a colored natural oil treatment for

wooden floors with easy application, very durable and soft effect on the surface. It is available in 20 different colors, miscible together to make a wide range of new colors.

Pallmann

no guarantee of good adhesion with other lacquer systems. Obviously, these products are more expensive than a traditional oil since you apply two extra coats of lacquer. However, in comparison with other systems it is not necessary to allow for a long drying time with SKYLT Coverable Colour Oil 2 once it is applied. The floor can be given a lacquer finish immediately after the oil has been polished dry. The costs are comparable to those of a traditional system since there is no drying time necessary between the SKYLT Coverable Colour Oil 2K and the SKYLT Original or SKYLT Titanium.

Tover

The Pallmann range includes Pall-X 333. This is a 2K-oil which is available in various colours and can be lacquered over with Pallmann 2K lacquers: Pall-X 98 Gold, Pall-X Zero, or Pall-X Pure for an extra matt finish. You can also finish with Pallmann Magic Oil 2K Original if you choose an oil finish. Moreover, if you use Pall-X 350 as an adhesive primer, it is possible to finish just about any oiled floor with Pallmann lacquers. The water-based Eco Oil 1K can be lacquered with Pall-X 96, Pall-X 98 Gold, Pall-X Pure, or Pall-X Zero. With Pallmann Pall-X 333 it is possible to colour the floor with no risk of streaks or overlapping. If you then finish with Pall-X Zero, this preserves the look of an oiled floor, but you still have the durability and low maintenance of a lacquered floor. Moreover, this gives the colour extra protection and you don’t get a visible ‘walkway’.

Rigo Verffabriek Rigo Verffabriek presents SKYLT Coverable Colour Oil 2K, which can be supplied in various shades of wood and grey and several other colour variations. This system gives parquet the look of an impregnation (colour) oil, but it has the low maintenance of a lacquer floor. Furthermore, RIGO Verffabriek offers a unique combination because both SKYLT Original and SKYLT Titanium do not form a visible layer. And so, you apply an invisible finish to the SKYLT Coverable Colour Oil with a lacquer. As the name suggests, the SKYLT Coverable Colour Oil is an oil. It is completely solventless. SKYLT Original and SKYLT Titanium are both 2-component waterborne parquet lacquers. SKYLT Coverable colour Oil is formulated so that it adheres perfectly only if used with SKYLT Original or SKYLT Titanium. The system is unique for the fact that no drying time is necessary between the SKYLT Coverable Colour Oil 2K and the finish with either of the SKYLT finish lacquers. There is

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High yield, extraordinary flexibility of customization, oil-lacquer finishing cycle in only two coats. L’Olio 100% is a 100% solid coating formulated from natural oils and vegetal hard waxes, solvent free, providing the highest technical and aesthetic performance. Available in thirty-three colours, you can use it alone in one coat or to complete the finish of floors treated with the water-based stain Belle Epoque, creating infinite chromatic combinations that enhance the natural shades of wood. L’Olio 100% is also overcoatable with a water-based lacquer if you add the Oil-Linker additive, thus providing a better protection to high traffic areas; it can match the smart chromatic and soft effect of an oiled flooring to the high resistance of a lacquered wood and the tempting possibility to choose even the intensity of final gloss.

WOCA WOCA Master Colour Oil, which is available in 11 colours, can be finished with a WOCA Master Vista Lacquer (domestic use) or the Master RD-2K Lacquer (for high traffic). The oil gives the wood that typical soft colour and gloss, whilst the lacquer ensures scratch-resistance and easy maintenance. The lacquers are waterborne. The solution presented by WOCA has been tested with a combination of its own products. Obviously, WOCA cannot offer any guarantees for the use of combinations with products of other brands. Floor fitters do not need any special skills to use this system. The working method for renovation is the same as that of a lacquered floor. Master Colour Oil must be applied in accordance with the instructions.

Floor Forum International 100

Advertorial

Lamett (B)

LAMETT, READY TO GROW AND EXCEL

“In every challenge lies an opportunity. We are confidently looking forward to 2019 and more than ever we are ready to excel,” that’s the conclusion of Pieter-Jan Dendooven, sales director Europe at Lamett Europe. In less than 15 years, Lamett has grown to one of the most important European players in the field of wooden flooring and ParquetVinyl. The hunger to grow isn’t satisfied, on the contrary: the coming 7 years, Lamett wants to double its turnover. In 2019, the focus lays mainly on wooden floors. By launching 7 new collections in 38 colours, Lamett leaves no place for doubt about this.

Close to nature The constant quest for new collections is a real passion and a never ending story. “Daily, we are looking for the right trees, we define which parts of the trunk can be used for which collection and test with different kinds of finishing and colours. It’s a permanent strive for balance between aesthetics and engineering.” A perfect example is the Carcassonne collection. Carcassonne is a rustic wooden floor with an aged and rugged look where the original saw grooves are still visible. They are random and can be lighter or stronger depending on the density of the wood. The weathered knots and cracks are partially left open on purpose. This creates an extra dimension and takes you close to nature.

Floor Forum International 100

Another example is Albi which fits perfectly in the current trend of clearly present textures in interiors. This striking texture appears by deep and thorough manual brushing to remove weak sections of oak. No coincidence that ‘Close to Nature’ is the campaign title for Lamett’s brand new wood catalogue. “This title was more than evident for us and popped up very spontaneously. On the one hand, one’s at his best when doing things which are close to his nature and make him feel great. This applies to working life, but certainly also at home. On the other hand, with our collections we want to accentuate the beauty of nature and bring it to the people as natural as it is.” according to Bruno Descamps, CEO at Lamett Europe.

There is no better designer than nature “It is nature that defines how a wooden floor finally will look like. We can process the wood by filling knots or cracks, make them more evident or minimalize them, colour and oil the boards, but it’s nature which is our Chief Designer. And yes, this certainly leads to some challenges, “ Pieter-Jan Dendooven adds. Oak is a very noble and versatile matter: beautiful colour shades, variations in knots, the presence of cracks,… no two boards are the same. This makes every realisation unique. However, in one way or another, Lamett wants to manage the quirks of nature and offer floors that match the expectations of people and are in line with their character and style. This can sometimes be challenging. “We try to counter

unexpected effects by understanding the wood and the processes as good as possible. With our expertise and technical knowledge we are able to inform people ever better.” Wood is very durable but worldwide it gets scarce. It should be treated with great respect. Today, Lamett is already thinking about the floors of tomorrow. By integrating vertically, e.g. the recent aquisition of a sawmill in France, the company wants to be sure of the access to qualitative oak.

Excel in service The ambition to grow is huge, but Lamett has one important condition: retaining the Lamett quality at high level. Quality in terms of product and service. To make this true, there is a growth plan to expand in staff. Strong profiles are being attracted. “Selling good products is not that hard. But offering a reliable support on every moment, is much harder. And then people really make the difference.” according to Pieter-Jan Dendooven. “Lamett really wants to excel in service and isn’t afraid of facing the sector’s difficulties. Every challenge is an opportunity.“ In case of problems or technically difficult projects, where dealers are not eager to intervene, Lamett sends a technical intervention team on the spot. Whether it’s an installation problem, a tricky renovation project or trouble with maintenance, people want a quick and good solution. With its technical intervention team, Lamett provides its expertise internationally.

Albi Look Unfinished

Carcassonne Black

Lamett is present throughout Europe, but wants to strengthen its position. Besides the Benelux, also France, Spain and the Scandinavian countries are key. More and more in Germany, Poland and England, people find their way to parquet and ParquetVinyl by Lamett. “In some countries, our customers are mainly retailers. In others, our collections are preferred by architects. This asks for a different approach. It’s important to offer relevant collections.” according to Pieter-Jan Dendooven. Wooden flooring certainly has its challenges, but it remains a very beautiful and interesting product. Bruno Descamps: “A few weeks ago, I was travelling to our production site in the Czech Republic. I had returned from China only a few days before. A good friend phoned me to motivate me… But when he asked if I still loved my job, I didn’t hesitate to say that the job I’m actually doing is the one I dreamed of when I was 18 years old.“

Lamett at a glance - - - - -

founded in 2005 CEO: Bruno Descamps headquarters: Deerlijk, Belgium subsidiary company: Morava Wood 300 employees

For more information please visit us on www.lamett.eu

Carcassonne Look Unfinished

Carcassonne Blanco

Albi Smoked Invisible

Albi Look Unfinished

Floor Forum International 100

Anniversary

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Until 2004, Belgian parquet traders concentrated their field of interest on wooden floors and laminate. Their sphere of work and that of their suppliers and accessory sellers tended to be regional. They got their information largely from the universally well known trade journal Floor Forum, which established the link between supply and demand in both Dutch and French. That period also witnessed a yearning to broaden the horizons. The sector was showing an interest in other markets and new forms of technology, not least in the field of glues and finishes. Traders in Belgium and abroad were more than interested in this ‘market in motion’. There was a real need to look for wisdom beyond the national boundaries plus a need for an English language medium. Floor Forum International saw the light of day: a child of economic logic. Various Belgian, German, French, and Italian parties were there like chickens to communicate with an international public. The first subscribers came mainly from Europe, but, with its own stand at the leading trade fairs (Domotex, Carrefour International du Bois, etc.) and by visiting several international trade fairs in China, Russia, Turkey, the UK, France, Spain, Malaysia, Brazil, and such like, the publisher soon attracted new subscribers worldwide.

Floor Forum International 100

In the meantime, almost 15 years later and partly thanks to our faithful advertisers and subscribers, we are proud to say that Floor Forum International has been the only established trade journal for quite some time now for architects, purchasers in general, importers, distributors, and parquet fitters all over the world in the fields of glues, maintenance and finish products, parquet, PVC, vinyl, LVT, laminate, cork, bamboo, terrace floors in wood and composite, sanding machines etc. Furthermore, everyone can also consult the web site of both magazines www.floor-forum.com for this important and useful information. Our thanks go to our faithful advertisers who inform us regularly of their very latest developments, highlight their star products, and enable us to inform readers/professionals via our articles about developments within the range. We’ve visited Domotex Hanover and BAU Messe in Munich in succession so that we can also keep you informed in this jubilee edition about news and trends within the industry. We thank you all heartily for your faithfulness over the years and look forward to continuing in partnership with you. Here is a list of the companies which have been with us from the very start:

FLOO INTER R FORUM NATIO NAL

Amongst others, â&#x20AC;¦

HIGH QUALITY WOODCARE PRODUCTS

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Floor Forum International 100

Special

Outdoor floors: wood versus composite

THE POSSIBLE CHOICES WITH WOODY TERRACES STRICTLY SPEAKING, IT NO LONGER MATTERS TO THE FITTER A few editions ago, a well known ‘authority’ in the world of wooden and wood-related terraces spoke about ‘a market which is gradually reaching maturity.’ That maturity takes effect in the client’s mind in the choice between the available materials at the level of the terrace sections and at the level of the fitting where scores of accessories have raised the quality a few notches higher. Tropical hardwood? Modified wood? Or wood composite? Fitters can give completely impartial advice, because, strictly speaking, it makes little difference to them.

A varied assortment When several dogs fight for a bone, there’s always another one who runs off with it. In other words, Fitters can profit from the competitive struggle between the various possible terrace materials. One rule always applies: To take part, they must offer the various alternatives because clients are now the ones asking the questions. Clients ponder. And so, those who can do everything themselves need not worry about retaining clients. Another important point is that the differences as regards sales arguments have well nigh disappeared. Here is the range again, to keep it brief:

Hardwood in class I Tropical sorts of wood score well due to their lifespan. Whereas we were once still limited to one sort of wood (bangkirai), we now have a choice from a whole series of over thirty sorts which are ideal for outdoor use. As we’ve explained often enough, that suitability has become visible in a generally acknowledged and accepted classification of the wood sorts into five classes. Wood sorts in class 1 survive nicely for 25 years. And so, for terrace boards we use those sorts of wood from category 1 and some from category 1-2. Sorts in category 1 include robinia, belinga, chestnut, massaranduba, padauk, teak, merbau, afrormosia, ipe, etc.

Thermally modified Thermally treated wood provides the first alternative to expensive tropical wood sorts. In previous editions we have outlined the various procedures for thermal treatments: thermowood, plato, thermo-treated wood, and perdure. The purpose of modifying wood is to give soft and less durable wood sorts a longer lifespan. In other words, modification raises the wood to a higher class in the durability classification (classes 1-5).

Modified ‘differently’

Photo – Outdoor Wood Concepts®

Floor Forum International 100

Technology simply moves on and some long since tested treatments have seeped through onto the terrace market. Accoya is wood. With the aid of the acetylation process, a high-tech licensed technology, Accoya is guaranteed to last more than 50 years above ground level and 25 years in the ground or in fresh water. The

improved dimensional stability doubles the lifespan of coatings. The performances of acetylated wood are exceptionally reliable.

the same fitting method using the same accessories (i.e. pedestals and a clip system), then it really doesn’t make any difference for fitters.

Composites

For clients

Wood composite is composed of wood fibres, polyethylene with high density, UV stabilisers, pigments, and diverse additives to optimise the mechanical qualities. Usually, it’s a matter of recycled wood fibres and waste wood and recycled polyethylene. And so, in various respects wood composite is an ecologically responsible alternative to tropical hardwood. Basically, there’s no need to fell a tree and the wood waste can just as well bear the FSC label. The production method is a form of extrusion. Extrusion technology means it is possible to obtain an accurate dimensioning and all things are possible as regards the design.

Qualitatively, all materials are comparable. The best sorts of wood are on offer and composites are now so technically advanced that they are ‘up to scratch’ as regards strength and durability. From a decorative point of view, various composites can hardly be distinguished from ‘the real thing’. You can certainly use the term ‘ecological’ both with real wood and with composites, and that’s an issue where clients are increasingly sensitive. Wood usually comes from sustainably managed forests, but that also applies to wood fibres in composites and those which come from wood waste. Synthetics are usually made from recycled raw materials. The maintenance in both cases is easy and technical extras such as anti-slip are possible in both cases.

Synthetics Whilst wood composite still contains wood, that is not the case for ‘synthetic wood’. We are seeing the same phenomenon as with the outdoor joinery of about 30 years ago. Manufacturers of PVC doors and windows brought outdoor joinery onto the market in those days with the look of real wooden windows. They were considerably cheaper and they certainly had the look. For terraces, too, planks are emerging which are produced from synthetics and look like real wood.

What can you sell best? As regards product category, there’s something special about this assortment. The sales arguments presented to clients hardly differ at all. If we compare the fitting of the various alternatives and we assume

WOOD COMPOSITE GARDEN PRODUCTS The warmth and the look of solid wood combined with the unique properties of plastic. • • • • •

For fitters If we assume that the fitting method and level of quality is absolutely the same, the only difference is the material of the terrace boards themselves. The invisible fastening systems with clips and with pedestals levelled underground can be used in both product groups. The fitting method is the same. Most composites can be processed in the same way as wood and using the same tools. Composites have a slight advantage when it comes to the really hard wood sorts. They are somewhat harder to saw than composites and can emit irritating wood dust in some cases. Then there’s the price. As regards good quality composites, the price is becoming comparable to that of the better wood sorts.

IN LOVE WITH DECKING

Will not rot or split Ecological and recyclable. Slip resistant, brushed surface. Minimal discolouration, maintains original look Easy to clean and install: it does not require treatment with oil, solvents or cleaning products Tropical brown Stone grey

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Decking

Ranch fencing WOODEN FLOORS FOR OUTDOORS

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More information on www.duofuse.com PLASTIVAN nv – Wantestraat 3, B-8780 Oostrozebeke +32 56 66 75 51 – info@plastivan.com

LA SAN MARCO PROFILI SRL Viale Europa 63 - 31010 Soligo, TV - Italy Tel. +39 0438 980106 r.a. - Fax +39 0438 980176 info@lasanmarcoprofili.com - www.lasanmarcoprofili.com

Floor Forum International 100

Special

Outdoor floors: wood versus composite

What’s on the market ? Atmosphère & Bois

At Atmosphère & Bois they believe that ipe, meranti, afrormosia, teak, and thermally treated wood are the most popular sorts of wood for terraces. The company presents a composite material based on natural minerals with a polymer resin and fortifying glass fibre. The décor layer consists of lastane (a PU elastomer). These sections of ‘millboard’ have a light structure, but they are solid and do not warp. The grains of light oak have been imitated perfectly by means of a mould. The material is free of moss and easy to maintain. The planks cannot be penetrated and are impervious. As regards maintenance, there is no need to use detergents and the high-pressure cleaner is certainly surplus to requirements. Soapy water and a brush will suffice. There is a 25-year guarantee. The floorboards are 32mm thick, 176 or 200mm wide, and 3.20 or 3.60m long. Millboard is presented as a concept with the necessary fastening products and accessories.

La San Marco Profili

right choice among the many different options within each of these categories. That is why we always do an accurate quality selection of materials we supply to our customers and we help them finding the right decking solution according to their needs. Among timber decking La San Marco offers the following woods: Teak, Ipe, Garapa, Iroko, Angelim Amargoso, Cumaru, Thermo Ash. All woods that could easily been installed in almost every places, of course considering all their specific characteristics and properties. Regarding composite decking after several researches we decide to propose to our customers an innovative highly resistant material made up mainly of Rice Husks and therefore 100% recyclable and eco-friendly. We offer four different colors: Ivory, Walnut, Teak (see picture), and dark Oak. Another very important aspect to remember, whatever decking typology you will choose, is that the installation must be left up to experienced professionals (carpenters or parquet fitters). Choosing an inexperienced or unscrupulous decking fitter is a recipe for disaster. Therefore, we believe that the figure of the installer is extremely important for a good job result.

Plastivan Plastivan, with its Duofuse® brand, is a pioneer and major player on the growing WPC market. Duofuse wood composite comprises a proportional mix of wood dust and PVC. Binding the wood dust with the PVC yields a ‘cast iron’ combination to reinforce the benefits of both materials and eliminate their disadvantages. Duofuse is a material which preserves the look of the wood and at the same time protects it from rotting. Wood dust contains lignin which is found in the cell wall of the wood and which, together with cellulose, helps to determine its strength. Moreover, the density, binding, and dust structure help to prevent splinter formation. The PVC for its part yields a material which is strongly colour-fast and requires no maintenance. Regular oiling and staining are now definitely things of the past. Plastivan has also invested in a granulation machine to create WPC grains. This means that the production is fully integrated from raw material to finished product. Thanks to this investment, they now have full control over the entire production process.

Ravaioli Legnami At La San Marco Profili, we offer both timber and composite deck. Regardless which material you choose for your decking project, you can count on us to deliver superb quality and workmanship. The important thing to remember is that your deck choice should be done first according to the place where the decking is going to be installed, rather than according to aesthetical reasons. Therefore, in your decision on which type of deck you prefer, knowing the core differences between timber decking and composite decking, and the various features of both, will be helpful to avoid any problems and to make the

Floor Forum International 100

Exotic wood and treated wood are the most popular types for outdoor terraces. Both possess the right physical and mechanical properties to withstand outdoor conditions (exotic wood naturally and treated wood because of the treatment). At Domotex 2019 Ravaioli Legnami presented the new product Rhinowood Wax Pine with refined properties thanks to a wax treatment. As for composites the company promotes its Ravaioli Legnami WPC Delux, a top class product available in three colours and with a 20-year guarantee. The plastic film which covers the floorboards ensures high moisture resistance and stops the wood warping and wearing as a result of atmospheric conditions. This product

company carefully selects the woods it decide to work with. The criteria are: naturally class 1 (class 4 in France) and rot-proof wood, available from durably managed forests, and so, environmentally friendly. The wooden board stability is ensured by an adequate drying of the woods. Vetedy’s expertise stopped its choice on Padouk, Merbau, Jaya, Ipe and Teak. Softline® system already proved its performance across the world (Northern and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Middle East, Oceania…) for almost 20 years.

is suitable for private, commercial, and public use. Ravaioli Legnami believes that fitting terraces is a job for floor fitters, even if many professionals in the industry prefer to stay away from the working method, which is quite different. The company is certain that the market is growing, partly due to the growing interest from architects in the outdoor use of wood elements.

Vetedy Vetedy, player in the decking market for more than 15 years, has chosen quality and invisible fixation. To meet its commitment, the

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www.eurotec.team/en International 100

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WOOD MASTIC®, THE FILLER PROGRAMME FROM BLANCHON INDUSTRIE

Wood Mastic® is a range of products to cover every possible filler work solution: putty for filling and finishing wood sorts designed for industrial applications and parquet traders or makers of plywood, furniture, or coffins. For over 25 years, the Blanchon Group has had its own division (Blanchon Industrie) which specialises in industrial finishes. This business sector assists clients in developing customised solutions and carries out studies on compositions of varnishes, oils, colours, and primers. Thanks to its Wood Mastic® range, the company also covers all forms of industrial filler work. And so, Blanchon Industrie offers a full range for professionals. The Wood Mastic® filler solutions, which are developed and made in France, have arisen from Blanchon’s industrial expertise, with a research and development laboratory, the refinement and inspection of products, and a specialised production unit. Factory Briançon in Noé has over 2,000m² of space which is used exclusively for filler solutions. It is equipped with ‘paste makers’ for the

Floor Forum International 100

production of putty in paste form, ‘mixers’ for putty in powder form and adhesives, and packing lines which are adapted to fill tubes of 80ml up to industrial content measures. Blanchon Industrie profiles itself as a deviser of customised solutions with products which are innovative, reliable, and ecological in order to tackle every possible industrial issue. From the very start, the Blanchon Group attached great importance to developing and launching solely ecological products. For over 30 years, it has pursued a radical environmental inspection policy and its innovation policy complies with the universal values of sustainable development. Blanchon Industrie, offers solutions for repairs up to 20mm deep. It also launches on the market adapted sorts of putties, which are adapted to all the ways and can be applied manually or automatically. For more information surf to www.briancon-production.com

Preview MADE Expo Milan (I)

MILAN GRIPPED BY BUILDING SHOW FEVER 10 YEARS AFTER SAIE DUE, MADE Expo STANDS AS SOLID AS A ROCK From 13 to 16 March 2019, the construction world is coming together in one of the most modern exhibition centres in Europe, the Milan Fairgrounds in Rho. MADE Expo is now one of the biggest European trade fairs for building and architecture. Over 1000 exhibitors meet over 100,000 visitors, a number which says a lot. MADE Expo gives a window view of the construction sector and that’s been the case since the first edition. The show offers a helicopter view of the sector, its products, and its companies. The 2019 edition is a 4-in-1 event.

A window view of the construction sector A building trade fair offers a window view of the market or a mirror of reality. If a building show can attract lots of exhibitors and visitors, that certainly means that people have building or renovation plans on their minds and the players (producers and dealers) have confidence in their sector. The effects of a thriving building industry can usually be felt through the whole economy. Everyone is mobilised e.g. the financial sector (loans and insurance), producers of raw materials and building materials, interior design, building firms, and architects. If the building industry thrives, the economy thrives. The aim of MADE Expo is to bring a representative range to the Italian trade fair landscape. The organisers also strive to attract as much international interest as possible.

and UNCSAAL, all previous partners of the former Saiedue event in Bologna. Since 2008, the show has no longer been held in Bologna, but in the renowned exhibition district of Milan. With that switch, the organisers at that time were aiming to build further on the dynamism and success of Saiedue and develop the show into an international platform which would be ‘irreversible’ in the building and architecture industries worldwide.

Location The Rho-Pero complex is just about the biggest and most modern exhibition centre in Europe. The complex was opened officially on 31 March 2005. Architect Massimiliano Fuksas was responsible for the design. Fuksas based his design on the desire to create a futurist exhibition centre, and that required an unprecedented contribution from construction engineers. The complex had to be geared to the ‘assembly of people’ and the ‘exchange of ideas’. Fuksas formulated his objectives as follows: ‘I want to transform a specific experience such as visiting a trade fair into an adventure.’ The centre of the exhibition building was designed in the shape of a huge sail made of steel and glass. That sail is immediately also the symbol of the exhibition centre.

A 4-in-1 event The show is composed of four theme shows:

The organisers

Construction and Materials

MADE Expo is an initiative of Eventi Srl and Federlegno-Arredo Srl and is organised by MADE Eventi Srl and promoted by Federlegno-Arredo

An extremely broad overview of the latest construction systems and structures in wood, panels, concrete, and steel. There is also attention to waterproof aspects and insulation, protection, and remedies for and reinforcement of structures. Furthermore, this section also includes testing and measuring systems, solutions for site design, and safety.

Building envelope and windows Here the visitors are treated to meetings, seminars, workshops, and demonstrations related to the market of ‘windows’. Manufacturers, developers, and designers join forces here. In the 2017 edition, this event took up four halls for 350 exhibitors. Obviously, energy management and sustainability come under consideration here.

Interiors and finishes Trends, materials, aesthetic, technological, and sustainable solutions are presented by top pioneering companies in collaboration with Elle Decoration. This section includes internal partitions, interior doors, door fittings, floor coverings, finishes, bathroom furniture, and curtains.

Software, technology and services The top players present the latest information on digitalisation in the industry – a real revolution with 3D printing, drones, and AR (augmented reality). Here, too, there is consideration for measuring equipment and technical management.

Visit www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 100

Special

Stripping and preparing an old floor mechanically

FLOOR STRIPPERS ARE MISFITS AMONGST TOOLS INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY TO SERVE THE RENOVATION MARKET to estimate in advance. In particular, investors looking for a “guaranteed” rental return now more often show interest in homes ready for use. They want to avoid any renovation costs and, in particular, they don’t want to waste any time.’

The attraction of the city There are some signs to contradict that trend and we noticed them at both Bau and Domotex 2019. There is the large-scale return to the city! For young people (students and young adults) the city is a rendezvous with plenty of options e.g. pubs, colleges, universities, student homes, theatres, cinemas, and concert halls all within walking distance. Families find the same benefits as young adults in the city. Obviously, local opportunities to socialise are less important to them. If you live in a city, there is also a very good chance that you would or could also work there. Or if you work in a city, it’s handy to live there as well. Senior citizens, too, like cities. In densely populated cities there’s usually not a single ‘square metre’ available for new buildings. And so, renovation is the name of the game!

Floor strippers fit in with that picture They certainly remind us of parquet sanding machines, that’s for sure. The ‘ fleet’ of carpet or floor strippers on the market certainly shows similarities to the arsenal of sanding machines which floor fitters have at their disposal: from small and manually operated tools over mediumsized machines up to ultra-powerful belt sanders. Moreover, even on the side of manufacturers we meet friends who also produce parquet sanding machines. It’s just that the strong link with ‘renovation’ means that users tend to get information via providers on the hire market.

A paradoxical trend Floor or carpet strippers are exclusively and inherently part of the renovation market. As regards market developments, two trends stand out which are diametrically opposed to each other. Why is that so important? Because a little consideration of those trends can help floor fitters to make an important choice as to whether to buy or hire a floor stripper.

Renovation market under pressure Back in 2016, we read the following in the Belgian building journal Bouwkroniek: ‘Most building firms expect a status quo or a fall in the number of jobs to construct and finish new buildings for 2016. For the construction of new homes the percentage of building firms expecting a fall is even as high as 36%. As in recent years, the renovation market has better prospects. Most building firms expect a status quo. For renovation to or in homes, 27% even expect a rise in work volume.’ In 2018, the Belgian newspaper De Tijd alleviated this prognosis: ‘Candidate buyers are increasingly less inclined to buy homes which need a lot of renovation. The increasingly strict building regulations are raising the renovation bill all the time and costs are also getting harder

Floor Forum International 100

Lots of attention and money in renovation are devoted to operations with a view to saving energy, partly because those operations are usually subsidised and pay for themselves. However, floor covering is a tacit glutton in a renovation budget. It always involves a considerable surface, and floor coverings affect domestic comfort so much that most renovators prefer to replace old floor coverings (e.g. linoleum or carpet) or renovate them (e.g. old parquet and wooden floors). Old floor coverings can be found just about everywhere in old houses!

Floor strippers do the job Removing glued floor coverings is no easy job. In fact, it’s ‘hard labour’. However, by using a carpet or floor stripper, you can easily remove floor coverings such as carpet, vinyl, and linoleum from concrete and wooden floors. Carpet strippers make small thrusting motions with a flat and sharp point which you position at the edge of carpet, vinyl, linoleum, parquet, tiles, and such like. This makes it easy to remove floor coverings with the stripper thrust by thrust. One main difference between carpet strippers is the number of thrusts per minute (usually around five thousand).

Models and weights Hand models are handy tools weighing about 3 to 4kg. They are easy to use and are designed ergonomically. After that, these tools are divided up according to weight and capacity. There is a direct link between the surface to be tackled and the choice of tool. Amongst the medium-sized and larger tools we see weights of 50 to 100kg, usually with an option to increase. In the big workhorse segment it’s quite possible to find weights of 160 to 200kg. Remember that the heaviest belt sanders weight around 80kg. For very big surfaces there are ride-on floor strippers. You could compare these tools with riding mowers for cutting large areas of grass. They can weigh about one tonne.

Drive Most carpet strippers run on electricity (battery) with capacities between 1500 and 2600 watts. As is the case with other site tools, cable-free is most certainly the preferred choice, partly for safety reasons. Carpet strippers have powerful motors (driver motor and power motor). We found an example of battery autonomy with a riding device weighing about one tonne which can operate for about eight hours with a fully charged battery. Charging for one hour yields one extra work hour.

Blades and working width The working width (the cutting section) of carpet strippers varies from 20 to 35 centimetres. The more carpet you have to remove, the wider the carpet strippers have to be. The wider the blade, the more carpet you can strip in one go. Most strippers are equipped with an extensive number of blades, depending on the type of floor covering to be removed. Blades can usually be changed in no time at all. The knife blade is highly vulnerable to wear and tear. That’s why we see hire companies charging for cutting prices separately from the hire price.

To hire or to buy? As we’ve already said, it’s noticeable that information about floor strippers reaches the market mainly via hire firms. That’s not surprising if those tools are used only for a specific part of the job in an inherently limited market. It’s a different story with sanding machines from the a professional point of view. Professionals need sanding machines for every job. The question of whether or not it is justified to buy such tools depends entirely on one’s own emphases. The developments on the

renovation market which we have outlined above can be a source of inspiration.

What’s on the market? Alvaket Wolff has an extensive arsenal of strippers for various tasks. For instance, for removing floor coverings in PVC, linoleum, rubber, and carpet there is the Vario-Stripper Silent. The silent motor means it is possible to use this stripper even during opening hours (e.g. in hospitals or offices). The ExtroStripper is the successor to the legendary Super-Stripper from Wolff. This is highly efficient due to the ideal combination of power and self-drive. Also for the removal of glued floor coverings there is the Turbo-Stripper 230V with a shaft which can be adjusted in height and slope. The new Robo-Stripper 230V is a powerful showpiece in the range. A technical novelty is the pull-back system specially designed so that you can easily pull the Turbo-Stripper, Extro-stripper, and Vario-Stripper Silent backwards. When you come to a wall or other obstacle during work, you can easily raise the drive wheels by pulling on

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Your projects - our equipment - your success! Floor Forum International 100

Böblinger Straße 91 Tel. 07034/1270 D-71139 Ehningen Fax 07034/8838 43 www.janser.com info@janser.com

Special

Stripping and preparing an old floor mechanically

the handle. The machine stays in place whilst the wheels can continue to rotate. If you pull even harder on the handle, you can move the machine backwards to the start of the next strip.

Devomat Industries Devomat sells Janser strippers. The Janser Cosmo III Stripper is a stripper for small and medium-sized surfaces. The Cosmo III Stripper is a universal tool for stripping glued floor covering and tiles, linoleum, rubber, and also PVC. The tool has a single-phase induction motor with 2,850 revolutions per minute (the brushes require no maintenance). The Janser Master Mobil Stripper is a stripper with traction for medium-sized surfaces. It is a universal tool for stripping glued floor coverings and tiles, linoleum, rubber, and also PVC. There is an optional weight (from 79 to 93kg) for extra yield.

Bona Bona has the following machines in its range for preparing a smooth substrate: BONA FLEXISAND 1.9 – a powerful and multifunctional single-disc machine which can be fitted with the Concrete Disc for grinding/ preparing concrete. CONCRETE DISC Concrete grinding for a smooth substrate. The Bona Concrete Disc and the easily replaceable magnetic segments mean it is possible to grind concrete without following any one particular direction. Segments: Bona PCD Maxi Segment for removing thick glue residue, epoxy, and carpet foam PCD Split Segment for removing polyurethane, thin glue residue, and paint Diamond Segment For removing sinter layers or for handling concrete surfaces.

Husqvarna Construction

Husqvarna concrete grinding machines are used mainly for removing epoxy, glues, glue residue, and paint. Once a floor has been stripped, the concrete base has to be levelled and flattened again before another floor covering can be fitted. However, there are more options than that. By lightly grinding existing concrete floors or cement top layers with the appropriate diamond tool, it is possible to give these floors a completely new look. In some cases the end client can opt to grind the concrete in such a way that there’s no need for a final finish layer. Hiperfloor (a mechanical treatment for the concrete) is a good example. The floor is then free of dust, easy to maintain, durable, and has a certain gloss. Husqvarna machines and diamond tools can also be deployed to renovate and clean natural stone and granite. It is the required result and the surface which determine the most suitable type of machine. To ensure that the operator and end client don’t have to face dusty rooms during alterations and renovations, Husqvarna offers an extended range of type H vacuum cleaners and air cleaners, which are not harmful to the operator’s health.

Floor Forum International 100

Janser The German manufacturer JANSER offers the widest range of 12 scraper machines from small to large. Most machines are manufactured at the company’s headquarters, but some are made at the plant of the French subsidiary. Janser has proved over many years that it provides an unrivalled service in consultation, demonstration, education, and after-sales service and repair. At the end of 2017, JANSER launched what is claimed to be the lightest drive floor scraper on the market, namely the JUNIOR Ride-On. A forward slope design allows for impressive levels of performance in a compact package. Ultra-heavy duty construction, which is normally only found on machines two to three times the size/weight of the new model, has been used and it possesses a slide plate which is manually positioned to the desired height while the operator is seated on the machine. Its ‘ultra-safe’ side entrance capability means that ‘crawling over the front’ of the machine is not required, and it is said to be the ideal machine for the removal of floors covered by ceramics, carpet, PVC, parquet, wood, epoxy, or similar materials. JANSER has also used the latest technology in the launch of a walk-behind removal machine, namely the MASTER-MOBIL III. This scraper possesses a powerful motor combined with a revised hydraulic direct drive system that ensures high output, with extremely low noise levels. The self-propelled (forward and reverse) machine’s performance is due to the use of a high torque German designed electric motor. The forward speed can be adjusted from 0-16m/min. It has an adjustable guide handle in six positions that allows ergonomic operation depending on body size or the preferred working position. The wheel hubs offer a freewheel option for easy handling and moving the machine without power. Weights can be easily removed for transportation, reducing the net weight of the machine, which is approximately 75kg with a total operating weight of 105kg. JANSER has also added a large ride on stripper called the ADB

High-Speed Ride-On. The key benefit of this machine is that it is said to be the most powerful battery powered ride-on stripper on the market today. Despite its size, it has a very quiet operation without exhaust gases and no blade vibrations. The machine possesses a robustly constructed chassis and controls for a long operational life. A high quality hydraulic system means that it is easy to handle, with a very precise operation, and it is said to require virtually no maintenance. A charger is securely installed in the machine, with a battery management system with automatic â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;switch-offâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to protect against total discharge of the batteries. A hydraulic front angle plate and deflector plate are included as standard. www.janser.com

attention to efficiency, working speed, and ergonomics. The machine has been developed for medium-sized and large commercial rooms and can be deployed for removing parquet, ceramic tiles, elastic floor coverings, and textiles. Amongst hand-operated machines, the RO-250 is the solution for small and medium-sized rooms. This tool is suitable for removing adhesive residue, levelling agents, and coatings and for cleaning concrete, mineral materials, and ceramic tiles. Despite the compact dimensions, the RO-250 is extremely powerful and the tool offers much better results than an ordinary single-disc machine.

Overmat

Need to prepare and strip an old floor? A floor scraper from Overmat offers the solution! Since 2016 Overmat has also included various scrapers from the American brand National Flooring Equipment. 5280 The ergonomic features of this hydraulically driven, forward self-propelled scraper reduce operator fatigue while optimizing time and labor savings. The compact design makes it ideal for use in tight spaces. 6280 Commander The Commander is a self-propelled walking scraper. The compact design makes this machine ideal for use in confined spaces. The side weights add extra pressure during use and provide improved grip when the machine is moved through the rear wheels. 5700 The 5700 has been developed to be able to function at almost every location, and is very suitable for the removal of hard-glued floors. This ride-on scraper works on batteries that last about 8 to 12 hours after a single charge. The built-in 230 volt charging system can be plugged into any socket, so there are no harmful vapors or dangerous by-products. Remove the weights to meet the maximum weight of lifts.

Roll The new Ride-on stripper machine RO-1.1 is the showpiece of the self-driven strippers from the Roll range. It is also an excellent complementary tool in the family of strippers, apart from the well known hand-operated self-drive strippers. Designers have paid particular

Floor Forum International 100

Special

Repairing substrates: who has the products for this purpose ?

IT’S BETTER TO BUILD ON A SOLID FOUNDATION THE END RESULT OF A FLOOR COVERING STANDS OR FALLS WITH THE BASE Frequent problems Problems which can arise and for which there are remedies are outlined in the standard. Most of the borderline cases mentioned below can usually be seen with the naked eye. However, some faults can be too small to be seen with the naked eye, yet too big to be left unresolved. In many cases tests (on the screed quality) and readings (for damp) will be essential. A few situations: - The floor shows too much unevenness. - There are visible cracks in the floor. - The floor isn’t compression resistant enough. - The floor surface is too porous. - The floor surface isn’t porous enough. - The subfloor is fitted with expansion joints. - The floor is badly soiled by elements such as glue or paint residue. - The differences in level between connecting rooms are too great. - The temperature and humidity are outside the limits set in the standard. - The floor has floor heating. - The subfloor doesn’t have enough ventilation.

Problems and solutions Differences in level

Photo – Thomsit

It’s important to realise that minimal differences in level are not always visible to the naked eye, yet they can be disastrous for the end result. Indeed, differences in level or unevenness can be ‘passed on’ upwards and even reinforced. And so, measuring (with a ruler) is absolutely essential and if there are differences in level, levelling will be necessary, with or without a primer.

Grease, dirt, and glue There’s work to be done before you can fit a floor covering, whether it’s a new construction or renovation. Obviously, there are differences between glued and floating fitting, but in both cases the base has to be perfect. Perfect means inspected and, where necessary, adjusted. We’ll leave it to the producers to tell us what they offer for that ‘adjustment’. We prefer to confine ourselves to outlining everything that can go wrong. We draw our inspiration from the DIN 18365, which specifies the minimum requirements for a subfloor before a floor covering can be glued.

What does DIN 18365 say? As we’ve said, the (German) standard DIN 18365 specifies the minimum requirements for a subfloor before a floor covering can be glued. The terms used in this standard are dry, flat, clean, compression resistant, and tensile. If the subfloor fails to meet the requirements, it has to be treated (improved). In some cases it is advisable to consult an expert.

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The danger of glue and paint residue or other types of dirt from the covering floor is too often underestimated. Nevertheless, the instructions with just about all types of glue state that the floor has to be ‘clean’. Indeed, in the case of glue or paint residue there is a risk of the glue not adhering strongly enough or even not at all. And so, over time, there is a risk of the floor coming loose. Sandpapering will often be necessary, followed by a primer.

Strength The surface of a cement covering floor has to be ‘strong’. It is clear that if the glue is a lot stronger than the screed, it will be possible simply to pull the glued floorboard loose with the top layer of the screed still attached to it. However, it is easy to check the strength of the screed. On a square surface of about 100cm² you make scratches every centimetre in both directions (horizontally and vertically). If the top layer of this sample does not come loose, you can be sure that the screed is strong enough for glueing. If the screed isn’t strong enough, screed reinforcements can solve the problem.

Porosity The porosity of the covering floor is essential for glueing parquet. Porosity can cause havoc for floor fitters in various ways. The floor can be too porous so that the glue cannot adhere. If this is the case, the floor will also probably not be strong enough (see the point above) for glueing. The floor can also be insufficiently porous. If a covering floor is pressed in such a way that it is too slippery, that can impede the glueing or it might be necessary to use an adapted glue. Finally, the floor can be unevenly porous so that the adhesion of the glue is different in different places. It will be necessary to apply a primer in all the aforementioned cases. Differences in porosity can be established by wetting the screed with a damp mop. If the floor dries unevenly, that is a sign of uneven porosity.

Splits or cracks Some splits or cracks can sometimes still be ‘bridged’, but they can also be a sign of a more serious problem. Wide and deep splits must be repaired. There are also repair mortars for that purpose.

Damp This brings us to enemy ‘number 1’, namely damp. We won’t go into great detail here since we have covered the problem of damp at length and in depth in several editions of Floor Forum. At all events, it is quite clear that fitting parquet without taking a damp reading first is completely irresponsible. If there is excessive damp, it is best to postpone the fitting. Here, too, there are chemical solutions.

priming and/or screening residual moisture in cement covering floors and concrete floors (up to 5 CM% or 90% residual moisture) before a wooden floor is fitted. It can also be used to reinforce weak substrates. Bona R590 is compatible with all Bona silane and polyurethane parquet glues and with Bona levelling products. This waterless and solventless product contains no isocyanates or components which could migrate after setting. It is preferable to epoxy resin systems.

Bostik

What’s on the market? Adesiv Adesiv offers a full range of products for preparing the subfloor. The primer WBPU-R is one of a new generation of mono-component polyurethane primers which contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This primer dries rapidly within 45 minutes. It is a reinforcement resin for powdery cement covering floors and for protection against residual damp in floors and walls. Primer PA400 is a very well known solvent standard product for polyurethane which reinforces and protects against residual damp. Primer HE is a dual-component epoxy primer for impregnating floors in chemically aggressive environments. This product, too, reinforces and protects against damp.

Bona Bona D501 is a 1-component primer for preparing less stable substrates (such as sandy cement covering floors, for instance) prior to the use of silane Bona glues, especially Bona R844, R845, R850/R850T, and R860. The product is suitable for absorbent and non-absorbent substrates (except for magnesium industrial floors) and for chipboard, panels, and similar substrates. Bona D501 is solventless, porous, and ready for use. Drying time is between one and two hours on absorbent substrates. Bona R590 is a 1-component silane primer for

Bostik offers several solutions for problems with the screed. In all cases, impurities such as old adhesive residue and plaster remains should be removed completely by grinding the substrate and then vacuum cleaning thoroughly. If there is still some adhesive residue left after grinding, it is advisable to secure this first by applying a layer of Renogrund PU RAPID (covering floor stiffener). Cracks in the substrate can be repaired using Nibosan Easy and Eponal 342. If the substrate is too damp at the time of the planned fitting or there is a constant risk of rising damp, a damp screen should be applied first which is based on a 2-component epoxy resin type EPONAL 336, which is suitable for both residual moisture and rising damp: EPONAL 336 also withstands moisture from the substrate and is therefore also a moisture primer. If the substrate isn’t flat enough, it should be levelled using a suitable levelling agent once a primer has been applied. BOSTIK NIBOPLAN BEST is a suitable levelling agent. If the substrate has several cracks and splits, you can resolve this by fitting a disconnection fleece (Bostik Renofleece) to the substrate, on to which you can level with a minimum thickness of 5mm. Bostik’s best-seller is EPONAL 336, a unique and highly effective problem solver for damp problems in the substrate, and the levelling agent Niboplan Direct.

Floor Forum International 100

Special

Repairing substrates: who has the products for this purpose ?

Chimiver PRYMER SF 1105 PRYMER SF 1105 is a two-component water-based epoxy primer developed for dusty subfloor, with a multi-layer application, it works as a moisture barrier. It is resistant to the inverse hydrostatic pressure according to the law UNI 8298 part 8. PRYMER SF 1105 is suitable for consolidation of subfloors on radiant heating. It is also recommend as a promoter of adhesion for anhydrite subfloors.

Devo® Devomat has a wide range of products for preparing substrates. Devo® Primer Compact is an odourless silicate primer for reinforcement depth impregnation of granular and sandy cement covering floors. The product guarantees a probing reinforcement for granular and sandy cement covering floors. It increases tensile strength and compactness so that some cement covering floors can be repaired which would otherwise have to be dismantled. Some benefits: It penetrates down to a few centimetres deep; it is odourless; it is easy to apply; it has a long working time; it sets very well. Devo® Primer Hydroblock 3C is a tri-component primer which is strongly watertight. It is also suitable for non-absorbent floors, such as marble, old tile floors, etc. Due to the combination of high-quality epoxy binding agents and the hygrophobic properties of quartz powder, Devo® Primer HydroBlock 3C has exceptional waterproof qualities and provides excellent adhesion. Devo® Primer HydroBlock 3C can therefore be used for applications where other primers will not suffice. Finally, Devo® Primer Express PU is a fast-drying, waterless, and solventless PU primer for fixing dusty covering floors and screeds and it acts as insulation against residual damp.

Rubio Monocoat Rubio® EasyPrimers & EasyFlow levelling compounds Rubio® EasyPrimer 2C Epoxy is a 2-component product with very strong, irreversible cross-linking which gives the product maximum water resistance, or, in other words, minimum water absorption. It is therefore ideal as a moisture barrier. The Rubio® EasyPrimer 2C Epoxy is a high-quality 2-component water-based epoxy primer. The primer can be used in one coat as a

Floor Forum International 100

screed hardener for poor quality substrates. From the second coat it will act as a moisture barrier. The Rubio® EasyPrimer 2C Epoxy can be used up to a residual moisture value of 8%, but that obviously depends on several criteria (surface, etc.). Rubio® EasyFlow levelling compounds for universal use are ideal for the preparation of installing parquet and for other hard and soft floor coverings. The levelling compounds can be used on any absorbent (mineral) surfaces, always after they are primed, such as cementitious and anhydride screeds (concrete slab), but also non-absorbent surfaces, such as ceramic tiles. Rubio® EasyFlow levelling compounds need to be applied to a well-prepared surface that is free of dust of grease. Rubio® EasyFlow levelling compound is available in two versions: Rubio® EasyFlow for levelling from 3 to 15 mm and Rubio® EasyFlow-F for levelling up to 30 mm and floors with underfloor heating. The Rubio® EasyFlow levelling compounds are different because they are easy to mix without raising any dust and provide a homogenous result. In addition, they require less water than traditional levelling compounds, which makes them dry faster. After levelling the floor with Rubio® EasyFlow(-F), the floor is ready to be covered with tiles, laminate, carpet or parquet of course.

Tover Professionals meet several types of issues related to supports: too high humidity level, poor, dusty, uneven or cracked subfloors. Tover proposes a complete range of primers which enable a secure and long lasting laying. In order to create a vapour barrier and to harden the sub-floor surface, the mono-component polyurethane solvent free primer PRIMER PU100 is particularly suitable even for heating flooring. To fix the dust on the surface NANO-FIX water-based primer has excellent results. If the support shows cracks, it is recommended to use ADEBLOK T19, two-component solvent free epoxy primer, mixing it with sand to get a synthetic mortar with high filling properties. On the ground floor, in case of humidity rising, it is highly advised to apply the three-component primer IDROBLOK C3, able to permanently block water migration into the wood even on a non-absorbent support.

Thomsit Thomsit has solutions for various problems like damp, frailty, cracks and splits, dirt, oil, or old glue residue. These products are usually compatible to those of other brands, yet Thomsit prefers works from a one-brand system. According to Thomsit, there are certainly universal primers to solve many of the aforementioned problems, but none to cover all problems in one product. The Thomsit best-sellers are Thomsit R 729 Silicate Cast Resin for filling cracks, Thomsit R 766 Multiprimer for priming, Thomsit R 755 Damp Screen for keeping out damp, Thomsit R 790 Filler and Primer for filling joints and priming in one operation, TF 201 Thomsit Floor membrane for covering a bad floor without dismantling it, and Thomsit RS Fix for removing unevenness and differences in height.

Preview Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR

THE RISE OF RESILIENT FLOORING IN APAC In 2018 Asia Pacific enjoys a leading position in the global resilient flooring market, accounting for the largest market share (“Global Flooring Market 2018-2022 - Focus on Resilient Flooring”, 2018). The increase in the construction of healthcare, educational, and industrial infrastructures across China naturally translates as growth in the world of resilient flooring. Moreover, growth in population, rise in disposable income, and changes in lifestyles increase the demand for modified and better residential construction, which in turn surge the need for renovation and construction of residential places such as family-homes, apartments, and condominiums. Also, construction of new malls, transport infrastructure, restaurants, upgrade of healthcare and educational institutes in China are expected to create attractive opportunities for the growth of the resilient flooring market. The awareness regarding the attractive features of resilient flooring, particularly its ease of installation, low maintenance, and variety of modern designs, is also expected to drive the demand for the resilient flooring market in the future. As the largest flooring exhibition in Asia Pacific, DOMOTEX asia/ CHINAFLOOR continues to conduct in-depth industry research. According to the OECD report, governments of major economies of Asia Pacific are focusing on the development of commercial facilities and strengthening their infrastructure to sustain current growth levels. For instance, the government of China has given the go-ahead to a series of major urban infrastructure projects. The planned government spending expansion should further boost growth in Singapore, India and ASEAN countries. This is expected to drive the demand for flooring products, which in turn, will drive the global resilient flooring market, including SPC flooring, in the near future. There were nearly 140 PVC production companies at DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2018. More than 90% of them have already produced SPC flooring. About 20% of the newly-advanced companies are transforming SPC flooring from other industries or related products. About 60% of China's PVC production enterprises have started or will soon start the development of domestic market. As a result, the Chinese resilient flooring associations are actively promoting its use across the country. Although companies and associations have begun to lay out the SPC flooring market, showing an upward trend, the most important thing is to gain consumer recognition if it is to achieve a promising future in the domestic market. Domestic consumers are still in the cognitive stage of SPC flooring, and the domestic market is not mature yet. Therefore, enterprises, associations and exhibition platforms need to guide and help them to vigorously develop in the domestic market. In the 21st edition of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR the resilient sector will have five halls full of PVC, sports and outdoor decking flooring products. The total area is for the first time exceeding 55,000 m2. What used to be the Sports Flooring Zone, in 2019 turns into a Sports Flooring Hall, with famous international brands, like KDF, Rubrig and K&B Junwoo. Other global industry leaders like Unilin, Wineo, US Floor, ARDEX, I4F, Armstrong, Gerflor, LG Hausys, Toli, Novalis, L&C, NOX, Meijer

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and Rococo will also join the show in 2019. Some of the events that are expected to draw the resilient professionals’ attention are the Hospital Construction Conference and the Sino Wood Plastic Composites Development Summit Forum. In order to further explore the hospital function process optimization and space design innovation methods, on 27th of March, Shanghai International Expo Centre will welcome hospital administrators, infrastructure project managers, overseas and domestic interior designers and members of research institutions to join the 7th China Hospital Construction Conference, which is jointly organized by Zhuji Medical, Healthcare Design Magazine, and DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR. The other forum is co-organized by Chinese WPC Association and will gather producers and buyers of WPC together. The Forum will be bilingual with speakers and attendees coming from all over the world. Last year the key speakers were Iván Perez, CEO of DISTIPLAS FLOORS SL and Jerry Larson, FIBERON International Business Director. The information about the speakers for 2019th edition will be released in the beginning of the next year. For more information about the show visit www.domotexasiachinafloor.com

Floor Forum International 100

Review

BAU Munich (D)

‘SUSTAINABILITY’ IS LATENTLY PRESENT, ALSO AT BAU 2019 EVEN THE RETURN TO THE CITY SEEMS A ‘SUSTAINABLE’ TREND The first quarter of each new year is a busy one for ‘the building world’. And how! Within the space of a few months, our part of the world hosts some of the biggest and busiest building-related trade fairs, such as Domotex, BAU, BUDMA, Batibouw, and MADE Expo. Maybe it’s the spring butterflies, but it’s amazing how those exhibitions continue to mobilise and attract so many people, both professionals and end clients. It says a lot about the economy in general. If the building industry is doing well, everything else falls into place. BAU 2019 certainly lived up to all expectations.

Recurring themes The term ‘sustainability’ is a sustainable theme in itself. In recent years, everyone’s been talking about sustainable construction, sustainable enterprise, and sustainable energy management. Everyone realises the importance of the sustainability mindset. Whilst until a few years ago, the theme of sustainability appeared on the title page of several initiatives, it is now simply compulsory and self-explanatory. Sustainability plays a latent lead role throughout society.

BAU 2010 Back in those days, all indications suggested that the future looked rosy for the sector of parquet and wooden floors, and of interior products in general. Indeed, ‘Sustainability’ was the main theme of BAU 2010. In those days, the term ‘sustainability’ was still associated with forestry, but over the years it has taken on a much broader scope. Nowadays, it relates almost inevitably to construction, renovation, and even ‘enterprise’ in general. It was already received wisdom at the time that the call for sustainable building materials would give the entire wood sector a boost. Now that wood comes increasingly from sustainably managed and controlled forests, that fact has made it much more attractive for the general public. Other themes at BAU 2010 were ‘Building for life’ (a house from young to old) and ‘Research and Innovation’, something which is still a priority topic in each segment.

BAU 2013 Sustainability also dominated all themes and sectors at BAU 2013. Every possible agency which is involved with this theme also played a part at the show: the Federal Ministry of Transport, the BMVBS (Construction and Urban development), the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), the Frauhofer Building Innovation Alliance, and the ift Rosenheim worked together closely with BAU 2013 and contributed in various seminars and shows. A lot has happened in recent years in the field of sustainability and sustainable materials. The realisation that the life cycle of materials has to be assessed from the time of extraction to dismantling (cradle to cradle) has made its mark. More people now realise that sustainability not only has ecological implications, but also economic and socio-cultural implications as well. At all events wood is playing a positive role in this sustainability debate. As a sustainable and renewable raw material, wood has a bright future.

Floor Forum International 100

BAU 2019 From now on, sustainability appears to be self-explanatory. You no longer have to rock along with it; it’s there everywhere. In all the themes and topics presented at the recent BAU (2019) there was a latent acceptance that all people need to show more respect for the planet in all that they do and permit. Efforts which are being made (including those on show at BAU 2019) in energy management show that the available resources are going to become increasingly scarce. Sources of energy are no longer inexhaustible. Obviously, there were also new forms of technology in the field of energy on show. The advance of renewable energy and the combination of fossils and renewable energy is being addressed. Energy conservation and energy efficiency are inevitably part of that theme.

Everyone Ioves the city We can’t deny that both young and old are returning in masses to the city, a reverse of the exodus to the countryside which started a few decades ago. We can see this on a local basis, but those who are alert to national and international developments will notice that it’s a worldwide phenomenon. The benefits of living in the city are well known. For young people, students, and working young adults the city forms a social meeting platform with endless possibilities. Pubs, shops, colleges, universities, student lodgings, theatres, and film and concert halls. They’re all at a stone’s throw from each other. Families discover the same benefits as young adults in the city. The easy access to entertainment facilities is less important for them. If you live in a city, there is a very good chance that you could or would want to work there. Or if you work in a city, it is handy if you also live there. Elderly people, too, find the city attractive. Those who want a smaller home because they can no longer maintain their property often find a flat or smaller house in the city. When you are older, it’s handy that shops and meeting places are closer to home so that you don’t need to take the car or walk a long way.

Urban, Living in 2019 As promised, BAU 2019 also covered this theme in depth. According to forecasts, by 2050 no fewer than 75% of all people will live in cities. What that means for building in the future had been covered at length in BAU 2013 and was repeated this year. All the indications suggest that an ‘integrated city’ where the houses have optimised energy consumption is the future. Solutions for taking up these challenges were also considered at BAU 2019 in various forums. Forum A4 examined future-oriented and intelligent concepts for individual buildings, the urban environment, and the city. Living and working, public and private life are linked to each other to create a better society, especially with more open spaces, despite a greater population density. The housing problem is so acute in big cities that major building projects are being moved to smaller cities. Forum C2 studied eye-catching building projects in some of those smaller cities. In Forum B0 participants considered the integration of old buildings with new ones, a scenario which can happen several times over in an urban context.

BAU 2019 was once again a success with an improvement on existing figures. For the first time ever, no less than 200,000m² of exhibition space was occupied by 2,250 exhibitors (the figure in 2017 was 2,120). The exhibitors came from 45 different countries and there were 250,000 visitors, 85,000 of whom were from abroad, as compared to 80,500 in 2017. The visitors from abroad came from no fewer than 150 countries. According to the organisers, that makes BAU the number one trade fair in the world for architecture, materials, and systems. After all, over 70,000 of the visitors were architects, engineers, or planners.

An exhibitors overview Auer Metallprofile Every two years, Auer Metallprofile GmbH exhibits at the BAU Munich, the world's leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems. This year we were back with a bigger booth. Once again, the focus of our exhibition was on profiles made of stainless steel, which are manufactured according to individual wishes and are in demand by

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customers from Switzerland, Austria and Italy. Furthermore, we were able to present our innovations in the field of aluminum profiles. Numerous visitors from home and abroad showed great interest in the new wall profiles, reversible stair profiles, and the extra-wide APL-transition profile. During the BAU Munich, the Auer sales team was able to hold interesting discussions with trade visitors, contractors, architects and wholesalers and conclude new supply contracts as well as deepening existing trade relations.

Aspecta NEW DESIGN AND INSTALLATION VARIATIONS FROM ASPECTA CREATIVE AND DECORATIVE: THE NEW ASPECTA TILT & TONES At the BAU trade fair, ASPECTA presented a completely new design idea for floor coverings. – Aspecta Tilt & Tones: Two different types of tiles on the floor joined together to create fascinating, individual random motifs. The ‘Tilt’ tiles with the geometric pattern inspired by a biophilic design are combined with the neutral ‘Tones’ tiles. The new collection is ASPECTA's first to be presented on the market with a rigid core as well as with the dryback glue down installation technique. With Aspecta Tilt & Tones, the company will once again live up to its reputation and continue to strike out in a new direction with the development of its design concepts.

00219 Visual Comunicazione – VE

BAU 2019 in figures

M AD E IN ITALY IM PERT EK .CO M 

Floor Forum International 100

Review

BAU Munich (D)

CREATIVE GAME WITH ANGLES AND LINES ‘Tilt’ and ‘Tone’ perfectly reflects the appearance of both tiles. Robert Langstaff, design director at Aspecta describes the design of the tilt tiles as a creative game with angles and lines that resembles the sun’s natural interplay of shadows on rocks, sand and meadows. If these graphic tiles in a biophilic design are combined with the tone tiles in the all-over print, this results seating areas, directions, borders or unique random motifs due to the skilled combinations. The robust collection whether as multi-layer tiles (60.5 cm x 60.5 cm) or dryback tiles (60.96 cm x60.96 cm), is particularly suitable in highly frequented areas in the property; for the gastronomy industry, retail shops, in offices as well as in schools and administrative buildings. For floating installation with a rigid core, a rigid core with the patented ISOCORE Technology®, and the new Droplook 400™ installation system as well as the dryback solution for full surface bonding.

USFloor - COREtec®

intense is interesting. This finishing particularly seduced the many visitors. As our Hardwood oak railway sleepers as wall cover. It’s an authentic untreated reclaimed wood of railway sleepers. Wooden railway sleepers are gorgeous, especially the old, used ones with their lovely patina. Untreated with creosote. Chêne de l’est provides one of the most complete ranges of French oak solid and engineered hardwood flooring. Certified PEFC and Fabriqué en France, we obtained the label A + for all our finished parquets. We have the Real Wood, and CE labels. Our expertise and superior craftsmanship allow us to produce hardwood floors with unique textures and colors. Specially for the BAU, we published a new catalogue. This catalogue is a source of inspiration and information for all architects and interior decorators. You can also visit our website where you will find all of our collection and would love to welcome you at a next show in which we participate If you cannot come, we look forward to meeting you at the MANUFACTURE GALLERY on the 56 rue Chapon in the 3rd arrondissement of PARIS.

Design Parquet

It was the first time that COREtec® was present at the exhibition BAU in Munich. Karl-Heinz Haudberg USFloors – COREtec® DACH Countries: “COREtec® as the multi-layer flooring expert delighted visitors with this year’s novelties.” Guests were shown a presentation about COREtec®’s upcoming launch of a revolutionary new products and collections. Jan Dossche, President USFloors Europe, lifts a corner of the veil: “We are very happy with the very positive comments about the new Herringbone collection and the 20 brand new designs for our Proplus range on the Domotex show in Hanover and in Munich during the BAU trade show. We are very satisfied with the reactions of our cusotmers at Domotex and at BAU. We are also working on something new, that is sure to cause a big bang in the flooring universe. We revolutionized the market in 2012 with the introduction of our 100% waterproof core technology and we plan on wowing the market once again in 2019.” USFloors will communicate more about the new product in the coming months, but Stijn Windels, Marketing Director USFloors Europe, already sparked the DOMOTEX public’s interest: “Imagine a ground-breaking product that combines all the benefits of ceramic tiles with the ease of COREtec® installation. Get ready to touch the future of flooring!”

Chêne de l’est® French hardwood flooring manufacturer successful at BAU 2019 The BAU was very successful for us. We made excellent, high-quality contacts at BAU 2019. We enjoyed meeting many professional visitors at the BAU, presenting our Chêne de l’est plank flooring to them and discussing their project needs and requirements. You have discovered our new finishing as the PA 78. Our PA 78 has a very special beautiful oiled surface with treated black edges. This one creates such an individual and natural ambiance and is still so resistantly. It's a healthy and natural product. If you are looking for something new, our oak antique PA 89 - noir

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French company Design Parquet has been producing engineered and solid wood floors for twenty years. In that time, they have built up a strong reputation with both innovative and classic products and have been the preferred suppliers for prestige projects in France and at international level. The manufacturer will display its know-how for new special parquet. Colors to be individualized (Range Design Déco). Special designs on request: custom-made panels, Hexagon, Geometrix, Pyramid, Weave... Exotic species solid & engineered flooring. Versailles panels in different sizes and colours. Bathroom parquet floor : LOFT PRO Navylam+ Teak 15 x 130 mm with double black joint integrated and pre-oiled. www.designparquet.fr

Eurotec 20 Years Of Experience Eurotec celebrates its anniversary: The company has been developing and producing fastening technology for the construction sector for 20 years. The medium-sized company supplies products for timber construction, deck construction and concrete fixing throughout Europe to specialized dealers, who take over the distribution to the specialists. On 1 May 1999 Markus Rensburg and Gregor Mamys founded the company Eurotec with nothing more than a small cellar with adjoining garage,

whose 50 pallet bays served as a warehouse. Today the company celebrates its 20th anniversary and has meanwhile established itself as a major player in the fastening technology segment. Eurotec was therefore represented with two booths at BAU 2019. In addition to the large range of timber and façade construction, the company also wanted to demonstrate its expertise in the field of deck construction. The know-how covers everything from individual adjustable pedestals for every occasion to the professional substructure, optimized for every type of terrace.

Floorservice During the BAU show in Munich, Overmat showed a number of new collections of existing Floorservice products. By use of impression-displays, we made it easy to get a good idea on how the Floorservice products could be used in any interior, this year based on the trends of 2019.

Nature Protect 2K The new Floorservice lacquer Nature Protect 2K not only allows oak maintain its natural colour and look, but also of other types of wood such as Wengé, Maple, Jatoba, Afzelia, White Ash and Walnut. LED and UV oil After the introduction of Floorservice LED oil during the Domotex 2018 show we now showed a lot of other possibilities and finishes. We also showed a lot of new combinations with our UV oil. Prime Stain New added this year were the Prime Weathered Grey and Prime Weathered Black collections. These pre-treatment products have been developed to give oak wood a weathered and greyed or aged and almost black appearance. Hard wax-oil 2K In addition to the existing Naturio and the 12 previously introduced colors, our newest color Ceram 178 could be admired on a beautiful large shelf. The Ceram is an extra white variant.

ORIGINALLY OSMO POLYX®-OIL Innovative for over 30 years.

OSMO POLYX®-OIL – FEEL THE DIFFERENCE. www.osmo.de/en

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Tailor-made collection One of Overmat’s specialties: The possibility to, together with you, create your personal bespoke collection! Are you interested in Floorservice LED oils but would you rather decide on the colours yourself? It’s possible! We are happy to discuss the possibilities for your own bespoke collection.

Impertek RAIL SYSTEM THE IMPERTEK SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS FOR MIXED TILE AND DECKING FLOORS Rail System is the new system of Impertek products to install decking boards, and stonewares or slabs made of stone and ceramic, of any shape and size. So far, the raised laying of tile floors and decking in outdoor areas has required very different and complex stands and accessories. The Impertek Rail System allows outdoor raised floors to be created with boards and a mixed top finish. Ideal for set-ups with large-sized stoneware tiles, Rail System is an integral part of Pedestal Line, and adds three new elements to the complete range of Impertek

supports and accessories: a joist and two types of heads, which allow stability and finishes that have been unthought of so far with ceramic stonewares. Find more at www.impertek.com.

Küberit Première at DOMOTEX and BAU trade fairs Four more Küberit PPS® profile systems now feature the 4.0 technology Küberit has taken the right course with its easy-toprocess 4.0 technology - this is shown by the extremely positive market response. The market leader for aluminium, brass and stainless steel profiles and profile systems will be presenting four more PPS® profile systems with this patented installation technology at the Domotex and BAU trade fairs. Only two years after the introduction of the first PPS® profile system featuring the 4.0 technology, Küberit is introducing further variants of its PPS® range with this patented technology. All 4.0 profile systems boast a high product benefit: very fast, clean and easy processing as well as numerous, flexible applications. As a result of the extension, virtually all standard installation situations can now be carried out with the PPS® systems.

Hall E1 · Stand B01

26.–28.03 · Shanghai

Euro-Step® Star – multi-purpose laying solution for LVT-floors · patented and safety certified by TÜV 2-part stair nosing profile system · for LVT-floors from 4 – 9 mm · based on the award-winning Champion-technology

www.kueberit.com

Lamett Lamett launches new collections at BAU 2019

BAU 2019 was the big kick-off for Lamett's brand new wood and ParquetVinyl collections. The parquet specialist doesn’t stand still and always thinks of new collections to be able to answer every question and trend. In addition to the new collections, they also launched their new campaign 'Close to nature'. The most striking new wood collection is Carcassonne, an original weathered floor with a rugged look. The wood selection includes beautiful weathered knots and cracks that create an exclusive, rustic look. On the ParquetVinyl side, they presented the new tile collection Caldera. You get the looks of a stone floor, but with the benefits of ParquetVinyl: easy to install and maintain.

placed on the target groups retail, industry, crafts and trades. A huge crowd-pleaser was the live demonstrations at the booth. Visitors were impressed by how easily a two-coloured surface could be created with the help of the two-tone technique.

Original Chapel Parket

FN Neuhofer

FN Neuhofer is renowned for its innovative strength in product development, which ensured the company stood out from the crowd at this year's Domotex and BAU trade fairs. Highlights of the trade fair presentations included. - FN digi-direct: digital direct print on skirtings and flooring profiles on a variety of base materials such as plastics, aluminium and solid wood. - FN roomy: this convertible room element consists of system components like beams, boards, joint hangers, connecting elements and attachable accessories that you can configure and assemble based on your needs. There is almost no need to use screws. - FN flush-pro: the plaster-flush profile. It is made of aluminium and is applied before the wall is plastered. - White lacquered spruce and pine profiles.

Osmo BAU, the world’s leading trade fair for architects, materials and systems, opened its doors for over 250,000 visitors from the 14 to 19 January 2019. For Osmo Holz und Color GmbH & Co. KG, the fair was a complete success: countless national and international visitors informed themselves about the company’s innovative product portfolio at the airy and vibrantly coloured booth. In several informative conservations, questions concerning the products and their suitable application could be answered. Special attention at the fair was

Pallmann Magic moments with Magic Oil and individualization trends At the Pallmann booth visitors could inform themselves about the solvent-free and sustainable products of the Magic Oil line. In addition to special oil products as the back-friendly Magic Oil 2K Ergo and the Magic Oil 2K Spa (for use in damp rooms) the wood floor specialists also presented various individualisation trends. In particular they set accents with the 24 colors of the Pallmann Color Collection (oil primer) for individual

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design and with the structuring of wood floors. In live demonstrations, visitors were able to follow how the brush set for the wood floor sanding machine Pallmann Spider created an individual wood floor with a striking surface structure and unique feel. The new diamond segments, which can be used for peristent surfaces with the Pallmann Spider, were also a real eye-catcher on the practice surface.

supplier of floor covering accessories now includes six product groups. Collectively, they fulfil all floor covering requirements: from the high-quality laminate, parquet, and vinyl ACOUSTIC series, and the PROFI range, to the inexpensive BASIC program, which meets the minimum requirements. Sustainability In compiling its range, SGH Parkettfreund has paid particular attention to environmental sustainability: all product data comply with the EPLF/ MMFA recommendations and virtually all insulation underlays carry DiBt certification as well as the “Blue Angel” seal.

SGH Parkettfreund SGH Parkettfreund has completely renewed its insulation underlay range

PROLINE

SGH Parkettfreund has further developed its extensive “underlay sheet” range. By way of this measure, the company offers customized solutions in accordance with the latest developments in the floor covering field. All new products and the new structure of the range will be presented for the first time at the BAU Trade Fair. Six in one sweep All in all, the insulation underlay range of the leading complete

The supplier for tile and floor profiles as well as systems for floor renovation, drainage and patio construction is presenting various innovative new developments at BAU 2019.

•

FAMILY Acous tic, fa st trac for AL k floo L resil r prep ient flo system or cov erings ! • Insta nt dry floor le of mo ve st sub strates lling • A co st effe c t iv e solu proble tion to m floo • Exce rs ptiona lly sta floatin b le, free g unde • Prov rlay sy ides a stem super finish smoot h • Read y for g lue-do resilie w n of all nts an d carp • Exce e llent s ound re ts 23 dB ductio ΔL n of w • Quic k and easy t handle o f it a (pack nd to sizes)

CONTINUOUSLY ADJUSTABLE UP TO 1 METRE

JUMPAX® FAST-TRACK FLOOR PREP FAMILY OFFERS THE PERFECT SOLUTION..!!

Kouterstraat 11B • 8560 Wevelgem • +32 56 41 35 70 • info@solidor.be • www.solidor.be

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BASIC

TOP

CLASSIC

NATURE

STRONG

Unifloor Underlay Systems BV Deventer, The Netherlands UK Toll Free 0845 603 0906 I www.unifloor.nl/en, E info@unifloor.nl

With a multitude of innovative products, PROLINE drew visitor’s attention and interest in the tile and ceramic hall A4. The completely new and impressive trade fair concept focused here on direct dialog with users and architects, based on a new dual-brand strategy. This meant craftsmen and installers were able to inspect finishing tricks and ingenuities of the PROLINE range on the application stage at halfhourly intervals, and directly exchange views with the application technology team of the company based in Boppard, Germany. Caption: The PROLINE presentations on the booming outdoor topic of pedestal supports were very popular Architect information in the cube Opposite the Architect’s Forum in hall A4, PROLINE SYSTEMS presented the company’s architecture and object division in a puristic cube with solutions and systems for planners.

ROLL GMBH The ROLL GMBH, German manufacturer of professional machines and tools for floor installers, has presented at the BAU 2019 exhibition in Munich two new machines. The ROLL-STRIPPER RO-1.1 is a compact ride-on stripper machine for professional removal of all extremely bonded floor coverings like resilient and textile floor coverings, ceramic tiles and parquet in commercial property. The Floor grinding machine RO-250 is a compact grinding machine for surface preparation on small to medium-sized surfaces. With different diamond and pcd-discs the machine removes easily any remainders like adhesives, coatings and levelling compounds from subsoil. The visitors showed great interest in the new products. Many new contacts could be made in and outside Germany. Generally the ROLL GMBH was very satisfied with the quantity and quality of the visitors. The BAU exhibition proved again as the leading trade fair for the construction industry and thereby reaffirmed the decision to exhibit in two years again at the BAU 2021.

Rubio Monocoat New: Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging and 2019 wood trends The BAU 2019 exhibition was again a real success for Rubio Monocoat. We had a lot of innovations to show you. With Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging, we are responding to the current trend of authentic, aged looks. It is a non-reactive pre-treatment, which is available in 10 colour ranges. Unlike reactive products, Rubio Monocat Pre-Aging is easy to reproduce and can be used on virtually all wood types (including those that do not contain

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tannins!), without overlaps during application. More about this in this magazine.

STAUF STAUF showcases the company with its successful trade fair appearance in Munich STAUF Klebstoffwerk GmbH presented its flooring adhesives at the BAU 2019 trade fair in Munich. For the trade fair audience, a visit to the STAUF stand was an experience for all the senses: Under the heading of “Experience Adhesive Technology”, visitors were able to see photographs and watch videos explaining how and where adhesive technology “Made in Germany” is used. STAUF is known for its wood flooring adhesives as well as adhesives for textile and flexible flooring. The main emphasis of STAUF’s trade fair presentation this year was on flooring adhesives, with the bonding of LVT flooring playing a special role. This year’s eyecatcher, erected at the centre of the trade fair stand, was an “adhesive fountain”, which became STAUF’s most photographed exhibit.

SPAČVA This year at Domotex and BAU fair we presented our new collections of oak solid flooring. Our visitors were mostly atracted by Chevron rombus design. Solid flooring, from Slavonian oak, will give specail character to every home. Why to keep it simple, when we can create luxurious interior? Color range that goes from lighter to darker tones, Chevron rombus design, or our standard dimensions give a lot of space to be creative. Final touch are solid doors that you can incorporate with oak solid

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flooring. No matter are you bigger fan of classic or modern design, our solid doors can satisfy your needs. If you have missed our stand at Domotex or BAU fair go to our web page and see our products, or contact us through e-mail. Although we are exporting in more than 30 countries, we are opened for new business.

Vetedy

Unifloor The German Unifloor sales team, enforced by a number of Dutch colleagues, recently presented the Unifloor fast-track subfloor preparation methods at BAU in Munich. This exhibition takes place once every two years and this edition was visited extremely well. The continuous demonstrations of the Unifloor Underlay Systems on the stand were a great success and witnessed by many visitors. Among others the EcoPearls® ecological dry levelling granules were able to attract massive interest. For all the ease and speed of installation for many was an eye-opener and a new experience. The whole Unifloor team looks back at a most successful week. Read more [link to: https://www.unifloor.nl/en/]

Vetedy was delighted to be able to take part in BAU in Munich. The Luxembourg company is renowned nowadays for its invisible fastening systems for terraces. These include Softline® for terraces and Techniclic® for walls, which are available in exotic and native thermally treated wood. They presented their innovations at their new open stand together with their new representative for the German sector. Customers were able to acquaint themselves with the brand-new packaging, which is easier to sell and transport, and enjoy a refreshing Luxembourg beer! This year, Vetedy will demonstrate how well it listens to market needs. Indeed, it has adapted its packaging for the benefit of its customers worldwide, yet it has not raised its prices. The Softline® Merbau terrace with invisible fastening has recently been awarded an FSC certificate and the Teak FSC Unijoint is now part of the cladding range with the invisible fastening system Techniclic®.

HAMBERGER FLOORING GMBH & CO.KG HARO – EXPLOITING HOME ADVANTAGE AT BAU 2019

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Extremely constructive talks with top decisionmakers, heavy visitor traffic and consistently positive customer reactions to showcased innovations were some of the key impressions from HARO’s strong presence at BAU 2019 Rosenheim – Welcome to HARO, Germany’s market leader for parquet flooring! This is how Germany's leading floor covering brand welcomed visitors to the BAU 2019 trade fair in Munich. This year’s trade show was an extremely successful one for HARO, marked by a constant stream of visitors from many different countries, extremely fruitful discussions with top industry executives, encouraging interactions with customers and the unveiling of a diverse range of product innovations. Uwe Eifert, Managing Director for Marketing/Sales at Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co.KG, summed up the company’s overwhelmingly positive experiences at BAU 2019 as follows: “BAU is the ideal trade fair platform for HARO. We were delighted to welcome a large number of international visitors – both existing and new customers – to this year’s event, particularly over the first few days. Thanks to our new parquet, design and laminate flooring products, our accessories – and not forgetting our new HAROdigital! App – we remain fully in tune with the times and on course for continued market growth. Owing to Munich’s proximity to our company headquarters in Stephanskirchen, HARO also had an invaluable home advantage, which we fully exploited by organising ´Factory Sightseeing Tours`”

Special

The ecological footprint of the flooring sector

THE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF FLOOR COVERINGS THE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT COVERS VARIOUS PHASES There are various definitions and descriptions of ‘ecology’, and especially the ‘ecological footprint’. Those concepts are somewhat (and unjustly) popularised or simplified in common usage to mean ‘environmentally friendly’. However, the entire ecological concept is much more complex than that. Trying to verify the ecological footprint of a particular activity or product segment will seldom lead to accurate results. However, what we can do is describe elements which together affect the impact.

What is ecology? Ecological footprint The ecological footprint (also called global footprint or footprint for short) for a particular year is a number which indicates how much biological productive ground and water surface a particular population group has used in that year to uphold its level of consumption and process its waste production. It’s about a hypothetical number measured in global hectares. A global hectare is one hectare of biologically productive space for (globally) average productivity, with due regard for current technology.

Ecological behaviour We behave ecologically by burdening the environment less with ‘harmful’ substances which degrade slowly or not at all and which often stain the planet long term, by treating our natural energy sources sparingly, and preferring to use sources of energy which do not pollute. We also show respect for the environment by showing a preference in the production of goods for renewable raw materials i.e. raw materials which don’t run out simply because we extract them. Using recyclable raw materials also deserves recommendation because once those raw materials have completed their task (i.e. they are worn out), they can be re-used in new applications (different ones or the same ones).

Applied to wooden floor coverings Ecological behaviour therefore implies a constant alertness for the points mentioned above. This can be applied to populations, professional sectors, or products. The points for attention whenever we look at wooden floors, for instance, run from the tree cutting to the packing of the end product.

Forest management Wood is a natural and renewable raw material and therefore ‘sustainable’ to the core. That sustainability is impaired when wood is cut indiscriminately with no bounds. That discovery has given rise to certification issues such as FSC and PEFC. Moreover, wood from sustainably managed forests is a natural solution to the problem of the destruction of the ecosystem and global warming as a result of ever increasing consumption. Apart from forming an ecological habitat, forests have an important part to play in the storage of CO². For climate protection it’s even best to extract wood as much as possible for application in sustainable products (temporary CO² storage) in combination with good and sustainable forest management to guarantee and stimulate future biomass production. Since wood is a renewable raw material, this is an effective means of fixing CO² continuously both in the forest and in the wood products which are made from it.

Transport The limitation of transport is an important economic and ecological aim. The more lorry journeys there are, the greater the impact on the environment. We see that lots of wooden floor producers are aiming for fully integrated production as far as possible in order to avoid transport (e.g. their own forest, saw mill, planing workshop, floor production, finish, and packing in one location). Obviously, the choice of the means of transport involves more or less ecological solutions. We won’t discuss them here because they are not specifically related to our sector, but they apply to all segments.

Production In all phases of the production process, the used raw materials play an important part in assessing the environmental impact. Which glues are used? Which finishes? This is where the VOCs and the new emission standards come into play. Energy management should also be included as both an economic cost (what seems logical) and an environmental cost (impact). We see in all production sectors a clear move towards renewable energy (wind mills and solar energy), and therefore also with wooden floors and the production of additional raw materials deployed for the production of wooden floors. We don’t draw a distinction in the assessment between ready-to-fit floors and traditional parquet; it is only to be expected that, for instance, emissions of certain substances such as glues and finishes are comparable, whether the production takes place in the factory or on site. Another important point is the limitation of waste in the production. A good example of waste limitation in the field of the main raw material is the parquet manufacturer who also produces matches. That’s simply a question of making use of the smallest waste wood.

Packing We can draw a distinction in the assessment between ready-to-fit floors and traditional parquet with regard to the packing of the floorboards themselves. Traditional parquet floorboards are packed either minimally or not at all. At all events, the materials used to pack and transport products play an important part. Recyclable (and renewable) raw materials are once again preferable. As regards the packing of chemical resources such as glues, the packing obviously plays a part. There are producers who, apart from regular packing, offer packing concepts to take account of the ecological footprint, such as a bag in a cardboard box instead of a bucket. Buckets are usually made of recycled plastic.

A sound development Those principles are general in nature and globally applicable. They are ‘converted’ to local circumstances. And so, they apply to both tropical and non-tropical forests. A product which bears the FSC quality label has definitely been produced using wood from a well managed forest. Today, there are dozens of certification organisations which may or may not be associated with the FSC and which will endorse those principles. A recent development is that a product now has to meet certain criteria from the ‘harvest’ of the wood to the delivery to the end client.

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Producers of polyurethane adhesives

HYBRID GLUES ARE A BIG HIT, BUT PU IS STILL THERE THE GLUE WHICH CAN DE USED SIMPLY FOR ‘EVERYTHING’ If hybrid adhesives combine all that is ‘good’ from various forms of adhesive technology, you might wonder why other glues still exist. Basically, most glues are more or less hybrid. They are usually a ‘combination of …’ However, the term hybrid is sometimes used wrongly as an indication of better or worse quality, whereas hybrid glues are not necessarily better or worse than other types. They are more tailored to specific applications. That brings us to the power of polyurethane glues. They can still be used in an infinite number of situations.

Which parquet adhesives do we know? Some important parquet adhesives, apart from PU adhesives, include dispersion adhesives, epoxy adhesives, and silane adhesives. Dispersion glues consist of a synthetic resin which is dissolved in water. These adhesives consist for 50 to 65% of solid matter. The most commonly used synthetic resins are polyvinyl acetate, acrylate, polyurethane, and derivatives of those synthetic resins. For parquet glue that is usually polyvinyl acetate. Dispersion adhesives set as the water withdraws from the glue to create an adhesive film (water disappears, whilst solid matter remains and completes the bonding). Epoxy glue is a dual-component adhesive based on epoxy. This glue is used in various industrial and domestic applications. The powerful adhesive bonding is created by the addition of a hardener. Amongst other things, epoxy is found in combination with polyurethane, and some people believe that this combination offers the form of adhesive technology which is most reliable and most likely to yield the best results for wooden floors. Silane glues (MS polymers or SMP glues) operate on the basis of a different principle to PU glues. They also ensure excellent and durable adhesion and stay elastic. Nowadays, there are silane modified adhesives with varying degrees of elasticity.

What scope! PU adhesives are used for all types of solid parquet and solid wood planks. They can also be used for multi-layer parquet (engineered) and can be used for both floors supplied raw and pre-finished. Even design floors can be glued with PU. Then you have the most critical uses. Due to their outstanding tensile strength and the highly stable adhesive groove, PU glues can also be used for glueing wide planks (XXL), even for critical types of wood. As regards wood types, there are equally few limits. There are native sorts, tropical wood sorts, and wood sorts which require a certain caution such as beech and ash. They adhere very strongly to just about all wooden materials. Suitable substrates are cement covering floors, subfloors with a levelling agent at least 2mm thick, anhydrite screeds, cast asphalt, and fibre plates (V100). And so, PU adhesives are a safe solution for glueing mosaic subfloors onto the screed and for glueing strips (traditional parquet) onto a parquet subfloor. Moreover, with due regard for the standard rules, they can also be used for glueing onto floor heating.

Physical or chemical?

All around us!

The glueing process is the result of various adhesion mechanisms. We speak of a physical adhesive reaction when there is no chemical reaction whatsoever. The ‘disappearance’ of the solvent from the glue, by vaporisation for instance, is a physical reaction. Adhesion can also be created by allowing warm glue to cool down. That, too, is a strictly physical occurrence just like the blending of two components with so called melting adhesives. Chemical glue reactions are created by bringing certain components into contact with each other to bring about a chemical reaction. Obviously, there are also different reactions here and therefore also different glues. With dual-component glues there is a chemical reaction when the components are added to each other. However, the reaction can also occur when the ingredients of the glue come into contact with damp in the atmosphere.

Polyurethane didn’t really emerge everywhere until during World War II. It was then used as a replacement for rubber, a substance which was expensive and largely unavailable in those days. During the war, other applications were developed which related mainly to different sorts of protective layers, ranging from aeroplane finishes to protective clothing. By the 1950s, polyurethane was used in adhesives, elastomers, and rigid foam and, in the second half of that decade, as flexible foam for tasks such as filling in the furniture industry. In the decades which followed, polyurethane went through several developments and, nowadays, we are surrounded by polyurethane uses in all parts of daily life. Many people are not familiar with polyurethane as a product because it is often ‘hidden’ behind furnishing or surfaces produced from other materials. Nevertheless, it is still hard to imagine a world without polyurethane.

PU glues are chemical glues Polyurethane glues are chemical glues. Traditionally, PU glue owes its bonding power to a connection of isocyanate and alcohol. The

adhesive bonding is created by a reaction between the ambient damp and the urethane compounds. The combination of hard and soft segments ensures that the best features of both are joined together. That’s why PU adhesive is very strong, but also elastic. By ‘playing’ with the length division of the segments, glue makers can adapt the features of the material fairly flexibly. Polyurethane glue is absolutely ideal for glueing just about all parquet or wooden floors, especially solid parquet, wider strips, and moisture-sensitive types of wood (2K) such as beech and such like. Polyurethane glues can be used for glueing onto anhydrite floors and sand-cement floors. They are ideal for fitting pre-lacquered floors which are laid once a damp screen is in place.

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A selection from the range Bostik

Bostik presents both 1K PU and 2K PU adhesives. These glues are suitable for glueing different types of parquet onto most substrates and also for glueing various types of floor coverings onto impervious substrates such as glueing rubber mats onto concrete, wood, or metal. 2K PU glues are often used for outdoor applications such as glueing artificial grass mats onto tracks due to their high resistance to temperature and damp. These glues are also used due to their ‘filling properties’ since they set chemically and therefore the adhesive grooves or layer of glue can be applied thicker than with other 1 K adhesives. And so, you can use 2 K PU glues for ‘levelling’ in patches on a substrate which is not entirely flat and yet obtain a good adhesive bonding with the material to be glued. The assortment includes Bostik Parfix PU 1K, an elastic 1-component polyurethane adhesive for glueing parquet, Bostik Parfix PU 56, a solventless and universal 2-component polyurethane adhesive for glueing parquet and rubber, and Parfix PU 57, a solventless and universal 2-component polyurethane adhesive with a long spreading time for glueing parquet.

floorings (ceramics, tiles, marble, palladian, gres, ect.). Potentially suitable for gluing onto heated subfloors. ADESIVER 501 EP: Two-component epoxy-PU adhesive to be used for gluing any type of wooden floor onto concrete subfloors, waterproof concrete and, with previous suitable treatment, onto notabsorbent preexisting floorings (ceramics, tiles, marble, palladian, gres, ect.). Suitable for gluing onto heated subfloors. ADESIVER HERCULES: Two-component epoxy-PU adhesive hypoallergenic, to be used specifically for gluing any type of wooden floor onto a concrete subfloors, waterproof concrete and, with previous suitable treatment, onto not-absorbent preexisting floorings (ceramics, tiles, marble, palladian, gres, ect.). Recommended for gluing onto heated subfloors. ADESIVER 327 PU: Two-component PU anallergic adhesive. Suitable to lay traditional and pre-finished wooden floors of all shapes and sizes onto cement and waterproof cement floors. CERTIFIED EC1R Plus. Can contribute to the achievement of QI CREDIT 4.1 according to the parameters of the GEV dated 03 March 2009, because it meets the certification LEED protocol (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Devo®

Bona As regards dual component adhesives, Devomat offers Devo® Glue PU 570 2C and Devo® Glue PU 650 2C. These are both polyurethane-epoxy adhesives for glueing wooden floors onto cement-bound subfloors or existing floors. Devo® Glue PU 570 2C is a waterless 2-component polyurethane-epoxy, semi-elastic, parquet glue, which is designed specially for glueing wooden floors onto cement-bound substrates or onto existing floors (tiles, marble, wooden floors, etc.). Devo® Glue PU 650 2C is also a waterless dual component epoxy-polyurethane parquet glue, but this product is a hard-elastic one. Parquet Glue Bona R770 is a 2-component polyurethane parquet glue which conforms to EN 14293 (hard)/ISO 17178 (hard). This adhesive is also suitable for glueing laminate floors. The glue bonds by means of a chemical reaction without shrinking. It contains neither water nor organic solvents. The R770 can also be used for PVC (planks and tiles), linoleum, rubber, and laminate floors. Bona also presents the Bona R200. Bona R200 is a low-viscosity mono-component polyurethane filler mass for filling hollow cavities and reinforcing parquet boards. The light foaming fills cavities perfectly and creates a sealed joint with the substrate.

Chimiver SIGOL: Two-component epoxy-PU adhesive to be used for gluing any type of wooden floor onto concrete subfloors, waterproof concrete and, with previous suitable treatment, onto not-absorbent preexisting

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Emfi Emfi concentrates mainly on developing hybrid glues, but does offer a PU putty. Emfimastic PU Parquet is suitable for the cordon glueing of all types of parquet. Emfimastic PU Parquet is a coloured putty which is offered in tubes of 310 and 600ml respectively. This glue bears the classification Habitat Sain A+.

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Special

Producers of polyurethane adhesives

Pallmann

Pallmann P9 is a waterless and solventless 2-component PU glue, which conforms to DIN EN 14293. It is for all types of parquet, but specially for moisture-sensitive types of wood and sizes and for glueing onto UZIN bottom layers which are suitable for parquet. Pallmann P9 is a paste, solventless, and waterless polyurethane parquet glue which does not affect the swelling of parquet since no moisture is extracted from the wood. The glue is suitable on sufficiently strong substrates such as on sand-cement, calcium sulphate, and cast asphalt covering floors, chipboard, and suitable UZIN bottom layers and on warm water floor heating. Pallmann P9 Extra has an extended open time.

STAUF

Tover

Toverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide range includes two polyurethane adhesives: a two-component adhesive (TOVCOL PU2C) containing no solvent or epoxy resin and consequently preventing any kind of allergy. This glue is classified A+ according to the French norm and is remarkable for its low VOC emission. It has a long working time - up to 60 minutes, excellent adhesion properties, it is elastic and provides a very good shear strength value; this product is suitable for whatever wood species of any size and works properly on all types of absorbent or non-absorbent sub-floors. Moreover, you can find it packed in the exclusive and clever Twin-Pack .System for an even easier transport and use. The second product is a mono-component adhesive (TOVCOL PU/F1) of high performance, packed in bags for a cleaner and wasteless use. The technical features of both TOVCOL PU2C and TOVCOL PU/F1 make them recommended also for underfloor heating. Polyurethane adhesive is also available in 600 ml sausages and you can apply it with a gun for an elastic and flexible bonding in vertical position, too.

Thomsit

Waterless Adhesives are based on chemical reactions between resin, hardener and/or air humidity. These adhesives are also called as reactive adhesives. The most advantage with water- and solvent free adhesives means no danger of wood swelling. STAUF offers various waterless wood flooring adhesives. All these wood flooring adhesives are very low emission certified (Emicode EC1-R or EC1-R plus). - STAUF SMP 950: Still the one and only 100% silane based SMP wood flooring adhesive without any kind of migresives (no VOC, SVOC, VVOC) and therefore suitable for all sub floors and wood flooring types. - STAUF SPU 570: STAUF SPU 570 enables one to achieve bonding which had previously only been possible using shear-resistant, single-component PU adhesives. It can also be used as universal parquet adhesive to bond solid or multilayer types of parquet.

Floor Forum International 100

Thomsit presents Thomsit P 625 2-c PU Parquet Glue. This Thomsit P 625 2-c PU Parquet Glue is designed for glueing mosaic parquet, strip parquet, solid parquet, exotic parquet, plain-sawn wood-engineered parquet, cross-cut parquet RE, and finished parquet on absorbent and non-absorbent substrates. This adhesive is ideal for glueing especially large-size parquet tiles and finished parquet sections. Furthermore, it is also suitable for glueing universal types of parquet with high water absorption and can also be used for rubber, PVC design floor coverings, and Thomsit subfloors which are suitable for use in combination with wooden floors. Thomsit R 710 Polyurethane Glue is suitable for rubber plates (e.g. Norament), design floors (LVT), PVC and vinyl quarter tiles, outdoor floors, concrete, ceramics, polystyrene, wood materials and building panels on absorbent and sealed substrates in high-traffic commercial and industrial settings. It can be used both in and outdoors.

∂ Industry news Impertek RAIL SYSTEM THE IMPERTEK SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS FOR MIXED TILE AND DECKING FLOORS

ranging between 35 and 1020 mm, we can use the new Click Rail Head, which is applied directly to the support. In this case also, once the supports are positioned on the ground and the height is adjusted, simply place the Rail joists on the Click Rail Heads and, above them, place the Top Head AS Heads for the ceramic tiles or the wooden flooring directly. More info at www.impertek.com

KARL PEDROSS AG

Rail System is the new system of Impertek products to install decking boards, and stonewares or slabs made of stone and ceramic, of any shape and size. So far, the raised laying of tile floors and decking in outdoor areas has required very different and complex stands and accessories. Even with the most complete mixed systems, which allow adequate accessories to be used, installation with joists has always been unthought of for ceramic and stone products, especially if they are large or have particular shapes. As from today, the Impertek Rail System allows outdoor raised floors to be created with boards and a mixed top finish. Ideal for set-ups with large-sized stoneware tiles, Rail System is an integral part of Pedestal Line, and adds three new elements to the complete range of Impertek supports and accessories: a joist and two types of heads, which allow stability and finishes that have been unthought of so far with ceramic stonewares. Rail is a new joist developed to attach itself to the heads of the Pedestal Line supports: made of lightweight, resistant aluminium, together with the MegaMart supports, it guarantees a capacity and solidity that cannot be compared to that without the joist. The second great news is Click Rail Head, the new head for the MegaMart line, which is rapidly fitted to the aluminium profile, thereby guaranteeing maximum stability and safe installation. Lastly, the new Top Rail AS Heads have a generous diameter of 120 mm in which to host ceramic stonewares of any size, thereby ensuring maximum acoustic performance thanks to the soft anti-shock and anti-slip AS rubber, designed for soft and safe support in every situation. The upper wings, 10 mm high and 2 or 4 mm thick, allow precise and elegant grouting and thanks to their pre-cuts, they can be easily removed for installation along the perimeters or in case of end-to-end installation. The lower part of the Top Rail AS Heads are fitted with two hooks that allow them to be secured to the joist, but simultaneously they can slide longitudinally so as to be easily aligned in the right position. When setting up the raised floor with the Balance Line supports, which can be adjusted between 25 and 392 mm, and with a self-levelling head, we immediately noted that the aluminium is designed with a lower silhouette that fits perfectly on the self-levelling head wings. Once the stands are positioned on the ground and adjusted in height, simply and rapidly engage the Rail joists on the wings: the Balance head will automatically adjust the slope and, above Rail, we will position the new Top Rail AS Heads and the final flooring in ceramic or wood. On the other hand, if we prefer creating our outdoor floor with the MegaMart Line supports, with a capacity of 1000 kg and a height

Directly on the skirting board and/or profiles: PEDROSS gets up close and personal with innovative digital printing technology KARL PEDROSS AG introduces direct digital printing onto skirting boards and profiles as part of its production and presents the impressive technology in a multi-faceted manner at Domotex 2019. At the same time, the high-quality special lacquer finishes are a real eye-catcher. Laces (Italy), 16th January 2019. Incredibly realistic and sustainable: Using the motto “Saving the forest with every print!” PEDROSS displays in Hanover the limitless possibilities of digital printing and demonstrates what its in-house direct printing technology can achieve. The new special lacquer finishing possibilities, which expand the portfolio of the market leader in veneered skirting boards, are also among the highlights of the trade fair appearance. With the patented direct digital printing on skirting boards and profiles, a new and rigorously tested technology is now ready to join the existing production options. Through the usage of UV-curing direct printing ink, a limitless range of motifs on various substrate base materials with a brilliant look and unique feel are now possible - completely without the digital printed foil. This means that exclusive, protected woods, extraordinary designs and countless other ideas and individual designs can now be printed directly onto base materials such as spruce, MDF or PVC. In addition, PEDROSS adds the finishing touch to its wide product range with exclusive special lacquer finishes. Through innovative lacquer applications, the veneered profiles can be better adapted to a wide variety of floors. Moreover, thanks to various gloss levels, pearlescent, scratch-resistant varnishes and many other refinement options, each skirting board blends perfectly into the room and contributes to a harmonious living environment. "For a progressive company like PEDROSS, Industry 4.0 is currently a leading theme, as high demands will continue to be placed on the production of skirting boards in the future: They must be produced intelligently, dynamically, efficiently and 'green'", explains Managing Director Martin Pedross. "At Domotex we gave you an insight into what this future could look like. Modern machine plants and new technologies are the goals, but the environment also has to be at the top of the agenda.”

Floor Forum International 100

Special

Poland

POLISH ECONOMY STAYS ON COURSE AGEING AND THE NEED FOR INNOVATION ARE MAJOR CHALLENGES Strong growth of GDP Polish GDP grew by 4.6% in 2017, something which is quite substantial in comparison with most Western European countries. However, that growth was due not so much to investments by Polish companies in their production capacities as to growth in national consumption and growth in exports and infrastructure projects financed by EU support. As regards 2018 and 2019, experts forecast that the Polish economy will grow somewhat slower than in 2017, with forecasts of 4.2 and 3.4% respectively. After two years of negative inflation, that figure was once again positive in 2017 with 1.7%. In 2018, it is expected to rise further under the pressure of rising prices to 2.1%, and 2.8% in 2019. Some things are due to the expected increase in petroleum prices and the upward pressure being exerted by wage rises in Poland.

Prospects Prospects of a reduction in unemployment are still looking favourable. In 2017, unemployment fell below 5%, 4.9% to be precise. In 2018 and 2019, further falls are expected to 4.2 and 4.0% respectively. One consequence of this development is a shortage on the labour market in some sectors, something which is accompanied by upward pressure on wages.

Poland laid the foundations for its current success in the second half of 1989 with the launch of the ‘Balcerowicz Plan’. This plan transformed Poland rapidly from a centrally managed economy to a market economy by means of shock therapy. Some things led to a severe economic crisis, which lasted about two years. Since 1992, the Polish economy has once again enjoyed constant growth, even during the crisis of 2008-09 when all other European countries fell into economic recession.

A reliable trading partner The Polish economy has a solid base for stable development. Moreover, foreign business operators assess the country’s investment climate favourably year by year. The stability and security, which are guaranteed by membership of NATO and the EU, have ensured that Poland is regarded as a reliable and major business partner for foreign investors. At present, there are no indications that this trust might wane due to the political decisions made by the present government.

Floor Forum International 100

Budget deficit According to the EU, the budget deficit in 2016 was 2.5% (as compared to 2.6% in 2015), the lowest figure since 2007. In 2017, it was forecast to drop further to 1.7%, only to rise back up to 2.7% in 2018. This growing deficit is due to government decisions which are going to cost the Polish treasury a lot of money e.g. the introduction of child benefit, a lowering of the retirement age, and government investments.

Challenges In the future, the biggest challenges for Poland will be how to respond to the ageing population, the need to produce more innovative products in order to run a competitive economy (with higher wages than those at present), and maintaining healthy public finances. The population of Poland is about 38 million at the moment. By 2050, that figure could fall to 32 million. The population in Poland is in decline partly due to the birth figures, which are amongst the lowest in Europe (1.3 children per woman), and also due to emigration. Due to the upward pressure on wages and the craving of the population for a higher standard of living, production will have to move towards more innovative products in order to run a competitive

economy. The third challenge will be to keep public finances healthy, since the present government has kept a number of expensive election promises, such as the lowering of the retirement age, the award of 500 PLN (about 125 euros) in child benefit from the second child onwards, and full repayment of medicines for those aged over 75. (Source: Flanders Investment & Trade)

About forests, wood, and parquet The current typical Central European vegetation dates almost entirely from after the last ice age and in marshlands and in the mountains you can still find remnants of the tundra flora from interglacials such as the dwarf birch. A lot of woodland area has been lost as a result of exploitation since the 13th century and both world wars.

Forest cover Sixty per cent of the surface area of Poland is agricultural land and 27% is forest. The forest cover is 8,668 million hectares (i.e. 0.23 hectares per inhabitant of Poland). Over 82% of that is owned by the state (7,145 million hectares), whilst 18% is private property (1,523 million hectares). The current stock of wood in Poland is 1.345 million cubic metres. On average, the current wood stock is 155 million cubic metres per hectare. The annual average increment is about 4.5 cubic metres per hectare. The annual average wood harvest is 2.83 cubic metres per hectare. This represents about 24.5 million cubic metres of wood yields per annum for the whole of Poland. Over 82% of forests in Poland consist of conifer woods with the Pinus sylvestris being the most common type of tree.

Oak of top quality Oak wood in Poland is of exceptional quality. The sort of oak which we encounter in countries such as Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland is the Quercus Robur-Quercus Petraea, exactly the same sort as French oak. Obviously, the conditions in which the trees grow differ drastically from those in which French oak grows. Poland experiences periods of extreme heat and severe drought in the summer periods, whilst the winters are bitter cold. That’s why, amongst other things, we get a type of wood which is paler in colour since there is less tannic acid in the wood. Polish oak also has a much thicker cell structure. The wood is extremely strong and stable, but rather difficult to colour. Eastern European oak tends to swell up roughly when it comes into contact with moisture. Amongst other things, that has consequences for parquet floor fitters. Indeed, thorough interim sanding is necessary when colouring or finishing with some finishes.

A parquet country In 2017, 65,603,120m² of parquet were produced in Europe, a rise of 2.53% as compared to 2016. Consumption rose by 1. 70% to 77,014,520m². In terms of parquet production Poland is still very much the leading country in the FEP area with no less than 20.08% in 2017. Sweden is in second place with 17% and then Austria with 14.02%. In terms of consumption Poland lags behind with 5.12%, although it is not last in the rankings. The last three are Hungary, Czech Republic, and Rumania. Poland has all the ingredients to be a real parquet country. It possesses a healthy supply of wood and excellent quality oak. The oak wood is different from French oak (somewhat softer) or Slovenian oak (even more stable), but it has a very beautiful wood structure and is extremely secure. Moreover, the Poles also have at their disposal more and more high-tech production sites where they produce just about all types of parquet, from traditional solid parquet to multi-layer engineered floors. With the growing prosperity (per head of population) as a result of the economic growth, we can assume that parquet consumption within Poland is likely to increase, and that will have a positive effect on the further growth of production. In other words, Poland is in a positive economic spiral and that also has an effect on the parquet market.

The Polish Parquet Layers Association (SPP)

The Polish Parquet Layers Association (SPP) was registered in mid-2000 as the first organisation in Poland to form an association of people linked to the parquet industry. The founders included parquet fitters, traders, and manufacturers in the wooden flooring industry. The main objectives of the organisation include representing interests and protecting the rights of people involved in providing services in the parquet industry, improving legal regulations, implementing scientific and technical progress, and promoting the profession of a parquet floor fitter. SPP is the largest organisation of parquet fitters in Europe. Our members include over 200 parquet flooring companies. The Association's partners are also the largest companies in the industry and they include producers of wooden flooring, construction chemicals, machines, and electrical tools. Membership of the SPP guarantees access to our expertise and opinions on new trends, enables direct contact with the largest producers in the industry, and gives access to a promotional platform with an established position. Currently, SPP has started work on a new project. In the face of numerous inquiries and signals coming from investors from all over Europe regarding Polish parquet flooring services, SPP is preparing a project supporting our members in the implementation of works abroad. We would like to set up a training programme for Polish parquet fitters. We are talking here about language, legal, and technical training and help in many other specific issues for selected countries. This applies to the main markets of interest to our industry, namely Germany, the Benelux countries, France, the UK, and Scandinavia. After participating in the DOMOTEX trade fair in Hanover, SPP is organising subsequent events at the BUDMA fair in Poznan, Poland, in February. The programme will include workshops and parquet fitter championships and our co-exhibitors will include the biggest manufacturers in the wooden flooring industry. +48 (0) 609 475 544 - www.parkieciarzepolscy.com.pl

Floor Forum International 100

∂ Product news CEZAR Joint profile for LVT panels Cezar LVT profiles are designed for modern luxury vinyl flooring. Following profiles are practical and esthetical link for vinyl surfaces, covering gaps, decors stair nosing. LVT profiles are also great solution for finishing panel flooring. This year, 7 new profiles dedicated to LVT panels appeared in the assortment of the Cezar company. Luxor The range of Luxor products includes stainless steel profiles and decorative aluminum profiles for glaze. Stainless steel profiles enable you to connect different construction materials. They perfectly match with tiles, terracotta, wood and stones. The Cezar company has created a whole range of metal profiles in new, unprecedented colors. They are shades of gray, black or brown and blue. These profiles are exclusive and give the interior a character and elegance.

CIRANOVA The ultimate answer to create the most beautiful looks on your wood ! Hardwood which turns pink during the finishing process can ruin the nice aspect of the intended appearance of the wood. Ciranova® has developed a product which when applied to the wood will prevent this pink colouration! Pink Blocker 2C is a unique water based reactive product to “discolour” and “block” the pink and red tone effect which occurs in some hardwoods. Pink Blocker 2C is NOT aggressive, is NOT corrosive and contains NO solvents. Pink Blocker 2C is compatible with all stains and protective finishes from Ciranova® and Ciranova® Industrial Finishes. Pink Blocker 2C is the ultimate answer to create the most beautiful looks on your wood!

RUBIO MONOCOAT - NEW: RUBIO MONOCOAT PRE-AGING At Rubio® Monocoat we closely follow and enjoy responding to the various trends in our sector. Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging is a high-quality, non-reactive water-based pre-treatment that is available in 10 standard colours. The colours range from a lighter to darker, smoked look, and the colours can be mixed into the variant the client wants. There is also a range of grey shades that can be mixed together. The result is a deep, stable colour with subtle accents. Stain-resistance is excellent after the final treatment and protection with Rubio Monocoat oil. Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging can be used on virtually all wood types – including wood that does not contain tannins – and also colour the hard pieces of the wood and the sapwood, without overlaps during the application. Ask for samples today and test it for yourself.

WOCA INVISIBLE 2K FINSIH FOR AN ULTRA-MATT INVISIBLE RESULT Invisible 2K Finish is a high-quality, ultra-matt, and waterborne varnish which has been specially developed to give a matt and untreated look. The varnish is based on a polyurethane binding agent and the hardener contains no isocyanates. The varnish is also certified with the A+ label, which is a Danish Indoor Climate label.

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INTERNATIONAL trade journal f or impor t , expor t , dis tr ibu tion and lay ing of par que t , laminate, cor k f loor ing and r elated pr oduc t s

N° 99, December 2018 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept , Nov, Dec) Of fice of deliver y 9099 Ghent X , P911092, BC 31359 - Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

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FOR BEAUTIFUL FLOORS

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For more than 11 years already, Floor Forum International is appreciated by all the major players in the sector, who help determine the contents of the magazine thanks to their novelties that are accompanied by the necessary explanation. In every edition, the magazine singles out one particular country. In doing this, the readers not only discover the sociopolitical history of that country, but at the same time are also informed about the economic potential for what wood is concerned.

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INTERNATIONAL trade journal f or impor t , expor t , dis tr ibu tion and lay ing of par que t , laminate, cor k f loor ing and r elated pr oduc t s

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Our magazine, that is distributed all over the world, targets professionals from the floor coverings sector and the wooden façade claddings. Floor Forum International, that from its start focussed on parquet floors both indoor and outdoor, every year aims at informing its readers about the newest trends and novelties. In it, among other things, you read all about trends and innovations for parquet floors, and this in all kind of wood species, vinyl, LVT, PVC, wooden façade claddings, glues, varnishes, subfloors, deckings,…

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Are you an installer of parquet floors or a timber trader, an importer, a distributor, a wholesaler, a carpenter with employees, an agent, an interior architect, an interior designer, a decorator, a manager of a shop specializing in decoration, an entrepreneur in the world of construction or a manufacturer…? If this is the case, our magazine is an exceptionally good source of reference for you.

Special: Color and hardwax oils

GOLD LINE www.adesiv.it

Special: Oil and lacquer with anti-slip properties for wooden flooring and stairs

EURO GOLD

low-environmental-impact bicomponent adhesive

MS GOLD FLEX

high-performance monocomponent MS adhesive

since 1971

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From now on, never apart Bona Mega ONE Bona continues to innovate the floor industry and redefine the rules of wood floor finishes with speed, simplicity and fantastic results. With great filling properties, no primer needed and fast drying between coats, Bona Mega ONE really is a contractorÂ´s best friend. Building on the DNA of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bestselling finishes, Bona Mega ONE offers fantastic benefits for professionals and floor owners in need of versatile wood floor protection. Bona Mega ONE - ONE promise, ONE partner.

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