FFI 102 May 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° 102, May 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

Special: Ivory Coast AN

Review: Domotex asia/ CHINAFLOOR

Review: Made Expo Milan (I) Special: Wooden sports floors

Furniture, Flooring, Worktops

BRAND

MERGER LEADS TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE! Alsapan, a French manufacturer of self-assembly furniture, worktops, and flooring has taken over the company FPPI, better known as La Parqueterie Berrichonne. As a specialist in laminate, LVT, and now solid wood flooring as well, Alsapan will certainly be a key player in the production of flooring made in France 100%.

www.alsapan.com Advertorial: Blanchon (F)

Advertorial: Spačva (HR)

& d n a iS Flex aFlex r Sup

BRUSHING & SANDING WITH BONA Two machines, endless possibilities Bonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique Brush Technology enables the brushing of entire wood floor surfaces with ease and efficiency, as well as creating dramatic new effects. The outstanding action of the Bona Power Drive NEB when attached to Bona FlexiSand, combined with the versatility of the Bona SupraFlex equipped with a brush for edges, will allow you to achieve dazzling textures and effects. For sanding purposes, the Bona Power Drive on the Bona FlexiSand for open spaces, combined with the Bona SupraFlex equipped with a sanding disc for edges, will fulfill all your sanding needs. bona.com/flexisand

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

N° 102, May 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

Special: Ivory Coast AN

Review: Domotex asia/ CHINAFLOOR

Review: Made Expo Milan (I) Special: Wooden sports floors

Furniture, Flooring, Worktops

BRAND

Alsapan is a French manufacturer of self-assembly furniture, worktops, and vinyl and laminate floors. The company has been based in Alsace since 1972 and, in April this year, has taken over FPPI - Parqueterie Berrichonne. The company is aiming to become a top player on the European flooring market.

MERGER LEADS TO A BRIGHT FUTURE! Alsapan, a French manufacturer of self-assembly furniture, worktops, and ﬂoor coverings has taken over the parquet company FPPI, which is better known as La Parqueterie Berrichonne. As a specialist in laminate, LVT, and now parquet as well, Alsapan will certainly be a key player in the production of ﬂoors made in France for 100%.

www.alsapan.com Advertorial: Blanchon (F)

Advertorial: Spačva (HR)

Floor Forum International n° 102 May 2019 Photo Alsapan

4 Inside news 8 Review Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR 10 Special Pre-colouring: What's on the market ? 14 Special Producers of dispersion adhesives 17 Special UV curing on site 20 Special Producers of Hungarian Point and herringbone in

LVT, PVC and vinyl 22 Advertorial Spačva (HR) 24 Special Producers of style panels 26 Advertorial Blanchon (F) 28 Special Producers of wooden & composite wall cladding 32 Special Producers of profiles for LVT, vinyl and PVC floors 36 Special Parquet oil 42 Review Made Expo Milan (I) 43 Special Wooden sports floors 47 Industry news 48 Special Ivory Coast 50 Product news

Let us look back briefly on the remarkable course of a furniture maker from Alsace whose children soon discovered the possibilities of laminate. Alsapan To diversify its activities in self-assembly furniture, Alsapan started in 1995 with the industrial manufacture of laminate floors. In 2018, the family business Alsapan, which employs 800 people, continued its advance in flooring by incorporating the manufacture of vinyl floor planks via considerable investments in a processing line for star vinyl. Alsapan had no intention of standing still, since it also had the ambition of extending its commercial range to include parquet. This is a new challenge and at the same time also a tribute to its founder. Since April, this has been an accomplished fact. From now on, Parqueterie Berrichonne (FPPI) has been integrated into the Alsapan flooring range. Let’s just remind ourselves that Parqueterie Berrichonne was formed in 1948 in Ardentes (Indre) in France. The company, which changed its name in 2013 to FPPI (France Parquet Production Innovation), produces a wide range of high-quality parquet in composite oak in France. As the company was looking for a sales network for its products, a rapprochement with Alsapan, which has a well developed sales network, seemed the best way ahead. This constituted a good opportunity which Alsapan seized to give the trademarks ‘Nature Parquet’ and ‘Parqueterie Berrichonne’ new credentials and profile itself as a provider of a comprehensive range in its professional sales networks. Since 1995, Alsapan has developed under its own trademark or under a distributor brand of laminate floors which meet the requirements of all its markets i.e. retail, big DIY businesses, web shops, etc. Since 2007, as the only French industrialist in this field, Alsapan has offered ranges of floors which consist of sixty rustic or modern decors, which are exported to over 60 countries. Its research has been based for some years now on the various fitting methods in order to give end users a good degree of freedom in personalising their interiors. Nowadays, this freedom is made possible by means of planks assembled according to choice in a modern form through the assembly of the planks, in an artful version by mixing planks of different widths, in accordance with the Haussmann Style, in ‘herringbone’. With a turnover of about 240 million euros, which includes all activities, and six production sites in France, Alsapan has a solid industrial heart, which enables it to develop prudently and resolutely with its clients. It also makes it possible to assure those clients that they use materials which originate from sustainably managed forests, that they invest constantly in even faster production lines, and that they have flexible logistics for improving the ergonomics of the work stations and operating more efficiently. As a family business, they know that people are central in the process. They also know that the flexibility of employees, who constantly refine their skills by means of ongoing training, is a mark of quality control, respect for delivery times, and, finally, work comfort for the employees themselves. 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 Depro INNOVATION - Depro introduces: the water-resistant skirting that fits your vinyl flooring perfectly. The innovative feature of this skirting is the plastic insert that protects the skirting against water up to 8mm high. The base of the skirting remains MDF, which makes the skirting an ecological and budget friendly alternative to traditional skirting boards and profiles in full PVC. Skirting boards are covered with an in-house digitally printed laminate matching the flooring perfectly. They can also be provided in a white paintable version. The new skirting has no limitations in size nor model which means that the PVC insert can be integrated in any possible shape of skirting such as height-adjustable skirtings, cover skirtings and other multifunctional shapes. Producer: www.depro-profiles.com - Patent pending.

Hamberger Flooring GmbH&Co.KG/ HARO The smart parquet floor for active individuals

Spring into life with HARO Parquet ProNamic Tread softly like on velvet paws – an exciting option for anyone who likes to live an especially active life at home too. HARO ProNamic is a premium parquet floor that takes the elegant look of parquet and blends it harmoniously with the absorbing qualities of a pedigree sports floor. Rosenheim – Smart parquet floors for active types. HARO Sports is a globally renowned provider of sports flooring. Olympic competitions as well as world championships in a variety of different disciplines or also leisure and recreational sports are frequently held on HARO sports floors – right around the globe. HARO is now also using this expertise for “normal” parquet in the 4000 Series. The result is HARO ProNamic, a smart parquet floor for especially active individuals. 50 percent less impact energy HARO Parquet ProNamic achieves its especially smooth and soft qualities primarily as a result of the 8mm special elastic layer, which lies between the screed and parquet boards. This layer absorbs the impact by up to 50 percent when walking, running or jumping. A

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further comfort effect is the noise absorption of ProNamic – no matter how intense the activity, scarcely a whisper can be heard from the floor. This makes it especially suitable for rooms used regularly for training, dancing or gym work. The perfect floor for fitness rooms Whether for children or adults, the topic of avoiding injuries caused by falls is an important topic for many families. That’s because a floor that yields intelligently and therefore effectively cushions any potential impact can protect from mishaps and resulting health consequences. And even if nothing goes wrong: HARO ProNamic is the joint care specialist beneath the parquet floor, making every individual step pleasant and comfortable. Easy to install and great variety HARO specialist dealers have a variety of options to choose from. Four high-finish, sealed versions are available as standard in the wood types Oak, African Oak, Merbau and Beech, while a naturally oiled version is offered with the select parquet floors in the 4000 series. HARO ProNamic is therefore the ideal choice for fitness rooms and studios as well as for active people who prefer to work out at home. It is likewise ideally suited for anyone who values high levels of comfort as well as flooring that is gentle on the joints and absorbs sound. The advantages of HARO Parquet ProNamic at a glance: - bsorbs more than 50 percent of impact force - Provides effective protection for back and joints - Cushions falls and therefore reduces the risk of injury - Absorbs walking noise - Offers excellent slip resistance even with high-finish, sealed surfaces - High-finish, sealed surfaces: Oak, African Oak, Beech and Merbau - Naturally oiled surfaces from the 4000 Series are available additionally - Easy to lay - Not suitable for heavy equipment or furniture - Ideal for training rooms in fitness studios or private fitness rooms - Easy to maintain thanks to tailored care products HARO specialist dealers can obtain further information about this innovative product from their HARO field service team or via the website www.haro.com

â&#x2C6;&#x201A; Inside news Spirit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A new BerryAlloc collection

CSP Engineering

Trendy styles, tasteful designs and simple installation: the Spirit collection features vinyl planks & tiles to suit all tastes, ranging from simplicity to luxury. Spirit adds so much more to your home than just a floor alone: a warm and welcoming mood, a powerful statement, and the ability to enjoy your home without worry. Our low-maintenance, scratch-resistant floors give you, your children and any family pets the freedom to be yourself. The innovative integrated underlay minimizes the sound of people walking across the floor by 20 decibels. Our 100% waterproof Spirit planks and tiles ensure that your floor retains an even surface at all times, even after repeated heating and cooling. Our tiles measure 60 by 90 centimeters and give your home a timeless look and feel, while the decors and structures of the Spirit planks are perfectly in sync with each other. You will feel each visible grain in your floor, giving your home the authenticity youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for.

Let's create your solution together ! For the 1st time in our history we will be exhibiting at Ligna. It is with great pleasure that we invite you to visit our stand A66 in hall 17. We will present the most recent developments and innovations on the field of machined filling for wood flooring industry. Also for other automation solutions for wood flooring production, we remain your reliable & cooperative partner. Do not miss this unique opportunity to meet us and send a request for an appointment to sales@csp-engineering.com

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∂ Inside news Merlin Technology A "Made in Austria” world’s first: Non-destructive wood moisture measuring device with double sensor! This is the key to increased success! Thanks to the HM9 DUO from Merlin Technology, the innovation engine, it’s possible to measure the moisture of narrow to very wide wooden workpieces. Wood is sensitive. The right material moisture can mean profit or loss, and it’s therefore an absolute must for every serious craftsman. Featuring top quality and precision, the brand-new HM9 DUO qualifies as a price-performance ratio champ, and with nearly 100,000 measuring devices sold, Merlin Technology has all the right experience in this industry. Valuable information The HM9 DUO measures non-destructive and is used everywhere, where damage and traces of measuring are unacceptable. Whether narrow or very wide, the moisture in each workpiece is

measured exactly using one of the two available sensors. The measurement depths of 8 and 40 mm and the 21 pre-programmed wood groups are especially practical. The HM9 DUO also delivers valuable information about whether or not the indoor climate at the company is suitable. If not, a humidification system from Merlin Technology can be an enormous help.

Loba Start the Season with LOBASOL® Deck&Teak Oil LOBA’s proven outdoor system offers reliable protection for all patio woods and garden furniture. LOBASOL® Deck&Teak Oil is available in transparent or five attractive colors. LOBACARE® Deck&Teak Refresh completes the system as a very effective pretreatment and cleaner. Whether transparent or colored, Deck&Teak Oil offers long-term protection against UV radiation and greying, wetness, and frost. The oil shows excellent penetration properties. Therefore, the impregnated wood withstands any weather, but remains open-pored and breath-active. Deck&Teak Oil is safe to walk on and therefore particularly recommended for seniors or families with children. It prevents accidents caused by slipping and is classified according to BGR 181 (R10) and DIN 51130. The environmentally friendly oil is also suitable for children’s toys in accordance with DIN EN 71-3. As an effective pretreatment, LOBACARE® Deck&Teak Refresh is recommended to clean weathered and mossy wood surfaces: the biodegradable special

Filling technology for wood flooring MACHINED FILLING OF KNOTS IN PARQUET before

CSP Engineering bvba Stenehei 30/10 B-2480 Dessel (Belgium) 6

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after

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

∂ Inside news parquet floors and terraces in its stock, with a wide range of solutions for furnishing walls and facades: panelling, plates, intertwined planks, steel cladding, and false open-ended planks. Yet the Belgian importer and processor which specialises in hard and tropical wood sorts hasn’t stopped there because it has also introduced wall cladding solutions with clip profile (B-Fix classic, Plus, or Premium and Hardwood clip), together with abbreviated products (resorcinol glueing). With the latter, Denderwood now offers a more economical and more aesthetic solution.

cleaner restores and de-greys even stubbornly soiled wood without any sanding or dust generation, and brings its natural color back to full effect.

Denderwood Exotic wall cladding by Denderwood NV Denderwood has extended its range of profiles for walls to include hard and tropical sorts of wood. To complete the sawn wood launched on the market and the square wood blocks, the company is offering extra

D E S I G N® PA R Q U E T Fr a nc e

Custom-made

Quality Parquet

FOR PROFESSIONALS

LOFT PRO

“Every product you need for a perfect ﬂoor.” Tel: +32(0)11 63 64 00 - www.parketkerkhofs.be

OAK PARQUET GRANGE 3 widths Campagne Oak/Sauvage Knots and cracks filled in black 3 widths : 90 / 145 / 220 mm Thick : 16 mm - Top layer : 4,5 mm Natura oiled structured Tongue & Groove - 2 bevels Semi-solid wood flooring (Birch plywood base)

www.designparquet.fr

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Review

Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR

DOMOTEX ASIA/ CHINAFLOOR Shanghai. DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR’s 21st edition concluded March 28th 2019, achieving new milestones in exhibitor numbers, increased participation with VIP programs, and onsite events. This year’s edition grew to an impressive show space of 175,000 sqm and welcomed over 1,560 exhibitors. From the total number of 66875, 15092 visitors came from outside of China. Attendees from South Korea, USA, Japan, India, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada and Germany made up the top-10 international visiting countries.

official sponsor, Floor Covering Weekly (FCW) presented the awards to the winners and conducted short interviews with the top 5 resilient and top 5 wood companies.

Some exhibitors Adesiv

Industry News @World Flooring Forum The day before the show, DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR hosted the World Flooring Forum in collaboration with China National Forest Products. More than 400 top leaders from the biggest Chinese manufacturers and global distributors were there to discuss market trends, technology innovations, material applications, distribution channels, and branding.

Wood & Bamboo Flooring Hosted Buyers Program Wood and bamboo flooring experts from Australia, Italy, Malaysia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Spain, and the United States attended B2B meetings with exhibiting manufacturers. The goal of this program is to increase business collaboration between international buyers and domestic wood and bamboo flooring suppliers.

Australian Delegation Co-organized with the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA), 38 Australian buyers went on a special tour through the wood halls of the fair to increase onsite engagement and business collaboration with top Chinese wood exhibitors.

Adesiv was present for the 13th time at Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR as an exhibitor. The visitors have shown a high interest in the Gold Line products. This was also a good opportunity to meet our usual Asian and from the Far East customers.

The Successful Return of Luxury Brands

Ciranova

The third edition of the Luxury Brands Carpet Show was a visitor favorite, welcoming both new and returning design companies. Curated by COVER Magazine, the pavilion was once again set up as a gallery style viewing area that naturally led visitors to each company’s carpet art. Opening its doors with an exclusive networking cocktail, the area became a connecting point of the international high end luxury rug brands and local interior designers.

Outstanding debut of Chinese Original Carpet Design Show DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR organized this design event in order to give confidence to local talents and to support exceptional art students. More than 50 local designers took part in the online competition and were judged on style, pattern, and interior matching by three of the industry’s leading international media publications: HALI, Carpet XL and Decostyle.

NEW Flooring Products @InnovAction The 2019 InnovAction Flooring Campaign presented 21 products and materials from the resilient and wood sectors. Onsite, InnovAction exhibitors were found within two specialty display areas, all of which designed by globally renowned architect, Kostas Chatzigiannis. The

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Following the launch of our Shanghai office & warehouse, we have attended Domotex Asia for the first time this year showcasing our

Reactive Stains on different kind of wood types, the Hardwaxoil Titan as well as our newest product the Pink Blocker 2C. Our Reactive Stain colours were not only presented on European Oak, but also on other wood types such as Hickory, Maple, Walnut, Tasmanian Oak, Larch, American white oak, etc. and finished with UV-Oil extra matt and HWO Titan. Many visitors were convinced that the samples were not finished, achieving our desired effect of a natural unfinished look. Furthermore they were curious to see and hear that our new Hardwaxoil Titan can almost replace a lacquer as it can achieve same kind of resistance while keeping the natural look/feel of an oil. Our latest innovation, the Pink Blocker 2C, has also received a lot of attention as it has been perceived as “Magic”. This innovative reactive stain helps to take the pink out of the wood. During Domotex Asia, Ciranova has once more proven their leadership in developing unique stains and natural finishes.

international visitors, was the new mixing system for Osmo UV curing products. All in all, the fair was a huge success and Osmo Holz und Color is very satisfied with the outcome.

Osmo Great success for Osmo at Domotex Shanghai 2019 At the Osmo Holz und Color booth at this year’s Domotex Shanghai, our industrial finishing systems such as UV or LED curing oil and wax combinations as well as oxidative drying finishes were presented. Countless visitors were very interested in the products, some of which were demonstrated live, and took the opportunity to ask Osmo questions directly and to have face-to-face discussions concerning the products. One real highlight, which aroused the interest of both national and

INDIVIDUALIZE

PROTECT Non-Slip

Fast

the Classic www.osmo.de/en

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Special

Pre-colouring: What's on the market ?

DOES ANYONE STILL SWEAR BY THE ORIGINAL WOOD COLOUR? COLOUR IS CONQUERING OUR INTERIOR, INCLUDING OUR WOODEN FLOOR The big difference between the colour products or systems presented here and traditional treatment products such as wax, oil, or lacquer is that these products provide no protection at all against the hazards of the daily use of wooden floors. All they do is add ‘colour’. We use the term ‘pre-colouring’ because the colour is added before the finish. However, here, too, producers are coming out with twoin-one solutions.

An outline The biggest drawback attributed to parquet lacquer in bygone days was that when it was used on oak, the wood became ‘discoloured’. It was extremely hard to protect the lovely colour of oak from that discolouration. Now that lacquer producers have long since solved that problem, consumers are much less concerned nowadays about preserving the original shade of the wood. There’s no longer any need for it. Let’s have more colour! And that’s an area where architects and designers are only too happy to oblige. The products and systems on offer have the common feature that they change the original colour of the wood. That can be necessary to give the wood the look of a different sort of wood, to make the wood look ‘older’ (darker), or simply to give the interior some colour. All these products or systems work according to a different ‘mechanism’. We outline them in this article.

Smoking

Photo – WOCA

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Hocus-pocus! There is something magical about the technique for darkening wood by smoking it. Smoking colours wood without touching it. In fact, the term ‘steaming’ would be more accurate than smoking. After all, there’s no smoke involved. The wood is exposed to the fumes of a base product, generally ammonia in bygone days. Smoking an oak wooden plank is a form of soaking in lye whereby an acid (tannic acid) from the plank reacts with ammonia fumes to discolour the plank. This chemical reaction removes the tannic acid from the wooden. The result is an irregular surface

with the grain clearly visible and the oak plank turning a shade of grey. The difference is even more noticeable with double-smoked oak. The duration of the process depends on the amount of ammonia used and varies from two to eight hours. The extent to which the wooden plank is coloured depends on the amount of tannic acid in the plank. Nowadays, there are various alternative products to ammonia.

What’s on the market? Blanchon

Soaking in lye Soaking wood in lye is a pre-treatment which provides ongoing protection from discolouration by sunlight. Lye is also a base product. Unlike with smoking (where only the steam works into the wood), with lye there is contact with the fluid. The specialist chemical companies generally offer parquet lye in natural, white, and grey.

Thermal ‘colouring’ Thermal treatments give the wood a dark brown colour which approximates to the effect of a smoked floor. The major benefit is that floorboards treated in this way are also coloured all over so that they can be sandpapered several times without losing their colour. The question arises as to whether or not the treatment (cost price) is worth the result obtained. The improved stability is certainly an asset if we’re going to apply this to European types of coniferous wood. If we’re going to treat oak thermally, that argument carries less weight. Oak is already a stable wood in and of itself.

White Wash With the previous techniques, the colour came from a particular form of ‘penetration’. By contrast, white wash takes us to the domain of ‘colour products’. Here, the floor is polished with a white oil or wax. Some of the oil is then wiped away or polished in further. The white oil stays in place with oak in the grain and gnarls, thanks to the open pores. Moreover, if white lime oil is also applied to the oak white wash, the grain comes even more into its own. This gives a highly decorative effect. As a protective finish of the white wash wooden floor, you can choose either a soap layer or you can apply a lacquer in the form of the new highly natural matt lacquer.

Staining Stain is often an artisanal wood refinement product based on natural lin oil. Wood stain is ideal for colouring wood, parquet, and plank floors with both ordinary and noble sorts of wood. Nowadays, these colouring agents are available in a range of trendy colours. Each sort of wood can be given a completely different look by applying certain colours. By applying a red shade, for instance, you get the effect of American red oak. By colouring light sorts of wood very dark, you give them the appeal of certain tropical wood sorts. You have to be a connoisseur to distinguish (almost) black-coloured oak from a wood such as wenge or to distinguish extremely dark-coloured oak from panga-panga. In that respect coloured (cheaper) sorts of wood can act as a substitute for often unaffordable tropical hardwood sorts and, in terms of hardness, they are just as suitable.

Two-in-one is also possible As we’ve already said, the methods of colouring wood which we have presented here need to be supplemented by a protective treatment. Coloured oil applies protection and colour in just one finish product. This working method is suitable for all new wooden floors or recently sandpapered parquet in all wood sorts. Most colour oils are transparent. A finish coat with these oils also provides a strong protective layer on top.

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All woodworkers have looked for ways to alter the colour or shade of wood since time immemorial. Over the last thirty years, modern chemistry has developed some water-based colouring agents or pigments which are more resistant to the effects of light. Blanchon offers a full range for colouring, decorating, and distressing parquet and woodwork with two ranges of shades, with one range of distressing products and several reactive products. Aquateinte 2K is a water-based colouring agent specially for parquet. It has six wood colours and another six shades from pure white to deep black. For small surfaces there is Wood Stain (‘Teinte à Bois’), with 12 wood shades in black and white and five in grey. Wood Ageing (‘Vieillisseur Bois’) has 10 nuances, including five shades of grey. Moreover, Blanchon also has various Reactives (‘Réactifs’) and Patinas (‘Patines’). Note: Only oil can offer both decoration and protection. And so, all colours still need a protective coat. A good example is the combination of Wood Ageing and Oil Wax Stain (‘Huile-Cire teintée’). The colours can be applied on site or in the factory. According to Blanchon, finishing colour oil with lacquer is a clear trend.

Ciranova Ciranova presents some unique colourings in its range. A distressing stain (reactive stain) is particularly suitable for distressing sorts of wood which contain tannic acid, such as oak and pine. However, it is suitable only for indoor use. Aquapad is uniform and easy to apply. It ensures a uniform look and brings out fully the beauty of the wood grain. Thanks to its special composition and its convenience, Aquapad is ideal for colouring large surfaces such as parquet. Then, there is Aquavintage 2C. This is a water-based reactive stain which simply and quickly gives wood an aged look. This, too, is suitable only for indoor use. Vintage is a water-based reactive stain to give oak a weathered and ‘vintage’ look. Parquet floor fitters and manufacturers are always looking for something new. Ciranova has some unique colours to offer lots of possibilities in combination with coloured oil. That’s why they have witnessed growth in sales of pre-colouring year after year. The products can be deployed

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Special

Pre-colouring: What's on the market ?

both on site and in the workshop. How important is pre-colouring? A colour oil usually ensures less intense and deeper colouring. Precolouring the wood will make the colouring more intense. Furthermore, by combining pre-colouring with coloured oils, you can get a lot of different finishes. If you finish colourings with a water-based varnish, it is always advisable to test this first. It is best to apply water-based varnishes by machine in order to prevent discolouration.

cannot be compared to a colour oil or another colouring product. The distressing effect depends on the tannic acid content and thereby differs from plank to plank. This gives a unique look to each parquet floor. Both products can be finished with any DevoNatural® finish product (lacquers, oils, or beeswax).

Floorservice Floorservice Prime Design Line offers a wide range of pre-treatment products.

Chimiver ECO WHITE Single-component water-based polyurethane primer for a"white washed"eﬀect for wooden ﬂoors. ECO WHITE is a water-based single-component polyurethane primer that gives the wood floor a "white washed" effect. Thanks to the high dry residue, it is characterized by a very good covering power, which allows to fill the wood pores with one coat. The degree of whiteness is a function of the number of applied coats. Furthermore ECO WHITE considerably reduces the yellowing of the woody surface while keeping the bleached effect unchanged over time.

DevoNatural® For pre-colouring parquet and wooden floors, Devomat offers clients two lines of products: DevoNatural® Easy Colour (a vegetable colour stain) and DevoNatural® Reactive (a reactive distress product with smoked effect for ‘oak’ parquet and wooden floors). In addition, DevoNatural® Floor Paint is a covering universal water-dilutable adhesion primer based on vegetables. It can be applied to various substrates such as wood, stone, concrete, synthetics, etc. DevoNatural® Floor Paint serves as a covering primer and can be finished further with any DevoNatural® varnish. Since the launch of DevoNatural® Easy Colour, Devomat has noticed that, despite the convenience of the product, more floors are once again being coloured. There is a growing demand for unique colour combinations e.g. the floor is distressed with DevoNatural Reactive and then finished with a coloured DevoNatural® High Solid Oil. For DevoNatural ®Easy Colour Devomat also offers the option of creating customised colours. Both product lines can be applied on site, in the workshop, or in the factory. DevoNatural® Easy Colour gives a deeper colour to the entire floor, whilst a colour oil will highlight mainly the grain and only to a lesser extent the surface. DevoNatural® Reactive is a reactive product and

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Prime Weathered Prime Weathered is an addition to our range of aging- and weathering products. It consists of Prime Weathered Grey and Prime Weathered Black. Both will ensure a natural weathered appearance. Prime Weathered is suited for both industrial and manual application. Prime Old Black Developed to provide a black base for oak. Finishing the floor with Floorservice Hardwax-oil offers the possibility of completely black floor or a black floor with a brown, grey, white or even metallic finish. Prime Stain Suitable for mechanical application by either spray- or roller-coater. After the initial treatment with one of the Floorservice Prime Stains, the floor needs to be polished prior to application of the top-coat.

Hesse

Depending on whether pre-colouring is applied in the factory or on site, Hesse can offer various possibilities for colouring (staining) parquet floors. For pre-finished floors Hesse can offer cylinder, spray, or polish stains. For application on site the company has special polish stains which are applied with the Woodboy or stains from the vintage or old country range which are applied with a brush or roller. Hesse also offers an oil primer which can serve as pre-colouring. This is usually deployed if clients want the character of an oiled floor with or without a varnish finish. The drying time of these products depends on the sort of pre-colouring. Drying time is about 16 hours for an oil primer and WPB water-based polish stains, whilst for a Hydro stain it is about four hours. With a colour oil there is a limit as regards colour tints and oil will always accentuate the grains. The pre-colourings on

offer from Hesse can be finished with the entire Hesse range. As regards pre-colouring, you do notice regional differences. For instance, demand in Belgium and the Netherlands is mainly for very light grey and natural shades, whilst in Germany the warm brown and yellow shades are more popular.

the colour than the protective finish with oil or lacquer. The drying time for these products is determined by the production line. An average drying oven works for 50-60 seconds. Natura Wax, the flagship oil, can be put on the shelf immediately after UV drying and can be further treated 24 hours later. Complete drying requires a few days. The drying time is one of the advantages which pre-colouring has over coloured oil.

Osmo

Colour and protect wooden flooring The wide product range from Osmo offers numerous possibilities to colour wooden flooring. First Osmo Oil Stain offers the choice between a transparent or intense colour. The treated wood is protected optimally with two coats of a clear Osmo Polyx®-Oil. As a second possibility, one of seven colours from the Osmo Polyx®-Oil Tints range can be chosen. For this two coats are necessary. As another option Osmo Wood Wax Finish can be selected – it is absolutely essential to apply a second coat with clear Polyx®-Oil, which is available in various sheens. All of the products mentioned are based on natural oils and waxes.

Plastor Colour Floors Stain is a colouring which makes it possible to colour parquet durably in depth. The product is suitable for all types of parquet. It is available in 15 different intense colours. These colours can be mixed with each other, so it really is possible to personalise. Even on large surfaces the application is easy with no streaks. One litre will colour about 15m². This market is in full bloom because more and more people (and institutions) want to give their old floors a new lease of life whilst retaining an ‘antique’ aspect. These colour products can be used in the factory or on site. The drying time is 24 hours for a water-based finish or two to three hours for a solvent finish. At all events coloured floors must be given a protective finish. All finishes are suitable. Other Plastor colour products are coloured finishes such as Decoprotect Hard Wax and Colour Floors Opaque varnish.

Sherwin Williams Sherwin Williams works on engineered and pre-finished flooring. The company offers special water-based colourings for application in the factory. The extensive range allows for an infinite number of colours, shades, and degrees of gloss. The colours are often used in combination with coloured fillers to obtain special effects and with different coloured oils. Chemical colours are not used here due to their instability and the hazard for users. At all events, colour is a hot topic. In some regions it is simply vital and some clients attach more importance to

Tover With the Belle Epoque water-based stain Tover creates the opportunity to pre-colour any wood species in a stable, constant and homogeneous way, both on site and industrially. Available in 19 miscible shades, from browns, smoked and sand to greys and black, it naturally provides an aged look to the floor, in an easy and flawless way. It can be overcoated both with neutral and coloured Tover oils for endless two-tones effects and with any lacquer. Belle Epoque, the shortest way to reach perfection.

WOCA This is still a growing market for WOCA both at industrial level and in the retail sector. People are increasingly expecting ‘customised colours’. Technically, there is a huge range, and that means everyone can get a separate and ‘unique’ floor. The range consists of dyes, stains, and primers. Usually, these treatments are applied on site. The average drying time is one to three hours. These products yield a special look or shade. The products are used in combination with soap, lacquer, or oil. The demand for colours is a global phenomenon with slight differences in trends.

Floor Forum International 102

Special

Producers of dispersion adhesives

DISPERSION ADHESIVES ARE STILL IN THE GAME THE ADHESIVE FOR DESIGN FLOORS AND STABLE WOOD SORTS

Photo – Thomsit

Together with a number of PU adhesives, dispersion adhesive is generally promoted as ‘the ideal adhesive’ for flexible floor coverings. However, water dispersion adhesives are still also amongst the most important parquet adhesives. They are also highly suitable for glueing subfloors for traditional parquet. However, we avoid most dispersion adhesives when we fit moisture-sensitive sorts of wood such as beech or when we want to fit exotic parquet. Dispersion adhesives are applied on one side using a brush, spatula or notched trowel, glue roll, pistol, or roller.

What is dispersion adhesive? Dispersion adhesives consist of a synthetic resin (binding agent) which is dispersed in water. The most commonly used synthetic resins are polyvinyl acetate, acrylate, polyurethane, and derivatives of those synthetic resins. Dispersion adhesives set by extracting water from the glue so that a film of glue is created (water disappears, whilst solid substances remain to create the bonding). This means that one of the sections to be glued must be capable of absorbing water. Metal, wood, paper, and textiles can be glued using a dispersion adhesive. Since metal cannot absorb water, it is only possible to use a dispersion adhesive to glue metal to a non-metal component. Most dispersion adhesives for parquet are based on polyvinyl acetate.

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Quality and applications Dispersion adhesives can be used for a great number of applications (and materials) partly because the set adhesive seam is colourless. The glue has outstanding mechanical features and sticks fairly quickly. Since dispersion adhesives are thermoplastic adhesives, they are less resistant to high temperatures. Once the adhesive seam has set, it has strong resistance to chemical influences and moulds. This means that dispersion adhesives are also good for achieving durable adhesive bonding. The dried glue is not resistant to strong acids. Most dispersion adhesives have only limited moisture resistance, so they are suitable mainly for indoor applications.

Wooden floors Water dispersion adhesives are used preferably for glueing stable wood sorts, and best for wood sections in small sizes such as mosaic parquet, subfloors, boards, etc. A water dispersion adhesive is best used on absorbent substrates so that the water extracted from the glue is absorbed not only by the wood, but also by the absorbent subfloor. At all events, water is added to the wood with a water dispersion adhesive, so the stability of the wood is affected. It is not possible to apply a finish at once with a water dispersion adhesive. The wood needs a longer period of time to stabilise and that is a problem which dual-component polyurethane glues do not have. That’s exactly why

producers are strongly committed to a considerable reduction in the water content of water dispersion adhesives.

Vinyl and PVC The specific features of wood on the one hand and vinyl or PVC on the other are totally different. Wood has an open structure, whilst these floors are smooth and closed. Wood is a hard material, whilst these floors are flexible. Since it is difficult for a PVC floor to absorb the moisture in the glue, you need an adhesive which can cope with semiwet or almost dry glueing. On the one hand, these materials swell and shrink a lot less than wood (so that we don’t look out for elastic glues) and, on the other hand, the adhesive has to be strong enough to prevent the seams from becoming visible over time. It is possible to add reinforcement fibres to the dispersion in order to increase the dimensional stability of the glue. Apart from dispersion adhesives, a number of producers also promote their polyurethane adhesives for glueing flexible floor coverings securely.

suitable for glueing all sorts of vinyl, rubber, PVC, linoleum, and textiles onto both absorbent and non-absorbent substrates. Unlike with wooden floors, these types of floors swell and shrink a lot less, so there is no need for elastic adhesives.

Bostik

Technical background A dispersion adhesive is an adhesive in which the glue particles or droplets are spread evenly to form a fluid. Such a mixture is a dispersion. White wood glues are examples of dispersion adhesives. The difference between a solvent adhesive and a dispersion adhesive is that with a solvent adhesive the glue is mixed amongst the molecules with a solvent, whilst the glue particles in a dispersion adhesive consist of droplets of several molecules from the glue substance. The adhesive bonding is created by the evaporation of the fluid or the absorption of the fluid into the atmosphere. This process leaves behind only the solid particles which together form the coat of glue. PVAc adhesive (polyvinyl acetate adhesive), which is also sometimes called white wood glue or school glue, is an often white, thick, pasty, thermoplastic, and synthetic adhesive which is used for glueing wood. The well known white wood glue is a dispersion of polyvinyl acetate in water. The adhesive bonding is created by means of evaporation (or absorption) of the water. Additives such as emulsifiers, cover colloids, softeners, and/or anti-mould agents are used to improve the properties of these adhesives. These additives tend to migrate (move around) from the adhesive coating after the glue is applied.

What’s on the market? Adesiv Within its extensive range of adhesives for block parquet, Adesiv has long had a series of waterborne vinyl dispersion adhesives, namely the ADECON E/3 family in three variants. Vinyl adhesives in a watery dispersion can be used for all sizes of wooden floors on cement covering floors. However, these sorts of glues are not recommended for finished floors. The major assets of these adhesives are the excellent price/quality ratio and the guarantee that using them does not involve any risks. Furthermore, Adesiv also presents Adetac S, a universal mono-component acrylic adhesive of high quality and with an EC1 certificate. This adhesive is

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A dispersion adhesive for parquet is a water-based glue to which dissolved PVA (polyvinyl acetate) polymers, EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate), fillers, and specific additives are added. The water content in these adhesives varies from 16 to 25%. These ecological glues are packed in a bucket ready for use, can be spread easily, and are economical in consumption. They can be deployed only on porous substrates and are not suitable for glueing on moisture-sensitive or tropical wood sorts. Dispersion adhesives are used for glueing oak mosaic parquet, chipboard, and OSB boards onto absorbent substrates, glueing wood-engineered parquet and strip parquet no larger than 250 x 50mm, and glueing solid oak parquet 9mm thick and ‘traditional parquet floors’ onto wooden subfloors (in combination with nails). Adhesives used for fitting flexible floor coverings (LVT, PVC, rubber, carpet, and linoleum) are dispersion adhesives. Acrylate polymers constitute the main raw material. Bostik has a suitable dispersion adhesive for every type of floor covering. The BOSTIK POWER ELASTIC is an adhesive specially developed for glueing LVT and PVC design floors. The set adhesive grooves have great end strength and increased resistance to shearing stresses. This means that this adhesive can also be used to glue LVT in rooms exposed to direct sunlight (e.g. with large glass windows).

Bona

Dispersion adhesive is a white glue for wood (D700) which is made stable and spreadable with additives. Such adhesives are cheap and, if

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Producers of dispersion adhesives

spread properly, highly stable. The drawback is the huge amount of water used and the drying time of about three days. Moreover, the damp in the glue also has an adverse effect on the wood. These adhesives are particularly suitable for wood on wood and therefore mainly traditional parquet, but also for industrial parquet, mosaic, strip parquet, and two-layer floors on absorbent substrates. Bona D750 is also used for other types of floors such as LVT and PVC. For parquet, Bona has D720, a parquet dispersion adhesive with a low water content. D705 is also a parquet dispersion adhesive with 4% ethanol.

Blanchon In the composition of paints, varnishes, and glues, a dispersion is generally regarded as an emulsion with a rough grain. You don’t really need a fine grain. The adhesive strength once the glue is dry is what counts. These dispersion glues have proved their worth for 70 years in industry and woodwork. They are water-based, usually odourless, fast-drying, and easy to apply. Vinyl dispersion adhesives make no stains on wood sorts which are rich in tannin. This glue is used mainly for mosaic parquet and 8mm herringbone. Blanchon presents two types of vinyl dispersion adhesives, namely Outdoor Wood glue (‘Colle à Bois Extérieure’) and Rapid Wood glue (‘Colle à Bois Rapide’). Sales are falling all over Europe because the aforementioned types of parquet are now less popular.

Chimiver PARKETKOLL L: Single-component vinyl adhesive in water dispersion PARKETTKOLL L is a single-component vinyl adhesive in water dispersion specifically for laying laminated and lamparquet wood flooring. The adhesion guaranteed by PARKETTKOLL L is characterised by good tenacity, good hold and long-lasting elasticity. PARKETKOLL TOP RU: Single-component vinyl adhesive in water dispersion PARKETTKOLL TOP RU is a single-component synthetic resinbased vinyl adhesive in water dispersion treated with polyvinyl alcohol-based protective colloids and having an average particle diameter of 0.5÷3 microns. These particular resins characteristics, together with special coalescents, give PARKETTKOLL TOP RU a special "affinity with wood" helping the adhesive to penetrate the wood fibres and so creating an adhesive strength which is higher than usual (even on particularly hard and close grained woods). Destinations: PARKETTKOLL TOP RU has been tried and tested with great success in the laying of wooden flooring such as lamparquet, wood strips of 14mm. and wood strips of 17mm. The rapidity of curing stops the ends from "lifting" but, at the same time, it means that it cannot be spread extensively on the subfloor (the light film on the

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surface of the spread adhesive forms more quickly than with traditional adhesives for parquet). PARKETKOLL LISTONI: Single-component vinyl adhesive in water dispersion with low water content PARKETTKOLL LISTONI is a single-component vinyl adhesive formulated with resins in water dispersion for laying of high thickness solid wooden floors. In many situations PARKETTKOLL LISTONI can take the place of a two-component adhesive. Its special feature is the very low content of water, which makes it ideal for firm sticking, without the usual defect of lateral "push". Moreover the plastification of the polymers present in formulation is very carefully looked after, so as to guarantee to the glue's film a lasting "intrinsic elasticity".

Tover Tover offers a wide range of water-based glues for the bonding of resilient floors like LVT - a really trendy material, linoleum, textile, rubber, cork on any type of supports: absorbent, non-absorbent and on under heating. Tovcol RP and Tovcol MPL are two universal acrylic solvent-free adhesives to be used both in horizontal and vertical position with an excellent adhesion peel and a high coverage. Tover also proposes a pressure sensitive adhesive with permanent tack which enables to lay a floor and remove it after a long period of time without damages: Tovcol Tackifast. The range has expanded with Tovcol LVT Fibre+ the new fibre-reinforced adhesive for LVT tiles, without waiting time. Tover: innovative, easy and safe!

Thomsit One of the benefits of dispersion adhesives is that they contain no solvents and thereby they are not subjected to labelling. They do not have any adverse effects on the quality of the indoor air and are therefore ecological products. However, one drawback is that the water can cause problems for wooden flooring. Under the Thomsit trademark, Henkel offers dispersion adhesives for glueing mosaic parquet, 22mm solid strip parquet, cross-cut wood-engineered parquet, 10mm solid oak floors (up to 250 x 50mm), two-layer parquet (up to a length of 1200mm), and RE cross-cut parquet; These adhesives can also be deployed for flooring such as carpet, PVC, linoleum, and rubber. The range comprises Thomsit K112, K150, K188, K188 E, K188 S, L190, L240 D, T410, T412, T440, TL280, P618, UK800, and UK840.

Special

UV curing on site

THE ASSETS OF UV CURING ARE UNDENIABLE NOW THAT THE PRINCIPLE IS ACCEPTED, REFINEMENT CAN START regard to water and air pollution. Indeed, if a paint consists of monomers together with a photoinitiator, the coating dries in just a few seconds after it is applied and subjected to UV light. As monomers are low viscosity, there is no need to use solvents or dispersions in water, so there is no evaporation of solvents or water. Monomers are the basis of most binding agents used in the paint industry. And so, basically, a paint can be made from any other paint which dries with UV light without using polluting solvents or water.

Quality wins, too All producers who now use UV lacquers and/or oils agree that these products simply offer better protection. ‘Better’ can be interpreted in different ways when it comes to mechanical qualities. A product can stand out by yielding better results than other products with the same amount of product. However, a product can also stand out by yielding the same result with the use of less product. That is certainly the case with UV finishes. A quantity of 8 to 50g/m² of UV product can vie with 100g/m² of a traditional product to yield similar quality (depending on brand and composition). That difference can ‘count’. Another important aspect is the fact that UV lacquers and oils contain no solvents or water and (usually) consist of 100% solid components, something which greatly increases their strength and wear-resistance. The resins used are harder in any case, so that finally the product offers more protection. Moreover, the fact that these finishes allow you to add inorganic ceramic elements to the formulation means they offer considerably more abrasion resistance.

Photo – DecoRad®

The use of UV curing has now been accepted in a lot of sectors for many years, and not only in industrial applications. Just think of dentistry, where UV drying has been used for several years to dry fillings quicker. The technique is also applied in cosmetics, for instance, in manicure and pedicure for drying nail varnish quickly. A fine example of its daily use in industry is the drying of magazine and journal ink by printers. The high print runs mean that air drying is no longer an option. Nowadays, we’re on the road towards technical perfection.

The environment wins Paint systems can be dried using various radiation sources and are developed mainly to achieve rapid drying times. The various radiation sources which can cure a coating are UV light, electron beams, infrared light, radio waves, and microwaves. In particular, UV-curing coatings are the most highly developed and are being used more and more. The biggest drawback of other radiation sources is that drying equipment is complex and expensive. At present, amongst other things, coatings are deployed to help meet the strict environmental requirements with

The transition to LED lamps The use of LED lamps to dry UV coatings is a logical step in the refinement of this technology. Indeed, LED lamps are also UV lamps, because they give light which falls within the UV spectrum (especially UV A). The light is transmitted via light emitting diodes instead of via a fluorescence lamp. The light which LED lamps radiate has a smaller reach of UV light wavelengths than UV lamps with a compact fluorescence bulb. LED lamps do emit a higher concentration of UV light and more energy. Drying under the influence of LED light can also be applied both in the factory and on site. Here, too, the benefits are considerable. Instead of a waiting time of several hours until the oil has dried, you can use the floor immediately. Sandpapering, oiling, and drying is no longer a question of days, but hours! You clear the room in the morning and then during the course of the afternoon you can put everything back on a perfectly finished floor which comes fully into its own.

Why are floor fitters still waiting? If we can say one thing about the current generation of parquet floor fitters, it is that they are less conservative than their forefathers. They

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UV curing on site

are open to new techniques and forms of technology, new adhesives and finish products, and even new types of floor covering. As regards this pioneering new technology, we do detect a certain reluctance on the part of some. Of the five parquet floor fitters whom we contacted, we can say they are intrigued by the system and they do respect its innovative element. However, as to the question of using it themselves, they haven’t refused, but they tended to say, ‘Yes, but …’ The objections keep on surfacing. As regards the environmental benefit, floor fitters get the feeling that they have already drastically reduced the adverse effects of their work in response to the VOC legislation. They see the time saving as a plus point, even though it is the clients who get most of the benefit. The fact that the technology is still relatively recent means they are a little concerned about machinery failure during the work. Most are convinced that this technology is well worth trying for major projects, such as a sports floor. In particular, they also refer to use in public institutions such as in the care sector where large vinyl surfaces should be given a coating.

What’s on the market ?

ECOFAST UV ECOFAST UV is a single-component polyurethane-acrylic waterbased UV curing lacquer in situ for wooden floors. ECOFAST UV has high abrasion and traffic resistances allowing its use for high traffic surfaces. ECOFAST UV is UV curing with portable UV machines where a fast walkability is required.

DecoRad® UV Curing Equipment

Blanchon points out that the quality of UV lacquers on the market does vary. Depending on the components, composition, and production process, applied lacquers will protect well or less well against elements such as cracks and chemical effects. The latest developments with nano-particles have made it possible to obtain exceptionally strong lacquers. Since 2014, Cimethane UV lacquer has already covered 85,000m². The most notable project was the CC Euralille with 10,000 m² of lacquer applied on site without disruption to the activities of the centre itself. Since the completion of that job, no repairs have been necessary, despite the fact that 55,000 visitors use the centre every day.

With our 13 years experience in the field, combined with the cooperation with and listening to our contractors, we have the most user friendly equipment on the market. Very easy to operate, all equipped with a display through which the machine communicates with the user. Nowadays we also have a LED floor machine and a LED hand machine in our gamma, but the interest is limited, also because of the few available providers of LED curing hardwax oils. Shortage on the market of the required photo-initiators for LED curing is one of the reasons that there is no active acquisition for new customers. We have machines available for all disciplines, both LED as traditional UV. Traditional UV machines cure all available UV products. Our hand- and floor UV devices are suitable for wooden floors, cork, bamboo, LCT, VCT, vinyl, linoleum, rubber, PU and mineral floors. All providers of coatings, info, prices and technical details of UV on site can be found at our new website www.decorad.com

Bona

Floorservice

Finish pre-lacquered parquet with the high-quality Bona UV Parquet Lacquers. Bona’s UV parquet lacquers give your floors the high-quality and beautiful appearance that your clients want. At the same time, these lacquers are also scratch-resistant, glossy, chemically resistant, and abrasion-resistant, and they can be painted over. The final lacquer is often applied in two coats to give the floor its definitive structure and appearance. Nowadays, it is customary for surfaces to be scratch-resistant. This gives your product and the end consumer an attractive floor for a lengthy period of time and makes the floor easy to clean and maintain.

The immense popularity of oiled flooring demands for an increasingly faster production possibilities. Within the Floorservice product range, you’ll therefore find our UV-curing oils for mechanical application.

Blanchon

Chimiver

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Floorservice UV-Oil is suited for industrial application as well as for on-site curing with a mobile UV-curing device. This new VOC-free finishing product from Floorservice is fully cured directly after exposure to UV-lamps and therefore immediately stackable, packable and sandable. These features make it highly suitable for fully automated production lines. All flooring finished with Floorservice Profiline UV Oil ensures a high resistance against wear-and-tear, scratching and moisture influences. The floor is also resistant to saliva and sweat, and meets all the demands of children’s toys. Benefits Floorservice Profiline UV Oil: - Characteristic natural look of the oiled surface; - Obtainable with a matte or silk gloss appearance; - Standard available in a wide range of colours, in consultation we develop a customized colour collection; - Fast industrial curing possibilities is available when combined with all regular UV drying tunnels; - High production rate; - The same cleaning and maintenance as for oxidative drying oils with Floorservice Parquet Cleaner and Floorservice Maintenance Oil; - The fully dried surface is free of rest emissions of organic solvents and physiologic completely safe; - Eco-friendly; - Excellent protection against discolouration; - To be combined with our Floorservice primer products. An alternative for on-site UV curing is our Floorservice LED Oil which cures by using a mobile LED-curing device.

Plastor UV lacquers provide excellent protection against scrapes, scratches, and stains. Traditional finishes such as dual-component PU lacquers form a constant film which is created by strong bonding between molecules. This gives them a certain resistance. With UV finishes, that bond is much stronger due to the formation of bridges between the countless molecules. The created film is stronger and provides better protection against aggression and stain formation. Plastor UV finishes are adapted to the machines which are on the market. The best-seller is the UV Time®. The treated floors can be used immediately thanks to the instant drying. Two coats are necessary with an intermediate drying time of two to three hours. This finish offers unprecedented protection for most high-traffic floors. The UV Time® contains no isocyanates. And so, there is no mixing with a hardener. With just 3g/l of volatile organic compounds, this finish is EC 1+ certified and has the quality classification A+ with regard to the indoor air.

SIMPLY MAGIC MAGICALLY SIMPLE

PALLMANN MAGIC OIL For oiled wood floors, we have relied on our solvent-free oil-wax combination for many years. Until today MAGIC OIL 2K is unmatched in terms of safety at work and speed. More about our products www.good-for-wood.com. 19 Floor Forum under International 102

Special

Producers of Hungarian Point and herringbone in LVT, PVC and vinyl

DESIGN FLOORS WITH ‘ANTIQUE’ PATTERNS ARE A HIT HERRINGBONE AND HUNGARIAN POINT IN FLEXIBLE FLOOR COVERING floors in the elegant flats. A heyday for both designs! Over the last 30 years, both fitting designs had fallen out of favour for a while; they were perceived as old fashioned and completely out of date. Nowadays, however, they are making a comeback, and not only in the most unexpected interior combinations, but also in other types of floors.

Flexible wood – how come?

Photo – BerryAlloc®

The term Parquet in Hungarian Point (‘Parquet en Pointe d’ Hongrie’) was used for the first time in the 17th century in the days of King Louis XIV in France. This form of parquet and the herringbone pattern were used regularly to beautify important places in castles. In those days, both fitting patterns retained their popularity and easily survived the successive Louis styles. Yet where have we seen those designs recently? Answer: at the recent Domotex 2019 in Hanover and spread over halls 12 and 13. After all, design floors are adopting both patterns again in large numbers.

Back after hibernation The Parisian bourgeoisie played a major part in the spread of Hungarian point at the end of the 18th century. Parquet floors in Hungarian point were so popular at that time that people also sometimes called them Haussmannien parquet, a logical reference to Baron Haussmann, who was assigned by Napoleon III to redesign Paris drastically and beautify it. Haussmann’s plan affected the entire city. The narrow streets with high narrow houses had to make way for large blocks of flats in a uniform style. He designed a completely new map. Narrow winding streets and alleys were transformed into wide and straight avenues and boulevards. The new streets were laid in accordance with geometric patterns and that also applied to parquet

Floor Forum International 102

Floors in vinyl and linoleum, which have been the norm for many years in scores of institutions such as schools, hospitals, and in some government buildings, mostly used to be given their own generally simple and speckled design. The development as regards trends in that floor segment was perfectly comparable with that on the wallpaper market i.e. endless creativity in which all aspects of society and elements of the world formed a source of inspiration. Wood decors were not included initially. That’s now starting to change.

All wood sorts Just as with laminate, all popular sorts of wood are now also on offer in vinyl, PVC, and linoleum. The fact that here, too, digital print technology has made its mark means anything is possible. Expensive wood sorts have suddenly become available at reasonable prices in an extended number of floor types, some of which are barely 2mm thick (a blessing in the case of renovation). Since the main element is photography and print technology, the type of wood does not affect the cost price at all.

All types and designs The same conclusion applies here, too. Whether you choose a wood decor in strips, mosaic, herringbone, Hungarian point, or industrial parquet, it makes no difference whatsoever to the price. All fitting designs are possible and producers really do offer an extensive range of parquet types. The same goes for colours and finishes.

Oak is a hit yet again! Oak is still the most popular sort of wood for parquet and wooden floors. It is a durable and hard sort of wood, which is ideal for

standing up to the ‘pressures’ of life as a floor covering. Moreover, most people also appreciate oak due to its look i.e. sobriety combined with a certain elegance. There are some types of parquet which we know of only in oak because oak was the only sort of wood available in the days when those types of parquet were fitted.

Domotex does not lie Anyone wanting to discover new styles and/or trends has to go to Domotex, that’s for sure. ‘Herringbone’ was a major theme at Domotex 2019, and not only in the wooden flooring section, but also throughout halls 12 and 13. We also saw herringbone in the laminate and elastic floor sections. Furthermore, exhibitors like to stress that fact. There were all sorts of variants on this theme on show as regards sizes, materials, and colours. Herringbone is given that role due to its unique look. Herringbone is an ‘outsider’ amongst fitting patterns. It has a big impact on the whole interior. The strips point through the room like a spear! Sharp whirlwinds give the impression of a room constantly in motion. The name itself gives away the fitting method for herringbone: the floor is made from approximately the same sections as ordinary strip parquet, but the sections are laid in the shape of a herringbone. This means that the head side is fitted square to the long side of the floorboard next to it at an angle of 90°. The herringbone comes entirely into its own when it is framed with a border and with locking friezes (a group of strips fitted in the direction of the parquet).

A selection from the range Alsapan

BerryAlloc® Old patterns such as herringbone and Hungarian point are a general trend, so that is also the case for LVT. However, it is not the case that every click system enables a herringbone design. If there is a different click system for the ends than for the long edge of a plank, you can’t have a herringbone design. Since Pure planks from BerryAlloc® have the 360° Dream Click system, the ends can be clicked perfectly to the long edges of the plank. This facilitates several patterns, including herringbone design. With herringbone there is no separate edging around it. The herringbone design is obtained by fitting individual planks according to that pattern. Pure planks are fairly large. And so, herringbone design is recommended particularly for larger rooms. In small rooms, however, the pattern will not really come into its own. The LVT market is growing. The unique selling points of the product ensure an ever growing demand: waterproof, thin, easy to fit, ideal for renovation with no need to break up an existing floor, durable, scratch-resistant, and stable. The Pure assortment comprises 28 wood colours spread over three different decors. At the moment, Toulon is the best-selling decor in the Benelux. This is a fairly quiet decor with few tones and little flamed structure.

USFloors – COREtec®

In 2017, with over 25 years of experience in laminate production, Alsapan invested in a range of flexible vinyl floor covering with a view to a market launch in 2018. ‘Idéal’ is the new offspring, a flexible vinyl plank floor which combines quality, design, and easy fitting thanks partly to the licensed fitting system ALSA∫TF. Idéal offers 17 decors, three structures, two sizes, and one thickness. Designs such as herringbone and Hungarian point are not yet included, even though the entire LVT market is a source of inspiration to the parquet industry. They are also working on design patterns, but with due regard for the fitting abilities of DIY enthusiasts. Patterns like Hungarian point are not so easy for odd jobbers. As regards styles, brighter shades such as light or grey oak are in the lead, but vintage is in the mix with its warmer look. At the moment, according to Alsapan, parquet (with a 15% market share), multilayer or solid wood is lagging behind laminate (45%) and flexible floor coverings (40%).

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COREtec® strengthens market leadership with new patterns, designs and products With the new year just around the corner, USFloors unveils its latest additions to the COREtec® family. The multi-layer flooring market leader sparked a true flooring revolution with its patented 100% waterproof core technology in 2012, and continues to expand its offerings at a steady pace. With new patterns, formats and designs. Their NY’s resolution? Always stay one step ahead. Herringbone click Geometric shapes continue to go strong in 2019. At DOMOTEX and BAU, COREtec® is proud to present 8 designs from its Naturals Collection in a refreshing herringbone pattern. Available in natural hues with painted bevel, the on-trend herringbone clicks offer remarkable stability and ease in installation thanks to its simple A & B lock system.

Floor Forum International 102

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SPAČVA (HR)

SPAČVA WOOD INDUSTRY

Spačva wood industry as we know it today, started in 1956. From then until now we have grown our business. Today we are present in more than 32 countires around the world.

a warm place to enjoy with our family. They have strenght and durability that will serve us whole life. They have unique beauty that only nature can give us.

Throughout this 63 years of existing, thanks to the outstanding Slavonian oak, which was being transformed into high quality and beautiful products, Spačva slowly became part of our lives. Many children replaced their parents in the company, and in some way it is almost like family business. Big part of our region lives and works in the factory. And we are constantly growing.

Spačva oak solid wood flooring is knowned for it strenght, resistance and durability. It is the most preferred choice among flooring. We created it with love! Oak solid flooring will give signature to your home. Every grade and every colour has its own personality. With all surface finishes that we have and different grades, each bord has its own beauty. This year we presented three more collections of oak solid flooring with Osmo hardwax oil. Colour range that goes from lighter to darker tones give lot of space to be creative.

Today, Spačva consists of five factories: a saw mill, parquet production, final products factory, veneer factory and bio- fuels factory. Our great history and tradition we can thank to excellent quality of Slavonian oak, dedicated work and investment in work quality. Bussy way of life doesn't allow us to enjoy the nature as much we should. Nature elements in our environment bring us more closer to the nature, and remind us how unique it is. From our perspective oak is unique and historically important in construction and interior design, and also in our lives. Today's way of life effected on nowdays interior design. We simplified everything we can. Interiors are mostly very minimalistic. We don't put much effort in creating unique elements in our interior as we did in history. But still, we kept some nature elements. They make our homes

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This year we proved again that color isn't the only element that we can play with to create something different. What about dimensions and installation styles? We created Chevron for rhombus. Different way of installation style that brings dynamic and character in each home. We can still keep it simple and modern, but we need to have that one element which will stand out. Chevron has big comeback in interior design, and with this one, we pushed the limits even more. Besides solid flooring, dynamic, design and beauty we can bring with parquet also. We have long tradition of parquet production. Strip parquet is one of the most common choices when planning a personal interior. Tradition of laying the parquet reaches far back into the past. In our production we have also solid doors. If you plan it right, they can

give final touch to each interior. They arent just functional elements, they are also decorative element. To our customers we give opportunity to combine doors with solid flooring. As we have different range of surface finishes for solid flooring, same we have for doors. Traditional or modern, we can satisfy both wishes. We are always focused on improving our products and making our customers more satisfied. In cooperation with the Faculty of Forestry in Zagreb and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Information Technology in Osijek, we are providing research at the Spačva d.d. company for the purpose of developing innovative solid Slavonian oak doors. Through the project, we want to increase the research activities of the company Spačva d.d. with the aim of developing an innovative and significantly technologically improved product — the innovative oak doors of significantly improved functionality.

outstanding contributions to the ecology of its region. Even the smallest part of each log has its own purpose, with which the entire cycle of production is effectively completed. Each year we can testify how people still love to have tradition elements in their homes. Our business is growing for decades. Each year we open new market and testify that rarely any material create such a feeling of warmth as wood does. Our goal is even stronger breakthrough in the export of finished products with our hard, dedicated work, and knowledge. We are always open for new cooperation and new projects. Everyone knows that Slavonian oak had important role in history, and we cherish it nowdays, and we are proud on our production tradition. Our partners arround the world also recognized remarkable beauty, durability and strength that our products are recognised for. More about our products you can find on our web page www.spacva.eu

Spačva is one of the few companies that can proudly state that it has a fully integrated production process, thereby making

Oak solid flooring

Chevron for rhomubs

Floor Forum International 102

Special

Producers of style panels

STYLE PANELS HAVE NEVER BEEN AWAY A WIDE RANGE FOR THE MOST DIVERSE TARGET GROUPS

Photo – Alma by Giorio

Domotex goes Classic! Surely? For the previous edition of Domotex you would certainly have thought so. Whilst the organisers of Domotex 2019 opted for ‘ herringbone’ as a decorative pattern as the main theme of the show over the various segments of floor covering, we did see a huge range of style panels on show from parquet and wooden floor traders. Should we speak of a hype? Maybe not, because classic patterns, in panel form or otherwise, have been latently present for a long time in the range of manufacturers. In this article we go off in search of trends.

Designs with a history Style panels or design floors really are outsiders in many respects. Firstly, they belong to a building style which is no longer in fashion. The early history dates from the 16th century and the rulers of ostentatious France. Versailles is still the birthplace. On the other hand, they do offer a technical floor solution to make anything possible.

Wood in tile form Panel floors or design floors are pre-engineered square panels in which wooden sections are fitted according to a certain fitting pattern. Each panel forms a mini-parquet floor in some respects. The sections are sawn and mitred to measure and are glued together sideways and pressed together to dry. After the assembly, it might be necessary to

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saw off a tiny section of the panel formation so that the dimensioning and squareness is identical for all panels. That obviously makes the floor fitter’s task a lot easier. There is no limit whatsoever as regards view, design, wood sorts, or even floor construction. They are available in solid wood and multilayer. At all events, what they offer is the option of arriving at the ultimate exclusive floor.

Solid wood and multilayer Multilayer panel floors are part of the standard range of several parquet manufacturers and are available in various designs (patterns) and finishes. Here we are targeting mainly a public which buys products available as standard. With solid wood style panels, we almost always mean customised work and its designs and sizes are almost always customised. It is clear that the budget for multilayer and solid wood is not the same and that customised solid wood floors are geared more to customers who are looking for something exclusive.

Who buys what? It is patently obvious that style panels are part of the advance of eclectic architecture, certainly when it comes to new buildings. Buildings are no longer constructed in the styles to which style panels originally belonged. And so, they are always something of an anachronism unless you choose panels for the technique itself without an excessively obtrusive design. Apparently, there is also some demand for such panels.

What about classic designs? Strictly speaking, all classic fitting patterns are suitable for making panels. The Chantilly design, for example, is less well known than the Versailles design, but it is found in the renowned palace of Louis XIV. Chantilly is a somewhat more complex variant which consists of several small panels which also form a network. The great classics ‘Hungarian point’ and herringbone, which are normally fitted full, can also be included as a design of a panel floor. From various manufacturers we hear that Versailles scores best amongst the classic designs, probably because it is the most well known.

other words, they are for demanding clients. Style panels add a unique touch to any interior style. Combinations of modern and classic make these collections exclusive and immortal. The most popular panels are Versailles and Chantilly. Distressed designs are available, but they are not a trend. The most common sizes are 600 x 600, 800 x 800, and 1,000 x 1,000mm in both solid wood and two-layer. The panels are fully glued. Countries where these panels are much in demand include Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

Design Parquet

Can it also be modern? Actually, anything goes! Strictly speaking, all fitting patterns are possible. New laser techniques have even made it possible to design ‘customised’ patterns or include corporate logos in the panels. The extended range of colours, sizes, and designs gives customers the opportunity to put together their own personalised parquet. Lots of traders start on the basis of a design from the customer. That usually happens for assignments on the project market, especially for hotels, restaurants, and other areas open to the public.

Who are the suppliers and clients? Whilst we had the impression at Domotex 2019 that those offering these designs are found mainly in former Eastern Block countries, the Balkans, and in design land Italy, we nevertheless have to conclude that just about all European traditional parquet manufacturers also have this type in their range and, moreover, they are witnessing a growing interest in it. One Belgian manufacturer has noticed a growing demand from Germany, England, and Switzerland. Any regional differences occur mainly in the finishes and designs. And so, ‘distressed’ is very much coveted in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.

What about wood sorts? Anyone who chooses a traditional fitting pattern usually opts for oak. The only reason that oak plays the main part here is the simple fact that 90% of all wooden floors (in Europe) are designed in oak. Nevertheless, all other wood sorts (or combinations of sorts) are equally suitable for making panels. One highly popular alternative is European walnut. Cherry, too, is very popular. One particular trader offers panel floors designed in recycled teak. These floors inevitably yield a distressed look.

What’s on the market? Alma by Giorio

Style panels are still coveted by people who are looking for unique items made by hand with an abundance of precision and expertise. In

Design Parquet, which has great expertise in the manufacture of special panels, has noticed a great appreciation for these floor designs. The company has also accounted for several prestigious projects. This type of parquet can be fitted in any interior and is designed for all sorts of clients. The floors are glued or nailed. The most important designs are Versailles, Pyramid, and Hexagon. The major sizes are 800 x 800 and 1,000 x 1,000mm. Here, too, oak is the most popular and most suitable sort of wood, but all sorts are possible. These panels are highly popular in the Middle East.

Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs Style panels have been greatly in demand and ordered in good numbers at Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs in recent years. They are often used in projects. Think here of hotels, restaurants, and other big public areas. Style panels are also in fashion amongst private clients with a higher budget. You can use them anywhere. It’s a matter of taste. They are often used in combination with a classic design. At present, that is shifting towards a modern design with a classic shade. The Versailles pattern is the most in demand because it is the most renowned pattern. Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs can make all sorts of patterns in almost any required dimensioning. First of all, they submit a design for approval by the architect/client and then the production work can start. Style panels can also be supplied distressed. The sections are distressed before they are put together. This has been occurring for quite a long time. Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs offers the panels in any type of wood as required.

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Advertorial

Blanchon (F)

CONCERT NOBLE SHINES AGAIN: NOBLESSE OBLIGE! SUBLIME PARQUET FLOORS HAVE BEEN MASTERFULLY RESTORED

It’s 1794 in France. One year after the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, halfway through the French revolution, the ‘nobility’ was also abolished in our region. The nobles had to hold their peace until the formation of Belgium and accession of Leopold I. The first Belgian monarch revived the ‘glory days of old’ in elements such as scores of sublime architectural projects. ‘Concert Noble’ in the heart of Brussels is a real gem, a listed building and therefore ‘something to treasure’. And we’re doing just that! The latest renovation of its parquet floors speaks volumes.

Times past and present In the mid-seventeenth century, musical concerts became very popular at the French royal courts. The Belgian nobility looked on mainly with envy at the musical concerts, which the Court of Versailles revived in glory, and they decided to set up a musical ‘concert hall’ in what later became Belgium.

Concert Noble The Concert Noble Association dates back to 1785 when Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria and her husband Albert of Saxon-Teschen set up a society in the Warande Park to promote meetings between

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members of the nobility. That resulted in the formation of the Academy Society of Music (‘Société de l'Academie de Musique’), an organisation which aimed to organise musical concerts for the nobility. A century later, the society became the Concert Noble Society. In 1794, the nobility was abolished under French rule and the Concert Noble was closed down.

Its own building After the declaration of Belgian independence in 1830, Leopold I restored the nobility and the Concert Noble was re-opened. Until 1874, the society hired rooms for concerts, but, after that, they decided to buy their own premises. In 1871, the society bought a plot of land in Leopoldswijk and architect Hendrik Beyaert designed a neo-classic festivity hall complex. In 1873, the premises were officially opened in the presence of King Leopold II.

Glory and decline Little is known about the use of the festivity halls between 1873 and 1940, but we do know that balls were organised regularly. In 1940, Brussels fell into the hands of the German occupying forces. They housed an Officers’ Casino in Concert Noble. After the war, the society reclaimed the badly damaged rooms. After restoration, they let

the complex out to others with increasing frequency. For example, in 1958, several conferences were held in connection with the World Exhibition. In subsequent years, the rooms fell into decay due to poor maintenance and the premises were put up for sale.

Time for restoration In 1980, the insurance company ABB bought the complex. They built some modern offices at the front, but preserved and restored the festivity halls at the back. Since 2009, the building has been in the hands of Edificio. They let out rooms for events.

Sublime parquet floors Architect Hendrik Beyaert designed all the rooms with a crescendo motion i.e. ever wider, ever lighter. The salon, bar, and playing room adjoin a central front room which first runs into the festivity hall (180m²) and adjoins the ballroom (400m²). Both halls have the same parquet floor with geometric figures: a good sample of marquetry! The adjoining front room has a panel floor in ‘Grand Versailles’ style without a frieze.

The design A square central section is designed in oak among a slender thread in sipo. In between there is an oak frieze perpendicular to the sipo. At the end of each frieze we see a precious stone in wenge as a highlight. Along the walls the entire floor is surrounded by a wide frieze consisting of (starting from the wall) 43mm wenge, 72mm oak, 43mm wenge, 31mm oak, 22mm sipo, and 38mm oak.

Protection After each event, the parquet floors are treated with an acrylic emulsion, a sort of light varnish (dry in 30 minutes), which ensures that the silky gloss is protected and protects the floor. Each year, the floor is lightly sandpapered and treated with the same product.

Cimethane UV has ‘everything’ It was no surprise that Mr Provencher chose this UV-drying lacquer as the solution. The system offers unrivalled strength and makes it possible to use the floor immediately after the operation and to renew the coat of lacquer in the future without having to sandpaper the floor completely blank.

Assistance on site As is always the case in such situations, Blanchon was also present before and during the works. A detailed file of specifications was made available to the project managers and Blanchon stayed on site for any necessary assistance with the use of the machine during the execution. Whilst the application of the Cimethane UV system is quite simple, the application of this waterborne and mono-component lacquer does require the necessary care and attention.

A perfect job! After the perfect preparatory works, the parquet was completely flat and the wood sorts used and the decor of the floors in the ballroom and the festivity hall stood out nicely, as did the pattern of the Versailles panels. The primer Fond Dur SO dried very quickly. And so, it was also possible to apply the first coat of Cimethane UV soon afterwards. In turn, this dried within two and a half hours. After some intermediate sandpapering and thorough vacuum cleaning, the second coat of lacquer was applied, which was also dried by machine.

Conclusion The renewal of the three parquet floor was a complete success! Wood Revival can rightly speak of a ‘masterpiece’. The job was finished with a day to spare! That is largely due to Blanchon and Cimethane UV, which can once again add a prestigious project to its list.

Construction Both parquet floors are fitted on top of an older parquet construction which was discovered during the preliminary survey. The old parquet floor consisted of 5mm thick oak parquet, which was glued to a 32mm subfloor with an animal glue. The subfloor consisted of assembled squares (10 x 10cm) in red pine. The subfloor was spread with a bitumen-like material. The new parquet (marquetry) was 9mm thick (three sorts of wood) and glued with a dispersion adhesive onto an 18mm multiplex, which was glued with a PU adhesive and nailed onto the old parquet floor.

For more information visit our web site: www.blanchon.com

The latest renovation Concert Noble has undergone several renovation and renewal works over the last 150 years. In 1990, the firm Allaer from Ninove renewed the parquet in the ballroom, the festivity hall, the front room, and the salon with flying colours. The latest renovation was carried out by the company managed by Mr Guy Provencher (Wood Revival).

Urgent renovation Last year, almost 30 years after the parquet floors had been so masterfully renewed, they were due for another complete renovation. Moreover, the job required speed! The job had to be completed in barely one week. Nevertheless, Guy Provencher of Wood Revival, who had close links with the manager of various prestigious buildings in Brussels, took on the challenge. One of the main reasons for this was the fact that during the previous year, Mr Provencher had become acquainted with Cimethane UV system from Blanchon.

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Special

Producers of wooden & composite wall cladding

‘WOODY’ WALL CLADDING IS POPULAR IMPRESSIVE CHOICE OF MATERIALS FOR WALL CLADDING October 2016 for major energy refurbishment and at the end of the work can prove that the property has an E-marker of no more than E90 gets a 50% discount for five years. If the E-marker drops to E60, the applicant is fully exempt from property tax for five years. Wall cladding is one of the simplest and most efficient solutions for insulating the outer shell of a home.

A review The various materials for wall cladding offer an excellent solution from both a technical and decorative point of view. In the context of the above, wood certainly has the asset of having a high insulation value in itself. Below we consider all the materials.

Wooden planks

Photo – Denderwood

What do we mean by ‘ impressive’? We mean really impressive! In the past, we could choose between ‘real’ and ‘ imitation’. Wood or plastic, you could say. Nowadays, we find plastic in various materials, wood sorts are legion, and then you have materials which combine wood and plastic a little. Wood sorts which were once less suitable are now suitable thanks to all sorts of technical interventions. Then there are colours. In that respect, too, there’s something for everyone’s taste.

The renovation market is booming It is not possible to find clear statistics about the use of wall cladding, and so it is equally impossible to compare materials as regards market share. What we can do for once is to look into a fairly clear crystal ball. This shows us that the renovation market is growing and all the indications are that this growth will continue for a while yet. Another major conclusion is that measures are being stimulated primarily in that renovation market by governments for the benefit of the energy factor of existing homes. In Flanders (in Belgium), for instance, people can even be exempt from property tax once they have implemented ‘major energy refurbishment’. The ‘major energy refurbishment’ is a renovation in which technical installations are replaced completely and at least 75% of the outer shell (the outside of a home) is insulated. A well insulated home is more economical and has a lower E-marker (energy performance). Anyone who has applied for planning permission since 1

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Generally speaking, we can say that wood sorts in durability class 1 to 3, without extra protection, are suitable for wall cladding. Examples of commonly used sorts are African padauk, basralocus, purperhart, sapupira, bossé, sweet chestnut, European oak, cumaru, framiré, ipe, iroko, jarrah, kapur, louro gamela, makoré, merbau, moabi, niangon, sapelli, sipo, tiama, tola, panga-panga, wenge, jatoba, itauba, afzelia, tatajuba, movingui, and western red cedar. Treated larch and oregon are also suitable for outdoor use as long as there is no contact with the ground.

Modification: Accoya®wood Nowadays, there is a lot of interest in Accoya®wood. Since the start of the 20th century, research has been in progress into the acetylation of wood to improve its durability against wood rot and moulds. Benefits include an improvement in dimensional stability, an increase in the surface hardness, and there is no detriment to other mechanical properties as a result of the treatment. Since 2007, there has been a commercial product on the market by the name of ‘Accoya®wood’ which is made at Accsys Technologies in Arnhem, so it is a Dutch product. The result of the acetylation is a vast improvement in the properties and the conduct of the wood and a promotion to durability class I. However, Accoya® is also a durable product in other ways. The range of slow-growing and certified as sustainably produced (tropical) hardwood is limited nowadays. Moreover, whilst deforestation in tropical areas is still the order of the day, an active policy of new plantation means that in temperate zones such as Europe and North America, the forest cover has increased in recent decades.

Bamboo Natural + Bamboo is the 100% solid bamboo material suitable for outdoor use. It is 100% ecological, needs no cutting, and contains no PVC.

Solid wood enjoys the preference for consumers who want heat and a natural look. It is in this latter segment that Natural + Bamboo aims to appeal to wall cladding producers and offer the renewed and sustainable alternative bamboo. The fact is that bamboo has emerged strongly in the last eight years. Indoor-bamboo floors are a good example of that.

Composite materials Wood composites are available for wall cladding as an ecological alternative, just as they are for wooden terraces. Indeed, wood composite contains real wood. It is composed of wood fibres, high-density polyethylene, UV stabilisers, dyes, and various additives to optimise the mechanical qualities. These are usually recycled wood fibres and waste wood and recycled polyethylene. Wood composite is in many respects an ecologically responsible alternative to tropical hardwood. Basically, no trees have to be cut down and the wood waste can just as easily bear the FSC label.

‘Other’ materials Wall strips produced from fibre cement are available as a highly sustainable and environmentally-friendly material. A well known producer offers these strips in a smooth cedar design or more structured. Another product which is presented for new walls or for wall renovation are sidings from hard-foam PVC with a co-extruded top layer on top. Another producer offers sidings made from high-quality synthetics (ABS). ABS is not porous, so it cannot absorb damp.

What’s on the market? Denderwood Furnishing & wooden walls and UPM composite solutions from Denderwood NV Denderwood, an importer and processor of tropical hardwood, offers a high end range of wall claddings in exotic wood. In profiles of the types click plank, plank with sparrow beak, or steel cladding, the Belgian firm can also offer ‘tailored’ stock products, a range of its raw planed planks (false open-ended double or triple, gradient slats, abbreviated profiles). The invisible fastening systems which can be used for horizontal or vertical cladding are also part of the company’s entire range. The main wood sorts are afrormosia, doussie, iroko, ipe, meranti, merbau, padauk, etc. Denderwood is also the exclusive dealer for the BENELUX for UPM products in composite (terraces, clusters, claddings). ProFi cladding is available in stock in various colours.

The specialist for fastening technology

NEW to our product range

Façadeclip for Rhombus profiles For use with the most common façade profiles System consisting of

Façadeclip Rhombus Starter

Façadeclip Rhombus

Advantages • Optimised rear ventilation by constructive timber protection • Invisible fastening • Formation of fixed points and sliding points • Easy installation • Weather-resistant

YEARS of quality

E.u.r.o.Tec GmbH • Unter dem Hofe 5 • D-58099 Hagen Tel. 0049 (0) 2331 62 45-0 • Fax 0049 (0) 2331 62 45-200 • email: info@eurotec.team

For more information

www.eurotec.team29 Floor Forum visit our websiteInternational 102

Special

Producers of wooden & composite wall cladding

Eurotec

You will find more information about our products on our website, at www.eurotec.team.

Jadimex

Eurotec’s façade fixation innovation! The façade clip for rhombus-shaped profiles. Eurotec’s rhombus façade clip is an innovation in the field of façade fixation. The system is made up of two parts and was developed for use with the most commonly- used façade profiles. A Eurotec exclusive: façades with rear ventilation. Using the clip creates a joint dimension of 6 mm. The clip was designed so that it does not rest flat on the substructure, but instead 4 mm away from it. Unlike all other products of its kind, the clip guarantees rear ventilation of the façade due to the constructional wood protection! This ensures better drying when the façade is exposed to rain, as water can now run off between the clip and the substructure. These constructional measures increase the façade’s service life. Additional advantages of the innovative façade clip include hidden fixation, easy assembly and the option of forming fixed and sliding points.

Wooden wall cladding is a growing market for Jadimex, partly due to stricter insulation standards, which require an extra wall finish. Jadimex has seen higher sales figures for a few years, certainly in Belgium. The firm sells Jadiwood (thermo-ash) and market demand is growing, since this product meets all ecological demands and all qualitative demands from the market. The major materials are tropical hardwood (padauk, ipe, afzelia, itauba, vitex, and afrormosia). Alternatives include thermo-ayous, thermo-fraké, and Jadiwood (thermo-ash), western red cedar, and thermowood). Jadiwood is 100% FSC ash wood which is made more durable via a low energetic process. The end product can be used perfectly for the same applications as tropical hardwood and therefore offers an ecological alternative which is native and consumes little energy. The wood is carefully selected, depending on the thermal treatment. The thermal treatment (Smartheat®) in collaboration with Lignius is applied under the KOMO

DENDERWOOD J.Cardijnstraat 3 9420 Erpe-Mere Belgium Tel. +32 (0) 53-73 74 74 Fax +32 (0) 53-73 74 75 E info@denderwood.com Web www.denderwood.com

Your partner for tropical woodsolutions Denderwood combines sustainability, innovation and expertise - Decking (traditional screwing or invisible fastening with clips) - Rough sawntimber and underconstruction - Wall cladding (open structures and tongue and groove) Large choice of sizes, profiles and species (Padouk, Iroko, Afzelia, Afrormosia, Ipe, Teak, Yellow Balau, ...)

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MarQuise Greenline Primeline

certificate and it yields a much more durable and more qualitative thermo-ash end product than any other on the market at present. The shorter pieces are glued to each other with Fingerjoint to minimalise waste and launch longer length sizes on the market. This, too, is unique on the wood market. It is done intermodally to reduce the ecological footprint of the transport.

La San Marco Profili Simple, practical, and attractive, wall claddings are back in demand once more. In recent years, in particular, interest in wooden wall cladding has increased a lot. The fact that wood cladding has a natural look is of course the major reason behind this trend. Moreover, wood provides good insulation and keeps the heat inside the home. Of course, when you think about wall cladding, you will need to consider that the cladding option you choose will be exposed to the elements for extended periods. Therefore, it is vitally important that you choose your cladding wisely according to your needs and aesthetical preferences. If you like the appeal of real wood cladding, but do not want to have to deal with all the maintenance concerns and issues, then it is best to seek out alternatives. Composite wall cladding is the ultimate solution as it looks just like real wood, but because of the materials used and the manufacturing process involved, this option offers long-term durability even when exposed to the elements. La San Marco offers both wood and composite wall cladding. Among woods, it has a wide range of excellent tropical hardwoods with enhanced durability and strength. The most demanded are Ipe, Teak, but also Garapa, Thermo Ash and others are much requested. Moreover, La San Marco supplies also a composite product, which is not WPC, but a new material mainly made up of pure PVC and rice husks. The result of this combination is a material with incredible mechanical properties, performance, workability and long lasting quality. The company offers different profiles for various installation’s solutions and different treatments to preserve the initial characteristics of wood, so the choice is very wide and therefore, it is strictly connected to the customer’s needs and taste.

Outdoor Wood Concepts®

©Outdoor Wood Concepts®

At Outdoor Wood Concepts® they sell a lot of wood as wall cladding. A spokesperson comments: ‘Wood as wall cladding is “in” and the market is still growing slightly.’ Outdoor Wood

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Concepts® offers various wall concepts in solid wood or in combination with aluminium, FSC, or PEFC certified wood, and, if necessary, with finger jointed wood. Although some (modified) alternatives such as Accoya are attracting slightly more attention, especially from architects, consumer preference is still for natural wood. Amongst other things, the company offers W.R. cedar, African padauk, thermowood pine, Siberian larch, afrormosia, and louro gamela. The look of wood, its warmth, an extension of natural beauty to your wall or terrace, these are all cast-iron assets. Furthermore, they have noticed a clear preference for pre-treated wall planks (e.g. oil with Woca®, Rubio Monocoat, Cabot Oil, etc.), mainly to obtain uniform ageing. The best-selling shades are grey and black.

Silvadec Silvadec is continuing its innovation in the form of cleresteroy slats (‘lame claire-voie’). The wall profiles owe their special features to a new process whereby the composite parts are ‘packed’ into a protective polymer cover. The five colours are uniform and durable thanks to the production system (co-extrusion). Bright colours, brown, and white are highly popular. Greying is excluded. The quality is consistent and various lengths are possible. The maintenance is child’s play. The slats can be fitted horizontally or vertically with various possible colours. Silvadec provides lots of accessories for the fitting, including corner profiles, end profiles, a fitting attachment to determine the spaces, and, obviously, the clips for invisible fastening. For renovation this system gives the option of combining it with wall insulation. The profile can be fully recycled. The planks can withstand wind of type 4. The FCBA has recently certified the Environmental and Sanitary Declaration Form (‘Fiche de Déclaration environnementale et sanitaire’) for the wall cladding range. Silvadec is the first French producer to comply with this declaration.

Vetedy Techniclic®, concept of wood cladding with invisible fixation which is present on the market for nearly 10 years expands its program of wood species with Teak Unijoint 100% FSC. Regarding the design, Techniclic® evolves with a 2D profile based on a board of 60x40mm with a Spacer of 20mm. It can be worked alone or combined with a 60x20 board... which offers a cladding with a lot of character. The Ayous will be the first specie available. Vetedy is also studying new decking and cladding materials for the future.

Floor Forum International 102

Special

Producers of profiles for LVT, vinyl and PVC floors

WHEN FLOOR TRANSITIONS BECOME INVISIBLE CONNECTING FLOOR COVERINGS CREATE MORE DIFFERENCES IN HEIGHT

Photo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; KĂźberit

Profiles have both a technical and a decorative role to play. From a technical point of view, they provide important aspects such as comfort and safety, whilst decoratively they give the floor a finishing touch, as do skirting boards. The challenge for profile designers and/or manufacturers is to reconcile the functional (technical) and decorative aspects. Another challenge is to reconcile different floor coverings. Profiles appear in both new constructions and renovation.

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Technically Profiles are used in various disciplines in the construction industry in both new buildings and renovation. It goes without saying that the renovation market scores very highly here.

Adjoining floor covering Amongst other things, the tendency of the modern builder to convert various small rooms into bigger open rooms creates a surprisingly large

number of differences in level to be bridged, which cannot always be solved by adjusting the screed or by using levelling agents. Kitchens are broken open to become an extension of the living room, stair wells become part of the interior, and rooms run into each other. The bigger the adjoining floor surface, the greater the need for items such as expansion joints and the greater the likelihood of differences in height and combinations of different types of floor. In new buildings the only elements to create differences in height are combinations of different floor thicknesses since the screed itself has the same level everywhere.

The main profiles

Acoustic, fast track floor prep system for all resilient floor coverings! Excellent sound reduction of no less than 21 dB

There are also aesthetic trends in profiles as regards colours, shades, designs, and glosses, as is the case with skirting boards and floors themselves. Those trends usually follow general interior trends.

The dominant trends As regards materials, the classic solutions (e.g. wood and PVC) are still in use. What particularly stands out here is that aluminium and stainless steel are doing exceptionally well, as are flexible profiles. Another important point is that material and appearance blend into each other. Those who don’t choose aluminium still go for an aluminium look. Metal colours continue to do well and it is noticeable that ‘black’ is also conquering an important place as well as classic shades such as aluminium, bronze, silver, and a whole series of wood decors.

A paradoxical trend In contrast to these trends, but no less important, is the yearning for exclusiveness. That is in some respects the urge to avoid opting for prevailing trends in order to act differently and be different from the ‘rest’. An important novelty over the past few years is that technology now also makes it possible to fulfil that yearning for exclusiveness. Digital print has opened up the way for completely personalised products. Digital print facilities make it possible to develop profiles which comply for 100% with the look of the floor or deviate from it completely. Exclusive is the motto here and, according to some people, it is growing in importance, although others think it counts more in the area of skirting boards than that of technical profiles.

www.lithos.it

In the world of floor covering we can identify five sorts of profile: corner profiles, threshold profiles, end profiles, expansion profiles, and stair profiles. The various sorts of profiles provide an answer to every imaginable threshold situation which fitting a floor can involve. Stop profiles or end profiles make a transition between the floor and the wall. Threshold profiles join either two different floors on the same level (e.g. parquet and carpet) or two floors (different ones or not) on a different level. These profiles have a protective function since they ensure that the edge of the highest floor does not get damaged, a safety function since they prevent occupants or visitors from stumbling or falling, and, finally, an aesthetic function since they obscure somewhat the difference in level. Obviously, the combinations of various floor coverings with different thicknesses have enlarged the margins which have to be bridged. Dilatation profiles are expansion profiles. Finally, we mention the angle profile, which is used, for example, for boarding off platforms, raised floor sections, or stair edges.

Decoratively

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Floor Forum International 102

Special

Producers of profiles for LVT, vinyl and PVC floors

Final conclusion

The most important thing which has changed in the range of profiles in recent years is the fact that profiles have adapted to much greater differences in height in order to join the various floor coverings to each other. We’ve also seen that producers are paying special attention to the development of profiles specifically for LVT and linoleum with differences in heights to be bridged of low thicknesses from 2mm (for glued vinyl) or 5mm for floating tiles. One producer has a threshold profile which can bridge differences in height from 1 to 13mm.

Although there are differences between profiles for parquet and laminate on the one hand and those for LVT and PVC on the other, some profiles strongly resemble each other functionally and visually. The fastening method for profiles is a big point for attention. Here the floating or glued fitting plays a crucial part. The main functions of profiles are related to protecting the sides of the floor covering at the edges, with transitions to other floor coverings, or at the end. Küberit offers a wide range of solutions for any problem and always adapted to the various markets. For bridging different thicknesses, multifunctional profiles are often useful. The proportion of profiles for LVT and PVC is growing as compared to that for wooden flooring.

FN Neuhofer What’s on the market? Küberit

The main difference between profiles for laminate and parquet and those for vinyl and linoleum lies in the height of the floors. And so, FN Neuhofer has developed various profiles for these floors (and for

all problem definitions) with due regard for the limited floor thickness (about 2mm for glued floors and about 5mm for floating floors). As regards materials, the stress is on HDF and aluminium, whilst as regards designs the choice is infinite (anodised or pressed decors). Circumstances where there is a need for profiles are so varied and wide that demand for multifunctional profiles is still very high. Multifunctional profiles also ensure that end users do not make mistakes. For instance, there is the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;FN Sixpackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with which you can convert a reduction profile to a T-profile or end profile. That is also the best-selling profile at FN Neuhofer Holz and is designed in aluminium.

with special adhesive. Their main function is to connect different types of flooring or floorings with different thicknesses and to do so in a decorative manner. Progress Profiles has a solution for all technical issues. Whilst they realise that multifunctional profiles are practical, they focus here on elegance and design, combined with technology. Progress Profiles presents no fewer than 13,000 references in various materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, bronze, PVC, and real wood.

Profilpas

Perfilstar

Wooden flooring and laminate are thicker than LVT, and that affects the sizes of profiles, which are thinner with LVT. Decors, too, can vary. Apart from wood decors, we also find concrete and brick patterns. A technical difference is that the base for LVT profiles is usually glued. Strictly speaking, profiles have three functions: 1) They connect floors of the same thickness, but in different materials; 2) they connect floors of different thicknesses; 3) finally, they conceal expansion joints. Profilpas has profiles for almost all situations e.g. different heights, expansion joints, stair nosing, inner corners, skirting boards, etc. There is a specific profile for each floor or situation. The best-seller at Profilpas is Profix THin. This is a system for floating fitting of 4-6mm LVT, including joints for identical levels, different levels, and edge profiles. Each profile comprises a top profile mounted on a PVC base.

Progress Profiles Strictly speaking, there is very little difference between profiles for wood and laminate on the one hand and LVT and PVC on the other. Progress Profiles offers an extensive range which is suitable for any type of flooring. Clients can choose between decorative strips, expansion joints, edge joints, and stair nosing, and these can be deployed with LVT, ceramic tiles, and linoleum. Thicknesses from 4 to 19mm can be offset. Profiles are fitted with screws and screw anchors or

The major difference between profiles for LVT and PVC on the one hand and those for wood or laminate on the other is the level of moisture resistance. Whilst a profile in wood or MDF will be used for laminate, PVC is used for vinyl, which is a 100% synthetic product, due to the fact that it is 100% waterproof. Clients are increasingly asking for profiles for use in kitchens or bathrooms. As regards fastening, there is no difference. Perfislstar has a wide range for lots of situations (e.g. door styles, skirting boards, connecting profiles, and narrow profiles) on various bearers (e.g. MDF, waterproof MDF, multiplex, PVC foam, aluminium, and wood), and with various finishes. The best-seller is the 6mm high PVC profile with digitally printed decors from Kronotex, Egger, and Quick-Step.

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Special

Parquet oil

THE TREND IN OIL? COLOUR, OF COURSE! LACQUER CAN BE APPLIED TO OIL AND THAT’S A MAJOR EXTRA ASSET

Photo – Ciranova

If there is one finish for parquet which allows you to build long-term relationships with clients, it has to be oil. Clients will find it perfectly normal to use the same oil or at least maintenance products of the same brand for nourishing an oiled floor. And so, parquet floor fitters can contact their clients from time to time to supply them with oil and/or maintenance products. This keeps up the contact with clients and ensures that floor fitters do not miss the opportunity of a major floor maintenance job. That’s an asset, surely? Yet oil has even more assets.

Strong points of oil Apart from beeswax and, these days, hard wax and hard wax oil, the most important finishes for wooden floors are still lacquer and oil. Over the years, floor fitters have promoted these two with varied enthusiasm and clients have generally chosen them in equal measure. Both finishes have benefits and drawbacks, but in the final analysis the best solution

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will be determined by individual circumstances such as the purpose of the room, taste, the type of floor, the type of wood, and such like. Sadly, there are no clearly defined market figures to indicate which finish is the most popular for wooden floors. Furthermore, we were not really any the wiser after asking some suppliers. One supplier notices a rise in sales of parquet lacquer, another swears by hard wax, and yet another tells us most people prefer oil. However, a survey amongst several parquet traders has revealed a clear preference for oil. Some arguments in favour of oil make it a product which is easy to sell.

An ode to ‘nature’ Natural oil seems to satisfy consumer expectations in every possible way. What is the profile of those consumers? It is becoming increasingly clear that lots of end users are gradually becoming steeped in a sharper mindset with attention to nature, the environment, and the welfare of people and their surrounds. In the phrase ‘natural oil for parquet’, that little word ‘natural’ works wonders. Although all parquet oils

contain lots of other ingredients, the word ‘natural’ and the inclusion in the formula of ingredients like linseed, pine resin, and ‘vegetable’ oil completely distract attention from all those other ingredients. The fact that there are now also water-based oils is obviously also appreciated.

It ‘feels’ different The big difference with a lacquer or varnish is still the direct contact with the wood. Lots of end users feel, and with some justification, that a lacquer finish puts a barrier between them and the wooden floor. Lacquer gives the wood a film and in that respect forms a certain (real) division between the user and the natural material. Since oil impregnates and fills the wood pores without laying a sealed film, you still get direct contact with the wood and the warm feel which it gives for the full 100%.

BELMONT ® The best 2 components lacquer in its class

The link with distressed Distressed is no longer a trend. It is one of the many ‘options’ on offer for a wooden floor. In its advances in recent decades, distressed has gained a considerable market share. You could well find distressed wooden floors in both classic interiors and in hypermodern homes. Obviously, there is no question whatsoever of applying a lacquer finish to these distressed floors. That is not only due to the much coveted contact with the wood and (in this case) the defects of the wood, but also for purely practical reasons. Lacquering a distressed floor would mean that the floor could never be renovated or treated again without removing the distressed effects.

Easy to maintain/repair However, the fact that lacquered floors are easy to maintain does not necessarily mean that this is not the case for oiled floors. Oiled floors are maintained in almost the same way provided that a specific product is used. That specific product generally includes a dose of the oil used. This nourishes and reinforces the floor and it requires no more effort than maintaining a lacquered floor. Moreover, oil can be ‘patched up’ at high-traffic points and repaired locally. Even a badly neglected oiled floor can be given a completely fresh coat of oil (sometimes after light sandpapering).

Major trends We are seeing two major ‘movements’ in the world of oil. We mentioned them in the titles of this article: the unstoppable advance of colour and also the rage of oil/lacquer systems.

Colour is hot! Whilst white, grey, and even black shades reign supreme in lots of decoration elements, that urge for some colourful joy in the interior persists stubbornly. Moreover, this phenomenon is not limited to the children’s room where youthful and often frivolous colours should stress the ‘child’ element. We also see it in studies, living rooms, and kitchens. Giving wood some colour is no problem. There are several techniques for that purpose such as smoking, staining, soaking in lye, and such like. Generally, the floor has to be given a protective finish after it has been coloured. With a coloured oil, we apply protection and colour in a single finish product. This method is suitable for all new wooden floors or parquet in any wood sort which has just been sandpapered. Most colour oils are transparent. A finish coat with these oils also provides strong protection. Almost all producers of parquet oil now have a ‘colour’ range with a wide range of modern and timeless colours. Moreover, colour oils can also be combined with those other treatments such as soaking in lye and smoking and can be combined with each other. Coloured oils are usually prepared with the addition of pigment to the natural oil.

Innovation : CERAMIC BUILD polyurethane waterborne wood floor finish Dedicated very high traffic, particularly in public places Optimum resistance: 3-dimensional chemical structure Fast return to use in 3–5 days Very high build, excellent coverage Gives a beautiful golden colour More info

www.blanchon.com

Special

Parquet oil

Bona

Oil-lacquer systems By simply combining the two finishes, we get all the following benefits: outstanding protection, wood which is well nourished, the natural look of a wooden floor, and the low maintenance of a lacquered floor. More and more producers are offering an oil/lacquer system as the ultimate finish for parquet and wooden floors. It’s a ‘hybrid’ solution, that’s for sure. After all, it combines the best features of both solutions. Obviously, the floor will have to be sandpapered for renovation, something which is not necessary with an oil finish. The application of products from most makers is virtually identical. The oil serves as a saturation. This gives the floor all the features of an oiled floor, including the visual ones. The oil has to be applied in a professional manner. Here it is even more important, if that were possible, to polish the oil in a professional manner and remove surplus oil. In most cases it is necessary to observe a drying time (depending on the producer). According to a certain procedure and after the drying time, a lacquer is applied in the second instance as a definitive finish. Obviously, the oil and lacquer used are completely harmonised with each other. Once the coat of lacquer is applied, the floor has the benefits of a lacquered floor, but retains the look of oiled parquet.

What’s on the market ? Adesiv Adesiv presents Paviolio 25 WB, a colouring agent with modified vegetable oils for impregnating indoor wooden floors. Paviolio 25 WB can be painted over with a water-based dualcomponent varnish. The product itself is a mono-component product with excellent colouring properties and a high penetration capacity. The finish can be applied in a single 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 perfect because the smallest imperfection is multiplied by Paviolio 25 B. And so, the product can be used on all types of wood, but it comes into its own best of all on wood sorts such as oak, larch, and cherry.

Bona Craft Oil 2K’s unique formula, based on vegetable oils, ensures rapid drying and top protection. It is the ideal finish for sometimes difficult wood sorts such as kambala, afzelia, and walnut. It is also good for use on smoked oak and steamed beech. Bona Craft Oil 2K produces fresh and water and stain-proof surfaces and dries in just eight hours (neutral) or up to 12 hours (colour oil). Bona Kraft Oil 2K can be painted over (solely) with Bona Traffic parquet lacquers for even better protection of the parquet oil and easier wooden floor maintenance. You don’t have to, but you can! The oil can be supplied as standard in 11 modern colours. To this end, Bona has taken note of market demand. For sample materials you use the Top 10. The 11th new colour is Bona Craft Oil Clay 2K. Yet colours can be mixed infinitely with each other, so you can get any colour you wish. In the same oil range, Bona also offers a 1-component parquet oil ( Bona Craft Oil). However, this oil cannot be painted over, but can be finished with Bona Hard Wax Oil for reinforcement. Bona Craft Oil 1-component is available in six colours. You can get more shades by adding effects with Bona Nordic Tone or Bona Rich Tone.

Blanchon Blanchon has launched EASY OIL™, an oil which you don’t need to rub or polish dry. Two coats with the roller and an interval of eight hours and you’re ready! The new oil comes in two natural finishes, namely silk matt and ultra-matt. The latter is the most matt finish of the traditional oils. Easy Oil has certainly been well received. An important product in the Blanchon range is still the Hard Wax Oil high solid (‘Huile-cire dure high solid’). This hard wax oil impregnates, colours, and protects a parquet floor in a single operation. The hard wax oil feeds the wood and protects it in depth. Thanks to the composition of the hard wax oil, which is very rich in natural and renewable raw materials, it dries rapidly and with hardly any bad smells. Solid Oil is practical and economical in use. The pallet with colour nuances make just about all decorative applications possible. The original pallet of 11 colour nuances has grown to 41 in recent years (including ‘metallic grey’). Adding a pre-dosed hardener (20%) means that drying and setting take only

• Nourishing and protective impregnation oil

DECKING OIL

• Easy to apply to external timber • Contains a built in UV blocker which preserves the colour for longer • Available in 8 colours

www.ciranova.eu

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

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a few hours. This system is highly recommended for very high-traffic rooms like shops, museums, catering establishments, etc. One coat will suffice for the finish in most cases due to the very low volatile organic compounds. If this is not possible, a second coat may be applied some six hours later. Blanchon also offers a Maintenance Oil (‘Huile d’entretien’) for maintaining all floors finished with oil or wax-oil, including floors oiled in the factory.

Ciranova Hard Wax Oil Magic is one of the best-sellers from Ciranova, but the trademark also offers a range of impregnation oils designed to saturate wood. Another very successful product is UN1CO, a single-coat oil of the latest generation which makes use of renewable natural oils. Thanks to the special technology, it is only necessary to apply one coat. The combination of oil and a hardener ensures rapid drying and

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SUNDECK WOOD OIL

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excellent chemical resistance. The blockbuster nowadays is OCULTO, an ecological and water-based PU-impregnation oil for parquet and wooden furniture. The wood retains its original untreated look. This oil is suitable only for indoor use. It contains a UV absorber and has anti-slip properties. ECOFIX is also an ecological and water-based impregnation oil for parquet and wooden furniture with which the wood retains its original untreated look. ECOFIX is for indoor use only. Finally, ECOFIX WOODLOOK ensures that the wood fades somewhat so that its original look stays the same for longer. This product, too, is suitable for indoor use only. The best-seller is OCULTO, that water-based oil for a natural finish and with an untreated look. Apart from that, Hard Wax Oil Natural, Ecofix Woodlook, and Fortico 2C Natural are amongst the best-sellers.

MarkantNature Hardwaxoil

A natural wood look with many proven benefits

 With the protection properties of a natural hardwaxoil  Creates a trendy raw wood look – no ambering  Smooth, full-bodied surface  Perfect resistance to dirt and water

LOBA – Your partner for surface finishing and care

www.loba.de/en

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Special

Parquet oil

Chimiver LIOS B 100 Lios B100 is a natural oil treatment for wooden floors. It has 100% solid content so it can be considered VOC free. LIOS B 100 protects the wood, enhancing the softness and the natural look of the wood. LIOS BOOSTER OIL K-Technology Accelerating additive for oil based products. LIOS BOOSTER OIL K-Technology is an accelerating additive specially formulated to reduce the drying time of oil based products.

DevoNatural® The DevoNatural® product range includes both a series of different oils and a series of varnishes. Devomat specialises in both areas and can offer clients the most suitable product for the relevant application. For years there has been a certain balance between the numbers of lacquers and oils sold, and that balance is still more or less the same up to the present time. This is because both finish systems have specific advantages and drawbacks. And so, the extensive DevoNatural® assortment always has the right product. Amongst other things, Devomat offers DevoNatural ®Hard Wax Oil and DevoNatural® High Solid Oil. This is a matt setting single-coat oil with a high coverage capacity and based on natural oils. It is for all sorts of parquet, wooden floors, and other wood, both in and outdoors. DevoNatural ®High Solid Oil can be used for both commercial and domestic floors with intensive use. The product is easy to apply and spreads well into open wood pores. DevoNatural® High Solid Oil can be applied to all types of wood. Recently, they have added two new colours to the range. Devo Natural® Extra Hardener is unique. This additive inserted into DevoNatural® High Solid Oil triggers the oxidative drying process to ensure better and faster drying. Parquet floors treated with Devo Natural ®High Solid Oil + Extra Hardener can normally be walked on and used 12 hours later. This makes the combination highly suitable for finishing parquet floors on building projects, public buildings, catering businesses, reception rooms, industrial finish companies, etc.

Floorservice LED Oil Floorservice LED Oil is fully cured by use LED-light, making the floorboards instantly stackable, packable and, if required, ready for follow up treatments like sanding or brushing. Not only do you profit from the increased speed in production; the costs of production and maintenance of your application line are also decreased by using LED technology. Floorservice UV-Oil This VOC-free finishing product from Floorservice is fully cured directly after exposure to UV-lamps and therefore immediately stackable, packable and sandable. Highly suitable for fully automated production lines. Floorservice Hardwax-oil This VOC-free finishing product cures very fast; ensuring the floor to be fully operational in no time. It can be applied as a one-coat or as a two-coat system, depending on the application method of choice. Also available as Color Hardwax-oil 2K in 13 different colours. Easy cleaning and maintenance Floorservice parquet cleaner and maintenance oil perfectly suit the basic treatment of the wooden floor.

Loba Loba offers two types of oil systems which both contain no solvents. There is Lobasol® HS Akzent 100 Oil (1-component impregnated oil and ideal for floors with normal use) and Lobasol® HS 2K Impact Oil ( 2-component, fast-drying, and impregnated oil, which is ideal if the floor is likely to be exposed quickly to damp). With the impregnation oils Lobasol® HS Akzent 100 Oil and Lobasol® HS 2K Impact Oil, you only need to apply one finish coat. Lobasol HS 2K Impact Oil is the best-seller. The oil is easy to apply in one coat with a roller. Moreover, the oil complies with various safety standards, including BGR 181 (R10), DIN 51130, and DIN EN 71-3, and that makes it suitable for toys. An infinite number of colours are possible, certainly in combination with Lobasol Pre Tone.

Floorservice

Osmo

Floorservice offers oils for parquet and wooden floors, for both manual and industrial use. Suitable for manual use is the Floorservice Hardwax-oil Classic, and the Floorservice Color Hardwax-oil Classic. The 1-layer system, especially developed for the professional parquet layer, Floorservice (Color) Hardwax-oil Pro and (Color) Hardwax-oil 2K are solvent-free products that meet the VOC EU-regulation.

Polyx®-Oil – optimal natural protection for wooden flooring Osmo Polyx®-Oil is a sustainable wood finish based on natural raw materials. The composition of waxes and oils forms optimal protection for wood against wear, dirt and moisture. The oils penetrate the wood and protect it from inside. The waxes contained in the finish form a stable, elastic and abrasion-resistant coating that is microporous

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and breathable. After two coats the wood surface is wear-resistant, water and dirt repellent, long-lasting and extremely hard-wearing. Osmo Polyx®-Oil Original was used as the basis for the development of further products. This is how the various sheens of Osmo Polyx®-Oil Original as well as Polyx®-Oil Tints, Express, Rapid and Effect were created.

Plastor Plastor still sees oil as a trend because it provides natural protection which respects the wood, its warmth, and its feel. Oil offers a good yield, is easy to use, and can be renovated perfectly well. For distressed floors there is the advantage of the colour possibilities of oil. Plastor offers Huile Aquanat® and Huile Decoprotect. Aquanat is an invisible protective oil which preserves and even highlights the natural aspect of the wood. Parquet can be oiled in one day with a drying time between coats of one to two hours. That means that three coats per day are possible. The oil consists of colourless matt (‘incolore mat’) and raw effect (‘effet brut’) for a completely invisible finish. Decoprotect oil is made on a base of natural oils and it protects against stains and dirt. This oil consists of eight fashionable shades, including four wood shades. Decoprotect gives parquet a natural warmth.

Sherwin Williams

Oil finishes usually give the wood a warmer look than lacquer. The claim that they are not as strong or durable is refuted by the fact that many public buildings have kept their oil floors in excellent condition for many years. Dual-component oils build up their resistance more

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quickly than a single-component oil. That means they are suitable for rooms used again very soon after treatment. Single-component products are more suitable for industrial use, the segment which Sherwin Williams targets. Oil benefits from the trend in distressed floors, since it lends itself better to that trend than lacquer. The best-seller at Sherwin Williams is Natura Wax (GX 1540 series), a UV- drying hybrid oil for industrial uses. Very little oil (10mg/m²) is enough to give a very warm look. The panels can be stacked immediately after drying.

Tover In the past years the market trend has moved towards oiled floors to get a natural finish. Thanks to coloured oils it is possible to get highly customized traditional or modern effects directly on site or by machine application. Tover offers a solvent free hardwax oil, which is strong, applicable in a sole coat, easy to maintain and repair, suitable for toys according to the EN71-3:2013 European norm and available in more than 30 shades: L’Olio 100%. In order to improve its resistance properties to spots and wear further, it is possible to add the cross-linker Oil-Linker and even to overcoat the oil with a water-based bi-component lacquer: for an extremely natural and long-lasting finish.

WOCA Oil is still the only finish which becomes completely matt and, furthermore, it has some exceptionally strong functional assets, and the ‘impregnation’ effect of oil is responsible for those assets. In recent years, oil finishes have become extremely popular once again. Oil doesn’t leave a film, but penetrates deep down into the wood. And so, oil impregnates the wood or, to put it more strongly, oil saturates the wood. The oil fills the pores of the wood so that damp and dirt can no longer penetrate into the wood. And so, it is clear that a floor saturated with oil is also resistant to grease and acids. WOCA offers a 1-component oil with the power of a 2-component oil, namely WOCA Diamond Oil Active! Diamond Oil Active is a natural, super-strong, and fast-drying oil, which does not need the addition of a chemical component for fast drying or extra protection. Oil residue does not dry out by itself, so it can be used again. Unlike with Hard Wax Oil, it is not necessary to sandpaper the floor completely again. The success of oil can be seen all over Europe.

Floor Forum International 102

Review

Made Expo Milan (I)

MADE EXPO 2019

Italy’s most important building and architecture event ended in Milan on Saturday 16th March with the presence of around 900 exhibitors to 47,500 square meters of exhibition space and more than 90,000 visitors of which about 10% were from abroad. The event is a one-stop platform for dialogue between all those involved in the construction world. Visitors had the opportunity to see a complete range of products and concepts and watch them interact against a backdrop of new ideas and solutions and at the same time enjoy an experience in which they could discover, learn and touch - thanks to the Live Demo areas - the excellent quality of construction products and techniques, architecture and finishes. The event was notable for substance and quality, from the principal theme of “Quality of living” to the high level of products and solutions in construction, interiors and finishes and in claddings, doors and windows that were brought to the attention of designers, companies, contractors, distributors and specialized operators such as window and door manufacturers. A meeting place for all those involved in the sector where materials and solutions have been truly “experienced hands-on”, both seen and touched and a driving force for relationships to be consolidated in both the short and long term. The same also applies to the 180 designers, contractors and buyers from more than 20 countries who, thanks to ICE's strategic support, were able to have more than 1,000 B2B meetings with Italian exhibiting companies during MADE expo. The most advanced components for building and renovation are manufactured following innovation and safety criteria. Big importance has been given to innovative digital technology systems that allow to integrate different building phases.

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In the field of architecture and interior design, MADE expo had offered inspiration and suggestions hosting among other things, an exclusive exhibition organized in collaboration with Elle Décor and the architects Calvi Brambilla while the International Archmarathon Selections Architecture Competition has contributed to select the best projects among 30 national and international studios in 14 categories. MADE expo is the only Trade Show offering four specialized exhibitions (MADE Construction and Materials, MADE Claddings, Fixtures and Fittings, MADE Interiors and Finishes and MADE Software, Technologies and Services) completed by a concentrated programme of technical and cultural trainings. Within MADE expo’s multi-specialized layout, the Interiors and Finishes Hall allowed to discover new tendences and products for interior architecture focusing on trends, materials and aesthetic and technological solutions. This is a rapidly evolving area, due to the development of lifestyles that give more and more importance to aesthetics, performance and sustainability. To highlight new suggestions and applications for interior finishes, MADE expo 2019 hosted an exclusive exhibition event in collaboration with Elle Decor and designed by Calvi Brambilla. The resulting installation/itinerary pointed out various finishes and coatings, creating evocative and interactive settings. The different interpretations of traditional and innovative materials and products turned the spotlight on finishes through an enthralling journey into the world of decoration, journey that continued in the other halls with a wide selection of entrance and interior doors to handles, partitions, floors, walls and a wide range of other finishing products for architecture, confirming MADE EXPO as the best place to find the widest and most integrated range of solutions.

Special

Wooden sports floors

THE SECRET OF A SPORTS FLOOR SYSTEM LIES UNDERNEATH BOTH THE FITTING AND THE ‘FOLLOW-UP’ ARE LUCRATIVE BUSINESS coat’ might be more or less suitable. With sports parquet, we are generally always ‘on safe ground’. Certainly if a sports floor is ‘purchased’ by a public organisation or a public administration, lots of other specifications have to be made, apart from technical features. People do not think spontaneously of some of those specifications, even though they are important. It will be clear that a floor for a play area for toddlers or for physical education in a secondary school will be subjected to different demands than a floor designed for top class sport. This is a question of the immediate purpose of the floor. But what about the future? If there are also plans to organise concerts, markets, or shows in the sports hall in the future, it is best if the floor is already suitable for those activities in advance.

Elasticity is crucial

Photo – Adisportfloor

What makes sports floors so special? How do they differ from ordinary domestic parquet floors? When a wooden floor is chosen and fitted in a private dwelling, the main goal is domestic comfort (e.g. warmth, aesthetics, and sound insulation). By contrast, a sports floor is the only wooden floor which has to take account primarily of the human body. It’s no wonder that specialist manufacturers tend to present sports floors as a ‘sports floor system’.

The significance of the purpose The choice of finish for a sports floor system is really a secondary matter. Depending on the purpose of the floor, some or other ‘top

The very first question to be asked about the choice of a sports floor is about the elasticity of the floor. In some respects that elasticity constitutes the first guideline as to the suitability of the floor for particular sports or activities. Official sports associations set very specific requirements in this connection. Indeed, it goes without saying that for international competitions the floors on which competitive sport is played must be of the same quality everywhere. The elasticity is largely determined by the materials used and the structure of the floor. There are basically two types of sports floors, namely shock absorbent floors and point elastic floors. In between those two types, there are some combined or mixed systems, depending on the needs.

Shock absorbent A shock absorbent floor is a floor where the elasticity is spread over a large area. The circle ‘created’ by a certain pressure has a radius of about 500mm.

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Wooden sports floors

Point elastic

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With a point elastic floor, the point of compression is about the same as that where the pressure is directly exerted. The radius here is only about 100mm.

Adisportfloor

Combined The combined sports floor is a shock absorbent floor with a point elastic top layer. With these floors, the distortion point is wide in the bearing structure, but narrow in the top layer.

Mixed An elastic sports floor with a shock absorbent component is called a mixed elastic floor.

EN 14904 Obviously, the elasticity is not the only important feature of a sports floor. The European standard EN 14904 has been in existence since 2007. This specifies three categories of demands: - Sports features: These relate to playing conditions, player safety, and the sport itself. It covers features such as the shock absorption of the floor, the energy restitution, and the sliding co-efficient. - Technical features: These are features such as ball bounce restitution, resistance to pressure, resistance to a rolling load, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and evenness. - Essential features: These relate mainly to safety (fire class, formaldehyde emissions, etc.).

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Adisportfloor was formed in 2015 as the product of two reputable Italian companies, namely Cerlogne Pavimentio and Giorio, which were formed in 1963 and 1969 respectively. Both companies have enjoyed strong growth over the years and their joint project is the development of quality sports floors. Ongoing research in the area of products and systems makes Adisportfloor a pioneer in the development of new solutions and sports floors which comply with international standards for various sports. The floors are CE approved and possess the required international sports certificates, including FIBA. They pay the required attention to the performance of the floor and player health and safety. Adisportfloors offers both permanent and temporary sports floors. Oak, hevea, beech, and maple are the most commonly used wood sorts.

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Floor Forum International 102

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BOEN

floors are produced in Europe, and conform to the European standard EN14904. BOEN Sport specialise in area elastic sport floors because they are suitable for all kinds of indoor sports and multipurpose usage. Our target is to develop solutions that lead to the best performance in a variety of sports. Today we offer 5 different wooden sports floor systems. Celebrating the beauty of wood and using the advantages of this wonderful material which performs along with the performers. From the young, growing athletes, to professional adults - wood supports every step with just the right bounce and flexibility. Wood is a highly durable material, and with the right care it looks as good as new after 20 years. Moreover, it is available in a variety of colours.

Dalla Riva

YOUR VENUE - YOUR FLOOR For more than 50 years BOEN Sport has played a leading role in the research and development work on new constructions methods of sports floors. Our products are sold in more than 60 countries. Through all these years we have used our talent and passion to develop the best wood flooring possible. The big challenge was, and still is, to maintain the beauty of nature, controlling its strength and potential and make it available to athletes. Ambitions, skills and thoroughness, created the history of BOEN Sport. A durable and beautiful floor is the heart of any sports and recreational venue. In BOEN, we are dedicated to make hardwood floors that are made to match the specific needs and activities of your venue. Our

A sports floor must safeguard athletes from injury and should also allow for top quality sport at the same time. And so, it has to be elastic,

SLAVONIAN OAK

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Wooden sports floors

but also ensure the correct bounce and adequate grip. In other words, it has to comply with standard EN 14904 for ‘multi-sport surfaces’. Dalla Riva has sports floors for all sports disciplines. Dalla Riva was the only official sports floor supplier for the FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP in Colombia in 2016. Dalla Riva sports floors range from floors for small gymnasia to huge sports arenas and floors can be permanent or portable. The best sorts of wood from a sporting technical point of view are oak and Hevea rubber wood. For each project Dalla Riva operates on the basis of the client’s needs and wishes.

Esta Parket

The standard EN 14904 stipulates elements such as the physical parameters to which sports floors must comply. As a parquet manufacturer, Esta Parket also produces sports floors which comply with the rules stipulated in the standard. These floors are offered unfinished or completely ready for use and finished with sport lacquers from Klump or Bona. The company does not have a ready-made system which complies with the EN standard, since they supply dealers

Hamberger Flooring GmbH & Co.KG Sports for everyone – the motto of the new Decathlon Sports Hall The Germany headquarters of the French sporting-goods maker has just added a new highlight for leisure-time athletic activities by young and old. The new sports hall can be used both by employees and customers. A visit to a Decathlon speciality store is both an experience and a leisure-time pleasure. You can equip yourself for more than 100 types of athletic activities there, from fishing to football and yoga. The company’s new sports hall allows you to be professionally assisted in the store and then to try out the new equipment in the new hall. A climbing wall and a wall equipped with a mirror and pole for ballet practice turn the building into a multifaceted facility. The vision of Managing Director Philipp Kaufmann: “We want to provide our customers with courses that facilitate access to new types of sports and create a new athletic experience concept in the process.” Events like football tournaments are offered to children. Active birthday parties for kindergarten children will be held here as well. Free courses like zumba and aerobics are to be regularly offered here and led by the trainers of the Decathlon team. The company’s

and wholesalers all over the world who want their own specific and certified systems for their own markets and clients. The floors are in oak, ash, or merbau and even in a single strip. The structure can be a multiplex construction or a three-layer construction with thicknesses of 14-28mm and top layers of 3.2 to 6mm.

SPAČVA Spačva has long tradition of producing oak solid flooring and parquet. Strip parquet is on the throne as one of the most common choices for interior design. Once it was prestige to have it, and nowdays it is accessible to almost everyone. You only need to have desire to have it and to know how precious this product is. Depending on effect that you want to achieve in your interior, you can choose between oak strip parquet or ash strip parquet. Ash strip parquet will give more lighter and airily effect. But both of them, oak and ash strip parquet have multiple installation styles which you can use to create different interior. Very interesting product is ash industrial parquet. It is perfect for big places like caffes and business areas. With its playful character and colorfulness each interior will have modern and interesting design. Because of its light color you can combine it easily with any other color, material or furniture. Modern interiors are very often based on light colors. Ash industrial parquet is perfect choice for it.

employees will also profit from the new hall. They can take an athletic break as part of their flexible work environment and enjoy their favourite sport. HARO Sports – a bull’s eye for athletic variety The hall can be used in the best possible way for every wave of users and every athletic activity because it is equipped with HARO sports flooring and protective wall. In planning the sports hall, the building clients relied on Hamberger Flooring’s expertise and 50 years of experience in the installation of sports flooring. The Rosenheimbased company’s HARO sports floors create a sensation in more than 7,000 sports facilities and professional arenas around the world. The huge range of sporting equipment covered by Decathlon required a concept that optimally supports leisure-time athletes and prevents injuries. The HARO Athen 60 chosen for the facility is an area-elastic sports floor for multipurpose use in halls. A special elastic layer in the structure creates the very best attenuation qualities that minimise strain on the musculoskeletal system. The protective wall Light 19 reduces injury risk upon contact with the wall, something that can frequently occur during action-filled ball games. The Decathlon sports hall is ready to take on waves of sports enthusiasts and those who want to become ones in Plochingen. Property information Name: Decathlon Sporthalle Location: Plochingen Product: 1025 m² of Athen 60 sports flooring Product: 260 m² of Light 19 protective wall Customer: Decathlon Germany

SLAVONIAN OAK

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∂ Industry news HWZ INTERNATIONAL AG IFEX - International Furniture Show

quality of all products and by the tasteful and convenient presentation. Moreover, even the president of Indonesia, who made an extensive visit to the show, cast a long look at the HWZI INDO stand, especially the tiny cube mats (360 x 360mm).

Wintersteiger acquires German machine builder SERRA

After its successful participation in the Wood Pavilion during the Building Show (Bouwbeurs) 2019, HWZ International AG recently participated in the IFEX (International Furniture Exhibition) from 11 to 14 March in Jakarta, Indonesia. At their spectacular stand, several visitors said they found the stand ‘eye-catching’and the INDO 3D Wall Panels were presented down to the last detail in an ambient, homely, and cosy sphere. NEW— At this show HWZI exhibited the further extension to the INDO programme with: - four INDO Barn Wall panel designs, three different widths (90/120/1500mm) and a fixed length of 1200mm of good quality and a very attractive price. - three INDO Barn Floor floorboard designs, the same finish as the Barn Wall, but equipped with T&G micro-bevelled on four sides and a finish with Klumpp UV oil. - 24 tiny cubes designs on a 360 x 360mm net, partly FSC-certified, in teak, European oaks, Tasmanian walnut, meranti, and hevea. - eight solid wood BARN DOOR designs in teak and meranti sliding doors. - four engineered flooring designs, 14 x 155 x 1800mm, top layer of 3.2mm in Tasmanian walnut finished with Klumpp UV oil, three designs in plank and one design in herringbone design. On all four days, lots of visitors were pleasantly surprised by the high

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Ried i.I./Rimsting. Wintersteiger AG has purchased SERRA Maschinenbau GmbH in Rimsting am Chiemsee, Germany, with retroactive effect to January 1, 2019. SERRA employs roughly 40 people and develops, manufactures, and distributes machines and saw blades for mobile and stationary sawmills. Roughly 60 % of its wares are exported to over 80 countries. In 2018 the firm posted increased revenues of 6.4 million euros. Like Wintersteiger, SERRA is also a specialist market leader in a niche sector. The mobile and stationary sawmills complement the Wintersteiger product portfolio in the Woodtech business field (thin-cutting sawing machines, saw blades, automation solutions, and timber repair systems). The acquisition of SERRA has allowed the business field to add further services in the woodworking value-added chain. Logs with a diameter of up to 160 cm are split with SERRA sawmills before the wood can be further processed on Wintersteiger thin-cutting sawing machines. "With this acquisition, Wintersteiger is pursuing a two-pronged approach to growth. On the one hand there is the potential to boost sales of SERRA products in markets that have either been completely or largely overlooked to date, but in which Wintersteiger has developed a mature sales structure – such as the USA. On the other hand, Wintersteiger can use the existing sales of SERRA sawmills to not only grow sales of band-saw blades in particular, but also thin-cutting sawing machines," explains Dr. Florestan von Boxberg, CEO of Wintersteiger AG. Johann Fritz, Managing Partner of SERRA adds: "Wintersteiger and SERRA have already enjoyed a successful relationship stretching back for 15 years; a relationship which will now be further nurtured and intensified. In addition to the complementary nature of each firm's products, we both share a similar corporate philosophy. After 20 years at the helm I am unfortunately having to stand down for personal reasons, but I know that in Wintersteiger I am leaving the company in the safest hands." The SERRA brand and the Rimsting site will continue under Wintersteiger. SERRA's current Managing Director, Christian Mayer, will be joined by Andreas Doubrava, Authorized Officer of Wintersteiger AG, to form SERRA's new management team.

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Special

Ivory Coast

IVORY COAST LAND OF UPS AND DOWNS WOOD HAS ONLY LIMITED ‘IMPORTANCE’, DESPITE TROPICAL FORESTS

Since the independence of Ivory Coast in 1960, the country’s economy and political history have seen alternating seasons of prosperity and recession. The country is the world’s biggest producer of cocoa. Cocoa enjoys a 75% share of the products which a region like Flanders (in Belgium) imports from Ivory Coast. This means the Ivorian economy is heavily dependent on the market price of cocoa, and that has led in the past to sharp falls in income. Although Ivory Coast has some lovely sorts of wood (e.g. azobe, iroko, and mahogany), export is severely limited.

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Geography Ivory Coast lies in West Africa on the Atlantic Ocean and is located between Ghana and Liberia. The country also abuts Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. The surface area of Ivory Coast is 322,463km² and the country has a varied landscape. The southern part is mainly tropical rainforest. Amongst other things, this tropical rainforest accommodates the growth of bananas. Further north there is an area of tropical rainforest with trees which are not green all year round. However, the tropical rainforest is diminishing all the time. In recent

years, forest has been cut for the tropical wood industry or to create land for farming. North of the tropical area there is a region with forests and forest savannahs. The most northern area consists of humid savannahs with mainly trees and grass plains. The only mountains in Ivory Coast are Mount Nimba and the mountains near the city of Man. Apart from that, there aren’t really any differences in height in the entire country. The highest peak in Ivory Coast is on Mount Nimba (1752 metres high). In the south of Ivory Coast there are various lagoons on the coast. The north of Ivory Coast consists of grassland, something typical of savannah regions. Further south there are large numbers of mango trees. The following trees can also be found: acacia, monkey bread trees, azobe, iroko, mahogany, makore, niangon, and palm.

History On 7 August 1960, Ivory Coast gained independence from France. Felix Houphouët-Boigny, leader of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast/African Democratic Union (PDCI-RDA), became president. He maintained good links with former mother country France and was president until his death in December 1993. His party PDCI-RDA acquired the same dominant position and remained the only authorised party until 1990.

Prosperity The country enjoyed considerable socio-economic development after independence, partly due to the big French influence. Ivory Coast prospered greatly for many years. However, the issues of migration and ethnic-cultural-religious antagonisms increased in significance over the years and surfaced at the same time as the favourable economic development of Ivory Coast came to an end. That was in the course of the 1980s. The reversal in the country’s fortunes was caused partly by a fall in the global market prices of the main (agricultural) export products (especially cocoa). At the same time, unrest was growing around the (inviolable) position of the president and the lack of serious opposition. In reaction to this, the country introduced a multi-party system in 1990.

Unrest This has been followed by three decades of unrest, a coup, and three presidents. On 24 December 1999, military forces seized power for the first time since independence. This was due to financial mismanagement, corruption, and the tense political situation with regard to the presidential election campaigns. The leader of the coup, which was largely bloodless, was brigadier general Robert Guéï, former chief of the armed forces. In October 2000, Laurent Gbagbo won the presidential elections and in December of that same year his party won the parliamentary elections. President Gbagbo remained in power until 2010. On 28 November 2010, elections were finally held in Ivory Coast. Alassane Ouattara was elected as president, but the incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo refused to leave office. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decided early in January 2011 to act to end the political impasse in Ivory Coast. In April 2011, Gbagbo was imprisoned and handed over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague in November 2011.

Today In October 2015, President Ouattara was re-elected as president of Ivory Coast for a new term of five years with an overwhelming majority of votes (84%). The opposition candidate in second place had a mere 9% of the votes. Observers confirmed that this election was peaceful and transparent. In 2016, Ivory Coast also suffered attacks by militant

Islamic groups. In 2017, there were various revolts by police and army officers due to a dispute about pay and bonuses. In December 2017, the government launched a plan to release money to pay a few hundred soldiers to leave the army voluntarily.

Ivorian economy Ivory Coast is the world’s biggest cocoa producer and, in addition, has committed itself to producing other export crops. The high share of agriculture in the country’s economy (20.1% in 2013) makes Ivory Coast extremely vulnerable to external factors such as world market prices and the weather. The strong regional economic position does not detract from the fact that Ivory Coast is one of the poorest countries in the world. The average income is about 3,900 US dollars per annum.

Strong growth In recent years, Ivory Coast has enjoyed a period of strong economic regeneration with growth of 9.2% in 2015 (World Bank). According to the IMF, GDP in Ivory Coast has grown further in 2016 by 9.8%, in 2017 by 8.9%, and in 2018 by 8.8%. After the conflict of 2011, which saw the economy shrink by 4.4%, there has been a period of more stability and noticeably more interest from international players. The GDP per head of population is expected to continue growing in the next ten years.

Diversification The farming sector, with cocoa as the driving force, will continue to offer work to the majority of the population. The sector is counting on a growing demand for cocoa from China, but is also trying to diversify. Something which is not unimportant is the demand for private investors in order to secure the future of the sector. The mining industry also offers good future prospects. The financial sector needs to develop further in order to finance new economic activities. The rapid economic growth means that Ivory Coast has imported more than it has exported since 2012.

Recovery plan The Ivorian government wants to show the outside world that the country is working on a turnaround. The National Development Plan 2016-2020 should put Ivory Coast back on the map. The country is attracting major investment projects and is trying to create a favourable climate for business operators. In the area of ‘sustainable economic opportunities’ Ivory Coast is in the top 15 countries in Africa. Recent figures from the report by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance show the strong economic growth which the country is enjoying. In particular, the progress which has been made in the field of ‘security and justice’ stands out.

Promising sectors It is agriculture which stands out amongst promising sectors. Ivorian agriculture accounts for 30% of the GDP and 60% of employment. Moreover, in prosperous years, agricultural products account for 70% of exports. Ivory Coast is the biggest producer of cocoa in the world with an average harvest of 1,300,000 tonnes, the biggest rubber producer in Africa (231,000 tonnes), and the biggest producer of cashew nuts (400,000 tonnes). Other major agricultural products are coffee, palm oil, bananas, and manioc. Agricultural infrastructure suffers from a lack of machinery and modernisation. The government is striving actively for local processing and transformation of agricultural products. There is also active investment in cattle breeding, fishing, and aquaculture. It is clear that the further growth and modernisation of agriculture will lead to further deforestation.

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∂ Product news LOBASOL® MARKANTNATURE – THE BEAUTY OF RAW WOOD WITH THE PROPERTIES OF A CLASSIC HARDWAXOIL Architects and interior designers are in love with the new MarkantNature: it creates the trendy appearance of raw wood and provides the advantages of a natural hardwaxoil. Its special formula does not amber the wood. In addition to the tried and tested Markant hardwaxoils, the new MarkantNature for light wood species is now available. Its special formula preserves the natural color of the wood without intensifying it. At the same time, MarkantNature gives the floor an even, visually full surface that reliably defies dirt and water. With its ergonomic roll application, MarkantNature is safe and easy to apply in two coats. To achieve amazing optical highlights, one coat can be applied on a layer of a light MarkantColor shade. The treated floor is usable as early as 24 hours after the application. MarkantNature is recommended for children’s toys according to DIN EN 71-3, and its anti-slip properties are certified according to BGR 181 (R10) and DIN 51130. With these advantages, MarkantNature is the perfect match for lovers of the raw wood style!

TOVCOL LVT FIBRE+ - BY TOVER Tovcol LVT Fibre+ is the latest acrylic solvent free adhesive for resilient floors, in particular LVT. Fibrereinforced it enables bonding of LVT tiles on absorbent sub-floors including under heating. It provides strong initial tack, excellent adhesion properties and optimum dimension stability. Moreover the suppression of waiting time means a huge spare of time for the installer. Clever and Strong!

HARO - NEW PREMIUM ADHESIVES With quality flooring, it’s important what’s underneath To enable its various premium flooring products to be used in the best possible way, HARO strives continuously to optimise its range of ac-cessories. Last year, HARO added to this range by introducing en-hanced new primers and adhesives for professional installers. New adhesives for an even closer bond. Along with an extremely broad range of high-quality parquet, design and laminate flooring, HARO’s partners can also take full advantage of accessories that have been specially designed to complement these products. Floor cover-ings and accessories are elements of the tried-and tested HARO floor-ing system, to which the new primers and adhesives are the perfect additions. Read more on www.floor-forum.com/en/news

THE NEW MEISTER RIGID-CORE FLOORING The M5 RIGID Edition design flooring is the new rigid-core flooring in the MEISTER range. The water-resistant flooring exhibits excellent dimensional stability thanks to its special rigid-polymer support plate, while an additional damping layer also makes it comfortably elastic. It can be installed floating over slightly uneven subfloors and existing floor coverings such as tiles and, with its low installation height of 4.5 mm (5.5 mm with integrated sound-absorbing cushion), is perfectly suited to renovations. Despite their high level of stability, the planks still have a low surface weight – this makes them particularly easy to transport and work with. The new design flooring can be laid on 15 x 10 m without an expansion joint and does not require any transition profiles even when laying through doors. It is suitable for hot water underfloor heating and for installation in conservatories, and is available in eight attractive decors. This new collection will be available from June 2019.

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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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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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