Special
Producers of style panels
STYLE PANELS CHARM ALL PARQUET LOVERS TWO DISTINCT TYPES FOR TWO DISTINCT TARGET GROUPS?
Photo – Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs
Style panels are actually big wooden ‘tiles’ with an outer edge which, as it were, ‘ frames’ wooden floorboards in a certain fitting pattern. Floorboards are usually glued to each other sideways (solid wood 6 or 10mm), but for some years now these panels have also been emerging in multilayer where a solid wood pattern is glued to a subfloor (multiplex). As for preferred patterns, lots of producers have noticed the same trends, namely distressed panels and mainly ‘old fitting patterns’. By contrast, there are producers who sell mainly modern and neutral designs i.e. not distressed.
Any wooden floor is unique Some people see exclusivity as non-negotiable when they want something for their home. There can only be one example. Those are the people who, when they want a painting on the wall, look only for oil or acrylic on canvas, pastel, pencil or charcoal drawing, and such like, but never reproductions. Not even etchings or lithography. They want one single and unique version. Others opt for visual perception and attach less importance to that exclusive element. One thing’s for sure: With
38
Floor Forum International 109
wood you ALWAYS have a unique floor. That goes for all wooden floors, however cheap or expensive they are. No two wooden floors are identical because two identical planks don’t even exist. However, adherents of exclusivity within those wooden floors will still look for something to stand out. With fitting patterns, wood combinations, designs, and colours, you can still often make a difference.
Style panels The important thing about panels is the fact that, strictly speaking, nothing is sawn on site. Indeed, each panel forms an entire pattern where you can’t simply leave a piece out. Amongst other things, this has consequences that the majority of design floors have to be made customised because the dimensions of the room are essential for the size of the panels. That certainly applies to solid wood. There are, however, standard sizes for multilayer.
Solid wood Panel floors or design floors are pre-engineered square panels into which wooden floorboards are fitted according to a certain fitting
