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 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

pattern. Each panel forms a mini-parquet floor in some respects. The floorboards are sawn customised and mitred and are glued to each other sideways and clamped in order to dry. After assembly, it is possible that a tiny piece might still have to be sawn out from the formed panels so that you have the identical dimensioning and squareness for all panels. That obviously simplifies the fitting by the floor fitter considerably.

Multilayer Multilayer panel floors or cassettes are usually constructed in two layers, but three-layer floors do exist as well. The top layer of usually 6mm of noble wood is glued onto a birch multiplex. The panels can be fully glued onto a screed. Especially in multilayer floors, we see that some producers also offer some standard sizes. The chances of standard sizes coming out perfectly are obviously rather small.

What about the target groups? Now, then, what about those target groups? Multilayer panel floors are part of the set assortment at various parquet manufacturers and are available in various designs (patterns) and finishes. Here we are mainly targeting a group which buys products which are available as standard. With solid wood style panels we are almost always talking about customised work and the patterns and dimensions are virtually always geared to the client’s wishes. 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 the aforementioned clients who look for something quite exclusive.

Some specialists

BeaverArt Since 2013, BeaverArt is specialized in the manufacturing of exclusive wooden floors in almost every conceivable pattern. For example, a boring hardwood floor can suddenly brighten up with a beautiful border, or with a medallion as an eyecatcher in the room. You have also come to the right place for custom marquetry, such as company logos. This can be done in a mix of various types of wood,in your floor, in table tops or as wall decorations. We do not shy away from a challenge! BeaverArt always tries to let the wood speak for itself, by either emphasizing the natural color or by playing with the wood grain. You will not find stained or chemically colored wood at our workplace. Due to the high degree of digitization, standard designs can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. “Custom made” is of course always possible. All designs can be made from 3mm thickness, above 8mm all designs are manufactured with a birch plywood underlay.

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Design Parquet

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 In recent years we have found Style panels are gaining popularity. We at Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs have had increasing demand and received many commissions for this product. Mostly commercial projects, think

hotels, bars, restaurants and other public spaces. There is also growing demand for these Style panels by private customers who have a larger budget. People like to create a traditional atmosphere combined with a modern twist. When a specific request comes for something bespoke, we first do design drawings. After approval our highly skilled factory team starts production. Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs is very flexible when offering Style Panels. This can be done in unusual dimensions, pattern and wood species. Material can be smoked, brushed or aged (distressed) before the panels are assembled. Finishes such as staining, oiling or lacquering will be done on site. Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs produces Style Panels with great precision care and quality.