FFI 61 June 2013

INTERNATIONAL trade journal for import, export, distribution and laying of parquet, laminate, cork flooring and related products

industry news

EXPORT MINDED COMPANIES IN AUSTRIA

N° 61, July. 2013 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept, Nov, Dec) Office of delivery 9099 Ghent X, P911092, BC 31359 — Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

MS PolymerTM Your Premium Polymer of Choice! for producing sealants, adhesives, coatings,...

Company visit Küberit (D) : see page 8-9

Special: Hard wax oil

Finishing and maintaining exterior wooden frontage covering

Special: Subfloors: part I Special: Sports floors: finishes and renovation

Unique properties and outstanding performances.

Broad range of grades available.

Special: Producers of Hungarian point and fish bone

Widely recognized by formulators, applicators, designers and engineers throughout the world.

Special: Vinyl, LVT and PVC floors: new business

Large variety of markets: construction, industry, transportation, flooring, waterproofing, DIY and many others!

Our science makes wishes come true www.kaneka.be

HIDDEN

DECK FASTENERS

Crafted from hardened stainless steel, and high quality polymers, DeckWise® Hidden Deck Fasteners create a sleek and upscale look. Perfect for both residential and commercial applications. for more go to : www.DeckWise.com/hidden-deck-fasteners

You may be familiar with the hidden fastening and deck building products we manufacture under the trade names, Ipe Clip®, Hardwood Wrench®, and Ipe Oil™. Now, our innovative products are available throughout Europe under one label, DeckWise®. Join our global network of dealers for factory direct pricing.

.com

Hardwood Oil End Grain Sealer

Hidden Deck Fasteners

Hardwood Wrench®

Hardwood Deck Tiles

Deck Tile Connectors

patented

Hidden Siding Fasteners

Colormatch Stainless Steel Screws

Deckwise INternational B.V. • Nijverheidsweg 60-2 • 3812 PM Amersfoort • The Netherlands • phone: + 31 33 4691037 DeckWise USA : The Ipe Clip® Fastener Co., LLC • 2111 58th Avenue East • Bradenton, FL 34203 Phone: 941-896-9851 web: DeckWise.com email: sales@deckwise.com

EXPORT MINDED COMPANIES IN AUSTRIA

N° 61, July. 2013 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept, Nov, Dec) Office of delivery 9099 Ghent X, P911092, BC 31359 — Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

MS PolymerTM Your Premium Polymer of Choice! for producing sealants, adhesives, coatings,...

Special: Hard wax oil

Special: Finishing and maintaining wooden frontage covering

Special Hygrometers : types and use Company visit: see page 8-9

Special: Underlay: part I Special: sport floors: finishes and renovation

Unique properties and outstanding performances.

Broad range of grades available.

Special: Producers of Hungarian point and fish bone

Special: Vinyl, LVT and PVC floors: new business

Widely recognized by formulators, applicators, designers and engineers throughout the world.

Large variety of markets: construction, industry, transportation, flooring, waterproofing, DIY and many others!

Our science makes wishes come true www.kaneka.be

Floor Forum International, N° 61, July ’13 Photo Kaneka

4 Inside news 8 Company visit: Küberit (D) 10 Special Vinyl, LVT and PVC floors : new business for the floor fitters 12 Special Find the way to Industrial lacquers, they offer benefits 14 Special Hygrometers : types and use 17 Special UV drying on the yard

19 Special Small and medium-sized modulair oil and lacquer machines 22 Project Blanchon (F) 24 Special Sports floors: finishes and renovation 27 Special Hard wax oil 32 Company visit: Chimiver Panseri SpA (I)

34 Special Producers of Hungarian point and fish bone 38 Special Computerisation and packaging 41 Special Finishing and maintaining exterior wooden frontage covering 44 Advertorial DeckWise (NL) 46 Special Adjustable temporary floor support systems for terrace floors 50 Company visit : Klindex Srl (I)

57 Special Subfloors : part I 60 Special Export Minded companies in Austria 65 Industry news 66 Product news

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

“New legislation sets out the difference between ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ elastic parquet glues.”

Our interview this time is with Jo Indesteege, business manager at Kaneka. Kaneka is the leading producer and developer of MS polymers and supplier-partner to scores of major parquet adhesive makers. From this unique position, Jo Indesteege

clarifies

the

present

market situation and looks ahead to some new developments.

“It’s been a good thirty years since we discovered the potential of MS polymers.

In recent decades, Kaneka has continued to invest in development and has

Jo Indesteege (Business Manager of LPD from Kaneka Belgium)

launched on the market polymers which are more in line with market demands,

including those of parquet adhesives. There’s a new legislation in the pipeline which will make a clear legal distinction between ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ elastic adhesives. At Kaneka we’ve developed tailor-made MS polymers for both categories so that our clients can process them into an adhesive with specific properties to conform to the market.”

What are the trends on the parquet adhesive market?

“The trend is pointing in the direction of harder glue sorts which, in the future, will be defined as ‘hard elastic’. The new hard elastic MS polymer adhesives are a better alternative to 2K PU and 2K PU+ Epoxy glues.

At the same time, market prices are under a lot of pressure. At first sight, that sounds good for fitters, but it does have a down side as well. In their quest for cheaper compositions, some glue makers choose to add extra plasticizers. At Kaneka we warn people against this practice. The fact is that our tests show that excessive concentrations of plasticizers has a destructive effect on quality, and there is a big risk especially in combination with oiled parquet floors. For that matter there are alternatives. Kaneka has developed glue formulas which help to cut costs without the addition of softeners, yet retain quality, good processibility, and safety.

In the medium and long term, there’s still plenty of innovations to come from Kaneka. With the present commercial MS polymers, a new generation of MS polymers will be added in the near future, which will give an even higher shear strength and, if necessary, faster setting. In particular, the considerable increase

Visit us at

52 Special Maintenance and cleaning systems and their display

Editorial

in shear strength is a major development for parquet adhesives which will not pass unnoticed.”

Editing & advertisements

Advertising & subscriptions

Production:

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

Adriana Dascalu info@media-pact.com Hilde De Ridder floorforum@telenet.be Filip De Ridder sales@media-pact.com

Lowyck - Oostende

Publisher

Jean Paul Talbot Ludwig Janssens Filip De Ridder Jacques Legros

Filip De Ridder Lay-out:

Be-able Communication www.be-able.be

Translation:

Michael Robinson Floor Forum International is a publication of FFi bvba

Editors:

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.

Contents, Colophon & Editorial

industry news

www.floor-forum.com

INTERNATIONAL trade journal for import, export, distribution and laying of parquet, laminate, cork flooring and related products

> Inside news

Inside news

Solidor The Solidor pedestals are made of PP compound. As soon as the right height is set, it is easy to fix the pedestals. The Solidor pedestal has a large support surface and the system can be regulated between 1 cm and 1 meter height. Slope correctors are available to absorb the slope if necessary. Depending on the strength of the beams, it is advisable to position the Pedestal between 40 to 60cm. The wooden beams are simply placed on the Solidor pedestal or screwed securely into the middle of the top support plate. Solidor pedestals are very easy to use for an extensive range of floors e.g. wooden beams or floor tiles in wood or concrete and such like.

PlyQuet Recitification on the May edition of Floor Forum International.

Due to an internal misapprehension and for which we apologize, the following text wasn’t published in the Special ‘New trends in Vinyl ,PVC and LVT’ and the Special ‘Parquet, laminate, Vinyl ,LVT and PVC in hotels’.

Honey

Floor Forum International 61

Rumba

4

Nougat

PlyQuet Since 2011, PlyQuet Holzimport GmbH has been the exclusive (European) agent for vinyl tiles (LVT) produced by

DecoRad®: Fast recoat of gym floor A recent project showcased the benefits of on-site UV curing for floor owners as well as contractors. A high traffic gym floor was recoated in 1 day, and immediately ready for use. The application was done with a UV curable finish. A great industrial quality result is achieved by using an UV curable lacquer in combination

“Elegant Living” which has already been selling its LVT floors successfully in the USA and Asian markets. PlyQuet presents two collections, namely Dance and Sweets which are available in 14 designs either for glue down installation or with a click system (Välinge) and a wear layer of 0,55mm.

The dimensions are as follows: 5 x 146 x 1210mm (Dance Loc), 2.5 x 152mm x 1219mm (Dance Classic) or 5 x 183 x 1220mm (Sweets Loc) and 2.5 x 190 x 1227mm (Sweets Classic). The best-selling floors are at the moment from the Dance Collection: Rumba and from the Sweets Collection: Honey and Nougat*. Two major sales arguments for these floors are that they are made from pure PVC and the stability. With using pure PVC all ingredients can be fully traced back and the product is recyclable. The stability comes from an extra layer of glass fibre which provides also additional protection. Furthermore all LVT floors from Elegant Living are anti-slip, soundproofed, waterproofed, respond favourably in the event of fire (class Bfl-S1), and are highly scratchresistant (class 33/42). All Elegant Living floors possess the “Allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung”. You can order from PlyQuet in two ways: per pallet or per box from the stock in Germany or per container from the factory (minimum order 1 20’ FCL of about 1,700m²). In the latter case the thickness of the LVT plank can be amended as well as the choice of designs.

with DecoRad® UV curing equipment. The floor owner encountered limited downtime. The performing contractor has found an innovative way of acquiring extra work by focusing on (semi-) commercial floors, where time is limited and willingness to pay is higher.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Inside news

> Inside news Bona AB and Kunzle & Tasin in strategic alliance Bona AB, the experts in products for wooden floors and Kunzle & Tasin S.r.l. the market leader in production of sanding machines, have entered a strategic partnership. “We will have the advantage of using the joint competences of both companies to develop machines that satisfy the specific needs and requirements of our customers as our companies have strengths that complement each other.”, say Kerstin Lindell, President and CEO at Bona and Alberto Biffignandi, President of Biffignandi S.p.A. (the Italian company to which Kunzle & Tasin belongs): - the market global leading position and presence in wood flooring sanding and finishing of Bona; - the wide range of machines and flexible manufacturing organization of K&T; - the long history and reputation (quality and reliability) of both companies.

The first step of this alliance is to offer to customers a broader product portfolio as Kunzle & Tasin will produce a combined range of Bona/K&T machines. Bona will sell the products through its global organization.

The new partnership also means that Bona will close its production facility in Sweden and transfer it to Kunzle & Tasin in Italy.

For more information: Kerstin Lindell, President and CEO at Bona (kerstin.lindell@bona.com) Alberto Biffignandi, President at Biffignandi S.p.A. (abiffi@siabiffi.com)

Stauf Synthetic turf and other sports flooring (indoor and outdoor) Rock-stable for fast games An synthetic turf installation geared towards safety and a long service places high demands on the materials employed. Here, the adhesive system used plays a key role – during installation as well as for many years of use for games, events under all kind of weather conditions. In wind and weather, rain, freezing temperatures and in scorching heat: right from the start, Stauf IBOLA R 201 ensures optimum installation and field conditions in all climate zones of this earth.

Permanently elastic synthetic turf bond for ideal playing conditions Meanwhile, the new generation of synthetic turf is so advanced that it cannot only compete with natural grass but rather exceeds natural grass with regard to playing properties, maintenance requirements and durability. However, sports-related and technical specifications are determined not only by the type of synthetic turf itself, but even more so by professional installation using the proper adhesive products. For any synthetic turf playing field which besides heavy duty playing activities is also exposed to changing climatic conditions such as rain and humidity, heat, frost and snow, this adhesive specifically formulated to meet these extreme conditions is a must. IBOLA R 201 by STAUF has been thoroughly tested under extreme climatic conditions and has proven its durability in Northern Scandinavia and Siberia as well as in Ghana and the United Arab Emirates.

Floor Forum International 61

Classic Line Wengé chevron 45°

6

Classic Line, traditional 9mm parquet in French oak and various exotic wood species. Selected at the highest standards and available as strips, herringbone, chevron or any custom made pattern.

Master Line, unique 9mm pre-glued open book parquet, known for its increased stability and special design.

Top Line, 13 or 18mm two-layer parquet with solid top layer on birch multi-ply board.

All French oak parquet floors can be delivered with a PEFC certificate.

Distribution: Holz Bois • Bosdel 41 • B-3600 Genk • T 0032 89 32 95 80 • holz.bois@skynet.be Albers Parketgroothandel • Franklinstraat 4 • NL-6003 DK Weert • T 0031 495 58 08 08 • info@albersparket.nl Advertentie 1/2 liggend.indd 1

20/06/13 14:31

> Inside news and sustainability are elements which are a growing concern for the consumer’s choice in building materials. It goes without saying that all three Plus-adhesives comply to the European norm EN14293for flexible parquet adhesives.

In addition Soudal‘s R&D scientists of Research & Development significantly improved the curing and bond strength performance of the new generation of Hybrid Timber Flooring Adhesives. All three new adhesives score high in these areas which results in quicker finishing of timber flooring after their installation.

Another improvement is the increased shear strength of the Soudal’s newcomers which has been improved by up to 40% resulting in stronger bonding of all types of timber flooring.

The fastest curing and strongest product in the renewed range is SMX®-30 Plus, followed by the all-rounder MS®-30 Plus, and MS®-20 Plus which is mainly recommended for bonding of multilayer flooring and smaller sized timber flooring.

With all the improvements implemented the outstanding ease of use hasn’t changed resulting in the best possible balance between the comfort of application and the form stability of the adhesive spread resulting in an optimal adhesive transmission.

Soudal Plus-adhesives: a Plus in performance, environment and ease of use!

A Plus in performance, environment and ease of use

!

W NE

SMX® -30 Plus • MS®-30 Plus • MS®-20 Plus

Inside News

SOUDAL A Plus in performance, environment and ease of use Soudal has been pioneering flexible timber flooring adhesives based on hybrid polymers for many years.

These types of adhesives absorb the forces caused by the deformation and movement of the various types of timber flooring much better than the traditional types of flooring adhesives.

This offers great advantages as timber floors are subjected to external factors like temperature and air humidity. Hybrid Polymer based adhesives are suitable for use on almost all types of subfloors and for indoor bonding of nearly all types of timber flooring. Furthermore, they do not contain water, solvents and isocyanate and have virtually no smell.

Recently Soudal introduced the first of its new generation Hybrid Polymer Timber Flooring Adhesives, SMX®-30 Plus, the successor of SMX®-30 P. With the presentation of MS®20 Plus and MS®-30 Plus Soudal now offers a trio of hybrid timber flooring adhesives which are all EC1-Plus labeled.

These adhesives meet the lowest possible VOC emission values(Volatile Organic Compounds) which also results in the achievement of the coveted A+ label for the French market.

This is an important advantage for the parquet installer as in enables him to respond to the growing environmental awareness of architects and inhabitants: Indoor Air Quality, health

Universal, elastic wood flooring adhesives • Faster curing, higher bond strength • Wooden floor can bear load and be sanded way faster

lo w

r

ONTW363

em

is

INDOOR AIR EMISSION

A+

ADVERT170

n

PLUS

sio

ve

y

MICO V-E

® DE

GE

• Excellent ease of use

A+ A B C

Soudal • Everdongenlaan 18-20 • Turnhout • Belgium • Tel.: +32 (0) 14 42 42 31 • Fax: +32 (0) 14 42 65 14 • email: info@soudal.com • www.soudal.com ADVERT170_Parketlijmen_EN.indd 1

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

10/06/13 14:27

Floor Forum International 61

• Very low emission (EC-1 Plus)

7

Küberit Profile Systems is a top global company in skirting boards and profiles. This year, the company, which has grown strongly in recent decades, is celebrating its 150th anniversary and is treating itself to a new production hall and another warehouse. And so, this is a good opportunity to look back to the history of this German company from Sauerland.

Ink pot and quill pen It was in Westphalia in 1863 that Hermann Friedrich Künne formed the company, which now bears the name Küberit Profile Systems. In those days, the office desks in the town of Altena had ink pots and the staff used quill pens to write. And so, each morning, the accountants put on their sleeve protectors before they started work on handwritten lists and books. Electrification and telephone connections were still a good decade in the future, and in 1885, when Carl Benz introduced the first German car, Hermann Künne had already been at work for over 20 years.

In those days, Germany did not exist as a nation state and the first German petrol station was still more than 55 years away.

Indoor and window decoration Hermann Friedrich Künne did, however, have a mission which is not out of place in this modern age: he wanted to bring indoor

and window decoration into the homes of ordinary citizens (in those days that was still the preserve of the elite). His mission proved a success. The Künne catalogue, which was published on the occasion of the company’s fiftieth anniversary, numbered over 200 pages and even in those days the company had all sorts of clients e.g. joiners, curtain businesses, Furniture and interior companies, decorators, and upholsterers.

1920: new flooring materials required new solutions From 1920 onwards, the company branched out beyond sales to take advantage of changing home designs, which by now included linoleum floors and wall-to-wall carpets. The idea was to make floor profiles to provide a finish for these new floor coverings. That was the start of a long tradition of innovation for Küberit and by 1930 they had even obtained their first patents on the designs.

Floor Forum International 61

Company visit Küberit Profile systems (D)

Küberit: a success story to celebrate on its 150th anniversary

8

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Strong expansion since 2000 “Think global, act local” is a well known axiom which this medium-sized company from Sauerland applies like no other. Locally, Küberit acts as a reliable employer and invests regularly in its business locations. Due to this ongoing expansion and focus on the development of new products and the related steady export growth, Küberit achieved the status of market leader around the year 2000. Over the last decade, Küberit has almost quadrupled its number of employees. Its range now covers 12,000 different articles, 300 different profile cross-sections, and a unique variety of styles.

Top quality solutions; worldwide demand Küberit enjoys worldwide recognition as a manufacturer of innovative profile systems for all hard floors such as laminate, parquet, or cork and profiles in aluminium, messing, and stainless steel for textile and elastic floor coverings. You can find Küberit products anywhere and even in exclusive locations such as on AIDA luxury cruise ships or in the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world at 828 metres. Exports to markets such as Japan, China, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Russia now account for 10% of the company turnover. The rest of the turnover is achieved in Europe (especially Germany, the Benelux, and France), Africa, and America.

Successful investments A crucial factor in this success story has been the ongoing investment in the latest production equipment so that Küberit has at its disposal an adequate and trendy solution to just about any technical request. The acquisition of the new corporate premises in Drolshalen in 2002 was also undoubtedly a major factor in this growth. The combined need at that time for bigger headquarters and a new factory and warehouse (3000m²) resulted in a breakthrough and this has raised Küberit’s production capacity considerably. More investment followed in 2008, this time in a new fully computerised warehouse, which has contributed to a more efficient work flow.

Küberit is still pressing on today. At present, the company is once again working on extra production capacity and an extra warehouse.

The new production room is designed mainly to raise the capacity of the custom-made production of stainless steel floor profiles.

Frank Sondermann: “Various success factors” Frank Sondermann, partner and managing director of Küberit, knows the company’s ingredients for success and concludes: “Such a success story spread over five generations has to be based on an active and reliable partnership with the industry, professionals, and architects. Then, the sober and professional approach of the people behind Küberit has also been decisive. In addition, the ongoing choice of product developments which are unique in style and diversity also makes a difference.

Küberit’s products are a fully fledged part of the image that “German engineering” and “Made in Germany” enjoy all over the world.”

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Focus on floor profiles and skirting boards After World War II, they continued to expand their range of floor finish products. For the first time, they invested in a plastic extruder profiles and started producing their own floor profiles, frames, and stair profiles. This continued for over forty years until 1993. After that, the company concentrated solely on the development and refinement of top quality metal profiles and system solutions.

Company visit Küberit Profile systems (D)

> continued from page 8

9

Special Vinyl, LVT and PVC floors: new business for the floor fitters Floor Forum International 61 10

FLOOR FITTERS ENLARGE THEIR SCOPE LVT, PVC, AND LINOLEUM AS COMPLEMENTARY FLOOR COVERINGS Over the years, professional parquet fitters have developed into floor specialists. As things stand at the moment, it is best to call them ‘floor fitters’ who fit ‘anything’ except stone.

This development is quite fascinating and somewhat surprising. What it means is that ultra-conservative parquet fitters have adapted rapidly to the growing range of floors. In recent decades, various trains have departed, and most floor fitters have bought a ticket.

That’s exactly why they are able to meet the divergent wishes of the same client: parquet in the living room, laminate in the bedroom, cork in the children’s room, and so on.

From traditional parquet to pre-finished Solid wood parquet There was a time when a floor fitter’s premises consisted of no more than one room with a few samples (usually in oak) and, behind that,

a workshop with a woodworking machine. On the desk in the office lay a photo album of references. The greater part of fitting traditional parquet floors took place on site. On the whole, the older generation of parquet fitters were not open to novelties or products and systems which deviated from their tradition.

Multi-layer The shift to multi-layer was a big one. Obviously, this is now all in the past, but at that time it meant a ‘deviation from the usual system’ to a new method. For multi-layer floors, the classical floor structure (subfloor and top floor) was made in advance. People soon noticed the benefits and two and three-layer parquet won the day. Floating fitting made its entry.

Laminate The most shocking change for parquet fitters was undoubtedly the entry of laminate. In the early days, most parquet fitters considered it beneath their dignity to fit such imitation floors. We must admit that in those early days the quality of laminate floors did leave a lot to be desired. Today, however, we find premium laminate floors in the upper segment. Parquet fitters have been converted in their masses, possibly because laminate has proved a big hit.

photo Kurkfabriek Van Avermaet

Pre-finished If laminate can be regarded as a fully fledged alternative to wooden floors, pre-finished floors can make an even stronger case. These floors, which are ready for fitting, are finished in the factory and save floor

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

fitters a lot of time in the workshop. Pre-finished floors which are equipped with a click system are fitted in the same way as laminate.

Today’s showroom Yesteryear’s workshop with a mere few coloured samples has now developed into a giant showroom to display not only various sorts of parquet, but also various types of floor technology.

The modern parquet showroom consists of several divisions, and the revival of synthetic floors and linoleum has only served to add even more.

Diversification with flexible floors With the emergence of LVT (luxury vinyl tiles), LVP (luxury vinyl planks), and linoleum, floor fitters are blessed with an opportunity to extend their range even more. The end goal is simple: to put together an assortment to provide an answer to all imaginable questions and combinations of questions. Let’s clarify this with an illustration: a client might well ask for a waterproof floor in the bathroom to adjoin an existing oak floor in the corridor, and the new floor would have to look exactly the same. In other words, the adjoining combination of solid (or multi-layer) parquet with a vinyl floor. Add a laminate floor with an oak decor for the bedroom and you have the effect of a continuous floor, but with three different types of floor technology. And so, there can be no doubt that the extension towards flexible floor covering is a good thing. In a previous edition, we have given an extensive description of these synthetic floors. We summarise these features briefly: - Vinyl: A vinyl floor is a resilient synthetic floor covering with several layers: the bottom layer or back, a protective glass fibre level, the design, and the top layer. The durability of vinyl depends on the thickness of the top layer and the strength of the base structure. An extra protective layer increases scratchresistance and durability.

- PVC: PVC is an outstanding material for floor production. This material is waterproof and thereby suitable for damp rooms.

100% PVC floors are even suitable for use in showers. They are highly durable thanks to the reinforcement provided by the PU coating. Nowadays, PVC floors are available in a wide variety of decors.

- Linoleum: Linoleum is virtually a 100% natural product. Raw materials include linseed oil wood dust, limestone, and jute. A linoleum floor can be applied to just about any subfloor, which is flat and strong enough. Floors with a marble decor are called marmoleum.

- LVT and LVP: Vinyl, PVC, and linoleum were once extremely popular on the project market. Through their appearance in the form of tiles (LVT) or planks (LVP) with a click system, they have all the ingredients to win over the private market.

Just about every sort of wood imaginable is on offer. Here, too, the embossed in register technique is used so that the structure of the wood can be felt. This is quite surprising for what are sometimes extremely thin floor coverings. The low maintenance of these floors and their high moisture-resistance are additional strong points.

For floor fitters Floor fitters are seeing these new floors making their ranges even wider up to ‘absolutely complete’. Whereas in bygone days they limited themselves to parquet (in the living room), they can now offer a solution for just about any room in the home. They are also happy that these floors are easy to fit. LVT floors with a click system can be fitted just as quickly and easily as laminate. Some makers even include self-adhesive vinyl floors in their range of tiles and planks. To fit them, you don’t even have to apply adhesive to the floor. Specially for computer rooms, the makers have even equipped LVT floors with a magnetic subfloor. The combination of a magnetic subfloor and the magnetic underside of the LVT floor completes the range. In other words, by including these floors in their range, floor fitters have an answer for everything.

Conclusion Vinyl, PVC, and linoleum all enrich the range. With floors which consist of 100% PVC, floor fitters even have access to the shower, and all this in an extensive range of decors and designs. For floor fitters who are not familiar with fitting these floors, most makers provide frequent training sessions and workshops. Furthermore, private and public educational establishments (in Belgium: VDAB and Syntra) include fitting flexible floor coverings in their range of training courses.

Special Vinyl, LVT and PVC floors: new business for the floor fitters

> continued from page 10

For end users For clients these sorts of floor, especially vinyl and PVC floors, provide an affordable alternative. Obviously, as with all sorts of floors, we find big differences in price, depending on the quality of the product. As regards decorative possibilities, the range is virtually unlimited. As was the case with laminate, digital print technology has opened up endless possibilities. The reintroduction of these floors, certainly in the form of tiles or planks with a click system, also closely resembles the success story of laminate.

photo Haro

Word of thanks : We would like to express our thanks for information sent in by: Aqua Step, Armstrong, Flexxfloors -Fetim, Kurkfabriek Van Avermaet, Parador, Flamingo Parket, Moduleo, PlyQuet and Haro.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Advantages of these floors

11

COATING CONTRACTORS HELP FLOOR FITTERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Outsourcing jobs is ‘in’. The reasoning behind this is that the investment in material and manpower is not worthwhile for the (low) quantity of work. Today, coating contractors are full size suppliers of operations which require special apparatus and know-how. We spoke to Henny Jacobs from Zabolak in the Netherlands, a coating contractor from the outset and undoubtedly an ‘authority’ in this field. Henny Jacobs gave us some valuable tips.

Why outsource?

A coating contractor does ‘everything’. These days it is possible to outsource any part of the parquet production process. That this is worthwhile for parquet producers has been proved beyond doubt. It is better for them to outsource operations which are not exactly their core business (e.g. distressing or customised colouring), but what’s in it for floor fitters? In fact, they can outsource a number of operations to incorporate the major advantages of pre-finished work (fast, short waiting time, and the product is ready) without losing their own personal added value.

Yet couldn’t they just as easily order a finished parquet floor from a producer? “Certainly,” Henny Jacobs replies, “but then they are lumbered with a commercial product which is also sold by others.

Moreover, they end up in a price war. Profit margins get tighter.”

And so, in some respects coating contractors help floor fitters to create added value.

What does a coating contractor do?

Anything! Let’s consider those activities which apply to the parquet industry.

Floor Forum International 61

Finishing Applying a finish to wooden floors has been a speciality of so called coating contractors from way back. They have also kept themselves up to scratch with the technological developments in the chemical industry for all sorts of finishes. The emergence of UV technology has enabled them to expand their capacity greatly and also to meet shorter deadlines. Most companies offer varnish, oil, and hard wax as well as colours.

12

Mechanical and chemical operations Some coating contractors even carry out sanding, planing, and milling, but certainly the most commonly requested task is that of distressing floors mechanically. Possibilities include beating, lashing, brushing, and coveted and exclusive operations such as hand-scraping. The most commonly requested chemical operation is undoubtedly distressing by means of smoking with ammonia.

Getting ready for sale Less commonly known, but something which is growing all the time is the responsibility for the very end phase of the cycle: labelling, measuring, registering, and packing. Henry Jacobs comments: “We can pack goods in various ways, such as shrink film,

cardboard, or, of course, as requested by clients.” The fitting instructions and all other communications for end users are added by machine. This means that parquet floors are ‘ready for the shop’ when they come from the coating contractor.

Direct or via wholesale?

Henny Jacobs thinks along with floor fitters. And so, floor fitters are also welcome to go to Zabolak to talk about customised work. In fact, anything is possible. However, strictly speaking, Zabolak offers its services via the wholesale trade. And why is that? Because it’s best for everyone! Henry Jacobs explains: “The most important reason is that an integral list for the retail list is often cheaper via the wholesale trade. After all, the retail list doesn’t involve wood transport costs.” Moreover, the retail list enjoys the quantum discount which the wholesale trade can agree on with its supplier and it doesn’t suffer from pre-financing because there are ongoing agreements with the wholesale traders. Conclusion: it’s best to use the services of coating contractors via wholesale, but it is possible to work with them directly.

Who offers what?

LDF Industry

LDF (Ligne de Finition Industry) is based near Kortrijk (Belgium), but just over the French border, and specialises in treating and finishing solid wood and multi-layer parquet, Versailles panels, wooden exterior wall cladding, skirting boards, and accessories.

The company is owned by the third generation of the Geerlandt family and has a production plant (8000m²) with three industrial production lines: - Varnishing line for a UV varnish finish - Oiling line for a finish with natural oxidative oils

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

photo Zabolak

Special Find the way to Industrial lacquers, they offer benefits

THE ADDED VALUE OF COATING CONTRACTORS

- Oiling line for a finish with UV oil and drying under UV lamps.

LDF also offers diverse finishing methods (large and small jobs): Brushing, various distressing methods, (relief) pressing, colouring with oxidation and UV oils, and (high traffic) varnishing.

Timfin/ Linnaeus

Timfin offers an extensive range of services for parquet manufacturers, timber traders, and floor fitters. Its main activities include varnishing and oiling, brushing and distressing, finishing outdoor wood, and so on. Applying oils and natural varnishes is their top speciality. Recently, they have developed some new colours and collections which combine aesthetics and a sustainable treatment to create an attractive modern finish. These also include the modern raw look finishes for parquet and outdoor treatments for exterior wall cladding and terrace floors. Timfin is a medium-sized player in the field of wood finishes in the broadest sense. The company is based in Aalter, Belgium, and is easily accessible on the Lakeland industrial estate. For more information, visit their website: www.timfin.be.

creative

flexible

reliable

FF87_ZABOLAK.indd 1

Special Find the way to Industrial lacquers, they offer benefits

> continued from page 12

27/08/12 18:05

Zabolak_Advertisement_Reliable_A6.indd 1

22-08-12 15:54

MAPO GROUP Mapo has been a familiar player in the timber industry since time immemorial. Over the past couple of years, the company has implemented some major structural changes. Its main objectives in doing so have been to extend its client database and the supply of top quality, yet affordable services to suit its clients. Apart from Belgium, Mapo also operates in France and Russia.

The new approach has certainly not done the company any harm. For example, the close collaboration with clients has resulted in the application of refined techniques. A good example of this is the low-maintenance and ready-for-use oil finish with perfect protection, available in trendy colours. Nowadays, varnishing is also very much in fashion, but it is still an art which is reserved for the true specialist. The new and invisible varnish in the Mapo range has certainly proved a big hit.

For applying a finish to outdoor wood, Mapo offers a wide range. Amongst other things, the daily possibilities include oiling, varnishing, and pre-ageing outer walls and terrace boards, professionally finished in accordance with the requirements of the different product suppliers. In addition, Mapo is also fully committed to researching the most efficient and sustainable ways to make wood more flame-retardant.

Your pre-finishing partner

MAPO BELGIUM N.V. Europark 1035 B-3530 Houthalen-Helchteren Tel. +32-11.60.54.93 mapo@mapo.be

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Mapo – the right choice if it has to be really good!

13

Floor Forum International 61

Special Hygrometers : types and use

MEASURE EVERYTHING TO PUT YOUR MIND AT REST!

14

DAMP AND PARQUET FITTING DO NOT MIX “Damp is the biggest enemy when fitting parquet, but once the fitting is complete dryness is even more dangerous, if such a thing were possible.” We’ve often considered the various sources of damp, so we’re not going to do that again. What we will do is to survey the measuring tools which the industry has provided for floor fitters to help them measure different sorts of damp in buildings.

Take your time!

As we have often said, deadlines in the construction industry are getting tighter all the time. Like all ‘finishers’, floor fitters are in a particularly difficult position, as they come on the scene at the end. If their predecessors (e.g. plasterers, screed workers, or plumbers) have taken liberties with their deadlines, then it is usually the floor fitters who suffer for it. If project managers intend to respect deadlines (and, in view of possible fines, that is usually the case), delays caused by other professionals mean that floor fitters have to do their work in less than their scheduled time. Hazardous situation! There is often then a big temptation to fit the floor, despite the presence of residual building moisture.

Here, the chemical industry provides a number of solutions, such as epoxy moisture barriers or glueing the floor with silane adhesives. Nevertheless, it is still worth recommending giving priority to a natural drying process or (in order of rank) using building dryers. A tip: include in the quotation or tender a proviso as regards the deadline so that you cannot be held liable for delays caused by other professionals or the contractor itself.

Measuring is knowledge We know by now that damp gets everywhere. This means that the atmosphere also contains damp. This damp is significant not only because we are working with wood, but also, and particularly, because makers of chemical products such as adhesives, varnishes, and oils set certain requirements (limits) for the climatological conditions (moisture and temperature) for a qualitative application of their products. Apart from that, building elements such as concrete, screed, and plasterboard contain certain percentages of residual building moisture and the building materials themselves also have a moisture content (which varies for that matter). There are various sorts of hygrometers for measuring all those possible moisture contents. Broadly speaking, we can split these tools up into two types: destructive and non-destructive.

With a destructive meter you have to press the measuring pens into the material. In doing so, you damage the material. That is usually no problem during renovation, for instance. With a nondestructive meter, you simply hold the measuring head against the material. If the intention is not to damage the material, you should use a non-destructive type.

Sorts of meters The sorts of meters for measuring the moisture content in the atmosphere or in materials can also be divided up according to the different types of damp measurement technology.

We identify hygrometers on the basis of the carbid method,

hygro-thermometers, capacitive meters, and meters which operate on the basis of electrical resistance.

Carbide method Some people consider the carbide method to be the most reliable. This is a method in which sample material from the floor is used to create a reaction with carbid. Moisture in the sample reacts with carbid to produce acetylene gas. From the pressure which is thereby created, it is then possible to read the damp percentage via a standard chart. Of course, the carbide method takes longer than the other measuring instruments mentioned above. Moreover, it is more laborious and drastic because in the final analysis you have to cut out a hole in the screed. There are a number of points which must certainly be borne in mind with the measurement: - The depth of the hole: the hole has to be deep enough to yield a reliable result. With a covering floor of 6cm it is advisable to cut out a hole to a depth of 4cm.

- Measuring concrete: sometimes it may be necessary to check to see if there is any residual moisture in the concrete plate under the screed, even though the screed itself seems to be dry.

This will probably only happen when there is a visible flaw and you look for the underlying cause.

Hygro-thermometers Air humidity and temperature are measured with hygro-thermometers. These tools are designed to check the surrounding conditions. Most modern tools are small hand tools which measure both the surrounding temperature and the air humidity in the room where the parquet is to be fitted. The thermo-hygrometer is the first measuring tool which a floor fitter takes out.

Capacitive hygrometers These meters are based on the dielectric constant and are also called ‘capacitive hygrometers’. They work with a transmitter and a receiver and are based on the density of the wood. These meters do not have pins and are simply positioned against the wood.

Here, too, the correct meter setting in co-relation to certain factors determines the reliability of the measurement.

- Avoid gnarls: a capacitive meter is based on the density of the wood. The practical density may differ from the set density based on theoretical scales. It is best not to measure on sections with several gnarls because these have a higher density.

- Use straight surfaces: it is essential that the meter is held firmly against the wood. Round surfaces or excessively rough wood can interfere with the measurement or render it inaccurate.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

This is also a problem with small wood sections. Some industrial meters make it possible to measure without touching the wood. Then we don’t have to face that problem, of course.

- Take note of finishing coats: thin top coats do not affect the measurement, and neither do foil or coating. However, thicker coats of paint can cause deviations. Acrylate paint can even cause severe deviations.

Electrical resistance The electrical resistance of wood depends heavily on the moisture content in the wood. Several floor fitters are ‘armed’ with a measuring tool, which is based on that electrical resistance.

Measuring tools are equipped with electrodes (pins), which are pressed (or beaten) into the wood and the resistance between those electrodes is measured. A conversion from electrical resistance to wood moisture content has been programmed into the tool. Some appliances even have a temperature correction and a wood sort correction. A number of deviation risks have been factored in by the makers. For example, free ions in the air have an effect on electrical resistance. The number of ions varies, depending on the sort of wood, but, as we have already said, some manufacturers have programmed a wood sort correction.

Some manufacturers have also provided a temperature setting.

However, floor fitters themselves can also limit the risks of deviations: - The measuring direction: it is best to position the electrodes perpendicular to the fibres of the wood and never on the crosscut side. For most softwood sorts that is not so important, but

it is important for hardwood sorts. If it is difficult to measure crosswise, you can measure slightly diagonally.

- The depth of the measurement: it often happens that the measured wood is not yet in balance with the surrounds. The moisture content in the core will deviate from that on the outside. With wood which has been dried quickly, the core will still be damp. It is best to measure at various depths in order to assess the course of the damp. According to the EDG (European Drying Group), it is best to measure the average moisture content of a plank at 1/3 of its total depth.

A selection from the range : Brookhuis

Brookhuis Micro-Electronics B.V. supplies both ‘capacitive’ hygrometers and meters based on resistance damp measurement.

These hygrometers have an extremely broad scope, not only in the parquet industry, but also in the entire timber processing industry. The FMW (T & B) is a micro-processor controlled hygrometer which is suitable for measuring wood and building materials. You can use the FMW to measure the damp content by holding the rear side of the instrument for half a second against the material to be measured. The sort of weight of the wood is set on the FMW. This means that all sorts of wood can be measured accurately. You can set the FMW for wood from 250 to 1100kg/m³. For measuring building materials, the FMW has a relative scale. The innovative sensor ensures that the material is not damaged and it is even possible to measure through coats of varnish . To check wood on production lines, Brookhuis has introduced the FMI-V, the successor to the FMI-III and FMI-IV. The FMI-V is a contact-free in-line wood moisture measuring system and classification system in one. In its basic performance, the system grades wood moisture and it can be extended with other functions to grade density and mechanical wood strength.

Special Hygrometers : types and use

> continued from page 14

DNS Denzel has been specialising for over 20 years in the development of damp measurement equipment.

The measurements barely take two seconds and are done using non-destructive measuring equipment. DNS Denzel presents electronic damp detectors, which measure the moisture in wood and in the screed.

These tools can trace the moisture without damaging the substrate. The accuracy is no less than 99.98%. The G-812 hygrometer measures

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

DNS Denzel

15

Special Hygrometers : types and use

> continued from page 15

the moisture in six different sorts of material, including cement, concrete, and gypsum. The G-821 can do this in 120 different subfloors. The G-822 also measures the moisture in 120 sorts of subfloors, 15 different sorts of parquet, 10 different sorts of wood, various building materials, and no less than eight different types of concrete. It measures the air humidity and the air temperature, calculates the dew point, and measures the surface temperature. This tool can store data and transfer it (wire-free) to a PC or smart phone. The DNS G-821 and 822 measure a surface which is 400 times bigger than the DNS-G-809 and 812. This is a stand-alone tool which cannot be manipulated and therefore also complies with the legislation.

Gann

Tramex Tramex turns out a completely new tool which takes measuring damp to a new dimension. The Tramex CMEX Hygro-i Flooring Kit is a complete damp measuring kit in which the instant damp measuring test and the brand new Hygro-i probe are deployed together to create a new standard in the area of speed and accuracy again and again. The brand new Tramex Hydro-i probe is the most advanced probe on the market. When used together with the nondestructive meters Tramex CMEX2 and MRH3, this tool makes it possible to take measurements for moisture, temperature, and dew point in structural materials such as concrete floors and walls and for atmospheric conditions in the building. This combination makes it possible to measure the relative air humidity in order to comply with the ASTM F2170, F2420, BS8201:2011, and BS8203. The kit includes the CME Xpert II, a digital, non-destructive concrete hygrometer. This device obtains instant information about the moisture content up to 6.9%. It has display lighting to help users who have to work in poor light. The Hygro-i RH probe, too, is part of the kit, as is a Hygro-i electronic interface. The Hygro-i is quick, accurate, re-usable, and economical.

For more information please visit us at: www.tramexltd.com

Floor Forum International 61

Gann has an extensive range of measuring tools for damp in building materials and such like. The Hydromette Com-pact B is a Handy tool for detecting damp in walls and floors quickly and for carrying out tests prior to a CM analysis. For the latter, Gann offers the Hydromat CM, a damp analysis tool which operates on the basis of the carbide method. The Hydromette BL Compact B is a refined version of the above CM model. Another tool, the Hydromette BL Compact RH-T, is a thermo-hygrometer, which makes it possible to measure damp in substances such as concrete. Via a sensor in a pre-drilled hole you can calculate the dew point at once. The user has two options, namely relative damp and absolute damp. Last but not least, the company has a perfect instrument for floor fitters, namely the Hydromette HB 30, which measures the damp content in both wood and other

building materials. And so, floor fitters can use this tool to measure both the floorboards and the substrate. A new device is the Hydromette BL Compact TF-IR for measuring the air temperature, relative damp, and surface temperature. Also new is the Hydromette BL UNI 10. This will be available from July and measures residual building moisture, air temperature, relative damp, and surface temperature.

16

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

photo Sadechaf

We have often made reference to the ‘traditional and conservative’ tendencies of floor fitters. However, that image of the trade is becoming increasingly dated. It may still apply to the ‘old stagers’ in the trade, but in recent years younger floor fitters have been immersed in a sea of technological innovations: polymer adhesives, nanotechnology, finishes which generate a chemical reaction with wood, and so on. It is quite clear that UV drying in an industrial setting has proved its worth. However, in recent years, this technology has also fallen into the hands of floor fitters themselves, and even in their own workshops!

How does it all work?

This planet possesses all sorts of hidden powers which mankind (read: science) is gradually discovering, grasping, and picking up.

By ‘picking up’, we mean that these powers are being converted into specific and useful applications. The spectrum of light is such a part of reality behind which lurks enormous powers. We have considered these powers at length in previous editions. UV light constitutes merely a fragment of that spectrum. Science has discovered that it is possible to dry certain (damp) substances more quickly through the use of UV light. UV light is present in sunlight and in the light of fluorescent lamps. Of course, both these sources of light on their own are not powerful enough for this ‘fast-drying technique’, so it is necessary to use special UV lamps.

A ‘photo-initiator’ is added to the varnish and this is activated by means of UV rays. The molecules of this organic compound fall apart under the effect of UV rays into reactive particles, which set the hardening reaction (polymerisation) in motion. This joins the resin molecules to each other. It is important to realise that both UV resins and the thinner form components of the reactive system.

use in the workshop. The principle and the working method are comparable to the industrial procedure. The UV coating, which may sometimes be preceded by a UV drying primer, is applied with a traditional roller, as is the case with a waterborne single component varnish. After application, the varnish is air-dried for about 45 minutes, and, after that, you ride over the entire floor with a mobile UV lamp. There is a portable UV lamp available for the sides and places which are difficult to reach. As we have said, the floor can be used at once as soon as the job is done. When using UV lamps, floor fitters must wear suitable eye goggles for protection.

Industrial application In various sectors UV drying has brought about a real revolution.

Take the printing industry, for instance, where ink can be dried more quickly. As regards pre-finished parquet, the benefits of this drying technology are quite obvious. The production process (from varnishing to packing) runs much more quickly and the space required becomes much smaller. Planks which are UV dried can be stacked immediately and treated further, whereas with oxidative drying they require a considerable drying time.

Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine the world of industry without UV drying. Veneer floors, laminate, and pre-finished parquet are some of the items which go under the lamp.

Quality varnish Varnishes which are used for UV applications have been ‘outside this category’. These are high-tech varnishes, which usually have high durability and scratch-resistance. In order to apply these varnishes, floor fitters, until recently, have been advised to use floors finished in the factory. Now, however, they can apply these very high traffic lacquers (some people refer to them as ‘ultra-varnish’) themselves in their workshops to any floor which clients choose from their assortment. That in itself is a step into the future. However, there is also a slight ‘caveat’ related to this benefit (see below).

UV leaves the factory It would be wrong, of course, to say that UV is used exclusively in industrial settings. For example, the use of UV light to harden fillings at the dental surgery is now commonplace. In other words, UV light left the factory some time ago. A few years ago, we witnessed the emergence of UV driers, which floor fitters can

Special UV drying on the yard

FLOOR FITTERS ARE BOMBARDED WITH TECHNOLOGY

Pros and cons We’re going to look at this ‘critically’. New technology which helps to improve quality and is ‘user-friendly’ must be encouraged. However, we must look at the pros and cons critically. In the past, we probably haven’t done this enough. Below, we consider the quality of the finish, the time saved, and the manual/ industrial appraisal, in which we examine a number of traditional pros and cons.

Time saving The time saving can prove decisive! Basically, the floor is ready for use immediately after the UV treatment. That is a big advantage for major projects, offices, shops, or other commercial premises.

In hotels it means that a hotel room can be renovated in a single night. For assignments in private homes we need to relativise this benefit somewhat. Floor fitters with enough clients usually work

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

photo Decorad®

UV DRYING LEAVES THE FACTORY

17

> continued from page 17

Special UV drying on the yard

for various clients. If floor fitters are going to dry floors using UV technology, they are actually carrying out a job which they don’t need to do. Strictly speaking, that is a job which nature can take care of on its own. They can do some work elsewhere, whilst they wait for the wood to dry naturally.

Human contribution One of the major advantages of an industrial application (in fact ‘any’ industrial application) is that it is done under controlled conditions. This means that the result is always identical.

Temperature, air humidity, and incidence of light are all parameters, which can be controlled and manipulated. Similarly, the application of the varnish, the intensity, and the length of time of UV radiation are always under control. With application in the workshop, the ‘human being’ is undeniably the weak link. The quantity of varnish applied, the speed at which the drying tool rides over the floor, any draught, and any dust, for example, are all conditions in which problems can arise.

Training is a ‘must’ It is perfectly possible that UV drying in the workshop will eventually become the new norm. An important condition will be that the quality of the work must be proven to be effective and to remain so in the long term. Training will certainly be a crucial factor here. In the long run, floor fitters will also have to develop professional competence in this working method. In some respects, this method of drying is comparable to sanding wooden floors: experience and training are a ‘must’ for a good result.

What’s on the market?

DecoRad ® Canteen-floor renovated in 2 days using UV The canteen-floor (wood) of the German weather service (Deutscher Wetterdienst DWD) is in total 460M2 and over 1.000 meals are served every day. The floor is refurbished using LOBACURE WS Rush A.T. from Loba. This waterborne UV curing system has excellent characteristics, especially for high-traffic floors. The portable DecoRad® UV equipment is used to instantly cure layers applied. Due to intensive use of the floor, only limited time was available for the renovation. This project showcased the great benefits and large potential of on-site UV curing in general.

Floor Forum International 61

LOBA WS RUSH: floors cured at the speed of light!

LOBA is bringing LOBA WS RUSH, an innovative waterborne, one-component polyurethane finish that is specifically developed

18

UV FLOOR CURING EQUIPMENT for vinyl and wood

for on-site curing using mobile UV units. Instant curing with ultraviolet light is a technology already frequently used for industrial manufacturing applications. This system for mobile UV unit is ideal for parquet and hardwood floors with normal to very heavy traffic and it reduces drastically the downtimes due to the floorinstallation.

As a result, it avoids problems such as cable-routing difficulties, streaks and other undesirable side effects that can lead to costly delays. Once the treated surface has passed under the lamps, it is fully cured and ready to use. The finished surface offers exceptional durability and excellent scratch and chemical resistance.

Sadechaf Curing & Bonding Sadechaf is agent for the UV floor machines of HID (USA) and works in close co-operation with a large number of leading European formulators. The products which the partners bring onto the market are geared to the UV floor machines. Sadechaf sells some of these products under its own name so that it can offer floor fitters everything: varnish, the accompanying machine, the know-how, and the technical support. The company has a diverse range of tools for hardening your UV coatings on site. This range varies from very small to fairly big. The smallest sprig is the Tiger12, 30cm wide, and, thanks to its electronic power supply, super light. The Bulldog is the most suitable for current projects in the parquet industry. Even bigger projects can be finished with the Hammerhead, a machine which can easily cure 300m² an hour. For the corners and places which are difficult to reach there is a small torch (the Mako). The UV floor machine ensures that the coating dries immediately. Once the primer has set, you can apply and cure the middle coat, and, finally, the top coat. With a Tiger machine it is possible to finish completely a surface of about 100-200m² in a day. The Tiger is not very expensive and therefore accessible for floor fitters who want to make a start with UV. Floor fitters save time and money, whilst clients get a superior quality floor. Sadechaf has also developed a two-day training course in collaboration with HID. This course is held both in Turnhout (Belgium) and on location.

Can you renovate my floor in 1 day?

+32 (0)14 41 11 19 www.sadechaf.eu

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Yes, we can!

PETE JOHNSON Floorfitter

Many floor fitters stand out from their colleagues by promoting their own formula for finishing parquet. These are often finishes and colourings handed down from father to son in somewhat older parquet businesses. With your own formula, you can, for example, give oak an endless range of shades. You want to keep this formula for yourself and you’d think twice before entrusting it to third parties such as coating contractors. How can you reconcile an exclusive finish, tailor-made for the client, with the vast benefits of pre-finished?

Benefits for client Clients are aware of ‘pre-finished’! This means that they know of its existence. When we consider that the ‘inconveniences’ of fitting parquet are a barrier to many consumers, pre-finished represents a major concession. Certainly with renovations where clients live in the home to be renovated, the arguments in favour of a pre-finished floor carry a lot of weight. Pre-finished floors are usually fitted floating. And so, there’s no longer any issue whatsoever with inconvenience from glueing. The floor is also sanded in advance. And so, there is no inconvenience from dust or from the possible odour left behind when a wooden floor is lacquered.

Moreover, there is also the fact that the fitting is done much faster than with a traditional parquet floor. Obviously, clients appreciate these benefits, but it’s just that they’re not inclined to give up anything of their universal and vital yearning for exclusivity.

Benefits for floor fitters It goes without saying that the benefits for floor fitters run along the same lines. Floor fitters spend less time on site and can apply the finish, or part of it, in their own workshop. Obviously, they are spared some of the inconveniences of working on site (e.g. temperature, damp, and other professionals). The finish can be applied in perfect conditions. It is possible, of course, to do some initial operations in the workshop (e.g. the colouring or a primary coat of oil) and to apply the final finish in a single working session on site.

Compact machines Some machine makers have designed space-saving oiling and lacquering machines for floor fitters. These machines are extremely budget-friendly as regards investment. These are roller machines mounted on a transit system. Obviously, other functions can also applied on that same transit system apart from the application of varnish and/or oil. A finish line can be supplemented by a UV or

infrared module, distressing, beating, brushing, and even packing. Naturally, an extension of some functions does come at the expense of the compactness. Metering rolls are used for both lacquering and oiling, but also for staining and soaking in lye.

Metering roll A metering roll has two rollers: a rubber application roller and a steel metering roll, which run with or against each other. Only the application roller comes into contact with the section to be finished. The distance between both rollers and rotation direction and speed of the metering roll make it possible to determine the oil or lacquer film precisely. Apart from the rollers, the machine also has a squeegee. This machine works so precisely that polishing and brushing after the application roller will hardly be necessary. The more precise the setting in advance, the less polishing work afterwards. The metering rolls are suitable for oiling, colour oiling, and lacquering and can be used for UV drying products.

Reverse The metering roll module with reverse has two roller modules.

The first one is identical to what we have outlined above. In the reverse module there is also a second machine which has a contact roller covered in rubber, which is fitted with a scraper that comes into contact with the working piece in contraflow. This reverse roller removes the excess oil applied by the first roller. The oil is scraped off and recuperated. These appliances can be deployed, for example, for distressed floorboards or floors with a bevelled edge. The first, fairly soft roller ensures that the oil also ends up in the deeper structure of the floorboards.

Some details Customised or standard Even the smallest manufacturer or floor fitter can approach most machine manufacturers to ask for a ‘customised’ lacquering or oiling line. The machines are then built to the client’s requirements and in line with the client’s personal situation, such as available space, the sort of products, and ‘speciality’ of the house.

Machine makers have testing areas where the machines can be tested using the parquet manufacturer or floor fitter’s products

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Benefits of pre-finished ‘Pre-finished’ or ‘pre-engineered’ floors are now a permanent fixture in the world of parquet. Obviously, that is no surprise since completely finished parquet has nothing but benefits, both for consumers and floor fitters.

Special Small and medium-sized modulair oil and lacquer machines

PRE-FINISHED AND PERSONALISED GO TOGETHER

photo Vec

photo Soest

LACQUERING AND OILING MACHINES FOR FLOOR FITTERS

19

Special Small and medium-sized modulair oil and lacquer machines Floor Forum International 61 20

> continued from page 19

and, if possible, refined. Obviously, such customised machines cost more than the extremely budget-friendly machines which have been launched recently in a series on the market.

Training Whether it is profitable to install one’s own lacquering or oiling machine largely depends, of course, on whether or not you can operate it. The biggest lauded advantage of these machines is that the rollers can be changed quickly and easily. It is precisely due to that rapid change that you can change quickly to another product or colour so that the machines are also worthwhile for smaller floor surfaces. To help people to use these machines properly, all manufacturers offer training. This is usually included in the price of the machine.

Oil or varnish or both?

It is worth knowing that a lacquering roller can also apply oil, but the opposite is not necessarily the case. The application of oil is less critical, since the oil still has to be spread and polished in. By contrast, lacquer needs to be applied perfectly correct at once.

The market range : Rubio Monocoat

At the previous Domotex, Rubio Monocoat introduced the Rubio Monocoater. This was a gigantic success due to the compact set up, which is also highly versatile and efficient. The Rubio Monocoater is 4m long and 1.2m wide and consists of a central base onto which four units are mounted with three separate conveyor belts. It is possible to set and adjust all functions conveniently and precisely via the control panel. The working width is 300mm and the machine is supplied ready for use. In view of the compact, yet practical shape of this machine, the Rubio Monocoater is an ideal tool for any finisher. It is worthwhile for both floor fitters who are just starting with pre-finished parquet and old hands who are looking for another line with versatile capacities. There are two different versions on offer: the 300 E is fully electric, whilst the 300 M has a few functions which are operated manually via a handle. Naturally, the price varies according to the model and the required options, but the most important thing for floor fitters is that they can obtain a qualitative solution which is affordable and does not take up too much space.

Although you can, of course, use any oil whatsoever with this machine, the Rubio Monocoater has been designed mainly for an oil finish with Rubio Moncoat Oil. Furthermore, the switchable brushes can carry out scores of preliminary operations and many people often opt for pre-colouring with the RMC Pre-colour Easy-range. The simple and efficient concept of this line means it is now within everyone’s reach to create personalised collections.

Paoloni Onelio & Figlio Since 2001, Paoloni Onelio & Figlio has been producing machines for impregnating, oiling, and lacquering automatically. Paoloni Onelio & Figlio is ready to serve both big manufacturers and smaller companies. This manufacturer presents a full range of machines for treating wooden floors: oiling, lacquering, painting, and varnishing, and with waterborne or solventborne products. A best-seller in the range is the Minitunnel, a compact machine which, amongst other things, can apply oil or lacquer to parquet or apply colour to wooden floorboards. A special feature of this machine is the fact that it applies the finish to vertical planks. The roller can be replaced very quickly whenever you wish to apply another product or colour. Paoloni Onelio & Figlio also has a machine for finishing outdoor floors, namely the Tunnel Decking. Over 40 companies have tested the Minitunnel with oils and lacquers from all over the world. Anyone acquiring a machine can count on training from Paoloni Onelio & Figlio. Small and medium-sized parquet companies are the main target group. The fact that the investment required is no more than €9000 is part of the explanation for that.

Soest Soest has compact lacquering and oiling machines in its range, which make it financially worthwhile for floor fitters to apply the finish themselves. Apart from the fact that these machines take up little space, they are easy to operate and clean so that you can change colour within 10 minutes. This flexibility is important because floor fitters have several jobs a day with all sorts of different treatments. Soest believes that the application of lacquer has been making a comeback in recent years. In the past, people applied a lot of UV lacquers, but later oiled floors took over that mantle. However, it now seems that lacquered floors are gradually coming back into fashion. Amongst other things, Soest has noticed this in the sales of its lacquering machines. It is not possible to apply lacquer properly with an oiling machine, but you can apply oil properly with a lacquering machine. Since oil always has to be polished or brushed once applied, a simple roller machine is basically sufficient. Lacquers are no longer polished or brushed.

And so, these machines face higher demands, as the lacquer always has to be applied perfectly. That’s why clients are opting more and more for a lacquering machine to apply oil, because these machines apply the product perfectly so that polishing and brushing are hardly necessary. To ensure proper application, a lacquering machine is always fitted with a rubber application roller and a metal metering roll. This makes it possible to give a very fine adjustment and dose.

An oiling roller can also be designed more simply with a rubber application roller and an oil reservoir with squeegee. Furthermore, a lacquering machine also has doctor blades on the rollers and the metering roll can rotate in reverse i.e. in the opposite direction to the application roller. Seeing that the metering roll rotates in ‘reverse’, a very rigid lacquer film forms on the application roller. This is applied particularly when you apply the finishing coat.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Another big difference is that a lacquering machine is fitted as standard with a conveyor belt instead of a rollers. A belt is always flat and therefore offers better support whilst the lacquer or oil is being applied. Furthermore, with a belt it is possible to convey very short sections (e.g. 15cm long), whereas you cannot do this with rollers.

Tover Tover presents in collaboration with the Italian Company PAOLONI a revolutionary semi-industrial oiling and lacquering machine for parquet: MINI-TUNNEL. The machine shows many attractive features: it is compact and particularly easy to use. It is completely automatic and the only one on the market working with planks in vertical position. The standard working speed enables to coat around 9 linear mt./minute. The cleaning operations are short and gives the opportunity to change finishing products or color quickly. Also the cost represents a very good argument: with a relatively small investment, the customer can benefit from the numerous advantages of the machine.

Another extraordinary specific characteristic of Minti-Tunnel is its extreme versatility: thanks to different types of application accessories (sponge rollers, rubber rollers, tannin extractors , sprays etc‌ ) it is indeed possible to apply transparent and colored oils (Tover Olio Antico, L’Olio 100%), water-based sealers and lacquers (like Idrofondo H20, Uniqua, Home), ageing oxidizing agents (Antique, Fossil, etc) and stains.

With respect to a finishing on site, especially if one talks about

colored products, the result is better in terms of homogeneity.

The quantity of product applied is regular and the coat is uniform without overlapping. The drying process made in laboratory is monitored and this grants a major resistance to the floor finishing against scratches and wear. These are some of the reasons why Mini-Tunnel meets such a great success among installers and parquet producers all over the world.

VEC VEC offers complete machine lines with metering roll machines and reverse roller machines for applying oils, waxes, lacquers, and stains accurately. The machines are designed to apply oils, waxes, and stains often in combination with buffing and brushing modules and can be supplied in several widths. The line has a compact structure and can be supplied in various lengths and operating widths. The system is modular in structure and, now or in the future, can be extended to include extra polishing modules, entry systems, sanding modules, and such like. There are various lacquering systems available, including 1 and 2-component waterborne lacquers, Hydro UV lacquers, and 100% UV lacquers.

Lacquers are often applied in several coats so that intermediate sanding plays an important part in obtaining a good end result. A UV dryer is needed for drying UV lacquers. The application of a lacquer is more labour intensive as compared to applying an oil.

Several work phases are required. Some oil makers also supply UV oils. These products combine the benefits of applying an oil with the setting of UV lacquer in a single product.

Special Small and medium-sized modulair oil and lacquer machines

> continued from page 20

PROTECTS AND COLOURS YOUR WOOD IN ONE SINGLE LAYER

HYBRID WOOD PROTECTOR

PIGLET

www.rubiomonocoat.com

DRAGONFRUIT

POPPY

VEGGIE

SUNSET

LAGOON

NEW: POP COLOURS! visit the new www.floor-forum.com

SUNFLOWER

DOLPHIN

Floor Forum International 61

ONE OIL, ONE COAT INSIDE & OUT!

21

Oak parquet with Soild’Oil, Blanchon premium Hard Wax oil for prestigious new museum in Marseille (F) Project Blanchon (F)

MuCEM project Early in June, the Southern French port city of Marseille witnessed the opening of a gem of a museum, namely the MuCEM (Museum of the Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean). Visitors can brush up their knowledge on civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea and at the same time enjoy a sober, yet attractive oiled oak wooden floor spread over 3800sqm on three floors. Rudy Ricciotti firm of architects was responsible for the project. They were looking for the anthencity and warmth of oiled parquet and they found it in the shape of Solid’Oil from Blanchon. This premium hard wax oil gives the wood a warm look with an incredible silk touch as well as a state-of-the-art protection against the high traffic pressure of the visitors and it also provides the required low maintenance.

Cultural capital of Europe The opening of the MuCEM was part of Marseilles-Provence 2013, in which the Southern French city is the cultural capital of Europe for a whole year. The MuCEM is located near Fort SaintJean on the edge of Marseille legendary ancient port. It is composed of three buildings, the most striking one of the three is the J4, a glass cube covered by a sort of taut concrete net, giving the whole structure an attractive and futurist appearance.

Deep impregnation with Solid’Oil The oak wooden planks were supplied by Design Parquet and finished with Blanchon 2K Solid’Oil in a natural colour. Blanchon chemists and on-site specialists came to the site to give the fitters a hand to start the 3800sqm finishing a state-of-the-art roller application, namely in the direction of the wood grain. Then, they used single disc buffing machines fitted with a beige pad in order to ‘massage’ the oil nicely into the wood. This phase was extremely important because the wood needed to be saturated deeply so that every fibre was protected by the Solid’Oil. This job

Floor Forum International 61

Floating wooden floor on joists The floor fitters for the job were ‘Parquets d’hier et d’aujourd’hui’ from nearby Saint-Martin, founded in 2005 by Olivier Édouard.

His team were responsible for fitting the wide solid oak planks onto a base of wooden beams. The oak planks were glued three by three onto a wooden base, and, in turn, these came to rest on the joist structure. Only one in two of the 3-plank bases were

nailed onto the structure, meaning that one out of two of the boards can be lifted to access hidden key elements required for the installation of temporary exhibitions. Then Olivier Edouard opted for a three-phase sanding with grains of 36, 60, and 100 to get it ready to receive the final finishing touches.

22

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> continued from page 22

Large surfaces When the job was done, Olivier Édouard expressed his satisfaction with the use of Blanchon Solid’Oil 2K: “This was no small assignment: we had to treat several floors with a total surface area of 3800m² in one session. This proved to be perfectly feasible thanks to the help of two single-disc machines. The first buffing machine ensured that Solid’Oil 2K soaked deeply and evenly into the wood, whilst the second one provided the polished and attractive matt look. The Solid’Oil 2K penetrates really deeply into the wood; we saw that from the pad on the second machine, which stayed virtually dry during use.”

Floor Forum International 61

Work site pressure The typical pressure and intensity during the completion of such prestigious building projects was sufficient proof of the exceptional protective quality of Blanchon Solid’Oil 2K. The oiling was done in December of last year. After that, numerous professionals turned up for the installation of the dividing walls and glass displays and, of course, several museum staff, who were responsible for the exhibition. During that period, the floor had to withstand all sorts of building footwear, tool boxes, pallets, and trolleys. Once the floor had been brushed and cleaned with Blanchon Natural Soap, it was clear that the floor had had no problem whatsoever in coping with all the chemical and mechanical stresses. The floor is now ready for many years of timeless appearance in a museum, which delivers an ode to the eternal cultures of the Mediterranean Sea.

Project Blanchon (F)

was completed last winter. To give the floor even more protection, they agreed with Tilman Reichert (from Ricciotti firm of architects) to apply an extra coat of Solid’Oil to saturate the pores of the oak wood as deeply as possible just before the opening.

This ensured an exceptional protection and decoration of the floor, making it ready for the high traffic of the mass of visitors at the official opening of the museum.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

23

THE CREATION OF AN ETERNAL BOND WITH CLIENTS Fitting a sports floor always represents a lucrative assignment for floor fitters. Not only the fitting itself, which is fairly straightforward since it usually means fitting a ‘floor system’, but also the resulting after-sales make these assignments extremely lucrative. The after-sales are generated partly through the supply of cleaning products, but also, eventually, in the long term, through total renovation. In other words, this is an attractive market and a ‘must’ in the floor fitter’s range.

Sports floor maintenance Varnished floors A sports floor finish consists of different operations, different products, and, especially, a sequence or procedure prescribed in advance by the maker of those products. At the end of the journey we get nothing but a varnished floor. Of course, this finish will have a number of specific features. The official European standard EN 14904:2006 stipulates requirements for both the construction of the floor and the finish. After all, these floors are subjected to extreme pressure: people jump on them and slide on them in rubber soles and such like. Furthermore, the required slip resistance is also ‘obtained’ by the finish of the floor.

the only professional way of renovating a sports floor is to sandpaper the entire floor pale, as is the case with all varnished parquet. In fact, it means repeating the entire starting procedure. As we have already said, providers of finishes for sports floors present their solutions as a system. Most systems are a compilation of a primer, a special varnish, and paint to mark the lines. There might be some differences in the procedure between existing systems; for example, with one producer it may be necessary to mark the lines at the end of the procedure, whilst with another this job should be done between two coats of varnish.

An overview from the industry : Blanchon

Floor Forum International 61

Sorts of maintenance products There can be no doubt that a sports floor needs to be maintained. Professional maintenance extends its lifespan. Usually, makers present two products. The first one is designed for the regular cleaning of varnished wooden floors. This is usually a concentrated (sometimes alkaline) detergent. Then there is a more powerful variant, which is used to clean the sports floor on a more occasional basis. This more powerful variant is generally ideal for removing stronger contaminants, body fat from the athletes, and shoe marks and black stripes from rubber soles.

24

Who does what?

The assignment to fit a sports floor is often given by local authorities, schools, or sports associations (clubs). These organisations are usually responsible for maintenance (e.g. cleaning team or local authority staff) themselves. For floor fitters, what it boils down to is that from the very beginning they recommend as ‘necessary’ the products which they sell. By doing so, they acquire ongoing after-sales of maintenance products and they also maintain their links with the clients, especially with one eye on later renovation.

Renovation of sports floors With full renovation of sports floors we speak basically of ‘tabula rasa’ (a blank slate). Although there have been cases where people have applied new coats of varnish and paint to existing coats,

For several years, Blanchon has presented a complete, waterborne system for finishing sports floors.

The Sport® “Doc Blanchon/ Blanchon glazers Parquets Singer” are waterborne and have two components. These varnishes include a certificate of suitability for sport and bear Emicode EC1R. Lines can be marked on top of this parquet varnish. For this purpose, Blanchon presents its new thixotropical paint, Peinture Sport® Tracés. This paint is based on polyurethane and is waterborne. This paint is supplied in two dosed kits, 900gr of varnish and 100gr of hardener, which have to be mixed at the time of use. The lines are applied in one coat.

Thanks to jelly-like viscosity, the varnish never runs under the marking tape. This tape needs to be removed immediately after application. The paint is available in the five European standard colours: white, yellow, red, black, and blue. Blanchon also presents its new Peinture Sport® Surfaces for colouring in zones.

This is available in seven colours and can be mixed extensively into 14 RAL colours and 17 other shades. The total drying time of the paints and the varnish comes to about one week. For maintenance Blanchon offers its Nettoyeur Protecteur Parquet.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

photo Blanchon

Special Sports floors : finishes and renovation

SPORTS FLOOR MAINTENANCE AND RENOVATION

Chimiver Panseri has a complete water-based system for the coating and maintenance of sport wooden floors.

ECOPRIME 2K SPORT is a twocomponent water based primer (5:1) used as first coat for the water based cycle over sport wooden floors. Thanks to the high solid content, ECOPRIME 2K SPORT has a high coverage property, able to fill the pore of the wood with a single coat.

Easy to sand and it gives a good tone to the wood.

ECOSTAR 2K Sport is a two components water-based polyurethane finish; it has the same technical characteristics of our standard ECOSTAR 2K; it has been formulated in order to meet the highest anti slip standard requirements for sport wooden floors. ECOSTAR 2K Sport is in conformity with European standards for sportive wooden floors meeting EN14904:2006 standard’s requirements. Hardness, distension, chemical and mechanical resistances put ECOSTAR 2K Sport on top of range’s quality. Chimiver Ecostar Line colors is range of single component water-based paint for marking lines. Available in any kind of RAL colors, is applied in between two coats of Ecostar 2K Sport.

F.Ball The Christ Church Sports Centre was used as a preOlympic training facility for London 2012. The frequent impacts common in sports had resulted in the existing floorcoverings beginning to lift and a new cushioned, vinyl sports floorcovering was specified to cope with the repeated impact.

F. Ball first recommended the mechanical removal of all previously applied surface preparation materials. Relative humidity tests indicated a high level of moisture present within the subfloor, necessitating the installation of a protective waterproof barrier.

The subfloor was thoroughly prepared, in preparation to receive Stopgap F76, a one coat, solvent-free, epoxy resin system. In forming a waterproof membrane, F76 effectively suppresses excess moisture.

Stopgap P131, a general-purpose primer, was applied to promote adhesion of the heavy duty smoothing underlayment, Stopgap 300 HD, to the membrane. Stopgap 300 HD was specified for its high compressive and flexural strength. Styccobond F45 vinyl flooring adhesive was then used to secure the cushioned sports floorcovering to the subfloor.

ICA Group ICA Group recommends Puliwood for wooden sports floor maintenance. Puliwood is a neutral detergent for parquet which is diluted in water. For full renovation there is a full step-by-step plan. The floor needs to be sandpapered completely with grain 60-80. After that, the Filler FR499 is used (mixed with sawdust).

The floor is sandpapered with grain 80 and sanded completely with grain 120-150. The waterborne coating FA10 is then applied.

Drying time is at least two hours.

Coloured lines can be applied using the waterborne coating Sportlack. That is followed by a waterborne top coat of VPA208G5. This coating is applied again after some intermediate sandpapering.

Irsa Irsa presents a complete system for applying lines and finishing sports floors. As a rule, two products are used for finishing sports floors: the Irsa Playing Field Markings for the lines and the Irsa Wood Seal 2010 VOC High Solid (silk matt) for the finish. And so, these products are used for full renovation. For cleaning and maintaining sports floors, Irsa presents the Irsa Aqua Star R9. This cleaner is recommended for varnished, oiled, or waxed floors both for wood, cork, and bamboo and for PVC. This product is highly concentrated. Irsa Aqua Star R9 is particularly suitable for gymnasia and sports halls because of its anti-slip property, pursuant to DIN 18032 part 2.

Lecol LOBADUR® WS 2K FUSION is a dual component semi-matt, extra matt, or extreme matt waterborne varnish on a 100% polyurethane base. LOBADUR® WS 2K FUSION is a waterborne varnish with extremely high durability, strong elasticity, and outstanding chemical resistance. LOBADUR® WS 2K FUSION is a varnish which preserves the natural colour of the wood and is environmentallyfriendly. This varnish is easy to apply, dries through exposure to air, and is non-inflammable. LOBADUR® WS 2K FUSION is suitable for all chip resistant glued parquet and other high traffic wooden floors. This varnish has only a limited use on floating floors and is not suitable for kambala (iroko). It is suitable for parquet on floor heating. As far as maintenance is concerned, Lecol Anti-Slip Polish OH47 is the product to be applied. On exotic wood sorts you should use Lecol Pro Tech Primer, a primer with an insulating effect. This also reduces the chance of streaks on sensitive sorts of wood such as beech. It is also possible to apply Lecol Twin Tone® Start and Lecol Twin Tone® Start Colour White as primers. Materials which contain softeners, such as carpet backs (foam or rubber), furniture, and chair legs, can cause discolouration in the coat of varnish.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Chimiver Panseri

Special Sports floors : finishes and renovation

> continued from page 24

25

> continued from page 25

Plastor For full renovation Plastor offers its own sport system.

With the parquet varnish PUR-T速 Sport, Plastor is entirely in line with the grip criteria laid down in EN 14904:2006. This varnish is a dual component parquet varnish based on polycarbonate resins for optimal impact resistance (250x that of glass) and high transparency. The varnish is available silky gloss and high-gloss. For marking lines Plastor offers a 2-component solventborne polyurethane paint. Thanks to the thixotropic texture, the paint does not run out between the marking strips. For beech and oak Plastor offers separate primers due to the differences between those sorts of wood. At Plastor, they are also well aware that a sports floor deserves sound maintenance. For occasional cleaning the range includes a Power Cleaner for local use on shoe marks or rubber. For a complete renewal Plastor has introduced a metallising parquet polish.

Tover Sportive floorings are submitted to very intense use and wear; so in order to increase their lifetime before renovation, specific products and procedures must be regularly adopted. For ordinary frequent cleaning, Tover proposes Sporfloor Cleaner, a sanitizing detergent to wash the floor and remove dirt, sweat and marks. For a deeper cleaning against heavy dirt like grease or even pitch residues after volleyball games, Tover recommends Sportfloor Remover to be used to wash the surface. For a periodical maintenance, a highly concentrated detergent, Sporfloor Cleaner N2 can be applied; it will remove black marks from shoes and wheelchairs and any other persistent spots and dirt. Besides its efficiency against dirt, it also helps to renew the antiskid properties of the surface. When renovation is necessary the first step is to sand the whole flooring to turn back to raw wood. Tover offers a complete waterborne system for sportive floors finishing in compliance with EN 14904 norm parameters. As first coat, it is recommended to apply Sportfloor Base 1K, a mono-component sealer, easy to apply on large surfaces and to sand. Once dry, after about three hours, it is sandable with a 220 grit net or a violet specific pad. The following operation is to define with an adhesive tape the lines and areas to be painted. Then Sportfloor Color, two-component paints available in many RAL colors must be applied in a single coat. After having removed the tape and when the paint is dry, the floor is ready for two coats of Sportfloor Finish, Tover two-component lacquer in conformity with the European norm in terms of antiskid properties, wear resistance and specular brightness. This lacquer has an extremely easy application and is particularly suitable for intense traffic.

HARD WAX OIL IS WINNING MORE AND MORE HEARTS Hard wax oil has different names in different languages, but we’re talking about the same product. Some producers like to use the name ‘hard wax oil’ because it sounds ‘tougher’ than some other names, but, strictly speaking, we are always talking here about a combination of natural wax and oil. More and more floor fitters are turning to this finish, not least because of its easy application. End clients/users are won over by the strong combination of superior protection and that character of a parquet floor from bygone days, namely natural, warm, and with a visible and tangible wood structure.

Protection through saturation The principle of a finish which creates a film as is the case with varnish is completely different to saturating the wood. We create a film all over the wood when we apply a varnish finish. The result, of course, is that the real pattern of the wood is no longer as tangible. With saturation, the pores of the wood are filled.

And so, there is no film-forming coat, but the wood is filled to the top so that dirt and water cannot penetrate inside the wood.

The coat which is left on top of the wood surface with saturation is still open.

With beeswax We can state with certainty that we can never produce a 100% imitation of the character of floors from bygone days. After all, that character was the result not only of a product, but also, and especially, a working method. Year after year, the floor was maintained by treating it with wax. In other words, maintenance meant both nourishing the wood and maintaining the level of

saturation. Floors which were treated in this way for years on end have a warm and unique sheen.

With oil When we consider that it is now more tolerable to maintain such floors (in museums and public buildings) because workers use a buffer, the move towards saturation with oil is logical. After all, the buffer heats the wax gently so that it becomes more fluid. Oil has always been a popular finish for wooden floors. Here, too, the operation is based on the principle of saturation or impregnation. Since oil has an impregnating effect and fills the pores of the wood without creating a sealed film, it completely preserves direct contact with the wood and the warm feeling thereof. Even the odour of an oiled floor seems more natural.

Oil + wax = wax oil The first logical step in the development of the use of beeswax was, of course, that you use oil to saturate the wood and then apply the beeswax afterwards as a hard, protective, and moisture-repellent top coat. It goes without saying that the change to wax oil and/or hard wax oil was no longer great. From then on, the hard labour of bygone days was replaced by a simple treatment with only one product. Some products make it possible to apply just one coat as a finish.

Hard wax oil and ‘distressed’ As far as varnish makers are concerned, the success story of distressed floors is not exactly a blessing. After all, distressed floors are no longer a trend. They are one of the many ‘options’ which clients can choose for a wooden floor. During their emergence over the past decade, distressed floors have conquered a considerable market share. In both traditional interiors and hyper-modern homes there is a fair chance of finding a distressed wooden floor. It goes without saying that there is no question of applying a varnish finish to these distressed floors. This is not only due to the desired contact with the wood and, in this case, its flaws, but also for purely practical reasons: lacquering a distressed floor would make it impossible to renovate or re-treat the floor

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Varnish and the rest Film or no film – that is the question. We have often put the various finishes for parquet and wooden floors in a certain subdivision. Usually, we have arrived at the same list: wax, oil, and varnish. Wax oil and hard wax oil came on the scene later. Even more recent are the oil-like finishes which operate not so much on the basis of a mechanical principle (e.g. filling pores or saturating), but rather by means of entering into a chemical compound with the wood fibres. However we look at it, a division can simply be made between finishes which create a film and those which don’t. That leaves you with varnish on the one hand and the rest on the other. The natural character of the finished floor has always been the main argument cited in favour of the rest. However, the emergence of matt and ultra-matt varnishes means that that argument is somewhat out of date. The main advantage of wax, hard wax, and oil is still that you can’t damage a film if you don’t have one. However scratch-resistant a varnish may be, any damage will always be visible. Patchwork repairs are not an option.

Special Hard wax oil

HARD WAX OIL IS BOTH PRACTICAL AND DECORATIVE

27

> continued from page 27

without removing the effects of the distressing process. And so, hard wax oil has profited to a good extent from that market share claimed by distressed floors.

Advantages of hard wax oil The main advantage of hard wax oil for floor fitters is its easy application. The procedure for applying depends on the product.

With some brands the hard wax oil is applied in two coats, whilst others can be applied in a single work session (see below).

Special Hard wax oil

Outstanding protection For users a hard wax oil finish means outstanding protection and a floor which is easy to clean. The fact that the wax film stays more or less flexible ensures that the protective coat cannot burst or crack. Any damage or local wear and tear (on heavy traffic sections) can be repaired or freshened up in patches, something which is impossible with a varnished floor. Just as with oil (and formerly with beeswax), maintenance in some respects is the equivalent of ‘nourishing’.

Easy to clean and maintain The film created on the floor by a hard wax oil gets stronger as the years go as the floor is cleaned. Cleaning is fairly simple. An ordinary cleaning session means vacuum cleaning first, followed by mopping with a well wrung cloth. A ‘cleaner’ can be added to the water. To clean and nourish the floor, manufacturers offer maintenance wax or oil.

Applying hard wax oil The way in which you have to apply a hard wax oil varies according to the brand of oil. Yet we find a number of common procedures which always apply.

Substrate preparation The surface has to be dry and free of grease, dust, dirt, and any old wax or varnish residue. The bare wood must never be cleaned with water under any circumstances. New floors and floors with old wax or varnish residue need to be sandpapered using grains 40, 80, and 120. For wood engineered or traditional parquet floors you use grains 80 and 120. Once you have sanded with grain 80, you need to erase any seams or cracks with wood filler.

The surface is then sanded again with grain 120.

Procedure Just about all hard wax oils are products which are ready for use.

And so, you never have to dilute them and they only need to be stirred well. The application procedure depends on the product.

Some brands require the application of two coats, whilst others can be applied in a single working session. In the case of two layers, you first apply a thin coat and leave it for 24 hours to dry. You apply the second coat in the same way. Some producers recommend a treatment with maintenance oil about two weeks after the floor is treated. For single coast systems you need to read the maker’s instructions carefully as regards the quantities to be used and the method of application.

www.progressprofiles.com

Floor Forum International 61

studioverde

Masterpieces to highlight

28

With a glance always oriented to the future.

Skirtings and Trims

Only Progress Profiles offers you a full range of skirtings and trims meeting every single need.

When beauty makes the difference.

New series have enriched our wide range of finishes: black line, with anodized, polished, brushed and crepè finishes and tuscany line, dedicated to modern country style.

Eye-catching details, it’s difficult to overlook them.

Exposure for show room

Progress Profiles SpA

Certificated company UNI EN ISO 9001:2008

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> continued from page 28

Adesiv Adesiv offers the hard wax oil Paviolio 25.

Paviolio 25 is a natural emulsion of oil and wax which is suitable for impregnating polished wooden floors.

The oil gives the floor a clearer effect. Bring the product to the correct temperature before use. Spread it with a roller or paint brush.

The amount of product applied before each application is extremely important. Surplus oil must be removed with a cloth within 30 to 40 minutes. The wood moisture content must be between 8 and 12% for the application of the Paviolio 25, the temperature has to be between 15 and 25°C, and the air humidity must not exceed 75%.

benefit. Moreover, Blanchon’s hard wax oil also offers endless possible applications as regards finishes (tints, wood tones, and shades of colour). Apart from the ‘Huile-cire’, Blanchon also presents its ‘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 deep down.

Thanks to the composition of the hard wax oil, which is very rich in natural and renewable raw materials, it dries very quickly and with hardly any odour. Solid Oil is practical and economical in use. The range of colour shades makes just about all decorative applications possible. In the Natural shade there are two finishes, namely satin and ultra-matt. Thanks to the very low proportion of volatile organic compounds, it is sufficient in most cases to finish with only one coat. Blanchon also offers ‘Huile d’entretien’ for cleaning all floors finished with oil or wax oil, including prefinished oiled floors.

Blanchon Blanchon’s hard wax oil (‘Huile-cire dure’) offers nothing but benefits for both floor fitters and end users. The ease of application is one thing, but the speed and simplicity of cleaning is another

Special Hard wax oil

What’s on the market?

For wood, the natural choice!

Floorservice Hardwax-oil Classic and Floorservice Hardwax-oil Pro give every parquet and hardwood floor a natural beauty.

Floor Forum International 61

After treatment the floor can be easily cleaned and maintained with Floorservice Parquet Cleaner and Maintenance oil!

Overmat Industries b.v. | Scharlo 11 | NL-5165 NG Waspik | The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0) 416 31 77 88 | Internet: www.overmat.nl | E-mail: info@overmat.nl

visit the new www.floor-forum.com FFi50_ADESIV.indd 1

8/12/11 14:43

29

> continued from page 29

Special Hard wax oil

Ciranova

Ciranova has various sorts of hard wax oils, which are available in trendy and traditional colours. Hard Wax Oil is a fast-drying parquet oil with outstanding durability, good filling, and good chemical and mechanical resistance. It is available in 16 different colours. Hard Wax Oil can be applied with a brush, roller, or cloth.

Hard Wax Oil Magic is a modified parquet oil with outstanding durability, good filling, and a natural colour. Hard Wax Oil Magic is very matt and does not glisten. It is possible to improve its durability through the addition of a harder UA. Hard Wax Oil Magic Natural and Natural White can also be used as insulators for waterborne stains so that you can later apply coats of waterborne varnish. Hard Wax Oil Full Solid is a single coat system. This highfilling dual component parquet oil, which is based on high-quality natural oils, guarantees excellent durability, a natural colour, and good chemical and mechanical resistance. This Full Solid dries very quickly. It has to be mixed with an activator. Hard Wax Oil Full Solid Natural and Natural White can also be varnished over.

Floor Forum International 61

Chimiver Panseri

30

Chimiver Panseri presents its new product LIOS HARD WAX BIOIL 3D which is a product based on natural oils and waxes that gives to the treated wood a warm and smooth look, typical of natural oil finishes. Its excellent impregnating power makes it ideal for direct treatment of wood; the second coat protects and gives depth enhancing the wood grain. LIOS HARD WAX BOIL 3D doesn’t have symbols of danger and is almost odorless.

Product can be applied by brush or roller and its ordinary maintenance has to be done with LIOS SOFT BALM. Floorservice The hard wax oils from Floor Service penetrate deep into the wood without sealing the pores due to their ingenious composition. This means that the wood can still breathe and, since a top layer does not form, the wood retains its natural structure.

Any floor which is finished with Floor Service Hard Wax Oil is

guaranteed high durability and strong scratch-resistance and is waterproof (+ product durability according to DIN 68861/1A).

Moreover, this makes the floor resistant to saliva and sweat (according to DIN 53160) and the floor is also child-friendly since it meets the requirements for coping with children’s toys (according to EN 71). Furthermore, the hard wax oils from Floor Service also meet the anti-slip R9 standardisation. All sorts of parquet and wooden floors can be treated with the Floor Service range.

The products are made on a base of vegetable oils and waxes and meet the VOC EU directive 2012. Apart from Hard Wax Oil Classic, there is also the Colour Hard Wax Oil Classic, Hard Wax Oil (Colour) Pro, and Hard Wax Oil Profiline (Colour). The Colour hard wax oils are available in 27 colours. They can also be combined with the Floor Service primer Prime Old Grey, which gives a grey and distressed effect. Hard Wax Oil Pro has been developed specially for professional floor fitters.

Irsa Irsa presents three hard wax oils, namely Irsa HP Oil, Irsa HP Oil Rapid (2 coats/100g/m²), and the Irsa Natural High Solid Oil-Wax (1 coat/10g/m²).

Irsa oils can be used for floors, wall furnishings, furniture, and for wood or cork. In other words, Hard Wax Oil from Irsa is for Universal application for hardwood, softwood, and exotic sorts of wood (for indoors), OSB, industrial parquet, wood blocks, stairs, window ledges, and such like. The hard wax oil can be used for floors with normal and heavy traffic. The floors are given a strong and anti-static protection and can still breathe normally. After the treatment, the floor has a silk matt appearance, whilst the wood grains are highlighted. The oils are waterproof and dirt-proof.

Lecol Lobasol® Markant has been developed specially for impregnating untreated wooden floors, parquet, and cork. It is made of natural waxes and modified natural oils. Using Lobasol® Markant makes the floor scratch-resistant, dirt-proof, and waterproof. Cleaning and maintenance with waxes or with the Lobasol Cleaner become easier. With the ready-to-use colour version, you colour

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> continued from page 30

and protect the floor with just one coat. There is a choice of six modern and transparent colours. Lobasol® Markant Colour is available in 10 wood colours and is applied in two coats. The consumption of both hard wax oils is 750 ml/30m².

component hard wax oil, which consists of an A component (oil) and a B component (accelerator). This product can be applied both industrially and in the workshop. The A component can also be used separately. For special UV drying lines there is the RMC Oil UV R2. The oil from the unique flame-retardant RMC FR Oil System is a hard wax oil with the same characteristics as RMC Oil Plus 2C, but in a modified, flame-retardant version.

Rubio Monocoat All Rubio Monocoat Oils are hard wax oils, whether they are for the industry or for use in the workshop. These oils are the only ones on the market based on the revolutionary technology of molecular binding, the most important aspect of which is that you can apply colour and durable protection in just one coat. Moreover, RMC Oil can be applied to all sorts of wood and the products are resistant to heat and water. Moreover, a floor treated with RMC Oil is very easy to clean! Here is a summary: RMC Oil Plus 2C is a dual

One component colourless coat based on natural oils and waxes for woodflooring and planks with moderate to average traffic, tables and worktops. STAUF Hardwaxoil is dirt resistant, water repellent and enhances the natural wood color with a velvet surface. The oil should be applied with a suitable roller crosswise (first apply across and then spread lengthwise) in a quick and even motion.

Tover Hardwax oils are born to improve resistance properties of an oiled floor against wear and spots. The blend of natural oils and hard waxes guarantees a quality level much superior to traditional products.

The application of a unique coat is enough to get a finishing suitable for high traffic, rich, homogeneous and natural. Tover offers Crema d’Olio and its solvent-free version L’Olio 100%, available in clear and 27 standard colors. One of the specific characteristics of Tover hardwax oils is the extreme easiness of application with a brush, an wax-spreader or a spatula. A brand new product has been introduced at the end of 2012: an oil crosslinker (Oil-Linker); this solvent free additive transforms the hardwax oil into twocomponents, increasing the product water-proofing action and speeding up the final curing time. The wooden floor is much more protected against spots and the first maintenance treatment can be done after only 7 to 10 days.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Osmo Polyx®-Oil Tints – tinted for individual creativity Osmo Polyx®-Oil Tints are microporous, hardwearing, extremely durable and based on natural oils and waxes. They are ideal for wood surfaces and cork. For a transparent colored optic the Polyx®-Oil Tints should be applied thinly along the wood grain and brushed out thoroughly. After drying a final coat should be applied of one of the Osmo clear Polyx®-Oils. Now the surface is water- and dirt-repellent and resistant to all kind of drinks. The wood retains its natural appearance and feel, the finish leaves an even and harmonic optic. Polyx®-Oils are also easy to refresh and damaged areas can be simply repaired without having to sand the entire surface.

Special Hard wax oil

Stauf

31

Company visit Chimiver Panseri SpA (I)

“Commitment to greener products and ingenious renovation solutions …”

“Ecological solutions are becoming increasingly important as we move towards tomorrow’s world. At the same time, we in Italy and the rest of Europe are inevitably going to be paying more and more attention to renovation instead of new construction. Those elements are at the forefront of Chimiver’s product development,” says Nevio Panseri of parquet chemical specialist Chimiver.

Stable company thanks to innovation Chimiver is based in Pontida, near Bergamo, in Northern Italy and is currently erecting new premises on its site: offices, a production plant, and research laboratories (see frame piece). Despite the difficulties facing the Italian economy and building industry, Chimiver is holding its own, according to Nevio Panseri. He says: “There is little construction work at present and several building companies have gone bankrupt. Our figures for 2012 show a slight drop in turnover, but they also reveal growth in the product segments in which we are highly innovative. We’re seeing this particularly in the segment for waterborne varnishes and products for outdoor wood. Our exports are also doing well.” In all this, Chimiver continues to focus on its speciality, namely the world of parquet and all products required for specialist and professional fitting.

Ecological and healthier products Chimiver’s recently launched products also show the path which the company wants to follow. “Although some people are sceptical of ecological products, we’re convinced that this is the way ahead for our industry. Due to new environmental standards and also because professionals realise that it is better for themselves and their clients, ecological products will always come to the fore in the long term. In this respect you only have to look at the modified composition of our range of 2K epoxy polyurethane glues.

These glues are now completely odourless.”

Solutions for renovation projects “Another trend which we are observing and which will emerge more in the years ahead is the growing proportion of renovation in the building industry,” Nevio Panseri says. “In Italy we have a lot of old properties and studies have shown that about 36% of

Floor Forum International 61

Sharing practical experience Innovative products which make life easier for professionals require an appropriate set up within the company. Nevio Panseri explains, “We have a team of 12 people split up into work groups.

Every day, they work in the Laboratories on research, testing, and improving chemical formulations. At the same time, we’ve been working together intensively with various partners and clients for years. We hear from them what they like, what they think can be

improved, and other challenges which they’re facing. This gives us a broad view of the parquet world and results in new and better products for floor fitters. We adopt this approach in a spirit of openness and transparency. This is why we’ve also created our own Chimiver Channel on You Tube. This keeps people informed of our latest developments and shows them how to use the products efficiently.”

32

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> continued from page 32

Liquid Sander An innovation which fits in with this perspective is the Liquid Sander (‘Levigatore Liquido’). This is a product which can be applied to ceramic tiles to guarantee the adhesion of silane adhesives. “Using Liquid Sander means that there is no need for floor fitters to sandpaper the tiles to ensure the adhesion of the glue. It goes without saying that this also saves a lot of time. Moreover, it also removes the nuisance of dust caused by sandpapering,” Nevio Panseri explains.

quickly. It is possible to do some intermediate sanding or apply a new coat of varnish within two hours of application. “The Ecorapid 1H ZCH saves lots of waiting time and often a lot of extra kilometres travelling in the car. Moreover, this primer has outstanding scores for all other parameters: a high proportion of solid matter, easy to sandpaper, no discolouration of the wood, whilst the wood grain structure ‘rises to the surface’.”

Ecorapid 1H ZCH Another profitable innovation is the Ecorapid 1ZCH, a waterborne 1K PU acrylate primer for wooden floors which dries extremely

Floor Forum International 61

New corporate offices for production and research Anyone visiting the Chimiver headquarters in Pontida, near Bergamo, will witness a largescale building project. At present, contractors are erecting new corporate offices and a new production plant. This will include a state-ofthe-art new production line for waterborne varnishes, but also new laboratories for production development and new warehouses. All together the new premises under construction take up a surface area of 2400m². The company hopes to start using this new infrastructure in the spring of 2014.

Company visit Chimiver Panseri SpA (I)

homes are in need of restoration and renovation. This trend towards renovation will also emerge more and more in other countries. For us this means that we are committed to producing useful chemical products for floor renovation.”

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

33

Floor Forum International 61

Special Producers of Hungarian point and fish bone

photo Z-Parket

34

OLD FITTING PATTERNS RETURN :

HUNGARIAN POINT AND HERRINGBONE ARE MAKING AN ENTICING COMEBACK The architectural industry resembles gastronomy to a certain extent: now and then, the chef combines modern day ingredients with typical tastes from the past to create a surprising taste. Or more: regional recipes are spiced up with flavours and ingredients from elsewhere. This is called ‘fusion kitchen’ and it has gradually spread worldwide. The combination of classic and modern elements in the interior has been popular for a while. Wooden floors are the ideal means of pulling off this combination. Herringbone parquet and Hungarian point are coming back into fashion.

photo BJ Parket

A Look back The term ‘Parquet en Pointe d’ Hongrie’ was used for the first time in the 17th century in the time of Louis XIV in France. This parquet design and the herringbone pattern were used regularly for decorating important places in castles.

During this period, both fitting patterns stood firm and effortlessly survived the styles of Louis XIV, XV and XVI. Hungarian point and herringbone never really went away. After World War I, the production of parquet flourished, in general. Improved technical equipment, not least the first four-sided planing machines, contributed to much higher production capacities. Manufacturers were therefore able to anticipate the increasing demand for parquet for private homes and apartments. From this point in time, the Bourgeoisie in Paris played an increasingly important role in the distribution of Hungarian point. At that time, parquet flooring in Hungarian point was so popular that it was, at one time, called ‘le parquet Haussmannien’, a logical reference to the Boulevard Haussmann where luxury apartments were being built at a tempo never seen before. Over the past 30 years, both fitting patterns fell out of favour for a while: they were perceived as dated and utterly unfashionable.

Today, however, they are making a comeback in the most unexpected interior combinations.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> continued from page 34

What’s the difference?

Herringbone parquet and Hungarian point are very similar in terms of the look and the effect upon an area. Here is a summary of all the essential differences.

Herringbone Herringbone parquet strips are rectangular and that is also the most important difference between this type of parquet and Hungarian point. Herringbone parquet flourishes when outlined with a border and with locking frieze (a band of strips that are positioned at right angles in the direction of the parquet). The border is often finished in a (darker) tropical or exotic wood.

Herringbone strips are usually 9mm in thickness. Strip sizes do not really come in standard measurements. In other words, theoretically, you can fit herringbone parquet in all conceivable strip sizes. Even so, there is one clear rule: you need a big room if you want to use large strips. Otherwise, the fitting pattern loses its effect completely. A frequently requested size entails strips of 7 by 40cm. In bygone days, these strips would have been considered ‘large’ strips since there was a time when herringbone was laid with 22mm by 16cm strips. To achieve a broader look, herringbone strips have sometimes been fitted in patterns of two parallel strips (double herringbone).

Hungarian point Whereas herringbone floorboards resemble a rectangle, Hungarian point is shaped like a parallelogram. Strip crosscuts are sawed at an angle of 45 or 60°. After the fitting, with crosscut ends connected, two strips form a 90 ° angle (when sawed at 45°) or a 120° angle, which is not as sharp (when sawed at 60°).

An interconnecting frieze is sometimes placed between the rows.

The entirety of strips sawed at angles and the alternating interconnecting frieze strips lend a ‘symmetrical’ look to the floor. The symmetrical decor with parallel parquet strips or rows create the effect of two different colours when the incidence of light varies.

What do they have in common?

Herringbone and Hungarian point are fitted in the same way. The solid wood strips are glued and nailed to the subfloor, which, in turn, is glued to the screed (traditional parquet method). As a rule, explicit preference is given to an oak mosaic subfloor.

Nevertheless, chipboard or OSB plates are being used more and more frequently, mainly to reduce the cost price of the floor.

There is, however, no doubt at all that an oak mosaic subfloor will provide the most stable floor. Considering the cost price for herringbone parquet or Hungarian point, it is also advisable to use the best subfloor. Herringbone parquet (14mm) is also available in a tongue and groove system. Specific to these types of floors is that you need two types of strips, namely ‘a left and a right’.

When the groove is on the left side and the tongue is on the right side, the other strip must be just the opposite, and vice versa: after all, you work with a mirror image.

Oak keeps on scoring A historical reputation Strictly speaking, Hungarian point and herringbone can be fitted flawlessly in all (stable and hard) wood types. Manufacturers do, sporadically, receive requests to produce such floors in wenge, iroko, or merbau. Apart from these requests, oak’s share in these fitting patterns, is overwhelmingly high. Oak is used for 85 to 90% of all floors. The reason for this is rather simple: in Europe,

B.J. Parket BVBA I NDUSTRIESTRAAT 44 9240 Z ELE – BELGIUM TEL: +32 52 44 45 57 FAX : +32 52 45 06 71 E MAIL: INFO @ BJPARKET.BE WWW. BJPARKET. BE TRADITIONAL PARQUET MANUFACTURER

Style panels, end grain, distressed floors (different ageing techniques ‘sanded, brushed, tumbled, smoked and structured’)

Special Producers of Hungarian point and fish bone

> continued from page 35

oak is the wood most frequently used in all types of wood floors, therefore also for these special fitting patterns. There are several reasons for this phenomenon.

To some extent, the consumer’s preference is historically founded. Oak is still the most ‘accessible’ wood type in our part of the world, and in the past it was practically the only available wood type.

People therefore spontaneously associate parquet flooring with oak. European oak is considered an extremely reliable and sustainable wood type, with a favourable density.

PARQUETERIE JANOD Parquet Manufacturer for 4 generations

Parquet manufacturer of parquet floors Hungarian Point and herringbone Versailles – Aremberg or Chantilly panels Or all models tailor-made

Floor Forum International 61

Parquet floors in Oak, French Walnut, Ash, Mapple, etc…

Solid wood and Multi-layer

36

Rue du Moulin 39130 DOUCIER – France Tél. +33 (0)3.84.25.71.69 - Fax +33 (0)3.84.25.76.24 E-mail : contact@parquets-janod.com Internet : www.parquets-janod.com

Versatile wood type One of the advantages of oak is that you can actually subject it to all possible treatments.

European oak is therefore perfectly suited to colour apphoto Mardegan Legno plications using stain, oil, or lacquer. Moreover, the grain also supports a large variety of tints. After all, European oak is exquisite in whitewash, and equally beautiful in red cherry or other dark antique colours. By adding a colour pigment to the oil, you can basically achieve any shade of colour. After all, European oak does absorb colour pigments readily. The coloured floor will therefore also keep the required colour over time. Furthermore, European oak lends itself better to numerous treatment options as compared to many other wood types. Treatments such as steaming, treatment with lye, smoking, or distressing can be implemented using oak, resulting in an even more extensive range of oak floor variants.

Professionals stand out Old fitting patterns, such as Hungarian point, herringbone, brick formation or English bond are the work of real experts. Offering these types of floors is not only worthwhile financially, but is also great for the floor fitter’s reputation. Let us be honest: with multi-layer wooden floors, equipped with a click system, manufacturers that install wooden floors are really doing something similar to a do-it-yourself job. Hefty competition for the expert, don’t you think? With these old fitting patterns, floor fitters have no reason to fear the DIY competitor. Fitting requires pure classic expertise and extensive experience. And so, experts can stand out from the rest.

From the industry As always, we posed questions to several manufacturers, with the aim of detecting trends and technical information. The unanimity was pronounced. The answers to our questions were almost identical. The most important details are: - there is a general return to these old fitting patterns; - these fitting patterns must be installed by an expert;

Shipments and deliveries in France and abroad

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

- dimensional aspects are crucial, both during fitting and during production; - oak is still the most popular wood sort; - the floors are available in solid wood and multi-layers; - here, too, distressed floors are extremely popular; - oil or hard wax oil is the most frequently used finish.

Our sincere thanks for the information provided by: Flamingo Parket, Yepp, Chapel, Sihe Wood, FB Hout, Design Parquet, Stile, Junkers, BJ Parket, Parador, Z-Parket, Fetim, Lalegno, Parqueterie Berrichonne, Bassano Parquet, Albers/Habo and Mardegan Legno. photo Design Parquet

Special Producers of Hungarian point and fish bone

> continued from page 36

heywood VLOEREN

Antique smoked & ivory oiled

Multiplank Knotting Hill & Antique Natural rough appearance with knots and cracks (KH) Untreated natural shrunken knots (KH) Visible stripes from the band saw (KH) Antique burned & brushed

Hand-carved surfaces and chamfers (A) Particular rustic appearance with knots and cracks (A)

Ask for the wide range of Heywood Vloeren, wholesaler / manufacturer of all kinds of wooden floors.

Knotting Hill characteristic knot

Heywood Vloeren B.V. Scheldestraat 30 NL 5347 JD Oss

The Netherlands +31(0) 412 657 428 www.heywoodvloeren.com

Special Computerisation and packaging

COMPACT IS A KEYWORD IN AUTOMATION PACKAGING: THE CALLING CARD FOR FLOORING Compact, compact, compact ... How come? Just as with ‘time’, ‘place’ is also money. We have to carry out more and more services and tasks in essentially limited spaces. It is the same with the production and finishing of parquet and wooden floors. From the cutting of the bars into strips, the milling of solid parquet or the construction of multi-layer parquet, to the finishing with oil, lacquer or hard wax, and, finally, the packaging and labelling of packages. Automation means producing more with the same number or even sometimes with fewer people and, now, even less space.

The compact production line For the production of laminate and multi-layer parquet and other products, just about all of the steps of the production process can be automated. Strictly speaking, the role of human beings can be limited to starting up and ending the process. The emergence of compact machines within this production line is due to two factors: the need to save space and the increased demand for smaller, personalised batches.

Floor Forum International 61

Saving space Without a doubt, commercial space is expensive, and you need a good deal of space for a traditional production line for parquet or laminate. A producer is expected to be able to supply quickly from stock, and this means that warehouses occupy additional space. A lot of space can be saved by putting compact machines in the chain. A good illustration of this is the transition from traditional drying paints or oils to UV drying. Air-drying requires much more space than UV drying.

38

Sawing Within an automated production line, the dimensions of the floorboards, amongst other things, are entered into the system and then the cutting of the strips or panels is carried out automatically. The computer calculates the most profitable way of cutting the wood.

Mechanical operations All mechanical operations that the floorboards will undergo are pre-programmed. Planing and sanding as well as milling the tongue and groove are directed by the computer (CNC machines).

The optional application of locking systems is also automatic.

Mounting In multilayer flooring, different layers are connected together into a solid mass. This is done by gluing. The machine carries out the assembly of the components (plates) as well as setting the glue dosage.

Smaller batches Large production lines are typically associated with mass production. Amongst other things, the high initial cost means that the machines must run continuously to be profitable. This is obviously difficult to reconcile with the increasing demand for smaller batches. With compact, user-friendly machines, it is usually possible to switch over quickly to other settings such as dimensions (setting sawing machines), treatment (brushing or sanding), finishing (colour, oil, or paint) etc. To this end, the components of these machines have to be quickly interchangeable.

Finishing Once the (mechanically) finished boards have a finishing layer, they can then enter an oil or paint line whether it is with or without UV drying. Certain actions such as distressing techniques (brushing or scraping) are also performed automatically.

Automated production Almost everything can be automated. In the production of multilayer laminate and parquet, this is no less true for all the phases of the production process. We’ll look at it all briefly:

The meaning of packaging Packaging has certainly been given a totally new meaning for the flooring industry. Anyone fitting parquet about 30 years ago could choose the size of the segments, the wood itself, and the finish.

The origin of the parquet played no part. Floor fitters ordered from their preferred flooring manufacturers and the boards were delivered stacked in the yard. These days, packaging not only has protective function, but also a communicative function.

Internal transport The removal of the initial pieces (beams, panels, and strips) from the storehouse and the supply of completely finished products to the warehouse usually take place via a conveyor belt. Even though a workman still often does the stacking at the start and the unloading at the end of the belt, this too, strictly speaking, can be automated.

Up to the packaging Measuring, labelling, registration, packaging ... the operator who inserted the rough floorboards now collects them via the return feed as neatly packaged, shop floor-ready packages.

Protection It used to be the case that you could say that a scratch on a wooden plank didn’t mean a thing. The floor still had to be sanded and

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

minor damage due to transport was removed through sanding.

Since more and more wooden flooring leaves the factory completely ready-made and ready for installation, we are now dealing with a very different situation now. The boards must be thoroughly protected like any finished product. While the boards used to be mainly packed in cardboard, we now have an additional packaging film. Cardboard is protected against mechanical damage (e.g. knocks and dents), but not against moisture. The combination of cardboard and foil provides the ultimate protection.

Marketing & Communications As we have already said, flooring manufacturers (certainly smaller ones) disappeared into the anonymity of their workshops. Today, we are seeing a development where parquet manufacturers (especially the larger ones) focus on brand development. This development has been going on for several years. This also means that the brand must be visible via the packaging. The packaging bears the information, both regarding the qualities of the product (number of m², thickness, dimensions, and finishing method) as well as information that is required by law such as the CE mark.

Automatic packaging The package is therefore the final piece of the automated production and the final action before the products enter the warehouse. We differentiate between three popular wrapping techniques.

The wrapping band Using this wrapping band, each pack is wrapped with two bands.

Often this is sufficient as the floorboards are sent directly to the floor fitter or when the floorboards are finished externally (oiling, staining, and varnishing). The wrapping band is usually placed in line with a packaging machine.

The packing machine The packing machine is one of the machines used to affix a shrink film around a stack of floorboards. A packing machine, as it were, pulls a bag around the product, so all four sides are sealed shut before it goes into the shrink tunnel (oven shrinkage). This method of packing has a high presentation level.

Wrapping foil machine A wrapping foil machine automatically wraps a stretch film around the product. The wrapping machine consists of an automatic conveyor belt which carries the stacked floorboards through a ring in which the film is rotated around the product at a speed of 45 rotations a minute. The machine input can be equipped with manual or automatic horizontal guides.

CSP Engineering CSP is a specialist in automation that provides solutions in various sectors, including automatic feeding and stacking on production lines. CSP Engineering has several leading flooring manufacturers

Special Computerisation and packaging

> continued from page 38

TIMBA & MINITIMBA

The complete system for wooden floor treatment!

Planetarium System

ing e look we ar ealers d r fo Easy Transport

NEW Spherical Wheels

Counter-Rotating Head 4 Hp Power

Spherical Wheels

1,5 Hp Power

Work in tight spaces

KLINDEX s.r.l. s.s. 5 Tiburtina Valeria, Km 209+200 65024 Manoppello (PE) Italy tel: +39 085 859 546 fax: +39 085 859 9224 mail: info@klindex.it web: www.klindex.it

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Dust Extractor

39

pub FF juin 2013 EN.pdf 10/06/2013 15:43:18

> continued from page 39

your parquet on your own

among its clients. In addition to the fact that the company offers various mechanisation solutions or even complete production lines for this and various other sectors, it has also developed a number of solutions specifically targeting the parquet industry.

1. select the color

among 20 variations on Oak and 20 other wood species boreal elixir

Especially for the flooring industry, CSP Engineering has developed the Par-Scan® parquet scanner. Par-Scan® measures, records, labels, and packages parquet packs without manual intervention.

eternel pyrennees pur C

ocean

M

J

CM

MJ

examples of colors

2. select the dimension

1190 x 150mm 1934 x 150mm 1934 x 194mm

CJ

CMJ

N

Par-Duo ® is specially designed for the run-through bonding of two-layer parquet with PU hotmelt. The machine makes it possible to bond up to 20m/min continually. It produces fixed or variable length and features a CNC-controlled accompanying crosscut saw. Par-Stack ® is an automatic stacking machine that stacks boards, loose or packed, neatly onto a pallet. The machine has a capacity of up to 8 packs per minute. For the input of four-sided planes, there is the Par-Feed® supply table. With Par-Info®, information for the end user (brochure) is finally added automatically. With PAR-Stock®, the manufacturer is aware of the quantity of each pack of floorboards in stock at any time.

3. select the grade

select rustique a rustique b tradition

4. select the range engineered parquet on hdf core

absolu 8 absolu 10 absolu 14

engineered parquet on multiplex core

prestige 10 prestige 14 prestige 19

Pre-finish techniques for parquet flooring Trivec offers a unique range of machines for pre finishing of parquet flooring. Pre finishing comprises all sorts of surface treatments like brushing, aging and finishing with oil, wax, lacquers or stains.

Trivec systems are modular and can be set up as ‘stand alone’ machines or as part of a complete Trivec finishing line with automatic feeding systems, infra red pre heating, polishing units and solutions for drying.

massif 14

5. different options

tongue / groove 0 or 2 bevels rough sawn multilayers

europlac le cabaret - 17210 chevanceaux - fr tel. 0033 5 46 04 66 88 www.europlac.eu info@europlac.eu

More information: www.trivec.eu Stuurboord 2 9206 BK Drachten The Netherlands

T F E W

+31 (0)512 510035 +31 (0)512 547950 info@vec.eu www.trivec.eu

www.parketmachines.nl

Finishing and maintaining exterior wooden frontage covering DURABILITY DETERMINES THE BEST FINISH In the previous edition we considered at length the advantages of wood for furnishing exterior walls. We briefly considered the finish of wooden exterior wall cladding. Obviously, taste plays a major part in choosing the correct finish. Depending on the durability class of the chosen wood, the project manager has several options for finishing exterior wall cladding. Below, first of all, we give an overview of the sorts of products available on the market and then we discuss the possible finishes in co-relation to the wood class.

High durability Highly durable wood sorts (heartwood in classes I-II) do not actually need any extra protection. Nevertheless, the wood does age under the influence of the climate and the surface starts to crack. It is possible to prevent this through the application of a transparent or non-transparent protective coat. C2 products give the wood a protective finish with dyed transparent and respiratory C2 products. In this way the wood is armed against superficial blue stain and rainwater. These products are easy to apply in two or three coats.

Average durability Similarly, wood sorts with average durability (heartwood of class III) basically do not require any extra protection. Yet one and the same portion can sometimes contain less durable planks. This is why treatment with a C1 product before the finish is recommended. This protects the wood effectively against fungi, insects, and blue stain.

Scant durability For furnishing outer walls it is also possible to use less durable sorts of wood such as pine and deal, provided that they have first undergone a professional preservation (procedure A3), heat treatment, a chemical wood modification (acetylation), or furfurylation. Heat treatment, acetylation, or furfurylation increases the durability and solidarity of the wood so that the wood does not become warped throughout its lifespan.

What’s on the market?

Blanchon A number of wood sorts can be exposed to outdoor weather conditions without the need for additional protection. We list these in sequence, namely cedar, douglas, and larch. Other wood sorts also acquire strong weather-resistance thanks to a prior treatment (e.g. in a steriliser or a thermal treatment). Anyone who wants to protect wood looks primarily to preserve the original colour. This can only be done through protection against UV rays. Up to the present time, this has always been done by azures or saturators.

Some wood sorts (e.g. douglas and larch) cannot be given durable

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Finish products for outdoors Generally speaking, finish products consist of resins, fillers, dyes, and binding agents in a watery or organic solvent. All components play a specific part, and therefore the proportion of each component has repercussions for the performances of the end product. Products which are used for outdoor applications have to be weather-resistant, water vapour permeable, and, preferably, dyed. The water vapour permeability is important so that the damp contained in the wood can escape. In turn, the colouration of the transparent products protects the underlying wood from the UV rays of the sun. It is usually advisable to use light tints (e.g. light oak) and to respect the prescribed coat thickness. Excessive colouration (e.g. palisander, ebony, or dark paints) is also harmful because the wood surface will warm up strongly and it is possible that joinery elements (e.g. large-sized opening sections or sliding doors) may show cracks and/or become warped. Below we describe the main products available on the market for finishing exterior wall elements (source: BBRI): • Stains have a low resin content, so they form a thin film with a certain transparency so that the structure of the wood stays visible. These are the so called non-film-forming or semi-film forming finishes. They offer a longer lifespan depending on the extent to which they contain dark colours with better UV resistance. In Belgium these products are identified by means of the homologation code C2 (general) or C3 (wood with sufficient natural durability; cf. STS 04.3).

• Top coats contain more resins. In general, these products are opaque i.e. the relief of the wood is still visible, but not the cores. They are identified by means of the CTOP code (cf. STS 04.3).

• Natural or modified oils (urethane or acrylic) are transparent, more or less coloured products, but without dyes. Finishes with natural, unmodified oil are not advisable for outdoor applications, since this creates a breeding ground for fungi and algae. Moreover, oils are used a lot in the production of alkyd resins for stains and paints.

The BBRI does not consider film-forming varnishes suitable for outdoor applications. Since they do not contain any colourings, they are extremely sensitive to the photochemical decomposition of wood under the effect of sunrays, so they peel off very quickly.

Special Finishing and maintaining exterior wooden frontage covering

photo Blanchon

41

Special Finishing and maintaining exterior wooden frontage covering

> continued from page 41

protection with azures and some others (e.g. cedar) cannot be protected at all. Then again, saturators have the disadvantage that they have to be renewed regularly. Blanchon has solved these problems by the introduction of a new finish systems. Blanchon presents a colourless protective system against the effects of sunlight on wood. An important added value of this system is that the original colour of the wood is preserved.

Whereas protection against UV light is traditionally related to the addition of dyes, this system is colourless. These systems form a new family of finishes: they can be used on all sorts of wood, they give the wood a long lifespan, and they are easy to maintain.

Ciranova The purpose of treating wooden exterior walls is to counteract ageing and any fungi. This will also automatically counteract insects and the rotting of the wood. To this end, Ciranova has two sorts of products, namely the Eco-protector and the UVP system. The Eco-protector is available in eight colours and is designed to protect wood sorts such as wood which contains resin, exotic wood, and European deciduous trees. Eco-protector does not form a film, but penetrates into the wood and nourishes it. The product is suitable for treating vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Eco-protector repels fungi. It is a waterborne product. The UVP system consists of a UVP colour, which later needs to be finished with a UVP covering oil 2K. The colouring ensures that UV light is repelled. This is only a colouring (8 colours), so this, too, needs to be finished with a UVP covering oil 2K. This is a dual component oil which ensures that the wood is completely protected against rain, fungi, insects, and such like.

Floor Forum International 61

Chimiver Panseri

42

Chimiver Panseri has extended its assortment of products for outdoor wood treatment. LIOS SUNDECK CLIMA+ is a waterbased impregnating oil for wood with UV absorption double technology. Thanks to this innovation, LIOS SUNDECK CLIMA+ is particularly resistant to the action of UV radiation, both direct and indirect. Hence is recommended for the treatment and protection of the wooden boards used as outer covering of facades. The light mordant, in addition to be an excellent

solar filter, gives the wood a pleasant warm colour. LIOS SUNDECK CLIMA+ also protects the wood from mildew and infesting microorganisms. Doesn’t degrade rubbers and expansion joints.

To wash and clean outdoor facades, use LIOS SUNDECK SOAP (nourishing detergent) following the instructions for use. It efficiently removes dirt, traces of chlorine and salt etc.

Irsa At Irsa they advise everyone to treat all exterior wall planks, even those facing north, with oil. In order to protect non-exotic wood sorts against blue stain and wood rot, they recommend a pre-treatment with impregnation. Specially for these applications Irsa has the Irsa Exotic Wood Oil and Irsa Wood Oil for non-exotic sorts. Irsa Wood Oil contains resistant, weatherproof oils, and dyes in micro-format.

This repels UV rays. It is best to repeat the treatment every one to four years, depending on the level of exposure. For regular cleaning, they recommend cleaning with the Irsa Aqua Cleaner 5000 Outdoor. To restore the wood to its original colour, there is the Irsa Wood Refresher. Every treatment is carried out on completely pure wood.

Rubio Monocoat The purpose of treating outdoor wood is twofold, namely colouring and protecting. Although a natural ageing look can be very attractive, there are nevertheless enough reasons for treating the wood. Wooden exterior wall cladding does not come cheap, so it is advisable to protect it sufficiently in order to guarantee its tenability.

Moreover, you can do this in an entirely aesthetic manner with a dyed oil. Rubio Monocoat offers two different options. The RMC Siding Oil Duo System contains a pre-colouring with a dyed primer, namely RMC Sunprimer Colour. This primer is based on nanotechnology so that the active anti-fungus components and the colour dyes penetrate deeper into the wood. After this treatment, a finish is always applied in the shape of an RMC Siding Oil in the same colour, in which the molecular binding guarantees maximum protection. This system is available in 30 different colours. Apart from that, there is also the all-in-one RMC Hybrid Wood Protector that can be used to treat exterior walls in a single coat. This product is available in 10 attractive shades.

Plastor As soon as the wood meets the requirements of class 3b (naturally durable), it no longer requires any treatment. Yet, like all other wood sorts, these sorts will also eventually age under the influence of sunlight. And so, the decision to treat becomes an aesthetic one: some people opt for ageing, whilst others want

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> continued from page 42

Vetedy In the Techniclic range from Vetedy all the wood sorts used can, strictly speaking, be left untreated. Any treatment is therefore applied with the aim of either preserving the original colour of the wood or obtaining a new colour of one’s choice. Both purposes serve both aesthetics and durability. These objectives can be achieved using the product Techniprotect, an impregnation oil based on nanotechnology. Depending on the exposure to sunlight, the influence of the sea, in the mountains or on a lowland plain, the treatment needs to be repeated every two to five years. It is possible to keep the wood clean by using the spray with the maintenance soap Technisoap and water.

Tover Wood outside (cladding, window frames, shutters, fences, etc) needs to be protected against atmospheric agents they are permanently submitted to; sun, rain, freezing and also moulds and moss speeds up its deterioration and ageing process. Tover offers a water-based impregnation product: Xilocolor available in transparent and colored version (wooden colors, white, black and green). It can be applied with a brush or a spray in two layers. It does not become yellow with time and with respect to solventbased products, it is much easier to renew as it does not peel.

That means that it is enough to wash carefully the surface and apply a new coat. Xilocolor is a long-lasting lacquer, particularly significant feature for wooden huts and houses.

TOGETHER EXPERTISE IN WOOD FLOOR FINISHES Respect for people and the environment

www.blanchon.com

The Blanchon range of oils, lacquers, stains, ageing agents and fillers are used by wood flooring professionals the world over. Small wonder given the reassurance of local support staff in each country, and products consistently manufactured to the highest standards.

Quality that has been our trademark for over 60 years.

Every day, to make sure that your wood is the most beautiful flooring on the market, our team works to develop even more effective products to offer the trade all the answers for perfect wood flooring.

La qualité, notre nature* Blanchon U.K. For more information, please contact: John-David PAPWORTH Mob. 07835 354 871 - E-mail: jdpapworth@blanchon.com Tel Export lines: +33 472 89 06 09 www.blanchon.co.uk

*Quality is in our nature -

to retain the original colour of the wood. In order to treat these sorts, you need a saturating product, which does not leave a film and does not peel off. For saturating all wood sorts Plastor presents the Satureur SX602. This is absolutely ideal for noble exterior wall wood sorts such as cedar, mélèze, and douglas. The product is made on a base of natural oils, penetrates deeply into the wood, and makes it waterproof. Reinforced with an anti-UV component, this SX602 also protects against ageing. The wood structure comes out nicely thanks to the matt finish.

Cumaru planks with invisible fastening for home on the water In a lake district in the Dutch province of South Holland we find a magnificent villa on the water. Recently, the owners built a garden with an outdoor salon on a wooden outdoor terrace in tropical cumaru wood. For the fitting they chose a durable and invisible fastening system, namely DeckWise Extreme clips. These are synthetic clips in HD polyethylene with stainless steel on the inside for reinforcement and maximum strength.

Cumaru Recently, Groengroep was given the task of constructing a garden with platform and terrace for a villa in a landscape of lakes, pools, rivers, and ditches interchanging with marshy polders.

“The owners wanted a platform and an outdoor terrace in a noble wood. Eventually, the choice fell to cumaru, a South American wood sort with an attractive colour which is hard and durable and, furthermore, swells and shrinks very little,” explains Jan de Jong from Groengroep.

Barefoot comfort Walking comfort was extremely important to the owners. “They wanted a floor on which they could walk comfortably barefoot.

And so, they chose planks which are sawn on the top so that the wood feels smoother. The planks have been planed on the bottom and sides,” Jan de Jong explains. “These planks were 32mm thick and only 100mm wide. They also decided on an invisible fastening system. This meant that there were no screws visible on top, so the appearance was more attractive, especially since the

planks in this case were fairly narrow. And an invisible fastening system is also comfortable for walking barefoot.”

Invisible fastening with DeckWise Extreme For the invisible fastening they chose DeckWise Extreme. Bert Toes, European sales & marketing manager of DeckWise Europe explained the concept of this system to us: “The planks had grooves along the sides into which the DeckWise Clips with integrated spaces are fitted. This unique system fastens the plank to the supporting beam at an angle of 45° so that the plank is secured firmly in place. This ensures a safe and secure terrace floor.

Our DeckWise Clips can be supplied in three variants, depending on the sort of wood and how moist it is (air dried or dried in dry kilns). For this project we chose the DeckWise Extreme.

Sturdy and stable “The DeckWise Extreme Clip is a patented American invisible fastening system which has been greatly appreciated on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean for over 20 years and is now catching

Floor Forum International 61

Advertorial DeckWise (NL)

Dutch lake district project

44

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> continued from page 44

Extra sturdy DeckWise Extreme stands out from other invisible fitting systems by the way in which the clip is fastened to the support structure. Bert Toes explains: “The fact is that DeckWise screws are screwed into pre-drilled holes in the plank, and that provides extra grip, stability, and durability, even if the wood swells and shrinks with the weather conditions.”

Easier with Hardwood Wrench For the installation of the cumaru planks they also used Hardwood Wrench. Bert Toes stresses, “That’s a very useful tool for fitting terrace planks perfectly straight, securing them, or manipulating them and can be operated easily by one person. The shape of the head, which also hinges along, means it is possible to exert maximum pressure on the plank with no effort at all. The Hardwood Wrench blocks itself. As soon as the plank is positioned straight due to the movement of the head, you can use both hands to secure it to the pedestal, whilst you still hold the plank perfectly straight. Moreover, with its high-quality material and strength, the Hardwood Wrench is the most durable installation tool on the market for terrace planks.”

DeckWise International: For all your deck building products for wooden and composite decking.

DeckWise International is the European sales office and warehouse for DeckWise products and is centrally located in the Netherlands. From this location, DeckWise products are distributed to our growing network of dealers throughout Europe. DeckWise products are invented and manufactured in Bradenton, Florida, through our USA parent company, The Ipe Clip® Fastener Company.

With over 20 years experience engineering, manufacturing, and shipping products to our network of worldwide dealers and distributors, The Ipe Clip® Fastener Company is widely recognized as the innovative decking specialist for the professional market.

DeckWise™ building products include: • Hidden deck fastening systems • Hidden siding fasteners • Stainless steel deck screws • Color match screws • Deck tile connectors • Deck board straightening tools • Hardwood deck oils & cleaners The application process to become a DeckWise dealer is fast and simple. To start, call our DeckWise International location in Amersfoort, Netherlands: + 31 33 4691037, visit www.

DeckWise.com or email sales@deckwise.com.

Floor Forum International 61

Outdoor shower and glass railing Finally, Jan de Jong from Groengroep confirms that the fitting

with the DeckWise clip passed off efficiently. He says, “Also the installation of an outdoor shower, mounted in the terrace floor, and the fitting of an aluminium profile at the edge of the decking proved to be simple jobs. A glass border was fitted into this profile as a railing so that the occupants can also go outdoors on windy days.”

Advertorial DeckWise (NL)

on in Europe as well. DeckWise Extreme is extremely reliable and durable and makes the fitting considerably easier. We estimate that this system reduces fitting time by at least 30%. The design of the clip is quite exceptional and extremely sturdy: it is a clip with a hardened stainless steel insert wrapped in UV and chemically-resistant high-density polyethylene. This means it gives a durable fastening for several years and is unbreakable in all weather conditions and with any sorts of wood imaginable. The DeckWise Clip (available in black, brown, and metallic shades, but the choice fell to discrete black) also has accompanying colour screws for fastening the structure into the supporting pedestal.”

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

45

Special Adjustable temporary floor support systems for terrace floors Floor Forum International 61 46

WHAT DOES MY OUTDOOR PARQUET STAND ON? FLOOR BASES (PEDESTALS) COMPLETE TERRACE TECHNOLOGY You can fit a splendid terrace with a super invisible fastening system, but if the ‘foundations’ are no good, it’s a waste of time. The same rules apply here as for a parquet or wooden floor. The quality of the substrate largely dictates the end result. There are scores of (totally different) settings in which people fit outdoor parquet. Certainly with existing homes, some adjustment or other to the substrate will almost always be needed. One such adjustment will be the ‘levelling’ of the floor. For this purpose, floor bases (pedestals) are the ideal solution.

photo Solidor

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

photo Buzon

Special Adjustable temporary floor support systems for terrace floors

> continued from page 46

Height differences and slopes People fit wooden terraces onto an existing, but worn out stone terrace every day. However, only rarely is that old terrace a reliable foundation for the new wooden terrace. In almost all cases, you have to absorb the oversized drainage slope. Nowadays, it is generally accepted that a 2% gradient is enough, but in times past, people tended to set 5% gradients to make absolutely sure.

However, a wooden terrace doesn’t really need a gradient. There may also be gradients when home occupants wish to fit a wooden terrace onto an existing terrace and, at the same time, want to extend the existing surface towards the garden, for example.

Moreover, in larger home renovations it is quite possible that the height of the floor indoors has been raised. And so, in order to connect the terrace to the living room floor (this is now in fashion), it will also be necessary to raise the outdoor floor. Similarly, connections with swimming pools and fish ponds often require an adjustments to erase differences in height.

The limits of wooden pegs In the past (and, sometimes, still today), joiners tended to absorb differences in height by using the material closest to their hearts, namely wood. We’ve all seen cases filled with wooden pegs and blocks of all imaginable shapes and sizes. That is certainly not the solution for outdoor terraces. Indeed, there should be no contact with the substrate in order to avoid the effects of damp. Wood expands and shrinks in all conditions. This movement must be kept to a minimum. Moreover, wooden pegs are

not suitable for absorbing big differences in levels. High time for a technological solution. Synthetic terrace bases are the ideal solution for absorbing differences in height, from small gradients to larger gaps in height.

Synthetic terrace bases Terrace bases (‘pedestals’ in French) are high-tech, sophisticated pillars to support raised floors. They can be used for the floors of trade fair stands, concert platforms, dance floors, and so on.

The refinement of these terrace bases lies in their versatility: they solve various problems at the same time, so they are the answer for everything!

Flexible solution Since differences in height to be bridged on terraces and othLes Plots réglables Solidor feront lain différence er features always vary, terrace bases de need to be adjustable height. Otherwise pour you would have la to hauteur keep an endless rangeterrasse of ajuster de votre !Les P different sizes in stock. Moreover, since we are sometimes talkp ing about levelling drainage gradients of only 3 or 4%, they also have to be suitable for extremely small differences in level. Apart from different heights, they also need to be able to absorb different gradients. This means that the upper side of the floor basede bois grilles métalliques lames has to be able to tilt somewhat.

gr

Durable solution The fact that the floor terraces which we came across on the market are made of synthetics makes them fairly impervious to strong

Pedestals from SOLIDOR will make difference Les Plots réglables de Solidor ferontthe la différence dalle en béton, céramique

pour ajusterthe la hauteur deyour votre terrasse ! to adjust height of terrace!

METAL GRATES grilles métalliques

panneaux solaires

dalle

WOOD WPC lames OR de bois • Remarkably stable • Easy and adjustable with precision • Fast and easy installation • Very robust • Durable

TILES dalleCONCRETE en béton, céramique

• Modular system

SOLAR PANELS panneaux solaires

• Slope corrector

• remarquablement stable • Easy accessible for maintenance and reparation • simple et réglable avec précision

• remarquab

• installation facile et rapide

• simple et r

• très robuste

• installation

• durable

• très robust

• système modulaire

• durable

• Correcteur de pente

• système m

• Facilement accessible pour l’entretien

• Correcteur

• Facilement

Solidor Rubber & Products bvba 124b b-8930 LAuwE - bELgiquE Solidir Rubber & Products bvba • simple et réglablewith avec précision • Easy and adjustable precision lauwbergdtraat 124b b-8930 lauwe - be tel.: +32 (0)56 41 35 70 - fax : +32 (0)56 40 37 68 • Remarkably stable • remarquablement stable LAuwbERgSTRAAT

• installation facile et rapide • Fast and easy installation www.solidor.be • très robuste • Very robust

tel.: +32 (0)56 41 35 70 - fax : +32 (0)56 41 37 68 www.solidor.be

Special Adjustable temporary floor support systems for terrace floors

> continued from page 47

changes in the weather or fluctuations in temperature. Since floor bases are located under the terrace, they are not affected at all

by UV light, something to which some synthetics are sensitive, especially when it comes to colour fastness. And so, synthetic floor bases ensure that there is no contact whatsoever with moisture underneath. They guarantee the terrace a long lifespan.

Two of the most important players in this branch : Buzon Buzon International S.A. provides a solution for fitting terraces on sloping or uneven surfaces. Buzon designs, produces, and sells floor bases (pedestals) of the screw jack type, made of polypropylene. The pedestals consist of 80% recycled propylene and 20% talc, so they can be recycled for 100%. Naturally, the quality of the basic material is important for durability. Buzon pedestals have undergone scores of tests: amongst other things, they can withstand temperatures between -50 and +120째C. This is why we find these pedestals in extremely hot and

damp climates (Middle East), but also in bitter cold regions such as Russian and Poland. These pedestals can be adjusted in height between 28 and 1030mm and that is unique anywhere in the world. They can be deployed for beams from 35 to 90mm. With the PH5 slope regulator, it is possible to offset a gradient of up to 5%. In combination with the BC-PH5 corrector, it is even possible to offset a difference of up to 15%. The pedestals can bear a weight of up to 1500kg. The great strength of Buzon, apart from the incomparable quality of the products, consists of the easy fitting and safety and, especially, their ability to produce and deliver goods quickly from a stock of several hundred pedestals.

Solidor

ECOSTAR 2K SPORT

New!

Floor Forum International 61

Two components water-based finish for treatment of wooden sport floors.

It meets the slip resistance required by EN 14904 standard

48

CHIMIVER PANSERI S.p.A. PONTIDA (BG) www.chimiver.com info@chimiver.com

Solidor floor bases (pedestals) are made of polypropylene compound. They can withstand temperatures from -25째C to + 80째C. The terrace bases have a strength capacity of 1000kg. As soon as the right height is set, it is easy to fix the terrace bases. The base plate has a large support surface and the system can be set to a height between 1cm and 1m. Slope correctors are available to absorb the slope as necessary. Depending on the strength of the beams used, it is advisable to position the terrace feet 40 to 60cm apart. The beams are placed loosely on the terrace bases or screwed securely into the middle of the top support plate.

Solidor gives a 10 year guarantee. Solidor terrace bases can be fitted quickly and easily and be used for an extensive range of floors e.g. wooden beams of floor tiles in wood or concrete and such like.

Adjustable pedestals for terraces Adjustable BUZON DPH速 top quality pedestals for all commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

Joist cradle Leveller shim Paver spacer tabs

Support head Slope corrector (0-5%) Locking key

Coupler

Adjustement ring

Base

Stone, ceramic and concrete pavers/slabs/tiles

Timber boards decking systems

Timber tiles decking systems

Integrated slope compensation

Durability

Superior drainage

Stability and strength

Easy access for maintenance

Quick and easy fitting

Precise adjustment via height and slope corrector Choice of space between paving and/or decking

info@buzon.eu - www.buzon.eu

Timba from Klindex: the 3 in 1 machine for floor fitters!

Company visit Klindex Srl (I)

Klindex has reinvented the wooden floor sander in the shape of the TIMBA. With its impressive efficiency, easy operation, and the option of finishing the floor with a mono-brush, this machine is a phenomenon which is winning the hearts and minds of professionals worldwide.

Unique flexibility The Timba from Klindex is a highly flexible sander which is suitable for all types of wooden floors and, moreover, can cope perfectly with traditional challenges for which extra machines often have to be used.

Klindex Timba is easy to use, does not require prior training, gives a perfect, evenly sanded parquet top surface, and, due to its design, is perfectly capable of sanding up to the skirting boards.

Cement, adhesive, and resin residue Timba actually does much more than just sanding the parquet surface. It also lends itself like no other sander to the speedy and precise removal of glue and resin residue on mosaic subfloors.

Similarly, remains of cement, resin floors, and other unevenness can be removed with the Timba.

One of the big advantages of the Timba is that this innovative machine can be fitted with various tool kits. This means there is a separate tool kit with suitable sanding or brushing discs for just about any challenge which professionals can face. Klindex has a full range of easily assembled tool kits for sanding wooden floors, floor preparation, and the removal of all sorts of coatings.

Kit for renovating old floors Apart from the traditional sanding range (grains 24 to 120), Timba is also ideal for renovating old wooden floors. A coat of varnish can be removed from the old floor with a specially designed brushing kit without damaging the noble wood layer of the parquet floor. After brushing, it is possible to apply a new finishing coat and you transform the floor into a gem to match a brand new parquet floor. Moreover, the brushing system in combination with the planetary makes life a lot easier since you don’t have to look specifically at the wood grains in order to achieve a distressed floor result. On mosaic parquet, too, the Timba with brushing kit achieves outstanding results.

Floor Forum International 61

Planetary with 360° rotating wheels The Timba owes this to the light design and the planetary with multidirectional wheels, which can rotate 360°. Apart from that, Klindex was the first sanding and polishing machine manufacturer in the world to fit its machines with this unique system. This innovation means that you no longer need an edge sander to finish

the floor. Moreover, the Timba is also fitted with a dust suction kit to keep dust to an absolute minimum.

50

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> continued from page 50

Klindex: globally recognised specialist in floor preparation

Klindex then enjoyed phenomenal growth and its innovative technology also received international recognitions with the nominations for the most innovative product at the Inter-Clean conventions in Amsterdam in the years 2000 and 2004. However, the company has not rested on its laurels, but has continued in recent years to commit itself strongly to innovation and the further development of a full range of top class machines for various floors on the global market.

KLINDEX holds the UNI EN ISO 9001 certificate for the design, production, and sale of cleaning and sanding machines and works together with the University of L’Aquila in research and development. Moreover, Klindex does not neglect the ecological impact of its machines and ensures that it does not use any harmful or non-recyclable materials for its machines.

Today, Klindex designs and produces cleaning and renovation machines for all sorts of floor surfaces. The know-how of Klindex gives machine users and dealers the guarantee of efficient support. Apart from that, interaction between Klindex and its clients is a two-way affair. Clients also share their projects and experiences and this enables Klindex to gear its range even more to the needs of the countless users.

Floor Forum International 61

Nowadays, Klindex is market leader in Italy, the Gulf region, and Russia, and profiles itself worldwide as a top segment producer of machines for maintaining and polishing natural Stone, wood, and concrete. The company sells its machines in over 60 countries and is witnessing a strong increase in sales all over the world.

Company visit Klindex Srl (I)

Klindex is an Italian company formed in 1988 by Ercole and Enio Bibiano.

Even then, the two brothers already had over ten years of experience in the floor cleaning machine industry. Together, they designed and perfected a new system for polishing natural stone floors using synthetic diamond technology. In the early years, it was not easy to win over the sector for this technology, but within a few years the tide had turned: the first clients were delighted with the results and the sector recognised the Klindex system as the best method for polishing all natural stones.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

51

Special Maintenance and cleaning systems and their display

MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS CATCH THE EYE POS PRESENTATION AFFECTS SALES DIRECTLY The core business of a parquet floor fitter is still selling and fitting of parquet, wooden, and other floors. However, over time, it has become clear that, as an aside to their core business, floor fitters have scores of opportunities to generate even more turnover, partly through the sale of all sorts of products and accessories. The parquet floor fitter with a showroom has developed into a specialist parquet company where clients can find anything and everything closely or loosely associated with wooden floors. And so, it is no surprise that the different brands are competing fiercely with each other in the shops. The presentation of cleaning and maintenance products will decide the ‘winner’.

Products for parquet Anyone who visits a cleaning and maintenance product department in a supermarkets or DIY stores is immediately confronted with a sense of ‘the wood and the trees’. Scores of brands with an equal number of products for various uses together form a wall of chemistry: an ode to cleanliness, certainly, but also rather profuse and not a little chaotic. Remarkable conclusion: there is definitely a range of products for all uses in the home, indoors and out, but you really do have to search for a product specifically for parquet and wooden floors.

Floor Forum International 61

Delicate floors With parquet and, to a similar extent, with natural stone, consumers obviously exercise rather more caution than with ceramic tiles, for instance. In a manner of speaking you can clean the latter with virtually any detergent, including domestic bleach. In other words, hardly anything can go wrong when it comes to cleaning ceramic tiles and faience. Natural stone is sometimes regarded as ‘delicate’. For that purpose there are certain products, oils, or soaps, which, as is the case with wooden floors, have a cleansing and nourishing function. However, consumers exercise the utmost caution when it comes to cleaning and maintaining wood. They are absolutely petrified of damaging their showpieces by using the wrong products.

52

Specialised products The range of cleaning and maintenance products for wooden floors looks like a specialist assortment which generally requires further clarification from the floor fitter. The link between the finish of the parquet floor and the products with which it should be maintained is indisputable. A lacquered floor requires a different maintenance method to a floor treated with an oily finish (oil or hard wax oil). The normal cleaning of a lacquered floor is limited to daily dusting or vacuum cleaning and damp mopping once a week. For that purpose you can basically use any cleaning cloths and any detergent at all. Yet here, too, traders supply products which are ‘compatible’ with the applied lacquer. Apart from lacquered floors, maintenance products are largely based on the product used to apply the finish itself (e.g. oil, hard wax oil, wax, or soap).

New thought patterns It will be quite obvious that cleaning and maintenance products for parquet and wooden floors should be on show in the trader’s showroom (if there is one) and in the showroom of the parquet specialist. It is one thing to offer something for sale; it is quite another matter to present that product attractively. It’s important for both producers and retailers (in this case parquet specialists) to know that most consumers make their decision to purchase a product when they are in the shop and that number is only likely to increase in the future. The impact of the Internet also plays a part here. Here are some speculations: 360° approach The days of “mass publicity” (pull) and “a push strategy via the distribution trade” are gone. In the coming years, direct communication with the consumer outside the shop and with the shopper in the shop will be the key, both on and offline. That requires a new marketing strategy and it has created a new synthesis of push and pull. Marketing communication is a 360° approach.

When do I need to approach the consumer/shopper with what medium and message? And how do I connect all those (new) media to each other to get a maximum yield?

Shoppers and retailers Interest in the purchasing process, better known as the path-topurchase or the customer journey, has grown sharply over the last 15 years. This is because the buying customer (referred to as the ‘shopper’ in jargon) usually decides in the shop which product and/or brand to buy. This has far-reaching effects. Manufacturers are throwing themselves at shopper marketing en masse in an attempt to influence choices made in the shop by the shopper.

They are also investing in trade marketing to obtain the co-operation of retailers.

POS marketing Point of sales marketing, also known as point of purchase advertising, aims to attract the shopping customer in the shop itself.

Strictly speaking, POS aims to entice the shopping client to make extra purchases. This often happens at the end of the round (e.g. at the cash till). In this respect, POS marketing is mainly

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

concerned with stimulating impulse buying, so it uses displays, folder dispensers, product presentation cupboards, banners, and so on.

health hazard. The image of a large office with scores of desks and chairs on a parquet floor conveys a totally different message: easy maintenance, acoustic properties, etc.

Maintenance products in the shop Manufacturers of maintenance and related products for parquet are certainly not ignorant of the new marketing strategy method.

On the contrary, they present their products in what you could call a ‘home assortment’.

A selection from the range :

Complete systems The duster for the daily removal of dust, special cloths and mops, detergents ‘specially for parquet’, oils, maintenance polish, power cleaners, stain removers, nutritional products and such like are all presented (by some manufacturers) as a total system. They usually present their wares in the shop in displays designed specially for that purpose. Another eye-catcher is to offer the product on the shelves in the shop, but also to promote that product in a dispenser with folders or leaflets promoting that product.

The power of an image Creativity is king! Images play a crucial part in recommending these products and systems. For example, what is the message conveyed by an image of a five-year-old child who has fallen asleep on the wooden floor in front of the television with his little head leaning on his arm? That image says everything! The floor is hygienic (or else you wouldn’t let a child lie on it), the warmth of the wood can still be felt, and the products used are not a

Blanchon Anyone in a hurry will find the solution at Blanchon with Lagoon®. This product is sprayed onto the floor and then the floor is brushed with a micro-fibre cloth.

Blanchon offers Lagoon® in a kit: broom with micro-fibre cloths (500 x washable) + the spray. Lagoon® can be used on both oiled and lacquered floors, and that is also an advantage for retailers! For lacquered floors Blanchon has two cleaning agents, namely the Rénovateur Satiné for glossy or semi-glossy floors and the Rénovateur Métamat for matt floors. Both products are suitable for renovation since they are capable of sealing small cracks and restoring worn out lacquers to their former glory. For the regular cleaning there is Nettoyant Protecteur Parquets (Lisabril®), which is used diluted.

This has recently been given a new formula to make it even more suitable for large surfaces and sports floors, for instance. The Nettoyant Suractivité is a power cleaner, which, however, does not damage the lacquer. For oiled floors and floors finished with wax oil Blanchon promotes its Huile d’Entretien. The Savon

Easy and effective. Naturally

WOCA

NEW

FOR VINYL AND LACQUER Soap and care

WOCA Vinyl- and Lacquer Care and Soap are suitable for PVC, laminated and lacquered surfaces.

Vinyl- and Lacquer Care strengthens the surface as it protects against wear and tear and scratches and in that way, it prolongs the life of the lacquered surface. WOCA Vinyl- and Lacquer Care is self-removable by next application and therefore, it does not build up a thick layer on the surface.

Vinyl- and Lacquer Soap is suitable for the cleaning of all vinyl, laminated, lacquered or painted surfaces. Vinyl- and Lacquer Soap does not build up soap film, and therefore it is very suitable for surfaces requiring frequent cleaning.

WoodCare Denmark A/S · Tværvej 6 · DK-6640 · Tel.: +45 99 58 56 00 · info@ttwoodcare.com · www.wocadenmark.com

Special Maintenance and cleaning systems and their display

> continued from page 52

Special Maintenance and cleaning systems and their display

> continued from page 53

Naturel is recommended for regular cleaning. Finally, for polished floors there is the Cire liquide Blanchon. Blanchon has designed some display furniture for its range of maintenance products.

This display furniture can be filled and divided up as required, combined if necessary with other products such as varnishes or oils.

gives an anti-static and dirt-repellent surface. The floor has to be cleaned with Puliwood before you use Deolux. ICA Group products come in two different packages (Kit Parquet), which also includes a high-quality fibre cloth. Special care has been taken with the packaging.

Mapei

Ciranova The range of Ciranova cleaning and maintenance products can be subdivided into four assortments: oils, lacquers, waxes, and laminate floors. For each type of floor there is a product for daily maintenance and a cleaning product for removing stains. For oiled, lacquered, and laminate floors Ciranova presents a handy maintenance kit with the products needed to clean and maintain a floor. For oiled floors we identify Intensive Cleaner, Parquet Soap, Oil Refresh, and Maintenance Oil. For lacquered floors there is Hard Floor Fresh, Hard Floor Cleaner, and Hard Floor Polish. For floors treated with wax there is the Liquid Parquet Wax and a Wax Refresh. LamiFresh and Lami-Clean are designed specially for regular maintenance and intensive cleaning respectively. To display the products, Ciranova offers a handy display cupboard, which can bring clients to their shop. In addition, there are various maintenance folders which explain how to maintain varnished and oiled floors.

For these maintenance folders Ciranova also offers an adapted plexi folder holder to be put on display.

For the maintenance of parquet and wooden floors Mapei offers a range of four products. Ultracoat Universal Cleaner is a concentrated detergent which has been developed specially for the cleaning and maintenance of lacquered and oiled wooden floors. The product is also suitable for routine cleaning and for extremely dirty floors.

Ultracoat Clean Polish is a product specially developed for the maintenance of lacquered floors finished with the varnishes in the Ultracoat line.

It is a product which is ready for use and which may be diluted, depending on the circumstances. It can be used in both residential and commercial rooms. The Ultracoat Clean WPM is designed for cleaning and maintaining matt and extra matt finishes from the Ultracoat line. This product can also be diluted according to requirements. Finally, Ultracoat Polish Remover is a special product for the removal of old layers of wax and the removal of surface scratches on painted wooden floors. The product is a concentrated detergent for the removal of Ultracoat Clean Polish and Ultracoat Clean WPM. Lecol

Floorservice

Floor Forum International 61

To keep an oiled or lacquered floor in top condition, Floorservice has developed a parquet cleaner and maintenance oil which relates perfectly to the basic treatment of a wooden floor and ensures carefree lifelong enjoyment.

The Floorservice maintenance oils give oiled floors the best possible protection, irrespective of the wood sort or the pattern of the floor. The natural oil products from Floorservice keep floors young and have already been used by satisfied clients to maintain millions of square metres of parquet and wooden floors. Floorservice offers an extensive assortment for dry-cleaning, wet-cleaning, and maintenance/protection of wooden floors. To present the cleaning and maintenance products conveniently and attractively, Floorservice has developed some top quality displays. These displays have space for several products, which can be placed easily on a showcase or table.

54

ICA Group Within its extensive range of parquet, ICA Group offers various maintenance products. Puliwood is a neutral detergent for parquet which is diluted in water. For oiled and waxed floors or floors finished with a waterborne coating there is the natural solution Naturlux. Deolux is a regenerative polish for lacquered parquet floors. This protects floors and

Maiburg is the UK agent for the maintenance programme from Loba, namely the Loba Maintenance Products. This range is absolutely complete and provides a maintenance product for any floor. Loba Care includes firstly the Loba Care Cleaner, a concentrated and waterborne cleansing agent for daily cleaning of oiled and lacquered floors. Then we must mention the following: Loba Care Remover (for extremely dirty floors and the removal of old polish from lacquered floors), Lobacare V6 Finish (polyurethane coating), Lobacare Parquet Care (UV lacquered floors), Lobacare Sportcare (sports floors/anti-slip), and Loba Parquet Oil (maintenance oil for impregnated floors).

Osmo Osmo prescribes regular moist cleaning with Osmo Wash and Care. Osmo Wash and Care Concentrate removes everyday dust and dirt from the floor in no time at all. Depending on the degree of dirt, a quantity of the concentrate is added to the cleaning water and the floor is cleaned using a light damp mop (Osmo Opti-set). Furthermore, Osmo Wash and Care also contains a nutritious oil.

Periodic freshening up can be done using Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner, a perfect product to bring bleak looking floors back to life. This cleaner is also available in a white

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

version. It is applied using an Osmo Active Fibre Cloth. Any necessary repairs can be carried out using Osmo Polyx®-Oil. Rubio Monocoat For regular maintenance Rubio Monocoat presents a mild soap which is available in both a concentrated version (RMC Soap) and a ready-to-use version (RMC Surface Care). In order to preserve the colour and the protection of the wood to the full, they recommend annual maintenance with the RMC Universal Maintenance Oil. The RMC Soap and the RMC Universal Maintenance Oil can be used on all oiled floors, irrespective of the brand. In addition, there are also two products specifically for removing stains: RMC Limespot Remover is for the removal of lime stains and RMC Grease Remover removes grease. These products are part of a clearly defined maintenance range for indoors. Naturally, there is also an equivalent for the maintenance of outdoor wood. Rubio Monocoat has recently launched an RMC maintenance box at international level. This box includes RMC Soap for the daily cleaning, the RMC Universal Maintenance Oil for an annual refreshment, and a small packet of RMC Oil Plus 2C for the restoration of local scratches. A scrubby and a few small pads are also supplied. The compact RMC maintenance box is an answer to the demand for a simple, yet complete maintenance programme for oiled surfaces.

Pallmann

Plastor For the maintenance of lacquered floors Plastor offers Nettoyant Doux (for daily cleaning) and Nettoyant Surpuissant (for occasional maintenance or for stubborn stains). The Nettoyant Doux can be deployed on all wooden floors, but can also be used for laminate and plastic floor coverings. The same applies to Nettoyant Surpuissant, which, amongst other things, can be used to remove rubber marks left behind by shoes. For maintaining oiled floors Plastor offers its Huile nettoyante and Savon désincrustant (occasional deep cleaning of oiled floors). Huile nettoyante is used for all types of parquet and on all wood sorts. Savon désincrustant is designed for really thorough cleaning to remove the most stubborn stains. It is also suitable for all types and of parquet and all wood sorts.

Plastor also offers the necessary presentation material for the showroom or the shop, including the Set Clean Parquet with the necessary application material.

Stauf Stauf has recently launched a range of professional products for the maintenance of parquet. With its small, but qualitative range of oils and finishes and with this assortment of cleaning and maintenance products, the company presents a new approach towards preserving the look of wooden floors. The new system from Stauf radically simplifies the maintenance of wooden floors. The company presents two products, namely Aqua Easy Clean and Aqua Protect & Clean. These two products can be used on all wood sorts. It no longer matters whether the floors are oiled, lacquered, or pre-finished. The Stauf system consists of cleaning the floor alternately with these two products.

Special Maintenance and cleaning systems and their display

> continued from page 54

All Pallmann cleaning and maintenance products are part of a system which guarantees the lifespan and outward appearance of a wooden floor. The exact cleaning or maintenance method is shown in the care instructions supplied with each product. Pallmann Finish Care is a waterborne maintenance polish, which improves the lacquer and the appearance of the surface by means of a dirt-repellent film and at the same time extends the lifespan of the floor. Pallmann Clean is a waterborne natural cleaner for the removal of dirt on lacquered or oiled floors.

Finally, Pallmann Magic Oil Care is a maintenance product which protects an oiled floor by means of a coat of film once it is applied and thereby extends the floor’s lifespan. The outward appearance and, at the same time, the lifespan of the maintained surface are preserved by the expert use of these products.

Tover offers a complete range of products for the parquet maintenance, granting the opportunity to anybody to benefit from professional products at home.

The type of finishing, oils or varnish, determines the choice of the proper detergent specifically formulated for frequent cleaning: Deteroil for an oiled or waxed surface, Pulito Parquet and Saniparquet for a varnished parquet; used with Cinderella spray mop, they guarantee a perfect hygiene and aspect. Tover also developed for periodical maintenance a polish available in semi gloss and mat version: Lux, a renewing oil Rinovoil and a metalized wax Resinal Wax which enable to preserve and revive the original beauty of a wooden floor. All these products can be showed on the brand new display created for stores and show rooms. They are also available in sets composed of a concentrated cleaner, a maintenance product and an application cloth: a very practical and attractive new presentation.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Tover

55

HARMONY & NATURE

www.mardeganlegno.com info@mardeganlegno.com export@mardeganlegno.com

THE EFFECT OF A SUBFLOOR ON THE ACOUSTICS As soon as ‘sound’ becomes a talking point, you can be sure there’s something wrong!

When the acoustics are good in a living room, we take them for granted. After all, ‘activity’ on a floor produces some sort of sound: the sound of footsteps in the room itself, impact sound in the room below, impact sound from a falling object, and so on. As longs as that sound is kept to an acceptable level, we don’t mind. However, if every movement is followed by disruptive sound, then there’s a big problem. This issue requires attention, especially with floating floors and even more so with renovation than with new construction.

New construction versus renovation With new construction people opt less frequently for floating floors than with renovation. After all, in many renovation projects there is little choice due to existing constructions. For example, the possible height of the floor will often be limited by all sorts of existing factors (difference in height between different rooms, existing doors, etc.). Even if people opt for floating floors in new buildings, it is still possible to reduce sound considerably by fitting a floating screed, something not usually possible with renovation projects. A floating screed gives a layer of insulation between the supporting concrete floor (plate) and the screed. And so, this measure mainly provides some insulation for rooms underneath.

Collective versus residential We can express this comparison laconically by means of a quotation which seems paradoxical: ‘Where the problem of transit sound towards rooms below is most regulated is precisely where it occurs the least’. This claim is correct because there is legislation regarding transit sounds for collective buildings such as flats, rest homes, hospitals, and such like. The requirements which floors in flats have to meet are stipulated in the European standard EN ISO 140-8/ 717-2, which has been implemented into national legislation by member states. There is no legislation in this field for residential dwellings. Project managers themselves decide whether or not to install sound insulation between upstairs (e.g. bedrooms) and the room downstairs (e.g. living room).

Sound insulation subfloors It is clear that floating floors do not form a connecting mass with the subfloor. The air hole under the floating floor ensures the transmission of sound. The effect (impact) of footsteps is often

also annoyingly loud. We all know the annoying ‘click-clack sound’ of laminate and other floating floors.

Special subfloors In order to improve the acoustics of floating floors, manufacturers offer very special subfloors, which have been tested pursuant to the prevailing European standards (EN ISO 717-1 and 2 and EN ISO 140-1,2). The way in which the subfloor tests have been carried out and the way in which suppliers (producers and dealers) present their products confirms that sound insulation ‘in and of itself’ does not exist. The sound insulation capacity of a subfloor is always discussed ‘in relation to’ the floor which will act as the top surface. And so, for example, we get a certain sound insulation with subfloor X, if it is used with floor Y. Available solutions : Balterio Balterio has developed a balanced and high-quality assortment of subfloors which, in combination with the right fitting and maintenance conditions, ensure that consumers can enjoy their Balterio laminate floors with no trouble at all for years on end.

Moreover, Balterio also offers a lifelong guarantee (limited to 33 years) on the integrity of the (click) connection between the floor panels provided that they are fitted together with a Balterio subfloor. Balterio offers a choice of three subfloors: Comfort Sound Base: the lightweight subfloor to reduce transit sound. Based on polystyrene. Thickness 2.2mm. Transmission sound – 21dB – Walking sound – 21%.

Comfort Sound Plus: the lightweight subfloor for removing unevenness in the subfloor and for high traffic places. Based on polyolefine. Thickness 2.5mm. Transmission sound – 18dB – Walking sound – 22%.

Comfort Sound Pro: the heavyweight subfloor for strongly

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

Points for attention in advance The issue of acoustic quality does not assume the same importance in all situations. In other words, the need for additional measures varies entirely according to whether we are talking about glued or floating fitting, new construction or renovation, and collective buildings (e.g. flats) or residential dwellings.

Special Subfloors : part I

SOUND INSULATION SUBFLOORS FOR FLOATING FITTING

57

Special Subfloors : part I

> continued from page 57

reducing walking sound in the room and ideal in combination with floor heating. Based on polyurethane. Thickness 2.6mm.

Transmission sound – 20dB – Walking sound – 29%.

All Balterio subfloors have an integrated moisture barrier to offer the best protection against rising damp. Moreover, it is easy to cut Balterio subfloors around obstacles because of the imprint.

All Balterio subfloors are compatible with both floor cooling and floor heating.

width is 260mm, whilst that is 140mm for solid wood floors.

Acoustic performances improve considerably pursuant to the ‘Acoustic Legislation’ of 1 January 2000 and the prevailing DTU. The subfloor yields a sound reduction of 18dB. This subfloor is suitable for use on floor heating and floor cooling, subject to the use of Isojonction junction film.

dBCover

We are dedicated to bringing you products you can rely on to take away the negative aspects of solid flooring. Be it for the professional or the enthusiastic amateur, we make it our goal to serve you with a wide range of products. Envoy offers a wide range of underlay products to serve all demands: different types of foam - price categories & underlay performance levels. We continually strive for more ease in working with our products and making underlay ever more comfortable to apply. We do so by laminating different materials as to combine characteristics and avoiding double work. We add self adhesive layers, allowing amateurs to increase their level of performance and for the professionals to significantly reduce the time needed for installing underlay.

The full name of dBCover says enough about its subfloors: ‘Underfloor Acoustic Protection’. All subfloors improve the acoustics, but, of course, the premium subfloors achieve even better results. The subfloors are made from latex of different thicknesses, depending on the required results. These subfloors have superior durability. Moreover, they are odourless, hypoallergenic, and anti-static. They do not contain any VOCs. The special dBSilent subfloor gives contact sound insulation of 26 dB and a sound reduction of 33%.

Design Parquet Design Parquet offers the brand new patented subfloor ISO DB, a two-in-one system which reduces sound considerably and at the same time fixes the floor securely. ISO DB is ready for use and can be fitted speedily. The subfloor consists of an insulation layer of polyethylene foam between two self-adhesive layers of butyl. Solid wood and multilayer floors in all wood sorts can be fitted using this subfloor. With multilayer floors the maximum

Envoy Flooring We at Envoy specialise in underlay.

Fermacell The FERMACELL systems provide particularly effective solutions for improving sound insulation with solid wood or light floors (wooden floor constructions and hollow brick floors). Various tests have shown that these systems meet the highest

New stainless steel profiles · available as cover profile, angle edge, corner protection and skirting · in polished and brushed · drilled, undrilled and self-adhesive

www.kueberit.com

> continued from page 58

Foxifix is a self-adhesive polyester bottom layer which is suitable for all floor types. This subfloor does not adhere to the floor, but the combination of the presence of a certain acrylic resin and the weight of the final floor covering keep this subfloor in its place. This subfloor is easy to fit and Foxifix is suitable for use with floor heating. This subfloor provides complete sound insulation when fitted under polyamide tiles.

Mac Lean Mac Lean has various subfloors to improve acoustic comfort. Isobloc (1.5mm) is the ideal subfloor for LVT floors with a thickness of less than 3.5mm and suitable for click LVT. Isobloc is fitted with an anti-slip layer to prevent the LVT floor from sliding. This subfloor includes good impact sound insulation of 19dB ΔLw (ISO 10140). This XPS subfloor is suitable for use with floor heating/floor cooling. Isorubber 10dB is a subfloor which reduces contact sound. It is specially for use with laminate and parquet and is suitable for use in flats.

Isorubber 10dB improves contact sound insulation by 10dB ΔLlin/21 dB ΔLw (NEN-EN-ISO 140-8/717-2) in combination with click-laminate. This rubber subfloor is suitable for use with floor heating/floor cooling. Isotac Aquastop Easyclick has extremely good heat insulation and is ideal for cold rooms such as cellars.

This product also reduces the sound of footsteps and reduces contact sound in rooms below by 10dB ΔLlin/22 dB Δ Lw (ISO 140-8).

Mapei Mapei presents the subfloor Mapesonic CR. This subfloor has been developed specially for tackling transit sound as a result of footsteps. The Mapesonic is designed extremely thinly. The subfloor is particularly suitable for use in existing buildings where there is a need to improve the acoustics without breaking up existing floors. This makes it a renovation product par excellence. It

Parkettfreund SGH Parkettfreund is offering a wide and wellstructured assortment of underlays. The different products are divided into 4 groups to enable the choice of the adequate underlay.

The groups “ProfiPlus”, “Profi”, “Natural” and “Basic” include new and well-tried underlays according to their characteristics.

By means of a sound box, which can be placed in the counter area, a walk or room noise of two different underlays will be simulated, as this type of noise reduction in particular is an important aspect for the customer. By the Acoustic Black 2.0 which is used in the box the surround sound may be improved by 27,5%, although this is just a thin polymer underlay = not the weight itself but the material makes all the difference!

D E S I G N® PA R Q U E T

Special Subfloors : part I

Foxifix

can be deployed under flexible floor coverings such as PVC, rubber, and linoleum and under all types of parquet floors. Moreover, the subfloor can be deployed on all cement-based substrates and on ceramic tiles, stone, wooden floors, and flexible floor coverings. The subfloor is made from re-used cork and rubber.

10 NEW COLORS...

F r a n c e

Loft Pro

Semi-solid wood flooring “OPUS” 180/295 mm

Width 180/220/295 mm, thickness 16/20 mm, length 1500-2200/3000 mm, 2 layers, top layer 4,5/5,5mm, Birch plywood base for a better stability of the floor Unfinished, matt varnished, Natura oiled, brushed varnished or brushed Natura oiled, Roc varnished or even with the finishing colorless varnished or oiled.

Species : Oak, Wenge, Bubinga, Doussié, Walnut...

www.designparquet.fr

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Floor Forum International 61

requirements regarding domestic sound insulation. Indeed, FERMACELL dry floating covering floors improve both the airborne sound insulation and the impact sound insulation of floors with both renovation and new construction applications. The FERMACELL floor element consists of two FERMACELL gypsum fibre boards which are glued onto each other. The lip joints which arise provide a solid connection between the elements and are resistant to heavy pressure. FERMACELL floor elements combine strong performances with cost-saving dry assembly method.

Depending on the application, the elements are fitted in the factory with an insulation bottom layer of wood fibre, mineral wool, felt, or polystyrene. And so, the 2 E 16 FERMACELL floor element consists of two layers of FERMACELL (10mm) and in between 9mm of felt (total thickness 29mm). The 2 E 32 FERMACELL floor element also consists of two plates of 10mm and in between 10mm mineral wool (total thickness 30mm).

59

Special Export Minded companies in Austria Floor Forum International 61 60

AUSTRIAN ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW WOOD IS THE DRIVING FORCE IN SEVERAL BRANCHES Everyone agrees that ‘sound administration’ is the reason why Austria is one of the most prosperous countries in Europe. The measures taken after World War II are still bearing fruit today. Austria has been affected less by the recent crises and the barometer for 2013 looks extremely good. Wood is an important raw material for Austrian industry in various sectors. As far as parquet production is concerned, we find world class companies in Austria which are usually active in various sorts of floor technology, such as solid wood, multilayer, or laminate.

Geography Austria (official name: Republic of Austria) is a federal republic located in Central Europe. Austria is about twice as big as the Netherlands. It has national borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the west, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia in the north. A quarter of Austria’s surface area consists of lowland plains and hills. The rest comprises medium and high mountains, with the highest peaks reaching a height of almost 4000 metres.

The highest mountain is Mount Grossglockner at almost 3800 metres, whilst the Eastern Alps occupy a good deal of the country. The mountain ranges descend eastwards to the hills of The Vienna Woods and the lowland plains. The Alpenvoorland runs from the northern edge of the Alps to the outskirts of the capital Vienna. This is an area with hill crests, forests, pasture lands, and wide valleys. Eastern Austria consists of plains and hills. The Alps are eroding under the influence of the weather and the flora and fauna and this is creating a landscape of high peaks and deep valleys. Snow avalanches are a recurring phenomenon each year and claim the inevitable victims. These are most likely in the winter and the spring when the snow starts to melt. The most important River in Austria is the Danube, which flows for about 350 kilometres through Austrian land. Austria also numbers about 90 lakes. In particular, the Traun river basin is rich in lakes, including Lake Attersee, the biggest Alps lake in Austria.

Politics The form of government is based on the constitution of 1920/1929, which came into force again after World War II. The sovereignty and independence of Austria is guaranteed in the State Treaty of 1955. Under the constitution Austria is a federal republic, a federation of nine states (‘Bundesländer’). The head of state is the federal president, who is elected directly to office for a period of six years and may be re-elected for one more period in office. The federal government consists of a federal chancellor, a vice-chancellor, and ministers. They are appointed by the federal president and are accountable to the National Council . The national parliament consists of two chambers: the National Council (‘Nationalrat’; 183 members) and the Federal Council ( 64 members). Each federal state has its own parliament, the State Diet.

Executive power is exercised by the state governments. The state governments consist of a state captain ,a substitute, and

a number of head administrators, chosen by the State Diet to which they are accountable. Vienna is one of the nine Federal States and the city council acts here as State Diet. The constitution provides for the possibility of a referendum. Citizens can submit proposed laws via the so called petitions. The nine federal states are subdivided into 99 districts and, again, into 2553 local authorities.

The foundations for prosperity We have to look mainly into the past to find the roots of Austria’s current prosperity. From the point of view of the gross domestic product (GDP), the low unemployment, and the spread of the professional population, Austria is one of the most prosperous countries in Europe. Since the 1960s, the Austrian economy has been characterised by high growth and low unemployment.

The state owned a major share of the economy. Since the end of 1987, the government has been privatising some of the state companies. They are aiming eventually to put a maximum of 49% of the shares in these companies into private hands through the sale of shares. Consultation between the social security partners has created a stable social and economic climate. The move towards privatisation has continued. This has made the labour market more flexible. Radical pension reforms and a lowering of corporate tax from 34 to 25% have laid part of the foundation for the economic success. Export operations have grown hugely as well.

2013: the economy continues to grow The Austrian Institute of Economic Research and the Institute for Higher Education have recently presented their economic forecasts for 2013. Both institutes have concluded that the economy had reached its lowest point in the final quarter of 2012. For 2013, the IHS predicted that the Austrian economy would grow by 0.8%, whilst the WIFO forecast growth of 1%. In 2014, the forecasters expect growth of 1.8%. The winter report issued by Ernst & Young gives similar forecasts. The advice agency predicts growth in GDP of 0.9% for Austria. For 2014, Ernst & Young expects slight growth for the whole of Europe, whilst for Austria this figure is 1.1%. Due to the weaker market conditions and thereby lower raw material and energy prices, inflation in 2013 should drop to 2.1%, according to WIFO. Eurostat-Definition predicts a small increase in unemployment to 4.6%.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> continued from page 60

Wood in Austria Austria is one of the most woody countries in Europe. Of the country’s total surface area, 20% is taken up by building land, 28% by pasture land, and 38% by forests. Forestry provides wood for fuel and, of course, for the timber industry, which also includes the paper industry. Whilst agriculture makes use of 3,420,000 hectares of ground, about 3,000,000 hectares are in the service of forestry. Each year, this provides about 11 or 12 million cubic metres of raw wood. Some major industrial sectors which depend on the processing of wood include the paper industry and the construction industry, with the emphasis on joinery, prefab building, and the parquet industry.

Wooden floors in Austria In 2011, the total European parquet production was 70,713,000m² as compared to 70,300,000m² in 2010. Consumption of parquet in 2011 fell slightly by 1.65% to 91,475,000m² as compared to 92,945,000m² in 2010. In terms of both consumption and production, Austria scores average amongst the FEP countries.

Parquet production Both in 2010 and 2011, Austria was in fourth position for parquet production. In 2010, it accounted for 11.32% of the total production (just under eight million square metres). In 2011, that share rose slightly to 11.65%. Since European production as a whole rose, that meant an increase of 8,238,000m² for Austria. In sequence, Poland, Germany, and Sweden are above Austria on the list.

Parquet consumption As far as the consumption of parquet is concerned, Austria was in sixth place in both 2010 and 2011. With a share in the total European consumption of 6.89%, the Austrians fitted over 6,403,000m² of wooden flooring in 2010. Their share of consumption remained unchanged in 2011. Due to the general fall in parquet consumption in Europe, about 100,000m² less parquet was consumed. In sequence, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the so called Nordic countries are ahead of Austria.

An introduction

Althoz Althoz was formed in 1997 by Hubert Baumgartner. The company has become a specialist in the reuse of old wood. The first export to France took place in 1998.

As early as 2001, Althoz employed 10 people. In 2003, the company reached the turnover peak of one million euros. In 2006, the company started using its first drying chamber. By then, the company was based at its present location. By 2011, the company employed 30 people. Later in 2011, the company extended its infrastructure with the addition of a bigger warehouse and a loading bay. Today, Althoz employs 50 people and has a turnover of about 6.5 million euros. Their capacity is 135,000m² per annum. New for 2013 is the Madame Patina production line. The major export countries are France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. www.althoz.net • +43 07582/81654-0

Anyone who says floors means tilo.

‘Austrian quality’ is a worn out term.

You cannot wear out tilo floors, but enjoy them first and foremost. For years or decades, regardless of in which shapes or colours: our floors do not promise, but remain.

www.tilo.com

> continued from page 62

Floor Forum International 61

Special Export Minded companies in Austria

Weitzer Parkett

62

Weitzer Parkett was formed in 1831 as a family business and can boast over 175 years of experience with wood and know-how in the production of parquet floors and stairs.

Weitzer Parkett has become market leader thanks to the commitment of 650 employees, hyper-modern technology, and an ongoing R&D programme.

The company operates from two offices, Weiz and Güssing, and does so with great respect for its social and ecological surrounds. The company works solely with wood from sustainably managed forests. Their products also bear the Blue Angel (‘Blauer Engel’) label. In 2013, Weitzer Parkett launched its Sound-reduction Parquet. Thanks to their unique construction, these floors have optimal acoustics and are ideal for places such as hotels. Today, Weitzer Parkett exports to over 30 countries. www.weitzer-parkett.com • +43 (0) 3172 / 23 72 – 0

Egger

Egger has its headquarters at St. Johann in the Tyrol in Austria. The company was formed in 1961 by Fritz Egger as a producer of chipboards. Between 1966 and 2005, the company opened several production plants in Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Russia. In 1996, they started producing laminate. In 2006, direct printing technology (DPR) was launched in Brilon, Germany.

In 2008, the Group opened its first sawmill in Brilon, in 2010, the Group took over Roma Plastic, and in 2012 Egger opened an OSB factory in Rumania. All that has made the Egger Group European market leader in wood-based solutions. All over the world they trade about 6.5 million cubic metres of wood-based products and 500,000m³ of sawn wood. During the previous financial year (May 2012 to April 2013), the group achieved a turnover of about 2.2 billion euros. Over 17% of that was achieved by Egger Retail Products, the division which is responsible for floors. The group employs 7,100 people in 17 offices.

For 2013, Egger is concentrating on floors with cork+ technology. Integrated cork bearers make these floors warm, soft, silent, solid, and ecological. www.egger.com • +43 5352 6000

FN Neuhofer Holz

FN Neuhofer, a family business in its tenth generation, goes back about 360 years. It all began with a small sawmill in Zell am Moos.

Today, the company is a top player on the accessories market in floors and wall and ceiling furnishing. The range is impressive in both ‘solutions’ and materials, with skirting boards in hundreds of sizes, designs, and materials. The best-sellers are skirting boards furnished with veneer or decorative paper. Today, over 220 people work for FN Neuhofer and the machines have a capacity of 625,000 running metres a day or 125 million running metres a year. New for 2013 is the ‘app’, which you use to choose the most suitable profile by entering a few parameters. New products for 2013 include: the FN Sixpack in aluminium, HDF, solid wood, and the FN Clipholder CH27. www.fnprofile.com • +43/6234/8500-0 > continued from page 62

Tilo

In 2001, Tilo became Austria’s number one in the production of natural floor covering. In that year, 1,250,000m² of natural floors left the production plant. Founder Gustav Schrattenecker would probably never have dared to dream such things. He started the company in 1950 in a workshop (7.5 x 12m) with one employee. Gustav Schrattenecker proved himself an innovative business leader, who chose the right path at the right time. The firm reaped the rewards. In 1970, the company employed 27 people, but by 1980 that figure was 160. In 1989, the founder’s son, Franz Schattenecker, took over the business. From 1992, Tilo specialised in producing finished floors based on raw natural materials, such as wood, cork, and linoleum. In 2000, Tilo celebrated its 50th anniversary. The company used the occasion to open brand new official headquarters with a working area of 1950m². Clients are mainly timber specialists, wood dealers, and makers of doors, furniture, and kitchens. In 2005, Tilo opened the ‘Tilo Floor Studio’. In 2010, on the company’s 60th anniversary, Tilo launched the Design Vinyl Floors. Since 2011, Gerald Pröll has been general manager. www.tilo.com • +43 (0) 7754 400-0

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Wintersteiger

Kaindl was formed in 1897 as a small sawmill in Lungötz, Salzburg. The company went on to become a top specialist in wood. In 1959, they opened a second plant in Wals, where they produced the first chipboard. A destructive fire in Wals in 1989 led them to invest in a completely new and modern plant. About that time, Kaindl started producing laminate and became a world leader in barely 10 years. Today, the company makes various wood-related products, including laminate floors (60 million square metres per annum), chipboard (600,000m³ per annum), and MDF/HDF (500,000m³ per annum). All together, 800 people work at the plants in Wals and Lungötz. Turnover in 2012 was 425 million euros. This year, the company has unveiled some new products related to surface treatment: the two-sided synchronised Natural Touch, new structures such as ‘Antique’ and ‘Vintage’, and new premium collections in wood and cork. www.kaindl.com • +43 662 / 8588 3580

Wintersteiger AG is the world’s number one in solutions for slicing wood thinly. The company was formed in 1953 at Obernberg. 10 years after its formation, Wintersteiger began to specialise in the production of machines for the manufacture of skis, an activity which still takes up a good deal of its core business. Today, the company operates in seven sectors (sports, bootdoc, dry-tech, seedmech, woodtech, banso, and levelling), in which the design and manufacture of machines for slicing wood thinly is an important activity. Last year, Wintersteiger achieved a turnover of 126.2 million euros.

498 employees work at the headquarters in Ried/Innkreis, but worldwide the company employs 810 people. Over 90% of the production is destined for export to no fewer than 130 countries. Apart from the design and manufacture of standard machines, Wintersteiger also makes customised machines and production lines. One new machine for wood processing is the DSB Twinhead NG XM, a beam saw of the new generation. www.wintersteiger.com • +43 07752919-0

AZ_Zeitschriften_Text_ENG_190x65 20.02.13 17:28 Seite 1

Special Export Minded companies in Austria

Kaindl

We make binding connections.

Floor profiles and underlay sheeting for hard, elastic and textile flooring.

www.proline-systems.com

• Specialist in Profiles • Export ratio of 87% • Austrian tradition since 1650 • Best Austrian family owned company in 2009

www.fnprofile.com

Wir leisten mehr

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

We of fer you more

Floor Forum International 61

FN Neuhofer Holz

63

Bona Oils for Unique Expressions The all-new Bona Oil System The all-new Bona Oil System brings out the true character of wooden floors. The innovative range’s 2-dimensional design effects create stunning expressions through highlights and stark contrasts.

From design and protection to maintenance and care, this complete system is all you need for a long-lasting, beautiful oiled wooden floor with low VOC levels over its lifetime.

bona.com/bonaoilsystem

> Industry news

Wintersteiger Wood surface repairs and thin-cutting saws – the perfect combination Wintersteiger presented the latest addition to its product range at Ligna.

“Timber Repair and Cosmetics” was added to the product range following the majority takeover of VAP Automations in November 2012. TRC represents wood surface repairs of outstanding quality with enormous streamlining potential, regardless of the system user’s skill levels. This reduces the number of items which have to be rejected considerably. In addition Wintersteiger can also provide individualized solutions. This includes customized automation settings and transportation systems as well as dimensions.

Wintersteiger also presented the DSB Twinhead NG XM a new thin-cutting band saw. One of the big features is its modular design. The machine can grow as capacity requirements increase and can be expanded up to six saw units in a modular twinhead layout. XM stands for X modules. Further advantages: compact design, extremely high capacities of up to 12,000 m2 in single-shift operation and outstanding flexibility.

Dr.

Claus

Service

Dethloff,

Value

and

CEO Gabi

Böttcher, assistant chief editor salesbusiness handed over the award ““Exemplary sales and

distribution”

to

Karl-

Heinz Fiedler (CEO) and Sven Oliver Frank (sales manager), Proline Systems GmbH.

Rubio Monocoat - A Global Brand in Expansion Since the introduction of Rubio Monocoat Oil and the start of the first branch offices launching the brand on the international market, Rubio Monocoat has grown to be a well-established name within the industry. It currently counts a total of 26 international branch offices, with exports to 72 countries. So far, an impressive 13,000,000 m2 of wooden surface has been treated with Rubio Monocoat Oil. This expansion has also led to a wide interest for our Rubio Academy training programs from both a local and an international public. This ensures that not only local professionals but also the importers stay abreast of the most recent trends.

Once again proof that there is a good future ahead for innovative products that do what they promise to do!

DecoRad® Over 30 countries are using DecoRad® portable UV curing equipment The interest for on-site UV curing equipment is growing fast. Numerous coating companies are currently developing their UV systems. Thousands of square meters wood, resilient and mineral floors are already successfully renovated using the DecoRad® UV equipment. Due to increased demand, the milestone of 30 countries that are using portable DecoRad® UV curing equipment, is recently reached.

The great benefits of using UV instead of traditional products are reduced curing time and excellent coating characteristics.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Industry news

KLEIBERIT presents innovative HotCoating technology at LIGNA At the LIGNA trade fair, the latest developments of KLEIBERIT’s HotCoating technology in surface finishing were presented.

Whether super matte or high gloss surfaces, with this new technology, also in combination with the digital print process, there are virtually no limits concerning design variety and technical requirements – above all with measurable benefits in regards to cost savings and quality criteria.

Gloss level of 90 points (measuring angle 60 degrees) can be produced with one application and without interim sanding.

KLEIBERIT’s technology also offers savings of up to approx.

30% in comparison to the standard lacquer process in combination with a remarkable resistance (AC5), a relatively low coat weight and a universal adhesion to decorative papers, digitally printed surfaces and wood.

KLEIBERIT Adhesives is based in Weingarten (Germany) and produces approximately 40,000 ton of adhesives per year and employs about 450 employees worldwide.

Proline Exemplary sales and distribution In cooperation with the Cologne institute for analysis “Service Value”, the renowned trade magazine “salesbusiness” started a global survey concerning sales and sales management in autumn 2012. In January 2013 Dr. Klaus Dethloff, the managing director of “Service Value” visited Proline in Boppard and had intensive conversations with Karl-Heinz Fiedler, the managing partner of Proline Systems GmbH, sales manager Sven Oliver Frank and the relevant departments. The result of this audit ended with the awards ceremony. The award “Exemplary sales and distribution” certifies an excellent sales organization in which communication with customers, personnel management and development, planning, controlling, structures and processes, fairness and ethical aspects were particularly valued.

Floor Forum International 61

AFTERSHOW LIGNA

65

> Product news DecoRad® — NEW: Handheld UV curing device:

DecoRad® Handmate UV 600

The first prototypes of the DecoRad® Handmate UV 600 have just been tested and the contractor feedback is great! The must-have piece of equipment for any contractor that starts with on-site UV curing. Developed together with end-users, manufactured and maintained by the European specialist for portable UV curing equipment: DecoRad® Systems. Several characteristics of the DecoRad® Handmate UV 600: easy and safe to use (also because of the build-in shutter), lightweight, portable, ozone-free and CEapproved.

Product news

Proline — The perfect partner in design floorings The profiles of Proline Systems are perfectly appropriated for vinyl and design floorings in its range.

On the one hand Procover Designfloor creates perfect edge protection and trip-proof transitions. The Procover Designfloor compensator profile is height adjustable from 0-7mm and is supplemented by a transition and end profile.

With its aluminium anodized transition profile PRONIVO K3 with a height compensation of up to 3mm, Proline Systems guarantees aesthetic and safe transitions. The profile can either be glued or screwed.

Whether the profiles are strained by rolls of office chairs, shopping carts or hat stands, the tires of wheelchairs, walking frames or baby buggies, Proline profiles durably convince by their quality and fulfill their functions steadily.

Sadechaf — HID floor curing machines now patented Manufacturer HID UV (USA) has acquired a patent for “Shutterless, instant radiation device for curing light curable floor coatings”.

HID manufactures well known products like the Tiger, the Bulldog or the Hammerhead.

The granted patent is a proof that you buy genuine technology from the trendsetter in UV floor machines.

Sadechaf UV is exclusive distributor for the HID products in Europe.

By using Light Curable coatings and original UV-equipment, you are able to complete a renovation project of a wooden floor in only one day.

Proline — Support in product management Excellent products alone are not sufficient to create customer loyalty. Service is playing a decisive role in the meantime.

“Besides quality, especially service of Proline Systems and the willingness to work out individual solutions convinced me” so Moreno Leiser, purchasing manager of Bienna Interfloor in Switzerland.

The company is working together with Proline for 2 years now and is still enthusiastic about their commitment, delivery times and support in the marketing sector.

Progress profiles — presents new products to up-

Floor Forum International 61

grade wooden floors.

66

Innovative solutions, high technology, and attention to design; those are the values of PROGRESS PROFILES, the Italian manufacturer and market leader in floor covering profiles. These values go together with a 100% Made in Italy quality guarantee (i.e. a certificate of Italian origin). The entire production process takes place in Italy.

In the extensive range which PROGRESS PROFILES offers, there are some new products which are related to wooden floors. For example, there is the PROEND GRIP 70, an antislip stair nosing in anodised aluminium with a walking surface of 7cm, or the PROCOVER ACC, a raised edge with a flat top side which covers joints (in a new size of 20/40mm) in stainless steel (brushed or levelled), for an even better finish.

From now on there are also some new finishes for wood to take advantage of modern trends: Rouvre Aspen, Rouvre Blanc (White), and Rouvre Gris (Grey).

For more information visit the web site www.progressprofiles.com.

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

DESIGNING IDEAS _ BUILDING INNOVATION

The international biennial trade show for the Building and Construction industry MADE expo showcases: Construction and Building site | Building envelope and Windows | Interiors and Finishings | Software and Hardware | Energy and Plants | City and Landscape

www.madeexpo.it Promoted by Partners

www.federlegnoarredo.it | +39 051 66 46 624 | info@madeexpo.it

Under the patronage of

info@hardwoodclip.com +32 (0) 474 49 49 99

The ulTimaTe generaTion of hidden deck fasTeners

With stainless steel reinforcement www.hardwoodclip.com