FFI 67 May 2014

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

industry

N° 67, May 2014 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, June, Sept, Nov, Dec) Office of delivery 9099 Ghent X, P911092, BC 31359 — Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

TOP FRENCH COMPANIES FOCUSED ON EXPORT

Review of the European Floor & Wall Exhibition (B) European

Floor & Wall Exhibition

16, 17 & 18 March 2014 - FLANDERS EXPO GENT (B)

Advertorial Pallmann (D) Grand Hotel du Lac/Vevey Special Producers of exterior wooden and composite wall cladding

Special parquet oil

Review of the DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR Preview Carrefour International Du Bois

Review of the DOMOTEX Russia/Moscow Special producers of profiles for LVT, PVC and vinyl floors

Bona Machine

ELITE • FLEET

Performance for Every Need Complete range of high performance sanding machines Bona introduces a full, comprehensive machine range for all your sanding needs.

A unique fusion with our new partner Kunzle & Tasin that combines strong passion for wooden floors with expert technical knowhow – The Bona Elite Fleet.

Whether you are a professional in need of the highest square-metre capacity, or a dedicated semi-pro floor sander looking for a safe, reliable result, you will find an ideal solution that delivers world-class performance and efficiency.

www.bona.com/bonasandingsolution

content Review of the European Floor & Wall Exhibition (B) European

Floor & Wall Exhibition

16, 17 & 18 March 2014 - FLANDERS EXPO GENT (B)

Advertorial Pallmann (D) Grand Hotel du Lac/Vevey Special Producers of exterior wooden and composite wall cladding

Special parquet oil

Review of the DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR Preview Carrefour International Du Bois

Review of the DOMOTEX Russia/Moscow Special producers of profiles for LVT, PVC and vinyl floors

Floor Forum International, N° 67, May ’14, Photo WOCA

4 Inside news 7 Advertorial Pallmann (D) Grand Hotel du Lac/Vevey (CH) 8 Review of the European Floor & Wall Exhibition Ghent (B) 22 Special Producers of profiles for LVT, vinyl and PVC floors 26 Special Producers of exterior wooden en composite wall cladding 30 Preview of the Carrefour International du Bois (FR) 32 Special Checking the Screed : how to use the moisture meter 35 Review of the DOMOTEX Russia /Moscow 36 Special Joint filling compounds for outdoor floors 39 Special Parquet oil 44 Special Terrace renovation machines 47 Special Producers of style panels 51 Industry news 52 Special Producers of hybrid adhesives 55 Special How to prepare a poor substrate for proper glueing 59 Review of the DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 61 Special Top French companies focused on export 66 Product news

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“Europlac is launching its 20,000km savings plan for its parquet that is made in France.”

Thanks to a range of parquet floors from bargain price items to parquet of the very highest level and an à la carte presentation system, Europlac has acquired a place in lots of parquet floor showrooms in France and Belgium (mainly via BJ Parket) in recent years. In the runup to the forthcoming Carrefour du Bois (in Nantes), we spoke to Jean-Marc Meyer, sales & marketing manager at Europlac, which is based near Bordeaux.

How does Europlac profile itself on the parquet market?

“Since Europlac is a parquet manufacturer which produces items entirely in France, our 20,000km savings camJean-Marc Meyer paign aims to show clearly that it makes (Europlac) no sense at all to send French oak to Asia only to repurchase that same wood, which has been converted into parquet in the meantime, at a cheaper price than if the products were made in France (!). Europlac shows that it is perfectly possible to sell excellent parquet products at acceptable prices via the use of French wood and with the accompanying finishes. The market certainly recognises our quality because we have extended our network of dealers considerably, certainly in France and Belgium. These are all specialist, qualitative, and renowned dealers.”

To what do you attribute your success?

Our success is due to the fact that we can adapt our production easily to suit demand (flexibility, adaptability, and follow-up). We’re also highly efficient and apply a thorough quality control, so we can say that we’re familiar with every square metre which leaves our premises. Lots of other European manufacturers try to follow in our footsteps with an “à la carte” presentation of their range, but it’s often difficult to achieve this if you don’t have the entire production process in your own hands or you’re always worried about “sleeping stocks”, which can put paid to any sales strategy.”

What can we expect from Europlac during Carrefour du Bois?

“In Nantes we’ll be showing our new collections, which are the fruit of the further development of our finish tools. MONTANA is a new collection of varnished parquet floors, whilst CEPAGES stands for oiled parquet floors which are subtly weather-stained. These collections provide an excellent recommendation for our know-how and finish quality. We’re also using the show to present our new ABSTRACKT shop concept. ABSTRACKT can be adapted excellently to the style and character of any showroom, thanks to a refined presentation of our collection. We’re concentrating more and more on network channels because that’s the breeding ground for tomorrow’s market. At the same time, we’re also working on a support publicity film, which will appeal to this new generation of decision makers, who are constantly setting new benchmarks for decorative aspects. We dare to claim that we think the world of parquet is in a state of transition and that we feel quite comfortable with that. On the other hand, transition demands that you constantly question yourself and the independent structure of our family business puts us in an ideal position to do that.”

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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

Editors:

Translation:

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

The copyright of Floor Forum International and the articles appearing herein are retained by the publisher. By agreeing to publication of an article in this journal, the author assigns to the publisher the irrevocable and exclusive right under Copyright law to collect charges due from third parties for copying said article and to undertake legal or other action for this purpose.

Editorial and advertising copy in this issue have been carefully checked and Floor Forum International bvba cannot accept any responsibility for any errors.

Contents, Colophon & Editorial

N° 67, May 2014 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, June, Sept, Nov, Dec) Office of delivery 9099 Ghent X, P911092, BC 31359 — Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

TOP FRENCH COMPANIES FOCUSED ON EXPORT

www.floor-forum.com

industry

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

> Inside news

Inside news

NEW! TIMBEREX® trendy water based wood stains.

TIMBEREX®, manufacturer of wood oils and professional wood care products, introduces a whole new range of innovative & trendy water based wood stains with almost no solvents.

• TIMBEREX® Aqua: Fast-drying water based stains for lasting wood colouration • TIMBEREX® Aqua Plus: Fast-drying water based stain and protection in one • TIMBEREX® Enviro Oil: Very low VOC, non-darkening, natural wood protection • TIMBEREX® Active Stains: Trendy grey oak stains for a ‘weathered wood look’ For more information about these innovations, go to www.timberex.com

One of Osmo´s Pioneers retires

Floor Forum International 67

Manfred Feldhammer, one of Osmo’s pioneers, entered into his well-earned retirement at the end of 2013. After finishing his training as a laboratory technician, he was employed in January 1977 to help build up a range of wood finishes. Osmo can look back at numerous products that Manfred Feldhammer developed, for example the Osmo 712 Ebony Natural Oil Wood Stain.

He accompanied the development of Osmo from day one and has most definitely played a key role in the only company in Germany which produces both wooden products and wood finishes which are not only produced but also used on product ranges within the company.

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For the first time, FN Neuhofer Holz presented its range of picture frames at the West Coast Art & Frame Expo in Las Vegas / USA. FN Neuhofer Holz from Zell am Moos / Austria – One of the leading companies in the area of accessories for floors, walls and ceilings participated successfully in the world’s largest trade fair for picture frames, the West Coast Art & Frame Expo in Las Vegas from 20 - 22 January 2014. The many and varied possibilities offered by the FN Neuhofer Holz digital printing system, “FN digiprint”, were presented for profiles and picture frames. Trade fair visitors and exhibitors were impressed by the wide assortment. FN Neuhofer Holz has been supplying

picture frame profiles for a number of years now. “We were very satisfied with the fair because there were some extremely interesting discussions”, says Managing Director Franz Neuhofer.

Rubio Monocoat opens second showroom in South Africa In addition to the existing location in Johannesburg, where 7 staff members and 13 technical representatives are providing day-to-day support to Rubio Monocoat customers, a second showroom has been opened in Woodstock, Cape Town. This puts Rubio Monocoat right in the center of creativity, and in the excellent company of architects and designers. The Cape Town location employs 4 employees and 3 technical advisors.

PG® Hardwood Flooring Inc. Rectification of the text ‘Top Quebec companies focused on export’ published in the March issue. The editor apologize for the mistake.

PG® Hardwood Flooring Inc. was formed in 1979 by Richard Garneau and Julien Paré. Richard Garneau already had 20 years of experience in producing wooden floors. Initially, 15 people worked in the company on an area of over 1,000m². Today, the company employs 150 people on a production plant of 125,000m².

Mr Paré left the company in 1992. PG® Hardwood Flooring offers over 5,000 products. In just 30 years, the company has acquired a reputation for outstanding quality in the production of hardwood floors (solid wood, engineered, and pre-finished).

The floors are sold under the Model® and PG trademarks. The company managers are convinced that success is related directly to research and development, not only with regard to new products, but also in the field of production techniques and processes. Moreover, an extremely strict quality control also provides an important guarantee that every product is perfect. PG® Hardwood Flooring has an extensive distribution network in several countries. The company offers FSC products and provides CE labelling for export to Europe.

Vetedy Spring is just around the corner!

Fortunately for us, winter was mild and some nice realization have been set up! We present here a housing extension project based in Flanders.

The new volume which complete the existing part is characterized by a facade cladding using Techniclic® in padouk. The width in 60mm bring a very contemporary touch. This project contains an outdoor

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kitchen area combined with a veranda. A garden shed is covered with the same cladding.

For more than 20 years, the Vetedy Group has been specialised in the production and distribution of exotice timbers, both for outdoor garden decking and indoor flooring.

Vetedy Group has grown exponentially following the development of its system SoftlineÂŽ, launched in 2001 and which was the first system for wood decking without visible screw and non-oxydisable. The group innovates in 2011 with its patented system TechniclicÂŽ especially designed for claddings, walls and ceilings covering in wood without visible screws, with an incredible speed of installation for a precise finish recognized in numerous countries. Today, Vetedy Group is an international group established in Luxembourg, in Belgium, in Cameroon, in Indonesia and represented all around the world.

Pagnoni Impianti Always pressing ahead: Pagnoni Impianti is introducing a new system for the Embossed in Register at the Xylexpo fair Thanks to its long-time experience in the field of short-cycle presses, Pagnoni Impianti has reached new technological peaks in the field of the melamine impregnated lamination and is introducing a new system

for the Embossed in Register. This system, already industrially tested, allows a simultaneous registered lamination of both the top and the bottom dĂŠcor papers for a definite synchronous effect for furniture. Needless to say that the one-sided Embossed in Register for flooring can be achieved. Furthermore, according to the market requirements, the needed pressure is boosting: under request, all the new Pagnoni presses can be projected to work up to 100 kg/cm2. Also the existing presses can be modified, thanks to the oversized original design, increasing their pressing capacity up to 45 or 50 kg/cm2 in order to allow the embossed finishing on the boards surface. As for the shortcycle presses, the Pagnoni offer covers the whole range: from the high capacity 180 cycle/hour lines, for the most demanding Customers, to the inexpensive and ready-to-use Selecta lines, studied for medium/small capacities, however keeping the first quality production level. Despite the market wavering, Pagnoni Impianti firmly aims at the ongoing high-tech R&D and has recently founded a brand new company, called Extrico, as a propulsive part of its group. Extrico will be in charge of the project and development of the electrical engineering of the Pagnoni pressing lines. The main goals of Extrico are to make the control of sophisticated lines smart and handy and to permit a perfect interface between the Pagnoni lines and the information management system of the Customer. Another main goal is the possibility to supply immediate remote web assistance through the latest technologies included in the control line. New developments are on the way for all the pressing lines supplied

Inside news

> Inside news

ORIGINAL MASSIVE

Floor Forum International 67

EdelholZ

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> Inside news

Floor Forum International 67

Inside news

– production of particleboard, MDF, OSB, plywood, HPL and compact, melamine lamination and more - by Pagnoni Impianti: in order to keep all the Customers easily updated the website www.pagnoni.com will be renewed and a Youtube channel will be launched on occasion of the Xylexpo fair.

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Pallmann Rectification of the text in the Special ‘Water-based lacquers’, published in the February edition. The editor apologize for the mistake.

Pallmann offers a full range of waterborne varnishes. Pall-X 96 is a single component varnish for high traffic rooms and highly resistant to mechanical and chemical influences. Pall-X 96 is the rapid system finish with a very short drying time. Pall-X Extreme is a single or dual component varnish for all wood in high traffic rooms. Pall-X 98 is a dual component varnish for extremely high traffic wooden floors. It has the highest possible resistance to mechanical and chemical influences and has slip resistance in conformity to the standard EN 14904. Pall-X Zero is also a dual component varnish which can be deployed even in an industrial setting. Finally, Pall-X Sport is a 1-component varnish for sports floors with slip resistance in conformity to the prevailing national standards (e.g. DIN 18032 and EN 14904).

of sustainability. By marking Neuhofer products with the PEFC quality seal (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes), the consumer is offered the opportunity of consciously opting for buying products originating from responsible forestry. The quality seal guarantees that the forests from which the certified wood originates are, on the one hand, managed ecologically, economically and socially sustainable as laid down by the PEFC standards. It also, on the other hand, clearly certifies compliance of transport and processing routes across all value-adding stages down to the end user. The active contribution of Neuhofer Holz to the ecological quality of its products and thereby to nature conservation is as such also confirmed.

Some visitors to EFWEX returned home with some attractive prizes Another unique feature of the European Floor & Wall Exhibition was that visitors had the chance to win a number of attractive gadgets in prize draws. The prizes were i-Pad Minis and Samsung galaxy S smart phones.

The winners not only enjoyed a pleasant and informative business exhibition, but also returned home with an attractive gift.

FN Neuhofer Quality & reliability as well as inherent sustainability – at Neuhofer Holz ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management System – successfully re-certified At the beginning of 2014, Neuhofer Holz had reason to celebrate passing the audit of its Quality Management System once more. The certificate confirms that the Quality Management System, with all its processes and therefore in all fields, is compliant with ISO 9001:2008 and is applied.

ISO 14001: 2009 Environmental Management System – successfully affirmed A surveillance audit compliant with ISO 14001:2009 Environmental Management System requirements took place in parallel with this. Surveillance results likewise confirmed that Neuhofer Holz is applying a highly sustainable system through its environment-related programmes, objectives, activities and processes.

FSC certificate and PEFC certificate – validity reaffirmed The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is an overarching international organisation for the promotion of sustained, socially compatible and economically viable forestry. It prescribes principles and criteria for sustainable forestry and timber industries. Certified operations such as Neuhofer Holz are certified compliant with FSC mandated ecological, social and economical criteria along the entire chain, from tree felling to the manufacture of finished products as required by customers. Neuhofer Holz is inherently conscious

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170 sqm of new oak parquet at Grand Hotel du Lac/Vevey The product of choice to renovate the 170sqm parquet floor in the “Salon de Viennoise” in the Grand Hotel du Lac in Vevey on the Northern shores of Lake Geneva was the waterbased, two component, wood floor lacquer, Pall-X 98 from Pallmann.

The 5 star Grand Hotel du Lac in Vevey, erected in 1868, is situated directly on the shores of Lake Geneva and combines the charm of the 19th century with contemporary comfort and style.

The main objective of this parquet floor refurbishment in the “Salon de Viennoise” was to reinstate the exclusive historical appearance of the 19th century. It was quickly established that only a premium product should be used for the sealing of the oak parquet which was not only laid in a herringbone pattern but also contained a border and frieze as well as an integrated Wenge fillet pattern. The most suitable wood floor lacquer for this kind of project was the water-based laquer Pall-X 98 from Pallmann.

Oil primer Pall-X 333 Color (natural) After filling the floor the floor was primed. The client requested the application of a solvent free priming coat to prepare the floor. In addition, the treatment also needed to intensify the timber characteristics in a natural yet vivid way, resulting in warm hues with simultaneous enhancement of the integrated border and patterns. The product which fulfilled all these requirements is the easily-applied 2K-Oil-priming coat Pall-X-333 Color (natural).

After filling and sanding of the floor, but just before the primer application, the entire floor was wiped with a very slightly damp mop with clear water to open the grain and attain an even but intense ehancement.

The surface then had to dry for approximately 25 minutes before any excess material could be removed using a Pallmann beige cleaning pad. In the next step, approximately 20 minutes later, the area is again polished using the Pallmann white cleaning pad, to ensure a consistent appearance. After the floor received optimal preparation and a necessary 12 hours intermediate drying time, the final lacquer coat could be applied.

Coating the floor with PALL-X 98 The final sealing of the floor had to provide best protection for this highly frequented room as the „Salon de Viennoise“ is a venue for several events including weddings and conferences. The nature of these events means that any lacquer had to be strongly resistant but also solvent free. It was therefore the experience and recommendation of the parquet laying company CB Concept Sárl in liaison with the Pallmann consultant which lead to the application of the 2K-parquet sealant Pall-X 98, a lacquer system for highly trafficked timber floors which met all the client’s requirements.

After the first coat dried thoroughly, an intermediate sanding followed using a Pallmann Uno rotary machine with the 120 grit Pallmann multi-hole pad, before works progressed to the second coat of lacquer.

Conclusion Once the refurbishment works were completed it was evident how much of the craftsman’s outstanding skills went into the floor refurbishment. The result is a successful reinstatement of the original parquet floor design.

PALLMANN Brandmanager I Klaus Stolzenberger Tel. +49 (0)931 27964-59 | Facsimile +49 (0)931 27964-68 Email: stolzenberger@pallmann.net

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Floor Forum International 67

Subfloor preparation and Filler In order to lay the 170sqm of 22mm thick solid oak parquet it was necessary to renew the sub-floor level screed prior to laying and adhering the parquet.

After that the wood floor layers had to fill the joint in the newly laid floors with a suitable timber filler from Pallmann.

Advertorial Pallmann (D) Grand Hotel du Lac/Vevey (CH)

Pall-X 98 beautifully enhances parquet floor in iconic hotel by Lake Geneva

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Belgium unveils a new wooden floor show.

From Sunday 16 to Tuesday 18 March, Flanders Expo in Ghent, Belgium, was the rendezvous for the Belgian and international sectors for wooden flooring and walls, terraces, vinyl, laminate, and PVC floors. A total of 3509 visitors came to the show.

After the demise of Europarket in 2010, Belgium had to wait four years for a successor. By mid-March, it was time for the industry to witness the European Floor & Wall Exhibition (EFWEX). The show in Flanders Expo Ghent presented itself as a pleasant and attractive trade fair which gave a varied, national, and international public the opportunity to familiarise themselves for three whole days with lots of new products and suppliers from Europe and elsewhere. The diversity and quality in the range united with a people-centred event which almost filled the large hall 8 of Flanders Expo.

Monday – the busiest day of the show After three days, the final visitor total was 3509. Monday, with 1388 visitors, proved the busiest day. On Tuesday, the attendance was also good with a figure of 1146 visitors. On Sunday, the show still attracted 975 visitors, despite the exceptionally fine spring weather. EFWEX trade fair manager Filip De Ridder commented: “The enthusiasm and optimism of both exhibitors and visitors was particularly noticeable; a sign that the market is on the way up.” “I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to all exhibitors for their support,” said Filip De Ridder. “EFWEX will continue to grow and will attract new groups of visitors. Our team is looking forward to the next EFWEX and, with the support of our exhibitors, we’re aiming for even more success in 2016.”

Floor Forum International 67

High quality visitors Most exhibitors expressed their satisfaction at the quality of the visitors, ranging from local parquet fitters, joiners, interior specialists, and architects (purchasers, generally speaking), building promoters to national and international buyers from all corners of Europe and even further afield.

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We asked exhibitors to give their feedback on the European Floor & Wall Exhibition. Here are some of the reactions: H&W Finishing : is looking back on a successful participation at the European Floor & Wall Exhibition in Ghent - Belgium.

Rubio Monocoat : our participation in the first edition of the EFWEX was a success. EFWEX has been an excellent platform.

La San Marco Profili : established many new contacts with potential clients at the fair so its participation results as positive for its aim of products international widespread.

Ciranova: a successful participation at the fair European Floor & Wall Exhibition in Ghent. Many new contacts, national as well as international, have been made and important appointments have been fixed.

T&G Wood : a quiet show, but satisfied nonetheless. The initiative to appear at the show was worthwhile, so T&G Wood therefore intends to return in two years time.

Luxury Decor Floors : thanks to the maintenance of the organization of EFWEX, the fair was even more successful for us as exhibitors as well as for the visitors.

Ipe Latino : In terms of results, they obtained about 120 new clients from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and one new client from Britain.

Sika : the SikaBond® Dispenser 1800 Power, the very handy 1 cylinder dispenser on battery was a success on the EFWEX. Hesse Benelux : “for us it was a unique opportunity to attract new targets and to further market our name, due to the international dimension of the exhibition.”

Belgiqa : lured a lot of curious visitors at EFWEX! Hertog Vloeren® : the first edition was very successful.

Despite the fact that this was the first edition we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and number of visitors that reached our booth. We are looking forward to the next edition in 2016 and we would like to thank the organization for their effort and dedication.

Flamingo Parket : everyone was full of expectation as the show began in Ghent on 16 March. The first of a hopefully long series of exhibitions in the attractive and convivial city of Ghent.

We are looking forward to the next European Floor & Wall Exhibition!

Archiwood : favourable balance after the European Floor & Wall Exhibition.

Esprit Du Parquet : is satisfied with its participation in the EFWEX. As expected, most visitors were Belgian, but also we happily welcomed numerous foreign visitors on our booth.

YEPP: enjoyed a successful EFWEX during which they mainly highlighted their major products in parquet floors and accessories.

Oosterlinck : no quantity but quality For Oosterlinck NV the Exhibition in Gent was successful regarding the quality of the visitors. There were several good contacts with new potential customers.

Overmat : Organization wise there were some topics that need to be addressed for future editions. Nevertheless, we are not

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Photo: Mac Lean

Review of the European Floor & Wall Exhibition Ghent (B)

Review of the European Floor & Wall Exhibition in Ghent (B)

Satisfied visitors It emerged from a survey carried out amongst visitors that they were satisfied with the show, giving it an average score of 7.5 out of 10. What was noticeable was that some visitors expressed their disappointment at the limited range of laminate on show. And so, that is clearly a point for attention, also for the numerous top class manufacturers of laminate in Belgium and neighbouring countries. Most visitors also enjoyed the free catering concept for exhibitors and visitors. It’s worth pointing out that no one abused the offer of free drinks at any time. Filip De Ridder commented, “That says a lot for the seriousness of the visitors.”.

Seminars and workshops Visitors at the European Floor & Wall Exhibition also had the opportunity to take part in a number of seminars and workshops on various subjects such as ‘Renovating old parquet floors’, ‘Parquet floors and air humidity’, ‘Marketing and social media in the floor industry’, and ‘colours and material trends in 2015 for the interior and the floor industry’. The workshops are held in a separate conference room fitted with two distinctive vinyl floors from mFLOR. We are talking here about the mFLORCONTACT Suffolk Woods 95815 Mersea Pine decor and the mFLORCONTACT Nuance, 97419 Charcoal. These floors are 3mm thick and suitable for heavy commercial use. In the Floor & Wall Design@EFWEX hall of inspiration there was an Alsapan laminate floor, which was 12mm thick and had a perfect synchronous finish, class AC6 and V-grooves on the four sides. The floor is fitted in two floorboard widths, namely 210 and 118mm. The decor was a grey oak ‘Chêne Sardegne’ and gave the lounge-style room that little bit extra.

Trends and innovation The wooden flooring trends which we noticed have been in evidence for some time: more multi-layer than solid wood, grey and white tints and vintage. New items which stood out were floors with a sky blue or white worn look. We also noticed a wide range (some completely new) in terrace and exterior wall wood/composite and the accompanying fasteners, which proved their potential. The most striking novelty was

undoubtedly the wooden terrace floor which absorbs sunlight and uses it at night to shed light.

Visitors are winners Another unique feature of the European Floor & Wall Exhibition was that visitors had the chance to win a number of attractive gadgets and work tools in prize draws. The prizes were i-Pad Minis and Samsung galaxy S smart phones.

An overview of some active exhibitors : Mac Lean

Floor & Wall 2014 was a good opportunity to inform Belgium purchasers about underlay for laminate and floating wooden floors. A lot of interest was shown for the new EPLF requirements for laminate underlay. Great days to present our professional underlay solutions, our extensive skirting program and accessories. www.macleanproducts.nl ARCHI WOOD / Hard Wood Clip® Favourable balance after the European Floor & Wall Exhibition

ARCHIWOOD was satisfied with its participation in the European Floor & Wall Exhibition. It had a fantastic stand, which attracted large numbers of visitors. ARCHIWOOD presented its leading highlight, Hard Wood Clip®, the invisible fastening system for terraces and wall covering in wood. The Hard Wood Clip® fasteners are the only ones on the market to obtain an ATG (technical approval) certificate and which can present a technical FCBA dossier to prove conformity to the standard NF DTU 51.4.

This is all in the field of fastenings which are offered for terraces and wall coverings (vertical and horizontal), as well as in different profiles, widths, and wood sorts (ipe, padauk, kebony, accoya,

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Floor Forum International 67

dissatisfied and did have some promising new contacts in addition to meeting with a number of known customers. We admire the courage shown by Floor Forum along with the energy invested to organize this fair.

BJ Parket : BJ Parket was very satisfied with EFWEX. The many clients and prospective clients certainly had a thoughtful look at all these new items and the company took several orders in the weeks following the show!

Bamboo Touch® : We are satisfied with the quality of the visitors Devomat : appreciates the fact that Belgium now has a new fully fledged parquet trade fair. We are pleased with the visitor numbers/qualitative contacts ratio and are already looking forward to EFWEX 2016!

B-Fix : took up the challenge to be present for the first EFWEX trade exhibition and did not regret its decision!

DeckWise® : The European Floor & Wall Exhibition in Ghent was very successful. DeckWise® would like to thank the organization once again for the first successful edition of the trade show and we are looking forward to the second edition in 2016.

Review of the European Floor & Wall Exhibition Ghent (B)

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Review of the European Floor & Wall Exhibition Ghent (B)

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bangkirai, iroko, thermally treated ash wood, and thermally treated pine wood).

The demonstration table set up in the middle of the stand exhibited the products manufactured by ARCHIWOOD. These were the Hard Wood Clip® fasteners, the bituminous protective strips for backing strips, the totally new and innovative wood drill for applying wooden plugs, as well as new rectifiers for planks.

ARCHIWOOD also took the opportunity at EFWEX to tell its visitors about its parent trademark NÖVLEK®- Designed to resist, to which its entire range of accessories belong.

presented its world brand products for the construction industry to the exhibition. Professionals in the construction fields, end users and tech savvies have attended the European Floor & Wall Exhibition.

Armada Groupe has presented the new generation of economic and ecological product Support Eco Floating Floor bases. Our support eco brand product attracted attention above expectations. Armada Groupe and its partners which export 42 countries, have been increasing market share more and more and make a difference with the principle of customer-focused work as days pass…

Armada Groupe Bamboo Touch®

Armada Groupe which has recently attended the European Floor & Wall Exhibition, has managed to attract the attention with its products that has the permanent solutions to important problems in the construction industry. Armada which has turkish origin,

Despite everything that has happened to them, the company was still able to attend the European Floor & Wall Exhibition. We are satisfied with the quality of the visitors and were able to exhibit

Floor Forum International 67

Emfiparquet Pro Plus

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ECOLOGY/PERFORMANCE Parquet adhesive Based on silane terminated polymers.

Approved for the fullsurface adhesive bonding of all types of parquet and in very large sizes: 15 x 160 mm, 20 x 180 mm, 20 x 200 mm.

OUR APPLICATION ADVANTAGES OUR ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS • In adequacy with the environmental standards in force.

• Not aggressive for varnish.

• Very low VOC* emission.

• Very low odour.

• Classified A+.

• Classified EC1 Plus R. * Volatile organic compounds

• Excellent shelf life, minimum wastage.

• Keeps perfectly good lines.

• Use of advanced technology.

• Easy to apply.

• FCBA certificate.

• Remains flexible after polymerization. • Suitable for laying on heated floors, in bathrooms, etc.

• Fast curing time.

• Improve the acoustic comfort of parquets.

• Excellent resistance to humidity and heat.

OUR TECHNICAL SKILLS

EMFI HEAD OFFICE - 3 rue Ettore Bugatti - CS 40030 - 67501 Haguenau Cedex - FRANCE Tél. +33 (0)3 88 90 60 00 Fax +33 (0)3 88 73 48 38 - Internet : www.emfi.com - E-mail : emfi@emfi.com

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the following new items: - Composite terrace with their exclusive model which recaptures the patterns of bamboo - Terrace in thermally treated bamboo - New fully coloured Bamwood shades - New budget ranges where mass produced items areon offer at competitive prices - New Internet sites They want to develop a partnership together with their clients which is even more exclusive and offers a full selection in bamboo, ranging from an assortment in which the price is kept as low as possible to exclusive design products. They have several other projects in the pipeline which will surprise you in the future. The company would like to thank the many clients who have encouraged and supported them after the fire which they suffered. They are proud to announce that they are now fully operational once again. The Bambootouch ® team is hugely grateful to all those who have put their trust in them.

Belgiqa BELGIQA parquet is the best novelty in the parquet world and lured a lot of curious visitors at EFWEX! It was a successful demonstration of their 100% Belgian multilayer parquet, manufactured with a EUROPEAN OAK top coat, glued to an underlay in Birch plywood. BELGIQA parquet is custom made, according to your personal choice. The customer can personally compose his parquet and can combine every thickness, with every width, quality, joints and colour! Widths up to 30cm! BELGIQA

guarantees you a traditionally manufactured, top quality product and a perfect fit in 18 beautiful colours. Also available untreated. What makes the BELGIQA unique, is that on each oil-finish, a matt varnish can be applied! BELGIQA donates an oak tree to their customer for every order placed!

B-Fix B-Fix took up the challenge to be present for the first EFWEX trade exhibition and did not regret its decision!

These days, a trade fair constitutes a challenge, but our sector needed an event like this. Over the three days of the show, B-Fix managed to achieve its pre-ordained objectives: the further development of its network of dealers and to meet professionals not only to inform them about their new products, but also to assess their expectations with regard to future developments. Furthermore, a trade fair is always a good opportunity to make contact with other exhibitors. B-Fix is currently making

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Pedestals from SOLIDOR will make difference Les Plots réglables de Solidor ferontthe la différence

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

METAL GRATES grilles métalliques

WOOD WPC lames OR de bois

TILES dalleCONCRETE en béton, céramique

SOLAR PANELS panneaux solaires

•• Easy simple et réglable avec précision and adjustable with precision •• Fast installation facile et rapide and easy installation •• Very très robuste robust •• Durable durable •• Modular système system modulaire •• Slope Correcteur de pente corrector •• Easy Facilement accessible pour l’entretien accessible for maintenance and reparation

Solidor Rubber & Products bvba LAUwBERgSTRAAT 124b B-8930 LAUWE - BELgiQUE TEL.: +32 (0)56 41 35 70 - FAX : +32 (0)56 40 37 68 www.SOLIDOR.BE

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Floor Forum International 67

stable stable •• Remarkably remarquablement

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preparations for Carrefour du Bois in Nantes. There the company aims to support the many dealers of its products. You can visit them at stand H3-F10.

BJ Parket BJ Parket was very satisfied with EFWEX.

They exhibited their new colours from Europlac, the new vintage floors and original collection from Solidfloor as well as their own Duo-line, which is also available finished.

The many clients and prospective clients certainly had a thoughtful look at all these new items and the company took several orders in the weeks following the show!

particularly enthusiastic about the hard oil-wax Solid’Oil®! This oil has already been used for the 3,900m² of the MuCEM in Marseille, which has already welcomed over two million visitors!

The Anti UV protectors for clothes (colourless, coloured, and opaque) also attracted lots of interest.

Buzon Pedestal International SA Buzon Pedestal International SA is the first European manufacturer of screwjack pedestals made of polypropylene and adjustable continuously from 11 to 1120 mm. Buzon pedestals can bear loads of 1,000 kg/pedestals and are specially designed for the construction of terraces accessible, pedestrian areas, paths, gardens on the roof, technical floors, etc. The Buzon accessories range enables an easy and reliable implementation of wood decking, WPC decking or wood tiles on any type of waterproofing membrane, insulation (inverted roof) or any stable ground, even sloping (max. 10%).

Carpentier Hardwood Solutions

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Blanchon

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Blanchon, the European specialist in parquet finishes, presented Ciméthane® UV. This is a parquet glazer with exceptional properties, since it sets via UV rays. Ciméthane® UV is meant for use in high traffic places, which need to be used at once. The product is odourless and is available in several tints, including a strongly highlighted matt accent. Blanchon, which has always worked together closely with parquet fitters and specialists, has introduced a complete system, including the hire of the machine and technical support in getting started on site. Amongst the scores of products which were on show, including colours, distressing products, and ultra-matt glazers, visitors were

We highlighted our exterior wall cladding in HOT wood, especially the thermally treated ash in various trendy profiles, both horizontal and vertical. Apart from the HOT wood ash, we also displayed the thermally modified coniferous wood. A unique feature is that we also have flawless thermally treated coniferous wood (thermowood), namely our HOT wood clear pine. To exhibit the attractive ageing of our HOT wood, we had our mobile outhouse with us (= QBIC). Furthermore, with our floors we also wanted to stand out with our RECLAIMED flooring, such as oak reclaimed and elm reclaimed. Finally, we also had a lot of success with our BARNWOOD wall covering.

Ciranova Ciranova had a successful participation at the fair European Floor & Wall Exhibition in Ghent.

The visitors, especially the parquet layers , could have a clear and clarifying idea of the different finishes possible with the use

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of CIRANOVA-products. During this fair, there was especial attention for the newest finishing products with the oils, nl. The OCULTO and UN1CO, presented on the stand during this fair.

OCULTO is a waterbased PU impregnation oil for parquet and wooden furniture. The wood maintains its original matt, natural and unfinished look and gives an invisible protection.

UN1CO is a 1-coat VOC-free oil from the newest generation using renewable natural oils. The combination of the oil with the hardener results in a fast drying and excellent chemical resistant finish. The 16 UN1CO-colours were also a great success. Besides these products the reactive stains with the aged look are still very popular.

Creative Laser Wood Laser technology for timber.

Creation of marquetry, logos, engravings, plexiglass, leather ...

Manufact-uring of patterns, borders and particular tiles.

Importer of JUNCKERS home and sports. Importer of moldings and skirting boards in all wood species. Distributor of EMFI adhesives .

Many new contacts, national as well as international, have been made and important appointments have been fixed for the near future, for the distribution of the CIRANOVA-products.

WOOD FINISHING OIL

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High quality wood oils, waxes & stains

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The finest natural protection

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TIMBEREX

Decolvenaere Houtimport Decolvenaere Houtimport, unique in its sense of quality and with two sawmills of its own with concessions in Cameroon, was proud to exhibit its latest product at the European Floor & Wall Exhibition: DC-WALL This unique wall-cladding is made from our own ayous

TI NG

W OO

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Since 1927

• Only natural ingredients, no water • High coverage rate • Non darkening

Copenhagen airport www.timberex.com

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Floor Forum International 67

• High wear and water resistance

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production, sawn with utmost care in such special way to assure the dimensional stability of the wood. By this treatment of thermally modifying ( high pressure steam treatment technology with continuous wood moisture control) the natural wood properties of the ayous are upgraded to durability class 2. In our climate with large fluctuations in temperature and humidity the DC-WALL performs better than any other type of wood regarding stability , cracks and fixation of coatings.

Our DC-WALL-production is obtainable in Sections - 20 x 155 – 26 x 155 – 26 x 205 – 65 x 155 – 65 x 180 – 80 x 105 DC-WALL – 15 X 132 net Other sections out of our large ayous stock are also available to be modified.

DeckWise®, based in Bradenton Florida (USA), is one of the world leaders in the fabrication of products for terraces, backed up by more than 20 years of experience, and known as a specialist in manufacturing solutions for the construction and renovation of terraces by the industry and the professional market. The European Floor & Wall Exhibition in Ghent was very successful for DeckWise® and there was much interest from visitors seeking information for the DeckWise® decking product line, especially the Hardwood Wrench™, which is used to straighten and hold deck boards while fasteners are being installed. Its’ cam locks into place for one-handed use and 498 kg of force is applied for straightening deck boards. The power this tool offers is like nothing on the market these days.

As always, the DeckWise® siding fasteners for cladding were popular and our new self-drilling screws (no pre-drilling required for installation of the fasteners in the decking), were a hit. The selfdrilling screws are now available in the DeckWise® Hidden Deck Fastener kits for the European market.

Devomat Devomat appreciates the fact that Belgium now has a new fully fledged parquet trade fair.

The new Devo Natural® product line attracted a lot of

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DeckWise® would like to thank the organization once again for the first successful edition of the trade show and we are looking forward to the second edition in 2016.

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attention! The company strengthened its links with existing clients and several others showed interest. The up-to-date shop displays and Devo Natural products “Passage” and “High Solid Extra Hardener” were successfully introduced. See their web site for more details. The Devo® Master 3D, new and greatly appreciated as an all round machine, also drew several curious visitors to their stand at EFWEX. The extensive range of Devo adhesives and primers established trust with impressive technical knowledge and support. They introduced two new MS hybrid adhesives, namely Devo Glue 150 and 200, each with very specific strong properties.

We are pleased with the visitor numbers/qualitative contacts ratio and are already looking forward to EFWEX 2016!

DeckWise® DeckWise® International is the European sales office for Deckwise® products, which are distributed across Europe through a dealer network. You may already be familiar with our products, which we manufacture under the brand names Ipe Clip®, Deckwise®, Hardwood Wrench™, and Ipe Oil™.

Emfi Emfi SAS company has presented during the EFWEX show our parquets bonding range: Parquet adhesives : • Emfiparquet Pro Eco • Emfiparquet Pro Plus • Emfimastic PU Parquet • Emfimastic PS Parquet • Emfimastic Joint de Parquet Acrylic sealant : • Emfimastic Acryl Parquet - Acoustic underlayer : • Emficoustic Primers : • Emfiprim Epoxy • Emfiprim PU Mono EuroTec At this year’s fair EuroTec was able to present its wide range of height-adjustable feet that are suitable for wooden/WPC boards and large-scale paving tiles and may attain heights of 2.2-60 cm.

On a compacted subsurface they form the perfect basis for durable stable and straight terraces. The adjustable support feet “PediX” were also very well received by those visiting the fair. The post bearers are easy to mount, may be subsequently adjusted, are an aid to constructive wood protection and able to bear heavy loads. To find out more, visit our website!

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International were also present with our own stand. For three whole days, we welcomed scores of readers, advertisers, and supporters. The Floor Forum stand was also the ideal location to do some networking or simply to enjoy a pleasant chat over a coffee, wine, or Leffe beer and a snack. The floor where guests were welcomed was supplied by Lalegno: a super handsome oak floor from the Barn Collection with a thickness of 15mm, a width of 190mm, and an oak top cover of 4mm. This multi-layer parquet floor was fitted onto a MacLean subfloor, namely the Silence rubber 3mm. This subfloor has non-woven rubber on one side and aluminium foil on the other, and it provides outstanding stability (high resilience) and sound and heat insulation. It also prevents shoes from ‘clumping’ on the parquet.

Flamingo Parket New collection from Flamingo Parket arrives safely.

Everyone was full of expectation as the show began in Ghent on 16 March. The first of a hopefully long series of exhibitions in the attractive and convivial city of Ghent. Flamingo Parket was present, together with its English representative Rovers Flooring, which, amongst other things, is responsible for distribution on behalf of Flamingo Parket.

During the show, they presented the Old Wood Collection for the first time. These are parts which have been sawn from authentic French railway sleepers. The dimensions are 16 x 220 x 2450mm.

Since the production technique is special, this product is only available from Flamingo Parket. The product will be available from mid-May, and, last but not least, the price is a mere €29.95 per square metre. Furthermore, they also exhibited the products which are not standard in the Flamingo Parket programme, such as panels, Hungarian point, and other wood sorts than just oak.

We are looking forward to the next European Floor & Wall Exhibition!

H&W Finishing H&W Finishing is looking back on a successful participation at the European Floor & Wall Exhibition in Ghent Belgium.

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Our visitors have seen all kinds of finishings we can produce.

Especially our 3D-wall covering drew lots of interest. Besides that, visitors looked with big interest to the Scarving Xperience finishings. Many visitors were interested in our finishings. If you have missed the exhibition, please visit our hwfinishing website.

Hertog Vloeren The first edition of EFWEX was very successful for Hertog Vloeren®.

As is our custom at major national and international exhibitions, your own trade journals Floor Forum and Floor Forum

Despite the fact that this was the first edition we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and number of visitors that reached our booth. For us it was a great opportunity to present our new collection of aged and distressed oak flooring to the Belgian market. We are looking forward to the next edition in 2016 and we would like to thank the organization for their effort and dedication.

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Floor Forum International 67

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Hall 3 - H9

Carrefour du Bois Nantes - France

Open your mind on our new shopping shop

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT

Ipe Latino Since Ipe Latino was well aware of Filip De Ridder’s boundless energy, the company didn’t hesitate to register at once for the EFWEX trade fair.

& new colors 2014 integrated in our Tailor Made System

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LEOGNAN SAUTERNES POMEROL MEDOC GRAVES

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Impertek The European Floor & Wall Exhibition (EFWEX) has been an important opportunity for Impertek to present its ranges of adjustable supports for raised floorings with specific reference to the solutions for the decking. Spacing from the Jack Supports to the MegaMart range the wide choice of specific headpieces gives the possibility to contractors to find always the best solutions for their needs. The Fair has been also an occasion to discuss about the market situation and to listen to opinions of contractors, manufacturers and traders of the wooden sector.

ANDES HIMALAYA ALPES

TONKA SANTAL RIVAGE EUROPLAC FR - 17210 CHEVANCEAUX tel. 0033 (0)5 46 04 66 88 info@europlac.eu www.europlac.eu

They introduced a new product, namely a composite which consists for 91% of wood fibres, so, in short, it is a new material – exterior wall cladding and terraces in 3.25m, 30cm wide!!!!!

Architects, too, were interested in this new product. In terms of results, they obtained about 120 new clients from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and one new client from Britain. Ipe Latino has added the products of Neolife to its range, but is retaining the traditional wood sorts IPE and Padauk. For more details you can visit our website.

Kerakoll With 20 innovative products lines and more than 1.700 ecofriendly references, Kerakoll is the only company offering a global solution in the GreenBuilding in order to plan, to build and to live respecting the environment and the house wellbeing.

Kerakoll has shown to the fair EFWEX, in collaboration with the reseller Jagro, all its systems for technically and aesthetically perfect laying and finishing of hardwood floors, which are reliable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly thanks to solvent-free, non toxic, water-based products with very low volatile organic compound emissions ensuring better indoor air quality; benefiting the health of the installers and the occupants of the building.

BUZON Pedestal International s.a.

Manufacturer of adjustable pedestals for all types of wood terraces Adjustable from 11 to 1120mm

La San Marco Profili

90° 5%

90° 10%

Slope correction of up to 10% by combining 2 correctors.

La San Marco Profili, an Italian skirting and outdoor flooring manufacturer took part in the European Floor and Wall Exhibition in Belgium. The aim was to underline its position in the Belgium and nearest countries markets. During the Fair, the company displayed its wide range of products of different kind of shapes and finishing and underlined its ability of creating particular finishing and treatments. La San Marco Profili established many new contacts with potential clients at the Fair so its participation results as positive for its aim of products international widespread.

BUZON Pedestal International s.a.

Tel : +32 (0) 4 248 39 83 - Fax : +32 (0) 4 264 82 38 info@buzon.eu www.buzon.eu

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THIS SUMMER IT WILL BE A PLEASURE TO LIVE OUTSIDE!

MIX & MATCH

10 CONTEMPORARY WOOD COLOURS AND 8 TRENDY POP COLOURS THAT CAN ALSO BE MIXED!

Lagae

QUALITATIVE AND HIGHLY RATED ALL-ROUNDER! COLOURS AND PROTECTS YOUR WOOD IN ONE SINGLE LAYER MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGY VOC FREE

www.rubiomonocoat.com

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PROTECTS AND COLOURS YOUR WOOD IN ONE SINGLE LAYER

Floor Forum International 67

RUBIO MONOCOAT HYBRID WOOD PROTECTOR

Lagae Hout nv was present with a large selection from their wide range. First of all, they presented the multi-layer parquet lines Berg&Berg®, Dennebos®, and Bio-3®. They also exhibited some hardwood exterior wall claddings in padauk, louro gamela, and cedar. They also showed their full range of terrace planks. These were in the wood sorts paraju, ipe, and padauk in several thicknesses and widths. Finally, there was the high quality range of composite terrace planks for the visitors: Terrafina®. The sound IGEL® fastening system, which is suitable for use on terraces without a groove also attracted a lot of interest. A newcomer, the ‘INVISIBLECLIP’, was also on show. This is a simple and invisible fastening system for wooden terraces with grooves along the length.

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Lalegno Retrospective evaluation EFWEX 2014: Nice to see our customers again

The first edition of EFWEX was a very sympathetic event. For Lalegno, it was an excellent opportunity to meet up with customers and to familiarize them with the latest additions to the Lalegno flooring range, which were presented during Domotex earlier this year. It was nice to see confirmation once again of the popularity of Lalegno multilayer flooring in Belgium and Europe and moreover that the new floors in the Classic collection are a big hit in the world of professional floor coverings.

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Outdoor Wood Concepts

Mapei

Founded in Milan in 1937, Mapei is today’s world leader in the production of adhesives and chemical products for building.

Mapei put its strategy of internationalization into action in order to have maximum proximity to the needs of local markets. The Group now counts 68 subsidiaries with 63 production facilities in operation over 31 countries and 5 continents. Furthermore, Mapei has developed a sales and technical service network with offices all over the world and offers an efficient Technical Assistance Service that is valued by architects, engineers, contractors and owners. Mapei will show at Floor & Wall Exhibition the complete range of adhesives for the laying of parquet and all complementary products.

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Apart from that there was much attention for the industrial parquets in oak, wengé, teak and shortly in afrormosia. On the stand the visitors could also admire some special pattern like herringbone and chevrons. In a word, Oosterlinck NV is the complete manufacturer and supplier for both solid and engineered flooring up to 280 mm wide.

Oosterlinck No quantity but quality For Oosterlinck NV the Exhibition in Ghent was successful regarding the quality of the visitors. There were several good contacts with new potential customers.

The new catalogue GREEN-PARKET with a clear survey of the 5 collections of finished floors was much appreciated. The engineered floors in exotic species like afrormosia, teak and wengé were striking. The new floor in European elm was an eye-catcher.

WOODFACE® Is a solid timber vertical wall concept that offers the freedom of personalisation. Choice of 3 widths and 3 thicknesses (9 profiles).

These solid timber battens alternate with a custom-made aluminium profile that is anodised or powder-coated in RAL colours.

Possible to integrate LEDs. FREE WILLY® The Free Willy® wall-cladding profile has since become a classic.

A display unit fitted with a fan provides an instructive way of demonstrating the benefits of the concealed ventilation apertures that keep air moving within the cavity walls.

Overmat Overmat was very surprised by Floor Forum’s initiative to organize the European Floor and Wall Exhibition. Looking at the vast number of fairs organized already, it can’t be easy to build a new competitive one in their midst. For our Floorservice product range, we felt EFWEX might offer a welcome opportunity to strengthen our presence in the Belgian market.

All beginnings are hard and this also showed during EFWEX. The number of exhibitors was relatively small and the expected number of visitors seemed to be lacking. Organization wise there were some topics that need to be addressed for future editions. Nevertheless, we are not dissatisfied and did have some promising new contacts in addition to meeting with a number of known customers.

Looking at the number of fairs already being organized in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, an additional annual fair is a bit too much if you ask us. Maybe a biannual setup or a collaboration between some of the fairs might increase the exhibitors interest.

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PlyQuet

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

www.blanchon.com

PlyQuet, the European sales office for Indonesian produced TEKA Parquet, presented on the European Floor & Wall Exhibition its full three layer parquet range with focus on one strip flooring.

Brand new item in stock is the “TEKA wine collection” a 14x180x2200mm plank in oak, available in 9 beautiful colours or Merbau. Regular supply and good service can be guaranteed with a stock house in North Germany and new business partners for the Netherlands and Benelux / France. Please call: Van Kesteren Parkettfabriekin (for the Netherlands), Wood & Floor (Benelux / France) or PlyQuet Holzimport (France / Benelux) for more information on the TEKA Parquet product range.

PPG Coatings

GORI – Scandinavian top quality since 1902 GORI is internationally renowned for the quality of its products for professional use to protect and preserve wood. GORI offers a compact ready to use assortment of stains and preservatives from which you can easily choose the solution for your wood project.

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.

Quality is in our 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

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Floor Forum International 67

We admire the courage shown by Floor Forum along with the energy invested to organize this fair. Hopefully the exhibitors feedback will encourage the organization to find the right modus for future editions of EFWEX in the existing pool of trade fairs in Europe.

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MADUROX – for treatment of the wood Wood is subjected to insects or can become affected with mildew. In order to preserve and cure these attacks, a preventive and protective MADUROX treatment of the wood is recommended.

Authentic: the saturation agent which preserves the colour of the covering. 5 YEAR GUARANTEE - Painted CLINEXEL covering 3 profiles - 20 colours - 60 references 10 YEAR GUARANTEE

Protac Ouest presented Rubio Monocoat For Rubio Monocoat, our participation in the first edition of the EFWEX was a success.

- Terrace in saturated pinus radiata 100% impregnation – no gnarls – 30 YEAR GUARANTEE Clip fastening: concealed fastening (no visible screws) - ISOLEXEL: certified comprehensive ITE solution Water-free, solid and light high performance insulation – no irritation, stable, and inert With triple function – solution optimised for use – wooden exterior wall cladding - ESSENTIEL saturated covering 4 wood sorts: red cedar, larch, douglas, and spruce - 3 profiles - 5 finishes

Even though Rubio Monocoat is already firmly established on the Belgian market, EFWEX has been an excellent platform to introduce novelties such as the Rubio Monocoater and the RMC Precolor Easy series. It is to the merit of the organizers that they were able to reach the right target audience – nationally and internationally - allowing interesting contacts to be made. We would thus also like to congratulate the organization with their professional approach to this first edition.

SIMPLE, FAST, RELIABLE.

PRO³ – OUR FAST SYSTEM HELPS BOOST YOUR PROFITATABILITY SIMPLE – PRO³ system products are coordinated to work perfectly with one another. That means you no longer have to think about selecting the right individual products.

We provide you with an ideally compatible system – and it’s really easy to use.

RELIABLE – PRO³ offers you just the quality and reliability you’ve come to appreciate from STAUF. That is the big advantage – short reaction time and the same reliable processing quality.

FAST – PRO³ helps you save lots of time. That begins with selecting the right products. With Pro³ we have put together components precisely compatible for doing a perfect job.

Installation is much faster too, because of the shortened curing times.

STAUF Klebstoffwerk GmbH . Oberhausener Straße 1 . 57234 Wilnsdorf, Germany . www.stauf.de

Solidor SOLIDOR ADJUSTABLE PEDESTALS

Vetedy has presented the Techniclic® last accessory, its system for claddings, walls and ceilings covering in wood with invisible fixation ; together with a very new concept : the 3D wall. The spacers gives the possibility to choose the size of spacing between the wood slats. This basic spacing is 5,5mm. With the spacers, it is now possible to choose a spacing from 10mm, to 20mm and to 30mm.

The range of creation is endless: three proposed width, four spacing available, indoor and outdoor application, wood species always cautiously selected, everything is possible !

Yepp booth 8433

Solidor is an extrusion and injection molding company that produces plastic products for the industry and the building sector.

Solidor has developed since 1973 an adjustable pedestal/support for decking or concrete tiles. The adjustable supports can be adjusted anywhere from 1 cm to 100 cm and provide extremely high load capacity. By using Solidor supports, you can quickly and easily adjust the height of a wooden floor. Since the wood floats on the supports, it is also able to dry quickly. A number of accessories can be ordered and its range is already a step ahead of other systems.

T&G Wood A quiet show, but satisfied nonetheless.

YEPP enjoyed a successful EFWEX during which they mainly highlighted their major products in parquet floors and accessories.

They highlighted their latest sale of the Swiss top trademark BAUWERK in exhibiting their entire programme of multi-layer floors and a wide range of marketing tools. In addition, their longstanding partner QUICK STEP also stood in the limelight with their range of parquet, vinyl, and laminate floors. Naturally, YEPP’s own show pony was also on display, namely their multi-layer floors: DOUBLY with a full new collection of finished floors. By the way, did you notice the magnificent YEPP logo on the wall? This technique (PINTADO) can be used on both walls and floors with a vintage look on their DOUBLY Multi-layer floorboards. Their exterior wall cladding in oak and old pine also attracted lots of attention. YEPP wishes to thank all visitors for their interest.

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Yepp booth 8337 T&G Wood once again showed off its products on the Belgian market. The high quality floors of T&G Wood attracted plenty of curious visitors to the stand. In particular, the 350mm wide floorboards up to five metres long drew lots of attention. The custom made products finished quickly and in the right way was also a major theme for Belgian clients. The international character of the show did not really help them, but they attracted some potential clients. The initiative to appear at the show was worthwhile, so T&G Wood therefore intends to return in two years time.

YEPP also had a second stand to exhibit their extensive range of accessories. The star of the show at this stand was the PALLMANN trademark, with its range of varnishes, maintenance products, and extremely strong 2K oil. Hermes sanding materials, Parkettfreund profiles, and YEPP’s extensive collection of solid wood, veneer, and painted skirting boards were also on display.

The renowned vinyl trademark M FLOR was also here with its latest creation, namely a vinyl floor, which can be fitted without adhesive or a click system! And so, M FLOR CONTACT had lots of interested visitors, who were able to test the system. YEPP wishes to thank all visitors for their interest.

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Floor Forum International 67

Vetedy

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Special Producers of profiles for LVT, vinyl and PVC floors

PROFILES FOR VINYL, PVC, AND LINOLEUM LITTLE DIFFERENCE WITH PROFILES FOR PARQUET AND LAMINATE Floors such as vinyl, linoleum, PVC, and vinyl tiles and planks are becoming more popular.

Everyone agrees on that. Obviously, fitting these types of floors involves the same technical problems (or needs) as any other floor. Transitions from one floor to another or bridges for differences in height also occur with these floors. The answers which we received to our enquiries tend to indicate that the solutions are also the same. As regards skirting boards and profiles, only wood seems to be inextricably bound to wooden floors.

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Photo: Küberit

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Flexible or hard?

Nowadays, people are increasingly combining different floor types with each other both with renovation and new constructions. This is partly a result of the fact that floors, whatever type they may be (e.g. parquet, laminate, textile, vinyl, or linoleum), are becoming increasingly available in the same decor or at least in decors which can be combined. For example, it is possible in most floor types (apart from wood), apart from an endless range of colours and designs, also to find most wood sorts in different colours. Combinations of hard floor coverings with another hard floor covering (for instance, parquet and laminate) or of hard floor coverings with flexible floor coverings (for instance, parquet with linoleum, textile, or vinyl) are a matter of course. This makes it

possible, for example, to have a parquet floor in the living room run into a vinyl floor of the same look in the kitchen.

‘Run’ is very much the word in question: these floors run into each other from one material to another. The market offers a ‘wealth’ of profiles for those various possible transitions.

Sorts of profiles The various sorts of profiles available on the market provide for every imaginable threshold situation which fitting a floor can involve. When the profiles are developed, the makers take account of the fact that (almost) all materials more or less show some movement. That movement must not be hindered by the profile. Let us run through the main profiles.

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Threshold profiles Threshold profiles join either two different floors at the same level (e.g. parquet and carpet) or two floors (which may or may not be different) of different levels. These profiles have a protective function because they ensure that the edge of the highest floor is not damaged, and a safety function because they prevent residents from stumbling over the different levels. Threshold profiles obviously also have an aesthetic function since they make the difference in level much less obtrusive. Threshold profiles often appear in the shape of T-profiles.

Corner profiles Corner profiles or slot edge profiles are used to finish the edges of raised floorboards or platforms. In the renovation of old farmhouse buildings, for example, it is a trend to include the former ‘upstairs room’ in the interior in the form of a platform. Here, the edges are finished with a corner or slot edge profile.

Stair nosings Stair nosings are corner or edge profiles specially for staircases. They are available in various materials and colours.

They form the transition from the steps and ensure a longer lifespan for the staircase. In addition, the stair nosings also have a safety function in two ways: If they are designed in a different colour to the steps, they increase the visibility of each step and are often designed to be anti-slip.

Expansion profiles Expansion profiles are actually threshold profiles. The more technical name indicates the purpose of these profiles.

Expansion profiles ensure that, with larger floor surfaces, you can design in an aesthetic manner the necessary expansion joint, which has to absorb the movement of the floorboards.

AZ_Zeitschriften_Text_ENG_190x65 20.02.13 17:28 Seite 1

Multifunctional still exists As we have already said in the introduction, there is little or no difference between profiles for wooden floors or laminate and those for vinyl, linoleum, or PVC. That, in itself, is obviously a form of multifunctionality. The profiles are usually designed in such a way that they can be used for the different type of floors, for different thicknesses within the same floor sorts, or for the combination of different floor types. The trend towards multifunctional profiles started over ten years ago as an answer to a cry for help from dealers. After all, they had to keep a stock of profiles, which they could barely keep up to date. There was a specific solution for every situation, so that was unsustainable. Making profiles more versatile provided a solution to that problem. The trend towards multifunctionality is all about the technical aspect of the matter and, as we explain below, it certainly has nothing to do with the decorative aspect.

Stainless steel and black Metal colours still score very highly. Aluminium and stainless steel profiles are continuing to make strides. Apart from the traditional shades such as aluminium, bronze, silver, and a whole series of wood decors, ‘black’ is also claiming a significant place. As we outline in depth below, digital printing facilities mean you can design profiles which either respond to the look of the floor or deviate from it completely.

‘Exclusive’ is the motto here and, according to some people, it is gaining in importance, whilst according to others it has a more important position in the field of skirting boards than technical profiles. Amongst the new items flexible profiles (including other stair profiles) and profiles for vinyl stand out a lot. Simultaneously with the creation of a wide variety of aesthetic and decorative possibilities, manufacturers are also concentrating on improving the wear resistance of the profiles. Decorative and technical aspects here go hand in hand.

Digital Printing Digital printing is the future in a lot of sectors. This is also the case in the floor industry and therefore in the world of accessories, including skirting boards and profiles. Digital printing has made it possible to apply in smaller quantities any picture, colour, or shade whatsoever to a profile. The minimal purchase varies from producer to producer, but is falling all the time. A development in customised work which really does facilitate unique profiles! Digital printing is possible on just about any standard material and actually it

We make binding connections.

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

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Floor Forum International 67

Stop or end profiles Stop profiles or end profiles create the transition between the floor and wall. End profiles can serve as skirting boards in some respects. When you have to work against existing skirting boards, which cannot be removed, an end profile is necessary. This can occur if, with a renovation, you wish to retain an existing stone skirting board (e.g. due to its decorative or antique value). If you work against the bare wall, the new skirting board can replace the end profile.

Special Producers of profiles for LVT, vinyl and PVC floors

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Special Producers of profiles for LVT, vinyl and PVC floors

> continued from page 23

doesn’t matter what needs to be printed. Applications are going a long way with skirting boards: The endeavour is no longer to obtain the same design in the skirting board as in the floor. The endeavour is to put onto the skirting board what you have in mind. Whether you want a company logo or company colour, written messages, designs, illustrations, or product pictures, the sky’s the limit!

Voices on the market FN Neuhofer

At FN Neuhofer Holz, too, they have taken account of the differences in height between laminate and parquet on the one hand and LVT, vinyl, linoleum, and such like on the other.

Therefore, they have developed profiles from 2mm for glued floors to about 5mm for floating floors with a click system.

These profiles consist of various materials (HDF or aluminium) and in a range of decors so that there is a profile for each application. Technically, these profiles serve the same purpose as they do with laminate and parquet. These materials also ‘move’ to some extent and require items such as expansion profiles and/or threshold profiles. FN Neuhofer Holz offers profiles for every situation imaginable. A good example of a multifunctional profile is the ‘FN sixpack’ in aluminium or HDF. This profile makes it possible to convert a threshold profile or a T-profile into an end profile. FN sixpack can be used as a threshold for floors of the same or different heights and in combination with the accompanying end piece as an end profile.

Küberit The Küberit Best range always included an extensive assortment of profiles for flexible floor coverings. Since LVT floors started to make advances, this leading profile manufacturer took the initiative, in close collaboration with producers of LVT floors, to develop solutions for LVT, PVC, and vinyl. At the start of this year, Küberit launched the PPS Champion Star for floating LVT floors. With an optimal expansion joint of 8.5mm, this internationally patented profile is suitable for the installation of floating

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studioverde

Masterpieces to highlight

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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.

Progress Profiles SpA

Certificated company UNI EN ISO 9001:2008

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Exposure for show room

LVT floors from 4 to 9.5mm. In addition, Küberit has also launched expansion profiles this year in two new colours. The types 301 S, 302 S, and 307 S for floor thicknesses from 3, 4.5, and 6mm are available with a silicone joint in beige and brown.

Profilpas

end profiles, corner profiles, stair nosing profiles for laminate and wooden floors, and a comparable range in metal and PVC for floor and wall tiles. The company is capable of supplying personalised products, even in small quantities. The company puts a lot of energy into the development of systems which are easy to fit. The most popular ranges are for wood and laminate “Unisystem Plus” and for PVC and LVT “Eurosystem Thin”.

Proline Systems Wooden floors, laminate, and flexible floor coverings all have their specific accompanying profiles. Amongst other things, Proline Systems have developed the PROCOVER Design Floor Profile for vinyl with a click system. Aluminium is still the preferred material. Proline Systems has developed profiles for all applications: threshold profiles, end profiles, stair nose profiles, and such like. The company offers a wide range of patented systems. One product worthy of a mention is the PROVARIO clip Universal for wooden floors in different heights. It is available in eight modern anodised colours and in 15 wood decors.

Special Producers of profiles for LVT, vinyl and PVC floors

> continued from page 24

For Profilpas there are difference as regards profiles for wooden floors and for flexible floor coverings. The last, starts from thicknesses of 2mm. Profilpas offers a very extensive range (which can also be personalised) of skirting boards, connecting profiles,

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AN EXCELLENT SOLUTION FOR RENOVATIONS We’re seeing them more frequently in new construction, but it is particularly in renovation that the strong points of exterior wall planks come clearly to the fore. Even the most dilapidated old façade can be transformed into a ‘new’ building. Whether or not you find something ‘nice’ is obviously a matter of taste. Exterior wall planks are ideal here because in terms of materials, designs, and colours there’s something for everyone’s taste. The fact that you can also combine exterior wall planks with outdoor insulation is obviously a nice bonus.

Give me wood!

Wood has that special quality to win people’s hearts and is even a touch addictive, once you’ve tried it. Anyone who ‘lives’ on a wooden floor in their home can discover that addictive character for themselves. Just ask yourself whether you could revert back to a stone floor in your living room tomorrow. I don’t think so. Wood owes its success to its warm and natural character.

Wood makes a room cosy. This growing fondness for wood is expressing itself in construction in an equally growing number of applications: more wooden floors, the return of wooden panelling and ceiling decoration, and wooden sink units and work tops. In the garden we see wooden terraces and swimming pools, garden houses, outhouses, shelters, and pool houses. Companies specialising in solid wood construction and even in wooden structural construction have been doing excellent business in recent years. To be fair, we must admit that there are other reasons for this as well. The speedy construction is certainly one of those reasons, but surely it all starts with that ‘good feel’ for wood.

Floor Forum International 67

Wooden exterior wall cladding Wooden exterior wall cladding shows that appreciation for wood is growing. Indeed, we are seeing it more and more all around us. An important detail here is that producers of building materials other than wood are also starting to give their products the ‘look’ of wood. Below we give a panoramic summary of the materials which are eligible for wooden exterior wall cladding.

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Wooden planks A few years ago, everyone immediately thought of cedar wood whenever the conversation turned towards exterior wall planks.

Western red cedar is certainly still one of the most popular and commonly used sorts of wood. However, just as bangkirai has faced increased competition in recent decades from dozens of (at least) equally valuable sorts of wood for laying terraces, so, too, has cedar seen its monopoly in exterior wall cladding disappear. Strictly speaking, we can say that wood sorts in durability classes 1 to 3 are suitable for exterior wall cladding without the need for additional protection. For outdoor use without contact with the ground, reinforced lorken wood and oregon are suitable, or even less durable wood sorts such as pine and deal, provided that they undergo some form of reinforcement (e.g. chemical modification or thermal treatment).

Composite material As is the case with wooden terraces, there are wood composites to provide an ecological alternative to wooden exterior wall cladding. After all, wood composite consists of genuine wood.

It is composed of wood fibres, high density polyethylene, UV stabilisers, dyes, and various additives to optimise the mechanical qualities. Usually, it is recycled wood fibres and residual wood and recycled polyethylene. The ingredients are mixed and undergo an extrusion process at high temperature and under heavy pressure. Thanks to extrusion technology, you obtain accurate dimensioning and can do anything in terms of design.

Wood composite is in many respects an ecologically responsible alternative to tropical hardwood. Basically, you don’t need to cut down a tree and the waste wood can just as easily bear the FSC label.

‘Other’ materials Naturally, wood is not the only material which you can use to decorate exterior walls. Wood composites, as outlined above, certainly still contain wood, but they are still engineered products. Furthermore, there are other manufacturers who have noticed the growth on this market. Sidings are appearing in various materials, and not necessarily in a wood look. For example, we find on the market wall strips made from fibre cement, an extremely durable and ecological material. A well known producer offers these strips in smooth cedar design or more structured.

Another product which is presented for new construction or renovation are sidings made of PVC hard foam with an extruded top layer. Another producer offers sidings made of good quality synthetics (ABS). ABS is impervious, so it cannot absorb any moisture. Moreover, it is UV resistant and therefore guarantees a durable solution. As we have already said, these materials don’t always have to be wood imitations. Some materials are available in a range of RAL colours.

The top renovation solution There is no doubt that exterior wall planks are an excellent solution for renovation, and this is true from two separate points of view: a decorative point of view and a technical insulation point of view.

From a decorative point of view You have exterior walls erected using bricks which were ‘once’ in fashion, but are not to everybody’s taste nowadays.

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Photo: Archi Wood

Special Producers of exterior wooden en composite wall cladding

EXTERIOR WALL CLADDING ARE ON THE UP

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Furthermore, you also have exterior walls which are simply worn out. Take, for instance, plastered exterior walls which have cracks and splits or loose plaster in some places. In such case the only renovation option is to strip the wall and re-plaster it.

At this point wall planks provide a solution which is comparable to panelling in renovation projects. The damage to the existing outdoor wall is, as it were, ‘buried’ under the outer wall planks.

And so, a dilapidated home can be transformed into a new building. The fact that there are few limitations from a decorative point of view is due to the vast range of wood sorts, composites, and other materials in scores of colours and structures.

Insulation … a stroke of good fortune Insulation requirements are becoming stricter all the time. With new constructions this presents no problems in simply doing what is required. However, with renovation things are not always that simple. Exterior wall planks give you the opportunity to combine them with insulation on the outside. Here, wall planks have the advantage of being relatively thin. This leaves a lot of space over for various insulation materials. The fact that this option is available is due, amongst other things, to the so called ‘Building line decree’. The decree was accepted on 30 April by the Flemish parliament in Belgium, announced on 8 May by the government, and appeared in the Belgian Official Gazette on 3 July 2009. Prior to this decree, basically, it had not been permissible for an exterior wall, window frame, or staircase to the front door to run beyond the building line. And so, it was not possible to insulate a house better on the outside to make it more energy-efficient because the insulation would have run beyond the building line. Since the decree has been enacted, an exception has been made for some cases, including outdoor insulation, and it is now permissible to go up to 14cm beyond the building line.

Comprehensive systems With very many producers of exterior wall planks and with just about all producers of the other materials, exterior wall planks are appearing as a comprehensive system. Apart from the strips, producers are also offering all sorts of imaginable accessories for both the fitting and the decorative finish. For example, gutter borders are available in the same design as the wall strips. As regards fastening, manufacturers are also providing invisible fastening systems or they are making their wall profiles compatible with existing fastening systems.

An introduction Archi Wood Demand for the various wood sorts for outdoors and the various types of profiles is also growing.

In particular, demand is growing with the construction and renovation of homes, but also more and more industrial premises are being decorated with wood. The most important

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Special Producers of exterior wooden en composite wall cladding

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wood sorts are cedar, mélèze, thermowood and other thermally treated sorts, afrormosia, ipe, padauk, accoya, and such like. The invisible fasteners Hard Wood Clip ® fasteners and Soft Wood Clip® (for thermally treated wood) are also used for exterior wall covering. At the same time, it is more or less possible to adapt the planks to suit aesthetic preferences. Two groove profiles are available: TWIN is a standard profile, and it is reversible and symmetrical (3-7mm). DROP is a newly certified profile for closed planks, semi-closed, or open.

B-Fix For B-Fix the exterior wall plank market is an important market which is still growing and showing a lot of innovation. B-fix offers an invisible fastening system which can be used for both wooden exterior wall cladding and for composite wood. Wood still has the upper hand on composite wood. B-Fix attributes the success of exterior wall planks to various factors.

These factors include the client’s preference for natural materials, the technical and aesthetic possibilities of wood, the opportunity to insulate the wall on the outside, the easy fitting, and such like. The B-Fix invisible fastening system is ideal for both private homes and bigger projects.

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Carpentier Hardwood Solutions

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Carpentier feels that the wooden exterior wall market is clearly growing. For outer wall furnishing Carpentier offers solely ecological alternatives to tropical hardwood. Their range includes oak, thermally modified ash, and thermally modified coniferous wood.

The latter two are called HOT wood. These products charm clients with their highly attractive colours. Thermal ash ages attractively without stains. HOT wood is put in durability class 1. It retains its shape and does not rot easily. Thermal ash is also highly productive.

The trendy profiles are designed in close co-operation with architects. An important ace is the Quick Clip system which ensures extremely rapid fitting. That also makes this wall covering suitable for bigger projects. The most common design is the natural ageing design.

Bois Rahuel At Bois Rahuel, too, they have noticed a strong growth in the use of wood in construction in general, especially in exterior wall planks over the past 10 years or so. This trend is particularly noticeable in the construction of private homes and industrial premises. The company has several big projects of over 600m² on its list of references. Since its formation in 1921, Bois Rahuel has specialised in horse chestnut wood, a sort which is perfectly suitable in our climate. Fitting such outer wall planks presents no problem, certainly not for a professional. The horse chestnut wood can be left untreated, but a common finish at the moment is colourless azure.

DeckWise® The DeckWise® Hidden Cladding Fasteners are manufactured from solid stainless steel creating an upscale and sleek look for all hardwood cladding. This “Made in the USA” fastening system is designed to significantly reduce twisting, cupping and mold growth from water penetration. Engineered for both commercial and residential cladding applications, this fastener makes most hardwood siding profiles easy to accommodate. Known as “rainscreen” cladding, hardwoods are perfect natural wood options for any commercial and upscale residential project. Rainscreen cladding is a method of construction which utilizes underlying furring boards, keeping moisture away from the inner walls of a structure. This separation produces an air cavity permitting water to drain away or evaporate, rather than leaching into underlying structural walls. The DeckWise® Hidden Cladding Fastener system is extremely versatile, even allowing for both horizontal and vertical board installations. All of the necessary hidden cladding fasteners, starter clips and stainless steel screws are included with each system. This system includes everything anyone needs for a flawless façade, every time.

The end result is a natural wood cladding installation product providing a smooth all-natural wood exterior. Choose the DeckWise® Hidden Cladding System for an effective solution and always acquire an unequivocally elegant, beautiful finish.

Euro Covering At Eurocovering, they are seeing growth in the exterior wall plank market. This growth can be attributed partly to the consumer

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Ipe Latino Wood continues to be the top product for outer wall planks, but Ipe Latino does regard composite as the best alternative. The company presents a composite (50/50) in which 91% of the wood is FSC certified. These planks are produced in VESTA®. They have the look, feel, and even the smell of wood.

The planks are available in five shades, coloured all over with the use of dyes.

Like all natural products, VESTA also has a patina.

The colours may become lighter in the First two months if they are exposed to UV rays. After that, the colours become more stable. VESTA is completely hydrophobic and therefore resistant to moss, algae, beetles, insects, and such like.

Moso MOSO uses a unique patented process to alter the hardness, dimensional stability and durability of bamboo boards to a level superior to the best tropical hardwood species. Besides decking, since recently, Bamboo X-treme is also available in a special cladding profile for use in residential and public buildings. With respect to fire safety, Bamboo X-treme meets class B s1 d0 (EN 13501-1), which makes it even suitable for use on the ground floor in public buildings, without the

use of expensive and eco-damaging fire retardants. As Bamboo X-treme has reached the highest durability class (class 1 following EN 350), and will turn grey in a homogeneous manner, it is recommended to apply the material untreated to avoid frequent maintenance. However, if desired, also an oiled version (Woca) is available. Contrary to hardwood, Bamboo X-treme is very dimensionally stable with little tendency to torsion. Therefore ‘invisible’ installation with the use of clips is possible, without damaging the cladding and leading to a better looking result. The MOSO Bamboo X-treme clip is made of stainless steel and has proven itself in the market for many years. An added advantage of this relatively simple installation method is that less fixation points are required, providing a time (and thus cost) benefit.

Outdoor Wood Concepts In recent years at Outdoor Wood Concepts, they have noticed strong growth in the wooden outer wall market.

They express it in a refined manner: ‘The Fleming has more than just a brick in the stomach.” The main wood sorts from Outdoor Wood Concepts are W.R. cedar, African padauk, thermowood pine, Siberian larch, afrormosia, and louro gamela. The growing preference for wood on exterior walls is all about the preference for natural materials. What is also important is that there are better finish products so that the lifespan is now longer. As far as Outdoor Wood Concepts is concerned, wooden exterior wall cladding is perfectly suitable for big projects. They do point out that there is some new legislation with regard to fire safety in medium to tall and in tall buildings. For example, recently, the company completed a project for a rest home in Haut Ittre where they fitted 2,000m² of Free Willy® fire-retardant impregnated larch.

Yepp Yepp regards wooden exterior wall cladding as a real growth market and the company has generally had good experiences with oak used for this purpose.

Yepp mainly offers oak sidings in various profiles, dimensions, and wood sorts. Oak is still greatly in demand, especially in the professional sphere. More generally, there is a move towards native European wood sorts in which oak is still one of the most trusted sorts. It is also deployed in pool houses, outhouses, and car ports.

People usually allow oak to age naturally. Yepp is planning some tests to see if this could be done industrially with due regard for protection from moss and water, apart from the aesthetic aspect.

For rapid ageing Yepp also recommends products from Cabot.

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Floor Forum International 67

preference for wood and the fact that exterior wall planks offer a technically qualitative solution as regards levelling and ventilation. As regards composite, Euro Covering offers the WPC planks in solid wood and hollow solid wood: Exterpark Tech and Exterpak Plus.

Exterpark Tech are solid (!)

WPC terrace boards in four modern colours, namely white, grey, brown, and anthracite.

Special Producers of exterior wooden en composite wall cladding

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Optimism for record edition of Carrefour du Bois in Nantes From 4 to 6 June, Carrefour du Bois is once again taking place in Nantes, France. 530 exhibitors (sawmills, timber businesses, dealers, and panel and parquet manufacturers), 70% from France and 30% from elsewhere, will be showing off the dynamics in the French wood industry on stands of a maximum of 36m². The entire show surface area was already fully booked back in January, so the organisers are looking forward to another successful show.

Carrefour du Bois is becoming more and more international with each show and the organisers are now counting on 20% of visitors from abroad from the neighbouring countries or further afield. For example, they are expecting a lot of visitors from Italy, the Netherlands, Great Britain, the Middle East, and the Maghreb.

Thursday 5 June: ministerial visit and VIP evening for exhibitors The show starts on Wednesday and runs for three days from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (6.00 p.m. on Friday). The organisers have planned a VIP evening for exhibitors on Thursday. The show will also be officially opened earlier in the day by ministers Stéphane Foll (agriculture and forestry) and Arnaud Montebourg (productivity recovery) or one of their cabinet delegates. French politics attaches a great deal of importance on the development of the timber industry and sees huge potential for French companies because the timber industry is one of the eight most future-oriented sectors for the French economy. The success of Carrefour du Bois also confirms this.

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‘Espace Technique et Solution Bois’: three days of subject seminars In a separate hall there will be an extensive and diverse programme of seminars and presentations on the timber industry for the whole three days. The themes are both French and

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internationally inspired: market figures, trends, innovations, and space and attention for all segments of the wood industry.

You can see the full programme on the show web site. We browse through the range briefly and give you a few of the themes of interest: Wednesday 4 June - New figures and indicators from the French wood industry - Construction in wood: the social perception examined - Development and innovation opportunities for the wood industry - The strong points of French wood (hard and softwood) for use in joinery, parquet, terraces, and exterior wall cladding.

Thursday 5 June - Guided tour of the new building of Lycée International de l’Île in Nantes, a top architectural project which sets new standards in the field of sustainability and where a lot of wood is used.

- Focus on Finnish architecture with the presence of the renowned Finnish architect Pekka Heikkinen, manager of the Wood Studio at the renowned Aalto University in Helsinki.

- Theme - wood, design, and interior architecture: a comparison between wood as a building material in Vorarlberg (Austria) and the French achievements.

- A study on the international wood industry.

WOOD MASTIC NATURAL for the industry • Economic powder 1kg = 1.3 kg of paste • Ready for the paste • Application of hot or cold panels • Special formulas for planed wood and brushed • 8 standard colors or against typing on request • Packaging 5 to 25kg Contact +33 534602100 or www.briancon-production.com Carrefour wood Nantes Stand M-B23

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Preview of the Carrefour International du Bois (FR)

EXHIBITION PREVIEW : CARREFOUR INTERNATIONAL DU BOIS (Nantes)

Diversity of French wood on show At a specially designed stand visitors will be able to see just how varied the range of French wood products is. There will be all sorts of hard and soft wood on display in all sorts of processed shapes. There will be all sorts of samples available at the stand and visitors can also see the new and extensive summary guide to French hardwood and French coniferous wood.

An overview of some active exhibitors whose information reached us in time : Blanchon During Carrefour du Bois, Blanchon, as a specialist in protecting both indoor and outdoor wood, is unveiling PERFORMER®.

This is a single component glazer for parquet of the new generation. It combines the warm tonalities of traditional finishes and total application assurance (it shuts out tannic acid in new wood) to improve performances hugely. In terms of durability, PERFORMER leaves scores of dual component products in its wake and also sets twice as quickly. It is in class A+ and available in satin or matt.

For outdoor wood there is the completely new Exterior wall oil,

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with its outdoor looking nuances and the elegance of its mattpowdered look; there is also the range of Anti UV Protectors (coloured or colourless, for terraces and covering), Saturation agents for terraces (new colours) and azure. Then there is the Oceanic® Air Protect®, a protective parquet glazer which also absorbs VOC, and Oceanic® Colour Opaque, which gives parquet floors an innovative and decorative effect.

Chêne de l’est Their novelties for 2014 which they are presenting during Carrefour International du Bois: The wooden floor of the past: Misty grey, Dune grey.

Sawn oak: Ripe grey, Gravel grey, Pearl grey.

Natural range: Vendôme grey, Recycled, Zebra structure, GreyBaltic structured.

They have put together a new range of relief parquet: Wellness Grey Vulcan on Heather Earth. Curves in this specific relief give this parquet its real character. They catch the eye and attract the light. The relief gives the wood more depth and character.

Offered in ready-to-fit oak, in engineerd wood. TOP 4mm thick +/- 15 x 170mm, suitable for use with floor heating (low temperature).

DeckWise® Hardwood Deck Tile System The DeckWise® Hardwood Deck Tile System gives contractors, DIY homeowners, and renters an easy and quick way to add beautiful decking to most outdoor living spaces. Even bars and restaurants are adding these semi-permanent deck tile squares to accommodate customers where space is limited.

Every builder and do-it-yourselfer can create amazing decking patterns with hardwood tiles where installation of joist framework cannot be installed. From swimming pools to small yards and even roof tops, this decking tile and connector system will meet everyone’s expectations. The DeckWise® Hardwood Deck Tile System can be tailored to specific hardwood needs as well.

Choose from Ipe, Cumaru and Tigerwood hardwoods, then choose our patented invisible deck connectors in black, brown, or gray to match most underlying bases. Manufactured from chemical- and UV- resistant polyethylene with preset spacers for even gaps, the tiles are specially scored for easy cutting into halves or quarters for corners and exposed tile sides. Should the deck get damaged, you can remove and replace only the damaged tiles - far more cost-effective than tearing up and replacing an entire deck! An economical solution for any application, each Brazilian hardwood tile remains harder and more beautiful than Teak. Create a dynamic, rich looking environment without settling for plastic or composites.

Visit us in Hall 4, stand H4-H9!

Quebec Wood Export Bureau The Quebec Wood Export Bureau is pleased to announce that they will be at Carrefour International du Bois de Nantes from 4 to 6 June 2014. If you wish to obtain information on hardwood lumber and hardwood flooring available in Quebec, do not hesitate to talk to Mr. David Guilbert at stand B20 in Hall 2. The sugar maple is by far the most well known Quebec wood sort.

However, they can also offer red oak, ash, walnut, and cherry. They also have a wood sort which is little known in Europe, namely the yellow birch. Its characteristics are more like maple than birch. Their specialist on site will be available to talk to you.

You can also visit their web site at www.quebecwoodexport.com They are looking forward to meeting you!

DeckWise ® The Ipe Clip ® Fastener Company, Bradenton, FL USA

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Floor Forum International 67

Friday 6 June - Wood, design, and eco-construction: a look at the possibilities and innovation in various countries (Canada, Great Britain, Morocco, and France) - Use of native wood sorts and new technology.

Preview of the Carrefour International du Bois (FR)

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Special Checking the Screed : how to use the moisture meter

CHECKING FOR DAMP IS STILL THE FIRST STEP REFINED METERS ARE GETTING MORE PRECISE. There must have been a time when there were no hygrometers at all, so you might wonder how we checked for damp in times past. Well, it was certainly still necessary to check the moisture content in the substrate and the wood, but we did it with the “wet finger”. Nowadays, we have technology to help us. For measuring various sorts of damp there is a range of tools, which are all based on their own scientifically supported principle. The old carbide method is still based on a chemical principle, but we have now also seen the emergence of electrical and electronic devices for some time now. a cement covering floor must not amount to more than 2.5% C.M., whilst the figure for an anhydrite screed is 0.6%. Higher percentages will lead to problems unless you take additional precautionary measures.

(Editor’s note: We explain briefly the difference between a cement and an anhydrite screed in the article on ‘Preparing the screed’ in this same edition.)

Major measuring methods Carbide method For measuring residual moisture in the screed (the most common culprit) there are various measuring devices of the type which is also used for the wood itself (see below). An extremely safe method is still the carbide method whereby a sample of material from the screed is used to bring about a reaction with carbide. The carbide method requires more time than the devices mentioned below. Moreover, it is more time-consuming and radical because, in the final analysis, you have to make a hole in the screed.

Floor Forum International 67

Photo: Tramex

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Checking for moisture Measuring the moisture content in the screed is always necessary, whether the job is a new construction or a renovation.

This applies to both glued and floating fitting. The biggest threat to a new screed is residual moisture. Residual building moisture is the damp which is added to certain building materials to make them pliable and fit for use. These are mainly products in powder form which are mixed with water. We are talking here particularly about plaster for filling, cement for the brickwork, concrete for support structures and floor plates, and a screed on which to fit floors. To check for residual moisture, the market offers a refined range of hygrometers: CM meters (carbide method), resistance meters (based on electrical resistance), and capacitive meters (based on a transmitter and a receiver).

The rule of thumb is that the residual moisture percentage of

Non-destructive alternative from Tramex The Tramex instant test for concrete is completely non-destructive and specified by many flooring manufacturers around the world because of its simplicity, accuracy and repeatability of results. The ease of use and speed of the CME4 and CMEX II instruments allow for many tests to be carried out over a large area in a short amount of time. The non-destructive testing method is extremely useful when the screed, or ‘estrich’ contains under-floor heating pipes. The CME4 and CMEX II meters also have a Carbide Method (CM) equivalent scale, which allows the user to reduce the number of CM tests. The user can instantly identify the locations of high moisture content and then confirm the readings through a minimum amount of CM tests.

The unique Tramex non-destructive test method giving moisture content percentage by weight is based on the Darr method for determining moisture content.

Other measuring devices There are various sorts of measuring technology. This means that you have a selection of tools which are specifically designed for a certain type of material or for measuring a certain type of moisture such as residual moisture or air humidity. We make a distinction between capacitive meters, meters based on electrical

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probes can be removed with the extraction tool and used repeatedly. The CMEX II measures both ‘Moisture Content’ (MC) and ‘Equilibrium Relative Humidity (ERH) of the screed. This makes it very useful for different climates as the relationship between these two measurements can vary in different parts of the world and identifying this relationship can help the flooring contractor make the best decisions anywhere in the world.

Ambient conditions testing In conjunction with the Hygro-i relative humidity probe, the CMEX also functions as a digital hygrometer. The meter displays the relative humidity, temperature, dew point and mixing ratio, allowing the user to assess the environmental ambient conditions within the building making sure they are suitable for installing a floor covering. Using an Infrared Surface Thermometer in combination with the relative humidity results it is easy to identify condensation problems and to work out the ‘delta Temperature’; which is the difference between the surface temperature and the dew point.

Photo: Tramex

Moisture content of wood The CMEX can also be used with the heavy-duty, handheld pintype wood probe for measuring moisture in wood. The WME moisture meter allows the user to test using the pin-type wood probe, or alternatively using the non-destructive method, by simply pushing the meter onto the surface being tested and reading the moisture content results on the clear digital display.

By comparing the moisture content of wood with the ambient

A unique combination from Tramex Having tested the concrete slab with the non-destructive method and identified high levels of moisture content, experts can then use the CMEX II and Hygro-i probes to carry out in situ relative humidity tests in the subfloor. Tramex reusable Hygro-i relative humidity probes are designed to be the best probe for measuring moisture in the slab as per international standards such as ASTM F2170 and BS 8201:2011. This innovative testing method is ideal for assuring best practice and is an international standard method of testing moisture conditions in concrete floor slabs and screeds. To perform this in-situ type relative humidity test simply drill a hole in the concrete 40% of the thickness of the slab. Push the hole liner into the hole, insert the probe into the sleeve and cover with the plastic cap.

Leave for the standard test period. When taking readings, plug the adapter into the Hygro-i probe and instantly read the equilibrium relative humidity, temperature and dew point simultaneously on a clear display. When testing is complete the Hygro-i

Photo: Tramex

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Special Checking the Screed : how to use the moisture meter

resistance, and hygro-thermometers. Nowadays, we are increasingly seeing the emergence of universal measuring tools and also seeing how meters which are designed to measure air humidity can also be deployed for building moisture. For example, we have found a hygro-thermometer (actually designed to test air humidity) which can be deployed for measuring damp in concrete. The dew point is calculated via a sensor in a drilled hole.

Floor Forum International 67

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MS Polymer

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

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relative humidity conditions we can determine when the wood is in balance with the ambient conditions within the building.

Another simple way of establishing whether wood is in balance with the building is to discreetly take moisture content readings from wood somewhere already in service within the building. By taking this in-service moisture content reading one can predict if the wood floor covering is likely to move, to shrink or expand, or if it is in balance.

Using these tools It will be clear that sophisticated technology and techniques lie behind all measuring tools. Here, too, human beings are the weakest link. In order to be certain of a correct reading, we have to take certain rules into account. Let us briefly run through some tips:

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Carbide method The hole has to be deep enough to give a reliable result. For a covering floor of 6cm you are advised to make a hole to a depth of minimum 4cm. Sometimes it might be necessary to check whether or not there is any residual moisture in the concrete plate under the screed, even though the screed looks dry. This will sometimes arise when there is a visible fault and you have to search further for the underlying cause.

Capacitive meters A capacitive meter is based on the density of the wood. The practical density can sometimes differ from the set density of theoretical scales. It is best not to measure a section with lots of gnarls because they have a greater density. It is absolutely essential to hold the meter firmly against the wood. Round surfaces or excessively rough wood can interfere with the reading or make it inaccurate. This problem also arises with small sections of wood. Some industrial meters make it possible to check for moisture without touching the wood. In those cases, obviously, we do not have that problem. Remember to take account of finish coats: thin top coats do not affect the reading, and neither does foil or coating. However, thicker coats of paint can cause deviations. Acrylate paint can even cause big deviations.

Electrical resistance The electrical resistance of wood depends heavily on the moisture content in the wood. Lots of parquet floor fitters are ‘armed’ with a measuring tool which operates on the basis of electrical resistance. These tools are equipped with pins (electrodes) which are pressed into the wood. It’s best to put the electrodes straight onto the fibres of the wood and never on the ends. This is less important for most softwood sorts, but for hardwood all the more. If it is difficult to measure crosswise, you can measure slightly diagonally. Often, the measured wood is not in balance with its surrounds. The moisture content in the heart will vary from that on the outside. The heart may still be quite moist with wood that has been dried at high speed. 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 the total depth.

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With our thanks to Tramex for the supplied information and pictures.

DOMOTEX Russia 2014 presented numerous market leaders to more than 2,700 professionals from Russia and CIS now at a new stage of growth and development,” said Svetlana Fedoseeva, General Director of OOO Deutsche Messe RUS. The DOMOTEX Russia 2014 event included an extensive Business Program. Speakers and presenters included Vera Nikolskaya, Head of the ABARUS Research Division, and Vitaly Berdino, General Director of Flooring Expert Company. They told participants about the specific features of the Russian market for flooring materials and its future prospects. Natalya Malikova, Regional Representative of Bauwerk Parkett, explained in detail the Bauwerk World of Parquet. The second day of the Business Program was dedicated to young yet experienced designers who described their experience with flooring projects in various interiors. ArchDialog Agency served as an official partner of the second day of the Business Program.

DOMOTEX Russia 2014 – covered 3 pavilions at the ARTPLAY Design Center. 54 companies from 10 countries around the world, including companies from Russia, Germany, Belgium, Belarus, Iran and India, presented their cutting-edge projects and most recent collections.

The list of exhibitors included major international and Russian manufacturers of flooring materials and accessories: Tarkett, Beaulieu International Group, Forbo Eurocol, Kährs Group, Balta Group, DECORA, Classen, IVC Group, Russkiy Profil, Coswick, Bauwerk Parkett AG and others.

“The superior quality of the products, cutting-edge design, the entire range of flooring materials – from laminate to hand-woven rugs and carpets and a multitude of colors and materials – all these factors attest to the fact that the flooring-material industry has successfully emerged from the crisis and is

For the first time the presentation ceremony of the Flooring Expert Awards was also part of the DOMOTEX Russia 2014 event. The Flooring Expert Awards for outstanding achievements on the flooring-materials market was established by the official Internet partner of the exhibition, www.flooring-expert. ru portal and OOO Deutsche Messe RUS. Visitors of the www. flooring-expert.ru portal were invited to nominate the products and companies which, in their opinion, had achieved the best results in the Russian flooring business in 2013. Organizers are planning to make this award an annual event and turn the prize into the most prestigious award in the Russian flooring business.

The following companies were declared winners: • JUTEKS • Tarkett • Balta • Wicanders • RUSPROF • IVC Moduleo • OPUS “I would like to express my tremendous thanks to all our exhibitors for their support. DOMOTEX Russia will continue growing and developing new product groups,” remarked Svetlana Fedoseeva, General Director of OOO Deutsche Messe RUS, summarizing the outcome of the event. “Our team is very optimistic, and, buoyed by the support of our exhibitors, we are looking forward to even greater success in 2015.”

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DOMOTEX Russia 2014 – the only specialized exhibition for flooring materials in Russia – ended with a good result: From April 1-3, the exhibition was visited by 2,743 professionals from Russia and the CIS countries. Mr. Wolfgang Lenarz, Senior Vice President of Deutsche Messe AG, remarked: “Due to the presence of international and Russian exhibitors and many visitors, the exhibition has become a significant event and we can declare with confidence that the project was not just another event – it now occupies its own niche among other construction and interior design exhibitions in Russia. The variety of carpets and floorings as well as the intensive business program were well received by the visiting top managers.”

Review of the DOMOTEX Russia /Moscow

DOMOTEX Russia 2014: The only specialized exhibition for flooring

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Special Joint filling compounds for outdoor floors Floor Forum International 67 36

JOINT FILLERS FOR WOODEN TERRACES THE ‘TRAP’ BETWEEN THE PLANKS HAS GONE. You might witness it one day. Your wife sees her expensive diamond ring disappear from sight between your neighbour’s terrace planks. Now, if your neighbour has a terrace with a fastening system flexible enough to allow for easy dismounting, then there’s no problem. Otherwise it means breaking up the terrace or saying goodbye to that little jewel. A heart-rending choice! Although that’s not exactly why they were designed, fillers between terrace planks do eliminate such mini-dramas. That’s just one good reason for applying fillers. Moreover, it’s really cosy and immediately evokes a splendid southern maritime atmosphere. items, but also dirt and dust make their way between the planks. To rectify this shortcoming there’s only one option, and that is to fill in those gaps. It goes without saying that, due to the movement of the wood and the exposure to the elements, you can’t just use any material for this purpose. Joint fillers for outdoors are therefore hyper-specialised products which have to be applied according to a standard working method.

Practical points The distance which we leave between the planks of an outdoor terrace or between the sections of a swimming pool are a necessary evil. We can’t avoid it. Just like indoor floorboards, outdoors floorboards also have to express their natural shrinking and swelling. Obviously, they do this outdoors to a large extent because the outdoor weather conditions (e.g. the temperature and the damp) fluctuate much more radically than indoors.

And so, invisible fastening systems with clips are designed with due regard for that natural movement. They allow the wood to move freely and help to set the distance between the floorboards. Yet there is inevitably a distance of some sort and this comes with an annoying side effect that not only expensive

Not only practical We consulted a practical set of recommendations which argue for pointing terrace and swimming pool boards. Obviously, that’s not the number one argument. Pointed terrace boards give the effect of the ship deck of luxury yachts, which are usually designed in teak. A ship deck floor is obviously designed to resist frequent contact with water, but it is also one of the most visible parts of a boat on which lots of people walk. The ship deck floor helps to determine the warmth, cosiness, and character of a boat. Here, too, we find certain fitting patterns, curves, and even designs which, thanks to the (usually) dark joint, come better into their own. By applying that technique to outdoor terraces, you also create a strong holiday feel. With swimming pool boards, this feel is even more ‘maritime’.

The step indoors The existence of these joint fillers and the look and exclusive character of ship deck floors have resulted in this technique being applied more often indoors. This is done primarily for decorative reasons: We are increasingly seeing living rooms where the occupant has opted for the exclusive character of a ship deck floor. Naturally, the moisture resistance of these floors has the additional advantage that they can be fitted in damp rooms or even very wet rooms. It seems to be a market which can only grow, so it is well worth floor fitters taking the trouble to familiarise themselves with this technique. Several

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Products from the shipping industry Most joint fillers are based on MS polymers, a technology which is still new in the world of parquet adhesives, but has been applied in the naval world for several years. These products are applied according to a standard procedure.

Preparation First of all, you need to clean the joint and remove all dust, adhesive residue, and such like. Then, you treat the sides of the joint with a special primer. You need to do that little job quickly and, in particular, without leaving any streaks. For optimal adhesion of the kit, you must apply it within six hours of the primer drying to create a chemical adhesion. You will need to stick a joint tape to the base of the joint (if there is one; terrace boards don’t have one). Indeed, the rubber must only be allowed to stick to the joint flanks, and not the joint base.

Otherwise it will be more difficult for the joint to ‘move’ with the wood as it swells and shrinks.

Application The nozzle of the filler is cut off to the required joint width.

The joint has to be filled in one continuous movement. The kit is applied in excess. You then press in the joint filler and remove surplus product. Depending on the product and the circumstances, the floor has to dry for three to seven days before it can be sandpapered.

What’s on the market?

The producers who have contributed to this article offer several solutions for outdoor use. There is also a wide range for connections with other materials, for outdoor walls, for expansion joints, or for repairing cracks and splits. Here we focus mainly on terrace joints.

Bostik Important applications for outdoor joint fillers are connection joints alongside posts and doors, glass joints (paint over these with acrylate emulsion paints), expansion joints in high and low constructions, deep floor joints in places such as galleries, dilatation joints, and natural stone joints (not for carrara marble). Bostik has joint fillers based on MS polymers, high quality silicones, top quality acrylate, and butyl. Simson Multi Seal is a 1-component, universal, and versatile joint filler with excellent adhesion properties and specially developed for connection and movement joints. Simson Multi Seal can be used both in and

outdoors. It adheres without a primer to several building materials such as glass, lacquered wood, and metal and on pre-treated concrete, stone, gypsum, cell concrete, and such like. Simson Multi Seal complies with ISO 11600-F-25-LM. Silicone 60 is deployed as a kit for movement and connection joints, both in and outdoors, and as a top seal for glass.

Briançon Briançon doesn’t offer any joint fillers for ship deck floor, but it does have them for filling cracks or gnarls. Filling holes in outdoor terraces prevents the wood from rotting and extends its lifespan.

The Briançon fillers are produced from natural, vegetable, or mineral raw materials with no solvents or polyester. Their star product is Wood Mastic E100. This mastic can be deployed on all stable wood sorts and allows you to apply a perfect finish in one working session for holes of 2/6mm with no danger of any repeat.

Chimiver Panseri CHIMIVER PANSERI offers ELASTOXYL whichis a very elastic single-component high quality silane-based sealant; suggested to caulk indoor and outdoor wooden floors. Easy to apply. High elasticity for long time, good adhesion on most surfaces. Because of its particular chemical nature, ELASTOXYL does not foam during hardening.

ELASTOXYL has to be used on perfectly cleaned and degreased surfaces, free of dust and detaching materials. It is recommended to clean the seams using a brush soaked in DILUENTE ACETONE PURO and to prime the seams with PRYMER ELASTOXYL. It could be over-varnished, it is recommended to make a preliminary test.

To wash and clean the decking floors use LIOS SUNDECK SOAP. The mainteinance of the grey weathered decking has to be done with LIOS GRIGIOFF and use LIOS SUNDECK WOOD OIL for the protection of the same decking.

Emfi Emfi doesn’t have any kits specifically for dealing with ship deck joints, but does have a range of kits for outdoors. These joint fillers are suitable mainly for fitting expansion joints. They have to absorb the movements of the materials during climate fluctuations. The single component mastics based on polyurethane which Emfi presents can absorb movements for up to 25%.

They are highly resistant to outdoor conditions and highly durable. The mastics are produced on the basis of PU elastomers,

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Floor Forum International 67

producers offer training sessions for others to learn how to use these joint fillers.

Special Joint filling compounds for outdoor floors

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Special Joint filling compounds for outdoor floors

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which polymerise under the influence of the air humidity. The star products for these applications are PU 25 and PU 40.

Tover Mapei

Silwood Decking is a solvent-free kit with no isocyanates and it is based on silanated polymers with very low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and a small elasticity module, suitable for filling in all sorts of wooden floors in and outdoors.

Silwood Decking is ideal for filling in joints in wooden outdoor floors, but also for filling joints between floors of a different kind. This product is a black paste. It can be polished and painted over after four to five days after the removal of any surplus product. Silwood Decking has EMICODE EC1 R Plus, which has very low emissions. It can be stored for 12 months. It has to be applied using a suitable filler gun. Silwood Decking is available in a sausage-shape package of 600ml.

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Rectavit

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to be weatherproof and easy to maintain. The fillers consist mainly of polyurethane and hybrid polyurethane.

With the Sikaflex 11 FC, Sika has a 1-component, moisture-curing, and elastic filler and a versatile polyurethane adhesive. This product can be used both in and outdoors. The Sikaflex 11 FC has lots of applications.

This product is recommended, amongst other things, as a joint filler for vertical and horizontal joints. Where the Sikaflex 11 FC is the standard in some respects, Sika also has the Sikaflex 290 DC with increased UV resistance. Sika promotes the Sikaflex 290 DC as the star product.

Rectavit offers an extensive assortment of fillers for diverse materials and substrates and for various applications.

The most important requirements for outdoor products include long durability, a waterproof character, sufficient elasticity, colour fastness, limited dirt accentuation and sometimes suitability for painting over it. For applying joints for outdoor floors Rectavit presents S40 Pro Black, an elastic assembly glue and sealant based on MS polymers for elastic sealing and glueing in construction and sanitary facilities. S40 Pro is suitable for natural Stone, especially blue hard stone and is specially developed for sealing and glueing metals such as zinc, aluminium, steel, and galvanised steel.

Sika Joint fillers for outdoors are used most of all for terraces in teak. The important point for outdoor use is that the filler has

Tover developed a specific black silane based sealant, Sigil MS for the filling of joints inside and outside.

This product has an excellent resistant to water and to UV rays; it is suitable for terraces, boat decks as well as internal wet spaces like bathrooms or kitchens. The previous application of a primer is not necessary and it is sufficient to follow normal laying recommendations: to take care the wood to be dry, clean and without old treatments residues.

As Sigil MS does not swell or makes bubbles and has got a good thixotropy, it can be applied in vertical for wooden cladding.

Vetedy The ship deck filler which Vetedy presents is easy and practicable to use. It is resistant to UV rays, requires no additional maintenance, and maintains the uniform distance which you have with the Softline速 system.

The joint has been developed for indoor and/or outdoor installation, but the installation has to have enough ventilation between the ground and the underside of the wood for full and speedy drainage of moisture, which may be left behind after showers of rain.

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TOSSED BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN VARNISH AND OIL Apart from beeswax and modern hard wax and hard wax oil, the main finishes for wooden floors are still varnish and oil. Over the years, floor fitters have promoted both of them with varying degrees of enthusiasm and clients have chosen them with equally varying degrees of success. Both finishes have pros and cons, but in the final analysis the best solution is dictated by individual situations: purpose of the room, taste, floor type, wood sort, etc. And so, this article modifies the main differences between oil and varnish. We focus mainly on oil.

Special Parquet oil

OIL WINS THE DAY WITH STRONG ACES.

Points for attention Applying oil In bygone days, applying beeswax was sheer graft, but nowadays wax oil has solved that problem. As for oil and varnish, we can say that the ‘exertions’ more or less run parallel. Parquet varnish is applied with a roller. Skilled floor fitters have long mastered the technique to get a perfectly even surface with no streaks. The transition to waterborne varnishes did require a certain modification, but, by now, that is a thing of the past.

An oil finish is also easy to apply without streaks. Oil is usually spread using a spatula. Surplus oil is removed. With some oils

(certainly with colour oils) it is necessary to polish the floor afterwards. Several producers are convinced that their oil offers sufficient protection in one coat. Another major benefit is the fact that most oils dry rapidly. Some oils can be walked upon within just a few hours, something which is certainly not possible with a varnished floor.

Visually and perceptibly As regards look and visual elements, beeswax and hard wax oil are comparable in some respects to parquet oil, since they don’t leave a film on the wood. This is also important as regards

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Floor Forum International 67

Photo: WOCA

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Floor Forum International 67

Special Parquet oil

feel. People are often opposed to varnish precisely because of this film formation which makes the floor’s appearance look too shiny and the feel is comparable to that of plastic. Today’s matt and ultra-matt varnishes have brought about a major visual change. However, an oil finish preserves the colour and feel of the wood like no other. Indeed, an oil finish does not leave any film ‘on top of’ the wood. You can still feel the pores and grains, as there is direct contact with the wood.

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Maintenance and renovation Clients often prefer varnish because it requires little maintenance. Mopping, vacuum cleaning, and light moist cleaning are quick and perfectly hygienic. These arguments are sound enough, but an oil floor is almost as easy to maintain. Oil makers provide an accompanying maintenance oil (some of them also have a universal maintenance oil) to help you clean the floor quickly and easily. The maintenance oil has the additional advantage that it nourishes the wood each time it is applied.

The fact that oil doesn’t create a film also means it is possible to clean and restore the surface in patches. For a complete renovation it is not necessary to sandpaper the entire floor, in contrast to the case of a varnish.

Exclusivity for ‘distressed’ The growing success of distressed finishes has undoubtedly served to promote oil finishes strongly. Here, the client has only a few options. Wax and hard wax oil are possible, but oil enjoys a clear preference. A varnish is not an option here, once again because of the fact that a varnish forms a covering film.

Applying a varnish would mean that, when the floor needs to be restored or renovated, it would lose its distressed effect as the varnish is sandpapered away.

What’s on the market?

Blanchon The Blanchon range includes three oils based on the traditional formulas (of which the oxidative drying has improved considerably) and one waterborne oil which also possesses certified ecological properties. Blanchon Parquet Oil is an extremely hard oil due to the fact that it is urethane-modified. This oil is ideal for very high traffic floors e.g. shopping malls, theatre stages, shops, multifunctional rooms, and all areas open to the public. This oil is hydrofuge and anti-dust. People appreciate the ease with which the oil is applied just as much as its exceptional matt look. As for maintenance, Blanchon Parquet Oil scores highly.

Apart from its parquet oil, Blanchon also offers a number of products or systems which contain oil, such as Wax Oil and Solid Oil. Environment is a waterborne parquet oil (uses emulsion technology) which makes it possible to impregnate a parquet or wooden floor very quickly without using a primer. It dries in barely two hours! This oil bears the European Eco-label.

Briançon Briançon offers a parquet oil and a parquet maintenance oil, two products which are complementary to each other. Aqua Parquet Oil is used indoors on parquet, wooden floors, and stairs and is odourless. The floor can be regarded as ‘finished’ after four hours without polishing. The oil can be deployed for all popular sorts of wood and does not discolour over time. The extremely rapid drying means it is possible to use the treated rooms almost at once (with a little caution in the first few days). Aqua Maintenance Oil is the accompanying maintenance product. It is applied directly to floors treated with Aqua Parquet Oil. Here, too, we can talk of a rapid drying time, since you can use the floor again after just 15 minutes.

Products from nature Just as wooden floors are getting a boost from a growing preference for natural and sustainable materials, this aspect seems to be persuading more clients to opt for oil. Parquet oils are certainly based on natural products such as tung oil, castor oil, soya oil, and linseed oil, albeit in a modified end product. Obviously, environmental legislation also applies to oil finishes, and this means that waterborne oils have definitely been part of the range for a few years. These waterborne oils are usually created by emulsion whereby an emulsifying agent ensures that unmixable fluids such as oil and water can nevertheless be mixed to form a uniform and stable product.

Ciranova

Client binding If there is a parquet finish which enables traders to create an ongoing relationship with clients, it is surely oil. Clients will think it’s perfectly normal to nourish an oiled floor with the same oil, or at least to use maintenance products of the same brand. That is not the case with a varnished floor. Chemical producers know that many end clients use a detergent of the same brand as the applied varnish at the start, but then gradually switch to ordinary ones, which are often much cheaper.

Strictly speaking, there’s nothing wrong with that. However, with oil and the related maintenance products there might be a potential lack of compatibility. And so, floor fitters can contact their clients now and again to supply oil and/or a maintenance product. This maintains contact with clients and floor fitters don’t miss out on a potentially lucrative maintenance service or renovation.

Hard Wax Oil Magic is Ciranova’s star product, but they also offer a range of impregnation oils to saturate wood. One new product is UN1CO, a one-coat oil of the latest generation which makes use of renewable natural oils. Due to the special technology, you only need one coat. The combination of oil and hardener means rapid drying and outstanding chemical resistance. Another new product is OCULTO, an ecological and water-based PU impregnation oil for parquet and wooden furniture. The wood retains its original untreated look. This oil is suitable only for indoor applications. It contains a UV absorber and has anti-slip properties. ECOFIX is also an ecological and waterborne impregnation oil for parquet

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Durieu has Oléofloor, a waterborne oil with a very long lifespan. It protects and freshens up all indoor wood and is ideal for parquet, stairs, panelling, and furniture. Oléofloor contains natural vegetable oil, combined with polyurethane resins. It offers high abrasion resistance and is waterproof. The latter feature even makes it suitable for use in bathrooms. Moreover, it is also resistant to chemical products and ammonia. It has some good advantages for the fitting: It is odourless, greaseless, and dries quickly, so an average work site can be finished in half a day. Oléofloor is available in satin (Classic) and matt (Natural) versions.

The best selling product at Irsa is the traditional, colourless Irsa Natural Hard Oil. However, colour is still the top trend and we also notice this in the Irsa oils. Irsa Design Colour Oil is a colour oil for wooden floors, parquet, cork, and other absorbent indoor floors. This oil is produced on a base of natural raw materials such as vegetable oils and resins. Irsa Design Colour Oil is supplied in liquid form ready for use. This colour oil is available in various colours. This oil has the effect of regulating moisture, it is dirt-proof, has a good penetrative capacity, is UV resistant, and is virtually odourless as it is used. This oil gives the floor a light gloss. To make the colour even more intense, it is possible to use a primer first such as Irsa Basic Colour. Apart from Design Colour Oil and Irsa Natural Hard Oil, Irsa also has HP-Oil High Protection, which protects wood, bamboo, cork, and cotto. Applying this HP Oil High Protection makes the colour of the wood slightly more intense.

Mapei

Etre Vert / Briançon Etre Vert offers ‘Natural Bio-source Oil’, an oil finish which respects both people and the environment, thanks to a high content of natural raw materials. This oil is a compound of several natural oils, cellulose, and water. Natural Bio-source Oil is a multifunctional oil, which regenerates and decorates at the same time. This oil is odourless and dirt-proof. It is one of the Natural Oils for parquet and the Bio Wood Oils. This oil can be applied to new wood and wood which has been sandpapered bare. If you use exotic and greasy sorts of wood, you need to clean the wood with acetone before applying oil.

Haro In the line of oil finishes, Haro has Naturalin plus, a natural oil which penetrates deep into the pores of the wood without forming a film.

For maintaining and freshening up oiled floors, they offer Clean & green aqua oil and Clean & green natural and active. Apart from Clean & green aqua oil, there is also Clean & green aqua oil white and Clean & green aqua oil black. To prepare an oiled floor for daily use or to freshen up an oiled floor it is no longer necessary to carry out a special treatment with a buffing machine. Clean & green aqua oil can be applied easily with a mop. The product is based on waterborne oils and dries so quickly that the treated floor can be walked on within a few hours. This maintenance oil makes it easy to maintain and freshen up oiled floors.

Mapei presents Ultracoat Oil, a natural oil for treating parquet.

Ultracoat Oil gives wooden floors an attractive rustic effect and brings out the natural features of wood. Ultracoat Oil is ready for use. This oil is applied in one work session using the Ultracoat Roller plus or the Ultracoat Steel Spatula.

In the case of highly absorbent wood sorts it will be necessary to repeat the treatment 20 minutes later (but before the first coat is dry). The surplus oil has to be removed within one hour with a cotton cloth and a single disc machine with a white Ultracoat Pad. The floor can be polished after 16 hours using a black Ultracoat Pad. At the end, you need to apply two coats of Ultracoat Oil Care. Mapei also offers Ultracoat Oil Colour, which colours the wood and can be finished with the Mapei varnishes. Ultracoat Oil Plus can also be finished with Ultracoat varnish.

Special Parquet oil

Durieu Coatings

Irsa

Ica Group Oil is also a trend at ICA. Clients are still asking for products to preserve the natural look of the floor. ICA produces synthetic oils for treating wooden floors. The star product is OILPLUS, an innovative and ready-for-use oil for wooden floors.

It has a gloss grade of 10 and needs to be applied evenly with a brush or roller. You apply 15 to 35g/m² of oil.

Pallmann Magic Oil 2K is a natural, solvent-free oil-wax combination which leaves the pores open on the surface and able to breathe to give the wood a natural aspect. The wax makes

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Floor Forum International 67

and wooden furniture which allows the wood to retain its original untreated look. ECOFIX is for indoor use only. Finally, ECOFIX WOODLOOK ensures that the wood turns slightly pale so that it keeps its original look for longer. This oil, too, is suitable only for indoor use.

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Special Parquet oil

> continued from page 41

the surface evenly matt and velvety. The hardener gives Magic Oil 2K a fast and unique drying process.

This rapid drying makes it possible to renovate very high traffic rooms (e.g. in hotels, restaurants, shops, offices, etc.) in a short space of time (one night of drying) without limiting mechanical and chemical resistance.

The refined cross-linking gives an even better waterproof and dirt-proof surface, something which you cannot achieve with a single component parquet oil. The small dirt absorption is comparable to that of a lacquered parquet floor. Moreover, the notoriously laborious maintenance of parquet oil does not apply to Magic Oil 2K. On the contrary, Magic Oil 2K maintenance is comparable to that of a lacquered parquet floor. Other oils in the range are Magic Oil 2K Ergo, Magic Oil 2K Spa, and Magic Oil 2K Colour.

Plastor Plastor has several oils in its range, depending on the application.

For busy residential buildings or public buildings there is Huile Pur T3 and for extremely high traffic areas there is Huile Pur T4. Huile Pur T3 reacts to water. The oil binds to the wood and protects it.

This oil is based on natural tung oil. It is suitable for all wood sorts for indoor use: new wood, old wooden floors, with anti-oxidants or ship deck joints. The wood can continue to breathe naturally. Huile Pur-T4 is a dual component oil. The hardener improves the oil’s resistance even more and means that you don’t have to clean the floor so often. This oil, too, is based on tung oil. Plastor oils offer unique resistance to water. This oil penetrates deep into the wood without forming a film and without the wood becoming uneven.

pursuant to the standards EN13501-1, EN ISO 9239-1, and ISO 11925-2.

Sirca For Sirca the oil finish market is a stable one. Oil is appreciated for its natural look and because it contains a high content of renewable raw materials. Sirca’s range includes two outstanding oil products, namely OSE 1750 Decking and OSE 1753 Hard wax oil for parquet. Decking Oil is a compound of natural oils modified with urethane. This oil makes wooden floors more attractive and protects them at the same time. Decking Oil is suitable for all wooden floors, both indoors and outside. Since the oil contains UV filters, the wooden floor retains its natural colour for a long time.

Moreover, OSE 1750 Decking makes the surface waterproof.

STAUF Advantages of oil over varnish.

Treating the surface with oil brings out the natural beauty and structure of the wood (wood grain). Oiling results in an open-pored, breathable, and at the same time moisture-repellent and matt surface. Oils penetrate into the wood and do not result in a closed surface film leaving the wood sur-face perceived as natural and warm (to the feet).

STAUF Oil in One: Naturally drying oil on vegetable basis for wood floors in residential and commercial areas. Multifunctional oil leaving an open pore surface, enhancing the natural wood color.

The oil can be sealed over. The oil must be stirred well before use. Quickly and evenly apply the oil using a stainless steel trowel avoiding puddles.

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Rubio Monocoat

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Rubio Monocoat offers a range of oils to provide an answer to any needs.

For finishes on site, especially on the project market, Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is the recommended product for professionals who want to apply a sustainable, economical, and ecological finish. The characteristics of Rubio Monocoat Oil UV easily satisfy the demands made by pre-finishers on a UV drying oil. Last but not least, with projects which have to meet specific fire regulations, you can call upon the revolutionary new Rubio Monocoat FR Oil System. This is the only oil system with a European classification (Bfl-s1 for floors)

Timberex International Timberex® Heavy Duty UV is the best-seller at Timberex and there are several reasons for that. This oil offers superior protection which stands its ground literally for years without any maintenance. This product is also called ‘airport’ oil because several European airports use it for their wooden floors. The most renowned of these is Copenhagen airport, which has been using this oil since its opening in 1966. Other such airports are Stockholm, Frankfurt, and terminal 3 of London Heathrow.

The big advantage is that it makes cleaning swift and easy, so

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> continued from page 42

Tover The oil for parquet combines a large colors choice with a natural aspect and a highly eco-compatible finishing, features that explain its huge success in the past years. Hardwax oils are the most successful producs thanks to their major resistance to spots and wear. Tover proposes Crema d’Olio and its solvent free version L’Olio 100%, both monocoat, easy to apply and available in 28 colors. And once again Tover shows its exceptional innovation capacity launching on the market “mono OR bi-component” oiling system. Indeed it is possible now to mix the single component oils with Oil-Linker, a Zero VOC additive. This activator or B component significantly increases the oils resistance thanks to its action of

oil molecules crosslinking. It does not penalize the easy application with an oil spreader or a spatula, it leaves wooden pores open and the blend reaches more quickly its final properties.

WOCA WOCA presents a full range of oils for parquet and wooden floors.

These oils do not form a film and they do not contain any volatile organic compounds (VOC). WOCA Master Oil can be used on all types of wood and floors. It dries quickly, is suitable for large surfaces, and can be applied manually or by machine. For new and just sanded wooden floors there is the WOCA Colour Oil, which colours and protects the floor all in one. WOCA High Solid Master Oil is ideal for big projects and on all types of wood and floors, even high traffic floors. WOCA Diamond Oil is an oil which contains a lot of solid substances. It makes the surface of the floor more waterproof. For major cleaning there is WOCA Maintenance Oil. This can also be used as a finish on the WOCA floors which are oiled in the factory.

Special Parquet oil

you can save a lot of time and money. The ‘UV’ in the product name means that the same UV protection has been added for this product as for the outdoor products. This means the floor is also protected against UV rays, which enter rooms through windows and doors. Finally, the product has a R9 anti-slip classification and an EN-71-3 certificate for toys. Researchers are striving constantly to improve the formula.

NEW:

Nature Protect

DECKING-OILS

Designed and produced to meet the individual demands of various wood species > Especially recommended for garden furniture and wooden decking > Smoothes the wooden surface and makes it water- and dirt-repellent

. Unfinished effect . No building of layers . Ultra matte look . Protection against scratches . Protection against stains . Protection from yellowish discoloration Perfect maintenance with

Nature Care!

Further information on this and many other products can be found on: www.osmo.com 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

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Floor Forum International 67

At last: a product that retains the natural colour and look of wood, without the visible building of layers.

But with the best protection possible!

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Special Terrace renovation machines

RENOVATION MACHINES WORK WONDERS Many years ago, people opted for a wooden terrace out of love for wood, its warmth, and the look of the material. In its appraisal in comparison with other materials the maintenance and ‘temporary nature’ of wood were regarded as weaknesses, which people were prepared to put up with in the final analysis. Nowadays, attitudes toward wooden terraces have changed drastically. ‘Outdoor parquet’ has seen the light of day and the care with which it is fitted has a direct effect on the maintenance-friendliness and lifespan of the terrace. Furthermore, as is also the case with indoor parquet, the time comes when a thorough renovation is called for.

The enemies of outdoor wood Wood in an outdoor climate has to face a number of natural enemies which mean that the wood is vulnerable to wear and tear. Wood is composed of a whole series of separate cells.

The cell wall consists of a sort of matrix with three principal components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Ultraviolet light, oxygen, and water together cause ageing and possible wood rot (see below). In a photochemical process the sunlight breaks down the dark-coloured lignin. The light-coloured cellulose is left behind. The fact that the colour of the cellulose takes control can be seen by the ageing.

Ageing What we visually perceive to be ‘ageing’ is actually a microscopically thin layer of wood which is decomposing. The ageing can be darker or lighter, depending on the surrounds and the extent to which the air is polluted. On the inside the cellulose can simply be washed away by rainwater and the wood gets frayed patterns, which everyone has seen on a piece of rotten wood.

Floor Forum International 67

Woodworm The woodworm is a larva of the furniture beetle. The designation ‘worm’ therefore refers to the larvae since the woodworm is essentially a beetle. The woodworm lives in the wild, mainly in trees with hard wood such as oak and fruit trees.

The female woodworm beetle lays between 20 and 60 eggs in the softest parts of the wood so that the larvae drill directly into the wood as soon as they are born. The holes that the larvae drill in the wood are about 0.5mm.

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Photo: Osmo

TERRACES ARE GIVEN A NEW LIFE

Wood rot Wood rot is a fungus which mainly affects wood that comes into contact with (too much) damp. In some cases the fungus is visible. Sometimes, wood rot gives itself away when the wood surface turns brown and crumbly or looks dirty white and spongy. A bradawl, for example, disappears easily into the wood and it sounds hollow if you tap it with a hammer.

Rotting wood needs to be replaced or repaired as soon as possible in order to prevent further decay. The fungus often penetrates the wood via the ends.

Polypores The polypore is a fungus which looks like a toadstool and can cause a lot of damage to woodwork. The most notorious of these polypores is the so called dry rot. The dry rot is not always equally easy to recognise and appears in various places, objects of all sorts, and expressions. Another fungus is the rusty grilled polypore. They occur most on trunks or stumps from coniferous trees in forests and outdoors in the wild.

However, they can also be found closer to home on gateposts, fences, and, yes, on terraces.

Durability classes Thankfully, not all sorts of wood are equally sensitive to these ‘natural enemies’. The fact is that some sorts are stronger than others. Some sorts, such as tropical hardwood, basically don’t need any treatment against wood rot, for example. Wood is split up into five ‘durability classes’. Class I is the strongest and class V is completely the opposite. It is obviously completely wrong to think that wood sorts in class I are insensitive to these phenomena. The fact that they are more resistant to them simply means that they have a much longer lifespan, but that lifespan is still limited by definition. For class I it is said that the lifespan is 25 years if the wood is left untreated outdoors. Even these sorts of wood show a tendency to age.

Prevention is better!

The market offers lots of products to protect the ‘health’ of outdoor wood. By and large, assortments can be divided up into three product types, namely Terrace oil, Terrace anti-ageing, and Terrace cleaner. Terrace oil is applied to new or existing wooden terrace floors. This always needs to be done on wood which has been cleaned thoroughly or even lightly sandpapered. Terrace oil means effective protection against the penetration of damp and dirt since the oil impregnates the wood so that the pores become saturated and the wood gets a strong surface. To offer protection against UV light, you have to use coloured oil. Terrace anti-ageing is meant to counteract ageing on the one hand or, on the other hand, to eliminate the decomposing layer of wood which originally caused the ageing. Anti-ageing products remove the veil and restore the wood to its original colour. Not everyone is in favour of that.

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> continued from page 44

Overmat

Renovation is perfectly possible Nature is unrelenting. That applies to everything and everyone.

For example, over the years, medicine has succeeded in extending the life expectancy of a human being. However, we’re not yet immortal. Even with the necessary maintenance and products, a wooden terrace will need a thorough renovation at some point. There are some products for that, but the terrace renovation machines which are on offer today make the renovation of outdoor parquet a piece of cake. The purchase of such machines can open the way up for floor fitters on the renovation market where they can earn a lot of profit. Since these machines have come on the market only recently, we can assume that there is a big market waiting on the outside.

The Overmat Terrace Renovator is a machine which renovates and maintains the wooden terrace. With the help of the Renovation cylinder in this machine, the terrace can be sandpapered very lightly. This Renovation cylinder is designed in such a way that it even cleans terrace parts with a groove. The machine then sprays the oil onto the terrace parts via a pressure casket and makes sure with a special brush that the oil is massaged into the wood. Specially for renovating, cleaning, and treating small or difficult-to-reach places of wooden terraces, there is a hand sanding machine, the Terrace Edge Renovator from Overmat!

Apart from those machines mentioned above, Overmat also offers the Multi-talent Airtec ES-200. The various brushes which are available mean that there is a solution for just about all work.

Apart from renovating terraces, this Swiss quality machine can also be deployed, amongst other thing, for roughening up concrete, stripping epoxy, removing coatings, cutting out parquet and wood, and fine-milling smooth surfaces.

A selection from the range : Janser

Special Terrace renovation machines

Terrace cleaner are an efficient means of preventing the build up of moss and dirt. They can be deployed on all sorts of tropical wood. Most cleaners are diluted with water and applied with a brush.

Intensive cleaning and refreshing The intensive cleaning and refreshing of greyed wooden decking is easy: The Osmo Decking Cleaning Machine used in combination with the Wood Reviver Power Gel removes even the most stubborn soiling and green growth from all types of decking profiles. The natural character and colour of the wood is then restored, leaving it looking fresh and radiant, to keep it looking this way we recommend that, after the wood has been cleaned and refreshed, it be finished with one of the Osmo Decking Oils, these are available in a variety of natural wood tones.

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Floor Forum International 67

Osmo The Quad Sander is designed to complete JANSER´s product range of Machines and Equipment for terrace renovation and maintenance. The QUAD is designed to work on small to medium sized areas and along edges. The dual brush system and the well-balanced chassis allow to work highly gently and precisely across the surfaces. The brush pressure can be adjusted individually by the operator in order to get the required performance and best results. A dust extractor can be attached to the Quad to allow a dustfree working environment. A handle for upright operation as well as special brush covers for oiling applications are available as accessories to the machine. Thanks to its special brushes, this tool can be used on all surfaces, whether or not they are structured. There are two basic applications provided. When new terraces are laid, the terrace boards are finely sandpapered to obtain a perfectly smooth surface. This gives the terrace an exclusive premium look and is pleasant to walk on. The other application is geared to renovation. To that end, the machine has five brushes: three sandpapering brushes (46/60/120), a polishing brush, and a stainless steel brush for thorough cleaning. With this equipment the QUAD can be deployed to renew and restore worn terraces so that they look brand new. Together with the TSM Terrace Renovator for area application, a manual sanding machine for the edges (HSM) and a corner sander with a triangular brush system, the QUAD forms the Janser Terrace Renovation System.

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CSP Engineering

DESIGN PA R Q U E T ®

F r a n c e

Mitered herringbone 45°

Panel “Croix de St-André”

THE SPECIALIST OF CUSTOM-MADE WOOD FLOORING Design Parquet has a special ability in making special parquets. Our widely recognised skills have enabled us to reply to many special requests by prestigious names. Thanks to our teams of cabinet-makers, Design Parquet will make reproductions of antique wood flooring, rosettes,panels and will made-to-measure parquet for special purpose.

www.designparquet.fr

www.csp­engineering.be

heywood VLOEREN

Compiègne reclaimed oak

Engineered Board, Knotting Hill, Antique & Compiègne Natural rough appearance with knots and cracks (KH) Untreated natural shrunken knots (KH) Visible stripes from the band saw (KH)

Floor Forum International 67

Antique burned & brushed

Hand-carved surfaces and chamfers (A) Particular rustic appearance with knots and cracks (A) Made of genuine old oak (C)

Knotting Hill characteristic knot

Vloeren B.V. Scheldestraat 30 NL 5347 JD Oss 46 Heywood visit the NEW www.floor-forum.com -

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

Please, look for more information on www.heywoodvloeren.com

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

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Surprises in the interior Exclusiveness is often born of antithesis. For example, a combination of two colours, which do not suit each other at all and perhaps even jar with each other, can yield surprising effects. In music this phenomenon is called ‘dissonance’ and it is a technique which lots of composers use regularly to create more ‘vitality’. Surprise keeps people awake; that’s for sure.

This technique has been increasingly applied in interior design in recent years. A simple little antique table or chair can change everything in a modern setting. A large snow-white wall with a small, genuinely antique relic with inlaid colour and gold is priceless! Recently, I visited an antique dealer in France at his private home in Nantes. The man had treated himself to a big loft (500m²), housed in a former auction hall. The style: rigid, white walls, modern, Cobra-like paintings, an ultra-modern design salon. In short, it was nothing like what you would expect from an antique dealer. The rear section of the loft had a duplex part with a large glass window (about 6m high). Decorative object: a genuine antique, but finely restored pipe organ, which he had picked up somewhere in a little French chapel. Talk about surprises!

The same goes for style panels It is patently clear that style panels fit into these antithetical combinations, certainly when we talk about new buildings. After all, people no longer build in those styles which originally accommodated style panels. This means that style panels are always something of an anachronism unless you opt for the technique itself without an excessively showy pattern. Apparently, some people do ask for such panels. How does that relate to the target groups mentioned above? Before we consider the technique, patterns, finish, and such like in more depth, we make a distinction between solid/customised and multi-layer/ standard. Multi-layer panel floors are part of the set range of several parquet makers and are available in various designs (patterns) and finishes. Here we mainly concentrate on a target public which buys standard products. With solid wood style panels we almost always mean customised work and the patterns and sizes are almost always tailor-made for the client. It is obvious that the budget for multi-layer and solid wood is not the same and that customised solid wood floors are geared more towards the abovementioned clients, who are looking for something exclusive.

Between exclusive and ‘mass production’ Actually, everyone wants combinations such as those described above. When we consider style panels, it would seem useful to know who the client is. Since this is now increasingly the case, we can identify two groups here. We will see that a solution is offered within the range for both groups. There are scores of examples to illustrate those target groups. A trend which emerged a few years ago in the area of bathroom design was the great penchant for retro bathroom furniture. This included a bath, wash basin, and toilet from the olden days or ‘art deco’.

And so, it’s no surprise that major bathroom manufacturers have put designers to work à la Philippe Starck to meet that market demand. Yet the question is: “Who wants to buy something like that?” That huge group of buyers who sail along with the trend, but who are unable or unwilling to spend the sums of money required for the real thing. This brings us to that other target group: those happy few, who swear by authenticity. They don’t buy imitations, but look for ‘the real thing’. It’s all a question of budget. You can opt for a distressed wooden floor, which is available nowadays from just about any manufacturer, or you can look for a genuinely antiquated floor. This probably defines those target groups.

The technical difference Style panels are actually big wooden ‘tiles’ with an outer edge which, as it were, ‘frames’ the wooden floorboards in a certain fitting pattern. Multi-layer panel floors or cassettes are usually composed of two layers, but you will see three-layer floors from time to time. The top layer, which is usually 6mm noble wood, is glued onto birch plywood. The panels can be glued fully onto a screed. In the case of 100% solid wood panel floors the composition or construction is different. The sections are sawn tailor-made and mitred and are glued to each other sideways and clamped in order to dry. After the fitting, it is possible that another small piece will have to be sawn away from the constructed panels in order to have exactly the same dimensioning and squareness for all panels.

Fitting panels The floor fitter’s basic knowledge is enough to fit panels. As with all parquet floors, the preparation of the substrate is important. An important point for attention is that you need to measure the room before you can decide on the panel dimensions. Precise measurements enable you to make the panels perfectly to size so that you don’t need to do any extra sawing

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Special Producers of style panels

Wooden floors are on the way up. The tendency towards natural materials is obviously one big factor in this. Wood is warm and cosy. It is also generally accepted to be a sustainable building product. For the time being, the boom is in evidence in multi-layer floors. This, too, draws its inspiration largely from a trend towards sustainability. Using less noble and precious wood, yet still obtaining the same end visual result makes the choice easier. As a sideshow to this advance of multi-layer floors, solid wood stubbornly refuses to yield. Then there’s that other trend, the return to the past. Combine both trends and you soon arrive at old patterns. Style panels are a classic example of this.

Floor Forum International 67

SEVERAL TARGET GROUPS FOR STYLE PANELS

Photo: Flamingo Parket

IS THERE MORE TO IT?

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Special Producers of style panels

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anywhere. We picked up an important tip from BJ Parket, one of the top specialists: “When you fit style panels, and especially with interweaving patterns, you must make sure that the panel pattern runs over the entire floor surface. This means that some patterns in style panels have a laying direction and cannot be rotated a quarter of a turn. It is also advisable to use major targets (e.g. fireplace or doorway) to line up the panels.” As far as the glueing is concerned, it is usually advisable to use an elastic adhesive.

The patterns Strictly speaking, all fitting patterns are possible. New laser techniques have even made it possible to design patterns ‘tailormade for the client’ or to include company logos in the panels. The most common patterns reflect the old classical fitting patterns such as Hungarian point, herringbone, or Versailles.

Hungarian point is one of the oldest parquet patterns. This pattern is normally fitted ‘loosely’, but it can also be fitted in panel shape. In this pattern the strips are laid against each other in herringbone pattern at an angle of 30 to 45°. Sandpapering creates a subtle difference in colour to provide a three-dimensional effect. Hungarian point is sometimes confused with herringbone. The latter is also a classic fitting method for parquet and this, too, can be the pattern for a panel design. The slats are applied in herringbone bond with the tops directly opposite each other to create a zigzag pattern. Finally, Versailles panel looks like diagonal interweaving framed by a square edge of parquet strips. In the Palace of Versailles the panels are exactly 1m² (100 x 100cm). They are separated by three strips of 8cm, which converge at an angle to form a point. Nowadays, these panels are available in various sizes and they are adapted to the room in which they are fitted.

What’s on the market?

Altholz Altholz offers 3D style panels in many designs with re-used wood: original oak designs, sunburnt finishes in various brown tints, light brown or grey and mixed wood sorts.

These products are for the upper segment and architects and design engineers. They are for all interior styles. The most popular designs are old oak surfaces. Altholz has a 3D style panel (2.5 x 0.18m). Panels are available with tongue and groove and are screwed into the tongue.

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Ardesia

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At Ardesia they are sure that panel floors will be part of the range for a long time yet. “Like all icons, they are a timeless tradition,” a representative said. The floors are aimed at demanding clients wanting either to retain a classical style or look for a combination of classic and modern styles. The fact that floors are available in a wide

range of patterns makes them suitable for all interiors. Versailles is the most popular pattern at Ardesia. In the Vita Nova collection Ardesia offers 10 different standard patterns, but other patterns are also possible. Distressed is an important trend, especially hand-scraped, certainly for the classical patterns. On the other hand, when the design is simpler, that also applies to the processing (simply brushed or sandpapered).

The panels at Ardesia are usually three-layer in thicknesses of 15 or 20mm. The sizes: 600 x 600mm, 800 x 800mm, and 1,000 x 1,000mm.

Design Parquet Design Parquet makes special style panels in solid wood or multi-layer.

All wood sorts and thicknesses are possible here. There are also no limits as regards patterns: Design Parquet can make identical reproductions, but it can just as easily convert an attractive design into a panel floor for the client. The sizes are always adapted to the dimensions of the floor with due regard, if necessary, for fitting a peripheral frieze. Common dimensions are 600 x 600mm or 800 x 800mm by 14mm thick and 1,000 x 1,000 by 23mm thick. Here, too, oak is king, often combined with highlights in other less common wood sorts such as teak, wenge, and walnut.

Edelholz At Edelholz some clients did ask for panel floors in 2014.

The company sees that these floors are still doing well on the market and have a broad scope of use.

Very often they are used as exclusive floors in castles, restaurants, pubs, or museums, but Edelholz also gets orders for private homes. They are certainly suitable for all interior styles, but Edelholz sees them as more for bigger rooms. Versailles is the most common pattern, but clients are free to choose their preferred panel. The most commonly requested size is 1,000 x 1,000mm, but some clients also like 600 x 600mm.

FB Hout Panels are back in fashion at FB Hout.

They attribute this to the fact that FB Hout supplies ready-made panels in a wide range of sales colours.

Panels are a classic product in modern clothes. The competitive prices and FB+ construction (engineered) make these panels suitable for everyone, so they are no longer the exclusive

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> continued from page 48

domain of the upper segment. They can be laid as a complete floor, but also as a light-hearted elements in wooden floors. The multitude of patterns also make them suitable for all interiors.

Whilst Versailles used to have the upper hand, demand for tailor-made at FB Hout has risen. Distressed floors are doing well, but they are not a trend. Usually, clients and their architects launch an idea, which FB Hout then Works on to develop further. The company controls the entire production process so anything is possible. 800 x 800mm is the most common size.

Flamingo Parket For Flamingo Parket style panels are certainly a niche segment, but they do have a full range. Most clients interested in these panels are from outside Belgium and the Netherlands. The panels are not necessarily finished with varnish or natural hard wax, but are often finished in everyday colours such as white, grey, or brown so they suit a modern interior perfectly. As for patterns, Flamingo Parket often starts with a drawing or picture. Here, too, distressed designs are quite popular. The sizes of the panels lie between 80 x 80 and 100 x 100cm. The company usually produces the exact dimensions, which its clients request.

TRADITIONAL PARQUET MANUFACTURER Style panels, end grain, distressed floors (different ageing techniques ‘sanded, brushed, tumbled, smoked and structured’): Customised work on simple request!

Herrebout Parket At Herrebout Parket they have noticed something of a drop in demand for style panels. Those clients who do choose them are classically inclined and found mainly in towns and cities.

However, at Herrebout Parket, they are also well aware that the possibilities are many; you can make every possible style, not just Versailles. The latter is certainly still very popular, but the company has noticed how creativity opens up the way to lots of beautiful new floor patterns. Distressed floors are undoubtedly one of the trends. The most common sizes are 70 x 70cm and 100 x 100cm. The panels are fitted glued.

Holz Bois Holz Bois takes the view that style panels will always be in fashion, but they often have only a limited scope. Some panels, such as a Versailles, are Habo decoratief parket op maat, most attractive if they Museum M Leuven are fitted diagonally, and that requires a large surface to allow the floor to come into its own. An alternative to this is the woven pattern. This is actually the interior work of the Versailles panel which runs continuously and therefore doesn’t have a board, so it can be fitted in a smaller

B.J. Parket

BVBA

IndustrIestraat 44 9240 Z ele – B elgIum tel: +32 52 44 45 57 Fax: +32 52 45 06 71 emaIl: InFo@Bjparket.Be www.Bjparket.Be

Special Producers of style panels

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room. There is a style panel for every type of interior. The existing decorative parquet floors are fitted more often in classic and/or rustic interiors. Holz Bois itself has now produced a new and very rigid pattern, the ‘staggered bond’. This suits most modern interiors perfectly and is therefore extremely popular.

Versailles panels are also the ones most in demand. However, all decorative panels can be made customised. Holz Bois produces only 9mm solid wood style panels which are glued and nailed to a subfloor. The most important selections here are French oak extra and premier. Distressed versions are available in a selection of bis/rustic.

Parqueterie Janod Style panels are still a big success at Parqueterie Janod.

These panels are for both public buildings and private homes and for all types of interiors. The most popular patterns at Parqueterie Janod are Versailles, d’Aremberg, and Grand Siècle. A distressed design is possible, but it is definitely not the most popular one.

Anything is possible in terms of size, either standard or customised. These panels can be fitted floating or fully glued.

Floor Forum International 67

Yepp Style panels are still in reasonable demand at Yepp, but they are not everyday products. They are still part of the parquet trader’s ‘pur sang’ range. They usually sell these floors for projects where the project manager has a somewhat bigger budget or for the renovation of old buildings.

They are usually fitted in classic interiors, but they are also perfectly suitable in a modern setting. Whatever the setting, these floors give a home life and warmth. The most important panels are Versailles, Cabuchon, and Castel. Distressed versions are also possible. 800 x 800mm and 1000 x 1000mm are very popular dimensions.

Parqueterie de Bourgogne In centuries past, prestigious panels have furnished the floors of the biggest mansions and castles. They have established the renown of “French style parquet”, so they are still popular with clients looking for the most attractive decors.

Architects who are responsible for major projects for luxury hotels or historic renovations, together with a wealthy group of clients from Eastern Countries and the United States, provide the biggest demand for this type of parquet.

The design undoubtedly the most in demand is Versailles parquet panel (in sizes of 980/980mm), which is made from top quality oak wood with no gnarls and nailed onto backing strips.

All elements which together make up such a panel are joined via mortise and tenon joints and with old fashioned clips. However, in order to meet modern demands, prestigious panels are offered in the form of composite parquet of limited thickness, which can be fitted fully glued. Moreover, other sizes are also possible on request.

PlyQuet

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needs to be restored. The Plyquet floors are offered for all interior styles and the combination of modern and classic is even strongly recommended. In the TEKA parquet range the most popular floor is the Grand Palace Old Style Oak. In this range the distressed variety has been the best seller from the very beginning. As regards dimensioning, the floor is 14mm thick with a top layer of 3mm and with sizes of 39 x 39cm.

At Plyquet panel floors or pattern floors are still doing well in the market. The majority of the clients are highly demanding and are looking for something ‘different’. They are usually owners of old houses in need of renovation and where the original style

Zabolak Zabolak can supply style panels, but is actually more of a specialist in treating or processing these pattern floors.

Some clients do certainly order them, but numbers are rather limited. Since it is perfectly possible to play around with colours here, the panels are suitable for fitting in any interior whatsoever. The most popular patterns are Hungarian point, herringbone, Versailles, and a rich variety of fantasy patterns. Distressed is one of the designs most in demand. The sizes vary from 600 x 600 to 1,200 x 1,200mm.

Z-Parket Z-Parket regards style panels as a classic which will always be in demand. There is no question of a trend.

Panel floors take us into a higher segment with a more expensive price tag, but also with an exceptional result.

Although you see these panels mainly in classic interiors, there are several other possible applications with the necessary creativity. Obviously, distressed versions are possible. With the organic finishes of Z-Parket, the distressed aspect is part of the total concept. The classic Versailles panel is certainly 1,000 x 1,000mm, but other dimensions are also possible. These panels are almost always tailor-made.

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> Industry news

New from Pallmann: Pall-X 333 Color: A solvent-free, 2K oil based primer for colourful wood floors Würzburg, March 2014 – the rapid growth in the market of coloured or stained floors reflects customers increasing needs to have something different for their wood floors.

Whether newly laid or replaced within refurbishment schemes the staining of parquet floors offers countless opportunities for an individualised design but can be problematic. The new solvent-free, oil

Rubio Monocoat - Floor of the Year 2014 Both our northern neighbors at RMC Holland and our colleagues at RMC USA are currently holding a competition to select the best looking floor of the year 2014.

Dutch companies can participate by submitting pictures of a Rubio Monocoat treated floor, together with a short description of the project. The competition in Holland runs until March 31, 2015. Beautiful prices to be won! www.vloervanhetjaar.nl

Industry news

primer, Pallmann Pall-X 333 Color is a truly innovative product system for the wood floor professional as it can be used as a primer coat for different lacquers as well as for oil based coatings. The two component, oil primer, Pall-X 333 Color imparts a vivid and warm hue to wood, which can then be finished with all Pall-X lacquers, i.e. Pall-X Zero A/B or Pall-X 96.

Another advantage of Pall-X333 Color is increased time efficiency when using this primer as there is no need for any adhesionpromoting agent. The primed area can easily be finished with Pallmann lacquer after just 4 hours. Where an oiled surface finish is desired the application of the parquet oil Magic Oil 2K is recommended. As well as this easy and problem free application, a full palette of colours can be achieved on the wood floor.

The combination of liquid oils is suitable for all commercially available European timber species and offers six, fully mixable, colour variations in nature, white, black, grey, dark-brown and red brown. This amounts to a large range of design options and warrants a brilliant result.

And of course all solvent free!

DeckWise® Rectification of the text in the Special ‘Fastening systems for decking floors’, published in the March edition. The editor apologize for the mistake.

The DeckWise® Hidden Deck Fastener is the original patented hidden deck fastening clip on the market, manufactured in the US with a black oxide stainless steel insert molded inside our polymer fastening clip. This insert adds up to three times more strength for extra hold-down power. Deck clips are installed into hardwood pre-grooved profiles or grooves created with a router or biscuit joiner. An incredibly strong bond is created when our stainless steel deck screws are installed at our required 45 degree angle. This step penetrates both the hardwood decking and the framing joists. DeckWise® offers three fastener gap sizes for kiln dried and air dried hardwoods. Choose from our Extreme™ (2,3mm), ExtremeKD™ (6,4mm) and Extreme4™(4mm) fasteners,; each works well with most any hardwood, PVC, or composite decking material. Our deck building product line also includes professional-grade stainless steel deck screws, hardwood plugs for blemish-free face screwing applications, the HardWood Wrench™ board straightening wrench, deck tiles and connectors and cladding clips.

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Floor Forum International 67

MARCEL KIES APPOINTED TO LEAD ASPECTA™ AMBITION IN EUROPE The highly respected Marcel Kies, with 30 successful years in the flooring industry, joins ASPECTA™ this week as managing director of Europe, Russia and The Middle East. Coinciding with Domotex Shanghai, Kies’ appointment shows the brand’s ambition, with an intention to claim at least 8-10% of the actual 45 million square meter European LVT market within the next three years. As a top priority, Kies will be establishing a European head office and distribution hub in The Netherlands, and recruiting senior sales teams in the UK, Germany and France.

ASPECTA™, (the new global brand from Vertex), will be bringing a new dimension to LVT, targeting the architect and design community with an extensive range of aesthetically stunning products that have been developed by top designers.

Prior to joining ASPECTA™, Kies spent over 20 years with the Portuguese publicly quoted Amorim Group. Most recently, he was managing director of Amorim Benelux, before which he was global sales and marketing director and executive board director with Amorim Revestimentos. This remit covered 55 countries across Europe, North America, China and Asia Pacific.

The first 10 years of his career were spent building his family business, Kies-Kurk, which he subsequently led into a partnership with the Amorim Group. Kies has a reputation for innovation, creativity, strategic planning and sales success on a multinational, multi-cultural scale. He has an excellent track record for driving revenue growth alongside sustainable profitability.

Global chairman of ASPECTA™, Harlan Stone, commented that: “Recruiting Marcel is a huge coup for us. He is held in the highest esteem by the flooring industry and so we are thrilled to have brought him on board. He will have all the necessary resources, our complete backing and a significant budget to spearhead our entry into the European market, and we are going to go fast!

“With the LVT market growing at 10-15% year on year, this is a very exciting time to be launching a new brand, especially one that offers some important points of differentiation.” ASPECTA™ is part of the Vertex Group, an international flooring enterprise based in Norwalk, Connecticut USA. The business operates globally across over 40 countries in five continents. Metroflor, the sister company, will be launching the ASPECTA™ brand simultaneously in The Americas (North and South) June 9,2014 at the NeoCon trade show in Chicago IL USA.

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Special Producers of hybrid adhesives Floor Forum International 67 52

GLUE INNOVATIONS JUST GO ON AND ON Manufacturers are telling us that nowadays parquet floor fitters know perfectly well what’s on the market as regards parquet adhesives. Things weren’t always like that. Yet what chaos we now see! New adhesive technology and techniques have seen the light of day one after the other so that it’s now harder and harder to know which glue is the most suitable for which use. Nowadays, we’ve gone a step further by combining forms of technology. Indeed, hybrid adhesives unite the good of various sorts of glue with a view to specific performances.

A modern concept Science defines the term hybrid as “a precise mixture of different sorts of elements”. The most popular use of the term which we see today is certainly in the automobile industry where hybrid vehicles are now part and parcel of current affairs. What many people don’t realise is that ‘hybrids’ constitute a standard concept in a surprisingly high number of sectors. Here are just a few examples: - Biology: Here a ‘hybrid’ is a cross between two sorts (of plants or animals).

- Art: A cross between two or more genres which differ fundamentally from each other in music or expressive art is called ‘hybrid art’.

- Informatics: ‘Hybrid software’ combines the best of two software packets or licences.

- Language: A ‘hybrid language’ is a mix of two languages.

In the automobile industry and in shipping they use the term ‘hybrid’ to indicate that a vehicle or ship is driven by a combination of power sources, such as by a petrol (or diesel) engine and an electro motor. The advantage is that hybrids consume less fossil fuel and generate far fewer emissions of harmful gases.

Parquet adhesives We all know that wood swells and shrinks. In some cases this can result in bending. One of the main reasons for bending or warping is the difference between the moisture content in the upper and lower parts of the wood. After all, the wood will swell the most at the point of most moisture. And so, the warping can occur in two directions (concave or round). Moreover, insurance experts apply this science to decide whether the warping of the wood is a result of damp from below or from accidental damp on the upper side.

Precisely how much curving occurs as the damp works its way into the wood depends on scores of factors, including the wood sort (tense or not), the sawing method, the floor structure, and such like. Adhesives are still the best solution to counteract bending parquet. Whenever we put the full glueing of parquet above a floating fitting, we do have to draw a distinction between solid wooden floors and multi-layer floors. Multi-layer floors can be fitted floating perfectly well in a reliable manner. After all, with multi-layer floors the solid wood top layer is fully glued onto the base (and therefore perfectly pre-finished) precisely to give the floor greater stability.

The right adhesive It will be clear that wood is a complex material. Various factors help to decide which glue is most suitable for glueing which

wooden floor. For example, you have to take account of the nature and flatness of the substrate. The features and dimensions of the floor covering also affect stability. The floor type also plays a part.

With some floor types, such as traditional parquet, we aim to restrict the natural movements of the wood completely, whilst with other floor types we allow some tolerance. Over the years, adhesive technology has multiplied, so it’s a case of “the wood and the trees”. The EN 14293 provides a simplified choice of flexible and solid adhesives. The main feature which divides solid and flexible adhesives is elasticity. The elasticity of a material shows the extent to which the material exercises a counterbalance (the so called resilience) when it changes shape elastically (i.e. not permanently) or the extent to which that material changes shape when a certain external tension is applied. At least for the time being, hybrid adhesives take us to the terrain of flexible adhesives.

Hybrid adhesives Hybrid adhesives unite the healthy properties of various forms of technology, so you obtain specific properties. For example, silane adhesives can have silicone or polyurethane as a backbone with one or more functional silane groups, which cross-link during the reaction process. This cross-linking is called ‘polycondensation’. Combinations of technology based on polyurethane and silicone are often called STPU adhesives. These glues do not contain isocyanates. According to most producers, these hybrid adhesives are gaining ground. This certainly applies amongst professional clients. Professionals have access to different product groups to private clients, mostly as a result of hygiene and safety legislation. Pallmann has told us: “Floor fitters appreciate these adhesives mainly because they are easy to spread and have lots of possible applications.” These adhesive are making great strides, particularly amongst elastic glues. Rectavit has told us, “There’s no sight yet of a solid parquet adhesive because the elastic glues still have shearing values of less than 3/3.5N/mm²”. According to Emfi, the parquet market is moving towards hybrid adhesives on 100% dry or waterborne base, depending on the substrate to be glued”.

What are the advantages?

No hazardous substances The fact that these adhesives do not contain hazardous substances is better for the floor fitter’s health and more in line with the legislation. After all, there is no danger to the worker, so the packaging does not display any hazard symbols and these glues do not contain solvents.

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Photo: Pallmann

HYBRID ADHESIVES UNITE GLUE TECHNOLOGY

Spreadability The spreadability of these adhesives is comparable to, if not better than, most other glues. At this point, the makers all apply expertise in their own way. In recent years, they have been working hard on spreadability so that these glues are very easy to spread. The open time is up to half an hour in most cases and the storage life is now a good 12 months.

Floor fitters up-to-date Most producers have noticed that floor fitters, more so than their forefathers and despite the rapid growth in the range, are very well informed about which glues are for which uses. Several makers/ suppliers organise training for professionals to help them use these adhesives properly. Information sessions in schools and training centres are also possible. During such sessions, the stress is on how these adhesives differ from other glues. Some people lament the fact that too many floor fitters still opt for cheaper solutions and prefer to use dual component polyurethane adhesive or even still use alcohol glues.

Some star products Blanchon Current forms of technology which occur in hybrid adhesives include vinyl glues, epoxy-polyurethane, polyurethanes (1 and 2 components), and hybrid polymers. Some important strengths of these adhesives: They are versatile, single component and therefore handy to use, flexible, sustainable, and perfect for glueing wide floorboards.

Moreover, they are moderately sensitive to residual moisture in the screed and have the same consistency in all seasons. At Blanchon their three references in this context are hybrid polymers. The AB 1300, which is very comfortable during work, is sufficient for all traditional glueing up to 130mm wide. The AB 2000 can be used for up to 200mm. Finally, there is the indispensible sausage glue, which does not flow if used vertically. It’s worth knowing that Blanchon organises its ‘Technical Days’ for floor fitters each year.

This year, 200 European specialist stook part.

Emfi EMFI presents several hybrid products such as putty and fillers and such like. As far as hybrid adhesives are concerned, they offer Emfiparquet Pro Plus and Emfiparquet Pro Eco. These adhesives are single component glues based on silanated polymers which set by reacting to moisture from the air or from the substrate.

These adhesives do not contain any isocyanates or silicones. Their gradings of EC1PLUS-R in line with the EMICODE and A+

according to the decree number 2011-321 ensure only a limited emission of volatile organic compounds.

Emfiparquet Pro Eco is a flexible adhesive in accordance with the standard NF EN 14293. Both glues have been given an evaluation report from the FCBA for glueing parquet pursuant to the standard B54-008, glued according to the standard NF P 63-202 (DTU 51.2): Emfiparquet Pro Plus for solid oak up to 20 x 200mm and Emfiparquet Pro Eco for solid oak up to 14 x 130mm.

Kerakoll As a 1K hybrid adhesive for parquet, Kerakoll presents the Eco-friendly SLC Eco L34 Flex (ECO4). Here, Kerakoll has chosen to develop an adhesive which is as sure as possible with a long working time of one hour, but with faster initial setting (three to four hours). And so, under normal circumstances the parquet is quite solid after six hours. The final adhesion is less than 2.5N/mm². Kerakoll also offers the new Hybrid Nanosil Eco, which is suitable for speedy parquet repairs on all substrates. Sandpapering is possible after one hour. The Nanosil Eco (Eco3) is for indoor and outdoor use and can also be used to make surfaces watertight. This unique hybrid glue/kit can be used for joints of up to 2cm and is a Universal rapid repair kit for all building activities. It is packaged in tubes of 290ml.

Mapei Ultrabond S965 1K, Ultrabond Eco S945 1K, and Ultrabond Eco S955 1K are suitable for wooden floors and all types and formats of multi-layer, pre-finished materials. These adhesives are ideal for a variety of substrates: cement covering floors, subfloors to which Mapecem, Mapecem Pronto, Topcem, Topcem Pronto, or similar products have been applied, old wooden floors, marble, ceramic tiles, and anhydrite subfloors. The adhesives may be used for glueing floors on floor heating.

Pallmann Pallmann offers its single component STP adhesive Pallmann 5.

This glue combines the elasticity of a polyurethane adhesive and the benefits of state-of-the-art STP technology. This adhesive is very easy to apply with no risk of swelling, since it does not contain water. Pallmann 5 is suitable for just about all wooden floor sorts, including exotic sorts. It does not contain solvents.

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Floor Forum International 67

Qualitative glueing These glues guarantee qualitative glueing on smooth substrates without the use of a primer. Bubbles do not form in the glue mass, so the layer of glue is stronger and continuous. Since these adhesives attract less water, there is little chance of discolouration (e.g. of cherry). For the same reason there is also little chance of tense wood bending, and this chance is even less on non-absorbent substrates. These glues can replace dual component PU adhesives due to their high performances, but it seems that floor fitters often opt for the ‘price’ at this point.

Special Producers of hybrid adhesives

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The new Rectavit 255 Fiber Tech is the very first fibre-reinforced parquet adhesive on the market, so we can certainly call it a real innovation. The fibre-reinforced structure ensures faster setting and greater final strength.

If you use this adhesive, you can walk on the fitted parquet three hours later and sandpaper it within 16 hours. Moreover, the rapid setting makes it possible to use wider planks. Rectavit 255 Fiber Tech prevents semi-solid or multi-layer parquet planks up to 25cm from curling during the glueing, whilst it has the same effect on solid wood parquet planks up to 19cm. You can use Rectavit 255 Fiber Tech to glue all common types of parquet and wood, even bamboo. This parquet adhesive sticks directly to all common substrates, with or without floor heating: cement-bound or anhydrite screed, sub-parquet, leveller, and even on tile floors.

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Soudal Pioneering hybrid timber & wood flooring adhesives

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The Pallmann 5 has an excellent filling capacity and a long open time.

Adhesive residue is easy to remove. The Pallmann P6 is a new high-tech, elastic, and single component STP glue (in conformity to DIN 14 293) for glueing parquet. It combines the strength of dual component adhesives with the comfort of a single component glue.

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Special Producers of hybrid adhesives

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is

Soudal is a genuine Belgian family company, which after more than 45 years is still being managed by its founder Vic Swerts.

Soudal’s continuous investments in Research & Development result in a permanently innovative range of products which meet the latest market requirements and offer the professional floor installers the quality and performance which is their due. With the new hybrid timber & wood flooring adhesives MS®-20 Plus, MS-30® Plus and SMX-30, improved performance with regards to end strength, open time, strength build-up and emission is obtained. They all have the lowest possible Emicode, EC-1 Plus, and therefore also meet the increasing demand for improved Indoor Air Quality.

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Sika

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Sika Bond AT-80 is a single component, solvent-free elastic parquet glue based on Polymer Silane End Groups for glueing parquet full surface. This glue is suitable for solid and pre-engineered parquet systems (slats, planks, panels, and plates), mosaic parquet, industrial parquet, wood-engineered parquet, wooden paving (residential) and chipboard and OSB. Sika Bond AT-82 is also a single component solvent-free elastic parquet adhesive based on Polymer Silane End Groups. This glue can be used in various ways. since 1971 glues and varnishes for parquet made in italy

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There are various ways to construct a wooden floor. In most cases a screed or covering floor constitutes the base. The requirements for a screed can vary, depending on the type of floor to be fitted. The requirements for a flexible vinyl floor are not the same as those for laminate or parquet, whilst floating fitting often requires a different base to glued fitting.

In this article we consider the required checks and the remedies available for certain flaws. glass did not bend with vibrations, it would crack. Cement does not have this pliability.

What do you need to check?

The floor fitter’s first task is to check that the screed is ready for the floor. There are many items to be checked, but they are not all equally important for floating and glued floors.

Anhydrite versus cement Increasingly, we see that instructions with some products such as levellers and adhesives make a distinction between anhydrite and cement screeds. That distinction can be attributed to the growing success of anhydrite, which, due to a some favourable properties, is being used more and more. A cement screed is a mixture of coarse sand and cement. A solid cement covering floor (screed) consists of about 300-320kg of cement per cubic metre of sand. Several screed suppliers have a computerdriven system to get the correct mixture ratio before the screed is mixed and pumped. An anhydrite screed is a covering floor based on gypsum. In fact, the mineral anhydrite is the dehydrated variant of gypsum. Anhydrite screeds are sometimes called flow screeds. Commonly used additives are natural anhydrite and basic silicates, quartz sand, and substances to improve the quality of the screed and make it more fluid. This screed is absolutely level and flat with a uniform and even grain structure.

Poured floors are applied fluid and are virtually self-levelling.

This type of screed hardly shows any cracks, does not need reinforcement, and shrinks and expands only minimally. The crystal joint of an anhydrite screed also has a certain elasticity. And so this naturally hard material has great tensile bending and compressive strength. You can compare it to a window; if the

Is the screed level?

Whether we are talking about new or renovated floors, a screed is seldom 100% flat. With new construction, fitters apply tolerances of up to 7mm, whilst for renovation even bigger differences in height can emerge as a result of smaller rooms being joined together to form a greater whole.

This shortcoming will seldom arise with anhydrite screeds since they Photo: Henkel have a high self-levelling capacity. For fitting parquet, we really must see a difference in level of 2mm as the maximum. Levelling is the best solution for both floating and glued floors. For floating floors, a levelling subfloor is often enough. For glueing vinyl or linoleum, levelling is generally necessary because any unevenness will invariably show through in the end result.

Is the screed solid?

The question of the solidity of the screed applies to both the ‘mass’ and the top layer. As far as the mass is concerned, if a cement screed does not contain enough cement, it will not possess the necessary (tensile) strength to absorb the movement of the adhesive and floor. This applies less to floating fitting where the compressive strength is more important. The top layer can be unsuitable for various reasons: with a new construction for the same reason as given above (composition of the cement) so that it is too powdery; with renovation through damage caused by the removal of existing floor coverings (sandpapering, adhesive residue, holes, etc.). With renovation, the powdery structure of the screed may also simply be the result of wear through years of dehydration. Here, too, this is usually more of a problem for glued floors. The solution for this is often a combination of a primer and leveller.

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Special How to prepare a poor substrate for proper glueing

GLUED FLOORS IN PARTICULAR REQUIRE EXTRA ATTENTION

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PREPARING THE BASE

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Is the screed uniform?

For glueing wooden floors, the screed absorption capacity has to be the same all over. Otherwise, the glue does not adhere evenly to the floor. Porosity can vary in patches due to the presence of glue or paint residue. In that case, you need to apply a primer first and then, if necessary, a leveller. Any differences in absorption capacity also affect the leveller adhesion.

Is the screed dry?

Elsewhere in this edition we consider in more depth the issue of damp, especially tools for detecting damp. We still argue that the best solution for some moisture percentages is just to wait, but sometimes this is not possible, so another solution is needed. There are various chemical treatments to protect the substrate. Obviously, these solutions for glued floors also apply to floating floors, but usually not vice versa. Here we make a distinction between primers and epoxy barriers. The most common primers are polyurethane-based. Some of them are primarily screed reinforcements, but, when they are applied in two coats, they also act as moisture barriers. Apart from these PU primers, there are also some emulsion-based damp screens.

The best guarantee against surplus moisture is still an epoxy moisture barrier.

NEW Lios Bioil 2K 2014

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Single coat system

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

Chimiver Panseri Chimiver has a large range of primers suitable for sub-floors with a residual moisture content of no more than 5%. The best

seller is Prymer SF1105 which is a 2-components water-based epoxy primer suitable for dusty, very dry and crumbling sub-floors and for preventing rising damp in absorbent subfloors. It has excellent penetrative properties and can also be used on anhydrite covering floors. The residual humidity allowed during the installation of a wooden floor is 5% in a 6 cm thick substrate. Another primer is Prymer FAST 500 which is a solvent-free single component 100% PU primer. It dries very quickly (45-50 minutes) and is suitable for consolidating friable sub-floors and creating a damp proof membrane on humid sub-floors. Prymer FAST 500 is able to create a moisture barrier on sub-floors of 6 cm in depth and Residual Humidity of 5%, measured with the carbide method. EC1 CERTIFIED Both products have to be applied by roller, are odorless and very easy to use.

Emfi

www.prn-agenzia.it

Lios Bioil 2K is a natural, 100% solid content, 2 component oil for indoor wooden f loors.

Excellent performances in a single coat.

What’s on the market?

Emfi offers its Emfiprim Mono to reinforce weak covering floors, whilst for damp floors they offer Emfiprim Epoxy. This polymerised product is totally impenetrable for water or damp and therefore forms a solid moisture barrier between the substrate and the floor. Emfiprim Epoxy can be deployed with residual moisture percentages up to 10%, although they do urge caution because with very high residual moisture percentages the damp can rise via the walls. And so, you also need to apply Emfiprim to the walls up to a height of 20cm. A moisture barrier seal is achieved with 500g in two to three crossed coats. This epoxy primer stops the wood from warping because it does not absorb moisture.

Henkel Henkel has different primers for various applications. There is the R766 Multi-Purpose Primer for universal use on absorbent

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Ica Group Moisture and a weak screed can cause problems when you glue parquet.

ICA Group products offer a solution to any problem because the company sells different reinforcements and moisture barriers. These are developed using diverse chemical compounds: epoxy, polyurethane, or 3-component epoxy-cement moisture barriers. The following primers can be used with anything except for glueing with vinyl adhesives: Epogloss, PRP 300, IS2016, Hydroepox 3C, and Epoxi Bianco. The star product is the ICASOLID (PRP300 + IND90), a dual component epoxy primer, which reinforces the substrate and raises absorption capacity.

Mapei The Eco Prim PU 1K is a single component polyurethane primer.

This primer does not contain solvents and guarantees an extremely low emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Eco Prim PU 1K is designed to reinforce cement covering floors and anhydrite and make them watertight. The primer sets under the influence of the surrounding air. It can be deployed as a moisture barrier for covering floors which exceed the permitted residual moisture content for parquet by no more than

5% for screeds 6cm thick, which are not susceptible to rising damp. Apart from this primer, Mapei also offers the Triblock P, a 3-component epoxy moisture barrier.

Pallmann Pallmann P104 is a rapidly drying 1-component PU primer for glueing parquet with reaction resin adhesive. It is particularly suitable for reinforcing and sealing covering floors and as a moisture insulation primer on waterproof substrates with high residual moisture. Pallmann P104 is suitable as moisture insulation in two coats on cement, waterproof substrates such as cement covering floors with a maximum residual moisture of 4%. It can also be used as a fast-drying primer for glueing parquet with Pallmann P5, P6, and P9 onto cement, anhydrite, and wood-granite covering floors, mastic asphalt, concrete, chipboard, dry floor plate systems, and old substrates with stubborn adhesive or levelling agent residue.

Pallmann P104 offers outstanding reinforcement for absorbent mineral substrates, such as cement, anhydrite, magnesite, and wood-granite covering floors, concrete, and such like. You can use the Pallmann P25 for levelling the covering floor.

Rectavit Not flat enough; too much damp; varying or insufficient suction; not enough cohesion in the covering floor; impure or old flexible floor covering: these are all situations which can hinder proper glueing. If the substrate is not flat enough, Rectavit’s solution is the Rectavit P600 Leveller, which absorbs unevenness of up to 15mm. If there is too much damp, Rectavit offers Rectavit PUP 1000 for residual moisture percentages of under 4.5% CM in cement-bound substrates and Rectavit 2K Epoxy Moisture Barrier. If there is any doubt with

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Floor Forum International 67

and non-absorbent substrates. The R740 Reno Express is a primer for universal use and a moisture barrier up to 4%. As a moisture barrier up to 6% there is the R755 Epoxy, a dual component product for high load and critical substrates.

The R766 MultiPurpose Primer can be used concentrated or diluted. It dries rapidly, so it is ideal for renovation.

The R 766 MultiPurpose Primer is EC1 Plus certified, has the blue angel quality label, and is IMO certified (it is even suitable for the shipping industry). The R 740 Reno Express primer is EC1 R Plus certified. This primer blocks softeners so that you can apply glue immediately afterwards using elastic parquet adhesives. The R 740 Reno Express is also ideal for renovation due to its rapid drying. The R 755 epoxy moisture barrier 2c is EC1 R Plus and IMO certified (it is also suitable for the shipping industry).

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powdery, sandy, or burnt substrates, it is always possible to carry out a scratch test. If the result is a weak substrate, it is advisable to primer the substrate with Rectavit P1600 Primer Deep or PUP 1000, if you use the PU adhesives Rectavit 245 or 247.

Stauf

For any floor construction, primers are the key components.

Primers must ensure adhesion on a variety of different substrates. At the same time, primers serve as bonding agents not only for sub floors, but also for levelling compounds or different adhesive systems. In addition, their ability to form a layer that reduces and controls the water vapour diffusion rate of the substrate (DPM) becomes increasingly important. For the latter, STAUF offers a comprehensive system of primers, which allows floor construction on graded residual moisture contents: STAUF VDP 160 Dispersion primer below nearly all STAUF adhesives and levelling compounds - DPM up to 3.5 CM-% (cement screed only) STAUF VPU 155 S PU primer below STAUF SMP-, SPU- and PUK adhesives - bonding can be performed after 1 hour - DPM up to 4.0 CM-% (cement screeds only - in combination with STAUF VDP 160, can also be used below STAUF levelling compounds STAUF VEP 190 2c epoxy resin primer below STAUF SMP-, SPU- und PUK adhesives and below STAUF levelling compounds - DPM up to 6.0 CM-%, on concrete substrates up to 6 percent by weight - direct bonding with STAUF SMP-, SPU- und PUK adhesives within 24 hours - can be used below STAUF levelling compounds when gritted ▪ alternatively, it can be levelled without prior gritting when using STAUF VDP 160 as bonding agent Tover TOVER recommends to use a primer when it is necessary to solve an issue regarding the sub-floor; there can be many types of problems: too high humidity level, poor, dusty, uneven or cracked support. Tover proposes a complete range of primers which enable a secure and lasting laying. In order to create a vapor barrier and to harden the sub-floor surface,

the mono-component polyurethane solvent-based primer TOVERFIX is suitable; if there is an under-heating system, PRIMER PU-100 and ADEBLOK T19, both solvent free and odorless are particularly recommended. To make a deep hardening up to 5 cm, Tover offers PRIMER TS composed of salts in water emulsion while Nano-Fix can be used to fix the dust on the surface. If the support shows cracks, it is possible to use ADEBLOK T19, two-component epoxy primer, mixing it with sand to get a synthetic mortar with high filling properties. On the ground floor, in case of humidity rising, it is highly advised to apply the three-component primer IDROBLOK C3, able to permanently block water migration into the wood even on a non-absorbent support. You are invited to consult our “guide for a correct laying” on our site.

Wakol WAKOL PS 275 Concrete Repair Primer - Restore flooring yourself rather than tearing it out!

Cement subfloors previously assessed as “unusable” can be prepared for almost all subsequent floor laying work using the WAKOL PS 275 Concrete Repair Primer.

This is not a problem with the ready-to-use precoat WAKOL PS 275 Concrete Repair Primer for priming dry, unheated, porous, continuously brittle, absorbent and cement subfloors in inner areas. The subfloors can be prepared using WAKOL PS 275 Concrete Repair Primer and Wakol disconnection systems for the subsequent laying of parquet, textile or elasticated floor coverings. Costly and timely restoration measures are thus a thing of the past. The priming of consistently brittle, cement subfloors from 0.1 N/mm² (PressoMess) is achieved from a penetration depth of up to 2 centimetres depending on the absorptive capacity of the subfloor. The resulting “silification” of the cement subfloor ensures a significant increase in the stability.

WAKOL PS 275 Concrete Repair Primer is supplied in a can and has a long storage stability of 12 months. The product is, of course, in the best emissions class in accordance with EMICODE EC1 PLUS. Further information on this product can be obtained on site by mobile phone via a QR code on the Wakol website.

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42,386 professional visitors made this year upbeat event the biggest in its history (140,000sqm gross). Of the total 2014 visitors’ number, 31,598 came from China and 10,788 from 102 countries.

The questionnaire run among both domestic and international visitors during the show revealed great satisfaction with the show visits. Even more significant are the numbers regarding the booths’ space which the exhibitors rebooked on the spot for the next 2015 show: 58.3% of the space were already confirmed by the exhibitors during the 3-days event, with an increase of 35.6% compared to the booths sales performance made onsite in 2013.

The second largest international flooring show in the world, based at the heart of one of the most active and exciting markets, Asia, once again gathered the industry for three appealing days at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre on March 25-27, 2014.

Statistics tell a lot on the success of this edition of the show.

1,177 exhibitors, of which 253 coming from outside China and including 9 country pavilions from Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, India, Iran, Netherlands, Pakistan, Turkey, USA and

Some of the most interesting products presented at DOMOTEX asia/ CHINAFLOOR were highlighted and brought to the spotlight thanks to special promotion campaigns launched or hosted by the show organizers. The InnovAction flooring campaign performed an impressive InnovAction centre, a well-designed area where 10 innovative ideas received the interest of media, experts and a big number of visitors. The new products presented here were: KAINDL TWO H20150 SWEET GUM by Beamy International Holding, VERTICAL by Inotec, ANTRON by Invista Trading, NAT Series by Shanghai Yuweng Carpet, ENCHANTING COWBOY

by Artree, MODULAR MARMOLEUM by Forbo Shanghai, LAK PARQUET LAB AND ART COLLECTION by Guangzhou Lak Building, HYBRO PLUS LAMINATE WALL & WATER/KITCHEN WALL PANELS by Beaulieu International Group, AXMISTER CARPETS by Weihai Haima Carpet and NORA CROSSLINE RUBBER FLOORING by Nora System.

Some of these new products stood out in terms of innovative

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Review of the DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR

In step with the industry and leading the trends: DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR brought excitement, quality and new ideas to high-profile attendees.

Floor Forum International 67

Three exciting business days for the flooring industry at DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2014

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design, other in terms of innovative materials and other in terms of technology. This was the case of Inotec which presented “Vertical”, a new locking system which installs boards vertically for faster installation and which enables to replace a board anywhere in the floor without damages. In the InnovAction Awards competition Beaulieu International Group received the first prize with “Hydro Plus laminate”, a new series for kitchen and bathroom with high water persistence.

GreenStep Asia, the awards program in cooperation with Floor Covering Weekly for green flooring solutions which was presented this year for the first time in Asia, brought to the surface most of the sustainable flooring ideas realized in Asia and displayed at the show by exhibitors committed to the healthy development of the industry. At DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2014, 6 main green initiatives were officially awarded by an authoritative jury of experts. The winners of GreenStep Asia Awards 2014 were: FLATTEN BAMBOO FLOORING by Dasso Industrial Group that won the Green Product category award; SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICE AT NOVALIS by Novalis Innovative Flooring which won the Green Process category award; and BUILDING GREEN INDUSTRY CHAIN TO LEAD THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT by Weihai Shanhua Carpet Group which was the Green Pinnacle category winner of the first edition of GreenStep Asia Awards. The three honorable mentions were assigned to Ecolink for Product, Mondo for Process and Forbo for Pinnacle.

Keeping pace with the industry trends, the show is also re-inventing itself every year. The huge variety of events (almost 500 totally including the ones hosted by the show organizers and the ones realized onsite by the exhibiting companies directly)

is reflecting the industry’s demand for deeper knowledge and communication opportunities. A number of topics was presented during the show, such as “Change & Innovation brought by E-Commerce O2O to Flooring Products” discussed at the China Wood Flooring Retails Forum; and “From ‘Home Inn’ to be ‘In Home’ – Hotel Design Strategy Development discussed during the Hospitality Design Salon” hosted by the Shanghai Architect Fair (a co-located event of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR), just to give two examples.

A last remarkable note about this successful 2014 edition should refer to the onsite show experience provided to all attendees. Many showcase areas were installed throughout the show ground to give extra attention to specific product categories and help visitors to better understand the products, such as the Handmade Carpet section where a Silent Auction and a Live Weaving Performance Area were realized or the Flooring Heating Systems experience area where different heating systems were installed and performed during the show dates.

The preparation for the 17th edition has already been started, and DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR will come back in March 2015 between the 24th and 26th to offer another ‘sparkling’ international event dedicated to the flooring industry… and more!

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STILL ONE OF THE BIGGER PARQUET CONSUMERS No one will deny that France really does have ‘everything’. The sunny south for sun lovers, the magnificent French Alps for sports enthusiasts, and scores of historical places of interest for those wanting a taste of culture. No wonder the tourist industry is still doing well!

Add to that the glowing reputation for good food and a world famous variety of wines and you have it all. The French love conviviality and that shows up in their surrounds. Wooden floors are still hugely popular in France; the country is in second place of the FEP countries for consumption, although it is somewhat lower in the rankings for production.

Politics Under the 1958 constitution, France is a parliamentary republic in which the head of state (president) has extensive powers.

Originally, the people elected the president for seven years, but, since 2002, the president has been elected for a term of five years instead of seven. He or she enacts laws passed by parliament or by the people (in a referendum), signs decrees of the cabinet, which he or she chairs, appoints the prime minister, and, in an emergency, can exercise all legislative and executive power himself or herself and dissolve the National Assembly.

If necessary, the president can even replace the prime minister, unless there is talk in the national administration of a so called “cohabitation”. This only occurs when the make-up of the National Assembly is such that the president is forced to appoint a prime minister of a different political colour to his or her own (e.g. Chirac and Jospin in 1997).

Post war economy Until the Second World War, agriculture was by far the most important economic activity in France. After that, other industries

began to flourish through the formation of a planning office, which helped the government to get to grips better with the economic development of France. The planning office plans had to be approved by parliament. 1945 witnessed the nationalisation of major bank institutions and insurance agencies, the energy sector, public transport, and the Renault car plant.

European integration The Marshall plan and the fact that France had suffered relatively little damage during World War II greatly helped the country to achieve strong industrial growth. Furthermore, the increasing integration of Europe, including the ECSC in 1951 and EEC in 1957, and healthy co-operation between the government, the trade unions, and the business community has ensured growth in sectors such as metalwork, mining, and the petrochemical industry.

Economic growth As a result of all these measures industrial production rose sharply after the war and between 1970 and 1980 the country achieved a production increase of 33%. In the 1980s, France was hit by high inflation, mass unemployment, and a falling national demand for products. In 1986, the government drew up a five-year plan and thereby privatised 65 state owned enterprises in an attempt to reduce the national debt. In the late 1980s, the economy improved again partly due to falling oil prices, lower taxation, and a sound financing policy. On 1 January 2002, French franc notes and coins were replaced by those of the euro.

Tackling the crisis The French economy suffered particularly in 2008 from the initial effects of the worldwide crisis. However, the French government intervened speedily with a package of financial support measures and interventions to stimulate the economy. France has drawn upon all its strengths to withstand the crisis and emerge stronger from the fight. The country does have various strong points: transport, telecommunications, the food industry, and pharmaceutical products, but also the banking sector, insurance sector, tourism, and, not to mention, the traditional luxury products such as leather, fashion, perfume, wine, and strong drink. Moreover, France is still the top agricultural producer and exporter in Europe. In terms of gross domestic product (GDP) France is the sixth biggest economy in the world.

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Floor Forum International 67

The French ‘empire’ France is a republic in Western Europe with a surface area of 543,965km² and is thereby the third biggest country in Europe after Russia and Ukraine and 37th in the world. Natural features constitute most of France’s borders. The Atlantic Ocean lies in the west, the Straits of Calais/Dover and the Channel to the north-west, the River Rhine, the Jura Mountains and the Alps to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees in the south. France also has borders in the north with Belgium (620km) and Luxembourg (73km), with Germany (451km), Switzerland (573km), Italy (488km), and Monaco (4.4km) to the east, and in the south with Spain (623km) and Andorra (57km).

Apart from France itself, the French state also has a number of overseas administrative regions: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, the de “territorial collectivities” SaintPierre and Miquelon Islands, Mayotte, and four overseas territories: New Caledonia, Vanuatu, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna. Furthermore, France also lays claim to a part of Antarctica, namely Adélie Land. Since 1 January 2000, New Caledonia, too, has had a new status. The overseas administrative regions (DOM) number about 1.7 million inhabitants and, in 1996, the overseas territories (TOM) and New Caledonia numbered over 430,000 inhabitants.

Special Top French companies focused on export

FRANCE IS STILL A WOOD COUNTRY

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Need for reforms Emerging unscathed from the crisis is one thing, but harmonising the economic parameters with European expectations is another matter. The IMF and the European Commission are now concerned about the French economy. In 2013, France was unable to restrict its budget deficit to 3%. Apart from the budget deficit, unemployment in France is also rising. At the close of 2013, unemployment stood at 10.5%. Prospects for the French economy are still uncertain, despite growth of 0.4% in the final quarter of 2013. François Hollande stood by the figure of 3% for the budget deficit for a long time, but realised early in 2013 that that target was not feasible. Further cuts were necessary to reduce the budget deficit. However, president Hollande regards more cuts as irresponsible in the economic malaise. In April 2013, the European Commission published a report on the instabilities of the French economy. According to that report, France is facing serious structural economic problems. In May 2013, the European Commission announced that France would be given until 2015 to reduce its budget deficit to less than 3%.

The country had to implement all planned cuts before the end of 2013. In addition, France had to reform its economy and its pension system.

Wood in the construction industry The annual turnover of the French construction industry is about 137 billion euros. Over one and a half million people work in construction. Opportunities in the construction industry, combined with the efforts of the government to build ‘sustainably, especially by encouraging the use of wood in construction, have boosted the timber industry considerably.

Floor Forum International 67

A wealth of wood The woods and forests in France cover about 15 million hectares of land i.e. about 29% of the country’s total surface area.

In recent decades, this figure has risen by 74 hectares per annum. Until a few years ago, deciduous trees accounted for roughly 70% of the forest. We’re talking here mainly about oak and beech. As regards coniferous trees, pine and spruce are extremely popular. The national forests (about 1,750,000 hectares) are managed by the ONF (National Forest Office) as are forests which are owned by the local authorities (about 2,700,000 hectares). The other 10,600,000 hectares are spread between about 3.5 million private owners. The French forests yield over 53 million cubic metres of wood each year.

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Timber industry It is obvious that France possesses vast stocks of wood.

Moreover, the country also has more than 2000 sawmills, including several small ones. The French government is promoting the use of wood in construction with all sorts of favourable measures both in terms of taxation and licences. Apart from helping the construction industry directly, the French government is also promoting wood as a source of fuel. The fact that France can implement its wood strategy fairly flexibly is partly due to the fact that over 70% is owned privately by people who can count on a good deal of government support for their operations.

France as a parquet country Parquet production France is in fifth place on the list of parquet producing countries in Europe (FEP members). The country accounts for 10.73% of

all European parquet production. In sequence, France lies behind Poland, Germany, Sweden, and Austria. Total production in Europe (FEP members) in 2012 amounted to 68,266,133m² as compared to 70,713,000m² in 2011. Of that total, France accounts for 7,325,039m² of parquet. In 2011, France produced 6,470,239m² of parquet. Despite a fall in the total FEP production, parquet production in France is growing.

Parquet consumption Parquet consumption in Europe in 2012 fell by 5.88% to 87,509,000m². However, France’s share in the total FEP consumption rose from 13.01% to 14.32%. Despite the fall in the total consumption, consumption in France rose from 11,900,875m² to 12,531,282m². France is still in second place.

Germany heads the list with no less than 23.98% of total consumption. And so, consumption has risen by almost 700,000m² and that is due entirely to the favourable winds which are blowing through the French construction industry.

An introduction :

BLANCHON

Blanchon was formed in 1832 at the start of the industrial revolution. Founder Aimé Blanchon concentrated mainly on the production of fine tint and colouring agents for the ‘Soyeux de Lyon’ (silk processors). As early as 1900, the company started to diversify by making products for the treatment and maintenance of copper and wood. In 1940, Blanchon decided on the course which it would follow: the company would aim to become a top specialist in paint and varnish. Today, the company’s core business is still the development, production, and sale of technical varnishes. These are transparent finishes, which give parquet and wood that something extra and provide durable protection with full respect for the user and for the environment. In recent years, they have paid increasing attention to the environment, as testified by the European Eco-label, the A+ grading in France, and the EC1 grading in Germany. Blanchon employs 480 people and the company’s annual capacity is 35,000 tonnes. For 2014, Blanchon is presenting scores of novelties, including the waterborne single component varnish Ciméthane® UV, which provides protection for floors which are subjected to extreme use or which have to be walked on immediately. Similarly, the waterborne single component varnish Performance® dries very quickly and means you can use the floor again very quickly. There are also some new products for outdoor parquet, including a new UV resistant terrace oil. + 33 (0) 472890606 - www.blanchon.com

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Design Parquet is a family business with over 20 years of experience in the wood trade. The company is extremely innovative and regularly develops new products, both floors and accessories. In order to assure clients that their wood comes from sustainably managed forests, Design Parquet holds both FSC and PEFC certificates. Design Parquet has at its disposal an ultra-modern factory and also deploys the very latest technology to finish its floors. Floors can be lacquered, oiled, coloured, and brushed in an ultramodern finish line. Design Parquet also offers special floors such as customised Versailles or the Navylam+ parquet floor for bathrooms. The annual capacity is 500,000m². New for 2014 is the Loft Pro Range (16 x 180/20 x 180/16 x 220 mm) and Loft Pro XXL (20 x 195mm). + 33 (0) 299496666 - www.designparquet.fr

FP Bois was formed by Felix Plantier in 1953 and is now led by its third generation. They have grown strongly in recent years after various takeovers: a sawmill at Potenx les forges (1990), another sawmill at Mimizan (2000), and a planing plant at Rochelle (2013). The core business is producing decoration wood products for both in and outdoors: panelling, outdoor wall cladding, and parquet. The top activity is the production of outdoor wall plank cladding. Company turnover in 2013 was 25 million euros with a staff of 210.

The annual capacity is 2.5 million square metres. New for 2014 are fire-resistant panelling and wooden outdoor wall claddings. FP Bois wants to export to Germany, Spain, England, and Japan. + 33 (0) 558827174 - www.fpbois.com

Special Top French companies focused on export

FP BOIS

Floor Forum International 67

DESIGN PARQUET

Rendez-vous au Carrefour du Bois - Stand : H3 B8

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Special Top French companies focused on export

BRIANÇON

Briançon was formed in 1984 and is the connecting link in a family business with a long tradition. Indeed, Camille Briançon produced glues from skins back in 1855 in companies bearing his name and did so in the region of Aveyron.

Today, the company is based in Toulouse in an extremely modern factory. In 1980, Briançon launched the wood putty and paste Wood Mastic and Carbamex wax. This was followed in 1992 by the creation of the first dual component putty with no solvents. In 2009, Briançon launched azures, saturators, varnish, etc. Their core business is the production of repair, protective, and finish products for professional fitters. Their annual capacity is 2000 tonnes. The leading product is Wood Mastic E800. A new item for 2014 is Wood Mastic E400 for repairing bigger gaps, and this product dries very quickly. Today, Briançon employs 10 people and operates in 20 countries. The company is growing in Asia and has its sights set mainly on India and China. + 33 (0) 534602100 - www.briancon-production.com

POULET MOULURES This family business has been based in Aveyron since the 1950s and specialises in the production of frames for buildings and decoration. The company has at its disposal a sawmill which is at the heart of the national solid wood trade and where mainly Pine (Fir) is processed. The company also processes oak and exotic, white, or red wood sorts, which enable them to meet various needs via a diversification in the sorts of wood. They make customised profiles and also present solutions with planed wood and planed composite wood. + 33 (0) 565294273 - www.pouletmoulures.com

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FPPI - FRANCE PRODUCTION PARQUET INNOVATION

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France Production Parquet Innovation is a young enterprise with over 60 years of experience. FPPI was formed in October 2013 as a result of the takeover of Parqueterie Berrichonne by three of its management committee members, namely Dominique Bouillet (general manager), Philippe Mérigot (operations manager), and Fabien Dufour (commercial manager). FPPI is 100% French. The company produces solid wood and multi-layer parquet. One of its star products is a multi-layer parquet floor with an integrated acoustic underlay. In 2014, the company is aiming for a turnover of 14 million euros. FPPI employs 46 people and its annual capacity is 500,000m². In 2014, they launched the Concept Modulo, which enables a host of geometric decors and, furthermore, also simplifies the fitting of traditional parquet. + 33 (0) 254291919 - www.fppi.fr

CHÊNE DE L’EST®

Chêne de l’est® makes parquet, solid wood floors, and multi-layer parquet (ready for fitting). They control the full production process from tree to parquet in their own workshop. The company was formed in 1960 by Joseph Bach, a joiner by trade.

Chêne de l’est® has always been run by the Bach family and is now led by Joseph Bach’s children Raymond, Gabriel, Jean-Michel, and Brigitte Eva. Chêne de l’est® has a wide range of parquet, solid wood floors, and multi-layer parquet (ready for fitting). All floors are designed and produced at one of four sites in France. 150 people work at Chêne de l’est®. In 2013, the company achieved a turnover of 18 million euros, whilst there are some new items for 2014.

There is the new finish ‘Finition Verni Diamant’, a finish with strong wear and abrasion resistance. The designs are varnished, matt varnished, brushed varnished, and matt brushed varnished. + 33 (0) 387980342 - www.chenedelest.com www.chenedelest-lots-parquet.com

EUROPLAC

Europlac is the division of Cabannes which concentrates on the production of parquet and wall furnishing. Europlac is also the trademark. Cabannes was formed in 1980 by Mr Cabannes. Europlac was formed 20 years ago. In its infancy, the company developed a range of veneer floors and panelling, but today it also produces multi-layer and solid wood parquet. The entire production process goes ahead in its own plant in Bordeaux. Europlac offers its own range, but also works as a raw parquet subcontractor for other European manufacturers. Europlac achieved a turnover of eight million euros in 2013. 35 people work for the company and its annual capacity is about 350,000m². Europlac has consolidated its own market (France and its neighbours) and is now targeting countries such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, the United States, and Japan/South Korea for export. + 33 (0) 546046688 - www.europlac.eu

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ARCHITECTURE DU BOIS TERRASSES GRAD™ GradTM was formed in Alsace in 1988. Initially a specialist in wood skeleton construction, the company soon extended its activities to all outdoor wood applications. In 1993, they opted resolutely for wooden terraces, a niche sector at that time. Thanks to the Clip JuAn® certified invisible fastening system and a sound network of franchisers, the company has grown into a national market leader in designing and completing wooden terraces. GradTM is still a company driven by innovation. The best-seller (in terms of volume) is the thermally treated Thermopin, and they sold 22,000m² of this in 2013. In terms of values, the Kebony© terrace parts are in front (33% of sales in 2013/16,000m²).

Kebony© has also become more sustainable thanks to a special treatment. In 2013, GradTM achieved a turnover of 8.5 million euros. It has 50 employees and sells about 75,000m² of terraces per annum. For 2014 GradTM wants to focus strongly on export. The company has its sights set on Germany, the Benelux, and Canada. There are also some new items in 2014. A new composite (45% wood/45% polyethylene/10% various additives) has seen the light of day under the Strongdek trademark. Another new item is the Le Perfect Rail invisible and dismountable fastening system. Furthermore, GradTM also has some other innovations in the pipeline. + 33 (0) 810000150 - www.grad-decking.com

PARQUETS IMPEXWOOD Parquets Impexwood has been a French manufacturer of solid and engineered parquet since 1993. Impexwood is located in St Pierre des Corps in the administrative region of Indre et Loire and sells various ranges of parquet, both solid wood and composite, which consists mainly of French oak.

Thanks to a capacity of 170,000m² per annum, Impexwood is highly flexible in its production. This enables the company to meet demand for both standard and customised products. The company has integrated all the production phases into its production plant and also takes care of finishes with oil or varnish. It possesses genuine know-how, both in classical aspects and in more demanding finishes such as distressed looks, which are becoming increasingly popular. Impexwood is present in France and other parts of Europe and continues to strengthen its partnerships with all dealers on the markets where it operates. The DUOPARK range in composite parquet on a birch base is particularly in demand amongst the one-plank products. It is available in thicknesses of both 14 and 20mm. + 33 (0) 247460707 - www.impexwood.fr

VISION PARQUET Luc-Antoine Becquart set up Vision Parquet in 2001. The intention was to bring a complementary range onto the market to complement existing floors by working mainly with exceptional sorts of wood (Mongolian Oak, palisander, teak, and merbau) and exceptional sizes such as widths of up to 260mm. The finishes are customised to suit client needs. Vision Parquet pursues a market strategy and is particularly interested in long-term partnerships. Its core business is the development, manufacture, and distribution of atypical wooden floors. The top product (developed in 2003 and launched in 2005) is M3P (solid wood and threelayer) in oak with a top layer of 6mm. the company’s annual capacity is 40,000 to 50,000m². + 33 (0) 145954271 - www.visionparquet.com

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Floor Forum International 67

A good 50 years ago, the V33 Group launched the first parquet varnish as an alternative to the traditional beeswax. Since then, they have developed several products for the protection and renewal of wood under the Plastor trademark. Research and development have underpinned various innovations. Plastor endeavours primarily to supply demanding professionals with reliable products. The company defines its core business as the production and sale of all products for the protection, decoration, and maintenance of indoor and outdoor wood.

Today, Plastor employs 600 people all over Europe. In 2014, with a new range of azures, Plastor is offering an answer to all specific needs on site, both for new construction and renovation. Furthermore, Plastor is also launching an entirely new range for maintaining parquet. This range contains three products, namely Parquet Cleaner, Intensive Cleaner, and Metal Renewal. + 33 (0) 478073634 - www.plastor.fr

Gascogne All Wood was formed in 1925 and has built itself up around three core activities, namely wood, paper, and bags. Nowadays, it is also one of the top world players in the field of protective packaging. As a versatile woodworker, the Gascogne Group is the number one in France.

Gascogne Wood Products is the wood division and came into being through the fusion of Gascogne Wood and d’Imberty in 2008. Gascogne Wood Products presents itself as a specialist in domestic wood. Imberty is the trademark for everything related to wood within the home, whilst Hylor is the outdoor equivalent. The Gascogne Group achieved a turnover of 419.7 million euros in 2012. The group employs 2125 people. Its range of outdoor wall planks includes some new items this year. Recently, they have launched the Adélie outdoor wall planks: solid coniferous wood with an outstanding price/quality ratio and available in eight modern shades.

There is also the Pacific XL outdoor wall planks, which are made of wood fibres. + 33 (0) 556346060 - www.gascognewoodproducts.com

Special Top French companies focused on export

GASCOGNE ALL WOOD

PLASTOR

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> Product news PERFORMER BLANCHON

This new and pure glazer from Blanchon is way out in front. It leaves scores of dual component products in its wake in the area of durability and achieves its final hardness twice as quickly. From now on, you should give priority to the certainty and convenience (odourless, class A+) of this single component varnish. It is available in satin and matt. Its warm look gives parquet floors the tonalities of traditional finishes.

PLASTOR — New care range for wooden flooring

Product news

Because there are so many of them on the market and they are specific to different types of floor and finish, care and cleaning products are rarely used by craftmen.

As for individual consumers, they don’t always know which product to use. Plastor is launching a new range of care products to simplify the stages involved in cleaning and maintaining all wood and laminate flooring. Simple and deliberately small, the range consists of 3 flagship products: - Wooden Floor Cleaner, ideal for daily cleaning of all wooden flooring, - Intensive Cleaner, perfect for degreasing wooden floors and removing stubborn stains, - and Metallising Reviver to revive dull wooden flooring and remove scratches.

PROLINE — PROCOVER Designfloor - for LVT, Vinyl and PVC floors With a thickness of only 2,5–5 mm vinyl floors enjoy growing popularity. They are not only wear resistant, slip resistant, easy to maintain and easy to install but even more possess optimum hygiene characteristics. Proline PROCOVER Designfloor now offers the perfectly matched screw-down floor profile system. The compensator profile is adjustable in height from 0–7 mm. The anodized aluminum cover profile is offered in five modern colors: silver, stainless steel, champagne, gold and bronze. Of course transition and ending profiles supplement the range.

PROLINE — PROBASEprofi PS+ - Partner for design coverings

Modern design flooring and vinyl coverings are becoming increasingly more popular among consumers. With the new PROBASEprofi PS+ underlay webs, Proline offers the perfect solution, which meets all of the requirements of floating synthetic flooring and, furthermore, ensures longevity and living comfort. It is even possible to lay design covering on an older uneven tiled floor without the joints showing through the new floor covering.

RUBIO MONOCOAT — updated EN 71-3 standard

As you might know, the requirements for reaching the EN 71-3 standard (Toy Safety Standard) have been tightened since 2013. Now all products are tested for possible migration of 19 elements instead of nine. Both Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C (interior) and Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Wood Protector (interior + exterior) have successfully passed these new tests and comply yet again with all requirements.

Floor Forum International 67

WOCA

66

— Improved care products for your floors.

WOCA Denmark has developed two new care products that improve the cleaning and at the same time extend the life of vinyl and wooden floors with lacquered surfaces.

The first product WOCA Vinyl– and Lacquer Care puts an invisible film on the surface of the floor, in this way it protects against wear and tear and scratches. This also means that the life of the floor is prolonged. WOCA Vinyl - and Lacquer Care enhances the gloss of the underlying floor. As it is a water-based product, there are no special demands as to the ventilation. Another important property is the fact that it is “self-removable” which means that the film will be dissolved at next application.

So there is no build up of more layers.

The other new feature WOCA Vinyl- and Lacquer Soap is for the daily cleaning and is characterized by the fact that it does not leave the normal soap film on the floor.

WOCA Vinyl- and Lacquer Soap can be used on all lacquered and painted surfaces and is also usable on vinyl, floor tiles, linoleum and laminate.

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WOCA

EW N NEUTRAL OIL

Keeping the invisible appearance of the newly sanded oak wood WOCA is now introducing a new industrial oil system to wooden floors that is completely „invisible“ and is keeping the original shades and untreated appearance of the oak floor.

No floor is more beautiful than an oak floor that was just sanded and appearing all bare and untreated.

Now, a floor with this original and authentic appearance can become a reality in every home. Even in a very practical and hard-wearing version.

WOCA Neutral Oil is developed, in such a way that the oil treatment does not affect the original shades and appearance of the oak floor, nor does it build a film on the surface. And as the oil at the same time delays the natural effect of the light, the newly sanded appearance remains intact for many years to come.

The treatment ensures exactly the same strength and quality as the known WOCA wood floor oil.

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

Exterpark and Valinge team up to lead the evolution of outdoor flooring systems

Plus "The finest interior wooden flooring... for outside"

Invisible Patented Profile For superior visual impression Safer and smooth uniform surface 1/1 BLEED

No lost valuables under deck High-heels don’t get stuck Easier maintenance Optimum water drainage Barefoot walk is encouraged

PATENT AWARDED | Technology now available through exclusive licensing from Valinge

Licensed by

www.valinge.se | info@valinge.se | HALL 9 Booth E08 | www.exterpark.com | HALL 9 Booth C63