FFI 76 September 2015 by Media-Pact NV / FFI bvba

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INTERNATIONAL trade journal f or impor t , expor t , dis tr ibution and lay ing of par que t , laminate, cor k f loor ing and r elated pr oduc t s

N° 76, September 2015 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept , Nov, Dec) Of fice of deliver y 9099 Ghent X , P911092, BC 31359 - Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

Special Top Dutch companies focused on export

NEXT YEAR AT DOMOTEX

Countdown: EFWEX 2016 Ghent (BE)

Hannover, 16-19 January 2016

HALL 8 - PAD. C34

EFWEX

European Floor & Wall Exhibition 13/15.03.2016 - FLANDERS EXPO GHENT (B)

Special: Producers of filling machines

since 1971 glues and varnish for parquet

Project: Rubio Monocoat (BE) in Mexico City

Special: Producers of distressing machines

Special: Producers of Versailles panels

www.adesiv.it

The World of Flooring

1/1 PAGINA

Multilayer parquet, multiple enjoyment The engineered wooden flooring by Lalegno is more stable than traditional massive wooden floors and is available in oak, exotic species and durable bamboo. The extensive range of different sizes and finishes available offers solutions to suit every style. Therefore Lalegno flooring is the first choice of every flooring professional.

For more information on our products, please check our website www.lalegno.be or contact us via info@lalegno.be

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INTERNATIONAL trade journal f or impor t , expor t , dis tr ibu tion and lay ing of par que t , laminate, cor k f loor ing and r elated pr oduc t s

Editorial

Special Top Dutch companies focused on export

NEXT YEAR AT DOMOTEX

Countdown: EFWEX 2016 Ghent (BE)

Hannover, 16-19 January 2016

HALL 8 - PAD. C34

EFWEX

“Enrico Passerini, sales and marketing manager at Adesiv (IT)” 'Adesiv is one of the big Italian parquet chemical specialists. The company was formed in 1971 and is based in the region of Venice. It exports its products to over 40 countries and is therefore in a good position to highlight both European and global developments in the parquet industry. Enrico Passerini spoke to us.'

European Floor & Wall Exhibition 13/15.03.2016 - FLANDERS EXPO GHENT (B)

Special: Producers of filling machines

since 1971 glues and varnish for parquet

The World of Flooring

Project: Rubio Monocoat (BE) in Mexico City

Special: Producers of distressing machines

Special: Producers of Versailles panels

www.adesiv.it

Floor Forum International n° 76 September 2015 Photo Adesiv

4 Inside news 5 Advertorial Zenon (UK) 8 Countdown EFWEX (European Floor & Wall Exhibition)

Ghent (BE) 10 Special Producers of filling machines 13 Special Producers of silane adhesive 18 Special LVT, PVC and Vinyl in the contract market 21 Special Sanding machines : part 1 24 Special Invisible fastening systems for exterior wall cladding 27 Special Outdoor floors : maintenance & finishes 34 Project Rubio Monocoat (BE) in Mexico City 36 Special Subfloors for wooden floors : part 1 38 Special Producers of skirting boards 42 Special Producers of Versailles panels 46 Special UV curing on site 49 Special Producers of distressing machines 52 Special Manufactures of nanotechnology-based oils

and varnishes 54 Special Laminate floors : part 1 57 Special Floors with the best acoustic characteristics 59 Industry news

‘In recent years, Adesiv has concentrated more and more on exporting its products and, at the same time, looking for diverse markets. Whereas in the past we concentrated purely on making good quality chemicals for the parquet sector, Enrico Passerini we’ve been expanding our operation for some (Sales & Marketing Manager/Adesiv) time now. We now also supply adhesives to paper companies and shoe makers. This makes us less dependent on demand from the Italian parquet sector. This has proved to be a wise choice in view of the economic malaise in Italy and the rest of Europe in recent years. At the same time, we’ve also booked success with our parquet chemicals on the export market, and we now have clients in over 40 countries. At present, we’re enjoying growing success on the Latin American market in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Sector diversification has given us an increase in turnover and has meant greater efficiency, purchase synergies, and a reinforcement of our know-how. That’s also a good thing for our clients because we’ve thereby strengthened our position as a supplier of good quality products at competitive prices.’

What developments have you seen on the market? ‘We’re actually seeing that there is certainly a demand for innovative parquet adhesives, but in many countries there’s still a dominant conservatism. In other words, lots of parquet traders still rely more on traditional products and look mainly at the price. Our epoxy PU adhesive Pelpren PL6 is still the best-seller in our range of parquet adhesives, although, obviously, we also supply outstanding MS adhesives at good prices.’ ‘I don’t want to criticise innovation in our sector, but sometimes colleagues launch new products, which don’t seem to provide any appreciable added value. Don’t misunderstand me! Our own R&D department also works on developing products which are more efficient and less harmful to human health and the environment, but we don’t modernise just for the sake of it. At Adesiv we take good account of the cost price of our products because that’s the major criterion for most floor fitters. That’s why a new product launch at Adesiv means genuine progress. However, we keep a close eye on developments and continue to supply equally good traditional products, which have proved their worth in scores of projects. Genuine progress is coming slowly, but surely. We follow that progress, but with us you can be sure that you always get value for money.’

60 Special Top Dutch companies focused on export 66 Product news

Editing & advertisements FFI bvba PO BOX 29 9870 Olsene, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)9 385 80 40 Fax.: +32 (0)9 385 88 85 sales@media-pact.com www.floor-forum.com Publisher Filip De Ridder

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

Lay-out: Be-able Communication www.be-able.be Production: Lowyck - Oostende

Advertising & subscriptions Adriana Dascalu info@media-pact.com Hilde De Ridder floorforum@telenet.be Filip De Ridder sales@media-pact.com Jos Tourné verkoop@media-pact.com Editors: Jean Paul Talbot, Ludwig Janssens, Filip De Ridder Jacques Legros

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

The copyright of Floor Forum International and the articles appearing herein are retained by the publisher. By agreeing to publication of an article in this journal, the author assigns to the publisher the irrevocable and exclusive right under Copyright law to collect charges due from third parties for copying said article and to undertake legal or other action for this purpose. Editorial and advertising copy in this issue have been carefully checked and Floor Forum International bvba cannot accept any responsibility for any errors.

∂ Inside news New account manager at Floor Forum / Floor Forum International From 1 September onwards, Jos Tourné is joining the team of Floor Forum/Floor Forum International as account manager. In that position he will be partly responsible for the sale of media space for the trade journals ‘Floor Forum International’ and ‘Floor Forum’, as well as for the parquet consumer magazine ‘Parket & Laminaat, Eiken Bijgebouwen en Poolhouses’. Moreover, he will also be partly responsible for the commercialisation of the trade fair EFWEX (European Floor & Wall Exhibition). Jos is 47, married, and has three children. He lives in the Netherlands which will be his base for carrying out his duties. He has vast experience in the field of sales in various positions, firstly at Uitgeverij/Drukkerij Zuidam, DagbladUnie/Reed Elsevier, Jaarbeurs Exhibitions & Media, and, finally Lakerveld, where he was responsible for 15 years for sales for Pompshop, Tabak Mag, Ad Fundum, Parketblad, Vakblad voor de Woninginrichter, Transbook, and EemsdeltaKringen. As of today, you can contact Jos by telephone (landline) on +31-(0)172-850-717 or by mobile phone on +31-(0)6801-59315 or by e-mail on verkoop@media-pact.com

Osmo Calculate finish requirements quickly and easily The new timber cladding needs a new coat. But, how much finish is required and how many cans would that be? The Consumption Calculator on our website (www.osmo.de) figures out the requirements. Only a few details about the planned project, such as the

surface properties of the wood and the size of the area to be treated, are enough to get an idea of the amount of cans needed and how many coats would be required.

Adhesive manufacturer WAKOL enters into strategic partnership with ARDEX Group The German specialist for building chemicals Ardex acquires a majority interest in the German adhesive manufacturer Wakol. Wakol’s family owners continue to hold substantial shares. With Ardex as partner Wakol strengthens its system expertise and its global footprint. Mark Eslamlooy, CEO of Ardex Group, is excited: “This cooperation is a perfect way for us to increase our systems expertise in the flooring industry. Like Ardex Wakol stands for highest technical expertise, quality and innovation.” Wakol continues to operate as independent entity. The current management will continue to run the business and company name, location, brand, sales strategy and suppliers will not change. Both companies continue to offer their distinguished product portfolio under their own brand through their existing distribution channels. Wakol’s current location in Pirmasens will be expanded to become Ardex’s development centre for flooring adhesives. Christian Gross, CEO of Wakol is convinced: „ With Ardex as partner we have a very promising prospective for the future and at the same time foster our culture as family owned business.“

Wide range of products for gluing parquet and other floor coverings Superior quality Environmentally- and user-friendly products

MITOL d.d., Sežana, Slovenia, T: +386 5 73 12 300, F: +386 5 73 12 390, E: mitol@mitol.si

Floor Forum International 76

Advertorial

Zenon (UK)

FLOORS rebrands as ZENON

INTRODUCING

We are very pleased to announce an exciting milestone for our business and an evolution of our brand. Our strategy and vision has always been to produce hardwood flooring of the finest quality. In honour and memory of our late founder Zenon Zielke, who had the ambition to start out on this journey and as such is a source of strength and inspiration to us; FLOORS is rebranding and the company will now be known as ZENON. We believe our change in name and image not only celebrates our legacy and heritage but clearly embodies our ambition for the future. President of ZENON, Marysia Zielke explains: “We wanted our customers to know who we are; we are a family business with an eye on the future, as we continue to grow, we must reach out to new markets with a more dynamic name. Our new name, ZENON, will help us achieve our objectives.” Vice President, James Zielke added, “Family is at the core of everything we do, so it seemed a natural progression to rebrand as ZENON. We all knew the name was right when my brother and sister suggested it.” Our values ‘Principles, Pride & Passion’ epitomise who we are and what we stand for as a company. It is hugely important for us that we honour the tradition, passion and vision passed down by our founder and that we maintain loyal, long lasting working relationships with all of our clients. We are committed to delivering customer satisfaction as well as continuously developing our products. At ZENON we trust and believe in our product; our production process is a marriage between old and new; state of the art

equipment guarantees our precision machining to be second to none and our highly skilled craftsmen possess the knowhow and expertise to create our bespoke flooring. We value our workforce and continue to invest in training them for the future. Since our establishment in 2001, we have had an incredible business journey. Over the last fourteen years, we have built an excellent workforce, expanded our facilities, utilised the best machinery and implemented the strictest quality control throughout each manufacturing process, to ensure the production of only the highest quality hardwood flooring. Marysia adds; “It was very important to us that our new company name was a bridge to link the past and the present, and that the name was strong enough to take us into the future. By choosing ZENON we believe our company name fulfills this entirely. Our aspiration now is to drive the company forward and to create a lasting legacy for generations.” Our rebrand also includes a new website and the establishment of a more engaging online digital presence. Today, we believe ZENON is one of the world’s leading hardwood flooring manufacturers and suppliers and remains at the forefront of innovative and inspirational interior design. We’re looking forward to our future as ZENON. The new ZENON website is now live, to be one of the first to discover our new image please visit us at www.zenonfloors. com. For all international enquiries please contact us on +44 1642 852 222.

Floor Forum International 76

∂ Inside news Lite Wood International STARVINTAGE LUXURY HANDCRAFTED OUTDOOR FLOORS

Black Sand Beach

Canon Beach

and preservation of colour. The StarVintage wood exterior floors have a very long lifespan, and will last from 30 to 50 years at a minimum even without regular maintenance. The production process of the StarVintage collection in comparison with WPC - LVT – BAMBOO is significantly less energy-intensive and the product contains no harmful additives. It is a truly ecological product! The internationally recognised Certisource Certificate accompanies the StarVintage line as a guarantee for 100% legal wood. The StarVintage collection is available in two sizes, 19 x 140 mm and 25 x 180mm, in cardboard boxes of 2100 mm and in varying lengths 9003000 mm in foil. Lite Wood International BV - Mobile +31 641.506.106 litewood@hotmail.com

Ciranova In order to meet the ever increasing demand for our products, we at Ciranova are pleased to announce we have invested in a new warehouse with a total area of 2000

Lanikai Beach

Sacre Cœur

The new “STARVINTAGE” range is coming onto the market after two years of testing in conjunction with its partner Ifura, which also produces STARDECK. The wood comes from its own responsibly managed forest concession amounting to 450,000 hectares in Papua, with full respect for all national and international standards and obligations. With its wind, water and sun, Mother Nature has provided an ecological and fairly produced collection of deluxe solid wood exterior flooring, complete with profiling on the long sides with a concealed clip profile and tongue-and-groove on the ends of the planks. The finish on the wood surface is applied manually, after which the exterior floor pieces all receive a very special coating with Rubio Monocoat (in compliance with all environmental standards). This makes for easy maintenance

St Germain

White HeavenBeach

WHAT MAKES DIAMABRUSH PREPTOOLS UNIQUE! -‐ System fits on most standard commercial cleaning machines, size 12-‐20” -‐ Easy to use, dustfree, no chemicals needed resulting in mechanically closed floor so add no coatings needed -‐ Through clever patented design always contact with floor so touches low parts -‐ Down pressure from use machines allows even wear of blades so no waste -‐ Endless variety in use: cleaning, polishing, scratching, sanding and combinations of techniques -‐ Easy to use in all size b uilding, small or large floors, b asement or upstairs -‐ Cheapest maintenance tool ever -‐ Never cloggs, like sandpaper does!

Venice Beach

Floor Forum International 76

∂ Inside news sqm / 10m high with a storage capacity for 2000 pallet spaces. The offices, laboratories, conference rooms and demo areas will all be refurbished. The significant development will enable production levels to increase, allow us to deliver more efficiently and therefore meet our customer needs and demands in international expansion more successfully.

The terms UV drying and UV curing are often used interchangeably. Obviously, the meaning can be the same, but UV drying does not imply full curing. One of the most important features of UV curing of varnished floors on-site with the help of ultraviolet light is speed. This is inextricably bound to curing. As DecoRad® Systems, we therefore always speak of UV curing.

DecoRad®

New Challenges

Saicos We welcome our new product manager Mr. Michael Dieker (41) who will support SAICOS with his longtime experience in the coating industry. Mr. Diekers position will focus on optimizing internal processes as well as monitoring current market trends and costumer requirements. He will work closely with our R&D, Sales and Marketing departments to strenghten SAICOS’ position as a Premium Supplier of wood coatings.

Your Parquet manufacturer

R SHIP F OM BEL GI AN M

CE 1948 SIN

TOP QUALITY WOOD W

QUALITY PARQUET AND CUSTOMISED WORK

WOOD CR AF TS

UV drying or UV curing?

W W A P. B E .T R

9mm and 6mm traditional parquet Herringbone, Hungarian point Customised work Style panels e.g. Versailles 15mm and 20mm solid wood ₍ oorboards in over 50 wood sorts Distressed ₍ oors Reclaimed ₍ oors Engineered ₍ oors 12 + 4mm and 15 + 5mm Extra wide ₍ oors End grain blocks Cross-cut Adhesives, ﬃnishes Speedy deliveries

Oak Mix Rustic – Smoke Chateau

Oak Super Select Herringbone

Am. Walnut Select Planks & Chevron

Multilayer engineered and solid flooring delivered throughout Europe

A: T: F: E: W:

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Countdown EFWEX (European Floor & Wall Exhibition) Ghent (BE)

EFWEX 2016 MEETS EXPECTATIONS ONE THING IS CERTAIN: THERE IS LIFE AFTER EUROPARKET

o want tr u o y o D r you registeany at comp 2016? X E W EF

EFWEX

European Floor & Wall Exhibition

Regist e

ow! +32 (0 ) 9 38 sales @ 5 80 40 efwex .eu

13/15.03.2016 - FLANDERS EXPO GHENT (B)

EFWEX 2016 will give an overview of the market range of wooden floors, terraces, and walls, but also of wood-related materials or compositions with wood, such as laminate and some composites. Completely different floor technology forms such as LVT and PVC or floors in rolls, such as classic vinyl, PVC, and linoleum are also covered in depth. Then there are products for the fitting, for the finish, accessories, and tools. Talk of a ‘comprehensive’ show! Participants are expecting great things, each with their own focus.

Filling a void EFWEX 2016 is the only trade fair to focus minutely on this highly specialised market. The fact that it’s in Belgium is a plus: This land is the heartbeat of Europe! No one expects a mass influx, but the organisers do expect quality visitors, purchasers, decision makers, and specialists. In other words, this is a meeting where ‘the absentees are wrong!’ After the demise of Europarket, many people felt there was a void. That void couldn’t be filled by the existing, almost local events. Several exhibitors have expressed the view: ‘We have every confidence that this trade fair will grow. After all, there aren’t any alternatives now.’ They all come to Ghent with their own goals and desires.

International & Belgian Some people take the view that next year’s show should give more prominence to the international dimension.

Bona Bona, too, is coming to Ghent primarily with its eyes on the Belgian market. ‘We know that there will also be visitors from France, Britain, and the Netherlands…, but Bona is already represented in most countries, so at EFWEX we’re mainly targeting the Belgian market.’ Bona is aiming to reinforce its existing contacts and, obviously, make some new ones.

Floor Forum International 76

The main goal of their participation is to increase visitors’ familiarity with their products.

Devomat Industries In that regard they have high expectations at Devomat Industries. Joeri Vervoort of Devomat Industries comments: ‘The first EFWEX was a start-up. Our expectations are now higher, certainly as regards international character. But we also have every confidence that the Floor Forum team is perfectly capable of getting it right.’ Devomat is taking part in the show to reinforce its ‘brand’. In the absence of an alternative, they are pinning their hopes on EFWEX 2016. Not everyone really needs that international character. Some companies come specifically to conquer the Belgian market or confirm or reinforce their position.

FloorConcepts For FloorConcepts the show is ‘another’ way of seeing clients. Anthony Denoyel comments: ‘Clients can come to us now, whereas we go to them for the rest of the year.’ He certainly expects a bigger turnout than in 2014. ‘The first EFWEX was a start-up. In the meantime, lots of people have been talking about the show.’ At FloorConcepts they are pleased that our country once again has a parquet show. ‘Belgium is a small country with a lot of parquet, relatively speaking.’ That makes it something of a barometer.’ Has it filled the void left by Europarket? ‘Absolutely!’ Mr Denoyel isn’t so interested in the visitors from abroad because FloorConcepts has some exclusive products (e.g. WOCA and Stauf) for the Belgian market.

Kerkhofs

Wood Sensation

It’s not only foreign companies which are interested in the Belgian market. Kerkhofs, a permanent fixture in the Belgian parquet industry for over 22 years, once again wants to promote itself on Belgian soil. Kerkhofs specialises in customised work, panel floors, cassettes, and classic fitting patterns. Someone once said: ‘No one is regarded as a prophet in their own country’ (‘nulla profeta in patria sua’). A good 60 to 70% of their turnover is achieved abroad. A spokesperson says: ‘We want to reach our own home market once again. EFWEX 2016 seems to be the ideal moment.’

Eric Van Est from Wood Sensation didn’t exhibit at the first EFWEX, but he did attend to size up the situation. His company is taking part in 2016. He says: ‘We’re a company under construction, so all publicity is good.’ Their main motivation is to ‘conquer the Belgian market’, but an international character is a bonus. He continues: ‘We took part in the show in Gorinchem, but that’s aimed purely at the Dutch. Europarket was broader, also as regards target groups and nationalities. EFWEX seems to be a worthy successor.’

"The sponsors of EFWEX"

D E S I G N® PA R Q U E T F ra nce

DECKING CLEANER

The elegance OF CHEVRON

Highly effective concentrate for cleaning untreated or oiled wooden decking. > Highly effective concentrate, for the exterior > Suitable for cleaning all exterior wooden flooring as well as screens, fences and wooden garden furniture

Chevron Parquet - 45° Further information on this and many other products can be found on: www.osmo.com

• Support : Solid Oak • Grade : campagne • Finish : Authentic Oiled • Thickness : 14 mm • Width : 130 mm • Length : 670 mm www.designparquet.fr

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Producers of filling machines

FILLER MACHINES – VITAL LINKS IN WOOD COSMETICS HIGH-TECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY

Photo – CSP Engineering

We’ve often said it: Computerisation is a wonderful thing. Perhaps the most amazing thing is the discovery that just about ‘everything’ can be computerised. This is no less the case, for instance, in the production of wooden, ready-tofit floors. From the initial treatment of sawn planks over the application of the finish, packing, and labelling, to the order handling, computerisation is never far away and automatic filler machines occupy a special position in that process.

The role of ‘human beings’ About 10 years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting a parquet factory in Germany, a factory of a well known top producer of various floors, including multi-layer parquet and laminate. On entering the parquet production hall, I was taken aback at once by the large number of employees on the production line. Here, they were still doing a lot of manual work. One job which caught the eye was that of the man checking planks manually and visually at the end of each line. Planks with clear splits, knots, or other flaws were removed and collected by another worker for repair. We can imagine what that repair process was like. The hole was treated with a filler, smoothed, dried, touched up, sandpapered, and possibly coloured. A whole series of chores done away from the production line.

Tracing flaws Flaws in floorboards are detected via scanning. The scanner works in 2D or 3D and processes the images in fractions of a second. One thing’s for sure: Nothing escapes the eagle eye of the scanner. Each flaw, however small, is detected and assessed. This same precision for each individual floorboard cannot be rivalled in any way by human beings. Since the machine is connected to the production line, it’s not necessary to remove the damaged plank from the conveyor belt for repair.

Measuring and filling Here, too, the machine achieves greater perfection than human beings. After all, the scanner measures the right dimensions of the damage and calculates infallibly the required amount of filler. Another important point here is that the filler reaches the same hardness as the wood. The filling is done under pressure. The amount of filler is calculated exactly so that no product is wasted.

Leading makes CSP Engineering

Automatic filler machines As we’ve said, anything is possible! Semi-automatic or fully automatic filler machines can be connected to parquet production lines to take over fully or partly the tasks of everyone who is (was) involved in checking and repairing any shortcomings. The level of perfection with which this has been done gave rise to the term ‘wood cosmetics’: manicure, pedicure, and perfect facial care down to the last detail. We will see below that here, too, technology gives greater perfection than human expertise. The machine makes no human errors, either in the area of assessment or that of repair.

Floor Forum International 76

At the end of last year, CSP Engineering launched its latest development on the market, namely the PAR-Filler®. The PAR-Filler® is an automatic machine for filling in knots, bursts, and cracks in the surface of wooden floorboards. For this PAR-Filler® CSP Engineering has developed a special scanner, which accurately locates cracks, knots, and other imperfections in the surface of wooden floorboards and sends

the positions to two applicators. To fill in imperfections they have developed an applicator, which presses wood filler into the imperfections under high pressure. At the same time, for this machine they have developed Cosmeti Wood®, a new water-based wood filler with highly exceptional properties. The combination of injecting under pressure and the unique properties of Cosmeti Wood® ensure top quality during the filling process. Various innovations together have resulted in the success of the PARFiller® machine. 10 machines had already been sold within one year of the launch. A representative from CSP Engineering comments: ‘Our clients agree that, apart from the many benefits which the machine offers, the quality of the repaired floorboards has “greatly improved” thanks to this machine. And so, it will come as no surprise to hear that our order book is already full, even for next year.’ The PAR-Filler® machine works in transit. There are various

possibilities for the feed and removal of floorboards, from semi to fully automatic, depending on the required capacity and how the machine fits into the production. With the standard configuration of the machine the floorboards are entered into the machine via an entry buffer. The PAR-Filler® locates all the knots and cracks in the surface of the floorboards. For this purpose CSP Engineering has developed a unique scanner. The scanner traces all holes, from wormholes of barely 1mm to knots of over 40mm, from wide bursts to small open cracks. Two applicators are then deployed which pass through the machine with the product flow and inject the correct amount of wood filler in the right places. The applicators move at high speed from one imperfection to another one. Filled floorboards are then returned in pairs to the entrance-side of the machine. The computer-guided feeding system and the return on two lines, get it possible that a single machine operator will suffice for most wood selections and various capacities. Strips of wood are laid between the layers so that the water-based filler can dry and get its hardness in contact with air. The PAR-Filler® is absolutely ideal for medium to large production companies. For this exceptional machine they have developed CosmetiWood®, a new filler with no solvents. CosmetiWood® has a hardness and porosity like that of wood, absorbs oils and colours nicely, has outstanding adhesion with the wood, and hardly shrinks at all, even with very large knots. This means that the floorboards are filled properly in one single production-passage. Moreover, CosmetiWood® is friendly to sandpaper or plane and it doesn’t break into pieces. PAR-Filler® gives you the following benefits: - One operator on the machine will usually suffice and no specific skills are required.

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Producers of filling machines

- One production passage, high production capacity. - Vast reduction in the number of floorboards which need further treatment, thanks to new filling technology. - Easy setting, rapid change between colours, and no waste after a colour change. - Ecological 1-component filler, equates to the nature of wood.

Wintersteiger

other fillers are also eligible since this is an open and flexible system. Successful treatment by brushing, sandpapering, or coating depends largely on the quality of the filler. Another important point is that the filler becomes as hard as the wood. The dosage is calculated automatically. The scanner ensures the precise calculation of the dosage so that no product is wasted. The scanner Faulty Spot Eye has been specially developed by Wintersteiger to detect holes in panels. It works in 2D and 3D mode and processes the images in fractions of a second. The smallest machine is the TRC-M Easy and takes up about 1.5 x 1.5m. The semi-automatic version without a scanner is already available for €40,000. Prices for fully automatic lines start at €170,000. Since 2009, Wintersteiger has already installed 20 fully automatic production Lines, which can repair about 15 million square metres of panels per annum. A few dozen semi-automatic machines have now been sold worldwide.

Wintersteiger TRC stands for ‘Timber Repair & Cosmetics’, an advanced system for repairing wooden floors or panels using an ingenious detection and injection system. Wintersteiger TRC is now well integrated on the market. The repair filler is injected under pressure and shows no signs whatsoever of swelling or shrinking. Thanks to thermo-plastic technology, panels or floorboards can be further treated or put in storage immediately. Wintersteiger offers both semi-automatic and fully automatic machines. The existing systems work mainly with thermo-plastic fillers, some with polyamide, but, strictly speaking,

Emfiparquet Pro Plus

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

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Producers of silane adhesive

THE STRONG ASSETS OF SILANE ADHESIVES EXCELLENT BONDING AND MOREOVER…EASY TO USE

Photo – Pallmann

The degree of humidity in the air determines whether wood swells or shrinks. Since air humidity continuously (minimally or abruptly) changes, the wood is constantly in motion. With floating floors, this is taken into account by means of the tongue and groove joint or, for a few years now, by the modern click systems. With fully glued floors, we see a different story: Here, the adhesive must also be capable of following the wood’s movements without losing its adhesive strength. Silane adhesives excel in this.

Why elastic gluing? A material’s ‘elasticity’ is the rate at which a temporarily deformed material develops an opposite power to return to its original shape after taking away the cause of the deformation. The mechanical force with which the material adopts its original shape again is called its resilience or elasticity. Elasticity should not be confused with plasticity. Plastic material can also be deformed by mechanical influences, but they do not repair themselves. What was said in the introduction about the ‘movement’ of wooden floor parts makes it clear why parquet adhesive has to be elastic. When the wood swells, the adhesive must have a certain elasticity to adapt and therefore deform. Afterwards, when the wood shrinks again, this distortion needs to be undone.

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Silane adhesives Silane adhesives (whether we call them MS Polymers or MSP adhesives or simply silane adhesive) operate according to a different principle than PU adhesives. The silane (silicon hydride) modified polymers consist of chemical reactive compounds which ensure that the polymer forms an elastic adhesive connection when it comes into contact with air humidity. Silane adhesives ensure an excellent and durable adhesion, but remain elastic. The adhesives harden relatively fast so that it is usually possible to sandpaper and finish just one day later. The silane adhesives take away the stress on the base. According to the producers, many silane adhesives can be used on covering floors with a residual moisture content higher than 2.5%.

Healthy and user friendly Apart from the fact that silane adhesives offer an excellent adhesion quality, they offer the advantage that they can glue nearly all types of wood (definitely with the hard elastic variant). Additional advantages lie in the areas of health and usability. Silane adhesives contain no harmful substances for humans or the environment. This is important for floor fitters during the placement, but also subsequently for the occupant. The fact that these are ‘clean’ adhesives makes them ideal for use when fitting pre-finished floors. There’s no need for us

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Producers of silane adhesive

to say that fitting pre-finished parquet is a completely different story to fitting traditional parquet. The floor parts are finished completely or partially in the factory. This means that there is actually no more sanding work to be done. When floor fitters use traditional adhesives, they will have to proceed with extreme caution. Adhesive residues are not easy to remove. This is not a problem with silane adhesives. Silane adhesives are clean adhesives. They are easy to remove from the hands, and even adhesive which has leaked onto the wooden floor can simply be wiped clean with water. This is an important advantage for the fitting of pre-finished floors, and the growth of pre-finished floors can contribute considerably to the increased sales of silane-modified adhesives.

A favorable price tag In the perception of floor fitters, silane adhesive is still very expensive. This is true in a certain sense, and even more so when we simply compare the price per pot with that of other parquet adhesives. However, this statement needs to be modified. People who work with silane adhesive will note that their consumption of adhesive easily decreases by 25%. When we compare the data sheets of different adhesive producers, we note that (within the same brand) the required quantity of adhesive for different types of adhesive varies around 1250 to 1400g/ m2, while this is 1000g/m2 for silane adhesives. This obviously offsets the higher purchase price considerably. Moreover, we note that lots of floor fitters have simply switched to using silane adhesives for all applications simply because there is little risk of ‘problems’. You could call this paying a little extra for the peace of mind.

cannot absorb as much ‘movement’ between the glued sections. ‘Soft’ adhesives have less tensile strength, but they are certainly capable of absorbing differences in movement between the two glued materials. This elasticity plays a particularly important role with wooden floors, for instance. Changes in the air humidity also mean a change to the moisture content in the wood. This means that the wood will swell or shrink, whereas the substrate (e.g. concrete) will not do so. The difference in the ‘movement’ of the wood as compared to the concrete therefore has to be absorbed by the glue to ensure that differences in tension do not lead to damage to the wood (e.g. splits). Bijlard International offers Ankerweld MS Floor for glueing wooden floors and Ankerweld Skirtingboardkit High Tack, which guarantees very strong adhesion for skirting boards, profiles, and staircase renovations.

Bona

What’s on the market? Adesiv

The Adesiv philosophy is to deliver products with proven added value at competitive prices. Adesiv offers two silane adhesives, namely WB MONO MS and WB MONO MS/LE. These are both single component adhesives for glueing all sorts of wooden floors onto cement-based subfloors or non-absorbent floors such as marble, tiles, or wooden subfloors (also with floor heating or cooling). On level substrates the adhesives ensure an indelible barrier, which helps to prevent rising damp. The WB MONO MS/LE is the ideal variant for glueing multi-layer or solid wood planks in small sizes and has for the rest the same properties as the ordinary version. Both glues are EC1 Plus approved and meet the French A+ standard.

Bijlard International Hard silane adhesives are designed specifically for glueing, which requires a high degree of tensile strength. However, these adhesives

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Bona offers a full range of silane adhesives. The carefully balanced combination of elasticity and strength make these adhesives unique. Bona silane adhesives are an easy and efficient way to fix wooden floors securely. They contain neither water nor solvents, so they are not harmful in any way to people’s health. Moreover, these adhesives save time because they are easy to apply and adhere quickly. Their long open time is obviously an advantage. The adhesive is easy to remove from hands and tools. Adhesive residue is easy to remove. The adhesives offer outstanding adhesive strength, so that the floor is resistant to external forces and has a long lifespan. The Bona range starts with the moisture barrier. The Bona R580 Moisture Barrier is a 1-component moisture barrier for covering damp subfloors with a single coat as a single or dual component system, depending on the desired adhesion time. The Bona R850 Adhesive is a soft, elastic, and single component silane adhesive for multi-layer and solid wood floors (parquet, blocks, and planks). This adhesive is also available as Bona R850T, an adhesive with high viscosity for adhesive guns. This glue dries quickly, the set glue has a solid texture, and it can be used on almost all subfloors. Apart from this adhesive, Bona also offers the Bona R845 Adhesive and the Bona R860 Adhesive.

Chimiver Chimiver offers Unisil, an adhesive based on MS technology. This flexible an elastic adhesive is a ready to use product. UNISIL is a prepolymer based, single-component adhesive with a silanic termination

(MS technology), totally free of water, solvents, amines, tin, isocyanates and epoxy resins. It hardens with atmospheric humidity and becomes resistant to water, temperature and ageing in approx. 36-48 hours. Recommended for gluing prefinished parquet onto marble, grit, tiles, ceramic or marble-chip floor, etc. Also suitable for gluing parquet onto underfloor heating and cooling system. CERTIFICATES: EC1R; ATTESTATION CCAEnvironmentally Compatible Product (Certificate issued by Department BEST - Politecnico of Milan CCA Registration No. 201216); Sound Reduction (CSI Test Report No. 0056/DC/ACU/06); Heat conductivity (CSI Test Report No. 0020/DC/TTS/06). Unisil is available in buckets, sausages and cartridges. In addition to Unisil, Chimiver has also Adesiver Elastic which, as Unisil, is EC1 very low emissions certified adhesive. Both adhesives can contribute to the achievement of QI CREDIT 4.1 according to the parameters of the GEV dated 03 March 2009, because it meets the certification LEED protocol (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Devo® Amongst other things, Devomat offers the Devo Glue MSP 150 1C, a one-component semi-elastic silicone and isocyanate free hybrid MS polymer adhesive for multilayer stabilised parquet, and the Devo Glue MSP 200 1C, a one-component, soft-elastic silicone and isocyanate free hybrid MS polymer parquet adhesive. Devo Glue MSP 250 1C is the star product at Devomat Industries. This adhesive is suited for gluing all types of wood, solid wood up to 20cm wide, and is especially recommended for fitting pre-treated parquet. The adhesive contains no water or VOC and is easy to spread. Devo Glue MSP 250 is a hard-elastic adhesive (ca. 70 Shore) with high bonding strength, is in conformity to CSN EN 14293, and has the EC1 Plus (EC1-R) classification. Devo Glue MSP 250 comes in packages of 5kg.

Emfi For glueing all sorts of parquet Emfi recommends its hybrid polymers, including two spreadable glues (Emfi Parquet Pro Plus and Emfi Parquet Pro Eco) and the tube glue Emfimastic PS Parquet. Emfi’s best-seller is Emfi Parquet Pro+, a parquet adhesive based on silanated polymers, which is suitable for fully glueing all types of parquet. Thanks to a lot of research and development, Emfi Parquet Pro+ meets the strictest environmental standards. It doesn’t contain any solvents, silicones, or isocyanates. This adhesive is suitable for glueing very wide oak floorboards. It adheres rapidly and is very easy to apply.

The Emfi Parquet Pro+ is a single component adhesive. The high resistance to damp and temperature fluctuations makes this adhesive particularly suitable for fitting parquet on top of floor heating.

Henkel Fitting parquet puts high demands on the fitter’s performance and the quality of the product that is used. For pre-finished parquet, Thomsit presents P 675 Elast, with strong quality and a competitive price. However, P 685 Elast Universal is more versatile and especially suitable for solid parquet. P 695 Elast Universal Strong is your master of all classes and is suitable for all types of parquet. These three adhesives all possess the advantages of the FLEXTECTM technology developed exclusively by Thomsit. Thomsit elastic adhesives absorb the swelling and shrinking of parquet floors, thereby permanently reducing tensile stress on the base. Moreover, they are strong and flexible and attach to almost any base without the need for a sealant. Besides this, you also save on costly drying time.

Lecol Wakol MS 260 is a hard-elastic parquet adhesive, which is suitable for gluing mosaic, end grain blocks, 22mm parquet, multi-layer parquet, and solid wood parquet (up to 18cm wide, oak up to 20cm wide), cross-cut, and flat cork floors on absorbent and non-absorbent bases. WAKOL MS 260 complies with DIN EN 14 293. WAKOL MS 230 is an MS Polymer adhesive for the complete adhesion of multi-layer parquet with tongue

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Producers of silane adhesive

and groove. WAKOL MS 290 parquet adhesive combines the impact strength of a 2-K-PU adhesive with the strong processing features of a 1-K-MS adhesive. Due to the high internal resistance, the system provides maximum safety against the formation of joints. With WAKOL MS 290 parquet adhesive, all types of parquet and wood, as well as flat cork floors and ready-to-use cork, can be glued with MS-technology. Interactions with lacquers are excluded because the adhesive is free of plasticisers, so migration of constituents from the adhesive is impossible.

Mapei

The Ultrabond Eco S955 1K is a single component silane adhesive which contains no isocyanates or solvents and has very low VOC emissions. This adhesive is suitable for all types of parquet. Ultrabond Eco S955 1K can be used for gluing pre-finished parquet and laminate, traditional parquet, and floor planks on all cement-bound covering floors, bases made with Mapecem, Mapecem Pronto, Topcem, Topcem Pronto, or similar products. Ultrabond Eco S955 1K can also be used on old wooden floors, ceramics, marble, etc. (Emicode EC1). For finishing expansion and other joints, for instance, on horizontal and vertical surfaces, Mapei offers the Mapeflex MS45, a single component, thixotropic, and fast-setting silane polymer based hybrid sealant and adhesive kit.

Mitol

Pallmann Pallmann products, based on silane-terminated products (STP), are used as the basis for parquet adhesives and as sealants. In terms of application and composition, they are very similar to single component polyurethane adhesives. These single component adhesives set by reacting to moisture from the environment. If a choice can be made between a single component (1K) and a dual component (2K) system, the floor fitter’s preference will usually go to the 1K products. Soft silane adhesives pass limited stress from the wood to the base and allow expansion and contraction in the parquet. Hard/Hard-elastic silane adhesives offer more reliability when more resistance against expansion and contraction in the wood is needed, and they minimise parquet deformation. Pallmann offers the one-component STP parquet adhesive, PALLMANN P5, a hard-elastic solvent and water-free parquet adhesive following DIN EN 14293, for glueing parquet. This adhesive is suitable for strip parquet 19-22 mm, end grain blocks 16-22 mm, solid parquet, and exotic wood. The one-component STP adhesive combines powerful elasticity with the advantages of the modern STP technology. It contains no solvent or water, so it is easy to use and counteracts the harmful swelling and shrinking of parquet.

PLUS

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Mitol presents its premium product PARKETOLIT E60, a single component STP (silane terminated polyurethane) adhesive for gluing parquet. This hybrid adhesive combines benefits of all other adhesives in shear and tensile strength, elasticity and high environmental demands. Conforms to EN 14293:2006 and ISO 17178:2013 for hard-elastic adhesives. Considering its high quality characteristics is suitable for gluing all types of wooden floors on any kind of subfloor, also on the wet cement subfloors with moisture content up to 4 CM% and on heated floors without using primer. PARKETOLIT E65 is a single component MS adhesive for gluing all types of parquet. Meets standards EN 14293:2006 and ISO 17178:2013 for elastic adhesives. Both adhesives have excellent workability characteristics: ready to use, easy to spread, long open time, keep the form of applying, easy to clean. Permanently elastic property allows natural adaptation of wooden floors to ambient conditions and improves sound isolation.

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Soudal

For Soudal the elasticity of the glue is obviously important. A spokesperson comments: ‘Elastic glues absorb the movement of the parquet caused by residual moisture in the subfloor or in the wood.’ They refer here to the latest European standard EN14293, which draws a distinction between hard, hard-elastic, and elastic parquet adhesives. The demands as regards elasticity are adjusted down, which are raised from shearing force for the elastic. Soudal has three types of hybrid parquet adhesives, namely MS-20 Plus, MS-30 Plus, and SMX-30 Plus. Soudal profiles MS-20 Plus more in the direction of multi-layer parquet, MS-30 Plus as the all rounder, and SMX-30 Plus as the muscleman, which, for example, is ideal for tropical wood. Hybrid parquet adhesives are generally universal parquet adhesives, whilst MS-30 Plus is Soudal’s most Universal glue.

Stauf Flooring adhesive specialist STAUF offers various silane-based wood flooring adhesives for the whole bandwith of installation situations. Unexceptional all silane-based STAUF wood flooring adhesives are very low emission certified (Emicode EC1-R or EC1-R plus) and free of water and solvent. STAUF SMP-950 is a 100% silane based SMP wood flooring adhesive without any kind of migresives (no VOC, SVOC, VVOC) and therefore suitable for all sub floors and wood flooring types. STAUF SPU 570 universal parquet adhesive to bond solid or multilayer types of parquet. With SPU 555 STAUF is launching a very fast setting silane adhesive with high shear strength. STAUF SPU 460 Suitable for many types of parquet. Its strength makes it ideal for solid boards with a width-to-thickness ratio of up to 10:1.

Tover Certified quality at European level Tover chose Kaneka MS polymer technology for the production of its silane adhesives. The excellent quality of Tovcol MS, its elasticity

combined with a good strength, its low impact on Environment and high safety level for the user are now certified: indeed Tovcol MS obtained the Certificate issued by the German Institute DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bauteknik) who attests very low VOC contents. Moreover it got the A+ French Attestation relative to low emissions in a closed space. It also complies with the new ISO 17178-2013 norm with a shear strength of 1,8 N/mm² and more than 3 of shear elongation as certified by Centro Ricerca Catas. This elastic adhesive is suitable for any parquet on any sub-floor and recommended on under-floor heating systems. It does not swell, has a long working time, a good adhesion on ceramics and metallic supports and is very easy to clean from prefinished parquet. Tovcol MS is available in bags or buckets and Sigil MS in cartridges and sausages for a gun application of the sealant inside and outside (ship deck effect). A kit made of 10 sausages + a gun for a 20 square meters bonding is also available.

Kaneka MS Polymer™ Your Premium Choice for producing sealants, adhesives and coatings! www.kaneka.be

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Special

LVT, PVC and Vinyl in the contract market

FLEXIBLE FLOOR TILES ARE CONQUERING THE PROJECT MARKET SUCCESS FOLLOWS ON FROM THE PRODUCT’S OWN PROPERTIES

Photo – Parcolys Flooring

When we talk about vinyl, PVC and linoleum, we usually think at once of the rolls of flexible floor coverings, ‘a few’ metres wide which you buy by the metre. Balatum, Marmoleum… remember them? They were the floors in the primary school classroom, in the hospital, but also at home, in the bedroom. For a while they seemed to go out of fashion but their reintroduction in the form of multilayer tiles is gradually emerging as a success story. The good properties of various floor types have been brought together in a new type of floor covering. That, too, is ‘ hybrid’.

The sector’s voice The sector has a federation, for sure. It has 34 members, all companies from the absolute pinnacle of the flooring industry. The fact that the federation itself is growing says a great deal about the sector. MMFA stands for ‘Modular Multilayer Flooring Association’. Initially,

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Photo – Viligno

the federation appeared to be bringing together products which ‘didn’t belong anywhere’. Today, it is clear that multilayer flexible floor coverings (e.g. LVT, PVC, and click linoleum) form a separate segment making a new sector association highly desirable. In the meantime, they have co-operated in the creation of standard EN 16511, published a manual about specialist subfloors, and organised several workshops.

The market is growing At the last meeting of MMFA members in April in Sweden some figures were announced for the first time. MMFA identifies three categories of floors. The first category consists of floors that have a HDF substratum and a polymer base (lacquers not included). The second category comprises floors that have a substratum based on polymer or polymer composite with a polymer base and/or lacquer system. The third category consists of those floors that do not belong in either of the

first two categories. Members of MMFA represent as much as 95% of the market in the first category. During the first quarter of 2015 this segment saw an increase of more than 20% compared with the same first quarter in 2014. In the second category sales were the same as in 2014. For the time being no figures are available for the third category. In any event, MMFA members estimate the total volume of LVT on the Western European market at about 56 million square metres.

Mainly projects? Most of the providers whom we contacted pointed quite spontaneously to the project market to explain this rapid growth. We shall see below how these floors certainly have some strong assets for this market. They stand out particularly in health care and education. On the other hand, some consider that producers (brands) are taking a risk by directing their marketing at these projects too much. By doing so, the residential market could quite easily be neglected. However, these strong assets apply equally to use in private dwellings.

Other sectors It is not possible to summarise here all applications outside health care and education. Obviously, offices and public buildings, museums, libraries, and such like are all suitable. One segment in which the qualities of these floors are very well demonstrated are the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mobileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; residences. We are talking not only of modular units, shipping containers, and such, but also buses, aeroplanes and ships where these types of floor have been selected for many years.

Some remarkable companies: Flamingo Parket

Some assets The wide variety of designs, the seemingly authentic finishes, and the excellent properties make these floors suitable for projects. Thanks to their click systems, they are easy to fit, and their minimal thickness makes them suitable for renovations. The floors are also extremely durable. The easy maintenance is also an asset. These floors are making the grade, particularly in catering establishments, shopping centres, airports, and the public sector. As regards the ecological aspect, many producers are endeavouring to minimise their ecological footprint.

Health-related properties For nursing homes, retirement homes, day care centres, nursery schools, and such like, there are those typical requirements which keep on reappearing. The multilayer flexible floor coverings meet these requirements to the full.

Slip resistance These floors can be equipped with excellent anti-slip properties with no problem at all. This is important for the applications mentioned above (certainly on stairs), but also, for example, for children running in schools or on sports floors and such like.

Anti-bacterial and anti-static Anti-bacterial means not only that these floors repel dirt and bacteria and that through cleaning they will remain thoroughly clean, but also that they actually can contain substances which kill bacteria. Tests on some floors have indicated that the dust mite population very quickly decreases after the installation of some PVC, linoleum or vinyl floors. Hence they combat allergies! Anti-static properties benefit the operation of computer equipment and medical equipment.

Flamingo Parket deals in PVC only to a limited extent since the company is a parquet manufacturer and sees PVC only as a secondary product in its range. Its priority is to produce and process wooden floors. Nevertheless, some time ago, Flamingo Parket entered into partnership with the Swedish Golvabia, manufacturer of Maxwear PVC. The top layer of this product is made according to a newly-patented technology which places the vinyl cross-links on top of each other and this makes the floor much firmer and resistant to external influences. The foundation is an MDF base on which a 0.55 PVC layer has been placed including a polyurethane protective layer. On the underside the components are provided with an integrated bottom layer with noise-reducing properties. All edges are treated with a wax-based layer of lacquer to improve moisture resistance. This product is easy to install because of its 5G click system.

MFLOR

Acoustics Elsewhere in this issue we consider in more depth the acoustic properties of various types of floor. There we learn that, of all existing types of floor, flexible floor coverings provide the best acoustic comfort and the best insulation against impact noise. These are also important properties for hospitals, schools, libraries, retirement homes, and so on. The extent to which these floors contribute to acoustic comfort is partly determined by their thickness and composition.

Warm All these floors feel warm and soft, so you can walk on them in your bare feet. This can be an important advantage in hospitals, but also in communal dressing rooms (sport centres) and in waiting areas in medical centres.

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MFLORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project floors can be applied in many projects and segments, not only in the retail sector, but also in recreational areas such as

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LVT, PVC and Vinyl in the contract market

holiday parks, fitness centres, and so on. Because of their many and excellent technical features, these floors are ideal for intensive use in catering establishments, office buildings, schools, universities, hotels and healthcare institutions. Because all mFLOR floors are manufactured according to the ‘Hot-press’ method, they are extremely stable. The use of several films for each decor guarantees lots of variety between the different floorboards, with the result that seemingly all mFLOR floors from the project programme provide an extremely natural appearance, and because of that can barely be distinguished from real wooden floors or ceramic tiles. Entirely new in mFLOR’s offering to the project market is the ‘Grand’ planks collection with a format of 2 metres long and 20 cm wide, without repetition of design on the planks, and this results in a very natural appearance. The new ‘Fonteyn’ tile collection in size 91.44 x 91.44cm is also proving popular on the project market.

layer, the slip resistance, and the fact that the floors are in class 33 are also important.

Parcolys Flooring The number of LVT and PVC floors is rising, but for Parcolys it is not clear which other floors are losing out. The laminate market is certainly not decreasing. At Parcolys they are seeing constant growth in Parcolux and Parcostone. Aquastep remains stable. The first two are, in any case, ideal for the project market thanks to class 33, the robustness of the click connection, and the impenetrability of the top layer. The share is still growing for government buildings, retirement homes, and hospitals, but also in student residences and flats. The recyclability of the products and the ‘zero impact’ on the environment are obviously attractive. The water resistance and the impenetrability of the top

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Viligno Walking barefoot on a tiled floor during winter is not a pleasant experience. After all, a tiled floor is hard and will always feel cold. Viligno floors, on the other hand, retain a certain compressibility, because of which our body weight presses less hard on our feet. Viligno floors always feel naturally warm. Noise pollution is one of the greatest problems of our time. Viligno’s sound-insulating floors put an end to these auditory discomforts. These floors are remarkably sound-insulating and footsteps as well as sliding chairs and falling objects are virtually inaudible. The noise-insulating qualities of a Viligno floor are demonstrably better than those of the average laminate floor provided with a special underlay. Renovation projects need to deter you no longer, at least not as far as the floor is concerned. Despite their extreme durability, Viligno floors are only 2.5 or 4mm thick, and this is still significantly less than the thinnest laminate. Because of this you do not need to pull up the old floors and you can simply place your new Viligno floor on top of them. With Viligno’s waterproof floors, all moisture problems are a thing of the past. After all, vinyl resists water and the polyurethane protection layer even increases this effect. Viligno’s waterproof floors retain their shape in damp surroundings; they do not swell up but simply repel water. Every Viligno floor has been made to defy the passage of time even with intensive use. The strength of the vinyl and the special treatments which every durable Viligno floor undergoes will take care of that. Viligno is form-wise and dimensionally stable thanks to the solid core of the planks and tiles which have even been strengthened further with fibreglass. Viligno’s design floors are also extremely durable and resistant to stains and scratches.

Special

Sanding machines : part 1

THE ENDLESS BELT SANDER IS A WORK HORSE HOW DO FLOOR FITTERS MAKE A CHOICE?

Photo – Devomat Industries

You have racehorses which take part in horse races, jumpers for ‘show jumping’, and dressage horses, which battle it out with each other in the sphere of elegance. Then, you have that other sort: the world famous Brabant cart horses, which you still see here and there in an agricultural area in the meadow. Impressive, colossal even, but certainly extremely powerful. These are work horses for the heaviest job: ploughing and preparing the soil for sowing. Ploughing and preparing -the comparison with the work horse amongst sandpapering machines is correct in different areas.

Levelling by sanding The main task of a belt sander is to level the floor once it has been fitted. The machine is used first of all once the subfloor has been glued. With traditional parquet, the belt sander has to sandpaper the Mosaic blocks until they are completely level. Endless belt sanders weigh up to a cavalier 80kg. That, together with the huge motor power, enables them to perform outstanding feats of sandpapering. And so, the power of the sandpapering comes partly from the weight of the machine. The machines work on a rotating wheel base. A sanding belt is tightened by two rollers, namely the cylinder and the top roller. The endless belt sander is used for the second time to level the end floor, which has been glued and/or nailed onto the Mosaic subfloor. Endless belt

sanders are self-propelled i.e. the machine advances as soon as the roller touches the floor.

Different pressure and grains The weight of the belt sander and the motor power are important for good sanding results, but there’s more to it than that. Parquet is sandpapered in various phases and subject to the use of different sanding grains. It goes without saying that the pressure exerted by the machine onto the wooden floor should not be the same for each grain. As a rule, there are three levels of pressure exerted by the roller onto the floor: The greatest pressure is for roughest grain (initial sanding), medium pressure for the medium-sized grain, and the lowest pressure for the most slender grain (for the lightest work).

Sanding grains for new floors We use grains 36 and 40 to sandpaper a new parquet or wooden floor for the first time. However, for sanding soft sorts of wood we use grains 60 and 80 for this initial sanding. They are also used for re-sandpapering semi-rough sanding. They are used for sandpapering new hard wood for the second time. For sanding the floor for the definitive third time to finish off, we use grains 100-120 for new floors in hard wood.

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Sanding machines : part 1

Sanding grains for old floors Grain 20 is an extremely rough grain which is used to remove surface layers from old floors. The sanding material has an open structure in order to limit any crusting. Grain 20 is not used directly on the wood. Grain 24 is also an extra rough grain used for levelling or for removing old layers. Grains 36-40 ware used for re-sandpapering rough sanding, often for the initial sandpapering after the removal of coats of oil or varnish. Grains 60 and 80 are often used for sandpapering to finish renovated old floors. In some cases old floors might need to be re-sandpapered using grains 100-120.

Technical perfection We observe two striking phenomena in the world of parquet sanding machines. Firstly, manufacturers of these machines are also specialists, who often devote themselves entirely to these machines. Parquet is their sphere of work. Secondly, and certainly as regards belt sanders, we note the fact that the machines have changed very little over the years. Innovations are generally highly refined technical improvements, but the machines themselves have essentially been in existence for several decades. Improvements made in recent years to refine the machines relate to technical performances and ergonomics. Those improvements have combined to ensure that the machine yields perfect results in and of itself, so that the floor fitter’s own contribution is reduced to a minimum. One point for attention which has become increasingly important in recent years is dust suction. Belt sanders have had a more than respectable dust suctions and dust collectors for years. However, in recent years, there has been a marked preference for dust suction by connecting an external unit, a working method which is considerably more efficient. Here, too, manufacturers are guided by a combination of technical and ergonomic motives.

It doesn’t have to be ‘sexy’. These sanding machines have never had a really attractive appearance, although in recent years some appliances have emerged where makers have given more thought to the design. Floor fitters aren’t really interested in the design. It hardly affects their choice of purchase. From a survey we found out their main reasons for choosing a machine. They were as follows in order of importance: 1. Technical qualities and possibilities 2. Ergonomics and convenience 3. The price 4. The design.

What’s on the market? Alvaket The German manufacturer FRANK, which has a very good reputation, has brought out a few new versions of existing parquet sanding machines. Alvaket sells these machines in Belgium. We present here the Cobra Classic belt sander, an appliance which no longer has hooters and bells, but which has not lost sight of the essence. This Cobra Classic works with one self-tightening and ribbed belt, just like the top version, the Cobra 09, and not with two belts like the existing Cobra.

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The advantages of one belt instead of two are as follows: - Fewer vibrations - Less capacity loss - Less noise due to less rubbing - Motor can be dismounted faster to make the machine lighter for transport. This machine provides high sanding pressure and, despite its weight of 83kg, which is necessary to ensure sanding pressure and stability, it is very pleasant and handy to use. The machine is very handy and easy to dismantle to make it portable (to carry it via the stairs to the next floor, to load and unload the car, etc.). A spokesperson from Alvaket comments: ‘The COBRA 09 is actually the only belt sander which has come onto the market over the past ten years and which takes account of the latest research into ergonomics.’

Bona Bona’s unrivalled passion for wooden floors has often led to the introduction of revolutionary innovations with a major impact when it comes to the treatment of wooden floors. Recently, Bona has confirmed this passion even more by entering into partnership with the state-of-the-art technology of machine manufacturer ‘Kunzle and Tasin’ (K&T). Their collaboration has resulted in a complete and fully compatible range of high-quality sanding machines. The Bona Elite Machine Park offers professionals all the options for every sandpapering challenge in a comfortable and efficient manner. Large surfaces, such as sports halls, exposition halls, or museums, require the most powerful sanding machines for maximum efficiency. The belt sander Bona Belt is part of the Bona Elite Machine Park. This is an easy-to-manoeuvre and versatile machine for all sorts of professional sandpapering. It is powerful, efficient, and equipped with two optional cylinder widths (200 and 250mm). Moreover, it can be assembled and dismantled quickly and easily. The rotary disc sander Bona Flexi Sand is also part of the Bona Elite Machine Park. Bona Flexi Sand 1.5 is a powerful and flexible machine, which can be equipped with various drive discs for a wide range of floor operations. With its powerful 1.5kW motor and robust construction, this machine operates easily and flexibly, even with heavy jobs. Equipped with the revolutionary Bona Power Drive, this is part of the Bona Flexi Sand, a unique rotary machine which can sand in all directions down to the bare wood. It is comfortable to use; it has large wheels and a foldable handle for easy transport and is light and ergonomic to use. They’ve even thought of dust! Bothe machines can easily be connected to the Bona Dust Care System (DCS) whereby all the dust is collected, whilst the innovative two-step cyclone system and separate filter ensure that the air stays pure. Bona offers a system in which the products are geared to each other according to the range. This is also true of the sanding machines.

Devomat Industries Although the belt sander is specially developed for ‘heavy’ work and is indispensable for a number of jobs, it is also possible to carry out a number of standard renovation jobs by using solely the Devo® Master 3D. The works proceeds much faster and you get a better quality of finish. At present, the Devo research and development department

is working on new machines, including the Deva Belt II endless belt sander, Deva Handy II belt sander, and the Deva Easy II edge sander. Most Devo Machines have their own dust suction and can be connected to the Devo Fine Dust for dust-free work. The Wood Boy machine and the Devo Master 3D are already equipped as standard to be connected to the Fine Dust. In developing or refining machines, Devomat pays most attention to the technical aspects. Ergonomics, however, is also important. Obviously, parquet sanding machines are still heavy appliances. This is inevitable. After all, the output of a professional machine is directly proportional to its weight. This is largely offset by making machines which can be dismantled or designing carrier handles. Ergonomics during work is also important. For example, the Devo Master 3D puts much less strain on the worker’s back during work due the machine’s own stability and the ergonomic stance of the user during work.

Janser The Tiger is the most powerful machine in the Janser range. This machine is highly stable and easy to use. Janser has equipped the Tiger with two different motor speeds. This means you can use the machine for both rough and finer sanding. All moving mechanical parts are completely screened off for the user’s own safety. This machine can also be dismantled into three parts and is easy to transport. The machine has a high-tech system for setting the sanding roller precisely. Furthermore, Janser also offers for hire the Leopard lighter belt sander (60kg) and the Jaguar Drum sander.

Overmat Overmat offers several machines for grinding and sanding of wooden floors. For example: the new Woodboy® 4000/32-3. This rotating single disc machine is suitable for (fine) grinding and polishing of wooden floors, before applying the finishing layer oil or lacquer with the best result. All-in-one with the HTC 420 Overmat also offers grinding machines by the Swedish brand HTC. The HTC 420 is a compact and solid grinding machine with a high capacity. Due to the wide

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range of tools the machine is suitable for any wood grinding job. From floor preparation to fine polishing of the wooden floor. Therefore this machine is capable to do the work for a drum sander and rotating grinding machine all-in-one! Do you prefer working with a drum sander for the coarse work? Overmat offers you the right machine! Our high efficiency Woodmaster grinding machines are known for their powerful motor and solid construction. Therefore they are perfect for professional use in grinding parquet and wooden floors.

Repex By innovating constantly, Repex has managed to design better and more user-friendly machines for professional users. The latest innovation is the Cyclone, an endless belt sander with a powerful motor (2200 or 3000W) which is easy to transport. The machine’s belt tension can be adjusted whilst it is in operation to ensure maximum power transfer. The sanding pressure can be adapted to the substrate and the required sanding result. The Cyclone stands out due to its dust-free operation. The appliance allows no more than 1mg/m³ (0.79mg/m³) dust to escape. Dust particles larger than 5 microns are separated and deposited in a disposable bag. The bag is removed without the user coming into contact with the dust. The smaller dust particles end up in a double-walled filter with content corresponding to a whole working day. The machine can be dismantled into four parts. Its total weight is 110kg.

Tover Tover RC1 sanding machine is extremely versatile. Its system of orbital magnetic discs combined with the speed variator enables an excellent level of finishing (fine sanding), oil application but also a really efficient grinding, adding supplementary weights. Thanks to its good stability, it is possible to drive it without effort and in total safety. The vacuum system has been improved with a powerful turbine which drastically reduces the quantity of dust during the working time; the site is thus healthier for the installer and the abrasives used remain clean and have a longer life. Numerous accessories and in particular steel brushes permit to achieve brushed or planed floors for an aged aspect. It is also possible to adapt a sole disc to transform the machine into a mono-disc and to be able to oil the wood with a pad or to remove old glues residues from concrete sub-floors. A unique machine is enough for all the steps of parquet preparation and finishing.

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Invisible fastening systems for exterior wall cladding

INVISIBLE FASTENING FOR EXTERIOR WALL CLADDING TO WHAT EXTENT ARE THESE SYSTEMS SUFFICIENTLY WELL KNOWN?

Photo – Archi Wood

The benefits of invisible fastening systems for exterior wall wood are the same as those for terraces: faster fitting, no nails or screws in the planks or boards, no splinter formation, a longer lifespan, and, last but not least, a much more attractive result since there are no visible fasteners. Although wooden wall cladding is subjected much less to mechanical pressure (you don’t walk on it!), many of these systems are recommended straightaway for terrace wood and wall cladding.

Wood scores well! Wood has an outstanding record in the construction industry. People are looking more and more for sustainable and natural materials, and this fits in completely with a growing environmental awareness. Wood is a renewable raw material, and if it comes from (proven) sustainably managed forests, we can sleep easily at night in that regard. Like any other building material, wood is obviously also ‘finite’ in some respects. The supply runs out at some point. The combination of the intrinsic qualities of wood and the technical ingenuity of human beings can postpone that end until the distant future. Just look at the countless

Floor Forum International 76

wooden homes which survive, for example, in Scandinavian countries (i.e. in bitterly cold conditions). This is a result of ‘good wood used in the correct manner’. All that applies equally well to exterior wall cladding.

Wood as a wall cladding Wood has always been used as wall cladding, more so in some regions than others. To reconcile the appearance of wooden planks with sustainability and low maintenance, masses of people went through a period of using technical alternatives; composites and synthetics pushed wood into the background. Nowadays, it is clear that wood can also have a long lifespan, provided that it is treated properly. The advance of wooden wall cladding goes on, sometimes for entire walls and sometimes as a highlight. It’s no surprise that fastening systems, which are being deployed increasingly to fit wooden terraces, are also emerging here, too.

Classic cedar wood fitting With classic fitting, too, without fastening clips, fitters had to take account of lots of rules of good workmanship in order to ensure the durability of the exterior wall cladding. Let’s summarise a few rules of

thumb (source: Outdoor Wood Concepts). The wall cladding is fastened onto horizontally or vertically fitted strips of wood, which are fastened themselves to the base construction. Fit the strips of wood, preferably in coniferous wood and equipped with a preventive protective treatment (22 x 45mm; e.g. saturated wood with ATG certificate), at maximum intervals of 40cm. With horizontal claddings, the fastening strips are simply fitted vertically onto the wall. With vertical cladding, the strips need to have intermittent gaps at certain points for ventilation purposes. It is advisable to use only plain-sawn planks for places which are exposed to direct sunlight. With horizontal fitting, you start at the bottom. The tongue always has to point upwards. Start 10-15cm from the ground. Wood swells and shrinks: Do not fit the end planks against the wall/ceiling, but leave a space of about 15mm. To create an interior corner, you can best use an inside corner profile. There are outside corner profiles for finishing outside corners. There are also specific profiles for finishing ends or joints on a window or door frame. Some wall profiles are fitted with a milled line, which indicates the spot for concealed nailing. Use stainless steel nails with a small head and a minimum length of 45mm. Other sorts should not be used since they could oxidise and react unfavourably with the natural preservative oil in wood such as cedar, and that would lead to stains.

Invisible fastening As is the case with wooden terraces, these invisible fastenings press through to the wall. The arguments are just about the same, the systems themselves likewise: Most of them are presented as suitable for both applications. We have to wait and see whether or not there will be a general breakthrough. Some claim that these systems are suitable

only for vertical wall cladding. A real problem which arises (and which can easily be solved) is the conclusion that ‘unknown is still unloved’. Another anecdote from real life: The biggest tennis and hockey club from the region of Mechelen has extended its accommodation by a further 400m² of additional facilities. The main exterior wall is designed in thermo-wood. The wall is about 33m long and in parts 8m high. This editor, who is on the committee, pleaded fervently for the use of one of these systems. The contractor (a well known villa constructor with years of experience) ultimately opted for ‘classic’ fitting due to the fact that he thought that these systems were too expensive and because his workers weren’t familiar with them and therefore certainly couldn’t fit them. Surely there’s a need for more communication and training?

What’s on the market? Archi Wood HardWood Clip® is the wooden terrace invisible fastening system developed by Archi Wood. The stainless steel fastening clip (in a high-quality synthetic casing) is applied to the grooves (on the side) of the floorboards and is screwed through the floorboards at an angle of 45° into the beams using self-drilling screws (SPAX in high-quality A2 stainless steel). SoftWood Clip™ is virtually the same fastening system as the HardWood Clip®, but it is designed exclusively for thermo-wood or thermally treated wood sorts. The SoftWood Clip™ is available in two sizes (5 and 7mm). Both systems are also suitable for both vertical and horizontal fitting of exterior wall cladding. Specially for that purpose, Archi Wood has developed the DROP ™ profile, which, can prevent water or insects from Pagina 1 adv. amongst 92,5 x other 136 things, mm:Opmaak 1 05-12-2014 09:45

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Floor Forum International 76

Special

Invisible fastening systems for exterior wall cladding

seeping through and is adapted to the most common sorts of wood. The planks can be fitted quickly and there are no longer any visible screws or nails.

B-Fix The B-Fix invisible fastening system is just as good for exterior wooden walls as it is for terraces. Today, B-Fix presents B-Fix One, B-Fix Black One, and B-Fix Border. Furthermore, the range also includes various accessories. The system itself is designed in stainless steel with memory effect so that the wood can operate naturally and yet stay fixed perfectly in place. Each plank can be removed individually. The fastening system can be assembled on three different profiles (Classic, Plus, and Premium) and can be deployed on a good number of wood sorts and on composite. Thanks to the screws, the system adapts to different types of structures e.g. wood, aluminium, or low structure. B-Fix can be used horizontally and vertically.

La San Marco Profili At San Marco Profili they have also noticed a growing interest in exterior wooden wall cladding. They realise that the quest for harmony with nature is the underlying cause. That’s why it’s difficult for people to use materials other than wood, such as composite. Whatever the reason, however, exterior wooden wall cladding is becoming more popular, certainly for renovation or rejuvenation. San Marco Profili offers a fastening system which is completely invisible and can be deployed for both terraces and walls. The wood can swell and shrink with no risk of cracks. This patented profile (Välinge holds the licence) conceals the bottom

Floor Forum International 76

structure, but also allows perfect drainage. The system has been developed as a flexible solution for both wall cladding and terraces.

Outdoor Wood Concepts At Outdoor Wood Concepts they have noticed two trends: an increase in which either the entire wall is in wood or only a highlight and, at the same time, mainly an increase in vertical applications. Outdoor Wood Concepts Works mainly with tongue and groove joints (sealed wall cladding). People are happy with fastening systems when it comes to vertically fitted wall cladding. With horizontal fitting some water gets left in the groove. Technically, this is not a good thing (still/stagnant water, freezing, and such like) and it is against BBRI rules. Outdoor Wood Concepts has not developed any fastening systems (clips) of its own, but uses the well known systems. The company has a preference for sealed wall cladding systems. An important advantage of an open system is certainly the perfect ventilation of the cavity, but on the other hand an open system does have some drawbacks as well: The strips of wood at the back also need the same durability because the wood is also exposed to the weather conditions. Moreover, you also need to fit a suitable moisture barrier (winds, UV, and such like). A moisture barrier like those used for sealed walled cladding is not practical with open wall cladding. The moisture barrier is a weak link in the structure. It can easily be damaged, for instance, by tree branches, children, and such like.

Vetedy Here at Vetedy, we develop complete systems, to meet market demand and requirement. Our invisible system for cladding Techniclic®, allows to cover simply and quickly small and big projects. Techniclic® system’s simplicity allows every types of horizontal or vertical installation, exterior and interior, and ceilings that become acoustics by combination of wood width and spacers width. Techniclic® also allows to play with planks width and to choose open joints from 5.5 to 30mm. Our team has recently developed a solution that allows to remove the grey from an exterior cladding without difficulty: whether it is in wood or other material, with only on application by spray. "Original " is a powerfull and active cleaning agent, ready to use and efficient on wooden surfaces, without brushing and cleaning, as magic…..

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Special

Outdoor floors : maintenance & finishes

THE LONG LIFE OF WOODEN TERRACES PROFESSIONAL FINISH AND MAINTENANCE WORK WONDERS

Photo – Blanchon

There are, of course, lots of normal maintenance products, such as the classic household detergents, which you can also use to keep wooden terraces and furniture ‘clean’. Obviously, it’s better if we use products that have been developed specially for that purpose by specialist producers. These products can prolong considerably the lifespan of a wooden terrace, bamboo, or composite. Let’s be honest: For professionals it’s another nice way of promoting customer loyalty by acting as a ‘supplier for life’.

Protecting wood…against what? When we employ means to protect a product, we first need to define the thing against which we wish to provide protection. In the case of wooden terraces and bamboo, the enemies are more or less clear. Composite encounters the same dangers, albeit to a different degree, and depending on the composition. The dangers lie in nature itself. Light, air, water, and life are all necessary for our existence, but at the same time, they are responsible for the slow ‘decay’. Ultraviolet light (together with oxygen and water) causes the wood to turn grey (ageing) and, possibly, wood rot (see below). In a photochemical process, sunlight breaks down the dark-coloured lignin, one of the main components of wood. The light-coloured cellulose, that other component, remains behind alone. The ageing shows that the colour of

the cellulose becomes dominant. In the case of ageing (caused by UV light), water can become another danger. Inside the wood, the cellulose can simply be washed away, and the wood takes on ragged patterns that everyone has already seen in a piece of rotten wood. Living organisms can also be a threat. The main enemies we can identify are the woodworm, wood rot, and the polypore. The woodworm is a larva of the furniture beetle. The woodworm lives in nature predominantly in trees with hard wood, such as oak and fruit trees. Wood rot in turn is a mold that mainly affects wood that comes into contact with (too much) water.

How do we protect wood? Chemical companies have developed an extensive range of products, which can be summarised in three product categories, namely terrace oil as protection against UV light, anti-ageing, and cleaners.

Terrace oil Terrace oil is applied on new or existing wooden terrace floors. This always needs to be done on thoroughly cleaned or even lightly sanded wood. Terrace oil provides effective protection against the penetration of moisture and dirt, since the oil impregnates the wood to saturate the pores and give the wood a strong surface. Coloured oil should be used to provide protection against UV light.

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Outdoor floors : maintenance & finishes

Terrace anti-ageing

Bona

Terrace anti-ageing is meant partly to counter ageing or to eliminate the decomposing wood layer which causes the aging. Anti-ageing products take away the veil and restore the wood to its original colour. Not everyone is in favour of this.

Bona presents its Bona Deep Cleaning System, a powerful and professional cleaning system for wooden floors. This system ensures deep and professional cleaning, which removes stubborn dirt and scale from wooden floors. With the powerful scrubbing machine Bona Power Scrubber and Bona’s special professional formula wooden floor cleaner, Bona Deep Clean Solution, floor fitters can ensure a nice clean surface. The Bona Deep Clean Solution is mixed, depending on the applied finish. The product is developed for use with the Bona Power Scrubber™ and other scrubbing machines. For lacquered floors, pour one litre of Bona Deep Clean Solution into the Bona Power Scrubber tank and add clean water. For oiled floors, pour 0.5 litres of Bona Deep Clean Solution into the Bona Power Scrubber tank and add clean water. Never use it undiluted! You use the Decking Oil for the finish and maintenance. Bona Decking Oil is a concentrated mix of vegetable oils which is modified for superior impregnation and long-term protection of wooden terrace floors and other outdoor wooden surfaces. The oil brings out the natural grain of the wood better, provides protection against the penetration of damp and reduces the possibility of the wood splitting or warping.

Terrace cleaner Terrace cleaners are an effective means against moss and dirt. They can be applied on all types of tropical wood. Most cleaners are diluted with water and applied with a brush. Depending on the severity of the contamination, the dose may be adjusted, and if the spot has not disappeared after one clean, the application can be repeated. It is generally recommended to brush the wood in the longitudinal direction with a nylon brush. Often, a (thorough) clean with terrace cleaner precedes the application of terrace oil.

Composites Now that wood composites are conquering the market, some chemical companies are taking the initiative to mention clearly on the leaflet if a certain product can be used for composite or not. Some manufacturers of composite terraces suggest cleaning products themselves, and it is even permissible to use a high-pressure hose on some composites, something which is absolutely forbidden for real wooden flooring. It is clear that the ‘dangers’ that exist for wood within nature apply to composite wood to a much lesser extent or even not at all. Nevertheless, we should not forget that these composites still consist partially of wood.

Additional business Maintenance of terraces can generate extra income for floor fitters in different ways. Offering products for maintaining and cleaning parquet means an opportunity for floor fitters to increase their sales considerably. Because of the high finish level and the cost, clients need advice and they will regard floor fitters as advisers. Obviously, the same also applies to terrace maintenance. After all, clients want to enjoy their terraces (and their investment) as long as possible. They explicitly prefer ‘professional’ products recommended by their specialist. Selling products provides 'easy money' because you don’t really have to do much. Another way to keep earning some money on a terrace is to sign a maintenance contract with clients. Clients are given products to carry out periodic cleaning during the season themselves, whilst floor fitters take care of major cleaning and the preparation. In this way, floor fitters create additional assignments for themselves.

A selection from the range Adesiv For the treatment of terraces Adesiv first of all offers Pavidek, an impregnation product which has to be applied in two coats. The idea is to protect the wood against all weather conditions and counteract ageing. Adesiv has a full range for the treatment and maintenance of wooden floors. New Deck is a product which prevents and eliminates ageing in outdoor floors. Pavidek is an impregnation resin which provides protection against UV light and Oliopro is a detergent for regular cleaning. The products can be deployed for all wood sorts.

Floor Forum International 76

Blanchon Blanchon presents an impregnation through saturation for the protection of outdoor floors. This means that all fibres (pores) of the wood get saturated and that only a small quantity of product is left on top. The wood needs to be cleaned thoroughly before saturation. Blanchon has a full range of products for the preparation, finish, and maintenance. Firstly, there is the Wood Anti-Ageing Blanchon (‘Dégriseur Bois Blanchon’). This high-quality gel is specially recommended for cleaning outdoor wood exposed to the weather and the formation of mould and moss. The Wood Saturator Blanchon (‘Satureur Bois Blanchon’) is the saturator and is based on the traditional composition. For a few years now, Blanchon has also offered the Ecological Saturator (‘Saturateur Environnement’), which is part of the Quality Environment Line (‘Ligne Qualité Environnement’) and scores highly on all points. This can also be applied to exotic wood sorts immediately after the fitting. In this range, too, Blanchon offers the Opaque Ecological Saturator (‘ Satureur Opaque Environnement Blanchon’). This is primarily suitable for softwood and makes it possible to finish the terrace in half a day thanks to the fast drying. For periodic cleaning there is the Terrace Cleaner Blanchon (‘Nettoyant Terrasses Blanchon’) and the Blanchon Terrace Composite Renovator (‘Blanchon de Renovateur Terrasses Composites’) . The Anti-UV System for Terraces (‘Système Ant-UV Terrasses’) is a colourless protective system to counter the effects of sunlight on the wood. The system consists of an Anti-UV Conditioner (‘Conditionneur Anti UV’) and an Anti-UV Terrace Protector (‘Protecteur Terrasses Anti UV’). An important added value of this system is that it

preserves the original colour of wood. Whilst protection from UV light is traditionally connected with pigment additives, this system is colourless.

Briançon At Briançon they are absolutely convinced that the best product for finishing and maintaining terrace wood is a saturator. One important point to note is that you don’t use a saturator with too much colour, so that the natural shade of the wood is preserved. For terrace wood finished in sterilised treated pine it is possible, for example, to apply the Red Wood Saturator (‘Saturateur Bois Rouge’). This product gives the wood something of the appearance of ipe i.e. an exotic look. Briançon presents a full range for the finish and maintenance. For anti-ageing treatment on terraces which have become grey there is the ‘Wood Anti-Ageing (‘Degriseur Bois’). The Aqua Terrace Saturator (‘Saturateur Aqua Terrasse’) can then be applied to all wood sorts (5 available shades). Finally, there is the Aqua Oil for Teak (‘Huile Aqua pour Teck’) for maintaining garden furniture.

Ciranova Ciranova offers a comprehensive range of products for exterior wood. Green deposit remover removes green deposits from all surfaces. It continues to maintain its strength for a long time after the treatment. The anti-ageing renovates dirty and aged exterior wood. Ciranova Woodcleaner is a product for cleaning and degreasing exterior wood. Woodcleaner gives you a smooth result if the wood is finished with a Ciranova protection product. Woodprotector is a natural oil that is suitable for feeding and protecting all exterior wood. Ciranova Ecoprotector is a waterborne protection product for exterior wood such as exotic wood, resinous wood, and European deciduous trees. Ecoprotector doesn’t apply a film, but penetrates into the wood. UVP Colour is a waterborne, VOC-free primer based on nano pigments for staining wood. An additional UV absorber protects the wood from yellowing and aging. After application, UVP Colour must be protected with one coat of UVP Decking Oil 2K, a waterborne, VOS-free (0% VOS) two-component oil with nano pigments for the protection of exterior wood. Aquafix Protect RRT is a revolutionary product with built-in RRT technology (= Rapid Rain Technology) that gives the wood a pearl effect so the water trickles directly from the wood, and this in only one layer.

the right support

Wishinavitsibilse teo sthseeenyetsial We have been ensuring quality and support for roofings and foundations for 30 years, providing our contribution to the construction sector. Impertek has an extensive range of competitive products: from the adjustable supports, like the extensions for jack supports, to the XL jack supports and MegaMart S. An invisible contribution to make your world sounder and more durable.

Chimiver Chimiver offers a wide range of products for treating protecting and maintaining all kind of outdoor wooden surfaces. Lios Sundeck Wood Oil is an impregnating oil for outdoor wooden floors available in different colors and a certified anti-slip version. Lios Sundeck Soap is a nourishing soap for cleaning and maintaning outdoor wooden floors. Lios Grigioff is a special solvent-free product to restore wheathered outdoor wooden floor back to its original colour.

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Chimiver offers also a water-based impregnating oil SUNDECK W OIL available in different versions as no-slip and colored white and grey. Last innovation from Chimiver research is LIOS SUNDECK CLIMA+ which is a water-based thixotropic impregnating oil for wood with UV absorption double technology. Thanks to this innovation property, LIOS SUNDECK CLIMA+ is particularly resistant to the action of UV radiation, both direct and indirect. Hence it is recommended for the treatment and protection of the wooden boards used as outer covering of facades. Its new formulation, due to its suitable thixotropy, cut down minimize the draining. The light mordant, in addition to be an excellent solar filter, gives the wood a pleasant warm colour. LIOS SUNDECK CLIMA+ also protects the wood from mildew and infesting microorganisms. Into our range we offer also SCUDO WPC which is a water-based compound formulated with high penetrating nanotech particles for the treatment of WPC, precompressed wood, composites based on different materials. SCUDO WPC makes the treated surfaces water-oil-repellent, avoiding the formation of unaesthetic and persistent stains due to the absorption of oil substances and dirty. It gives a slight toning effect, excellent resistance and color stability.

DevoNatural® For the cleaning and treatment of wooden terraces and garden furniture, Devomat offers the Devo Natural® High Solid Oil. Especially for tropical hardwood, the wood is best protected after thorough cleaning. For this thorough cleaning of contaminated and weathered wood, there is Devo Natural® Outdoor Woodcleaner, and to remove dirt and grease, Devo Natural® Intensive Cleaner is recommended. If necessary, light sanding and/or scrubbing with Woodboy and a brush or a black cushion are also possible. Devo Natural ®Outdoor Wood Cleaner is an intensive wood cleaner based on oxalic acid. Devo Natural ®Intensive Cleaner is a powerful cleaner for removing old layers of soap and degreasing heavily soiled floors. This should be applied before the application of parquet oil or oil renovator. For the application of Devo Natural ®High Solid Oil – ‘colour and protect’, the application of one layer is sufficient.

Durieu/Owatrol Which products are most suitable for finishing and maintaining outdoor parquet is determined partly by the state of the wood. At all events, it has to be clean and dry and stripped of any previous finishes. The pores have to be fully open: The wood has to be compatible with oil or saturator. Depending on each individual case, you will have to clean, apply anti-ageing, de-grease, or stain. Owatrol has a broad range of products for all these tasks. As regards the saturators, Durieu offers the Owatrol range for softwood sorts and exotic sorts. Owatrol Pro are the saturators for soft, exotic, and hard wood sorts. In addition, Durieu also presents the range of azures and saturators from Linitop. For maintenance of composites Durieu has ‘compo care’, whilst for cleaning there is ‘compo clean’.

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Outdoor floors : maintenance & finishes

Floorservice The garden is increasingly becoming an extension of your home’s interior. Wooden patios with matching chairs and tables perfectly suit your indoor style. Just like the wood for indoor floors, the outdoor wood also requires attention and the right products in order to maintain the natural look! Floorservice Decking Oil To keep the outdoor wood in perfect condition we’ve developed Floorservice Decking Oil. This oil penetrates deep into the (tropical) wood and offers excellent protection against water and dirt. The mild smelling oil doesn’t leave a film, but gives the wood a smooth surface. Floorservice Woodwash The intensive cleaner Floorservice Woodwash cleans thoroughly and restores colour of garden furniture, patio’s, garden fences and pergolas. This is an excellent universal cleaner for soft and hard wood types. The grey garden wood will be brought back to life, restoring the wood’s former glory!

Loba For the maintenance of exterior decking and exterior wood in general, Loba presents its Lobasol® Deck & Teak Oil. This oil has been developed specially for wooden decking, garden furniture, and garden wood, and is based on vegetable oils that provide UV protection. Thanks to the great penetration ability of the oil, the wood is protected, but it keeps its pores open so that it can breathe freely. The natural beauty of the wood is accentuated by emphasising the wood fibres. The slip resistance is in conformity to DIN 51130 for smooth and grooved terrace boards. Before you apply the oil, you are advised to clean the floor with Deck & Teak Refresh or with Lobacare® Parkett Soap. Deck & Teak Refresh returns aging wood its original colour. Completely new in the wide colour range of the Lobasol® Deck & Teak Oil is the 'vintage white'.

outdoor wood thoroughly. The Ultracoat Top Deck Oil (Natural and Teak) finishes and maintains the wood.

Osmo Effective rejuvenation Untreated wooden decking develops a grey patina through climatic influences, such as rain and UV radiation. The natural wood tone can however be quite easily restored with Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel: the deck is first dampened with water. Then apply Wood Reviver Power Gel generously with a stiff brush along the wood grain. After 20 minutes the deck can be cleaned with a brush and afterwards rinsed with a lot of water. After approx. 48 hours drying time, the rejuvenated wood should be protected with an Osmo Decking-Oil.

Rubio Monocoat Muylle Facon presents a system for the protection and maintenance of terraces. Besides choosing the right finishing product, the preparation is of paramount importance for Muylle Facon. In order to

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Mapei Mapei believes that oil provides the best finish for wooden outdoor floors. The most important feature of a finish for wooden outdoor floors is that it has to be a breathable finish, so there must certainly not be any film on top. In this context Mapei has a full and clear finish and maintenance system. The Ultracoat Top Deck Cleaner, an alkaline product which is completely ready for use, cleans

www.saicos.de

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Outdoor floors : maintenace & finishes

Exterior Soap, and for revitalising the colour and for protection, there is the RMC Exterior Maintenance Oil.

Saicos Everything you need for the perfect decking

ensure a good bond of the product with the timber, the timber must be cleaned thoroughly first. This is achieved with a simple but highly effective sanding with RMC Exterior Wood Cleaner, which removes dirt and moss (also for composite). For the finish itself, there are the RMC Exterior products. The RMC Decking Oil Duo System consists of a primer (RMC Sunprimer Colour), which guarantees an intense coloration and anti-moss effect through nanotechnology. Within this system, RMC Decking Oil 2C is used as finish. They have also recently launched RMC Hybrid Wood Protector: This is a latest generation Monocoat that colours and protects in one coat. Both products are very simple to apply, they save time, and they are durable. For cleaning and feeding treated terraces, Muylle Facon presents the RMC

Premium protection and quality for wooden deckings and garden furniture has always been our goal. That is why we recommend our SAICOS Special Wood Oil for a perfect long-term protection. Natural Oils penetrate deeply into the surface, keep it elastic and accentuate the natural wood grain. In addition, decking treated with SAICOS Special Wood Oil are slip-resistant and open-porous. To get extra protection for cutting edges we provide our End-Grain Sealing Wax which is highly water-repellent and protects all wood species against hair cracking and also reduces bleeding of wood ingredients.

Tover For an efficient and beautiful finishing of wood in exterior, Tover recommends to apply the natural impregnating oil Oil4sun. Very easy to use,

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chimiver.com - info@chimiver.com

From 1965...

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A comprehensive range of environmentally friendly products for colouring, ﬁnishing and maintaining parquet and plank ﬂooring

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The DevoNatural range of professional parquet floor products meets the highest standards when it comes to treating parquet floors. It is all about quality without compromise, developing products using the best raw materials and cutting-edge technologies. DevoNatural is available in original colours and contemporary finishes, which are fully in harmony with the latest trends in interior design.

Celebrating

YEARS

1980 - 2015

Devomat Industries PLC - Florent Geversstraat 31 - B-2650 Edegem - Belgium T +32 03 450 94 70 - F +32 03 457 94 24 - info@devomat.be - www.devomat.be

Floor Forum International 76

Chimiver.com

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waterproof, it is suitable for the treatment of terraces, decking and furniture. The oil contains fungicides against mildew and additives which guarantee a long-lasting protection against UV rays and bad weather, the main causes of wood wear and damages. Oil4Sun deeply penetrates into the pores and feeds the wood, granting a homogeneous tonality to the whole surface. When the floor appears dull or worn, it can be degreased with Nettar Due and cleaned with Deteroil, a concentrated specific neutral soap and then a new layer of oil will newly revive and protect it. If the wood becomes grey, the specific agent GreyFree will remove this grey patina and enable a new coating with the oil. Oil4Sun is available in neutral, teak, wengé and grey versions. As composite wood is becoming more and more popular Tover has developed a maintenance system for terraces made in composite wood (WPC) in order to protect the surface against its main enemy: oils and grease spots. The surface must be coated with the water-based agent: WPC Cover to create an oil-proof protection and clean with the specific detergent WPC Cleaner.

WOCA

WOCA Exterior Oils offer the best way to maintain outdoor terraces. A finish for exterior wood should indeed be non-film forming, but should penetrate into the wood so that the wood can absorb and release moisture in harmony with its environment. The WOCA Exterior Oil does not flake, and can always be touched up without sanding. The WOCA range for the protection of exterior wood is extensive: Multi Cleaner, Multi Protector, Exterior Cleaner, Deep Cleaner Spray, Deep Cleaner A + B, Outdoor Wood Primer Exterior Gel, and Exterior Oil. These are all part of a complete maintenance system. Additionally, WOCA offers all possible accessories for the application of these products. For the maintenance of composites, WOCA offers the combination of the Exterior Cleaner (performed with the WOCA rotation brush) and the Exterior Oil.

MILLIONS OF FOOTSTEPS on WOCA oiled floors

Carefully selected WOCA wood flooring products are to be found in the St. Pancras Railway Station in London. St. Pancras Railway Station is a major railway station which was opened in 1868 and was highly praised for its architecture. Around year 2007, the building was renovated, extended, and reopened with a new, high security terminal area for the Eurostar train for continental Europe. Floor: 6000 square metre Jatoba solid wood floor. WOCA surface treatment: Basic finishing: WOCA High Solid Master Oil, Natural. Maintenance: WOCA Maintenance Oile, WOCA Oil Refresher. Cleaning: WOCA Master Soap. That’s why we’re №1.

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

Project

Rubio Monocoat (BE) / Nobu Polanco Restaurant Mexico

RUBIO MONOCOAT FOR EBONY WOOD FLOOR AND WALL COVERING IN EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANT IN MEXICO CITY Nobu Polanco Restaurant belongs to the exclusive Nobu restaurant chain and is owned by the Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film star Robert De Niro. Guests are welcomed to a magnificent villa in classic Mexican style. The floor and walls are furnished with exclusive ebony wood, which gleams partly due to a splendid finish with Rubio Monocoat Exterior Decking Oil 2C.

Global success The Nobu restaurants are the life’s work of chef Nobu Matsuhisa. In the 1980s, this Japanese chef left Tokyo and, after sojourns in Peru and Argentina, opened a restaurant in Beverly Hills, USA. The Nobu style of cuisine, a fusion of Japanese gastronomy with local ingredients and influences, proved an instant hit and enticed scores

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of food lovers and Hollywood stars. That’s where Nobu also met Robert De Niro and, together with restaurant manager Drew Nieporent, also opened a successful branch in New York. That was the start of a global chain, which now takes in over thirty businesses in four continents (Moscow, Beijing, Cape Town, Melbourne, Manila, London, Monte Carlo, and such like). All restaurants are given an exclusive interior so that the corporate identity of the Nobu restaurants is supplemented with local elements, just as it is in the kitchen.

Villa in Mexican colonial style Nobu Polanco restaurant is located in ‘Casa Calderón’, a magnificent villa with a monumental stairway entrance in Mexican colonial style and built in 1953. The design was entrusted to the Mexican firm of architects Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos. They endeavoured

to combine the elements of water, earth, and air in the restaurant interior. They did so with lots of respect for the original decorations of Casa Calderón, such as the ceiling frames and the stone arch. Dark and neutral colours dominate in the choice of the interior materials, and, with the help of a well considered light plan, the designers highlight the presence of woodcarving and the special furniture. For the rest, natural elements with strong characters stand out, namely dark marble, metal, and ebony wood.

Ebony wood and black marble Obviously, our attention is drawn to the ebony wood used for the floor and walls. On the floor they have fitted narrow multi-layer ebony wood planks in a herringbone pattern. The wooden planks have been glued onto a concrete subfloor fitted with a chemical moisture barrier. The ebony wood on the walls has been glued to the walls in strips.

Rubio Monocoat Mexico For the finish they called upon Rubio Monocoat via the branch in Mexico. Eugenio Fernández Cueto is the manager of Rubio Monocoat Mexico and started representing Rubio Monocoat in his country eight years ago. He says: ‘Rubio Monocoat products are greatly appreciated in Mexico. It’s a high-quality product with unique features and more and more clients in Mexico are showing their appreciation for a natural wood finish instead of varnish. The fitters are similarly enthusiastic because they see that it’s better for their health. They don’t experience any inconvenience in their eyes or lungs as they work on their projects. Because of the unique technology of molecular binding, it’s sufficient to apply one coat. We sell products each year to cover over 200,000m². Our clients are mainly parquet manufacturers, producers of wooden outdoor floors, and also furniture makers. Maintenance products for floors and furniture are also selling well.’

Timeless beauty with no scratches For this project Mr Fernández Cueto was soon able to persuade the project managers. He explains: ‘They wanted a high-quality finish, which would bring out the natural beauty of the ebony wood to the full and because the choice for oil means that there are no scratches in the coat of varnish. Finally, the choice fell to the Rubio Monocoat Exterior Decking Oil 2C because this product provides outstanding protection for the wood and the colour of the wood was ideal for the interior design. And so, they applied it to both floor and the wall furnishing. It looks wonderful and is easy to maintain. Every day, they use Rubio Monocoat (RMC) Soap for cleaning and once a week they apply the RMC Refresh Eco spray. That keeps the wood perfectly clean, so that it still looks brand new.’

Rubio Monocoat Exterior Decking Oil 2C: unique quality Rubio Monocoat Exterior Decking Oil 2C is the product for outdoor wood from RMC, but this project proves that’s it’s also perfectly suitable for indoors as well. The unique nanotechnology of RMC ensures outstanding penetration of the colour dyes and durable protection for the wood. Moreover, the oil is anti-fungal, breathable, and waterproof and provides good protection from the UV rays of the sun. Moreover, it is ecological with a VOC content of 0%. It takes about 12 to 24 hours to dry. This prestigious project proves that people all over the world recognise the properties of Rubio Monocoat. In other continents, too, people see that a wood finish with RMC has specific advantages. That explains why RMC is now sold in over 72 countries.

For more information or a dealer near you, visit www.rubiomonocoat.com

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Subfloors for wooden floors : part 1

WHY A SUBFLOOR CAN BE A MUST HIDDEN QUALITY IS SOMETIMES HARDER TO SELL fitters recommend certain subfloors simply to provide more comfort. In such cases clients often ponder to consider whether or not they really need that (additional) comfort and whether or not they are prepared to pay the price.

Necessary or useful? A subfloor is often just part of parquet fitting method. This is certainly the case for traditional parquet with Mosaic subfloors or (alternatively) wooden panels such as chipboard, multiplex, or OSB forming the necessary substrate for glueing and nailing. In recent years, various high-tech alternatives have emerged, besides classic panels. In many cases those subfloors are designed to improve comfort. Acoustic demands are often decisive. Sometimes, they are also stipulated by law.

Technical subfloors

Photo – Mapei

Anyone who wants to invest in construction or renovation usually has a budget set up for that purpose. Sometimes that budget is more or less flexible, sometimes not at all. If we have our eyes on something beyond our budget, there are two possibilities: Either the budget has to be increased or the cost price of what we have chosen has to come down. In the latter case we prefer to cut back on something which doesn’t affect the end result too much. One of those items which you no longer see once the parquet is fitted is the subfloor.

Preparatory operations Most preparatory operations in readiness for fitting wooden floors are invisible once the final floor is fitted. This applies to both floating floors and glued parquet. Surely clients don’t have any perceptible gain from those operations? The problem is often that various operations may be necessary before you can fit the floor whereby those ‘invisible’ investments can account for a considerable bite of the budget. We only have to think of the (often expensive) products which are necessary for preparing the subfloor: self-levelling compounds, often together with an expensive adhesive primer, screed repairers, etc. Usually, floor fitters have sound arguments at their disposal to persuade their clients. Take, for example, the need for a primer. It is quite easy to show that if you don’t use a primer, you will invariably end up using much more expensive parquet adhesive. Clients usually take heed of that mathematical logic. However, it becomes more difficult to persuade clients whenever floor

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Subfloor panels are usually a composition of various (pressed) materials. For example, we see cork grain formulas (granules) with some or other synthetic or composition of certain material granules with cement-bound products. A noticeable phenomenon is that wood is also emerging in these subfloors in certain forms such as wood fibres or sawdust. Some of these subfloor panels are on offer with tongue and groove. They are easy to slide together and are fitted ‘staggered’ or ‘half-brick’. In most cases, and again depending on the technical possibilities and the expectations, a second layer is fitted onto the first layer in cross bond. Some of these subfloors can be deployed for both floating and glued fitting.

Subfloors in rolls For floating fitting the market presents several subfloors in rolls. The materials from which these subfloors are produced determine the properties and can combine different objectives e.g. moisture barrier, levelling, or sound improvement. For example, we find a subfloor produced from thick PE foil with a perforated (HD) layer of foam, which ensures a good levelling capacity, coupled with good impact noise reduction and, thanks to the extremely low heat resistance (Rm), ideal for fitting in combination with floor heating. Other combinations of ‘performances’ are obviously frequently available.

Then there’s self-adhesive For a few years now, we’ve been witnessing the emergence of technological subfloors which are equipped with one or two self-adhesive layers. These subfloors are actually sophisticated fitting systems which guarantee quick and easy fitting and at the same time help to improve acoustic comfort. The self-adhesive layer replaces the glue in some respects and means that the subfloor and the floor are part of the same mass.

How do you sell that? The technical necessity determines the ease or difficulty of justifying certain hidden costs for the client. If you can explain that it is not possible to fit the floor without this or that operation, the client will not argue. Another possibility is the ‘legal obligation’. In some cases a certain degree of sound insulation is obligatory. And so, that, too, requires no further

justification. One thing’s for sure: The best justification is ‘no’ justification. The best way to sell a wooden floor is with a price per square metre as the only specification in the price quotation i.e. no divisions or details. The more items you specify in your price quotation, the more you invite clients to delete items. And so, you should sell ‘all inclusive’.

A selection from the market range Bona

Bona offers various subfloors. The Bona U300 is a subfloor of bound cork-rubber granules to complement wooden floors, laminate, and other floor coverings. The material has a sound reduction effect. When it is glued to a wooden floor, the pressures generated in the wooden floor are reduced and diverted to the substrate. Suitable substrates include heated or unheated cement covering floors, chipboard V100 or multiplex, mastic asphalt, or other professionally prepared substrates. It is also possible with floor heating provided that you take account of the heat resistance. The Bona U310 is a polyester, tension-reducing glueing film for glued wooden floors and laminate floors. U310 is a problem-solver with technically doubtful subfloors. The assets: It is easy to cut and fit, it allows vpour through, it is detachable, it has an additional height of just 1.5-2mm, including glue thickness, and is suitable for most traditional substrates. The Bona U340 is a polyester subfloor of fibre plate and helps to reduce pressure on the final floor covering such as ceramic tiles, natural stone, wooden floors etc. Its great compressive strength means it can cope with heavy pressures (up to 5.0kN/m²). It is suitable for use in both domestic and commercial rooms. An advantage is that it improves the acoustic sound reduction considerably for all floors. It is suitable for all durable subfloors in residential and commercial rooms and in new or old buildings.

Mapei Mapei presents Mapasonic CR. Mapesonic CR is a thin membrane which reduces noise. It is designed to reduce airborne noise filtering down to the rooms below. This subfloor is laid before you fit ceramic tiles, natural stone, flexible floors, or multi-layer parquet. This product is developed specially for use in existing buildings in order to reduce sound without having to remove the existing floor covering. It is therefore ideal

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for residential applications, but also for public spaces such as schools, hotels, care institutions, and such like.

Parkettfreund Besides its high-quality assortment of aluminium profiles and installation accessories Parkettfreund has also made its name with a well-structured range of functional underlays for the most different types of floor coverings, like laminate, parquet or even thin LVT floorings. The German specialist has widely enhanced its range of underlays and is currently offering 40 different product types, divided into 6 categories in order to guarantee to the customers a clear overview. All underlays are suitable for floating installation and different materials, such as PE foam, PP, wood fiber, cork or PUR for example are offered. Acoustic underlays for highest demands, solutions for special application areas and different requirements as well as cost-effective or natural underlays complete the assortment. The updated sales catalogue “Underlays for Parquet and Laminate” and an all new sample collection is made available for a simple and displaying presentation of Parkettfreund’s underlay assortment.

Unifloor Unifloor is a specialist and market leader in the field of stable, levelling, and sound-reduction (10dB solutions) subfloor systems for the parquet industry. Amongst other things, they have the following items for wooden floors: Heat foil® This subfloor for click laminate and wood-engineered parquet can also be used with floor heating and floor cooling. Heat foil® reduces airborne and impact sound. Redupax+® This 8mm thick subfloor panel is suitable for both click laminate and click veneer. Redupax+® is a soft board with a 2mm hard board and ensures a highly stable substrate. Sound killer® This subfloor is ecological, compostable (levels out unevenness up to 3mm), 15mm thick, and ensures stability; it also reduces airborne sound. SoundEX® This is the unique solution for solid wood planks in flats. 9mm of soft board with a 2mm thick layer of polyester foam provide heat insulation and levelling. Redupanel with Cocofloor We recommend Redupanel with Cocofloor for 6mm traditional parquet in flats. Redupanel is 25mm thick (indelible chipboard on a soft board) with 4mm thick coconut fibre. Visit www.unifloor.nl for more information about their products, technical details, certificates, and fitting instructions.

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Special

Producers of skirting boards

SKIRTING BOARD AS A DESIGN OBJECT YET AGAIN YOU CAN HAVE THAT ‘LITTLE BIT EXTRA’

Photo – Küberit

There are probably few interior objects where the ‘current trend’ goes back and forth between extremes like a table tennis ball. Each year, whenever we report on the most striking trends in the field of skirting boards, we notice that those trends make a U-turn of 360° year by year. Volatile products, that’s what they are. Whilst until recently there had been something of a merger taking place between interior styles so that skirting boards were confined to a certain discretion, today, we’re seeing how skirting boards are once again literally ‘rising to new heights’ and attracting attention. Skirting boards as a design object? Why not?

The classic extremes The major extremes arise from the question: ‘Should the skirting board stand out or not?’ Is the skirting board a purely functional

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object or does it also have a decorative function? At FN Neuhofer Holz they have a fine motto, which actually summarises a lot of factors: ‘Form follows function’ is that motto. The form follows the function, so we know at once that this function is given absolute priority from a structural point of view.

Functional point of view Skirting boards don’t have that range of technical functions which other finish profiles have. Strictly speaking, the skirting board primarily has a finish function which has to ensure that the floor and the wall blend nicely into each other. Here, an important technical function is undoubtedly the concealment of the minimum expansion joint which the floor fitter has to leave at the edges of the floor. The skirting board conceals that expansion joint and ensures that the wood (or another flooring material) can operate as usual by having

unhindered freedom to swell and shrink. Furthermore, skirting boards are also the perfect hiding place for electric wires and computer cables. Al those things are structural functions. In addition, however, skirting boards also have an important practical function. Skirting boards protect the underside of the wall against potential damage as a result of maintenance work on the floor such as vacuum cleaning, mopping, swiffering and such like.

Acoustic Slim+ (PUR 1.5+)

Extremes from way back In practice, the above question as to whether or not the skirting board should stand out or not implies several other questions. For example, what do we do about the height of

Especially for floating laminate and parquet floors u high walking noise reduction u perfectly suitable for underfloor heating u excellent pressure stability u low panel thickness The complete underlay collection encompasses with 40 sales-boosting products solutions for almost all applications.

Photo – FN Neuhofer

the skirting board? From the small 2x2cm block skirting boards to high skirting boards of 7 to 8cm, skirting boards settled for a long time for a generally accepted height of 4cm. There was a certain time when 4cm was even regarded in many respects as ‘standard’. Then there was the question as regards the colour. Should the skirting board follow the colour of the floor or discreetly emerge into the wall? Very high skirting boards in the same colour as the floor gave us the all too pompous ‘bathtub effect’. Should the material stand out? In that regard metal or metal-coloured skirting boards tend to adopt a fairly dominant role.

As leading complete supplier Parkettfreund offers probably the most extensive profil range as well as accessory products for the installation of nearly all types of floor coverings.

Your complete supplier for flooring accessories

The trend nowadays Most producers now take the view that the skirting board should once again be seen! Although trends are never universal, and sometimes they differ even regionally or locally, according to the suppliers, skirting boards are appearing just about everywhere as a ‘design object’. Colours and other important trend aspects are dictated to some extent by floor producers. Skirting board manufacturers follow those trends.

www.parkettfreund.com Floor Forum International 76

+49 (0) 23 51 / 95 07 - 330

Special

Producers of skirting boards

A special touch In contrast to the neutral, protective skirting board, the skirting board now appears as a decorative object. The skirting board may be seen, the skirting board which gives the interior a special touch. This brings us into the territory of special materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, or other metal characters such as bronze or copper. These materials are combined unashamedly with wood. No problem! Having arrived at a preference for obtrusive skirting boards, we also come at once to the realm of high skirting boards which can also be seen as regards colour. As regards shape, there is a symbiosis between classic and modern. Skirting boards are certainly getting higher (a classic detail), but at the same time they are becoming rigid, straight, and square.

Design floors If we say that the flooring market dictates trends, then we simply cannot ignore the success of design floors. At present, design floors (LVT/ PVC/Vinyl) form the strongest growing segment. For producers of profiles and skirting boards that forms a direct challenge, which they are only too happy to take on. After all, this advancement of flexible, waterproof, and low-maintenance types of floors also gives rise to a demand for suitable accessories. Skirting boards, equipped with a groove for fitting a material such as vinyl, are highly popular.

Waterproof Following on from the above and the advancement of floors such as LVT, some manufacturers are producing waterproof skirting boards.

These can be fitted in damp rooms. We find a good example with a top manufacturer (see below), which is turning out a ‘base’ made of plastic, in which the floor décor is applied using waterproof PUR adhesive. This offers a solution in which damp-resistance is combined with the decorative match between the floor and the skirting board. Skirting boards as decoration objects also fit in perfectly well with the phenomenon of personalisation.

The personal touch Technology aids taste! We’ve often pointed out the possibilities of digital printing in the laminate sector. It goes without saying that we can also apply the possibilities of that technology to skirting boards. Digital printing makes it possible to apply any image or any colour or shade of colour to a skirting board in low numbers. More and more traders on the parquet and laminate markets are offering this option. The minimum purchase varies from producer to producer, but is tending increasingly towards lower numbers. A development in customised work which makes it possible to produce really unique skirting boards!

Flexible skirting boards Quite separately from what we have written above, something which is a phenomenon all on its own, is the emergence of flexible skirting boards. These skirting boards conquer any obstacles and take any outer or inner bend with ease. Most flexible skirting boards require no screws, but are glued directly onto the wall. These skirting boards are usually painted in the colour of the wall.

What’s on the market? FN Neuhofer Holz

we print all digital like your flooring

Cover Skirting

2 in 1 - Levelling and T Joint Profile

perfect matching ﬂooring collections send us your samples

LVT - Wood Veneer - Metallic - Laminate

each ﬂooring each skirting

lvt, wood, laminate

MADE IN EUROPE - Barcelona we manufacture

we are factory

Floor Forum International 76

Design Flooring is the strongest growing segment in the floor market. That’s why FN Neuhofer Holz has developed a full range of profiles and skirting boards designed for these floors and the limited thicknesses (2mm glued, 5mm floating). Aluminium skirting boards with a groove for floor strips (3.5 to 5mm) are very much in fashion. The ranges in plastic and MDF are also suitable for LVT. FN Neuhofer Holz offers several innovations. For example, there is the FN pro-flex, a bendable skirting board which can even cope with angles up to 90°. The skirting board is simply glued. The FN water-pro has been specially developed for use in damp rooms and is perfect in combination with damp-proof LVT. This skirting board combines the waterproof property of plastic with the decorative harmony of the floor covering (through the inlay of a floor strip). One of the latest innovations is the FN LED, a new profile with built-in LED strips, which can be dimmed. FN click fix 23 rail system has been optimised partly with soft lips at the rear which can offset any deviation. Finally, for a perfect finish, FN Neuhofer Holz has launched the FN Corner strips, pre-cut corner strips which have the same decor as the next skirting board.

Küberit One of the latest trends in skirting boards are aluminium skirting boards in anodised colours in which strips of the floor covering can be laid. At Küberit, too, they have noticed an increase in demand for higher skirting boards, especially in the Middle East and England. These skirting boards are used particularly in large rooms and projects. Digital printing is very important to Küberit, partly because trends change so quickly. Digital printing makes it possible to offer a high standard for small amounts and at a competitive price. Küberit even supplies digitally printed surfaces to manufacturers of MDF and PVC skirting boards with classes AC3 to AC5. Digital printing is possible with a minimum run of 100m. The latest innovation is a skirting board with a clip and with or without accompanying lip, specially for parquet. Furthermore, Küberit also offers corners, end pieces, and threshold profiles in aluminium, which make it possible to compensate if the wall isn’t straight.

Tecnorivest Tecnorivest is, since 1993, committed to manufacturing high quality wooden veneered profiles:

edge protectors, angle bars, frames. Among this wide variety, a recently enhanced Ready in Stock range of skirtings is available for quick deliveries. Highlights on quality: raw materials coming from long terms suppliers and manufacturing facilities in the forefront of technology, enable us to be always innovatory either for profiles and for finishing. A unique sheet of veneer to cover each profile, to avoid any joint on the surface and show only the beautiful natural wood grains. UV water based paints for finishing, to ensure ecofriendly products, safe for the user’s health. All products are entirely manufactured in our factory: this enables us to ensure high quality, to make either profiles and special finishing on customer’s request and to offer a guaranteed delivery time.

Perfilstar In line with the success and growth of vinyl flooring, Perfilstar has developed a compact PVC skirting board that conforms to any décor thanks to digital printing technology. In terms of design trends, walnut is making a notable comeback. There are different trends, however in regards to the height of the skirting and baseboards – and those can vary by region. The farther north we go, the higher the baseboard. Some important innovations have emanated from the success of vinyl, and there is always demand for matching accessories. To that end, Perfilstar has developed a line of flexible skirting boards and profiles that are water-resistant. These are digitally printed, so everything is possible. Perfilstar’s digital printing technology makes the difference between an inflexible business and a flexible one, especially at a time in which smaller production runs are desired and new décors are created on almost a monthly basis. The newest products here are solid aluminium in a white lacquered finish, an aluminium finish and a stainless steel finish. There are also two MDF solutions including aluminium foil or solid aluminium.

naturali venature MadeinItaly

prodotto verniciato ad acqua

A wide range of profiles for interiors includes skirting boards, as well as profiles for doors: doors frames, casings and jambs, glass strips, AZ_Zeitschriften_Text_ENG_190x65 20.02.13 17:28 Seite 1

We make binding connections. Floor profiles and underlay sheeting for hard, elastic and textile flooring.

www.proline-systems.com

Floor Forum International 76

Special

Producers of Versailles panels

VERSAILLES PANELS STILL CHARM US WHEN FLOOR FITTERS MOVE IN HIGHER CIRCLES

Photo – Design Parquet

Panels or cassettes are the result of a specific production method, which differs comprehensively from the production of traditional parquet strips or wooden floors. The panels are pre-assembled floorboards with a certain pattern. Various fitting patterns such as herringbone and Hungarian point, the classics, lend themselves to making cassettes. Other well-known designs include Chantelle, Star, and Castle. It has to be a highly specific fitting pattern in order to be designated as a Versailles floor. We’re going to look for some surprising references.

Versailles Whilst all these floors fit within the joint category of cassette floors or panel floors, a Versailles floor has its own specific recipe. Obviously, this floor derives its name from the magnificent floors which Louis XIV had fitted in the world famous Palace of Versailles. The Versailles panel

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looks like a diagonal plait framed with 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 (8cm) which converge in a corner to form a point. Nowadays, Versailles panels are available in different sizes and are adapted to fit the room in which they are to be fitted.

Standard sizes and customised Various producers offer one or more set sizes. These can vary from 41 x 41cm to 100 x 100cm. Nevertheless, in the vast majority of cases the work is customised and, actually, that’s pure logic. Obviously, it’s not the intention to saw the panels themselves. The floor has to ‘emerge’. Generally speaking, the client will decide on the most suitable size in consultation with the architect or designer. The dimensions of the room where the floor will be fitted, the finish, and the preferred sizes of the panels are taken into account to calculate the right configuration. An idiosyncrasy of Versailles panels is that they are fitted diagonally (in

diamond shape). This means that a semi-panel (diagonal) is necessary for each row at the edge. Versailles floor sellers also provide those semi-panels so that nothing at all has to be sawn.

Wood sorts Obviously, here, too, oak is the most popular sort of wood. French oak has also been used in the hall of mirrors of Versailles Palace, not only due to its appearance, but also due to the stability of oak and, especially, because French oak was available in large stocks. And so, historical consistency should lead to the use of oak, but since just

MANUFACTUROR OF SOLID AND ENGINEERED WOODFLOORS Style panels, end grain, distressed floors (different ageing techniques ‘sanded, brushed, tumbled, smoked and structured’): Customised work on simple request!

Photo – Kerkhofs Parket

about all sorts of wood are available nowadays, producers offer a wide range of choice. The fact that this often includes expensive tropical sorts is no surprise. These floors are usually chosen by people with good financial resources. Apart from oak, teak is one of the most popular sorts.

What’s on the market? BJ Parket Versailles panel floors have always been a permanent fixture at BJ Parket. Demand has risen as the company has enhanced its reputation with these floors. Oak is still the most important wood sort, but a number of tropical sorts are also used. The panels are offered both distressed and untreated. The standard pattern which BJ Parket has chosen is that with twelve blocks and five diagonal plaits. This pattern has a stylish appearance without coming across as too lively. The

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 Versailles panels

highly prominent designs such as those in Polish and Russian palaces are not so popular in Western Europe. Adapting the size of the panel to the size of the place means it is possible to work towards a more natural harmony between floor and space. That’s why BJ Parket has three sizes in the range in which the plait is made up of friezes of 55mm (panels of 49.5cm or of 55 to 73cm wide), friezes 72mm (panels of 65cm or of 73 to 95cm wide), and friezes of 90mm (panel 102cm wide). The size is adapted precisely for each floor by altering the size of the square blocks. BJ Parket can put up excellent references such as the parquet floor for Cumberland Terrace in London (125m² of Versailles panels in afrormosia, hand-scraped, and finished with 4 coats of oil), Hansbeke Castle in Nevele (+/- 55 m² Large Versailles in oak/rustic, distressed, stained, and soaped) and Champagne Taitinger Castle in France (200m² XL Versailles distressed, finish unknown).

PARQUETERIE JANOD Parquet ﬂooring

manufacturer for 4 generations

French manufacturer of parquet flooring Hungarian point and herringbone patterns Versailles – Aremberg – Chantilly panels or all models custom-made to order. Parquet flooring in oak, French walnut, ash, maple, et cetera. Solid wood and multilayer parquet.

Rue du Moulin 39130 DOUCIER – France Tel. +33 (0)3.84.25.71.69 - Fax +33 (0)3.84.25.76.24 E-mail : contact@parquets-janod.com Internet : www.parquets-janod.com Shipments and deliveries in France and abroad.

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Design Parquet

Design Parquet believes that these floors are at home in castles and mansions and big houses, but also in new homes striving for a contemporary design. The most popular wood is oak, but other types like wenge and merbau are also possible. The oak can also be coloured in different shades according to current trends. The panels are offered in both distressed and non-distressed. Design Parquet offers the panels in 1,000 x 1,000mm as standard, but customised work is also possible (e.g. 600 x 600mm, 800 x 800mm). The panels are nailed onto a frame or glued to a screed.

Flamingo Parket Flamingo Parket has included as standard seven patterns on its price list and Versailles is its best-seller. We make these patterns 16mm thick (twin-plank ) and 8mm traditional parquet. The dimensions can be chosen freely. The sizes 800 x 800mm and 1000 x 1000mm are the ones most in demand. The starting point for price stated in the price list is an oak rustic, but obviously all selections can be made as well as just about all wood sorts. Oak, however, is the principle part; about 90% of the entire production is oak. The percentage of distressed floors at Flamingo Parket is about 70%. We supply lots of Versailles panels to Britain and clients there ask almost exclusively for distressed floors because this gives the most authentic look. Usually, these floors are finished with a natural or dark oil; lighter colours are not much in demand at Flamingo Parket. The floors are fitted mainly by experienced floor fitters. However, it is also true to say that ‘less experienced’ floor fitters can cope with these jobs now since they almost always involve ready-to-fit panels and they can, in the case of a twin-plank design being ordered, be glued directly onto the concrete floor. One of the most recent major projects completed with Flamingo Versailles panels was an expensive city villa in the centre of London. This involved fitting no fewer than 350m² of distressed Versailles in a rustic design and in the size 800 x 800 with a 16mm twin-plank. Rovers Flooring, a well known name in the United Kingdom, has exclusive rights to the sale of Flamingo floors in the UK and supervised the entire project.

Kerkhofs Parket

Parketfabriek Lieverdink

For many years, Kerkhofs Parket has specialised in the production of solid parquet floors in various wood sorts. In recent years, it is not only demand for design floors (e.g. herringbone and Hungarian point) which has increased vastly, but also demand for style panels (Versailles, Double Bretton Cross, Aremberg, diamond, and other options). Once the company has received a sketch, they make a design with the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s required dimensions and pattern. Oak in the various ranges accounts for about 80% of the production, but American walnut and merbau are also in regular demand and even satin wood has been requested. Therefore, the company has invested heavily in a CNC guided sawing machine, which can produce the various components with a high degree of accuracy. If necessary, the style panel parts are distressed before they are assembled into panels in special clamping tables. Parquet professionals can glue and nail these tiles very simply and quickly onto a wooden subfloor, and thereafter they can remove the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;non-markingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; foil on the upper side. In short you ask, they produce. Parket Kerkhofs has already supplied Versailles panels for the most prestigious projects, usually for the Dutch and UK markets.

Patterns from bygone days such as the Versailles pattern are still in fashion. Parketfabriek Lieverdink from Doetinchem in the Netherlands supplies every imaginable pattern. These patterns can be supplied in all thicknesses and in 35 wood sorts. Yet distressed pattern floors are increasingly in demand as well. Most standard patterns are made using suitable sizes put together in advance. Whenever a detailed drawing is consulted, we can also produce other sizes. As an extra service the panels are fitted with tape on the upper side to hold them together. During Distressed Versailles pattern laid by Apeldoorn and Faber from Amsterdam the work, after sticking and fitting the panels, you only have to remove the tape before sandpapering. Obviously, you can also opt to have the elements supplied separately. Most panel floors are fitted in stately premises in Amsterdam and The Hague, but design floors are also extremely popular in hotel lobbies, museums, and modern interiors.

Lalegno Traditional Versailles panels are well and truly back. Lalegno started with a multi-layer alternative to this classic design floor early this year and its success has been absolutely awesome. The parquet pattern of these tiles, which can be fitted quickly and easily, consists of square panels with diagonal interweaving, framed by longer strips of oak. Versailles panels from Lalegno are 800 by 800mm and are 20mm thick all together with a top layer of 6mm. Both the panels and accompanying sidings have been prepared and distressed carefully. For instance, they are smoked, beaten, and brushed. Moreover, the so called old wood effect has been applied to the attractive joints which adorn this floor so that they look splendid, authentic, and old. Lalegno has chosen to offer these Versailles floors untreated as standard so that fitters can choose their own unique finish to embellish the floors and interiors of their clients. These floor panels mean it is possible to transform a home into a luxurious abode in the style of Louis XIV in no time at all.

Visit www.floor-forum.com

Parqueterie Janod Parqueterie Janod has been based in Doucier (Jura) in France since 1930. Today, this family business is managed by the fourth generation. Tradition and quality have always characterised the company throughout its history. Parqueterie Janod specialises in customised work. All sorts of traditional parquet are produced here in an extended range of wood sorts. To complete their style panels they work mainly with oak and walnut, but various wood sorts are possible. Parqueterie Janod supplies panels in various versions (e.g. modern or distressed) and in different sizes. As regards design, the Versailles panel is possible, but also other models such as Aremberg or Chantilly. Most orders are for renovations, but also from clients who are looking for a prestigious floor. The range also includes both standard panels and customised work. The standard size is 1 x 1m, but alterations to the dimensions of the room are possible. The company does all its own manufacturing in its own workshops in France. Parqueterie Janod can present some attractive references such as the renovation of a castle in Langres, France, in 27mm thickness, the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles itself, a residential palace in Israel, villas, hotels, and castles in France and Switzerland.

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Special

UV curing on site

UV CURING ON SITE UV MACHINES ARE GETTING BETTER AND BETTER

Photo – Decorad

In the early days after the emergence of new technology or new techniques, innovations usually follow in rapid succession. That’s called ‘progress’. Pioneering techniques, which are tested in practice, are refined in this way at high speed. This is no less the case for UV machines, which are equipped with UV lamps for rapid curing on site. Technically, they are improving all the time. The challenge now is to persuade masses of floor fitters to make the switch. At all events, manufacturers have no shortage of sales arguments.

From science to industry It may sound somewhat technical, but we are convinced that floor fitters need to have at least some idea of what UV curing actually means, if only so that they can explain its qualities to their clients. The technique has been preceded by scientific progress going back even as far as the mid 17th century to the days when Isaac Newton discovered the colours of the rainbow and laid the foundation for what we call the light spectrum. Nowadays, scientific knowledge is applied daily to industrial

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processes. In this article we present a bird’s-eye view of this acquaintance trip.

The light spectrum All frequencies of electromagnetic rays together form the so called light spectrum. The word spectrum was regarded originally as ‘something which can be seen’. However, nowadays, we know that the spectrum is much broader than that part which we can observe. The visible light falls approximately in the middle of the spectrum. The human eye sees light because the retina contains cells which are sensitive to one wavelength area. This is therefore a subjective perception. That’s why some animals see light ‘differently e.g. bees react to UV light, rattlesnakes to infra-red.

UV light All sorts of electromagnetic rays contain energy. The energy of infrared rays is perceived by us to be heat. However, the ultraviolet part contains much more energy than the infra-red part. Each wavelength

has its own quantity of energy. The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy level. UV light is the part of the spectrum with radiation between 40 and 400nm. UV light doesn’t emit any heat, but breaks the bond between the building blocks of substances, which are called molecules. Ultraviolet light can even cause substances to die out.

are difficult to reach. As we’ve already said, once the floor is finished, it can be used at once. When using UV lamps, floor fitters must wear suitable clothing, but this is generally provided as standard with the apparatus.

How does UV curing work?

‘Starting with new technology is always a challenge,’ says Rob Muller from Decorad, the company from the Netherlands which can certainly be called a pioneer in this field. ‘The story of UV on site runs like a snowball: It starts slowly, but it grows visibly.’ The number of producers now developing special UV coatings has increased, and that says a lot. Moreover, the qualities of these coatings and the added value of UV curing on site are becoming increasingly integrated amongst both professionals and project managers. Major clients such as airport managers, retail chains, and hospitals are opting resolutely for UV coating on site and some of them are even buying their own equipment so that their employees can do this themselves. It’s only a matter of time before other brands appear on the market.

UV curing is done by means of exposure with UV light. UV light is present in sunlight and in the light of fluorescent lamps. Both of these sources of light are not naturally powerful enough for this ‘fast-curing technique’, which therefore makes use of special UV lamps. A ‘photo initiator’ is added to the lacquer with a special binding agent. This is activated by the UV radiation. The photo initiator falls apart under the influence of the right UV radiation and hereby forms free radicals which generate the curing reaction (polymerisation). This joins the resin molecules to each other to create a very strong three-dimensional network.

Why UV curing? Why should we cure with UV light and what are the main benefits? Under production conditions UV light curing is useful because of the lightning fast curing process. That means that the treated work items are immediately ready for further treatment, and that’s surely a great benefit. Moreover, UV curing doesn’t require high temperatures and the curing tunnel takes up less space than a traditional drying oven. An important environmental aspect is obviously that the process involves few or no solvents. You could say that UV curing is the most consistent and faultless curing mechanism currently available.

UV curing on the site It would obviously be incorrect to say that UV could be deployed solely in industrial applications. An application such as the use of UV light for curing fillings at the dentist’s is now well established. In other words, UV light left the factory some time ago. For a few years now, we’ve been witnessing the emergence of UV apparatus, which can deployed on site. The principle and the working method are comparable with the industrial procedure. The UV coating, whether or not it is preceded by a UV curing primer, is applied with a traditional roller, just as with a waterborne single component lacquer. Once applied, the lacquer needs about 45 minutes to dry using natural air, and then a motor-driven UV machine is driven over the entire floor (about 200m² an hour). There is a portable UV lamp for the sides and places which

A snowball effect

Appliances from Decorad Decorad has developed a Floormate (floor machine) and a Handmate (hand lamp) specifically for use for curing floor coatings. The Floormate has an ideal width (maximum result which can be achieved using a normal socket). Mr Muller comments, ‘That’s necessary to make sure that you can walk behind the machine without damaging parts of the floor which have not yet been cured by the UV lamp. Furthermore, it’s essential to have a specific minimum width because there should always be an overlap when curing.’ After all, the right dose of radiation has to be given to the coating to bring out its properties to the full. The Floormate is made of (stainless) steel, but, at the request of professionals, they also have a Floormate made of aluminium, which is somewhat lighter for those who work alone and in relatively small areas.

Is it compatible with every UV lacquer? The various UV machine manufacturers work with different lamps. Mr Muller says: ‘We’ve decided to use the safest UV lamp, without ozone and without the most harmful part of UV-C radiation. Most lacquer producers have also developed their products on the basis of this safest lamp. Almost all floor coatings can be cured with the Decorad Floormate and Handmate.’ However, there are a few coatings (namely full solids) which require a different lamp (with ozone). Mr Muller continues: ‘The

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Special

UV curing on site

advantage of our machines is that it is easy to change between types of lamp. Future developments such as pigmented lacquer systems can also be cured with our machines using a special gallium lamp. It only takes a few minutes to change the lamp including casing.’

Rapid payback A complete package of the Floormate + Handmate with all transport crates and protective gear costs over €10,000. ‘It’s a serious investment,’ says Mr Muller, ‘but it soon pays for itself.’ In the UK Decorad works together with a floor fitting company which got a return on its investment in the machines in three days. ‘Of course, it obviously depends on the type of project,’ Mr Muller admits.

Clients pay for their benefits ‘Is there great benefit for the floor owner in seeing the floor ready for use again after just one day or one night with no loss of turnover?’ If

Photo – Decorad

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so, you can charge more per square metre. We advise floor fitters to consider not only the extra costs and pass them on to their clients, but also the financial benefits to their clients from the use of the UV concept. Obviously, some of that benefit should also be noted as extra margin.’

Depreciation ‘The durability of these machines means that the depreciation period is also longer than normal (with this type of machine). With normal use, these machines can be expected to function perfectly for at least five years. Annual replacement of the lamp (including the inner casing and reflector) is the only recurring expense (renewing the reflector is vitally important for the UV output). We offer this total set at a price which is comparable with the price of just the lamp of other UV machines. In some countries we have contacts with lease companies whose services professionals can call on.’

Special

Producers of distressing machines

DISTRESSING WITHOUT ‘DUPLICATION’ NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR OLD FLOORS

Photo – Boere Machinefabriek

What does it actually mean to distress parquet? It is a process like so many other ones whereby we try to make a wooden floor look like an old or antique floor. We take planks back in time and create the impression that they were produced in that era and have been used for many years. We have various manual and mechanical techniques at our disposal for applying those traces of ageing. If we do this mechanically, we must avoid duplication with the pattern of damage.

the planks were not sandpapered, but scraped, we realise at once that an ‘antique’ wooden floor revealed a whole series of ‘natural’ flaws, and this is still the case today. Another major point of difference is the colour of the wood.

The dark colour

Anyone who makes a wooden floor from the demolition of an ‘old’ farmhouse from the turn of the century presumably has an attractive old floor, but not necessarily an antique one. Discussions abound on the distinction between old and antique. However, industrialisation, especially the first woodwork machines, have set the transition from ‘antique to old’ irrefutably around the year 1800.

Houses weren’t heated uniformly as they are today. That meant that the moisture content was well above 55%. The tannic acid inside the wood turns dark when it comes into contact with water. And so, light yellow or honey-coloured wood is never antique. Why does all this matter? Anyone wanting to restore a parquet or wooden floor to its former glory has to check whether or not it is an antique floor. An antique floor is restored, but never renovated. After all, renovating wooden floors almost always means some ‘light sandpapering’. By sandpapering an antique floor, you remove the natural aberrations and, therefore, the riches of the floor. ‘Restoring’ means returning to the original state, whereas ‘renovating’ means making ‘as good as new’.

Faults in woodwork

A ‘trodden’ floor

Prior to that period, wooden planks were sawn manually from tree trunks. The tree trunk was put into a scaffolding and sawhorse structure. One person at the top and one under the trunk had to labour with a tree saw. Just imagine that. The result: The planks were certainly not as smooth and undamaged as they are today. If we also remember that

Furthermore, whilst the specific appearance is the result of technique and the colour is the result of external circumstances and age, the unmistakable character is the result of actual usage. As far as connoisseurs of genuine antique floors are concerned, the definition of a genuine antique floor is as follows: ‘a floor which consists of planks

Old or antique?

Visit www.floor-forum.com

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Special

Producers of distressing machines

which have always served as a floor and of which we have retained the “trodden” side as the top side’. And, obviously, you can’t imitate that trodden side.

Distressing techniques As we have already said, there are three major groups of features, which can be set out with old floors: the dark colour, traces of old woodworking techniques, and traces of use resulting in the darker colour, traces of old woodwork techniques, and traces of use. When we distress new wooden floors, we can obtain a distressed effect by imitating one of these features or a combination of them.

Imitating old techniques Whenever we apply tools and techniques to a brand-new oak parquet or wooden floor, we largely give the impression that the floor comes from ‘a different age’. The planning (scraping) reminds us of old and defective planing machines. Brushing is one way of highlighting the wood grains. Brushing is done using a structure brushing machine, which can be integrated into the production line perfectly well. These machines are available in various widths and can be fitted with various brushes. Another effect machine is the ripsaw where the original saw motion stays visible.

distinctive wood structure. The machines are apt for commissioning in a production line. Meanwhile this machine has been successfully delivered to different leading parquet manufactures worldwide. The most important customers are parquet and solid wood flooring manufacturers, custom lacquering companies, manufactures of veneered sheet material and furniture manufacturers.

Rösler

Colour distressing Oak is the number one for colour distressing. After all, oak can be treated like no other wood sort in scores of ways. Apart from the classic treatment with varnish, oil, wax (hard wax), or soap, oak also lends itself to all sorts of special treatment techniques such as thermal or chemical modification, pre-treatment with colour stains, soaking in lye, white wash, etc. European oak is also particularly suitable for the ‘smoking’ technique.

Imitating damage through wear and tear Lashing and beating the floor damages it so that it shows traces of ‘wear and tear’ on the one hand or it points to the consumption of the floorboards by insects or micro-organisms. By applying small holes, we can imitate woodworm, which was often found in deal or pitch pine floors in older (damp) houses. Beating reinforces the worn effect of the floor. There are modern beating machines for beating floors. The basic principle is quite simple: The planks are put into a drum full of bolts, nails, and such like. The drum rotates so that the loose items in the drum fly around to cause random damage to the floor to give it a distressed appearance.

What’s on the market? Wood aging machine Boere Machinefabriek bv The most important ways to give a wooden floor an aged effect are the irregular rounding of the material in length direction, damaging the surface and brushing out the soft tree rings. Besides manufacturing wide belt sanding machines Boere Machinefabriek bv manufactures a complete range of brush texturing machines which, at your choice, can be completed with cross-grain sanding unit ahead of the texturing brushes, so that a scarved, almost sawcut structure will be applied. Usually this scarving is combined with a light brush texturing. Just brush texturing will give a surprisingly rustic appeal to the floor. Structure, character, depth and rustic appeal are still aspects very much in demand within the flooring and furniture industry. With its oscillating brushes the wood grain is smoothly followed so that it leaves the surface with a stripeless, soft satin finish. When moreover, the X-Line unit first sands the surface cross the grain, the surface get the sawcut or ‘scarved’ unique, on-trend look. Result: a powerful and

"Unique wood aging process by Rösler" The latest distressing technique at Rösler is a vibro-wood finish. This technique ensures an involuntary smooth finish in which wooden floors

Flexibility in Parquet Finishing Trivec machines for parquet finishing are based on flexibility. Quick and most easy colour change, suitable for applying all available products. Available as ‘stand alone’ equipment or as part of a complete Trivec finishing line with brushing machine, automatic feed systems, polishing- and UV drying equipment.

You are most welcome to visit the Trivec Test Centre

More information: www.trivec.eu Solcamastraat 25 9262 ND Sumar The Netherlands

T F E W

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

www.parketmachines.nl 50

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are sandpapered and distressed and are then ready to be varnished or oiled. The floors are immersed in a mass in order to obtain the right finish in line with the client’s demands. After the treatment, the wooden floors can be further finished with varnish or oil or left completely natural. With the help of hyper-modern vibro machines, the materials are mixed in with the mass by means of vibration. Floorboards of various thicknesses can easily be treated using this distressing technique without damaging them. These machines can be integrated simply into the line, but can also be deployed as stand-alone tools. Automatic vibro machines have a short finish time so that manual manipulation is kept to a minimum.

Trivec Trivec supplies various machines for distressing wooden surfaces. The standard brushing machines in the DB400 series can be supplied with one or more heads (maximum of six on one machine). The more brush contact in one transit, the greater the effect. Important factors here are the position of the brushing module and the type of brush. Trivec has a wide range of its own brushes and invests a great deal in new types of brushes and configurations in its ongoing quest for new possibilities and effects. Apart from the standard machines with cylinder brushes, Trivec also has the rotor scrub machines in the programme whereby the soft wood is, as it were, scrubbed away rather than brushed. The distressed effect is an ideal basis for strong colour highlights which are applied afterwards by means of staining and/or oiling. A unique tool is the Trivec cross cutter, which is used to apply diagonal damage over the wood surface by means of a special grinding technique. The effect is comparable with a sawn effect, but it is applied

faster, more easily, and much more consistently. The effect can be set with extra accessories in the machine. For example, continuous diagonal lines or broken diagonal lines. The scarving technique can be combined with one or more of the brushing modules. Trivec supplies two types of beating techniques. ‘Old fashioned’ beating in a large sealed rotating drum or a transit drum in which parquet sections are conveyed by the drum. Beating is a technique in which wooden surfaces are damaged by letting stone or metal parts repeatedly thumping the wooden surface hard during the beating process. The effect is highly natural and dependent on the length of the process and the type of drum material. Finally, there is a special contact technique for applying small dents and damage to wooden surfaces. Special effects can be obtained with the option of a heated roller.

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Floor Forum International 76

Special

Manufactures of nanotechnology-based oils and varnishes

LACQUERS WITH SPECIAL PROPERTIES THANKS TO NANOTECHNOLOGY EUROPE CONTINUES TO MONITOR THEIR SAFETY

Photo – Blanchon

Nanotechnology is being used more and more in various industries. That also includes the wooden flooring sector, especially the development of finishes, which gain some ‘extra’ properties through the addition of nano-particles. Someone has coined the phrase ‘nano-lacquer’, a misleading term, which gives the impression that nano-particles form the ‘ base’. Basically, they form merely an ‘ ingredient’ in these finishes. Europe continues to monitor the safe use of those ingredients.

Context Nano-technology is technology with parts which are measured in billionths of a metre - nanometres (nm). To give you an idea, 1nm is the length of a chain of 5 to 10 atoms. One human hair has a diameter of about 80,000nm. Nano-particles are basically nothing new. In the far distant past, nature preceded human beings. Living cells are full of ‘machines’ consisting of protein molecules and other structures with nanometre sizes. Human activities are also a source of

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nano-particles. For example, nano-particles are formed when fires are lighted or steel is welded, and these particles are emitted into the atmosphere. Advances in technology mean that we are now in a better position to control the form and size of materials on a nanometrical scale. This creates opportunities to study and exploit the special features of nano-materials. Research centres and industrial laboratories have developed a wide variety of nano-materials, some of which have already been sold. New materials, structures, and building blocks have arisen in the most diverse spheres: medicines, food, electronics, information technology, energy production and distribution, and environmental conservation.

Cautious promotion When the pioneering research into the use of nano-technology first became known, various groups and agencies were concerned about the safety of this technology. Some people compared it without justification to asbestos, which is also minuscule and the consequences of which were not ‘discovered’ until it was too late.

European Commission

exercise great caution, certainly with applications on site where physical contact with particles cannot be excluded. Blanchon therefore uses nano-technology in very specific industrial applications where the necessary protective measures for the operators can be guaranteed.

The European Commission believes that nano-science and nano-technology offer great potential for social progress and job creation. And so, it is vital to study in depth the knowledge and implications of such developments. Furthermore, drawing up and applying suitable safety measures to protect citizens and employers are now essential since this is a major and rapidly growing branch in the work place. In this context the European Commission, amongst other things, has introduced a nanotechnology action plan, launched a web portal, and drawn up a research code of conduct.

Reach and ECHA The European Commission ruled two years ago that REACH, which is involved in the management of chemical substances worldwide, is the best organ to monitor nano-technology. The Commission is considering amending a number of REACH appendices and has urged the ECHA to develop further the guidelines for registrations after 2013.

Nano-technology and parquet lacquer As is clear from applications in the parquet industry, the deployment of nano-technology at the moment is limited to the improvement of existing products or systems. Thanks to the deployment of certain nano-particles, an existing polyurethane lacquer takes on extra wear resistance, scratch resistance, or fire resistance. Here, nano-materials are examined and manipulated on a nano-microscopic scale so that we can process these materials to give them a different structure. However, the possibilities of nano-technology go beyond that. With the so called bottom-up method, you start from nothing to build up products from that. This already happens to a limited extent. Specifically for the parquet market, this could mean that we develop a finish or an adhesive, which departs from existing technology and means a new wonder product with perfect properties, geared to a specific application. One thing’s for sure: In the near future, floor fitters will once again be confronted with new products, which can mean vitally important added value for the trade. Keeping yourself informed is the message. If a lacquer is launched with exceptional scratch resistance, it would be a pity not to be aware of it. With nano-technology, we will most likely see the emergence of a new generation of products for parquet fitting.

What’s on the market? Adesiv In this context Adesiv presents its two-component lacquer ICE in four variants as regards gloss: matt, semi-matt, semi-glossy, and glossy. This lacquer is extra resistant and is made specially for extremely high-traffic floors. The lacquer respects the colour of the wood and is extremely easy to apply. Two coats are sufficient on well prepared wood for a uniform result. ICE has very low content of VOC. The floor needs to have a moisture content between 8 and 12% for the application of ICE.

Blanchon The benefits of nano-technology are that through the use of minuscule particles it is possible to obtain exceptional durability and resistance in a lacquer or paint. The fairly high cost price and countless questions about the possible (as yet unknown) hazards prompt Blanchon to

Lecol Loba 2K Supra AT is a 2-component waterborne 100% polyurethane finish with very high wear resistance thanks to reinforcement with ceramic particles. AT stands for Advanced Technology and refers to the latest generation of products from Loba, which came about through the use of revolutionary technology, innovative raw materials, and/or refined applications. These products have unique properties. The AT products guarantee low emissions (VOC< 80g/l) and meet all demands with regard to the health of workers and end users.

Rubio Monocoat The most important product which is based on nano-technology within the Rubio Monocoat range is the RMC Nano Industrial. RMC Nano Industrial is an industrial pre-colouring which can be used to achieve creative effects. RMC Nano Industrial is always finished with a Rubio Monocoat Oil. This product has the following qualities: It dries quickly, has an emission percentage of 0% VOC, has low consumption (5 – 20g/ m²). RMC Nano Industrial is available in nine different colours. You shouldn’t apply a really thick coat, so that the molecular binding of the finish (RMC Oil) is still guaranteed.

Tover A lacquer is considered as based on nanotechnology when very small particles (one millionth of millimeter) are part of its formulation. These particles make the lacquer particularly clear. As other much interesting advantage for wooden floors, the product acquires a superior resistance to abrasion and scratches. The nano-particles are absolutely not hazardous as incorporated into the lacquer. Tover has introduced in its range a two-component water-based lacquer: Essenza, invisible on oak and other light species but suitable for very high traffic areas.

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Special

Laminate floors : part 1

LAMINATE HOLDS ITS GROUND DUE TO ITS OWN CONTRIBUTION PROVIDING ANSWERS TO MARKET DEMAND GETS ITS REWARD

Photo – Balterio

You can determine your own success; of that, you can be sure. Despite the rapid advance of ‘alternative’ floor technology such as LVT and PVC floors, laminate is holding its own very nicely. Although there was a slight drop in laminate sales in Western Europe in 2014, the global market grew by 0.9% in the same period. The ongoing efforts of laminate producers not only to take advantage of decorative trends, but also to continue to work technologically on increasingly better products have been rewarded. In this article we consider those trends and, of course, the figures.

Trends in the world of laminate The latest general trends have already been presented at Domotex earlier this year. It was clear at the show that the dominant trends in interior

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design are Shabby Chic, Vintage, and Scandinavian Style. Those trends were also clearly prominent in the versatile and increasingly creative range of laminate floors. All impressively attractive, but also technically tip top.

Wood sorts and colour The appearance of the floors is mainly light in colour, natural, and original. And so, it is no surprise that oak decors, which are already so versatile themselves, continue to dominate the laminate market. Nevertheless, lots of other natural wood decors such as walnut, elm, larch, and pine, have also made an appearance. The trend is that of light colours such as grey, light beige, cream, or even white. The visual aspect is one thing. Here, too, technology lends a helping hand to make it all even more real. Laminate has become true-to-nature, thanks to new print technology.

The ‘real’ feel Thanks to this print technology, the grains are even more realistic. Structures such as brushed, sandpapered, or rough sawn can be felt. Nevertheless, the harmony with the original wooden floor is being aroused to life more calmly and reservedly. Gnarls are still found, but not in such great numbers. More discreetly. Matt finishes wink at the oiled parquet finishes. In addition, some extensive ranges of Stone patterns emerge, ranging from original ceramic tiles to light porous natural stone.

Extra large We’re living more and more in open and continuous rooms. In this way we’re creating air and light. Rustic planks are appearing in extra long and extra wide designs. Even with lengths of over two metres there is still no repetitive effect. This means you get the effect of big attractive rooms. Here, the colours and decors of these floors come fully into their own. Moreover, by creating special planks which are also damp-proof, the producers have also opened the kitchen and bathroom doors.

Market figures They are feeling fairly confident on the laminate market: 2015 has been a good year so far and laminate will once again account for the ‘biggest’ segment in the total flooring market. This prognosis is prompted partly by the figures from 2014, which show clearly that laminate has not suffered much at the hands of potential rivals. In 2014, the 21 members of the EPLF (Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring) sold worldwide 467 million square metres of laminate as compared to 463 million square metres in 2013. This means that the total market increased by 0.9%. This trend does vary as you look at the regional markets individually. Western Europe fell slightly, but Eastern Europe grew. America grew, as did Asia. There was a fall in Latin America.

The European market in general

million square metres to 69 million square metres. The EPLF thinks that the fall can probably be attributed to the rise in so called ‘design floors’ or LVT. Apart from that, laminate is still the absolute leader on the German laminate market and forecasts suggest that this will continue.

Focus on Turkey Turkey is the biggest consumer market on the European market in general and is also in second place on the list of laminate producers. However, laminate sales in Turkey fell noticeably to 57 million square metres in 2014 as compared to 66 million square metres the previous year. Here, the drop was attributed more to a general weakening of the economy, shortages in the supply of raw materials, and the temporary closure of a number of factories.

Focus on France and United Kingdom France, too, is an extremely important market. Here, laminate sales have remained stable at 39 million square metres. Thanks to an increase in the construction market in the United Kingdom,, laminate sales rose from 29 million square metres in 2013 to 32 million square metres in 2014. This puts the country in fourth place on the EPLF ranking list.

Netherlands and Spain Sales in the Netherlands dropped by 8.1% in 2014, but with 18 million square metres in 2014 as compared to 19 million square metres in 2013, it is still in fifth place. Spain follows in sixth place with growth of 6% in 2014 to 14 million square metres.

Sales in Western Europe (the core market of EPLF producers), including Turkey, fell by 2.7% in 2014. In absolute figures, sales in Western Europe fell from 290 million square metres (2013) to 282 million square metres (2014), whilst, by contrast, producers in Eastern Europe recorded considerable growth in sales despite the political situation there. 110 million square metres of laminate were sold in 2014 as compared to 103 million square metres the previous year, growth of 6.8%. Russia purchased 28 million square metres as compared to 24 million square metres in 2013, a rise of 19%. Poland advanced by 6% to 26 million square metres. Then came Rumania (11 million square metres), Ukraine (8 million square metres), and Hungary (6 million square metres).

Focus on Germany Germany is the biggest individual market in Central Europe. Figures here were once again weaker in 2014 than in 2013: a drop from 72

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What’s on the market? Balterio At Balterio they are not really worried about the success of LVT. A new floor category such as LVT generally means as a rule that existing floor categories such as laminate, wall-to-wall carpet, tiles, and

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Laminate floors : part 1

Other assets: These floors are easy to install, thanks to the Masterclic Plus system and are of reliable quality with no risk of swelling and shrinking under the influence of the sun/weather conditions.

Parcolys Flooring

such like come under pressure. As regards LVT, we see from the EPLF figures that the laminate flooring market is holding its own fairly well. However, the LVT market is several times bigger than the laminate flooring market, certainly in the commercial/contract/project sphere. Dry back LVT, which is glued, is the biggest market here and is purely a commercial/project/contract matter. Laminate floors have not suffered as a result of this because laminate is hardly present at all on the project market. Click LVT is a smaller/more recent market which is found more in the residential segment. Here, the LVT is indelible/waterproof and people will tend to fit LVT in a wet room (= smaller room).

Meister

At Parcolys Flooring they have noticed a slight drop in laminate sales, but they don’t attribute this all to LVT. After all, LVT is growing much more than laminate is falling. The reasons can be found in the fact that clients are looking more for technical solutions (damp-proof, slip resistance, and impenetrable), which laminate doesn’t offer. With Parcolux and Parcostone, Parcolys offers a hard LVT with high temperature resistance, higher impenetrability, a better click connection, and anti-slip. Parcostone can also be glued as wall furnishing. Aquastep from Parcolys profiles itself in respect of laminate as the only waterproof laminate.

ter Hürne

According to Meister, laminate is losing its market share to LVT in the Netherlands. In the Belux laminate is still reasonably strong and the competition from PVC is less pronounced. The Meister flooring range is extensive and consists of laminate, parquet, Nadura and Lindura (new floor categories based on wood powder technology), Silent Touch (100% LVT without PVC), linoleum, cork, and design floors. Such a wide range of products has the advantage that clients can find everything from one supplier with reliable quality and quick delivery times. According to Meister, the laminate market can gain or regain ground by doing things such as setting up attractive regional collections: designs with deep structures, high-quality structures. Or by offering multiple different unique planks and raising the quality of laminate (noise and suitability for damp rooms, two properties which are strongly present with PVC). The laminate sector must supply quality reliable products with no complaints. The top sales arguments for laminate are the easy maintenance and the attractive designs. Silent laminate floors are obviously an asset. Meister is the only player in the Belgian wood trade to offer floors with a 2.5mm high-quality glued subfloor and thereby ensures a clearly better sound reduction.

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ter Hürne presents a wide range of floor coverings. The range consists of parquet, laminate, Avatara Multisense floor, and LVT as well as all accompanying accessories for fitting, finishes, and maintenance products. This wide range is important because clients, due to the wide range of floor types and suppliers, are looking increasingly for suppliers who can offer several solutions. A close relationship with the supplier of several solutions also has advantages as regards logistics and marketing. ter Hürne supplies all products from one place and has an outstanding transport system. Within that wide range, the products have to show some unique features. A double challenge which ter Hürne has taken on enthusiastically. The assortment is divided up on the basis of colour worlds instead of technical specifications and that approach is also applied to all their floors.

Special

Floors with the best acoustic characteristics

THE ROLE OF FLOORS IN THE WORLD OF ACOUSTICS IT’S NOT THE FINISH, BUT THE CONSTRUCTION WHICH PROVIDES IMPACT NOISE INSULATION

Photo – Kurkfabriek Van Avermaet

The legislation on impact noise insulation is somewhat comparable to fire safety legislation: The fire resistance of a wall is achieved at the level of the construction. The finish (e.g. a floor covering) can improve this, but must not have an adverse effect on it. It’s exactly the same with sound: Reductions of impact sound must be achieved pursuant to standard NBN S 01-400-1 at the level of the construction. For sound insulation towards rooms below we are talking about the concrete sheet and, possibly, the screed.

Interior acoustics We’re aware of sounds when we listen to music, take a walk outdoors, hold a conversation, enjoy a film or play, or if we go to bed or want to concentrate. There is only a fine line between sound (a pleasant sound) and noise (unwanted and unpleasant sound) and it is mainly a personal matter. With interior acoustics it’s important to have a pleasant

sound sphere, which gives noise no opportunity. Good interior acoustics are important for the welfare of everyone in the room, irrespective of whether the room is used for working, sitting, or relaxing.

Not only perception We said above that the point at which we consider ‘sound’ to be ‘noise’ is a matter of personal perception. Obviously, that’s not entirely true. There are also objective decibel limits, which apply to everyone. For example, it is generally accepted that sound at a level below 75dB(A) cannot cause permanent ear damage. If you exceed that limit, you halve the safety period with each volume increase of 3dB. This means that you shouldn’t be in a room with a sound level of 78 decibels for more than four hours a day, and only two hours with a sound level of 81dB. Damage will occur between 80 and 85dB(A) if the person is exposed to that sound for long enough. With even louder sounds there is soon an even greater risk of serious hearing damage.

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Floors with the best acoustic characteristics

Silent floors … for whom? Research has shown that poor acoustics have an adverse effect on speech comprehension, concentration, and the memory. This gives rise to poorer work performances, complaints of fatigue, and headaches. Moreover, noise or unwanted sound evokes irritation, stress, and agitation. For patients in care institutions, peace and quiet is a primary requirement. And so, it’s no coincidence that architects/designers are paying more and more attention to the role of acoustics within the care sector. But not only there! In offices, in work places, and even at home we want pleasant acoustics to provide peace and quiet.

less flexible floor coverings hardly improve the sound insulation at all as compared to the values recorded on the bare covering floor.

Three companies with exceptional qualities: Parcolys Flooring

Not only impact sound Impact sound is important, but not the only sound which can be annoying. Airborne sound spreads via the air, impact sound via structures which are connected to each other (vibrations which travel via the floor, loft, and/or beams). There are some fairly simple and effective measures which can be taken to counteract the transfer of impact sound (e.g. vibration-free mats). However, it is much more difficult to counteract nuisance from airborne sound.

In search of the ‘quietest’ According to the standard mentioned above, the construction itself, not the finished floor covering, has to guarantee the intended sound insulation. Both the concrete sheet and the screed play a part, but that is not directly within the parquet floor fitters’ sphere of work, since they emerge in the finish phase. Obviously, the finished floor covering can help to improve this insulation. The various floor sorts score differently, partly depending on fitting conditions. Flexible floor coverings such as cork, vinyl, linoleum, carpet, and such like have the best scores, partly depending on their thickness. The research conducted by the BBRI still gives the best summary.

For Parcolys Flooring LVT and vinyl have important sound-reduction properties, certainly in comparison with laminate. The difference can be as much as 30dB. The type of floor and its structure, but also the subfloor, play a major part here. The combination of Parcolux and/or Aquastep with the newly launched subfloor Aquasilent is ideal in terms of acoustics. Parcolux is a new generation of floors made from PVC and reinforced with titanium powder. This floor is waterproof and doesn’t swell or shrink. The ideal floor for damp rooms.

Parketfabriek Lieverdink

A tile floor The classic glued tile floor provides little or no improvement to the impact sound insulation of the floor itself. If a separation membrane is fitted under the tiles, results do improve from 78dB to 67dB, a considerable improvement in comparison with the performances of traditionally glued tiles. In other words, this technique holds a lot of promise, especially for renovations. After all, it can limit sound pollution in places where structural solutions (such as the aforementioned floating covering floor) are impossible.

Glued parquet For solid and semi-solid glued parquet it is possible to reduce the recorded performances by several decibels by means of a well considered choice of glue. Since there are very few test results in this regard, the BBRI has carried out a number of tests. Since the tests were carried out in the same test cabin on identical test items (solid parquet of 14mm, quality rustic A) and with the same recording apparatus, the type of glue formed the only variable. It emerged from the tests that single component polyurethane adhesives yield the best results (Ln,w = 67dB) and that the poorest results (Ln,w = 73dB) were obtained using an MS polymer adhesive. Performances by dual component polyurethane adhesives and dispersion adhesives are between those two extremes and fluctuate around 69dB.

Flexible floor coverings Flexible floor coverings and wall-to-wall carpet can improve impact sound insulation considerably. There is a simple rule for these two sorts of floor covering: The more flexible and thicker they are, the more they help to improve impact sound insulation. By contrast, very thin,

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Traditional parquet floors immediately yield a perfect result in the room itself if they are glued directly onto the base floor. Airborne sound is kept to a minimum due to the structure and direct glueing. To meet the sound requirements in flats, it will be necessary to use a heavy floating subfloor, which meets the sound requirements of the Owners Association (usually 10dB). Parketfabriek Lieverdink has managed to create a subfloor which meets these strict sound requirements and also closely equates to a fixed parquet floor in terms of acoustics! Accoustimaxx ® has been carefully constructed and consists of a combination of cement-bound wood fibre panel and an extra sound insulation backing of soft board panel fitted with a unique halved-joint connection with which the panels can be glued to each other with no problem at all and has an insulation value of : 11dB ∆Llin; 21 dB ∆Lw ! (TNO tested).

∂ Industry news Over 30 countries are using DecoRad® portable UV curing equipment

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

The development of the site concept at FN Neuhofer Holz is advancing continuously

In order to secure the site in Zell am Moos for the future too, and push further ahead with our 2020 Vision, at the end of December 2014 further plots of land were acquired around the company’s premises. In May of this year felling works were undertaken on the existing site, to create additional areas for the extension of the warehouse and production halls and for the construction of a new office building, including a generously-sized showroom, which is planned in the next few years. The successive expansion of the company’s premises will create an even more prestigious site for all our customers, partners and employees, which will measure up even better to the international importance of FN Neuhofer Holz as a brand. “Our concept is being continuously optimised so that with our products and services we are able to fulfil our promise “We offer you more” as well as possible in the future too. We are fully committed to ensuring that all our customers and partners notice and experience this”, commented Franz Neuhofer.

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„Blue angel“ label for MEISTER designfloor SilentTouch®

The new MEISTER designfloor SilentTouch® has been granted the environmental label “blue angel”. This is an official confirmation that this floor is ecological without any doubts. For the residential area SilentTouch® doesn´t contain any suspicious harmful substances , not now and not later on when being recycled. The floor is 100% PVC free, no phthalates and no other plasticizers and is therefore a healthy alternative to designfloors from the Far East. The surface, warm to the feet and easy to clean, and the special coreboard which doesn´t react to the warmth and sunshine, convince as much as the 5mm thin flexible 2m long plank with integrated Multiclic system.

The STAUF Production Site is expanding and contributing to the Environment and the Protection of Employees

STAUF Klebstoffwerk GmbH is now proving that continuous growth and conserving resources are not mutually exclusive through the expansion of their production facilities in Wilnsdorf. The installation of two new silos on the company property will be an important next step in the matters of protecting the environment and the employees for the long-established Siegerland Company. The two new storage facilities will help with the storage and dosing of filling ingredients. One significant advantage of this investment will be the immediate reduction in the use of bagged ingredients. Thanks to the storage of these ingredients in silos, ten tons of packaging waste alone will be saved each year. The new purchase will also ease the burdens on employees. They will not have to move heavy packages any longer.

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Top Dutch companies focused on export

THE NETHERLANDS HAS TO EXPORT PARQUET THE EDGE OF THE ECONOMIC ABYSS IS GETTING CLOSER

The shrinking of the economy in general, and the parquet market in particular, has not led to a reduction in parquet production in the Netherlands. Parquet consumption continues to fall, so the Netherlands is mostly facing overproduction. And so, it goes without saying that the country is looking out for export opportunities. This development is being followed closely by the European parquet federation. One positive note is that the economy in general is recovering nicely.

Export-oriented industry After World War II, rebuilding was the key to economic development in the Netherlands. In the wake of that situation industrial

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endeavour grew rapidly. Construction and infrastructure were obviously very important, but another top priority was to create jobs by increasing exports. The real growth industries were the electro-technical, base metal, and chemical industries.

International focus At present, Dutch industry is concentrating mainly on primary products and semi-finished products and is characterised by an international focus as regards both sales abroad and the spread of production plants and co-operation with foreign companies. The major sectors are the strongly computerised chemical and food processing sectors and the metalwork industry. The graphic and electro-technical industries are also highly developed.

Government stimulates export Since 1982, government policy has concentrated increasingly on export growth. Companies have also invested increasingly abroad so that the required expansion of the industrial base has stagnated. There was little renewal of Dutch industry in the 1980s, and only the existing production processes were improved. As a result, average growth continued to increase, but this failed to materialise in other corporate branches. The share of the industry in gross national product in 2013 amounted to 25.4% and 18% of those in employment in 2013 worked in this sector.

The economy is recovering The Dutch economy grew by 0.4% in the first quarter of this year as compared to the previous quarter (source: CBS - Central Bureau for Statistics). This growth is due mainly to heavy investments, more exports, and more consumption by consumers. The economic recovery has continued in 2015, but the growth has not matched the growth of 0.8% in the final quarter of last year. Growth has also been somewhat weaker than what economists had forecast on average (0.5%). In comparison with the first quarter one year ago the Dutch economy has grown by 2.4%. Growth is being recorded in a variety of sectors according to the statistics bureau. Imports, consumption, and exports have all contributed to the growth statistic. Unemployment in the first three months of this year fell by 2,000 in comparison with the previous quarter to a total of 635,000 people. This amounts to 7.1% of the working population.

Expenditure and investments In the first three months of 2015, there was an increase in the export of petrochemical products, natural gas, means of transport, machines, and apparatus than in the same period last year. Consumers spent more money during the previous quarter. For many years, the reticence of consumer expenditure had an oppressive effect on economic growth, but that period seems to have passed by. More money was spent on furniture and electrical

appliances, whilst the catering industry also saw its income increase. Since the last quarter was a colder period than a year ago, people also put their heating on more. Over the past three months, people invested more in homes than in the first quarter of last year. There was also more spent on means of transport for both goods and people. Companies invested more in machines and installations, telecommunication, and software. Moreover, producers in the industry are more positive about their future. According to the CBS, the level of employment within the industry was at the highest level since the outbreak of the crisis at the end of 2008. Exports in the first quarter were a good 3% higher than in the same period in 2014. March witnessed particular growth in the export of petroleum, rubber, and synthetic products. The volume of imports also rose by 2%.

Parquet market out of balance Whilst parquet production remained more or less stable, consumption continued to fall. This means that the Netherlands is more reliant on exports than ever before.

Production in the Netherlands In 2011, the Netherlands accounted for just about 2.33% of all parquet production and was thereby in third last place. Only the Czech Republic and Belgium produced less. In 2011, Dutch producers made 1,647,612m² of parquet. In 2012, the Dutch share fell to 2.01%, whereby it was still third from last. In terms of real production figures this meant that production was 1,372,149m², practically 280,000m² fewer than the year before.

Consumption in the Netherlands As regards consumption, the Netherlands is also towards the bottom of the FEP list with a share of 2.70% in 2011 and 1.80% in 2012. Consumption in 2011 was 2,469,825m². In 2012, that figure was a mere 1,575,162m², a drop of no less than 900,000m². Only Hungary and the Czech Republic consume less. Belgium consumed more than that (share of 3.63%).

An introduction :

LECOL Lecol has been known for years as the total supplier par excellence of the best products for installing, finishing, renovating, and maintaining wooden floors and parquet. Since the start of 2012, Lecol has added a second string to its bow, namely a complete assortment for installing carpet and flexible floor covering. In addition to this complete assortment, service, rapid delivery, and guarantee and advice are still top priorities at Lecol. In 1998, Lecol was taken over by Maiburg, a renowned trading company in sandpapering materials, adhesives, sheet materials, and parquet accessories. About 80 people work at Maiburg, some of them active for both Maiburg and Lecol. There are several innovations planned for the second half of 2015, but these are still a secret at the moment. The main markets are the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK. Lecol will concentrate even more strongly on providing added value. In the coming years, that will become even more visible for clients. Lecol is on the dawn of introducing a number of new products. For example, there’s the new oil line and then a completely new varnish system. +31 (0) 41 65 66 566 - www.lecol.nl

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Top Dutch companies focused on export

FLAMINGO PARKET In 1967, entrepreneur J.G.M. (Jon) Versteeg successfuly set up Europa Parket. This one-man business rapidly grew into a large renowned concern, with ten offices and over sixty floor fitters. In the 1970s, the company started in Wholesale under the name Din Parkett International (now Flamingo Parket). Wil Versteeg (mother of Lars) heads the company, which concentrates on the import of wood-engineered parquet from Hungary and solid wood strips and Burgundy floors from France. In 1985, Lars Versteeg set up production of 8mm wide floorboards and traditional parquet floors, which were added to the existing production. Partly due to the takeover of a factory in Dömitz, Germany, in 1995, the company soon took full responsibility for all its own production. Today, Flamingo Parket, with 65 motivated employees, produces about 25,000 square metres of different parquet floors each month. Each floor is supplied customised according to particular specifications. Flamingo Parket develops everything in-house and faces up to any challenge. All this is combined with an outstanding service. The company’s core business is the production and treatment of parquet floors. Furthermore, Flamingo Parket also has an extensive range of all the necessary by-products such as oil, skirting boards, and such like. The main product is twin plank. This is produced in different thicknesses, but the most successful variant is that of 16mm thick (12mm birch multiplex with a 4mm top layer). In 2015, they presented the new Raftwood Collection, which has been most warmly welcomed by the market. This collection consists of twin planks (12mm birch multiplex as base) with a 4mm top layer of old railway sleepers. Since its introduction early this year, over 10,000m² have been sold. The major markets are the Netherlands, Germany, and England, but the company is also active in Turkey, Canada, Spain, the USA, Ireland, New Zealand, Belgium, and Israel. + 31 (0) 34 24 04 222 - www.flamingoparket.nl

BIJLARD INTERNATIONAL Bijlard International is an organization dedicated to the development, production and distribution of adhesives for the professional market. Since its founding in 1956 Bijlard has gathered a loyal clientele. Many regular customers still use our products to their full satisfaction. In 2007 we took over the production facilities of Ankerweld labelled products and so Bijlard’s International character is growing strongly. Our markets are now both within and outside Europe. Adhesives for professionals by professionals. New materials are presented rapidly, creating an increasing range of requirements and applications. By being alert to these developments, we always offer appropriate solutions. We only supply professional adhesives, adjusted to the customer. We provide free advice in the workplace and give suggestions for cheaper and more efficicient production processes. Customer oriented, fast delivery and excellent service are in addition to quality and environmental requirements the main pillars of our company. Our product range includes a wide range of environmentally friendly, unfilled, free of aromatics adhesives and sealants of exceptional quality. + 31 (0) 79 343 75 38 - www.bijlard.com / www.ankerweld.org

As one of the first manufacturers to have specialised in the production of authentic aged oak flooring Hertog floors can now be found in homes and commercial spaces all around the world. At our facility near Maastricht, our talented people produce beautiful, aspirational floors. In solid or engineered, from wide-and-long to Herringbone, Hungarian Point and Versailles panels, the possibilities are endless. We have always set out to differentiate through design and innovation, but equally important is our desire to meet our customers’ expectations by offering expert advice and first-class service.

FOR UK SALES CONTACT DAMIEN FORD +44 7957 806 891 NEW!

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VEC - TRIVEC

HEYWOOD VLOEREN

Vec was formed in 1974 and specialised in techniques for applying coatings (paints, varnishes, oils, dyes, adhesives, etc.), but also all accompanying front-end and back-end techniques: from coatings machines, brush systems, product handling, drying systems, and adhesive pressing to cleaning tools and treating paint and glue rinsing water. In 2009, Vec introduced the Trivec brand with a view to helping to achieve its international ambitions. The market for indoor and outdoor floors is a major target group here. The Trivec modular programme consists at the moment of more than 60 different machine configurations. Apart from standard machines, Vec is also particularly strong in customised work solutions. Vec is internationally active in both Europe and elsewhere. Nine people work at the office in the Netherlands, and there are five at the partner branch in Slovenia. In August this year, Vec relocated to new premises in Suameer with more space for production and an extensive experience (test) centre where contacts are welcome to discuss projects, share ideas, and work with the machines. + 31 (0) 51 25 10 035 www.vec.eu - www.trivec.eu

Heywood Vloeren has been operating from Oss, The Netherlands as a producer since 1998 and specializes in 2-layer engineered Multiplank® with a solid hardwood top layer. This is exported to over 20 countries, spread over Europe, Asia and the Americas. The range includes beautiful innovative designs, ranging from modern to classic. The company’s Engineered Wooden Flooring Range includes the Collections Aged (Antique, Knotting Hill and National Treasure), Bespoke, Pattern & Panels, and Reclaimed. These can be seen in showrooms in Oss, London, Shanghai and Oslo, and at www.heywoodvloeren.com. The company designs and produces all items entirely on its own in accordance with the highest quality standards, according to the client’s wishes. About 50 professionals work in the company. The number of export countries is increasing and turnover is growing by about 15% per annum. Heywood is continuously updating their collections with new designs, techniques, and colours. + 31 (0) 41 26 57 428 - www.heywoodvloeren.com

Bespoke

Hardwood Flooring heywood VLOEREN

Cambridge

Salamanca

Heywood Vloeren is your manufacturer and wholesaler for all types and colours of Bespoke Hardwood Flooring: wide plank, herringbone, chevron, versailles panels and other unique Dutch designed, handcrafted wooden flooring concepts in European Oak, American Walnut, American White Ash, Wengé, Douglas Fir and other woodspecies. Be inspired by Heywood’s Bespoke Elegance, Bespoke Character, Multiplank Antique, Multiplank Knotting Hill and our pattern & panel floors. New is our Genuine Reclaimed Wood collection of Reclaimed Oak Venasque, Reclaimed Oak Compiègne and decorative Barnwood, which is available in Plank and also in pattern & panels.

Lausanne

Monaco

For more information please contact us or look at our renewed website. We invite you to visit our showroom in Oss, the Netherlands.

St. Andrews

Oxford

Princeton

Heywood Vloeren Scheldestraat 30 5347 JD Oss The Netherlands

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

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Top Dutch companies focused on export

TIMBERLINE

HENKEL

As a subsidiary of Houtindustrie Schijndel BV, Timberline has been accounting for foreign sales of Chapel Parket and Avance Floors since 2003. Timberline concentrates mainly on export markets and presently operates in more than 50 countries. They work together worldwide with professional importers, retailers, architects, and designers. The floors are used a lot in high-end projects, but Timberline also sells cheap floors in large volumes. Each floor, irrespective of size, is made separately and largely by hand for each order. Clients can choose from different types of floors, widths between 65 and 385mm, and lengths up to 500cm. There is a choice of more than 50 colour finishes, which can be applied on ten different surface treatments. The attractive rest wood which is released during the production in converted into 100% green energy, which is used for our offices, warehouses, and drying chambers. The surplus green energy provides fuel for 3,500 households. Timberline can take care of all operations for producing and supplying floors from 50 to 10,000m² worldwide. The leading product is Original Chapel Parket – solid wood and engineered oak floors in several dimensions and finishes. Timberline employs about 225 people. The sales team consists of about 10 people. The annual capacity amounts to about 500,000m². + 31 (0) 73 61 10 606 - www.timberline.eu / www.chapelparket.com / www.avancefloors.com

The emergence of this company began with Fritz Henkel, a 28 year-old trader who was particularly interested in science. On 26 September 1876, together with two partners in Aachen, he set up the firm Henkel & Co. The first product which they launched on the market was a Universal washing powder based on silicate. In the subsequent 130 years, this German family of entrepreneurs and its thousands of employees built Henkel up into a company of world renown. 1929 witnessed the formation of Henkel Belgium in Brussels, whilst the company set up Henkel in the Netherlands in 1932. Henkel operates all over the World with leading brands and technology in three fields: Washing and cleaning products, Beauty Care, and Adhesive Technology. Henkel employs 50,000 people in over 120 countries and has a turnover of 16,428 million euros (2014). The top product in the Adhesive Technology Pro Benelux division is Thomsit XXL Premium dust-free levelling compound. New in 2015-2016 in Adhesive Technology Pro Benelux division is the launch of Thomsit XXL Power. This is once again a refined version of Thomsit XXL Premium dustfree levelling compound with six additional unique selling points: rapid use, very good fluidity, perfect absorption capacity, fast-setting for floors, super strong, and suitable for industrial use. + 31 (0) 30 60 733 39 - www.henkel.nl

OVERMAT Over more than 30 years Overmat Industries is the specialist for treatment, finishing, maintenance and cleaning of floors. Our specialization is the Floorservice Hardwaxoil in a wide range of colours and effects, for manual, professional and industrial use on wooden floors, and the corresponding cleaning and maintenance products. Every year at least 5 million square meters of wood are being treated with Floorservice products. Supporting this assortment of products a perfect range of machines and accessories are available. Like the Woodboy® and Floorboy machines. Besides that Overmat is exclusive Benelux dealer of the well-known brands HTC and Airtec, who provide high quality machines for treatment of concrete and natural stone. For example you can find the best concrete scarifiers, concrete grinding machines, Twister pads and other maintenance machines for different types of floors at Overmat. At Overmat you can take advantage of our many years of experience and first class know-how. Our 25 employees have the knowledge and provide the best service for all kinds of projects and forthcoming problems. Our products are known for a perfect price/quality ratio, safety, environmental responsibility and lifespan. Overmat has got clear ambitions for the growth of the brand Floorservice. National as well as International. Therefor Floorservice is open minded about all countries and markets were Hardwaxoil is being used or benefits from a growing popularity. + 31 (0) 41 63 17 788 - www.overmat.nl

Floor Forum International 76

HERTOG VLOEREN

PARKETFABRIEK LIEVERDINK

Based close to Maastricht in The Netherlands, Hertog was one of the first manufacturers to specialise in the production of aged oak flooring. Hertog floors can be found in homes and commercial spaces all around the world. Founded and still overseen by founder Shaun Rowbotham, the company is proud of its achievements over the last 30 years and has developed an agile approach to innovation and the development of new colours and finishes; the company strives to be the best in its field whilst remaining true to the heritage of the Hertog brand. Professionally respected, the company is both FSC® and industry-accredited and enjoys strong relationships with architects, designers and contractors in over 25 countries around the world. Main markets are Germany, the USA and UK. In solid plank or engineered, from wide-and-long, Herringbone, Hungarian Point and Versailles panels, the possibilities are endless. Hertog has always set out to differentiate through design and innovation, but equally important is the desire to meet customers’ expectations by offering expert advice and first-class customer service. + 31 (0) 43 365 59 71 - www.hertogvloeren.com

Since 1959, Parketfabriek Lieverdink from the Netherlands has been working on innovative creations for floors in homes, shops, and public areas. Parketfabriek Lieverdink came into being out of a fondness for wood. Since 2002, the third generation has taken over this fondness and is responsible for the daily management of this annually growing company with over 30 employees. With a growing production capacity of 350,000 to 500,000m², this is a leading company in the field of traditional parquet in the Netherlands. They have developed Q2 (two-layer parquet) specially for export. What’s special about this product is that the Q2 range offers endless possibilities. The Q2 range starts where other brands end and therefore has a complementary effect. New in this assortment is the Victorian point. However, they can also make customised products. Germany, England, and Denmark are the biggest markets for Q2 floors at the moment, but China is also showing some interest in this Dutch traditionally crafted product. + 31 (0) 31 43 40 563 - www.lieverdink.nl

PRIMAVERDE Primaverde BV was founded in 2008 and is situated in Waalwijk. At the beginning Primaverde BV only had Permafix surface protection in its assortment. Today the company is specialised in covering and protections of floors, stairs and rooms, shortly; everything that is needed for a clean and safe working-environment. Beside the brand Permafix, Primaverde also represents the brands Curtain-Wall, Fugenmeister and PrimaCover exclusively for the Benelux. At the moment Primaverde is exporting to Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Finland, England and France. Our brands can be purchased at established distributions channels f.e. from ironmongery and hardware wholesalers, professional building centres and paint outlets. High quality, fair prices and quick delivery are only a few of our keyvalues. Innovation is also very important for Primaverde. Through intensive cooperation with endusers, we continue developing new products. At the moment Primaverde employs 12 people. For 2015 and 2016 we expect further growth by increasing export and expansion in new branches on the Beneluxmarket f.e. automotive and marine. + 31 (0) 41 68 20 248 - www.primaverde.nl

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Floor Forum International 76

∂ Product news CIRANOVA UNICARE X-MATT – Universal maintenance product UNICARE X-MATT is an exciting new waterborne, universal protection product for all matt surfaces of CIRANOVA products, laminates and LVT. UNICARE X-MATT prevents premature wear on the floor surface and is unique because it can be used on all surfaces such as varnished, oiled and soft floors. More information can be found in the technical sheet.

HAND-SIZE UV APPARATUS: DECORAD® HANDMATE UV 600 This is essential for any professional wanting to get into on-site UV. It has been developed in collaboration with end users and is produced by DecoRad® Systems, the European specialist in the field of mobile UV equipment. The DecoRad® Handmate UV 600 has the following characteristics: it is easy and safe to use (partly due to the built in shutter), lightweight, portable, and CE-approved (and BG-BAU).

DESIGN PARQUET HUNGARIAN POINT – GREY GUERAND THE ELEGANCE OF HUNGARIAN POINT Design Parquet, a specialist in customised high-end parquet, has made ‘Hungarian point’ trendy again. This vast classic within French parquet, which gives floors a refined geometry, fits easily into modern interiors with new features such as modern colours and wide floorboards. It divides up into several shades in the Design Deco range, so that it suits all spheres, including Grey Guerand. This colour comprises shades of grey-beige, white grains, and wood gnarls with a black look to launch a charm offensive! Via floorboards 130mm wide, Hungarian point ensures that special rooms such as lounges and accompanying rooms look larger. The use of solid oak gives interiors character and a certain dignity. The oil finish makes the floor gleam, whilst the wood enjoys full protection. Grey Guerand is a shade which suits sophisticated styles, classic lines, and modern interiors with a design layout. The grey, the white grains, and the clearly visible gnarls of the wood create an elegant and natural look. The protective oil finish ensures that the wood stays intact longer. Key Hungarian point – 45 °, Solid campaign oak 14 x 130 x 670mm, Authentic oiled oak, Planks with the same length, mitred, Floorboard width 130mm, Price: €89/m2, not including V.A.T.

LA SAN MARCO PROFILI Nowadays the natural choice for interior decoration of our homes is becoming more and more popular. Usually, it is because of aesthetics, the warmth and harmony that born from the environment that surrounds us. This is the reason why we support the same choice for our outdoor spaces. A wood flooring becomes as a whole between furniture and nature. This “green” choice is already a musthave of furniture. On this growing trend, La San Marco Profili presents its wide range of outdoor flooring and it shows its high quality with both deck tiles and decking boards. It invests all its experience and knowledge of wood to provide ad hoc working process and accessories for easy installation without compromising the results. The aim is to create the impression that the structure has grown organically out of ground. Among all our fittings, our patented invisible profile is undoubtedly the best representative product that fulfilled this aim, because thanks to this kind of profile, exclusive licensing through Välinge Innovation, the artificial elements are completely hidden. Furthermore, La San Marco Profili, not only is an authorized licensee of the patented invisible profile, but it is also a supplier of products made with FSC® certified wood from legal, manageable and sustainable forests. WHO LOVES NATURE AND BEAUTY, LOVES LA SAN MARCO PROFILI MADE IN ITALY PRODUCTS.

OSMO : DECKING CLEANER Highly effective moping concentrate for cleaning coated decking Uncovered exterior wooden decking faces a high amount of strain. Tough stains can be removed with water and Osmo Decking Cleaner: clear away any loose dirt on the surface with a broom. Add Decking Cleaner to mop water. (Dosage depends on the amount of dirt and stains.) Then clean the wood along with the wood grain with a scrubber. For mechanical processing on decking, it is recommended to use the Osmo Decking and Flooring Cleaning Machine. After cleaning, rinse with clear water.

Floor Forum International 76

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