ISFA Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 by The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA)

VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 3 • 2010 • SINGLE ISSUE $14.95

What’s Inside: Bonding Dissimilar Surfaces Page 34

Outdoor Kitchens with Stone/Quartz Page 40

The Business of Concrete Page 44

Cover Story:

Laminate in the 21st Century Page 24

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Postmaster: Send address change to Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine, 165 N 1330 W Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057.

Please send letters to editor@isfanow.org or to Letters, ISFA, 165 N 1330 W Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057 or fax to (801) 341-7361 attention: Editor. Include a telephone number and address (preferable email address). Letters may be edited for clarity or space. Because of the high volume of mail we receive, we cannot respond to all letters. Send queries about Countertops & Architectural Surfaces to editor@isfanow.org or mail to ISFA, 165 N 1330 W Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057 or fax to (801) 341-7361 attention: Editor.

Photography: Photos in this publication may not depict proper safety procedures for creative purposes. ISFA and Countertops & Architectural Surfaces support the use of proper safety procedures in all cases and urge readers to take steps to institute such procedures. Photography Provided By: Mory Ludwick of Premier Countertops, Stone Forensics, Formica Corp., Wilsonart Int’l, Mark Celebuski of Pinnacle Cast Concrete, Caulk-EZ, Laser Products Industries and baumgartfoto.com.

Contacting ISFA Phone: (801) 341-7360 Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 Fax: (801) 341-7361 editor@isfanow.org www.isfanow.org

Magazine Credits Publisher & Editor Kevin Cole Creative Director Jeff Pease Contributing Editor Russ Lee

About This Magazine Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is published quarterly by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA). Individual copies of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces are available at the non-member “newstand” price of $14.95. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is also available by individual subscription at the following rates: ISFA non-members, one year (four issues) $30.00; ISFA members, one year free with every membership renewal. Special rates and charges apply for orders outside of the United States. Call for details. To subscribe, call (877) 464-7732. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © International Surface Fabricators Association 2010. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without publisher’s written permission. Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and The International Surface Fabricators Association assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. For change of address, please include old label with new information, including both old and new zip codes. Allow 3-6 weeks for address change to take effect. Periodicals postage rate is paid at the Lehi, Utah, post office as well as others. Opinions expressed by writers in this magazine are not necessarily the opinions of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces or the International Surface Fabricators Association, but rather those of the individual writers.

ISFA Officers Of The Board Evan Kruger, President Hunter Adams, Vice President Ted Sherritt, Treasurer Joe Hoffman, Asst. Treasurer Kurt Bonk, Secretary Sid MacKay, Immediate Past President Russ Lee, Executive Director

Magazine Credits

Letters To The Editor Countertops & Architectural Surfaces welcomes Letters to the Editor. If you have questions about the magazine, or would like to make a comment, or voice an opinion about the magazine, ISFA, or the industry in general, please feel free to write to us.

ISFA Directors Mike Nolan, Director Mike Langenderfer, Director Martin Funck, Director Dave Paxton, Director Russ Berry, Director Michael Job, Director Michael Bustin, Director Harry Hollander, Associate Member Rep. Bryan Stannard, Associate Member Rep. ISFA Staff Russ Lee, Executive Director Jeff Pease, Art Director & Web Services Kevin Cole, Communications Director Sandy Milroy, Membership & Event Director Margaret Pettingill, Administrative Assistant Cover Photo: Formica’s new 180FX laminate series approximates the look of real granite. That is just one of the new innovations with laminate countertops. Read the full story on Page 24.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 3

Table of Contents

Laminate New choices for a new economy Page 24

Bonding Dissimilar Surfaces A useful guide to help you gain an even better understanding of bonding Page 34

Other Features 28 - Multi-Family Solution 48 - Change Up 50 - Caulking Made Easy

Departments 06 - From The Editor Fabricator Profile Top South -- evolving to stay relevant in a topsy-turvy world Page 30

Outdoor Kitchens Considerations for outdoor applications of stone and quartz surfacing Page 40

08 - President’s Letter 10 - Executive Director’s Letter 12 - Industry News 15 - Safety Corner 16 - Calendar Of Events 18 - Education Connection 20 - Shop Management Matters 23 - 5 Questions 52 - ISFA News 58 - Supplier Profile 60 - Product News 66 - Classifieds 66 - Ad Index

The Business of Concrete Mark Celebuski shares his insight on running a successful concrete countertop business Page 44 4 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

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From The Editor From the desk of Kevin Cole, Editor & Publisher, and ISFA Communications Director

In Summer, the Song Sings Itself It was William Carlos Williams who wrote, “In summer, the song sings itself,” and that poetic line rings true to me today as much as it did the first time I read it back in college. As I write this, July is upon us and summer is in full swing, bringing the extended daylight, dandelions and hot sticky days full of backyard barbeques, summer vacations and all of the things that go along with it. The warm weather makes the bitter cold of the winter past a distant memory, and along with the sunshine and much improved weather generally comes an increase in activity around the home. With the more time people spend in their homes during the summer months enjoying the longer days, and in some cases shorter duties, many are making decisions on how to improve those homes. That means many in the home improvement market find that summer is the busiest time of the year. Hopefully, you are getting your share of that business. In addition to the typical activities in the yard or garden that summer makes possible, a lot of other things also occur during the summer that may be good for your business. One thing that comes to mind is the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta, which is a must-see for those of you that work with wood and cabinetry. This year ISFA has teamed up with the show to put on a great full-day symposium “Cabinets to Countertops: Turning Opportunities into Profits,” which is sure to provide a host of useful information presented by some of the biggest players in the countertop world. (Check out more information on it in the ISFA News section of this issue.)

the United States. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 1 out of every 20 workers in construction-related jobs was injured at the workplace in 2008. And 1 out of every 10,000 was killed. So if you are bringing in young, seasonal help, keep in mind that they might not be as accustomed to shop safety as your veterans, and being careful along with productivity should be a priority. Hopefully when summer fades, school starts up again and they are ready to part ways with your business, they do so with the same number of fingers and toes that they started with. And one other thing that summer brings is our annual ‘Tips of the Trade’ issue of this magazine. This issue of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces is designed to be full of solid information that you can directly apply to your business. Sources range from industry leaders to handson fabricators to manufacturers that have a view from a broader perspective. This is the kind of advice and insight that just may inspire you to try out new ways of doing things or to reach new levels you have previously not attempted. A variety of ideas and disciplines have been discussed at great length here, so there should be something for just about anyone in the pages before you. So here’s to wishing you all a warm and sunny summer that not only affords some time to relax, but is also safe and productive. As always, I look forward to your feedback. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Sincerely,

Kevin Cole Editor & Publisher kevin@isfanow.org

While the economy over the past couple of years may mean you are forced to make do with the staff you have during busy summer months, for those of you who are fortunate enough to be looking for extra help over the summer, a lot of young workers that have recently graduated high school or are between college classes are looking for temporary work. With the influx of new workers, it is probably no coincidence that last month was National Safety Month in

6 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

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From The President From the desk of Evan Kruger, ISFA 2010-2011 President.

A Fresh Perspective I’m not going to lie to you; things have been slower and less profitable than in times past. Unfortunately, that has meant I’ve had to lay off some folks that have been with me for a long time. Anyone who owns a business and has half a heart would know how bad it feels to do this, and I bet you do if you are reading this. But, downsizing is part of the process sometimes, and it can protect the jobs of the rest of the employees and the foundation of the business itself. I try to think of it as “right-sizing” because it is a process in which you adjust your business to the right size for the economic conditions you face. It’s a hard thing to do and no one wants to be put in this position, but it has given me a fresh perspective.

are more profitable and ARE NOT performed by Home Depot or the guy with the $29 per sq. ft. granite sign on the highway. Having made these observations, I decided to talk to some of my fabricator friends from across the country. I am thankful for my years as an ISFA member, which provided me with a whole host of contacts to reach out to, and that’s what I did. I shared my observations and what I thought of the potential opportunities, and based on the input from these conversations I pretty much had a new plan. Now, we have attended and have scheduled more new and comprehensive training for work we haven’t pursued in the past, and we have found adjuncts to our existing countertop work that garners larger sales per job. I don’t know if I would have recognized these opportunities without the adversity of the recession and the downsizing of my business, and I don’t know if I’d have been able to refine them without the input from fellow fabricators. Through that process I’ve come to realize that what looks like a humbling experience has also been a valuable one. It has given me a fresh way to look at and begin to grow the business again.

In the process of adjusting to a smaller market this past year and a half, I have personally become busier day-to-day doing more hands-on work. After reading 100 articles telling me to “work on my business” not “work in my business,” it felt a little strange working on the shop floor again, repairing machines and re-teaching certain fabrication techniques that time, shear volume and technology had rendered to the dark corners of my company’s history. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to work with my hands, but in spending my time on the shop floor, I know I am neglecting the “working on my business” aspect that is so critical.

So I would urge everyone, no matter your situation or how busy you may be to find the time to look for new ways to improve your business. And keep this question in mind: Would it help if you had other folks in the same situation to talk over ideas and to get the pros and cons from a number of your peers? I think we already know the answer.

However, the benefit of getting my hands dirty was to see all the nuts and bolts of the business again from the perspective that I had when I started it. All the data, spreadsheets and graphs at my disposal didn’t have the impact of once again working in the shop and at the jobsites. When one is involved with a physical task, it can give your mind a chance to wander and ponder how to make the business better again. I’ve often heard it suggested that business managers exercise on a regular basis because it reduces stress and so on. Maybe one of the benefits of exercise is time to ponder the business too.

Evan Kruger ISFA President evank@solidtops.com

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Sincerely,

Working on the shop floor and on jobsites gave me a chance to see the strengths and weaknesses of my employees a little better. With these realizations, I began to see what we can do better as a company. I saw certain types of work that I don’t think we are so well suited for, and more importantly I saw new opportunities in work we excel at doing, 8 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

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From The Executive Director From the desk of Russ Lee, Executive Director of ISFA, Charter Fabricator Member (1997) and Industry Partner (2007).

Maxims to Live By Sometimes it may seem like you never win. Recent hard times have forced many fabricators go through the horrific task of downsizing their workforce in order to stay financially afloat. For most, it was heartwrenching. And most waited too long to do the deed – then had to do it again, and again and again. Now, fabricators around the country tell me that work is starting to pick up. But, there is a problem: most people are afraid to hire. They would much prefer to roll up their sleeves, and put in longer hours performing shop tasks that were once little more than a distant memory. The reality is that the recession was/is so painful, took so many people by surprise and required so many hard decisions that it will take time for fabricators to gain enough confidence to trust the staying power of any recovery. In the meantime, we all get the opportunity to view our businesses, once again, from the ground up. At ISFA, I have the unique opportunity of talking to fabricators around the world on a regular basis, which is an opportunity I value highly. Through my observations I have come up with a list of “value statements” that seem to characterize those decorative surfacing professionals who have made the most of these extremely difficult and sometimes heart-breaking times. For what it is worth, those observations are shared below. 1. We are in business to succeed. When all is said and done there will be a certain number of companies that somehow sail through the fiercest storms and make it to the calmer water. We will find a way to become one of those companies. 2. We can do more. It doesn’t matter what we used to think about the nature of our business, we can do more with less, and we can diversify. 3. Customers will still pay for value. Our greatest defense in a price war is our reputation for service, honesty and quality. The confidence our customers have in our company brand is what gives us the opportunity to bid on projects. Our ability to reinforce to the customer WHY they prefer to deal with us is the challenge and opportunity of every sales call. We rarely lose projects solely on price – it is mostly because of our failure to demonstrate the value of our company brand.

4. Sound business principles still apply. While we will be creative in rising to the current challenge, we recognize that no business can survive that doesn’t pay strict attention to cash flow and profitability. 5. We are all in this together. We can benefit by talking to other industry professionals and listening to their experiences. We will adapt good ideas to our business. 6. This is a time for building relationships and alliances. We will work to strengthen our relationships with our suppliers, our customers and even our competitors. Most people and companies are now much more open to new ideas and opportunities for mutual benefit and we will be flexible as we explore the possibilities. “Relationships” has become a new currency. 7. We will be fearless. We have a good product, produced by good people, that fulfills a need in society. We will press forward. Now for the disclaimer: there is nothing scientific about these statements, other than they are a compilation of observations made of industry pros over the past few months. But let me say this, they – you – are a resilient bunch, and I tend to place a lot of confidence in what I see and hear from them. One more observation: There seems to be a lot of interest these days from folks around the world in reviving the ISFA Mentor Program. The idea is to bring a small group of folks together, pair the “fledglings” with seasoned pros, subject them to several days of intensive business training, require onsite visit exchanges at mentor/mentee shops and communicate regularly as a group over a six month period to compare experiences and encourage group learning. It’s about getting one-on-one guidance from a successful fabricator who has already walked the road you are now treading, combined with solid business training. Does this concept appeal to you? If so, let me know at russ@ISFAnow.org or 877-464-7732. If there is enough interest, we will make it happen. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Sincerely,

Russ Lee Executive Director, ISFA russ@isfanow.org

10 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

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In The Industry In The Industry has the latest news and events for the decorative surfacing industry. Vetrazzo Joins Polycor

Vetrazzo, producer of recycled glass surfacing material in a concrete matrix is now a division of Polycor, a company known for its quarrying of granite and marble. Vetrazzo’s product line will extend Polycor’s previous offerings of granite and marble. Polycor has more than 25 quarries and five fabrication facilities, and produces more than 1.5 million cubic ft. of rough stone blocks per year. Polycor also has more than 10 sales representatives covering the United States, with the support of the company’s divisional office in Atlanta, Ga. Vetrazzo can now be purchased directly from Polycor sales representatives, and customers that have already bought Vetrazzo will have access to aftersale services from Polycor.

KBDN to Host Leaders Conference Kitchen & Bath Design News (KBDN) is hosting a one-day Leaders Conference focusing on the future of the kitchen & bath industry. The event, which will be held Sept. 21 in the Chicago area in Hyatt Rosemont Hotel, in Rosemont, Ill., is designed to provide a roadmap of the future. The symposium, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will cover a variety of topics in various sessions put on by industry leaders. The sessions include “Forecast for 2011” given by Kermit Baker, a senior research fellow at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, and the project director of the Remodeling 12 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Futures Program; “Lifestyles & Life Stages” presented by Independent Consultant Robin Avni; “Today’s Affluent Consumer” presented by Ron Kurtz, founder of the Management Resource Group; “Marketing and Selling in Today’s New Economy presented by Leslie Hart of marketing agency Fry Communications; “Designer Insights” presented by Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, CAPS, author and marketing specialist; and “Identifying Key Specifier Needs” presented by Brenda Bryan, a market researcher and analyst who specializes in the home improvement industry.

KBIS Sees Increase in Attendance The National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) 47th annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) drew more than 37,000 attendees, up almost 30 percent over the 2009 show. Nearly 700 exhibitors showcased their most innovative and latest products in more than 300,000 sq. ft. of expo space at Chicago’s McCormick Place on April 16 to 18. The three-day event brought together the industry’s dealers, designers, builders, remodelers, retailers, and other professionals directly involved in the design and remodel of residential kitchens and bathrooms. It was also complemented by a full conference program led by top industry leaders including Sergio Zyman, former chief marketing officer of Coca-Cola who led the Opening Ceremony, and David Kohler, President & COO of Kohler Co. who provided the State of the Industry Address. More than 500 journalists registered to cover the show this year, including national design television shows from the DIY Network and HGTV, along with a number of print and online journalists representing major industry trade publications, daily newspapers, national consumer magazines, news wire services and industry blogs. KBIS will return next year to the Las Vegas Convention Center on April 26 to 28.

Coverings Etc. Receives Recognition for Bio-Glass

NKBA Announces President’s Award Winners The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has announced the winners of the NKBA President’s Award, which honors companies that have provided exceptional support of the NKBA during the previous year. The winners, Jenn-Air and Rohl, were recognized by Suzie Williford, the NKBA immediate past president, at the State of the Industry Address held in Chicago during KBIS. The NKBA President’s Award was created to recognize supporters who are committed to helping the association and its members. This year’s award winners assisted through various educational partnerships, KBIS programs and long-time support and commitment to the association.

Coverings Etc. has received recognition for its eco-friendly surfacing products, such as its Bio-Glass material. In the Red Dot Award: product design 2010, Bio-Glass was awarded the “red dot” quality label for high design quality by the jury made up of renowned designers from around the world. Bio-Glass is made from 100 percent recycled glass coming from beer bottles, wine bottles, water bottles and stemware gathered from recycling centers. The awards presentation will take place in the Essen opera house, the Aalto-Theatre, on July 5, 2010, in Essen, Germany. Bio-Glass will then be featured in a four-week special exhibition at the red dot design museum on the premises of the Zollverein Colliery from July 6 to Aug. 1, 2010, in the exhibition “Design On-Stage - Winners Red Dot Award”. After that it will be presented in the RedDotDesignMuseum’s permanent exhibition. Additionally, the company’s Bio-Glass, Eco-Cem and Bio-Luminum products were honored at the Smithsonian/Cooper Hewitt National Design Triennial. Bio-Luminum tiles are made from 100 percent retired aircraft aluminum cladding. EcoCem is made from post consumer recycled wood fibers, fly ash and cement and comes in sheets and tiles. The “National Design Triennial: Why Design Now?” at the Smithsonian’s CooperHewitt, National Design Museum showcases design solutions that promote environmental stewardship, social equity, accessibility and creative capital and will be on view through January 9, 2011.

“We made the decision to re-develop our Web site in an effort to not only provide the ability to order online, but to also make available more comprehensive details about our products, processes and services,” said Cindy Eggersgluess, a representative of the company. “The site is very user friendly, so finding what you need takes just minutes and a couple of clicks. Full product descriptions, instructions, FAQ’s, and How-To’s are easy to find. Our customers can now order on-line 24/7, but they can also continue to phone, fax or e-mail us as usual – whatever they prefer.”

Accent Surfaces Walks for Autism

Rosskopf & Partner AG Receives Award as Strongest Cosentino Dealer in Europe

Cosentino presented Rosskopf & Partner AG with an award for special commitment in cooperation and teamwork. The manufacturer and supplier of Silestone offered an award during its third European dealer’s meeting for the customer with the “highest Silestone sales“ in Europe. Rosskopf & Partner AG, long-standing processor of the quartz surfacing product, was presented this award at Cosentino’s headquarters in Cantoria, Spain. At a small celebration ceremony, Eduardo Cosentino personally handed over the award to Martin Funck, board member of Rosskopf & Partner AG.

The Pinske Edge Launches New Web Site The Pinske Edge Inc., a supplier of tools and supplies for solid surface fabrication, has just announced the launch of its new Web site, www.pinske-edge.com. The new site provides improvements in navigation, uniformity, appearance, product information and online ordering.

Employees and volunteers from Artisan Group members Accent Surfaces, including President Larry Hamilton, recently joined more than 4,000 walkers at This is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, for the 3rd Annual Utah Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Walkers raised in excess of $160,000 for autism research, family services and awareness programs. The Accent Surfaces team raised $2,000 before the event and is still collecting. Some team members walked and others volunteered along the route.

Diamut Hires New Sales Manager Diamut, a producer of high-tech diamond tooling, has hired Michele Ragno as sales manager for the United States and Canada. Ragno has a strong technical tooling background having worked for several years in the same sales manager position for another industry player. In addition, Ragno also has extensive experience in programming CNC machines and is very familiar with design software programs like Autocad. Michele’s main duties are to develop a strong dealer network, provide support, provide product training, set budgets, manage inventory levels, support the marketing team’s efforts to improve the Diamut brand communication and make sure customer satisfaction and loyalty reach the highest level.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 13

Hoffman Fixtures First Stone Fabrication Shop in Oklahoma to Earn Accreditation

e-mail or an RSS feed. The company’s Facebook page, www. facebook.com/CHBriggsCo, will share product innovations, special events, seminars, training classes and exclusive incentives. Other features include photos and reviews, and fans are encouraged to upload project photos, share comments and interact with other fans.

The Concrete Countertop Institute Launches Concrete Countertop Certification Program

Hoffman Fixtures, factory direct supplier of kitchen and bath products and services for both residential and commercial applications and Artisan Group member is the first stone fabricator in Oklahoma to be Marble Institute of America (MIA) Accredited. Based in Tulsa, the company has also recently acquired Phoenix Fabrication, expanding to Oklahoma City. Currently, only 47 natural stone fabricators in the country have achieved accreditation, 19 of which are Artisan Group members. To become accredited, a company must have successfully completed three phases of application. Phase 1 is the completion of a lengthy application that requires the applicant to provide various documents and references that ensure that the company is in compliance with the 10 standards of accreditation. Phase 2 requires the company’s qualifying agent to pass a comprehensive 200-question exam. The third phase is a comprehensive site visit, which includes a facility review, document review and one or more installation site visits.

C.H. Briggs Launches Social Media Campaign C.H. Briggs, a large independently-owned distributor of interior and specialty building products, has published its own blog and Facebook page to stay connected to its customers, prospective customers, vendor partners and the community. As part of the program Julia Klein, chairwoman and CEO of the company, has published Julia’s Blog at http://blog.chbriggs.com. Klein’s blog shares her insights and perspectives on a range of topics including the distribution industry, the building materials industry, entrepreneurship, small business, innovation and the economy. Readers can subscribe to Klein’s blog feed via

The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI) has launched its new concrete countertop certification program. The program is available to any concrete countertop professional, regardless of training received and manufacturing techniques, mix ingredients and sealers used. It tests quality of the end product from a client’s point of view, using project evaluations, and it tests general knowledge and business practices, using a written exam. The only cost for the program is administrative fees upon submission of the projects and exam. To complete the program, concrete countertop professionals must submit extensive photos of three projects for paying clients. The photos cover certain steps of the manufacturing process, to ensure basic structural integrity, as well as the finished, installed project. Client contact information is also required, and CCI will interview clients to determine whether the professional used good business practices in estimating and contracting the project and dealing with any problems that occurred. There is also a written examination covering quality standards, basic concrete and countertop knowledge and sales and marketing practices. Once professionals complete the program, they will receive a certificate and logo, and will be listed in a special area on the CCI Web site. Annual recertification will be required.

Hanwha Surfaces Names New Team Members Hanwha Surfaces, a manufacturer of quartz and solid surfaces, has added two new team members into leadership positions. Joe B. Thompson has been named vice president of sales and marketing and Lisa Herreth has been named product designer. Thompson joins the company’s executive team as a seasoned industry leader with more

14 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

18 years of marketing and sales experience in the building materials industry. His efforts at the company are focused toward marketing and sales development, operational, organizational and infrastructure development, effective product implementation and strategic planning to ensure the company’s growth throughout North America. Before joining Hanwha Surfaces, Thompson served as vice president of marketing and corporate branding for Formica Corporation. Herreth joined Thompson’s team as the team lead designated to work with the company’s marketing, product development and manufacturing teams to develop consistent initiatives and strategies to address marketplace color trends and designs. She will work closely with distributors to understand customer interests as new product lines and patterns are introduced. She is also tasked to enhance the company’s eco-friendly approach as it relates to new product introductions and sustainability. With more than 10 years experience in the building materials industry, Lisa joins the company from Ulster Carpets where she served as the company’s design manager for more than seven years.

Registration Open for ISFA’s September 2010 Total Fabricator Training Registration for the next solid surface Total Fabrication Training (TFT) class offered by ISFA is now open. The four-day training class teaches fabricators and potential fabricators the basics of countertop fabrication for solid surface material. The training is taught by veteran fabricator and trainer Mike Nolan of Windbound Company and covers all facets of fabrication. The TFT program is the only solid surface program accepted by all major providers of solid surface to meet fabricator training guidelines. The course runs from Sept. 13 to 16 and is hosted at ISFA headquarters in Orem, Utah. For more information contact the ISFA staff toll-free at 877-464-7732. All ISFA members receive a $400 discount. The course will be repeated in November, 2010. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Safety Corner From the desk of David Mack, Senior Account Executive of Schechner Lifson Corporation. www.slcinsure.com

Do You Have Cyber Liability?

According to the Internet Usage Stats Web site, 260 of the 340 million people in North America in 2009 were Internet users, which is a 76 percent penetration and a 140 percent growth increase since the year 2000. There are now over 1.8 billion people using the Internet worldwide which represents a 400 percent increase since the year 2000. It is estimated that more than a million companies worldwide rely on the Internet for more than 50 percent of their revenue. Cyber liability coverage has become a necessity for every business that stores private information. State laws now require companies that have experienced a security breach to notify all customers and employees that they could be at risk, even if the information was never used. Handling notification, credit monitoring services and trying to rebuild a company’s reputation after a breach can be costly. Companies lost an average of $234,000 per breach in 2009, according to a recent report by the Computer Security Institute in New York. Public relations nightmares may lead many companies to keep breaches private, so less than 25 percent of companies surveyed agreed to disclose the amount lost. Even though cyber liability coverage has changed significantly in the last year, a report released by the Carnegie Mellon CyLab found that 65 percent of its Fortune 1,000 respondents have not reviewed their cyber security policies recently. In the past two years alone, security breaches have affected 150 million records exposing millions of people to identity theft. Will Your Business Survive a Security Breach? No longer are there questions of “if” it will happen, but rather “when” will it happen. When a breach does happen, will your company be ready? How will you respond? Will your company survive an attack? The following items are problem areas associated with cyber liability: • Identity theft of social security, credit card and driver’s license numbers • Security failure, technology error and omissions, e-vandalism • Intellectual property, trademark and copyright infringement • Privacy invasion, libel, slander, defamation and extortion • Business interruption from a security failure and viruses • Breach notification and credit monitoring costs Remember, anyone who thinks they may be affected by a security breach can take action against those they believe are responsible! More than half of all reported security breaches come from within the company either

by employees or business partners. Hackers can infiltrate from anywhere in the world and they are at it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Half of companies surveyed have fewer than 1,000 employees and claims reach across all industries. Oftentimes a trusted employee leaves or loses a handheld device or laptop in an unsecured location. Reports of breaches are rising at an alarming rate. We sometimes overlook the potential loss of confidence by our existing and potential customers, which has serious negative impacts on value, stability, reputation and the performance of our business. Most often businesses underestimate the risk of exposure even when the best and most effective security control systems are used, and it is very difficult to calculate or imagine the size and scope of devastation possible. Cyber liability insurance may be more than a good investment, it may now be critical coverage every business needs. Do You Have Sufficient Coverage? There are many questions you must ask yourself with regard to insuring against this sort of issue. Is your business covered against cyber security exposures? Does your policy cover the full extent of data security breaches? Does your policy have first and third party coverage worldwide? Does it cover direct loss and legal liability? Does your carrier offer security network assessment tools to determine your company’s exposures? Are there broad definitions for “computer” and “systems” or exclusions for employee dishonesty? Does coverage extend to outsourced data processing and storage services? Are notification expenses triggered without claim or regulatory mandates? Cyber security coverage is affordable even for small businesses. There is a simple application and a streamlined process for obtaining coverage. Protection includes damage to a third party’s system preventing authorized user access because of virus transfer. Privacy injury and identity theft protection is available for losses resulting from failure to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), Canadian Personal Information Protection (CPIP), Electronic Documents Act and the European Union Data Protection Act (EUDPA) and don’t forget, your own published privacy policy. Are you prepared to send notification to each and every customer you’ve ever had telling them their private information has been stolen and could be potentially be used for identity theft? Are you willing to pay for a personal credit monitoring service for all of those affected? You may just want to look into this coverage before it is too late. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

David Mack joined Schechner Lifson in 2006, before which he managed a small insurance agency in Plainfield, N.J. He has a BA in education from Kean University and is a New Jersey certified Teacher of the Handicapped. He worked as a volunteer for Youth at Risk as a Team Leader in charge of training and fundraising. He can be reached at 908-598-7875 or davidm@slcinsure.com

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 15

Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events AZ School of Rock Basic Fabrication Training Aug. 2 – 5 Gilbert, AZ 480-309-9422

ISFA Total Fabricator Training Sept. 13-16 Orem, UT 877-464-7732 www.isfanow.org

CCI Concrete Countertop Master Class Oct. 25 – 29 Melbourne, Australia 888-386-7711

CCI Intensive Concrete Countertops 101 Aug. 2 – 6 Des Moines, IO 888-386-7711

CCI Intensive Concrete Countertops 101 Sept. 13 – 17 Raleigh, NC 888-386-7711

CCI Intensive Concrete Countertops 101 Nov. 1 – 5 Des Moines, IO 888-386-7711

SFA Shop Tech/Management Workshop Aug. 12 – 14 Bangor, MA 207-947-7858

MIA Education Seminar Sept. 15 San Francisco, CA 440-250-9222

MIA Education Seminar Nov. 10 New York, NY 440-250-9222

KBDN Industry Leadership Conference Sept. 21 Chicago, IL 800-827-8009, ext. 3322

ISFA Total Fabricator Training Nov. 15-18 Orem, UT 877-464-7732 www.isfanow.org

MIA Education Seminar Sept. 22 Minneapolis, MN 440-250-9222

CCI Intensive Concrete Countertops 101 Nov. 15 – 19 Raleigh, NC 888-386-7711

CCI Intensive Concrete Countertops 101 Aug. 16 – 20 Raleigh, NC 888-386-7711 The Pinske Edge Fabrication Seminar Aug. 18 – 20 Plato, MN 800-847-6753 ISFA/IWF Cabinets to Countertops Aug. 24 Atlanta, GA 404-693-8333 IWF 2010 Aug. 25 - 28 Atlanta, GA 404-693-8333 ISFA Fabricator Meeting & Shop Tour Aug. 26 Atlanta, GA 877-464-7732 SFA Importing/Marketing Workshop Sept. 2 – 4 Morris, IL 815-942-3347 AZ School of Rock Basic Fabrication Training Sept. 7 – 10 Gilbert, AZ 480-309-9422

Marmomacc 2010 Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 Verona, Italy +39-045-829-8111 NKBA Job Installation & Project Management Oct. 6 Albuquerque, NM 800-843-6522

CCI Intensive Concrete Countertops 101 Dec. 13 – 17 Raleigh, NC 888-386-7711

MIA Vermont Quarry Tours Oct. 6 - 7 Barre, VT 440-250-9222 Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference Oct. 19 - 20 Chicago, IL 202-339-0744 NKBA Job Installation & Project Management Oct. 20 Anaheim, CA 800-843-6522 CCI Intensive Concrete Countertops 101 Oct. 11 – 15 Raleigh, NC 888-386-7711

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Education C

ContractLabor

onnection

The Pros and Cons of Converting Employees to Independent Contractors

One of the realities of the “New Economy” is an environment of increased pressure to cut costs in every aspect of your decorative surfacing business without sacrificing quality. Your customers know they are in the driver’s seat and they expect the best at the lowest price. In times like these who hasn’t toyed with the idea of converting their labor force to independent contractors? Before you succumb to the temptation, however, be sure you understand the ramifications of that decision. Care must be exercised when using Independent Contractors because the IRS and various government agencies seek to classify workers as W-2 employees so as to ensure that your business pays FICA, Medicare tax, worker’s compensation insurance, unemployment tax and overtime for its workers. That said, your business can utilize 1099 Independent Contractors if you follow three steps: 1. Require your 1099 Independent Contractor to form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation; 2. Enter into a written Independent Contractor Agreement drafted by a lawyer with the Independent Contractor’s Limited Liability Company or Corporation; and 3. Pay the Limited Liability Company or Corporation formed by the Independent Contractor with a check, never pay the Independent Contractor as an individual.

Employee or Independent Contractor?

To determine whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor under the common law, the relationship of the worker and the business must be examined. In any employee-independent contractor determination, all information that provides evidence of the degree of control and the degree of independence must be considered. Facts that provide evidence of the degree of control and independence fall into three categories:

behavioral control, financial control and the type of relationship of the parties.

Behavioral Control

• The type and degree of instructions the business gives the worker. An employee is generally subject to the business’ instructions about when, where and how to work. Even if no instructions are given, sufficient behavioral control may exist if the employer has the right to control how the work results are achieved. • Training the business gives the worker. An employee may be trained to perform services in a particular manner. Independent contractors ordinarily use their own methods.

Financial Control

• The extent to which the worker incurs business expenses that are not reimbursed. Independent contractors are more likely to have non-reimbursable expenses than employees. Fixed ongoing costs that are incurred regardless of whether work is currently being performed are especially important. However, employees may also incur non-reimbursable expenses in connection with the services they perform for their business. • The extent of the worker’s investment. An independent contractor often has a significant investment in the facilities he or she uses in performing services for someone else. However, a significant investment is not required. • The extent to which the worker makes services available to the relevant market. • How the business pays the worker. An employee is generally paid by the hour, week or month. An independent contractor is usually paid by the job. However, it is common in some professions, such as law, to pay independent contractors hourly. • The extent to which the worker can realize a profit or incur a loss. An independent contractor can make a profit or loss.

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Type of Relationship

• Written contracts describing the relationship the parties intended to create. • Whether the business provides the worker with employee-type benefits, such as insurance, a pension plan, vacation pay or sick pay. • The permanency of the relationship. If you engage a worker with the expectation that the relationship will continue indefinitely, rather than for a specific project or period, this is generally considered evidence that your intent was to create an employer-employee relationship. • The extent to which services performed by the worker are a key aspect of the regular business of the company. If a worker provides services that are a key aspect of your regular business activity, it is more likely that you will have the right to direct and control his or her activities. If you prefer to have the IRS determine whether a worker is an employee, file Form SS-8, Determination of Employee Work Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding, with the IRS. The following examples may help you properly classify your workers. Example 1: Milton Manning, an experienced tile setter, orally agreed with a corporation to perform full-time services at construction sites. He uses his own tools and performs services in the order designated by the corporation and according to its specifications. The corporation supplies all materials, makes frequent inspections of his work, pays him on a piecework basis and carries workers’ compensation insurance on him. He does not have a place of business or hold himself out to perform similar services for others. Either party can end the services at any time. Milton Manning is an employee of the corporation.

doing business as Plum Roofing, is an independent contractor. Example 4: Vera Elm, an electrician, submitted a job estimate to a housing complex for electrical work at $16 per hour for 400 hours. She is to receive $1,280 every 2 weeks for the next 10 weeks. This is not considered payment by the hour. Even if she works more or less than 400 hours to complete the work, Vera Elm will receive $6,400. She also performs additional electrical installations under contracts with other companies, which she obtained through advertisements. Vera is an independent contractor.

The Contract Labor Agency

Example 2: Wallace Black agreed with the Sawdust Co. to supply the construction labor for a group of houses. The company agreed to pay all construction costs. However, he supplies all the tools and equipment. He performs personal services as a carpenter and mechanic for an hourly wage. He also acts as superintendent and foreman and engages other individuals to assist him. The company has the right to select, approve or discharge any helper. A company representative makes frequent inspections of the construction site. When a house is finished, Wallace is paid a certain percentage of its costs. He is not responsible for faults, defects of construction or wasteful operation. At the end of each week, he presents the company with a statement of the amount he has spent, including the payroll. The company gives him a check for that amount from which he pays the assistants, although he is not personally liable for their wages. Wallace Black and his assistants are employees of the Sawdust Co. Example 3: Bill Plum contracted with Elm Corporation to complete the roofing on a housing complex. A signed contract established a flat amount for the services rendered by Bill Plum. Bill is a licensed roofer and carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance under the business name, Plum Roofing. He hires his own roofers who are treated as employees for Federal employment tax purposes. If there is a problem with the roofing work, Plum Roofing is responsible for paying for any repairs. Bill Plum,

If you are intrigued with the idea of converting your workers to contract labor but don’t wish to run the gauntlet of government regulations and the potential risk of incurring penalties, there is a safer alternative. It is the contract labor staffing agency. Companies that specialize in providing businesses with contract labor is not a new idea – they have been around for years – what is new is the sheer number of agencies springing up that specialize in providing contract labor on a more or less permanent basis. In essence, your workers are employees of the staffing agency, which covers all their payroll costs, workers compensation and often will run their own programs for drug testing and safety. “It’s a good deal for us,” said Evan Kruger of Solid Tops LLC. “All of our workers come through a staffing agency. It helped when we started as a new business and it helps now when times are tough. Their drug testing and safety training keeps unemployment compensation costs low; they take care of payroll checks, etc. And what is important, we can keep the workers as long as we need them.” Even benefits, such as retirement and health insurance, may be covered by the staffing agency, or the fabrication company may elect to implement their own program for employee benefits. At Solid Tops, for example, health insurance is provided by the fabricator, while most other benefits are the responsibility of the staffing agency. According to the Barrett Business Services Web site, which provides workers for Solid Tops, “This program is for long-term staffing assignments. The staffing requirements for entire departments may be outsourced to Barrett for a long-term project. We are responsible for finding the perfect candidates by matching the qualifications

required for a given project. Barrett provides an employee benefit package that rivals those of full-time employees to enhance employee retention as well.” Hiring contract labor through an agency may not be the perfect solution for every company, but the concept is rapidly gaining traction across the country. Keep in mind, however, if you think the arrangement might work for your company, you need to do your homework. With the sudden rise in popularity of “scalable staffing” have emerged alternatives that some people may view as borderline shady or even unethical. One such iteration is the “member-owned” staffing agency, which gives ownership shares to each of its workers and, as self-employed entrepreneurs, makes them responsible for paying their own taxes and other government obligations. Such companies often recruit undocumented or minority workers, who either don’t know or don’t care that they should be putting money aside for an eventual day of tax reckoning. The concept, for the moment, has survived legal challenges in some states, but the jury is literally still out whether or not such a business model will stand a legal test. In any case, for the staffing agency that employs such tactics and the companies that use them, it seems a cynical way of abusing the employee-employer relationship in the name of increased profits.

The Bottom Line

In the final analysis, the method you choose to structure your workforce can have a major impact on the profitability of your company. And because most companies view their employees as their single most important asset, it makes good business sense to carefully consider the nature of your relationship. Job security, benefits, growth opportunities and feelings of respect and well-being often rate in equal importance with the amount of compensation for most workers. Thus, as long as the ultimate welfare of the company’s workers carries equal weight with the health of the bottom line, a fabricator can’t go too far wrong. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

1099 Independent Contractor information provided courtesy of Spiegel & Utrera, P.A (www. amerilawyer.com)

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 19

Inspiration at ICFF The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) was held on May 15 to 18 in New York City and I had the great fortune to attend. It was an absolute must see show for anyone involved in the design world. According to the ICFF show guide, more than 24,000 interior designers, architects, retailers, manufacturers, representatives, distributors and developers were expected to attend. From what I saw, that was a really good estimate. The show was buzzing from start to finish. If you ever needed inspiration for a design idea, it was the place to be. I overheard one person in attendance say, “I’m experiencing designer overload!” With more than 500 booths you could view just about anything you could imagine. There was

furniture, seating, carpet and flooring, lighting, outdoor furniture, materials, wall coverings and kitchen & bath displays. The exhibitors hailed from all parts of the globe, which really gave the event a great international flavor. Exhibitors came from 35 countries, ranging from Canada and the United States to places as far away as Norway, Belgium and even Ghana.

By Jon Olson Outside the booth there was a really interesting table being displayed. In the middle of the table was a routed design but the table was still functional. I thought it was a great way to use Corian. I call that thinking out of the box.

Being a solid surface guy, I loved seeing the different surfaces being used in some really innovative ways. In fact, the variety was nearly overwhelming. After a whole day of walking around I still couldn’t get to every one to examine the applications in as much detail as I would have liked, but I’ll share a few of the highlights. The first booth I saw when I entered the hall was the Corian booth (www.dupont.com/surfaces). Featured were laser engravings that could be backlit, along with thermoformed panels for indoor and outdoor applications (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 - On display at the Corian booth were backlit and raised thermoformed panels.

Figure 2 - Suberra showcased the ability of cork surfacing to be used to make countertops and sinks.

Further down that aisle was a company called Suberra Cork Surfaces (www.suberra.com). Most of the time when I think of cork surfaces, I think of corkboards, but it’s gone way beyond that now. On display was a countertop and sink made out of cork (see Figure 2). According to the product’s technical guide, it can be cut, routed and sanded with woodworking tools and seamed with standard adhesives, is fastened to cabinets or table bases with standard wood screws, and does not support bacterial growth. I watched as the salesperson cut some things on a sample board with no apparent damage. I was very impressed and would definitely classify this as a green surface product well worth looking into. The next booth I visited was the LG Hausys booth (see Figure 3). Their emphasis was on the Student Design Challenge that they sponsored along with Aloft hotels, with hospitality designs as the feature (www.lgsurfaceschallenge.com). On display were the three winners’ projects:

20 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Figure 3 - At the LG booth, the winners of their recent student design challenge were on display. International Surface Fabricators Association â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ 21

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Figure 4 - 3form highlighted its Ditto modular system, a collection of partitions formed using crossed shaped pieces that are designed to fit tightly together.

Twisted Chair by Lily Zhang, University of California, Berkeley; Drip Table by James Petras, University of Cincinnati; and Ari chair by Benjamin B. Fullerton, University of Wisconsin-Stout. These beautiful designs illustrated so well that solid surface is for much more than countertops. Another interesting booth was OSO Industries (www.osoindustries.com). On display was concrete furniture. All of the company’s products were beautiful, but even more amazing was how light the furniture was. I was told that through their mold making process they can make castable furniture that is very mobile. Wilsonart had a wonderful booth as well (www. wilsonartcontract.com). They also sponsored a student design program. The theme this year at ICFF was to create a unique chair that used different colors from their laminate line. On display were five very cool designs. The winning chair was called “The One For Two,” by a young designer from the Pratt Institute named Esin Arsan. As I left that booth I was reminded that laminate is not just for countertops; the surfaces we have to work with are amazingly versatile! Wood surfaces were also very nicely represented. Usually we think of wood as a set of cabinets, but at the Kobo-Moku display that trend was broken (www.kobo-moku.com). I saw one impressive design called ICHIBOKU. It was an open hearth table made with wood from a 300-year-old tree. The table serves not only as

a place for the family to enjoy dinner, but in the middle of the wood table was a teapot warming area. What a wonderful design! 3form, as usual, had tons of things to look at (www.3-form.com). One thing that caught my eye was its Ditto collection (see Figure 4). It is a collection of partitions formed using crossed shaped pieces that are designed to fit tightly together. They are made from 40 percent pre-consumer recycled content. One of the coolest things I saw was the custom cast resin countertops by the Robin Reigi Company (http://www.robin-reigi.com/index.php). As their brochures say, they are luminous, luxurious and unsurpassed in downright sexiness. These tops were real stand-outs. One display showed a lighted sink made of poured resin (see Figure 5). Each top is hand crafted, hence a one-of-a-kind work of art. The show truly was a joy to attend. It was a great opportunity to discover new and emerging products and to meet many of the owners and artists first hand. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

About the Author:

Jon Olson is production and operations manager for Sterling Surfaces in Sterling, Mass. A solid surface fabricator since 1982, he has gained experience in all phases of fabrication while helping Sterling to grow from 10 to 50 employees and become one of the world leaders in the industry. He can be reached at jon@sterlingsurfaces.com. Photos courtesy of baumgartfoto.com.

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Figure 5 - The Robin Reigi Company made some very interesting custom cast resin countertops and sinks.

Five Questions For

Mike Nolan

With three decades in decorative surfacing, Mike Nolan of Windbound Company in Morganton, N.C., has seen significant change come about in the industry, both as a small-market fabricator and as a representative of a major manufacturer of solid surface products. In 1975 Nolan founded Wood Concepts Custom Cabinets in Albuquerque, N.M., where he was first introduced to solid surface in the early 1980s. In 1984 he closed Wooden Concepts and went to work for Avonite as Fabrication Manager, where he was able to put his degree in Industrial Arts Education to good use as a trainer. In 1990 Nolan left Avonite and started Windbound Company, also in Albuquerque. Then in 2005 he moved the entire operation to Morganton, N.C., where it is still in operation today. Nolan is a member of the ISFA Board of Directors, Director of Education for ISFA and Instructor of the highly acclaimed ISFA Solid Surface Total Fabrication Training course, which is currently offered bi-monthly at ISFA headquarters in Orem, Utah. A hot air balloon enthusiast, Nolan is just one hour shy of obtaining his pilot’s license. 1. As a trainer you work with industry people from all over the world. In your opinion, what is the reason they come to ISFA for training? Great resource! The training ISFA provides, I feel, is the most comprehensive in the industry in that the curriculum developed teaches ALL manufacturers’ warranty criteria, does not promote any one brand over another and encompasses much more than proper fabrication procedures. Attendees of Total Fabrication Training (TFT) often tell us that one of the most valuable aspects of the course is the chance they have to try out different kinds of hand tools and equipment in a shop setting before they buy, which saves them time and money. The TFT class has been developed over many years by some of the best and brightest people from all segments of the industry, and will continue to evolve with this industry as new products and processes are developed to keep our members informed through continuing education. 2. Do you see any trends developing within the industry? I see solid surface as still in its early years as far as its uses and applications are concerned. I am continually amazed by the ingenuity and quality of the products our members create. Both residential and commercial applications of solid surface are expanding beyond just countertops. The possibilities are limited only by the industry’s ability to market innovations to our clients. Product mix in both markets is continually changing as market trends change with consumer demands for “that newest thing.” Most fabricators I know offer a variety of products, and we are no different at Windbound, where we process solid surface, quartz, granite, laminate and concrete. 3. What advice would you give to someone starting out as a fabricator in the decorative surfacing industry? Get educated. Business 101! What and where is your market? Have you put together a business plan? Have you crunched the numbers? Are you knowledgeable in the product and ready for the commitment it takes to start a new enterprise? What are your resources and opportunities? Do it. 4. Has your membership in ISFA made a contribution to your own business? If so, how? YES. As a major resource for keeping current with what is going on in the decorative surfacing industry via this magazine, the ICE Show and networking with other fabricators. Taking advantage of the many seminars and classes offered by ISFA has helped us stay informed and in touch. Over the many years we have been involved with ISFA our company has participated in a variety of jobs that were a direct result of our membership in the association. 5. What is your favorite business book? Over The Top by Zig Zigler. It was first printed in 1994, and is even more valid today given the current state of affairs.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 23

New Choices for a New Economy

aminat

by Michael Lallo

It’s certainly been a rough ride for the kitchen & bath business during the past two years. The double whammy hit to both new construction and remodeling has made us all look for new, creative ways to keep business going. The remarkable resiliency of the industry is proof that crisis can breed innovation, not only for manufacturers, but also for builders, retailers, fabricators and installers. The good news of late is that the estimated 55 percent of Americans who have money to spend – but have been holding back – are helping to kickstart a modest turn-around in the economy by opening up their wallets again. Better yet, those who have been sitting on remodeling projects for the past 24 months are getting back into the game. The big difference for many of these return consumers is smaller budgets. While they are going ahead with projects that they may have planned for two years back, they may not be doing them quite the same. According to a recent article in the Denver Post, homeowners are holding on to their dreams of “the perfect kitchen” but reconsidering their wish lists. The challenge for those who design, retail, fabricate and install these projects is in showing their customers how to balance smaller budgets and yet get the results they want. And the key to success is a little resourcefulness and creative thinking. It’s not just staying on top of the latest products; it’s being willing to offer your customers some “non-traditional” solutions for their kitchens. For example, we’ve seen projects where homeowners traded out the requisite stainless appliances for more traditional, but still very relevant black finishes in order to get the tile backsplash they really wanted. In another situation, the homeowner “settled” for a lesser grade of cabinets in order to get the stone flooring they loved. This scenario of trade-offs is happening at all budget levels, as consumers try to rationalize their spending against a still shaky economy. It marks the re-birth of the “smart consumer” – the one who makes choices based not only on style, but also on price, sustainability and lifestyle. After a few decades of relegation to the “budget” category of building and remodeling, laminate is enjoying a renewal of interest in this new economy. And it isn’t just because it costs less than the luxury options like granite and engineered stone. Today’s laminates may take their inspiration from those aspirational materials, but there’s a lot more to the story than just a pretty face. Wilsonart HD High Definition and Premium Laminates, for example, incorporate dimensional design and rich texture, along with new AEON enhanced scuff and wear performance. Formica’s 180FX patterns offer a literal reproduction of a granite slab made possible by new photography capabilities. We hear regularly from proud homeowners whose friends think they bought “the real thing.” It used to be that premium laminates were only for homeowners who wanted to upgrade from conventional laminate, but didn’t have the budget for higher priced upgrades. Now though, we’re seeing consumers looking at these newer laminates instead of alternatives. Not only do laminates cost less, they say, but they like the fact that they can use the

24 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Formica’s 180FX creates the look of real granite by photographing actual stone slabs and transferring the image to the laminate material instead of using a repeating pattern. (Shown: Formica 180FX Yellow River) New profiles in postform tops, such as this ogee edge, give a sculpted look to laminate surfaces. (shown: Wilsonart Medallion)

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 25

21st century laminates feature richer, darker colors and visual dimension that look nothing like our grandmother’s white-with-gold-flecks countertops. (shown: Wilsonart Luna Night) savings toward one of the other “must haves” on their kitchen list. Sustainability has become part of the criteria for homeowners in many parts of the country. Going far beyond recycled content, consumers want to know about the corporate responsibility of the manufacturers they buy from. Laminate manufacturers are certainly paying attention to these trends; you can find environmental information for all of them on their Web sites. Because laminate is primarily composed of wood fibers, most manufacturers have incorporated at least some recycled or controlled wood in their products. Expect to see more innovation coming from the industry as manufacturers look for other ways to reduce their overall impact. This is likely to be one of the drivers for consumer choice in the coming years. Accessories – particularly edge treatments and integrated sinks – also go a long way to give countertops that “well-dressed” look of their more expensive peers. Edge moldings, like Wilsonart’s decorative bevel, and pre-

fabricated post-formed ogees and bull-noses from companies like VT Industries and Hartson-Kennedy can hide the famous laminate Brown Line, giving countertops an even more slab-like look. We can expect more edge styles to appear on the market as designers and installers work on new ways to accessorize the laminate countertop. Integrated acrylic sinks have probably introduced the most obvious luxury component to laminate tops. The sleek, easy-to-clean lines of a sink undermounted into a countertop were once only available with a solid surface top. The development of new adhesives and fabricating techniques make it possible to get the same look with laminate. Wilsonart HD integrated sinks joined pioneer Karran last year with new styles and a new installation adhesive. Other more familiar names in sinks are sure to follow as the demand for these styles grows. Demand for installation training grows by the month as consumers learn more,

High gloss finishes with enhanced scratch resistance give laminate countertops the look of highly polished stone without as many worries as those associated with past versions of gloss. Integrated sinks also lend the look of luxury to laminate tops. (shown: Wilsonart Girona Beach with beveled edge and HD double-bowl sink) Circle Reader Service # 07 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

26 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association 10-0607 ISFA IWF 4 prodOL.indd 1

6/7/10 2:32:33 PM

and fabricators get more requests. Significantly, this is an area where fabrication training is an absolute must. If you’re interested in adding this skill to your roster, I encourage you to contact your laminate distributor for more details. All this change makes laminate worth a second or even third look by enterprising kitchen and bath related businesses. It could well be that today’s laminate countertops provide you with a great way to bring in the budget, close the job and make your customer very happy. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

About the Author

Michael Lallo is manager specialty/premium products for Wilsonart International Inc., 2400 Wilson Place, Temple, Texas, 76504, 800-433-3222, smartline@wilsonart.com, www.wilsonart.com. Previously, Michael has been a fabricator, installer and designer.

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28 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Multi-Family Solution

Time was when the decision for using laminate countertops in a large housing project was based almost exclusively on cost. It was a given that both the aesthetic and the longevity of the countertops would be substantially less than that of other premium surfaces. But that was then, and this is now. While laminate countertops are still very affordable, the material has taken a definite step upward in terms of beauty and durability. Take the Tyvola Centre apartment complex in Charlotte, N.C., for example. Acquired by Switzenbaum & Associates in October of 2009, the 50 acre development has undergone renovation in its interior living spaces, including refurbishing the kitchens. Working with Stephanie Gee of Builder Design in Gaithersburg, Md. Switzenbaum & Associates opted to upgrade the laminate countertops to Formica’s 180FX series. Two factors contributed to the decision: 1. the stunning look of granite, and 2. the countertops are significantly more durable than earlier iterations of Formica laminate -- which helps the company become more environmentally responsible, a big deal in today’s commercial arena. The project was coordinated start to finish, including measuring, fabrication and installation, by L. E. Smith in Bryan, Ohio (www.lesmith.com). A manufacturer and distributor of laminate countertops for the wholesale market, the company also fabricates and installs for commercial projects. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

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Fabricator Profile Top South

For Top South, located in Marietta, Ga., the secret of success can be boiled down into a few basic and very important principles. “Integrity is our main goal,” said founder and president, Jerry Moore. “We want to be the type of company that we would hope to encounter in our own purchasing experiences. We also believe in being flexible enough to respond to our customers’ needs and, finally, we focus on our core competencies in order to provide better service.” The company, which offers all major brands of premium surfacing products including Corian, HI-MACS, Staron, Gibraltar, Formica, Avonite, Zodiaq, Caesarstone, Silestone, Hanstone, Cambria and Icestone, operates out of an 82,000-sq.-ft. facility, which boasts a 50,000-sq.-ft. stone shop, 22,000-sq.-ft. solid surface shop and a 10,000-sq.-ft. showroom. The company is active in both the residential and commercial markets. “In 2005 we formed the Stone Division, headed up by Scott Sheffield,” explained Jerry Moore. “Scott started with Top South in 1992 30 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

as an installer who soon became instrumental in designing and implementing the policies and procedures which supported the rapid growth of our stone business and which control it today. That same year, Top South added Drew Domino, a longtime manager in DuPont’s Corian business. Drew brought new focus and direction to the Solid Surface Division that provided successful results in a declining market. These organizational realignments allowed the company to pursue new directions for revenue growth while maintaining and enhancing our focus on quality.” Like many countertop shops in the early 1990’s, Top South focused primarily on satisfying the demand for solid surface countertops in remodeling and new construction. While the company did not avoid commercial projects per se, the appetite for solid surface in residential new construction was all-consuming. Yet, by mid-decade, the winds of change had begun to blow as solid surface prices started inching downward. So, in 1995, Top

South added granite to its product offering, just in time to take advantage of the decade-long construction boom that was sweeping the country. “From the late 1990s through 2007 our biggest challenge was simply to satisfy customer demand for stone,” Moore said.

More Change With the residential engine cranking at full speed, Moore and company began the shift to a greater emphasis on commercial projects. Lucky for them they did, because just around the corner loomed the so-called “Great Recession,” which virtually overnight laid waste practically the entire residential construction market. “We were fortunate to have some commercial projects on the books that helped carry us through the worst of the crisis,” said Drew Domino. One of those projects was a cafeteria renovation project at KenInternational Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 31

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nesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA, for which Top South fabricated and installed granite serving counters. The 54,000 sq-ft. project is a harbinger of sorts for what might be the nature of commercial/institutional construction for the foreseeable future. Seeking LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the “green” dining hall features vegan and gluten-free food,

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compostable paper products, an onsite herb garden and a trayless cafeteria to help conserve water. “This project has great potential for Top South because the person we dealt with at Kennesaw State also happens to be on the board of regents for the state university system,” said Domino. “He was very pleased with the work we did and how smoothly everything progressed.” Its success in the commercial arena notwithstanding, a major ongoing challenge for Top South is surviving an environment of rapidly degrading pricing for premium decorative surfacing in virtually all aspects of the business. It’s a front-of-the-mind issue for the company’s management team, which is constantly looking for opportunities to differentiate Top South from the competition. “Our objective for the future is to demonstrate to a variety of market segments that Top South is a solid vendor

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partner that will help our customers reach their goals for years to come,” said Moore. “That said, it’s tough to maintain a successful balance between the cost of operating a business in a quality way and competing with ever falling prices.” A charter member of ISFA, Moore’s vision for the industry trade association centers on differentiation through certification as a yardstick for end-users to measure quality. “My greatest hope for ISFA,” he explained, “would be for it to take the lead on establishing industry standards by which all professional fabrication companies could be measured and promote those companies that adhere to them as preferred suppliers in the market. Consumers and businesses need a way to distinguish between companies that have invested for the long term and those that

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32 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

For more information go to www.topsouth.com.

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International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 33

Bonding Disimilar Surfaces By Greg Rose

Basics of Adhesive Bonding In general, adhesives start out by being “thin” enough to wet out the materials being bonded and then they change to be “thick” enough to give strength. That’s called “curing” in an adhesive and there are several different chemical ways to make that physical change. The way that we make that change is what we use to identify which type of chemistry was used for the curing process. So when someone says “epoxy adhesive” they mean an adhesive that uses epoxy chemistry to cure into a useful bonding agent.

As you read this article, there are three things to keep in mind: Be sure to follow all instructions supplied by the manufacturer of an adhesive; be sure to read and heed all safety warnings listed on an adhesive container; and please remember that the information presented has been generalized and specific applications should always be tested before bonding.

hy Learn About Bonding?

When you delve into information on bonding, you are generally signing up for a chemistry lesson, because in bonding, it’s all about chemistry. However, most people probably aren’t so interested in chemistry as they are in business. And in business, it’s really all about prospering. We all want our businesses to be profitable, to be growing, to give a positive representation of ourselves towards our customers and towards our business peers. In a world crowded with competitors and hungry for market share, success can be a reflection of your ability to differentiate your company from the other companies in your marketplace who are all vying for the same piece of business. The ability to understand bonding different materials gives you the ability to differentiate your business. This is good because customers like options, like hearing “Yes” and really like quality work. And they may even pass your name on if you do a good job, but you can rest assured that they WILL pass your name on if you do a poor one.

34 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

In the surfacing industry there are about a half dozen adhesive chemistries that are commonly used. They include: • Epoxy • Methacrylate (Or Acrylic) • Polyesters • Silicones • Solvent Based Contact Cements • Moisture Cure Urethanes It would be great if we only had to talk about one chemistry, but there’s a good reason for a number of different adhesive chemistries used in surfacing. The reason is that, unfortunately, NONE of these chemistries work on

ALL of the possible materials out there. So if you are used to working with one material, let’s say marble for instance, and you have a tried and true adhesive that works great on that marble, as soon as you need to bond something else to that marble you are out of your comfort zone.

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And that’s why you need to understand your chemical options. It can help to think of each of these chemistries as tools in your tool box. You wouldn’t put five hammers in your toolbox but not carry any screwdrivers. Just like a hammer and nails, a screwdriver and screws, nuts, bolts and a set of wrenches, you already know from your experience that each of those tools works in a different way and works best on different materials. You chose which one to use based on its advantage when used on different materials

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Let’s compare some of the differences of those adhesive chemistries, not in depth, but in general terms. Because of the different chemistries, each adhesive can behave quite differently from the other types.

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That’s were you have to get with these adhesives; you have to be comfortable with which one to pull out of the tool box so you know you will do a good job.

Some are sensitive to moisture in the air; they react differently to temperature; some require care in handling; and they have different shelf lives. Really different adhesives are quite different. Those differences also make the adhesive behave differently when used with other chemistries. You might be asking yourself, “What other chemistries? I only want to use one glue.” Remember that when you bond two dissimilar materials, by definition you have THREE chemistries involved. Not only do you have the adhesive chemistry you have chosen, but you have the chemistries of both of the materials that you are bonding. It’s sort of like a sandwich: Substrate, Adhesive, Other Substrate. Remember that different chemistries stick to different things. Just because something is called an adhesive doesn’t mean that it will work, it still has to stick! For instance, we all know that we don’t install solid

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International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 35

• Marble • Countertop Concrete (Countertop concrete is not the concrete you might buy at the local hardware store to set a fence post with. Countertop concrete is a refined, high performance material that can be poured on site or precast. When you pour form countertop concrete, you normally “cast in” any different substrates, in the form of clips of edge bands etc., so, like cultured marble, custom cast material doesn’t normally require any bonding out of mold. However, there are precast countertop concrete panels that are handled in slab form, and that is why I included countertop concrete.) • Porcelain (which actually is a very broad category that refers to the process used in manufacturing rather than the materials used) • Tile • Glass (strictly speaking, glass should be considered a type of porcelain) • Copper/Brass • Stainless Steel • Wood (which is so common we all take it for granted, but it actually has an extremely complete chemistry) • Decorative High Pressure Laminate (HPL) (there are many brand names out there) • MDF or medium density fiberboard (which is basically wood chemistry made more complex by the use of phenolic binders) • Solid Surface • Engineered Stone • Acrylics or PMMA (although a lot of people use the term “Plexiglass”)

surface with “white” school glue. In the countertop industry, there is mechanical adhesion, chemical adhesion, dispersive adhesion and diffusive adhesion and each of those works in a different way and gives different performance. Also, different chemistries interact with each other not only in adhesion, but in the adhesive cure mechanism. And above and beyond adhesion, the adhesive and the material being bonded can interact, and sometimes that’s a problem because it can affect how the adhesive cures. It’s important to know that there is all this chemical stuff going on in the background, but the good news is, as it turns out, you don’t have to understand how or why an adhesive cures, and you don’t have to understand how or why an adhesive sticks! All you need to know is which adhesive is the best choice to bond the materials you are working with.

The ‘Black Box’ of Bonding So to give you a “Black Box” that can assist you in knowing what adhesives to use, we looked at a number of materials commonly used in the countertop industry. We chose: • Granite • Onyx (that’s real onyx, the silicon-based material) • “Mexican Onyx” (commonly sold as “onyx” but is really banded calcite) • Soapstone (which is a hydrated magnesium silicate) • Pyrophyllite (often sold as “soapstone” but is really a hydrated aluminum silicate. You can often tell them apart as pyrophyilite doesn’t have the same “greasy” feel you get from a true soapstone) Chart 1

Bonding Matrix

This list is by no means all-inclusive, but it does give a fairly large overview of the different types of materials used in the countertop industry.

Epoxy

MMA

Polyesters

Silicone

Contact

Urethane

Natural Stone

Granite

Natural Stone

“True” Onyx

Natural Stone

“Onyx”

Natural Stone

Soapstone

Natural Stone

Pyrophyllite

Natural Stone

Marble

Man Made Stone

CounterTop Concrete

Man Made Stone

Porcelain

Man Made Stone

Tile

Man Made Stone

Glass

Metal/Metal Alloy

Copper/Brass

Metal Alloy

Stainless steel

Natural Composite

Wood

Man Made Composite

Decorative HPL

Man Made Composite

MDF

Man Made Composite

Solid Surface

Man Made Composite

Engineered stone

Plastics

Acrylic

36 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

However, take caution in the fact that, by necessity, when discussing these substrates, we are only talking about the pure unadulterated material. That said, many porous substrates, potentially all your natural stones, countertop concrete, and some porcelain/tiles, for instance, could be sealed with any number of sealant systems. Sealants work by stopping direct contact with the substrate, so if I’m bonding a Mexican onyx that has been sealed, I’m really trying to bond to the sealant and not the Mexican onyx at all. Some sealants are actually thin sheets of “anti-graffiti” material that completely seal out any chance of the adhesive, regardless of what type it is, from actually touching the substrate. As you might guess, everything that makes something resist graffiti also makes it resist being bonded. And be careful because some sealers coat the entire product, not just the show surfaces. So, if there is any possibility of the surfaces already being sealed, it’s important that you test the bonding for yourself. Having come up with a list of common materials to bond, we then put together a list of common adhesive chemistries used in the industry. Again, like the substrate list, it’s not meant to be all-inclusive, but the major adhesive chemistries are represented.

Chart 2

Epoxy

Gran.

Onyx

S. stone

Mar.

Con.

Tile

Glass

Co/ Brass

S. Steel

Wood

Dec HPL

MDF

Sol. Sur.

Eng. Stone

Acry.

Granite

Onyx

Soapstone

Marble

Countertop Concrete

Porcelain & Tile

Glass

Copper/ Brass

Stainless Steel

Wood

Decorative HPL

MDF

Solid Surface

Engineered Stone

Acrylic

Chart 3

MMA

These include: • Epoxy • MMA or Acrylics • Polyesters • Silicone • Solvent-based Contact Cement • Moisture Cure Urethane

The Bonding Matrix This chart is the Bonding Matrix that we came up using the substrates and adhesive chemistries mentioned above. They are color coded as follows: (See Chart 1) The orange, purple and blue box around a few of the substrates show that two materials are merged in all the future results tables because of there similarities in bonding. If you follow those across the matrix you will see that their performance is the same with all of the adhesives discussed. Traffic light colors are used to chart the results, with the letter “Y” meaning “Yes”; the letter “M” meaning “Maybe”; and the letter “N” meaning “No”.

Gran.

Onyx

S. stone

Mar.

Con.

Tile

Glass

Co/ Brass

S. Steel

Wood

Dec HPL

MDF

Sol. Sur.

Eng. Stone

Acry.

Granite

Onyx

Soapstone

Marble

Countertop Concrete

Porcelain & Tile

Glass

Copper/ Brass

Stainless Steel

Wood

Decorative HPL

MDF

Solid Surface

Engineered Stone

Acrylic

Notice that if you follow the adhesive types down the chart not one of them is all green. In other words, not one adhesive can bond well to all the substrates that you can run into in the countertop industry. There isn’t even one that gives you all greens ands yellows all the way down the list.

Breakouts by Adhesive Chemistry The remaining charts look at these adhesives individually in a Substrate 1 bonding Substrate 2 format. (See Chart 2) Many people are familiar with epoxies. They are the most common two-component household glues and are sold under a number of well known names. But a word of warning about that familiarity: Some people call ANY two part adhesive an “epoxy” regardless of its actual chemistry. Read the product information to find out what group it’s really in. Epoxies, in general, bond more with mechanical adhesion. Mechanical adhesion works very well on materials that are naturally porous or can be roughed up. That gives epoxies a big advantage in some of the porous stone materials. If they have any weakness, it is that they tend to be brittle. However, proper supporting of the substrates can negate those types of problems.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 37

Chart 4

Polyesters

(See Chart 3)

Gran.

Onyx

S. stone

Mar.

Con.

Tile

Glass

Co/ Brass

S. Steel

Wood

Dec HPL

MDF

Sol. Sur.

Eng. Stone

Acry.

Granite

Onyx

Soapstone

Marble

Countertop Concrete

MMA’s, which are also called acrylics, tend to bond using a combination of diffusive and chemical adhesion with mechanical adhesion playing a minor role. This mix of types of adhesion used makes them bond a lot of different materials. Their weakness is that some substrates, such as copper, can stop them from curing properly.

Porcelain & Tile

(See Chart 4)

Glass

Copper/ Brass

Stainless Steel

Wood

Decorative HPL

MDF

Solid Surface

Polyesters bond using both chemical and mechanical adhesion. They tend to be brittle, but their biggest weakness is that the ratios that they are normally mixed at don’t work well with common cartridge sizes. In other words, they have to be weighed out and mixed by hand. If your shop is set up to do that and you are conformable with them, they can work very well. But measuring and hand mixing can cause people to overlook them for some bonding applications.

Engineered Stone

Acrylic

Gran.

Onyx

S. stone

Mar.

Con.

Tile

Glass

Co/ Brass

S. Steel

Wood

Dec HPL

MDF

Sol. Sur.

Eng. Stone

Acry.

Granite

Onyx

Soapstone

Marble

Countertop Concrete

Porcelain & Tile

Glass

Copper/ Brass

Stainless Steel

Wood

Decorative HPL

MDF

Solid Surface

Engineered Stone

Acrylic

Chart 5

Silicon

(See Chart 5) Silicones are really quite different from the three adhesives mentioned above. The three previous materials can give you 2,000 to 3,000 lbs per sq. in. of shear strength. Silicones, in general, can’t match that strength. In fact, they are not considered structural adhesives in engineering terms, but they make up for that lack of brute strength with their flexibility and ability to bond a lot of different materials. Some consider them more of a sealant than an adhesive, but they are very commonly used as adhesives in the countertop industry. (See Chart 6) “Contact cement” is another really different adhesive when it comes to the way it works. These bond in two very distinct steps, first using a fugitive solvent to help them bite into some substrates and get a chemical bond into each material separately. And then the two adhesive coated surfaces are joined together and bond “adhesive to adhesive” and form a diffusive bond. They are very common and many people are comfortable with them and familiar with their limitations, which include requirement for a flat mating surface and results that are very sensitive to assembly pressures. (See Chart 7) Urethanes give a median performance, somewhere between rigid materials like epoxies and polyesters and the much more flexible silicones. With their urethane base chemistry

38 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Chart 6

Contact

Gran.

Onyx

S. stone

Mar.

Con.

Tile

Glass

Co/ Brass

S. Steel

Wood

Dec HPL

MDF

Sol. Sur.

Eng. Stone

Acry.

Granite

Onyx

Soapstone

Marble

Countertop Concrete

Porcelain & Tile

Glass

Copper/ Brass

Stainless Steel

Wood

Decorative HPL

MDF

Solid Surface

Engineered Stone

Acrylic

they bond many materials, but as the name moisture cure implies, they need moisture to cure properly. Therefore, they are generally not used in situations where both substrates are impervious. At least one side has to let moisture into the bond line to allow curing to happen.

Things to Remember There are some key points to remember when bonding dissimilar materials. Don’t be afraid to ask the adhesive manufacturer about the materials you want to bond. Tell them everything you know about the two materials, including whether or not the surfaces are sealed. You should listen to what they say, but don’t be hesitant to confirm the information with your business peers. Then, be sure to test for yourself on the actual materials you want to use. We are all very familiar with the adage “measure twice, cut once.” That same adage applies to bonding dissimilar materials too, and should be carried one step further. Ask the manufacturer (that’s measuring once); confirm the information (that’s measuring twice); if at all possible, test a small sample for yourself (that’s the THIRD measurement); and then, you can build with confidence. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Chart 7

Urethane

About the Author

Gran.

Onyx

S. stone

Mar.

Con.

Tile

Glass

Co/ Brass

S. Steel

Wood

Dec HPL

MDF

Sol. Sur.

Eng. Stone

Acry.

Granite

Onyx

Soapstone

Marble

Countertop Concrete

Porcelain & Tile

Glass

Copper/ Brass

Stainless Steel

Wood

Decorative HPL

MDF

Solid Surface

Engineered Stone

Acrylic

Gregory Rose, CCT-I, is technical product manager, North America, with ITW Plexus, 30 Endicott St., Danvers, MA, 01923, 800-851-6692, www.itwplexus.com.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 39

Outdoor Kitchens

Does Your Countertop Need Sun Screen? Considerations for outdoor applications of stone and quartz surfacing. By Frederick M. Hueston, Ph.D.

Over the past few years my Stone Forensics firm has been called in to investigate several problems with both stone and quartz surfacing materials that had been used outdoors. The following are some examples of these problems:

Case #1 – A customer had a tropical green granite bar installed on his pool deck. Shortly after installation, the countertop started to get darker and darker. Case #2 – A granite top was installed next to a barbeque pit. Several months after it was installed, it developed a crack. The fabricator replaced the piece and it again cracked after being installed. The fabricator again replace the granite, but this time with a different type of granite. It also cracked. Case #3 – A table was fabricated out of quartz

surfacing and placed on an outdoor pool deck. After one summer the table began to develop spider cracks all over the top surface.

Case #4 – An outdoor granite bar started having a sticky residue appearing on the

surface. It could be removed with acetone, but it kept coming back.

Case #5 – A countertop made of red quartz surfacing was installed on an outside bar and within three months it turned pink. Case #6 – A fabricator who stores his slabs outdoors profiles a piece of stone, polishes it and notes that the profile is lighter or a different color than the top surface. All of these failures are the result of exposure to UV light.

How Does UV Light Work?

According to Wikipedia, “Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than x-rays. It is so named because the spectrum consists of electromagnetic waves with frequencies higher than those that humans identify as the color violet. UV light is found in sunlight and is emitted by electric arcs and specialized lights such as black lights. As an ionizing radiation it can cause chemical

40 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

reactions, and causes many substances to glow or fluoresce. Most people are aware of the effects of UV through the painful condition of sunburn, but the UV spectrum has many other effects, both beneficial and damaging, on human health.” Basically, this means that UV light is nasty and can break down many materials. If you ever place a PVC pipe in the back yard over the summer and then take a hammer and tap it, you would find it is brittle. Another example is how your car’s paint will fade over time. UV light is very destructive to almost all polymers. The process is known as polymer degradation. This is why many plastics have UV absorbers that will inhibit UV degradation. So what does this have to do with hard surfaces? Well if you know anything about quartz surfaces, then you know it is basically made of quartz particles held together by resin binders. And when it comes to granite, more and more slabs are now resinated to improve their performance and look. The resins used in both contain

Outdoor kitchens can be beautiful add-ons and great upsales, such as these done by Premier Countertops in Omaha, Neb., but special considerations should be taken into account when selecting the proper surfaces.

polymers, such as polyesters and epoxies, and many of these polymers do not contain UV absorbers. For this reason, the UV light starts to degrade the polymers, which can lead to cracking, fading and complete breakdown. I have even seen UV degradation occur indoors where a countertop is exposed regularly to sunlight. Glass will protect and reduce some UV rays but not all of them. (For more information on the resin process see my blog at www.thestonedude.blogspot.com.)

An Ounce of Prevention

So how do you prevent these failures and, perhaps more importantly, can they be repaired? The good news is UV damage can be repaired. The bad news is repairs will only be temporary. Repair is as simple as refinishing and repolishing the damaged surface. However, the damage will show its face again after time. If the stone has lost its color, there are color enhancers that will darken it, but again it will return to the lighter color with exposure to UV light So, an ounce of prevention in this case is definitely worth a pound of cure. To help prevent UV damage, consider the following. If a International Surface Fabricators Association â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ 41

The lighter profiled edge of this slab illustrates how the resinated surface of a granite slab can become discolored through prolonged exposure to UV light.

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customer wants an outdoor cooktop, bar or other hard surface, you must take a close look at the material that is to be used. Ask the quartz surfacing manufacturer if its material can be used outdoors. Many will say no. But, as technology develops, you may find improvements in resin might overcome or at least lessen the effects of UV degradation. If you’re using granite outdoors, ask your supplier if the stone is resined. You can request a non-resined granite. If you have doubts whether a particular piece of stone has been resined, there is a test kit available that can tell you. (You can find this kit at www.stonecarecentral.com under specialty kits.) I would also suggest that you advise customers to keep the countertop covered with a breathable fabric when not in use. This will shade it from the UV rays. I have also had tinted plastic or glass cut to size and placed on the tops when not in use. I haven’t tried applying sunscreen to it, but wouldn’t recommend it Keep in mind that natural stone will also fade naturally, but it generally takes years for fading to occur. I would urge you to always discuss this with your customer so you can prevent that late afternoon phone call that will ruin your weekend. I find it helpful to have them sign a waiver or disclaimer once the potential problems have been discussed with them. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

About the Author

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42 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Frederick M. Hueston is the founder of Stone Forensics and has more than 30 years experience in the stone business. He has written more than 30 books and hundreds of articles. He currently is technical director for stone and tile pros (stoneandtilepros.com) and hosts a weekly radio show, The Stone and Tile Show at www.blogtalkradio.com. drfred. To contact him directly send e-mail to fhueston@stoneforensics.com.

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The Business of Concrete Countertops By Mark Celebuski

A cement rich mix will have no problem bonding to inlayed stones. 44 â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ International Surface Fabricators Association

Concrete Countertops are quickly emerging from the fringes of the countertop industry. They are not quite mainstream, but enough customers are seeking them to make offering them a profitable option. This is a very important distinction. Rather than a few low-volume fabricators servicing a fringe market, fulltime fabricators are servicing a rapidly growing market segment, one that may grow from 2 million sq. ft. per year to 50 million sq. ft. per year. Concrete is certainly one of the most adaptable surfacing materials out there. I look at concrete countertop growth like the turning of a giant fly wheel. Every time a quality concrete countertop gets installed, a little momentum gets built. Every time concrete tops get positive press, there is a little more momentum. However, every time a customer has a bad experience, momentum is lost. The slight hiccup in the economy (OK, more like the great recession) slowed the wheel. For every concrete countertop fabricator going out of business, two more start up. There remains a misconception that you can earn a living making concrete countertops without investing any money, perhaps because the materials represent a small fraction of the selling price. I don’t know of any business that you can start without capital. Perhaps a paper route. But after a time you want a bike to service more customers faster, and then a van to move additional papers. Then, the next thing you know you need helpers and insurance, and someone to do the books, and someone handling credit and collections. Once that happens, you have to move x numbers of papers everyday just to stay even, so you hire a salesman. Then along comes some kid with no bike and he starts a paper route in your territory. Every business is a balancing act between moving or doing enough of something to make it worthwhile and investing in the equipment and people to do it. Coca-Cola lies at one end of the spectrum, the local lemonade stand at the other. The question is how and if you can make concrete countertops profitably. On the surface this questions seems easy to answer: Take less than $5 per sq. ft. in material costs and sell it for $60 to more than $100 per sq. ft. Many small fabricators are in the same situation: They began casting concrete countertops in their garage. Perhaps they are using a bag mix that costs them $15 per sq. ft. They are following the outdated advice of keeping the tops in the mold for three days before stripping them; having some additional moist curing time to prevent curl; polishing and filling bugholes during an additional three days; sealing with a penetrating sealer (they can’t use a proper sealer because it would stink up the house that the garage is attached to); and delivering two weeks after templating and waiting for the inevitable call back: “My countertop has a stain.” They produce a 40-sq.-ft. kitchen at $60 per sq.

A 50/50 fine aggregate to course aggregate ratio is a good compromise between strength and flowability. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 45

ft. for a total of $2,400. Their cost for materials is $600 for the mix, another $80 for the sealer, and perhaps another $200 to pay a helper for 10 hours, which will come out of the gross profit. The gross margin on this kitchen is $1,520. That’s two weeks of time eaten up for $760 per week. Add in any burden and overhead (who pays for the delivery truck?) and suddenly a career in concrete countertops doesn’t look so good. They can’t fit another kitchen in their garage until this one is gone. How often do kitchen schedules precisely work out to one every two weeks? There is also no room to work through dealers with this business model, and no room for growth. Right now demand for concrete countertops outstrips supply, so this business model works for some fabricators, but barely.

Using a combination of a high performance mix design and structural reinforcement you can create functional works of art. This countertop will have a 9-ft. clear span and a 2-ft. cantilever.

Demand will ultimately get met. It doesn’t matter if the material in question is the crack cocaine of countertops, with increasing efficiency, over time, one way or the other, supply will catch up with demand. I spent 25 years in the architectural and structural precast industries before entering the concrete countertop business. When I started in the concrete countertop business I applied lessons learned. Here are some of the basics: You can make a basic 10,000 PSI, high-performance mix for about $1.50 per sq. ft. (wet cast mix 1.5 in. thick) with locally sourced materials. You can make your own glass mix for about $8 to $20 per sq. ft. (depending on where you source the glass). I’ve taught hundreds of people to design mixes and mix concrete over the years; I don’t recall any of them having a Ph.D. It may even be a detriment.

This hearth stone was cast using a self consolidating GFRC mix. You can adapt your mix to create a variety of finishes.

You need to get what you cast yesterday off of the beds so you can pour more things today; simple enough. Your building represents a fixed cost regardless of how much work you do in it. The ideal business model to take advantage of this would be 24-hour production. There is no reason to leave concrete countertops in the forms longer than 12 hours. Concrete does what you want it to do very predictably. Accelerated curing practices are used by the majority of pre-casters worldwide. It does not matter if you are casting vessel sinks or 5 by 10 ft. glass slabs with no steel, with the right mix design and curing practices you can safely strip and begin processing the next day. You need to set your concrete shop up for efficient flow of work. Casting on the same table you set up on isn’t going to cut it for higher volume shops. We have divided our small shop into different areas that all have functions. Someone can be forming and caulking tomorrow’s pour, someone else casting today’s pour, polishing yesterdays, sealing, etc. It’s the tendency for workers to form groups and take tasks on as a team, which is a great way to work when the job calls for it. When the task can be handled by one man, teamwork is a complete waste of manpower. Does it really take two people to cast a simple kitchen? If so, why and what can you do to change it? Turn you job around quicker. Retail establishments call this turning their inventory. You always hear about how many times the inventory turns. The same goes for concrete countertops. The sooner you make them and get them out of your shop, the more you can fit in the shop. That means you get paid faster, you make more money, you have better customer service, etc. Let’s look at the same 40-sq.-ft. kitchen discussed above, done in an efficient shop:

46 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

sandpaper, and $750 for 30 hours of paid labor at $25 per hour. The gross profit on this kitchen is $1,470.00. The kitchen could be turned in six to 10 days while other kitchens are in production. Add another 15 percent of the selling price ($360) for burden and overhead, and a fabricator could potentially net $1,110.00 from this relatively small kitchen sold at the lower end of the price range. This business model works for a company as it approaches $4,000 per week in countertop billings. Below that level the company is not as profitable, eventually losing money because it stops covering its burden and overhead. Above that level the company becomes more profitable, peaking at shop full.

Testing enables you to establish a benchmark. You can evaluate future changes based on that benchmark.

Day 1: Kitchen 1 is formed. Day 2: Kitchen 1 is cast, and Kitchen 2 is formed. Day 3: Kitchen 1 is stripped and polished (initial in the morning, bugholes filled, and finale polish in the afternoon), Kitchen 2 is cast, and Kitchen 3 is formed. Day 4: Kitchen 1 gets a day of rest, Kitchen 2 is stripped and polished, Kitchen 3 is cast, and Kitchen 4 is formed (this is where my plant runs out of room for Kitchen 5 until Kitchen 1 is delivered). Day 5: Kitchen 1 is sealed, Kitchen 2 gets a day of rest, Kitchen 3 is stripped and polished, and Kitchen 4 is cast. Days 6 to 10: Kitchen 1 can be delivered (depending on sealer used). That then gives me the room to start the cycle again. In the mean time, the other kitchens are working their way through the cycle. A look at Kitchen 1’s costs based on the same 40 sq. ft. at $60 per sq. ft. selling price (sold through a dealer so they can mark it up) equals $2,400.00. Cost for materials is $100 (mix, forms, caulk, reinforcement), another $80 for the sealer and

The governor for concrete countertop shops is size (given sales and labor are not). You could try to squeeze more into your shop, but your efficiency would start to suffer (always moving things to get to other things). You are better off using price to control demand once you get to capacity, or expanding if the market warrants. You need to take on enough burden and overhead so you can do enough work to make a profit rather than getting caught in the endless cycle of one kitchen every two weeks. We actually built our shop based on anticipated demand.

grind away at the cement matrix and the larger, harder glass acts as a stop. I’ve found that concrete above 5,000 to 6,000 PSI at the time of polishing does not get the alligator skin look; this is caused by the weaker cement matrix wearing away a lot faster than the glass. The Future of Concrete Countertops Concrete countertop fabricators are becoming professionals rather than part timers. More capacity is coming online in the form of 5- by 10-ft. slabs that can be shaped by granite fabrication equipment. The market will eventually split into custom fabricators and mass market fabricators, similar to cabinets. I believe there are profits to be made in manufacturing and fabricating concrete countertops with the right setup. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

About the Author

Mark Celebuski is the general manager of Pinnacle Cast Concrete, a successful concrete countertop company and international distributor of concrete countertop manufacturing equipment. He holds monthly training sessions at his plant and has worked in the architectural/structural precast concrete field for the last 30 years completing more than 15 million sq. ft. of projects. He can be reached at mark@pinnaclecastconcrete.com, www.concretecountertopplant.com or by phone at 717-823-7408.

The Concrete/Glass Slab Option I make “to size” concrete slabs with glass particulate for my clients. With a selling price of over $100 per sq. ft. they are a profitable item for our company. The cost of materials is in the $10- to $20-per-sq.-ft. range, depending on where and which glass you purchase. Many stone fabricators have perfectly good CNC machinery and capacity nowadays, and are looking into creating their own glass slabs with no steel reinforcement. They then run them through the shop in the same manner as granite slabs. This is a viable and potentially profitable option. Items needed to get in the game, such as a mixer, scales, bins, carts, etc., would run about $20,000 to $30,000 or so for an operation capable of making six to 10 slabs per day without a lot of highly specialized equipment such as an automated polishing line. It’s the old paper route example. I believe that a more efficient option to producing 5- by 10-ft. slabs would be to produce 30-in. by 10-ft. slabs, and perhaps 5- by 10-ft. slabs as needed. From what I understand, there is a lot of surplus polishing machinery available right now. A few keys to success are using absolutely clean, well graded glass and a high-performance mix design so the glass does not pull out of the matrix during polishing and machining operations. Ultimate strengths above 10,000 PSI and fiber reinforcement are a few keys to making glass slabs that don’t break. Polishing glass slabs is actually pretty easy. You

You can strip your tops and sinks the next day using a high performance mix design and heat.

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 47

By Aaron J. Crowley

Preventing Business Changes from becoming Business Problems As a result, my business bears little resemblance to its former self in terms of personnel, processes and approach to problem solving and I suspect the economic and countertop industry landscape will be similarly altered as the dust settles on this “The Great Recession.”

Yes, everything has changed. Well almost everything. What hasn’t changed is the fact that successful fabricators must continue to make sure that the customer gets what they were promised when it was promised, no matter what the changing circumstances may be.

Potential Negatives of Change New products, new employees and new equipment because of growth always strain a business’s ability to execute critical tasks correctly and at the right time during a transition. I can remember the very first quartz slab we ever fabricated. It was 2cm and during the laminating process, one of our fabricators lit the torch to dry off the pieces so they could be glued, only to realize too late that quartz did NOT respond well to open flame and sustained heat unlike the granite we were so used fabricating.

There are two momentous changes that take place every year signifying Oregon’s infamous gray-drizzle winter is fading to spring. The first, I no longer need a propane heater to enjoy a cigar in comfort out on my back patio. The second, my dogwood tree blossoms into a choir of vivid white angel winged petals. Thankfully, our Northwest seasons are distinct enough to be noticed and appreciated, but not so extreme as to induce quarterly climate shock. The seasonal shifts in our economy as of late, on the other hand, have been less than serene. From the white hot demand of 2006 and 2007 to the jarring decline in orders in 2009, “mild”, “predictable” and “stable” were words seldom used to describe the general fabrication business climate.

Similarly, when downsizing occurs and positions are eliminated, it is extraordinarily difficult to successfully determine and reassign every task previously performed by the laid off workers. The only way to successfully manage these disruptions is to understand how ongoing changes in an organization increase the likelihood that critical tasks will either be performed wrong, at the wrong time or will be overlooked altogether, and to use a process driven approach to ensuring those tasks are properly reassigned and successfully executed. If change isn’t managed, it leads inevitably and incrementally from uncertainty to confusion to chaos in the business. For employees responsible for performing the work, change will bring a certain level of uncertainty as roles and responsibilities begin to shift. The shuffling of tasks intended to reduce pressure on an overworked co-worker is oftentimes done informally and even haphazardly. As a result, accountabilities become uncertain.

“If change isn’t managed, it leads inevitably and incrementally from uncertainly to confusion to chaos in the business.”

Demand and customer preferences seemed to change faster and with less warning than could be anticipated, and no sooner are adjustments made to accommodate these shifting circumstances, than things change again.

48 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

This well intentioned shift of accountabilities eventually leads

to confusion as employees find themselves choosing between the tasks they were originally hired to perform and the new tasks they have informally assumed. Furthermore, a task haphazardly delegated is more likely to be performed incorrectly or at least insufficiently because proper training and documentation rarely accompanies it. The moment an employee must choose between two tasks, the task not chosen is destined to slip through the cracks putting the final product, the deadline and ultimately the client relationship in jeopardy. The compounding effect of crucial activities slipping through the cracks in a business is the epitome of chaos.

assume everyone else it going to take care of it. To eliminate this confusion and alleviate the gnawing anxiety it imposes, assigning the Position that is to be formally responsible for its successful completion is essential. The second step in the PROcess, defining the Result, creates an immediately measurable definition of how well and exactly when the task must be performed. For the person who is going to formally assume responsibility for the task, it is only fair, and quite frankly only realistic, to expect success to be achieved after success has been defined in measurable terms.

To prevent a critical task from slipping through the cracks and causing chaos before it happens, or to keep it from happening again if it does, a process driven approach to managing change must be used. And by understanding the term “PROcess” in light of the acronym “P.R.O.” the negative impact change imposes on a business is greatly reduced.

Lastly, to ensure that the task in question is performed right and at the right time by the person filling the position it has been assigned to, providing written, step-by-step procedures is necessary. According to an ancient Chinese proverb, the strongest memory is weaker than the faintest ink. This truism is born out in the fact that few people can bake a cake without referring to the recipe, and employees who are assigned a new task to perform shouldn’t be expected to do so without instructions. Designing the Operation is documenting the steps that are proven to produce the desired result, ensuring that the customer will ultimately receive what they were promised when they are expecting it.

Think of the P.R.O. in process as standing for Position, Result, Operation – Assigning the Position responsible for performing the task in question; defining the Result that task is intended to produce in measurable terms; and designing the Operation by documenting the specific steps that must be followed to produce the necessary result.

As the Arctic winter of this downturn fades into spring, change will be inevitable. For the fabricators who understand how to manage it, change will bring opportunities to expand and prosper. For everyone else, the changes will merely signify another frustrating set of challenges that must be suffered at great expense.

The first step in this PROcess deals with removing the uncertainty that exists when nobody really knows who is responsible for performing a particular task. When multiple people are striving to make sure everything gets done, it is easy to see how everyone could reasonably

About the Author

Putting the PRO in Process

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Aaron Crowley is president of Crowley’s Granite Concepts Inc., www.crowleysgranite.com, and author of Less Chaos, More Cash, www.lesschaosmorecash.com. He can be reached at aaron@crowleysgranite.com or by phone at 503-691-1628.

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Circle Reader Service #41 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 49

Caulking

Made Easy

12 Simple Steps to Laying a Better Bead By Stu Buck If you have already mastered the art of caulking, you are to be commended and ranked among the very gifted. To the other 99 percent of us, don’t be discouraged because your day is coming. To assist, below are some simple steps that will help you.

Step 1 Select the correct caulk for the job. The most common type used by professionals is 100 percent silicone. It is waterproof, remains flexible and won’t shrink or crack. Some high-quality caulks have the attributes of 100 percent silicon and can be painted or color matched to specific applications.

Step 2 Clean the joints to be caulked with an alcohol wipe. They MUST BE DRY. When re-caulking an existing joint, be sure to remove all old caulk and clean with a mild solution of bleach and water. This will help kill any mold or mildew that may be present.

50 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Step 3 Cut the tip of the tube straight, not at an angle. Some high quality caulking guns will have a precision cutter built into them to make this task easier. Do not make too large of a hole. It is all about control! Starting with a small bead will make it easier for you to maintain control as you become more comfortable with balancing your speed with the trigger pressure. With more experience, you may decide to cut the tip hole larger.

Step 4 Puncture the seal in the tube using the clean out/puncture device, if the gun you are using has one. If not, use something of the appropriate size. Repeat this several times to assure the seal is broken so the caulk will flow easily from the tip and not burst out of the bottom of the tube.

Step 5 Load the tube into caulk gun and pump the trigger several times until the caulk flows from the end of the tube. Wipe the tip clean with a piece of paper towel or rag. If you use a special drip-free gun, the caulk won’t continue to flow out when the trigger is released. This makes caulking much easier.

Step 6 Starting with a horizontal joint first, rest the tip equally on both surfaces. Use one hand to steady the gun while using the other hand to squeeze the trigger, forcing the caulk into the joint.

Step 7 Hold the gun at a 90-degree angle as you move along the joint. Holding at this angle puts the gun at a point between pulling and pushing the bead. Maintaining this angle will allow you to watch the bead on both sides of the tip. This allows you to stay focused on keeping your speed and trigger pressure in unison.

Step 8

go back and fill in any gaps.

Continue caulking along the joint, keeping the bead width as even as possible. BE SURE YOU DON’T LEAVE ANY GAPS. Note: Special drip-free caulk guns will allow you to stop and start without the caulk piling up. This also allows you to easily

You typically have about 10 minutes before the caulk begins to skin over when using 100 percent silicone caulk. If you aren’t able to complete all the joints in that timeframe, stop and complete the following steps on the bead before continuing. However, before going to step nine, make sure you caulk up a few inches on any vertical joints you cross while doing the horizontal joints.

Step 9

prevent overspray from keeping the caulk from sticking when the joint is completed.

Steps 10 Using medium pressure, wipe the bead that has been sprayed with the caulk release agent using your finger or a caulking tool. You should notice how the caulk doesn’t smear or stick to your fingers or to adjacent surfaces.

Step 11 Clean excess caulk from your finger or caulking tool with a paper towel or rag as you go. By using the caulk release agent, any caulk on your finger or the caulking tool should wipe easily away.

Step 12 Finish all horizontal joints and then all vertical joints. Note: Check the caulk’s instructions for cure time. The key to achieving a perfect bead of caulk on a consistent basis is to keep control of the caulk bead at all times. We are confident that if you follow each of these steps, you will learn to achieve this control. I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

About the Author With the caulk still workable, apply a mist of a caulk release agent over the completed caulk joints, holding the can 4 to 6 in. away.

Stu Buck is vice president of sales and marketing with Caulk-EZ, a provider of caulk release agent. He can be reached at 8211 Huff Lane, Long Lake, WI, 54542, 269209-1158, sales@caulk-ez.com, www.caulk-ez.com.

This type of product will prevent caulk from sticking anywhere you spray. Be sure not to spray any joints that still need to be caulked, and always spray short of uncompleted joints to International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 51

ISFA Intern

Here.Now.News. ISFA is pleased to welcome the addition of Gloria Kajo as a Communications Intern. Gloria is a student at Utah Valley University majoring in communications with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in digital media. She was born and raised in the central part of Nigeria, a country located in the western part of Africa.

Gloria has written and published more than 30 articles for Ke Alakai and UVU review, the official newspaper of Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University respectively. She has worked as a podcaster for Brigham Young University–Hawaii’s newsroom, making videos, updating the Web site and running a weekly show called Talkin’ Stories. Early last year, she was nominated as the president of the African Students at Utah Valley University and has activity participated in organizing activity for both the African Club and The Multi Cultural Center at Utah Valley University.

and a networking reception, is $175 before July 23, 2010. Symposium registration also includes a show badge good for all four days of the IWF show. Additionally, anyone registering for the symposium will receive a free admission to any single technical session of their choice. After July 23rd, the price rises to $225. For more information and to register for “Cabinets to Countertops: Turning Opportunities Into Profits” go to the IWF Web site at www.iwfatlanta.com or contact the IWF office at 301-662-7319.

Shop Tour – Oldcastle Surfaces Inc.

If you’re on the fence whether or not to attend the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta, August 24-28, ISFA has another reason why you should be there. Come join us at Oldcastle Surfaces for a shop tour and good old fashioned fabricator meeting on Thursday, August 26th beginning at 5pm.

Gloria’s duties at ISFA include helping manage content for the association’s Web site and social media outlets, content generation for Countertops & Architectural Surfaces and helping write the ISFA Blog. She may be reached at Gloria@isfanow.org or 877-464-7732.

With more than 100,000 sq. ft. of fabrication capacity under one roof, Oldcastle Surfaces is the largest fabricator/installer of natural stone, quartz and solid surface countertops in the Southeast. The ISFA meeting will feature a shop tour of the fabrication plant and newly renovated showroom, vendor displays, fabrication demonstrations and a fabricator discussion. Refreshments will be provided. Everyone in the decorative surfaces industry is invited to attend. Please RSVP with the ISFA office at 877-464-7732 or meg@isfanow.org.

IWF Symposium: Turning Opportunities Into Profits

ISFA Opens New Training Facility

For less than the price of a good router you have the opportunity to learn from the decorative surfacing industry’s best and brightest for an entire day. “Cabinets to Countertops: Turning Opportunities Into Profits” is scheduled for August 24, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to run concurrent with IWF 2010. The purpose of the symposium is to provide specifiers and woodworkers with product knowledge about the many types of decorative surfacing used in commercial applications today. The day begins with a session on how decorative surfacing can become a true profit center for a woodworker. That is followed by a discussion of performance characteristics of the many decorative surfacing options available, complete with examples of application environments. Attendees are then treated to an informative session on what it takes to put on a successful event geared to specifiers. After lunch, the discussion turns to the specifics of what it takes to gear up for production of countertops and then weighs the merits of in-house fabrication versus utilizing a qualified fabricator to build and/or install the tops. Following a break, the focus turns to the current market environment, including material trends, end-user preferences and pricing policies. Finally, all the elements of the sessions are brought together through a case study of a millwork company that successfully integrated decorative surfacing into its overall interior finishes package. As with any educational event, what makes this symposium so valuable is the line-up of qualified presenters, who approach their topics with a wealth of knowledge and hard-won industry experience. Instructors include Evan Kruger of Solid Tops LLC; Russ Berry of A.S.S.T.; Grant Garcia of Sterling Surfaces, and many more. Admission for the full event, which includes seminars, snacks, lunch 52 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

ISFA kicked off the first session of its acclaimed Solid Surface Total Fabrication Training in a new facility July 19-22. For the first time in two years, the ISFA offices and training center are located in the same building. Previously, Total Fabrication Training was hosted at Utah Valley University, also in Orem. “The move allows us to be more flexible as we design programs tailored to meet the needs of decorative surfacing companies around the world,” said Mike Nolan, director of education for ISFA. “The learning environment is more conducive to individual learning, plus the ISFA staff is right there on-site to answer any questions and to interact with the attendees. The classroom environment is also perfect for our needs.” Co-locating the ISFA offices with the training facility makes it more economically feasible to accommodate smaller class sizes and to custom tailor learning programs, such as advanced fabrication techniques or specialized business training. “Our experience at UVU was extremely positive and helped keep our training program alive during a period of difficult economic conditions,” said Russ Lee, executive director. “It was a tremendous experience in every way and we want to thank Kelly Baird and the UVU staff for their professionalism and hospitality. Bringing training in-house enables us to take our training program one step further.”

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you save half off the cover price! Order online at www.ISFANow.org or fax this form back to ISFA at (801) 341-7361 or by mail: P.O. Box 179, Lehi, UT 84043

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What type of material(s) do you work with? Solid Surface

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Recycled

Cther (please specify) To order by phone call us at (877) 464-7732 or fax this form to (801) 341-7361

TOTAL FABRICATION TRAINING ALUMNI

TFT July of 2010

Total Fabrication Training (TFT) is an intensive four-day course that introduces students to all aspects of solid surface countertop fabrication through classroom study and hands-on learning activities. Throughout the course of study, students learn about the different types of solid surface on the market today, how to inspect and handle the material, and the science and craft of measuring, templating, fabrication and installation. Working in teams, they fabricate sample working kitchen countertops, including an integral bowl, range cut-out, coved backsplash and decorative inlay. Equally important, attendees benefit from the expertise of certified instructor, Mike Nolan, a 30-year veteran of solid surface fabrication with a degree in Industrial Arts Education and realworld experience as a trainer for a major solid surface manufacturer and as the owner of a countertop shop in Morganton, N.C. Students are encouraged to draw on Nolan’s depth of experience as they discuss projects they are currently working on, or anticipating for the future. As TFT alumni, students are also entitled to unlimited access 54 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

to Nolan and the ISFA office for any questions they may have about solid surface fabrication or other topics pertaining to the decorative surfacing industry. But TFT is not all hard work. On the second evening of the four-day course, the ISFA staff hosted a trip to nearby Park City Ski Resort, where the TFT students had the opportunity to experience the Alpine Slide and Coaster. Later that evening they sampled the exciting nightlife of Park City on historic Main Street. The next evening they were treated to an oldfashioned BBQ with all the fixin’s, followed by a graduation ceremony in which they were awarded their certification degrees and a tee-shirt commemorating their status as Total Fabrication Training Alumni. The TFT is an experience of a lifetime. It is ideal for fabricator training of new initiates to the industry, as a product knowledge vehicle for sales and support staff or as a refresher course for experienced fabricators. Classes are currently held bi-monthly at the ISFA office in Orem, Utah.

Board Of Directors

Serving The Industry’s Surfacing Professionals Evan Kruger President Solid Tops, Inc. 505 South Street Easton, MD 21601 Phone: 410-819-0770 Fax: 410-819-0783 Email: evank@solidtops.com www.solidtops.com

Hunter Adams Vice President TRINDCO 1004 Obici Industrial Blvd. Suffolk, VA 23434 Phone: 757-539-0262 Fax: 757-539-8921 Email: hunteradams@trindco.com www.trindco.com

Kurt Bonk Secretary Cabinets2Countertops 7142 Frank Avenue NW N. Canton, OH 44720 Phone: 330-244-0221 Fax: 330-266-7635 Email: CCBONKCO@aol.com

Ted Sherritt Treasurer FloForm Countertops 125 Hamelin Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T3Z1 Phone: 204-474-2334 Fax: 204-475-9295 Email: tsherritt@floform.com www.floform.com

Joe Hoffman Assistant Treasurer Hoffman Fixtures Company 9421 E 54th St Tulsa, OK 74145 Phone: 918-627-3055 Fax: 918-627-3560 Email: joehoffman@hfccountertops.com www.hfccountertops.com

Sid MacKay Immediate Past President Creative Surface Solutions 2855 Coleman Street Las Vegas, NV 89032 Phone: 702-365-6444 Fax: 702-365-6798 Email: sid@creativesurface.com www.creativesurfaces.com

Michael Job Director Quality Surfaces, Inc. 2087 Franklin Road Spencer, IN 47460 Phone: 812-876-5838 Fax: 812-876-5842 Email: mikej@qualitysurfaces.com www.qualitysurfaces.com

Mike Nolan Director 2171 NC 18 US 64 Morganton, NC 28655 Phone: 828-438-0892 Fax: 828-438-0893 Email: windboundco@bellsouth.net www.windboundhomes.com

Mike Langenderfer Director The Countertop Shop Ltd 10406 Geiser Road Holland, OH 43528 Phone: 419-868-9101 Fax: 419-868-9104 Email: mike@countertopshop.net www.countertopshop.net

Dave Paxton Director Paxton Countertops P. O. Box 174 Grand Ledge, MI 48837 Phone: 517-719-0146 Email: paxtoncountertops @yahoo.com

Martin Funck Director Rosskopf & Partner AG Bahnhofstrabe 16 D 09573 Augustusburg - Hennersdorf Germany Phone: 493-729-12524 Email: martin.funck @rosskopf-partner.com www.rosskopf-partner.com

Michael Bustin Director 3001-103 Spring Forest RdRaleigh, NC 27616 Phone: 919-790-1749 Fax: 919-790-1750 Email: mb@meldusa.com www.meldusa.com

Russ Berry Director A.S.S.T. 805 West Elm Ave. P.O. Box 144 Hanover, PA 17331 Phone: 717-630-1251 Fax: 717- 630-1271 russberry@asst.com www.asst.com

Harry Hollander Associate Member Representative Moraware 3020 Zeus Way Reno, NV 89512 Phone: 650-242-4272 Fax: 309-414-1013 Email: harry@moraware.com www.moraware.com

Bryan Stannard Associate Member Representative ITW Plexus 30 Endicott Street Danvers, MA 01923 Phone: 210-389-2917 Fax: 978-774-0516 Email: bstannard@itwplexus.com www.itwplexus.com

Certiﬁed. Yep. We’re ISFA

Get Certiﬁed. Get Ahead. ISFA Certiﬁed Why Look for The Professional Mark? Peace of mind.

In times like these it makes sense to separate your company from the competition any way you can.

your Professional is Using an ISFA Certified done. Following the job well assurance of a of Ethics, in the ISFA Code principles outlined contractor n ensures that your ISFA Certificatio countertop install your new will fabricate and standards. More al to the highest industry ISFA Certified Profession importantly, every ethically conduct business has promised to service. customer of with a high degree

ISFA Certiﬁcation communicates peace of mind to end-users with the message that using an ISFA Certiﬁed Professional is the ultimate assurance of a job well done.

als must submit ISFA Certified Professionof their business to a rigorous inspection verification of insurance,e practices, including use of fair and reasonabl for applicable licenses, established system contracts and an An ISFA service issues. handling customer understands the value al and Certified Profession in a reasonable of conducting businessproud to stand behind and is ethical manner, his work. als take Certified Profession That means ISFA clearly written contracts, and pride in providing and courteous service providing prompt sale. service after the of the ISFA Certified a e of Look for the mark your only assuranc Professional. It’s job well done.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S

U R FAC E FA B R I C AT

ISFA Certiﬁcation provides valuable marketing tools to help you stand out. When you become certiﬁed you get:

O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

about ISFA Certiﬁed Get more information www.ISFANow.org visiting Professionals by

• Two professionally written press releases featuring your company for distribution to local media outlets. • Copies of a Point of Purchase brochure proclaiming the benefits of using an ISFA Certified Professional. • Signage for your showroom. • Branding materials for use in your literature and showroom. • A CD containing electronic copies of the ISFA Certified Professional logo, the ISFA logo, press releases, brochures, fliers and posters. • A marketing guideline for proper branding procedures in your business.

Why Look for The ISFA Cert ified Profession al Mark? Using an ISFA Certified assurance Professiona of a job l is your the principles well done. Following outlined of Ethics, in the ISFA ISFA Code your contractor Certification will fabricate ensures that your new countertop and standards. to the highestinstall industry Certified More importantly, Professiona every conduct l has promisedISFA business to ethically degree of with a high customer service. ISFA Certified Professiona submit to ls must a rigorous their business inspection of practices, verification including licenses, of insurance, applicable use of fair contracts and reasonable and for handling an established issues. An customer service system ProfessionaISFA Certified the value l understands of conducting business in and ethical a reasonable manner, is proud and to his work. stand behind

Becoming an ISFA Certiﬁed Professional may be much easier than you think. To get more details visit the ISFA Web site at www.ISFAnow.org/certiﬁed or give us a call at 877.464.7732.

What that means is ISFA Certiﬁed Professiona ls take pride in providing clearly written contracts, providing prompt and courteous service and service the sale. after Look for the mark Certiﬁed of Profession the ISFA your only al. It’s well done. assurance of a job

Your

Assuranc e of a Job Well Done.

ISFA Certiﬁcation Means Business International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 55

ISFA New & Renewed Members A.S.S.T. Hanover, PA

Double Barrel Construction LLC Clancy, MT

Michiana Laminated Products, Inc Howe, IN

SolidTops, LLC Easton, MD

Al-Badaha Factory for Marble Saudi, Arabia

Duracite Fairfield, CA

Mirka Abrasives, Inc. Twinsburg, OH

Sterling Manufacturing Sarasota, FL

American Countertops Albuquerque, NM

Easterwood Enterprises Cowarts, AL

Monument Toolworks, Inc. Assonet, MA

Stone Business Magazine Orinda, CA

ASSI Fabricators LLC Beltsville, MD

Emagine Concepts Ft. Collins, CO

New Age Surfaces Romeoville, IL

Sulzer Mixpac USA Salem, NH

Associated Fixture Manufacturing Magna, UT

Evans & Paul LLC Plainview, NY

Oldcastle Surfaces, Inc. Winston-Salem, NC

Surface Crafters Holly Hill, FL

AZ School of Rock Queen Creek, AZ

Festool USA / Tooltechnic Systems, LLC Lebanon, IN

PADCO Countertop CompanY Canton, MA

Surface Tek Deerfield Beach, FL

Back to Perfection Solana Beach, CA

Frontier Door Seattle, WA

Paragon Granite & Marble Longmont, CO

Surfaces Unlimited, Inc. East Bernstadt, KY

Bailey Dennis Lehi, UT

Hawaii Kitchen & Bath, Inc Kailua, HI

Pence Countertops, Inc. Pottstown, PA

T & Q Solid Surface Material Mfg Co, Ltd Shanghai, Shanghai

Bangor Wholesale Laminates Bangor, ME

Innovative Surfaces Ltd. Hamilton, Bermuda

Pro Contracting Eugene, OR

The Cabinet Shoppe Woodstock, IL

BETTER RENOVATIONS Warwick

Interfab Ltd. Willersey, Nr. Broadway, Worcestershire

Renaissance Granite & Marble Des Moines, AI

Tiffany Decor Co., Ltd. Patumtanee

Blasius, Inc. Vassar, MI

IPS/Weld-On Structural Adhesive Division Durham, NC

Respond S. A. L. Beirut, Lebanon

Tom Sawyer Enterprises, Inc. Albuquerque, NM

Busch Products Syracuse, NY

J-CON, Inc. Thomaston, CT

Rojo Enterprises, LLC Roswell, NM

Top Distributors LLC Sulphur, LA

Color Rite, Inc. Yukon, OK

John Kramer’s Fabrications, Inc. Bernville, PA

Roy Lambrecht Woodworking, Inc. Kailua-Kona, HI

Top Master, Inc. Kansas City, KS

Cook Inlet Housing Authority Anchorage, AK

Karran USA - Plexicor USA Severna Park, MD

Sawyer Chuck Gibsonia, PA

Top of the Line Fabricators, Inc. Cumberland, RI

Cosentino USA Stafford, TX

Kitchen Installations Limited HamiltoN

Schechner Lifson Corp. Summit, NJ

Trakware Systems Inc Edmonton, Alberta

D & R Construction Yardville, NJ

L. E. Smith Company Bryan, OH

Shad’s Custom Countertops, Inc. Windham, ME

Troy Granite Inc Newark, DE

Dakotaland Woodwork & Cabinets, LLC Raymond, SD

Laminate Shop, Inc. Marietta, OH

Sharper Cabinets Lucerne Valley, CA

Dani Designs Rochester Hills, MI

Lytle Construction Inc Sacramento, CA

Shower Shapes Ventura, CA

Tuscan Stoneworx (Envision Concrete Countertops) Orem, UT

Design Tek Silverhill, AL

Majestic Marble & Glass (Constrada Division) Youngsville, NC

Solid Surface Acrylics North Tonawanda, NY

Diamond Valley Countertops Hemet, CA

Maxwell Counters, Inc. Farmer City, IL

Solid Surface Fabrications, Ltd. Somerset Bridge, Bermuda

Distinctive Surfaces of Florida, Inc. Sarasota, FL

McGrory, Inc. Kennett Square, PA

Solid Surface Technologies Honolulu, HI

TWD Surfaces Bridgewater, MA Wilbedone, Inc. Cortland, NY Wyoming Building Supply, Inc. Casper, WY

ISFA STAFF

Serving Our Members And The Surfacing Industry Russ Lee Executive Director Email: russ@isfanow.org Office: (877) 464-7732 ext. 12 Direct: (801) 735-7606

Jeff Pease Creative Director Email: jeff@isfanow.org Office: (877) 464-7732 ext. 11

Kevin Cole Communications Director Email: kevin@isfanow.org Direct: (815) 721-1507

Sandy Milroy Meeting & Membership Director Email: sandy@isfanow.org Office: (877) 464-7732 Direct: (702) 240-1660

Meg Pettingill Administrative Assistant & Registrar Email: meg@isfanow.org Office: (877) 464-7732 Ext. 10

Main Office Toll Free: (877) 464-7732 Direct: (801) 341-7360 Fax: (801) 341-7361 Email: info@isfanow.org Web: www.ISFAnow.org

56 • Vol. 3, Issue 2, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

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Specialty Surfaces Fabricators, Manufactures and Experts Membership Application I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Main: (877) 464-7732 • Fax: (801) 341-7361 • www.ISFANow.org

Renewal Instructions:

To renew your membership with ISFA, simply fill out the Personal Information section, and Payment Method and that’s it! Fax it back to (702) 567-8145 and we’ll do the rest. Please allow 2-4 weeks for your membership renewal packet to be delivered.

New Member Instructions:

For Surfacing Experts wanting to become a new member, please fill out the entire form. Membership in ISFA is the industry endorsement of high quality. This endorsement cannot be purchased for the price of membership, but must be established by the company and upheld by each member of the organization. Fax this form back to (702) 567-8145 and we’ll do the rest. Your new membership packet will be in the mail shortly. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

Personal Information

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Check here if you do not wish to receive education & event information via fax.

E-mail: Check here if you do not wish to receive Product and Service information from ISFA and our industry partners via e-mail.

I Am:

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Method Of Payment

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If Paying by check, fax copy along with this order form. You can also mail this form to: ISFA, PO Box 179, Lehi, UT 84043

New Member Information Type of Membership: (please select one)

Sponsorship Information: In order to become a member of ISFA, you need to provide information

ISFA Membership: $400 - Any Specialty Surfaces company that has been in business at least two years and carries appropriate liability insurance.

Sponsor Company:

Subscriber Membership: $400 - Applicant companies which meet all other qualifications, but have been in business for less than two years shall be eligible for Subscriber Membership in the Association

Trade Reference: (Please provide a trade reference, generally your distributor of solid surface.)

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Branch Membership: $200 - Branch Membership is available to companies having more than one location. Each location must fill out seperate membership applications. Branch Membership annual dues are one-half that of the headquarters location. Each location wll be treated as a seperate member in all respects except only headquarter locations may vote in General Elections.

regarding an ISFA member or company willing to sponsor you in. If you do not know what to put in this section, just leave it blank. We will help you with this.

Contact Person:

Telephone:

Trade Reference: Contact Person:

Telephone:

Proof of Insurance: A copy of your certificate of liability insurance must be attached to or faxed with this form to process this application.

Monthly Membership: $35/Monthly

Code Of Ethics Agreement (Please Sign Below)

Each member of the International Surface Fabricators Association agrees to observe high standards of honesty, integrity, and responsibility in the conduct of their business. By adhering strictly to the highest quality standards of fabrication, manufacturing and installation. By promoting only those products and services that are proven quality and value. By writing contracts and warranties that are clear, honest, and fair to all parties involved. By honoring all contractual obligations in a reasonably prompt manner. By quickly acting on and attempting to resolve all customer complaints, and in situations where complaints appear unreasonable and persistent, by encouraging the customer to initiate and approach third party dispute settlement mechanisms. By being fiscally responsible and honoring all legitimate financial obligations; By maintaining all required licenses and insurances; I,_______________________________, do hereby certify that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and do agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the International Surface Fabricators Association for as long as I hold an active membership therein.

Laser Products Supplier Profile:

In 1995, Dan Louis left his job of 15 years as vice president of a large flooring retailer and founded Laser Products Industries. His goal in doing so was to harness the power of laser light to solve a problem he had encountered in the flooring industry. He had learned that it wasn’t always easy for a salesman to accurately depict the “as-built” conditions of spaces that were to receive tile, wood and other flooring products. So he wanted to fill a need and create a device that would allow them to determine if the floors and walls were square, flat and/or level before a job was sold. Before long the SL-24 Laser Square and the FR-16 Framing Square were developed and patented, and the company began to make waves in the flooring and tile industries. The company bolstered its sales by also distributing Leica Geosystems’ line of laser measuring and leveling lasers. After a quick rise to the top of the market, Louis figured that the countertop industry was also facing similar challenges with templating. He set out to apply laser technology to help countertop fabricators, and began to study the processes that were being used. 58 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

“Countertop templating was complex, cumbersome and rampant with quality issues, and the newer templating systems required 3-D CAD knowledge to operate,” he said. “I wanted to develop a totally different type of templating system, a system that used the English language to operate as opposed to the memorization of hundreds of CAD icons.” In early 2005, Laser Products delivered the first laser digital templating system, the LT-55 Laser Templator, and stayed true to Laser Products Industries’ mission statement: “Design, develop and bring to market products that make your life easier without requiring you to learn a new skill.” The LT-55 was a simple PocketPC driven system that did not require a lot of computer knowledge to operate. A couple of years later Laser Products Industries introduced the LT-55 XL, which had a Microsoft Windows based TabletPC allowing templators to take advantage of time saving duties like e-mailing job files back to the office, estimating the job on site and taking photos of the job for reference.

“It allows even manual fabricators, which represent more than half of the current market, to capitalize on the speed and accuracy of laser templating,” said Louis. “By using all of the features of the system manual fabricators can produce precision vinyl templates to fabricate accurate countertops in a third of the time it had taken in the past. And the CNC capable fabricators are obviously able to capitalize on its ability to drive CNC machines with little effort.”

Loaded with instructional and educational information and videos, the site is an extension of the efforts the company has put into the industry. Louis is proud that all of the company’s products are manufactured in the United States and he also touts the fact that his company is embracing the “green” movement in that his product allows for completely paperless operations.

Looking Ahead While charging ahead and laying a foundation for his business, Louis also tries to keep an eye toward the future. “The growth market that the countertop fabrication industry has been in is reaching the mature stages,” he opined. “That means the game is changing. If you look at the metal fabrication industry, eight years ago it started the same process of maturing. Back then, half of the fabricators were manual and half were digital. Now more than 97 percent are using CNC equipment. The volume of work was the same Even the training to use the or more back then, but 30 to 40 President Dan Louis demonstrates the company’s laser templating equipment. equipment has become more percent of the industry’s manual user-friendly, in the form of a three-DVD set of specifically-tailored trainfabricators failed, leaving CNC fabricators that were committed to their ing videos with instructions for operation that users can go over at their industry to handle all the sales.” leisure or review multiple times. Of course, more personalized training is still available, but Louis said most often the DVDs work great because Louis believes we should learn from history not only because the less efof the relative simplicity of the system. “Most new technology requires ficient fabricator will fail, but because he feels the remaining digital/CNC painstaking change,” he explained. “So we decided that our system had to fabricators will be manufacturing finished products for much less per remain simple to understand, yet square foot than their manual offer cutting edge features and counterparts. “It is kind of hard benefits to the users.” to believe so many fabricators fail to take advantage of Furthering its commitment to advancing technology,” he said. the industry, Laser Products “Many fabricators who are too Industries belongs to all of the stubborn or who don’t do the major trade associations relative math will use the excuse that to the stone and solid surface ‘business is slow’ when actually industries, including ISFA, which the more efficient fabricators it first joined in 2005, the same can double their volume or year the LT-55 came onto the more. I get goose bumps when market. Focusing on education, I hear a struggling fabricator the company participates in more say ‘I’ve been doing it this way than 20 trade shows, seminars for 20 years and haven’t had a and workshops across the counproblem yet.’ try every year. Meeting the Needs Over the years, Laser Products templating products have evolved to meet any needs the industry has faced and is now available in nine languages. There have been more than 400 user-driven improvements made to the system, from going completely paperless to allowing customers to sign off on the job site on multiple documents with only one signature on the TabletPC. And there are more than 2,000 users of theLT-55 and LT-55 XL in more than 30 countries.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA B R I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Headquartered just outside of Chicago in Romeoville, Ill., Laser Products Industries employs 15 administrative staff managers and sales representatives in the Chicagoland area, Columbus, Ohio, Nashville, Tenn., and Los Angeles. There are also independent offices in Canada, Europe and Australia, which oversee their own sales staff.

For more information contact Laser Products Industries, 1335 Lakeside Dr., Romeoville, IL 60446; 630-679-1300; www.LaserProductsUS.com.

Louis is proud of his support and service operations, and over the past year or two the company has begun to more heavily build its Web site. International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 59

Product News Omni Cubed Offers New ‘Allweather’ Carry Vise

for effective dust control. created a free, downloadable table plan specially designed to fit four panels.

Avonite Surfaces Introduces Petals Series, Adds Four Recycled Products to Line

Designed to eliminate one of the most difficult parts of downdraft table construction, building the top, these panels are made to give users the freedom to build whatever size table is needed. The panels can be combined to work with many downdraft table sizes. The company has also table plan specially designed to fit four panels. Circle Reader Service #16 on the

Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

Betterley Offers Under-Mount Sink Clamping System The new Aqua-Jaw Carry Vise by Omni Cubed

Avonite has announced the addition of seven

is an all-weather carry vise that won’t slip off

new colors that include the all new Petals

wet countertops. Not the typical carry clamp, the

Series, as well as the addition of four new

Aqua-Jaw is also useable on stairs and other

recycled colors. The new Petals Series

slanted install terrains (won’t slip at any angle).

introduces a unique look to the surfacing

Dual, “quick-spin” tightening handles quickly

market with Neptune, a tranquil aqua product

secure the product, and two to four installers

that evokes a breezy spring morning; Cirrus,

are able to safely lift and carry countertops up

an inviting white that deepens and lightens

to 2.7-in.-thick (800-lb. capacity per pair). The

throughout; and Sirocco, a light brown base

Carry Vise is manufactured and assembled in

with popping tan highlights. “The depth created

the United States and is covered by a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty. Circle Reader Service #15 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

Rockler Offers Simplified Downdraft Table Construction Panels Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has introduced its new Downdraft Table Panels, designed to provide a simple ready-made solution for a non-slip, perforated downdraft table surface. Made to improve the breathability and productivity of any workshop, the new panels provide a suitable surface for a dust

The Betterley SINK-PRO Clamps simplify locating and clamping under-mount sinks. Users adhere the clamps to the countertop with hot melt glue to locate the sink. After setting the sink, they lift the clamping knob and pivot over the sink flange. Applying constant spring pressure only to the sink flange eliminates the possibility of distorting the deck and sink, resulting in a stress free consistent seam. Seaming adhesives won’t bond to the polymer base and hot melt glue releases by turning the on-board release knob. Circle

Reader Service #17 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

collecting sanding table. Grippy rubber grommets help keep work pieces from slipping. Removable stops can be positioned anywhere to secure different sized pieces. And an abundance of air holes helps maintain suction

60 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

by these products is truly inviting to the eye, and we expect leading designers to use these products when they want a project to really stand out,” said Avonite Product Manager Amy Bernier. The four new Foundations Recycled products demonstrate Avonite’s ongoing commitment to sustainable design and comprise Recycled White, a crisp white with unlimited potential; Khaki, a sandy blend of beige, tan and brown tones; Honey Crunch, a smooth fusion of beige, brown, black and white; and Terrene, a mocha blend. These four new recycled products are available in 1/2- and 1/4-in. thicknesses. The 1/4-in. product is suitable for vertical applications, including shower stalls and wall protection. Circle Reader Service #18 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow. org/info

New MóZ Tides Catalog Features Modular Wall Art

Braxton-Bragg Now Offers Padco Products

Cocoa, Mariposa Buff, Mirama Bronze and Saltoro Cliff), Noble surfaces blend well with a classic look or contemporary décor. Radianz is suitable for kitchen countertops and other high-use areas of the home, as well as commercial interior uses where long-lasting durability and color consistency are important.

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Domain Industries Launches New Bronze Sink Line Braxton-Bragg LLC is now a distributor for Padco Floor Coaters. The Padco floor finish applicators have a normal coverage of 10,000 sq. ft. per hour on hardwood, concrete, stone, tile and vinyl A new catalog showcasing the modular Móz

floors. They apply a wide range of waterborne

Tides Series of decorated and rolled aluminum

and solvent-based finishes with professional,

wall panels is now available free from Móz

even, consistent coverage. Their unique

Designs. The catalog includes product

cushioned squeegee action is designed to leave

specifications and numerous photo-illustrations

a smooth, streak and bubble-free finish.

that demonstrate Móz Tides applications. Three new multi-dimensional products are

The applicators are weighted to control the

featured in the Tides Series and all are

mil thickness of the coating. Heavyweight

designed for easy on-site assembly: Ocean

applicators apply a thinner layer of finish.

Waves, a series of 12-in. and 16-in.wide

Lightweight applicators apply a heavier coating.

convex and concave panels; Rolling Waves,

Along with the full line of Floor Coaters, Braxton-

with rolled and formed 32-in. and 44-in. wide

Bragg will also carry accessories, including

single-wave panels; and Breaking Waves, with

the BigMouth Pour Bucket, which features a

32-in. and 44-in. wide double-wave panels.

user-friendly pouring spout for easily dispensing

Lengths can be varied depending on site

finishes directly onto the floor. Circle Reader

requirements. Standard depth is 0.063-in. thick with up to 1/8-in. available. Each Tides product is available in a modular kit that is ready to install without any special

Domain Industries Inc., a nationwide supplier of kitchen & bath products, has introduced its new

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Samsung Expands Quartz Surfacing Options

works of art and designed to enhance any living space that requires a distinctive, sculptural quality sink.

Earth-like qualities. These rugged designs contain small reservoirs and imperfect grooves, flowing water so uniquely, as to create a fusion of both elements. Hand crafted from bronze,

complement a project’s décor – from subtle

the heavy-duty sinks are tested for strength,

and earthy to vibrant and shimmering. More

durability and corrosion resistance. Circle Reader Service #22 on the Reader Service Page or go to www. isfanow.org/info

than 300 style combinations are available. Special protective finishes are offered for interiors, high traffic areas and exteriors. All

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traditional design. These sinks are classified as

both layered with texture and naturally occurring

palette of colors and hand-etched patterns to

to LEED 2.0 MR Credit 4 – Recycled Content.

and nature-inspired design. The sinks are

Examples include the Rios and Chalice models,

Tides Series are available in a diverse

industrial recycled aluminum and contributed

14 different models with heavy-duty construction designed to fuse a rare and rustic feel to

tools or wall preparation. All panels in the

Móz Tides panels contain 80 percent post-

Santa Fe Bronze Sink Collection, accentuating

Radianz Quartz, a division of Samsung, has added a unique collection to its surfacing options – the Noble Collection. By incorporating metallic quartz chips, the Noble Collection provides surface patterns that offer dimension and depth. Available in five colors (Ferio Black, Korbu

MIA Expands Showroom Poster Offerings A new series of showroom-quality posters featuring beautiful examples of natural stone installations are the latest offering from the Marble Institute of America (MIA). Stone applications highlighted in the six-poster set

International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 61

include a kitchen, dining room, foyer, family room

these tools are more than 11 in. long, allowing

Multiple horizontal rip cuts can be executed with

and exterior kitchen. Circle Reader Service #23 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

for additional reach in hard-to-get areas. Straight

the new optional EPS.Y system. Users can also

Line, 7-degree Offset, Pistol Grip and Right

upload cut lists via USB memory stick.

Scientific Dust Collectors Releases Baghouse Dust Collector Retrofit

Angle Models are also offered in 0.4, 0.7 and 1 Hp. They are available in a variety of RPM

Automatic travel features include: Automatic saw

models and configurations. Vacuum Drills are

travel with variable feed rate; panel end sensor

also offered. For connection to central vacuum

for faster cycling; start position memory for

systems, these tools include a unique vacuum

optimum efficiency; return mode selector switch;

shroud, which compresses around the drill bit to

sturdy mid-shelf that allows for comfortable

effectively capture chips and debris. Circle Reader Service #25 on the Reader Service Page or go to www. isfanow.org/info

working of small parts and the ability to stage

Diamond Surfaces to Release New Solid Surface Colors

adjustment for both X and Y axes; and a new

Scientific Dust Collectors has released a new

material on one side of the saw; auto-shifting, full wood-backing grid, digital measuring with fine laser light to help guide set-up of horizontal cut position. Circle Reader Service #27 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

retrofit system designed to improve the cleaning systems in all existing baghouse dust collectors.

Beckart Offers 100 Percent Water Recycling System

This cleaning system improvement can be applied to all reverse pulse jet baghouses for all baghouses brands. If the blow pipes can be removed, then the company’s supersonic nozzles can replace the old cleaning systems.

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Dynabrade Introduces New Line of Air-Powered Drills

Diamond Surfaces is releasing a new series of solid surfacing colors in August, 2010. The Castlerock Series will showcase natural colors with a quartz look. They will be offered in stock sizes of 1/2 by 30 by 144 in. and 1-1/4 by 30 by 120 in. Custom size sheets are also available on request. Circle Reader Service #26 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

New Striebig Control Vertical Panel Saws Available from Colonial Saw

Designed for 100 percent water recycling and closed-loop operation, the Hy-Pack system from Beckart Environmental filters influent from saws, polishers and CNC equipment down to below 1 micron, and routes the clean water back for use

Dynabrade Inc has introduced a new line of

in the fabrication process. These fully automated

Industrial Quality Air Powered Drills. This new

systems include company-engineered PLC

tool line offers drills in a variety of speeds and

control panels, and fabricators deal directly

configurations, including Pistol Grip, Angle Head

with the manufacturer throughout the planning,

and Vacuum Models. With RPM speeds of 500,

installation and support phases of all critical

1,000, 2,400, 3,600, 5,500 and 20,000, the

equipment. They are available in 10 to 200 GPM

newly designed Pistol Grip Drills are designed

sizes, and all systems are backed by a factory-

with finger platforms on both sides of the tool, allowing increased stability and support. At 0.4 Hp, the tools include a 1/4-in. chuck and feature a high torque air motor. Angle Head Drills are also offered, with 0.4 Hp. Available in RPM speeds of 950 and 3,200,

Colonial Saw has added the new Swiss-made Streibig Control — an automatic traveling vertical panel saw — to its product offerings. Nearly all of the Control’s automatic features are controlled on the new touch screen color display panel.

62 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

trained network of regional support. Circle Reader Service #28 on the Reader Service Page or go to www. isfanow.org/info

Omni Cubed Offers Expansion Kit for Seam Setter VCA

larger seams (i.e. longer island seams). The kit utilizes pneumatic quick-connect fittings, enabling installers to quickly and easily “series”

Diversified Equipment Offers New Solid Surface Router Bit

seam setters together to a single vacuum pump. Circle Reader Service #30 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

Lusolimestones Supplies Limestone Materials Lusolimestones is a supplier of ornamental stones, tiles, slabs, flooring and other limestone surface coverings. The company, which is located in Portugal, has been in business for 40 years and supplies limestones with various Now available is the Multi-Seam Expansion Kit for the Automatic Seam Setter VCA by Omni Cubed. The expansion kit includes two VCA seam setters with storage case, coil tube, four thumb pump plungers and four cup covers. The kit enables installers to simultaneously join and level two seams (up to 14 ft. apart with use of the coil tube), saving valuable time during

Diversified Equipment & Supply specializes in

tonalities and textures. The stone is suitable

integrated solutions for fabricating solid surface,

for use in halls, stairs, architectural details,

and works with both new and used CNC

walls, flooring, etc., and the materials are

equipment. The company is also offering the new

offered in a variety of colors including Mocca

DES Termin8r router bit for solid surface. The

Cream (Relvinha, Relvinha Crosscut, Medium Grain, Classic and Crosscut), Alcanede Cream, Branco do Mar, Perlino and Rosal. Circle Reader Service #29 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

the installation process. Installers can also “chain link” up to four seam setters together for

1/4-in. bit can allow for increases in sheet use from 35 sheets up to 80, by allowing cutting speeds up to 600 IPM. Also, the bits are designed to allow for high sheet yield. Circle

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Charting the same course with the same results? Chart a new course for your shop with technology and tools for success. YOU supply the I M AG I N AT I O N ! We listen to your challenges and work with you to increase productivity levels!

DO MORE WITH LESS PEOPLE! ASK US HOW! New/Used Machinery • Software • Tooling Total implemented process solutions for your solid surface or granite shop. Diversified Equipment and Supply Your Countertop Solutionists 704-533-1891 rgobble@desus.biz • www.desus.biz Circle Reader Service # 31 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

Circle Reader Service # 32 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info International Surface Fabricators Association • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • 63

CCS Stone Introduces Crystallized Glass Material

centrally rather than off to the side of the gear box, which allows the machine to maintain perfect balance. The polisher is suitable for grinding and polishing counters, stairs, countertops, small surfaces, edges and narrow areas. It is available in two models – the Legend CT Variable and the Legend CT. They both have single-phase 600 watt motors, weights of 17 to 18 kg and working widths of 13 in. The standard model has grinding disc speeds of 1,000 rpm, whereas the variable model has speeds from 400 to 1,500 rpm. Circle

CCS Stone is now offering Glassos, a

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crystallized glass material formed from sintered crystals of glass that is strikingly similar to Thassos marble. The material reportedly has zero porosity and is harder than granite. Suitable

The Legend CT from Samich USA is a new

for interior and exterior use, it is recommended

planetary countertop polishing machine that

for use in kitchen countertops and vanities. Circle

utilizes a three-head system with a planetary

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Samich Offers New Planetary Countertop Polisher

gear box. The company based the machine on technology used in its larger floor machines and scaled it down for countertop applications. The motor for the three 5.5 in. heads is mounted

S Stone Forensics F

The marble, stone and tile experts

Stone Forensics is comprised of engineers, scientists and geologists with an expertise in natural stone installations and failures relating to natural stone installations. We provide stone- and tile-related examination, evaluation and advisory services including: • Speciﬁcation Writing • Failure analysis • Project review and analysis • Surveys • Job problem analysis • On site testing • Installation inspections • ASTM testing • Non-destructive testing • Training • Boroscope Examinations • Insurance claims • Infrared Thermography • Stain removal testing • Repair Feasibility Studies • Hazcom Programs • Sample Collection • Façade inspections • Expert witness testimony • Petrographic and other laboratory testing • Owner representation / supervision of installations • Restoration procedures and recommendations • Historic preservation and conservation • Slip / Fall testing and prevention programs

740 Nelda Ave., Palm Bay, FL 32907 828-301-9796 • www.stoneforensics.com fhueston@stoneforensics.com

Circle Reader Service # 36 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info 64 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

Get the inside scoop!

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FREE Product Information Form (or visit www.ISFANow.org/info to fill out our online form)

Main: (877) 464-7732 • Fax: (801) 341-7361 • www.ISFANow.org • 165 N 1330 W Unit A3, Orem, UT 84057

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S U R FAC E FA BR I C AT O R S A S S O C I AT I O N

Volume 3 • Issue 3

Get Your Free Product Information Today: For more facts on products and services please fill out all the information below and circle the product referral numbers that are found in the magazine. Product referral numbers can be found below each advertisement. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer. You can submit this form via fax, e-mail, or visit us online at www.isfanow.org/info Personal Information

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About Your Business

What category best describes your business classification? Fabricator

Manufacturer

Raw Materials Supplier

Woodworker

Builder/Remodeler/Cabinetmaker

• CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE - FAX BACK TO (801)-341-7361

Distributor/Manufacturer of Sheet Goods Other (please specify) Which one category best describes your job title/function? Owner/Partner/Corporate Management and Related Personnel Production/Plant Management and Related Personnel Design (includes staff designer/architect and related personnel) Purchasing/Specifier and Related Personnel Marketing & Sales Management and Related Personnel Other (please specify) Information By Category If you want more information from several advertisers in a category, circle the category number that matches up with the category below. C01 Abrasives C02 Adhesives

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C03 Air Quality Equipment C04 CNC Machinery C05 Concrete Products C06 Hand/Power Tools C07 Material Handling Equipment C08 Prefabricated Accessories C09 Quartz Surfacing C10 Saws C11 Sealers/Polishes C12 Seaming Equipment

C13 Sinks C14 Software C15 Solid Surface C16 Stone C17 Templating Equipment C18 Tooling C19 Training C20 Waterjet Equipment C21 Other Materials

What Surfacing Materials Do You Work With? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Free Product Information Please circle below all of the referral numbers found in the magazine, or the category numbers found on this card that you would like more information on. Your request will be immediately forwarded to the proper manufacturer. 01

Ad Index Referral Number

09 14 11

10 12 03 The parallign for solid surface

32 01

SELECT MACHINERY INC

Gorilla Clamp for Stone & Parallign Clamp for Solid Surfacing

• The most powerful clamps in their class. • The power to pull seams tight without fear of over clamping • Perfectly aligned seams that require little sanding

Solid Surfacing Machinery & Equipment For all your solid surfacing needs

800-789-2323 NY

05 06 08 40 04 41 13 38 02 07 37 36

Page Number 29 Axiom

49 Beckart Environmental 33 Betterley

32 Chemcore 35 Chemcore 07 Cosentino

63 Diversified Equipment 02 Domain Industries 67 Integra Adhesives 11 ITW Plexus 17 IWF

27 Karran 68 Kohler

09 Moraware

Attention Fabricators ISFA Fabricators, do you have used equipment taking up space in your shop that you would like to sell? Are you looking to fill a key position in your operations? We have 10,000 readers that might be interested. Why not submit a FREE classified ad? That’s right, classifieds in this publication are free to ISFA fabricators! Just send us the text you’d like us to run, and we will do the rest. Email us today at editor@isfanow.org. To place your ad or for non-member classified rates, e-mail us at editor@isfanow.org or call 887-464-7732.

63 Nantucket Sinks

49 Nelson Wood Shims 42 Omni-Cubed

66 Performance Abrasives

Classifieds

05 Samsung 26 SATA

66 Select Machinery 64 Stone Forensics

www.selectmachineryinc.com

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66 • Vol. 3, Issue 3, 2010 • International Surface Fabricators Association

MASTERSOLID SURFACE FABRICATOR

needed in BERMUDA for growing business. Applicants should have at least 5 years experience in all aspects of fabrication and installation and have a certification in Corian, Avonite, Staron, etc. Strong communication skills with customers and co-worker are required. Must be prepared to train apprentices and to work to a very tight schedule in installation and preparation of countertops. Weekend and holidays are necessary at busy periods. Starting US$70k (tax free), Paid Vacations, Full Health Care inc., Eye & Dental. Attn A. Kerry Davison Fax: 441-292-6561 E-Mail: KILT@ges.bm

SOLID SURFACE FABRICATORS

needed for fast growing business located in Syracuse, IN., home of beautiful Lake Wawasee. Applicants should have experience in all aspects of fabrication and installation of solid surfacing used (i.e. Corian, HI-MACS, etc.) and quartz fabrication. Candidates must be knowledgeable of AutoCAD and CNC programming. Good communication skills are required for interaction with customers and coworkers. Candidates also need the ability to work quickly and efficiently to meet scheduling deadlines for installation and fabrication of product. Occassional weekend hours are required during busy times. Please fax or e-mail resume and references to: Fax: 574-457-2078 E-Mail: rhicks@aiacountertops.com Relocation assistance available to the right candidate.

A complete solution for a seamless surface

Surface Bonder

Rodding Compound

Substrate Bonder

Composite Bonder

Introducing the MitreForma clamp

a fabrication tool designed speciically for creating mitred fascias in a quick, precise and fool proof way

To learn about our range of products: Call toll free 888.862.6665 - Fax 1.604.850.1354

www.integra-adhesives.com

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See what’s new at

KOHLER® Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks. Over 20 gorgeous colors to coordinate with today’s most popular kitchen cabinets and countertops and an enameled surface guaranteed not to chip, crack or burn. Circle Reader Service #40 on the Reader Service Page or go to www.isfanow.org/info

/pro