Coverings December 2021

CANADA’S FLOOR COVERING MAGAZINE

December 2021

THEN & NOW

The Loft Lounge

TRAINING DAY

Why retailers should consider moving learning online

PM 40063056

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT SPORTS SURFACE HOCKEY ARENA’S FLOORING TAKES CENTRE ICE ADVANCEMENTS IN RADIANT HEATING TECHNOLOGY

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Vol. 46, No.6 www.coveringscanada.ca

CANADA’S FLOOR COVERING MAGAZINE

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 8 Technology gives a Boost Investing in flooring software can efficiently streamline, organize business operations 10

The Heat is On Advances in radiant floor heating systems

14 Off the Ice

Slush Puppie Centre about more than just hockey: case study 16

Get Ready for Game Day Specifying the best high-performance sports floor

Photos courtesy Janice Nicolay Photography

6

Business Builder Moving from in-person to online education training improves business for retailers

22 Then & Now

Restaurant renovation serves up stunning yet casual ambiance on tight timeline, budget

DEPARTMENTS 4

From the Editor Retail tech shines in Covid-hit world

18

Product Showcase

20

Stats & Facts

CANADA’S FLOOR COVERING MAGAZINE

December 2021

THEN & NOW

The Loft Lounge

TRAINING DAY

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT SPORTS SURFACE

Cover photo by Janice Nicolay Photography

PM 40063056

COLUMNS

Coverings_December_2021.indd 1

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\

HOCKEY ARENA’S FLOORING TAKES CENTRE ICE ADVANCEMENTS IN RADIANT HEATING TECHNOLOGY

2021-12-22 10:09 AM

3

FROM THE EDITOR

RETAIL TECH SHINES IN COVID-HIT WORLD WE’VE REACHED THE END of another pandemic year. Just over a month ago, it looked like we were in a better place than 2020, and then Omicron happened. Covid-19 cases have risen rapidly across the country, as people with two doses of the vaccine are now more susceptible to infection compared to other variants.

Provinces have brought back restrictions to combat virus spread. In light of this, many employers are now reconsidering their return-to-work policies. Some had already recalled employees, at least in a limited capacity, while others were going to forge ahead with plans in the new year. Only time will tell whether we will find ourselves in a full lockdown again.

Despite this setback, businesses are in a better position than at the beginning of the pandemic, at least from a technology perspective. Covid-19 necessitated the shift to digital operations. It also propelled online training into the spotlight, as in-person learning opportunities weren’t possible when retailers were mandated to close their doors. For those that have not rethought their approach to training, have fallen back on old ways or simply want to be reacquainted with the benefits of moving online, this issue’s Business Builder column is for you.

We then look at how investing in flooring software can improve a business’ bottom line, increase productivity and lead to higher profits, as technology is a key focus of this final edition of 2021. Also on topic is radiant floor heating and advancements in these systems.

Rounding out this issue is our spotlight on recreational spaces. To begin, Mapei Canada’s Shane Edwards walks us through the company’s flooring work in a case study of the newly completed Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, Que. Next, Tarkett Sports’ Iannick Di Sanza delves into how to successfully specify the best highperformance sports floor for your project.

Not to be forgotten is our regular Then & Now column. Vancouver’s Loft Lounge was chosen for its incredible transformation on a tight timeline and budget. The restaurant renovation was nominated for a 2021 Shine Award, by the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia, and is featured on the cover. Kudos to the design duo, Kado Design and Daniel Meloché Design.

Clare Tattersall

PUBLISHER

CO-PUBLISHER

Jason Krulicki

Dan Gnocato

EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

claret@mediaedge.ca

annettec@mediaedge.ca

jasonk@mediaedge.ca

Clare Tattersall

dang@mediaedge.ca

Annette Carlucci

PRESIDENT

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

kevinb@mediaedge.ca

roxyh@mediaedge.ca

Kevin Brown

CIRCULATION

circulation@mediaedge.ca

Thuy Huynh

Coverings is published six times annually, Jan./Feb., Mar./Apr., May/June, July/Aug., Sept./Oct. and Nov./Dec., for Canada’s floor covering industry. Subscriptions are free to qualified participants in Canada’s floor covering industry. Subscribe at www.coveringscanada.ca. Readers from outside Canada may purchase subscriptions for $55 Cdn. For subscription inquiries, e-mail circulation@mediaedge.ca. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Coverings 2001 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Z8 MediaEdge Communications and Coverings disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. The opinions of the columnists and writers are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Coverings or MediaEdge Communications.

Copyright 2021

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ISSN 0834-3357 Published by 2001 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Z8 © 2021 by MediaEdge Communications. All rights reserved.

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BUSINESS BUILDER

THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IS NOW

Moving from in-person to online training improves business for retailers

By Lola Famure

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BUSINESS BUILDER

W

hen it comes to using technology to drive profit and brand loyalty, retailers are among the best. From products sold to point of service and inventory management systems used to track and sell them, embracing innovation can become a competitive advantage. With the past year’s events making digital-first the standard across most industries, companies that pivot to use these tools will end up ahead of the curve in the post-pandemic era.

For many retailers, the global impact of Covid has caused them to rethink their approach to learning. Online learning has become mission-critical in combatting the current wave of the great resignation, an all too common occurrence in the retail space. Retailers that invested in a scalable learning management system (LMS) are already seeing the benefits. Not only have these organizations been able to keep employees updated and informed through a centralized online hub, but they’ve also positioned themselves for growth now that economies are reopening.

E-learning typically requires 40 to 60 per cent less employee time than learning the same material in a traditional setting.

There is a difference between employees using their smartphones to browse social media on company time and employing it as a tool to do their job. When product knowledge materials and company policies are mobile-friendly, it empowers employees to sell with confidence. If they don’t know the answer, they know where to find it in the moment.

EXPEDITE ONBOARDING

Onboarding new employees while combatting high employee turnover rates is a fundamental action for all companies. And the quicker it happens, the shorter the time to productivity. Time is money, especially in retail. When retailers provide training in an easy-to-access online portal, they’re setting employees up for success from day one.

It gives employees access to the training needed to be productive within the organization and the confidence to commit to growth and development.

SET COMPLIANCE TRAINING ON AUTOPILOT

INCREASE KNOWLEDGE RETENTION

CREATE A SINGLE SOURCE OF TRUTH

It’s not all anecdotal, either. According to research and analyst firm Brandon Hall, e-learning typically requires 40 to 60 per cent less employee time than learning the same material in a traditional setting. Efficiency like that would impact the bottom line of any business. Still, in an industry where profit margins can be slim and turnover high, retailers have more to gain than most from implementing e-learning best practices.

Anyone concerned that delivering training through a LMS sacrifices quality for speed need not worry. The Research Institute of America found e-learning increases knowledge retention rates by 25 to 60 per cent, up from eight to 10 per cent for face-to-face learning.

IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

One of the main reasons in-person training has remained a staple in workplaces is because of the value of consistent training. But due to Covid, face-to-face training has not always been an option. Most companies shifted to a fully remote work environment with the onset of the pandemic. Now, many are moving to hybrid work environments rather than returning to an entire in-office culture.

As retailers face many of the same challenges as other industries, implementing an online learning strategy — wholeheartedly or as part of a hybrid model — is an effective way to improve efficiency, manage learning effectively and provide a single, reliable source of truth.

There are plenty of ways to get the job done in a pinch but investing in a long-term, scalable e-learning solution gives businesses a solid foundation to combat these challenges and build their future.

Finding time to learn is a real challenge for most people. On average, only one per cent of the workweek is dedicated to training and development. In the retail industry, planning ahead for training can be particularly difficult to manage given the ebbs and flows of foot traffic and varying needs of different consumers. With e-learning, training can be quickly and easily accessed, allowing employees to start without interrupting their workflow.

Lola Famure is the creative director/writer for Absorb Software, a learning technology company with an industry-leading and award-winning learning management system trusted by businesses, governments, healthcare providers, educators and non-profit organizations worldwide.

While retailer compliance may feel like a chore, it is necessary to protect staff, information, reputation and bottom line. Whether it’s data security, physical safety or employee behaviour, providing reliable compliance training ensures staff and organizations are safe. By moving from in-person to online training, retailers can save time and eliminate costly human errors by automating enrolments, delivering training and ensuring records are always accurate and up-to-date.

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\

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TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY GIVES A BOOST

Investing in flooring software can efficiently streamline, organize business operations

By Trent Ogden

I

n today’s world, most flooring companies recognize (albeit sometimes begrudgingly) that technology is a must. It is an absolutely essential part of doing business and plays an important role in attracting customers.

But while many dealers have a website and some other online presence, a myriad are still in the dark about the significant impact flooring-specific software can have on their bottom line and peace of mind. When doing its job properly, computer software streamlines and organizes operations, conserves time and makes it possible to do more busi-

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ness without hiring additional staff, saving overhead costs as well.

There are many different types of flooring-specific software a dealer might choose to utilize. Various technologies can help with business management, room visualization, estimation, lead management, digital marketing, scheduling and customer communication. Flooring business management software, also known as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, can potentially have one of the largest and most widespread impacts on a business.

Often, business owners become hyper-focused on tools and techniques for marketing and driving more sales. Both are important components of any successful enterprise but creating more leads without being prepared to service and take care of them in an efficient manner will result in wasted opportunities and negative experiences for all.

In other words, would it a make sense to spend money and time to remove all the dings from a car and give it a brand-new paint job if the engine isn’t working correctly?

TECHNOLOGY

including looking up costs; creating estimates (all pricing components of the order are automatically populated and job costed before the sale is complete, so margins can be adjusted as needed); checking available inventory and ordering materials; accessing data on customers, leads, estimates and orders; obtaining pricing updates from manufacturers or distributors; and ordering materials (particularly when utilizing the industry’s business-to-business technology). And that’s just some of the items.

INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY

The right business management software is the engine of any company. It benefits operations from start to finish, impacts the overall profitability of a company and can help every employee be more successful in their individual responsibilities.

But how does it do all this?

Quite simply, by systemizing operations, increasing productivity and giving owners instant access to vital information about what’s happening in their business.

IMPROVED BOTTOM LINE

It has been shown that systemizing business operations, when applied correctly, saves time and money. It also provides protection against dropped balls and lost opportunities.

One consulting company that has helped more than 350 businesses from multiple industries convert to various ERP systems found that properly implementing business management software increases a company’s bottom line by five to 12 per cent.

Floor covering software can streamline and automate frequently repeated tasks,

Hiring extra employees doesn’t always translate into higher profits. In fact, it sometimes simply means more overhead costs. Technology, on the other hand, often allows business owners to do more volume with the same number of workers. Dealers can grow their business and increase gross profit dollars without adding staff to the payroll or, at the very least, with fewer employees required.

The monthly overhead cost of adding flooring ERP software is much lower than that of hiring staff. For example, a store with three back office employees who are responsible for processing jobs and accounting services could amount to monthly salaries paid of $12,000. Implementing an ERP system for the same store would generally cost between $300 and $500 per month.

This would enable the store to do the same volume of business with one fewer employee, resulting in savings of $4,000 per month or, alternatively, alternatively, it could free up human resources to potentially significantly increase sales without adding more office staff.

Productivity is also enhanced with an ERP system by remote access. Cloud business management software allows flooring professionals to work off-site, which

has become a necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also enables owners to keep tabs on what is happening at their store when on vacation, at a job site or meeting a potential client, and gives them immediate access to important information. Staff members can easily keep the business running in an owner’s absence because all required information can be accessed via a computer. No rifling through file cabinets and looking through piles of papers.

Perhaps most importantly, ERP software allows store owners to replicate their business genius. Systemization means the success of the past can be more easily replicated in the future. This will go a long way when a company is being valuated for sale.

Otherwise, it is at serious risk. Owners who run their company based on ‘what’s in their head’ are only hurting themselves, their business and future.

HIGHER PROFITS

A combination of factors work together to generate extra profit. Flooring software delivers benefits like improved organization and streamlined operations; fewer mistakes; prevention of overpayment to employees, installers, vendors and government (through taxes); greater accuracy in reports, tracking and financials; better/ faster job costing; time savings, which allow employees to be more focused on what is most important; greater theft protection; and accurate real-time information to help dealers make wiser and more informed business decisions. Many of these benefits are simply not possible with generic accounting software, spreadsheets or pen and paper. Selling floor coverings is completely different than, for example, running a retail donut shop. Generic software doesn’t understand the difference. And running a flooring business manually severely limits the ability to grow.

Trent Ogden is CFO at QFloors, one of the leading providers of floor covering software in North America. QFloors’ mission is to help flooring dealers achieve operational and financial success. As the product of three generations of flooring experience, Trent has worked in the industry for almost 40 years. He also acts as CFO for a 13-location flooring retail company.

Trent can be reached at sales@qprosoftware.com.

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\

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TECHNOLOGY

THE HEAT IS ON Advances in radiant floor heating systems

By Julia Billen

T

he proverb, “necessity is the mother of invention,” has perhaps never been truer than in the case of underfloor heating. Since the hypocausts of ancient Rome, the cold shock of a chilly stone floor on bare feet has inspired technological innovation. Influenced by hot springs and volcanic vents, the Romans realized supplying heat below a floor could provide pleasant warmth in winter. However, the hypocaust system required an entire half-storey of air, warmed by strategically located fireplaces that had to be fed constantly.

Today, an electrically heated floor takes up almost no space and requires minimal upkeep to run. And the advancements haven’t stopped there.

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SMART THERMOSTATS

Over the last decade, accessible smart technology has expanded into every corner of the home. Starting with only media and lightbulbs, technological advancements have led to video doorbells, smart locks, voice-controlled garage doors, appliances and, of course, the smart thermostat.

For years, a floor heating system was controlled by a simple wall-mounted thermostat that needed to be adjusted manually. Today, a third-party integration kit can be used to connect that same thermostat to the smart home.

Just like using a smart outlet to turn a ‘regular’ lamp into an intelligent one, the third-party kit upgrades the thermostat

to one that can work with home automation systems, sometimes enabling voice control with both Google Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa. A select few WiFi-enabled floor heating thermostats now even come with voice control that is compatible with these cloud-based voice services, so there is no need for a third-party integration kit.

Smart home control makes it possible for homeowners to turn their heated floors on and off and adjust the temperature to their comfort. Voice activation allows them to warm up the bathroom or kitchen floor before they even roll out of bed, eliminating even the first dreaded steps of walking on cold tile toward the thermostat.

TECHNOLOGY

One of the greatest advancements in smart home integration has been the introduction of routines. A routine sequences several smart home commands together to create an all-in-one command and offer a custom home experience. For example, a ‘wake up’ routine might trigger a music alarm, slowly bring up the lights, start a pot of coffee and turn on the floor heating, all at the same time. The command ‘bath time’ might switch on the bathroom lights and floor heating in a simpler routine.

Most uncoupling membranes used in electric floor heating allow for the tiles to sit above ‘dovetailed’ channels, where the thinset that holds them in place can ‘float’ to some degree, preventing unnecessary damage.

UNCOUPLING MEMBRANES

An uncoupling membrane can provide long-lasting protection for a relatively fragile floor covering. Foundations shift all the time, both in response to the seasons and more permanent settling. Because it is so massive, surface layer materials like tile are more likely to crack or pop as the foundation moves. Most uncoupling membranes used in electric floor heating allow for the tiles to sit above ‘dovetailed’ channels, where the thinset that holds them in place can ‘float’ to some degree, preventing unnecessary damage. Uncoupling membranes can also protect the floor from cracks that may ‘telegraph’ up from the subfloor and result in broken tiles. This process is called crack isolation.

Relatively recent innovations in uncoupling membranes have led to the creation of a nodule-based channel system. This is similar to a flexible pegboard where the heating wire can be securely snapped in place. Not only does a nodule-based channel system make it easier to install the heating cable, but it also allows the installer to maintain ideal spacing between the heating elements to ensure optimal performance.

Laying this type of uncoupling membrane can also speed up installation since it allows installers to work backward out of the room, embedding the cable in the membrane at the same time as they place the back-buttered tiles. This usually means that installers can complete a bathroom project (the most common floor heating room type) in a single day instead of waiting for the embedding layer of thinset to cure, which is often a requirement for other floor heating elements like rolls, mats and cables with fixing strips.

ONLINE DESIGN, QUOTING TOOLS

Modern web development has given both installers and customers a better way to estimate product costs and power consumption. A well-designed web calculator can answer those all-important questions that clients often have before they commit to a heated floor. These include: How much will a floor heating system cost? Is this room a good place to have a heated floor installed?

How much will it add to the hydro bill?

These questions can be effortlessly answered with a few clicks of a button and perhaps a stop to take measurements along the way. Web calculators also make it easy for clients to use the known dimensions and location of each room to assess how much a floor heating system might cost for their project. (Often, homeowners discover the installation cost and power usage are far less than expected.) This is an even more useful tool for homeowners that are unfamiliar with heated floors, giving them an idea of what to expect.

GEO-TARGETING FOR EFFICIENCY

Every geographical region has its own heating needs based on their unique climates.

Depending on where a customer is located, this can vastly change an engineer’s plans.

Electric floor heating cable systems allow for the greatest flexibility to scale the heat level as needed for the region. From

the installation materials to the operating cost, the ambient temperature of a region has a profound influence on the right quote and installation design.

Using geo-targeting, a floor heating provider can quickly estimate the correct amount of cable to install to ensure optimal heating performance. Geo-targeting takes into account the winter temperatures of a specific region and adapts the design based on historical weather patterns in the area. This is the best way to ensure there are enough BTUs installed to provide comfort or primary heating.

Generally, spacing for underfloor heating wire is three inches between each line. With a typical heat output of three watts per linear foot, this provides 15 watts per square foot of power output. However, not all regions have the same temperature. Areas like Vancouver don’t need as much heat because winters are relatively mild, with an average daily temperature of 6 to 8 C. In this case, geo-targeting will tell engineers to adapt to a spacing protocol of approximately four inches between each run of cable, reducing both installation and operation costs while generating enough heat to ensure customer satisfaction. A home in Edmonton, on the other hand, will see bitingly cold winters.

For these regions, a spacing of 2.5 inches may be required to fight back the chill and properly warm a bathroom floor.

Julia Billen is president, owner and co-founder of WarmlyYours Radiant Heating. For more than 20 years, Julia has been at the forefront of innovation for the radiant heating industry. She is an active member of several governing committees and panels for the industry, including the UL standards committee, U.S. technical advisory group and flooring technical standards and issues panel. Julia can be reached at jbillen@warmlyyours.com.

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\

11

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RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

OFF THE ICE

Slush Puppie Centre about more than just hockey: case study

By Shane Edwards

A

fter a 2020-21 hockey season that saw the Gatineau Olympiques play almost no games on home ice and experience one hiccup after another, the Quebec major junior hockey team was able to start the 2021-22 season fresh at Slush Puppie Centre. Built as a replacement for the 1957-built Robert Guertin Centre, the brand-new, 220,000-square-foot arena boasts state-of-the-art amenities and training facilities all under one roof, as well as four full-sized ice surfaces — three for community use, figure skating and pickup leagues, and one with VIP booths and a 4,000-seating capacity for the Olympiques.

Project contractor Beaudoin Canada and general contractor Construction JPL, in collaboration with the City of Gatineau, turned to Mapei Canada to address the project’s flooring needs, which led to the company’s largest industrial flooring systems deployment in Canada.

Delivered in September 2021, the project features the company’s cementitious and resin flooring systems and tile and stone installation systems products.

ON THE JOB

Industrial flooring systems provide durability and a host of possibilities for decorative finishes. Visitors at the Slush Puppie Centre’s community entrance and amphitheatre entrance (for the main arena) are greeted by a broadcast of Mapeflakes decorative vinyl flakes that are clearly visible through the high-gloss Mapecoat Universal epoxy resin seal coat and binder. Common areas here and throughout the interior were first coated in Primer SN and Mapefloor I 302 SL as an epoxy resin basecoat, which boasts easy cleanability and good resistance against the abrasives and salts that are commonly tracked in by pedestrian boots 14

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RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

in cold Canadian winters. It also provides a highly attractive, slip-resistant finish that is both flat and seamless.

SURFACE PREPARATION

To prepare for the concrete slab, installers from Idéal Epoxy started with Mapecem Quickpatch concrete patch to correct imperfections and Planitop 18 ES high-earlystrength, cementitious repair mortar with a corrosion inhibitor for sloping of the floor around the foot grills in the entrances. They also used Planigrout 712 non-shrinking, non-metallic, cement-based grout with a corrosion inhibitor as a protective coat for the steel column baseplates.

MAIN ARENA AND STANDS

The amphitheatre seating area was built differently than the rest of the project, using precast concrete that was cured to a very high density compared to the concrete slabs found elsewhere.

This required a low viscosity primer to promote a better bond, so installers went with Mapefloor I 900 epoxy resin primer instead of the usual Primer SN. While the Mapefloor I 302 SL is highviscosity, it can still be easily sprayapplied with no concern about clogging up equipment. Some contractors want to dilute the product with solvents for spray application but this is not recommended because it can cause issues with the resiliency and colour quality of the finished product. As the crew from Idéal Epoxy discovered, such dilution was completely unnecessary. In this case, the crew was able to spray-apply 65,000 square feet of Mapefloor I 302 SL in a single day, covering the entire vertical and horizontal surfaces for the stands of the main rink.

\\ Common areas throughout Slush Puppie Centre were first coated in Mapei Primer SN and Mapefloor I 302 SL as an epoxy resin basecoat.

Mapefloor CPU/RT, which features a high level of chemical resistance.

Together with its complementary topcoat Mapefloor CPU/TC, Mapefloor CPU/RT is formulated to cover industrial floors that are subject to heavy traffic flow, aggressive chemicals and thermal shock. This made it a natural choice for the flooring in the facility’s maintenance areas and service corridors.

Another special consideration was the amount of direct sunlight that many areas of epoxy resin flooring are subject to, given the floor-to-ceiling pane glass front walls that span the length of the structure’s main facade. Specifiers determined an extra finishing coat would be necessary in these and other areas where heavy foot traffic was expected. Mapefloor Finish 53 W/L was used where a high-gloss finish was desired, and Mapefloor Finish 54 W/S for

semigloss. These transparent, protective, aliphatic, polyurethane finishing coats are formulated to help maintain the epoxy resin flooring’s high aesthetic for years to come.

TILE WORK AND CARPET

Installers from surface covering company Jacques Lamont Ltd. worked with the Green Squared certified Mapei Ultralite Mortar for the wall tiling in shower rooms and other wet areas. It is a premium, lightweight, thinset mortar with BioBlock technology for mould and mildew resistance. The floors in these areas were done using Mapecoat Universal with Mapefloor DQ decorative quartz and Mapefloor Finish 53 W/L. Installers also used Ultrabond ECO 811 high-performance, acrylic latex adhesive for installation of the 1,300 yards of carpet tile in the private lounges.

MAINTENANCE AREAS

Taking care of four arenas means the facility sees a lot of traffic from Zambonis, the heavy machines used for ice rink resurfacing, each weighing up to 7,720 pounds when fully loaded with water. Because of this, an even more rugged solution was needed —

Shane Edwards is the product line manager for Mapei Canada’s cementitious and resin flooring systems line, with more than 25 years of flooring industry experience. Prior to joining Mapei, Shane was an installation flooring specialist, quality control and operations manager, technical consultant, project manager and business development leader. He also provided management oversight for his privately owned manufacturing and installation company.

Canada’s floor covering magazine \\

15

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

GET READY FOR GAME DAY Specifying the best high-performance sports floor

By Iannick Di Sanza

F

or many institutions, the sports hall is about more than just athletics. It is a primary space for recreation, community events, social galas and everything in-between. That’s why when it comes to choosing the floor surface and supplier, there are numerous considerations and questions to ask before making a final decision. This is especially important given these surfaces often have a life cycle of more than 30 years, so what’s purchased and laid will be underfoot for a considerable amount of time.

Along with the traditional choice of maple hardwood, there are now a wide variety of materials. Sports vinyl, polyurethane, linoleum and combi-elastic systems offer owners a portfolio of solutions to match their specific needs. Key considerations when reviewing sports hall flooring include ease of maintenance, multifunctional capabilities, indoor air quality, athlete performance and

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safety, warranty, independent testing, and sports and lines.

EASE OF MAINTENANCE

For facilities in high-demand, it is challenging and costly to close the floor for extended periods due to maintenance. Any cleaning routine should be simple and not add too many expensive procedures down the road.

When comparing floor systems, it is key to review the full ownership cost of the surface. While maple hardwood offers a simple annual upkeep, it will need to be sanded and refinished every eight to 10 years. Leading sports vinyl systems are finished with a polyurethane surface treatment, which delivers additional resistance to scratches, scuffs and abrasion. Sports vinyl is also highly resistant to stains and handles drink spills much better than its wood counterpart.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES

As the sports hall is often used for more than just sports, it needs to easily adapt to changing environments and be friendly for the staff. The ideal flooring should offer exceptional resistance to indentation marks and rolling loads. This will allow the surface to safely be used for events and recreational activities that require temporary equipment and furniture to be placed on it.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Indoor air quality is often overlooked, though it is fundamentally important for athletes’ health. Look for a system and supplier that has the testing and designations to back up any claims like FloorScore, Asthma and Allergy Friendly, and phthalate-free manufacturing certifications to validate an athlete-friendly system.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

ATHLETE PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY

Shock absorption, energy return and consistent surface friction should be at the top of the list when reviewing athletic safety and surface performance. The independent standard specification for athletic performance properties of indoor sports floor systems, ASTM F2772, helps compare similar systems.

This standard focuses on reviewing four key criteria: force reduction (shock absorption), ball rebound, vertical deformation and surface finish effect (friction). Depending on results, systems are assigned a class. The highest performing systems are indicated by a Class 5 ranking. Recreational systems are often ranked as Class 1 or Class 2.

facturer’s warranty to protect that investment. When making comparisons, ask who manufactures the materials in the system, how long the manufacturer has been in business and what the warranty terms are in relation to wear and moisture tolerance. It’s also key to obtain a warranty for both the product (manufacturer’s warranty) and installation (material and labour).

Otherwise, the facility is exposed to a high level of risk.

INDEPENDENT TESTING

Ask for independent third-party testing when comparing systems, as well as any reports and project references. Due diligence

means speaking with past customers about their experience at the time of installation and post-sale.

SPORTS AND LINES

When planning a facility, questions to ask are: Who will be using the surface? And which sports will they play?

A detailed understanding of the facility’s needs will go a long way to selecting the right system and material for the specific sport requirements. Also, since sports halls are often marked with numerous sports line combinations, proper planning and design will help accelerate the building process.

WARRANTY

It takes a lot of hard work, involvement and dedication to bring a sports facility improvement project to life. The monetary, time and energy investments are significant. So, it’s imperative to partner with a reputable company that offers a manu-

Iannick Di Sanza is director of marketing for Tarkett Sports, a world leader in athletic surfacing that offers a comprehensive portfolio of sports flooring solutions through its brands: FieldTurf, FieldTurf Landscape, Beynon Sports, Renner Sports, Tarkett Sports Construction, GrassMaster and Tarkett Sports Indoor. Tarkett Sports Indoor offers leading surfacing systems for athletic flooring, including vinyl, wood and polyurethane. Designed for performance, safety and easy maintenance, the systems are certified by leading institutions for air quality and sustainability.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Parterre’s three new commercial engineered hardwood flooring lines feature a variety of white oak, northern oak, hickory, maple and birch products. Deeply Rooted includes shades of oak, including soft whites and beiges to neutral greys and browns. Many of the options in this collection have a wire-brushed texture. Customers can also choose from low-gloss or matte finishes. The Nurtured collection includes white oak, red oak and hickory, also in beige, white, grey and brown tones. Specifiers can choose a smooth and traditional look or from a variety of wire-brushed, textured finishes. Wooded Habitat is offered in maple, birch and hickory. Colours range from light and modern to darker and more traditional tones.

Patcraft’s latest resilient collection, Create in Place, features a range of complementary patterns that explore shape and colour in the abstract.

Iterate is an aggregate-inspired pattern with a terrazzo-like visual, where each stone fleck was painted using a different brush size. Reach is a linear pattern created with a block-and-string printing method that is composited together in varying angles, highlighting the directionality of the visual.

Energize is a small-scale texture pattern that was developed by layering block printed artwork. The three styles can be used to promote wayfinding, guiding transition and movement throughout the built environment, while also coordinating and defining space. Create in Place is available in 9-inch by 36-inch luxury vinyl planks and 10 colourways. Its 5 millimetre product construction allows for installation alongside carpet without the need for a transition strip.

Bosch Power Tools’12-volt and 18-volt cordless sanders, GEX12V-5 and GEX18V-5, feature brushless motors to deliver a high material removal rate for faster, more efficient sanding, as well as an ergonomic palm-grip design, which is centred on top of the sander and allows the user’s hand to be close to the work material to avoid tilting when applying pressure. The company says this provides optimal balance and convenience, enabling professionals working in exterior or interior finishing, carpentry, installation and remodelling to tackle hard-to-work areas. Both models are part of its Orbit line and offer a speed selector and vibration-dampening element to help minimize user fatigue. The 5-inch, 8-hole sanding pad is ideal for both flat and concave/convex surfaces. The sanders have the option of mobile dust collection with a choice of attaching a dust bag or vacuum hose for easy cleanup. They also come equipped with soft-start technology to reduce torque, constant speed to provide smooth operation and a hook-andloop backing pad that conforms to many contours.

Cali has added four tropical wood styles to its Mute Step collection.

The new island-inspired luxury vinyl plank options capture the beauty of rare tropical woods like koa, mango and teak, says the company, which uses specialized imaging and surface embossing to make the rich tones and grains. Mute Step is 100 per cent waterproof and can be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and basements. Durable construction allows for easy cleaning and includes a commercial-grade 20-mil thick scratch-resistant wear layer.

Sturdy click-lock milling means there is no need for glue, nails or acclimation.

The rigid core flooring also includes attached acoustic padding on the bottom of each plank, providing an extra layer of comfort and sound insulation. Planks are backed by a 50-year residential and a 15-year commercial warranty.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Tarkett VCT II is made to withstand heavy traffic and rolling loads, delivering strong performance for demanding spaces, especially within education, retail and healthcare environments. Available in 45 colourways, the vinyl composition tile design is 100 per cent recyclable, made with 85 per cent limestone and is phthalate-free to support better indoor air quality.

Laticrete has upgraded select Stonetech sealers and cleaners with antimicrobial technology. The company says the enhanced product protection continuously inhibits the growth of stain and odour-causing bacteria on surfaces. Products that now feature the Microban technology include Stonetech BulletProof Sealer, Stonetech Heavy Duty Sealer, Stonetech Quartz and Porcelain Tile Sealer, and Stonetech Revitalizer, Cleaner and Protector.

Emergent by Daltile is a collection of porcelain tile that offers the look of weathered, distressed metal combined with a concrete visual. The tile is offered in four colour tones, including aluminum, pewter, titanium and iron. These distressed hues are available in contemporary large format tile sizes of 12-inch by 24-inch, 24-inch by 24-inch and 24-inch by 48-inch. A lappato finish gives a semi-gloss appearance to enhance the authenticity of the metallic visual.

Duravana by LL Flooring, formerly Lumber Liquidators, is a hybrid resilient flooring offered in a range of styles that are designed to replicate the natural colour, grain and texture of real hardwood, but with more unique plank patterns than traditional vinyl plank or laminate. It is 100 per cent PVC-free and is made with wood from responsibly managed forests as certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Duravana’s key features include extreme wear and dent resistance, plus advanced double water protection that combines a waterproof plank with an innovative water-tight locking mechanism to prevent liquid from seeping between planks. Adding to the flooring’s benefits is it requires no acclimation time, allowing it to be installed instantly. What’s more, Duravana has a 2 millimetre attached padding for sound dampening, which also means no underlayment is needed.

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STATS & FACTS

3.4%

2.4% Canadian housing starts continued to trend lower in October, down 2.4 per cent month-over-month to 264,264 units from 270,661 units in September. In spite of this, the level of housing starts activity remains high in historical terms, on a trend and monthly seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) basis. The standalone monthly SAAR of housing starts for all areas in Canada was 236,554 units in October, a decrease of 5.3 per cent from 249,922 units in September. The SAAR of urban starts dipped by 3.7 per cent in October, to 214,797 units.

—Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

1.5% Manufacturing sales declined three per cent to $58.5 billion in September, the lowest level since May of this year. However, sales of wood products rose 1.5 per cent to $3.5 billion.

Despite the month-over-month increase, sales of wood products were down nearly 30 per cent in the third quarter. This is primarily attributable to the downturn in prices of lumber and other wood products.

—Statistics Canada

High-pressure laminate flooring production is projected to climb 3.4 per cent annually through 2024, to 162.9 million square metres, valued at $1 billion US. Use of high-pressure laminate flooring is much lower than that of low-pressure laminate flooring because of its high cost, although its superior impact resistance and greater durability make it a viable option for nonresidential applications.

—Robert Half

2.8%

31,000 The Canadian economy added just 31,000 jobs in October, a far smaller increase than in recent months. The labour force participation rate slipped to 65.3 per cent, while the unemployment rate inched down to 6.7 per cent. Notable gains were made in retail trade (up 72,000) and other services (up 20,600). In the goods economy, employment fell (down 6,200) as gains in construction (up 4,300) were more than offset by a reduction in manufacturing employment (down 7,700). Across the 10 provinces, employment rose in Ontario and New Brunswick. These increases more than offset declines in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In British Columbia and Quebec, employment was virtually unchanged.

—Conference Board of Canada

$10.3 billion The total value of building permits increased 1.3 per cent to $10.3 billion in October, led by gains in British Columbia and Ontario. Construction intentions in the non-residential sector were up 4.2 per cent, while the residential sector edged down 0.1 per cent.

—Statistics Canada 20

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Global demand for ceramic flooring is forecast to rise 2.8 per cent a year to 8.8 billion square metres in 2024, supported by the material’s favourable performance properties and aesthetics, supporting its application in a wide range of end uses; low cost, which promotes its use among value-conscious specifiers, such as homebuilders and commercial contractors; and wide availability in fastgrowing, developing markets in the Asia/ Pacific, Africa/Mideast, and Central and South America regions.

—Freedonia Group

Before we create any flooring, we consider the goals and safety of those who choose, install, use and maintain it—as well as the health of our planet, now and for generations to come. Learn more about Tarkett Human-Conscious Design™ and our broad portfolio of surfaces at commercial.tarkett.com/en_US Education • Healthcare • Retail • Workplace

© 2021, Tarkett North America

Surfaces shaped around you.

THEN & NOW

A LOFTY CHALLENGE

Restaurant renovation serves up stunning yet casual ambiance on tight timeline, budget

By Joanna Kado & Daniel Meloché

Photos courtesy Janice Nicolay Photography

T

he Loft Lounge is a beachside restaurant situated in a relaxed and diverse community of Vancouver’s west end known as English Bay. The design team was tasked with creating a space that is bright, alive and catches the eye of pedestrian street traffic, all on a modest budget and a short eightweek schedule. This did not allow time for building permits or a full redo. Instead, the duo refreshed the space, working with the existing platform layout to create tiered dining. Combined with various seating heights and banquettes, guests can enjoy views of the ocean from multiple angles in the space.

Wanting to incorporate the many textures, colours and materials found in English Bay — popular for its sunbathing, swimming and sunset-watching beach — and marry them with the cool, comfortable vibe of Palm Springs, Fla., the designers’ jumping off point was a bold, abstract blue, yellow and white wallcovering. Used in the ceiling coffer and on the feature wall in the private dining room, its vibrant blue can also be found throughout the restaurant, including on the cushiony banquette seating and tables’ pedestal bases. The bold wallcovering was paired with a more subdued colour palette, drawn from the surrounding outdoor environment to give the restaurant that beachy feel. Organic materials were then layered in, such as the large-scale flagstone tile on the floors, one-of-a-kind grey 22

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quartzite bar top with terracotta marbling effect, and readymade white oak tambour wood panels.

The original 1970s terracotta quarry tile floors flowed from the exterior into the interior, connecting to multiple tenants throughout the building. Because the budget and landlord did not allow for removal of all existing tiles, the designers incorporated the terracotta colour into the design palette so that the new flagstone tile and existing terracotta flooring seamlessly flow throughout the space. The three-feet by three-feet I Cocci rectified porcelain tile in Cemento emulates the look of natural terrazzo. Due to its large-scale, an epoxy-based leveller was applied to the subfloor prior to installation to ensure all tiles would be flush. Outside, the stair risers leading up to the building were replaced with a blue and white diamond patterned the tile. Not only impactful from a design perspective, the tile draws patrons eyes up the stairs and into the lounge.

Joanna Kado and Daniel Meloché are principals at their design firms, Kado Design and Daniel Meloché Design. The two Vancouver-based interior designers collaborated together on the Loft Lounge, which was nominated for a 2021 IDIBC Shine Award. Joanna and Daniel can be reached at jkado@kadodesign.ca and info@danielmeloche.com, respectively.

Products for

Precision

Placement A luxury-car dealership located in Calgary, Alberta, wanted a stand-out showroom with a look to match its brands’ worldwide reputation for quality and style.

The large-format porcelain tile was installed using Ultraflex® LFT™ premium large-and-heavy-tile mortar, using a tile-leveling clip system to ensure exact placement and proper flatness.

Luxury vinyl tile flooring was applied using Ultrabond ECO® 373, a super-aggressive, pressure-sensitive FastTrack Ready™ low-VOC adhesive with BioBlock® technology that also allows for extended working time.