CANADA’S FLOOR COVERING MAGAZINE
Summer 2022
THEN & NOW
FUTURE FORECAST
Interior design trends influencing tile flooring
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TRANSITIONING TWO TYPES OF FLOORING CUSTOMER RESPONSE TIME BENCHMARKS EXTERIOR PORCELAIN PAVERS ON THE RISE
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CANADA’S FLOOR COVERING MAGAZINE
CONTENTS SUMMER 2022
FEATURES 8
The Ever-Changing Store A fresh approach to retail showroom design
10 Satisfaction Not Guaranteed Response times affect customer experience, business reputation 14
Take a Cue Current interior design trends influencing surface materials
16 Enjoying the Great Outdoors Porcelain paver installations satisfy consumer demand for exceptional exterior spaces
Photo courtesy Ema Peter
COLUMNS
DEPARTMENTS
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4
Then & Now BlueArck Private Equity’s French country-inspired office makes employees, clients feel at home
From the Editor The cost of bad customer service
18
Product Showcase
20
Stats & Facts
CANADA’S FLOOR COVERING MAGAZINE
Summer 2022
THEN & NOW
FUTURE FORECAST
BlueArck Private Equity
Interior design trends influencing tile flooring
TRANSITIONING TWO TYPES OF FLOORING
Cover photo by Ema Peter
PM 40063056
22
Installation Matters How to install a tile ‘rug’ within an existing hardwood floor
CUSTOMER RESPONSE TIME BENCHMARKS EXTERIOR PORCELAIN PAVERS ON THE RISE
Coverings_Summer_2022.indd 1
Canada’s floor covering magazine \\
2022-07-12 10:09 AM
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FROM THE EDITOR
THE COST OF BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE RECENTLY, AFTER spending much time researching various bicycle brands and models, I visited a local bike shop in Toronto to buy my son’s birthday present. At least that’s what I planned to do. I arrived at the store a few minutes after 4:00 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon. Upon walking in, I was promptly met by an employee who abruptly informed me that the store was now closed (despite the unlocked door). Before making my way out, I explained the reason for my visit and that I had called in advance to put aside the bike, but to no avail. And with that the store lost a sale. This is just one poor customer service story of many that I’ve compiled throughout the years. However, this time I chose to e-mail the store owner since the experience left me perplexed. After two years of government mandated lockdowns, why would someone turn away much-needed business, especially when open only limited hours during the workweek? Unfortunately, I didn’t received an answer, which reinforced my decision never to frequent that business again. With good customer service perhaps more important post-pandemic than it was before, this brings us to Satisfaction Not Guaranteed. Author Christine Stewart-Fitzgerald delves into how businesses can create a positive (or negative) customer experience. Unsurprisingly, lack of communication impacts level of satisfaction. Keeping with the overarching topic of business management, Nancy Busch of the International Surface Fabricators Association reveals what paralyzes a customer’s ability to choose a flooring material. She then presents a fresh approach to the sales process and showroom design in The Ever-Changing Store. Next is our flooring focus on tile and stone. To begin, we look at current interior design trends and their influence on these hard surface materials. Next, we move outdoors, which is seeing greater use of porcelain pavers. Sean Smith of Centura Tile walks through the range of applications, including installation considerations for each method. The Summer edition wouldn’t be complete without our regular columns. Installation Matters tackles the ever-popular tile rug, while BlueArck Private Equity’s revamped Vancouver office is this issue’s Then & Now. You can read about the cover-worthy project in A Little Bit of Paris. In addition to delivering a wide array of industry-focused articles, we enjoy keeping readers up-to-date on the latest flooring materials, accessories, tools and equipment. If you’d like to share a new product launch, contact me at claret@mediaedge.ca.
Clare Tattersall
PUBLISHER
CO-PUBLISHER
Jason Krulicki
Dan Gnocato
EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR
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Clare Tattersall
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PRESIDENT
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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Kevin Brown
CIRCULATION
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Coverings is published four times annually — Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter — 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 2022
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INSTALLATION MATTERS
A GRAND ENTRANCE
How to install a tile ‘rug’ within an existing hardwood floor By Brent Fisher
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INSTALLATION MATTERS
C
lassic homes were not always crafted with all the practicalities of modern ones. Hardwood floors were often used extensively and not always in areas ideal for the application. Take the front entrance, where people are constantly coming and going with wet or dirty shoes. Although hardwood floors have a topcoat finish, they are not impermeable to standing water, scratches and inevitable breakdown over time. So, what’s the solution? Incorporate porcelain tile into existing hardwood to withstand the abuse of front door traffic. In other words, create a tile ‘rug.’ A tile rug is a set portion of tiles that are still a cohesive part of the floor. The first steps in creating this decorative yet durable flooring addition are to conceptualize a design and then select a complementary tile product. The key is not to replicate the existing hardwood surface; rather, look for a contrasting tile. Trying to match a tile to the character of the hardwood will make the installation look ‘patched in’ and won’t deliver the desired outcome. Tile rugs can be made in all shapes and sizes but when installing within an existing hardwood floor, one with ‘feathered’ out edges makes for an easier and more interesting installation. The idea here is to randomize the tile pattern to produce the effect of a throw rug with tattered edges. This is accomplished by choosing a tile with a desirable shape like a hexagon that can be installed in a modular pattern. The retrofit begins with dry laying the tile onto the hardwood surface. It’s akin to putting a puzzle together but with larger pieces. Move the tiles around to determine the desired design effect. Use tile spacers to add a grout joint to the dry lay. Once the layout is determined, use adhesive tabs to stick the tile to the hardwood. This will ensure the tile doesn’t shift. Trace the perimeter of each tile with a permanent marker that has a wide-edged tip to create a thick enough line to achieve the necessary grout joint. Once complete, remove the dry laid pieces. Cutting the ‘rug’ perimeter line requires the utmost precision and is crucial for the tile installation. It’s necessary to use the right plunge cut saw and a good blade on an oscillating tool to trim away the corners. And don’t forget a steady hand. Once the perimeter line is cut, the hardwood can be carefully pulled away from the floor to leave the opening for the tile. Remember to remove the marker line in its entirety once cutting is complete.
Tile rugs can be made in all shapes and sizes but when installing within an existing hardwood floor, one with ‘feathered’ out edges makes for an easier and more interesting installation.
Most often, hardwood is thicker than tile, so the depth of the space will be greater than what is needed. The subfloor may also necessitate some TLC prior to installation, as it is important to have a solid substrate for tile adherence. Applying a roll-on crack isolation membrane to the substrate adds a layer of protection and peace of mind. Let it cure for a minimum of two hours or per manufacturer recommendations. Beyond this, a standard tile thinset mortar is adequate to build up any remaining elevation variances. Spend some time making sure the hardwood line is cut nice and linear, ready to accept the factory straight edges of the tile. This is the best way to marry two products seamlessly without the use of a tile edge product, adding to the natural effect. The tile installation will be facilitated utilizing the thinset mortar used for the mortar bed. Follow typical tile setting procedures. This includes back-buttering the tile. Work with the same dimension spacers that were employed for the dry-lay to establish the grout joints. The tile work will be cured for grouting after 24 hours. Once grouting is complete, be sure to wipe away any residue with care. The final result is a creative tile insert that is not only a long-lasting and appropriate surface for the entryway but also one that enhances its overall look.
Brent Fisher is general manager of Flesher Marble & Tile 1910 Ltd. in Calgary. Canada’s floor covering magazine \\
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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
THE EVER-CHANGING STORE A fresh approach to retail showroom design By Nancy Busch
F
or many, retail showrooms are a challenging concept. It’s a huge investment of both time and money to create what’s deemed an ideal showroom for every kind of customer. When I hear of someone remodelling their showroom or updating displays, I wince a bit. They tell me they’re trying to create and support the latest trends, designs and displays — be everything to ev-
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eryone. Keeping up with current offerings is one thing but a well-designed showroom can easily last for a decade or more. Often, assembling vignettes and displays is putting the cart before the horse. START WITH A PLAN
To design the most effective showroom, give your business plan first consideration. Keep
it top of mind and focus on creating the finest customer experience in a way that helps you close the sale. Next, visualize your perfect target customer: What do they see when they first walk through the door? Are they greeted by a salesperson or left to wander on their own? How many flooring materials are offered? And how are they organized? Are items ac-
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
cessible or does the customer need to ask for help? There are no right or wrong answers here. The best answers are the ones that fit your sales process and how you want to engage your customers. STRUCTURE FOR SUCCESS
Imagine you’re the creator of a colouring book. You’ve predesigned the experience but the final work of art is in the hands of the colourist who brings the line drawing to life with strokes, textures and colour combinations. A showroom is kind of like a colouring book. You want just enough framework and structure to guide the experience, but give breathing room and variation so that your customer engages in their own right — however they conceptualize it.
So, as you consider the design of your showroom, draw a landscape in which your customers can colour in the right direction. Then determine the tools to provide: What kinds of materials, colours and finishes do you offer? How big is the range? Are you displaying everything or only the materials that are well-suited to your business model? Which manufacturers have the best selection, stock and pricing? And which give the finest service? What materials provide outstanding performance and in which applications? What do your customers like? (Yes, now is the time to consider trends to some extent.) Now, back to the colouring book. If Michelangelo walked through your door and asked for fresco paint, you’d probably find it and sell it to him even though it’s not in stock and you’ll face extra lead time and additional costs on this special order. It’s going to be pricey to process this one-off sale and maintaining your margin requires that you pass extra costs on to the customer. But for most artists, Crayola crayons will work just fine. They’re in abundance in every colour imaginable, tried and tested to be excellent performers, and they’re always in stock at a price point and margin your target customers expect. This is where you should focus your showroom strategy. Why? Because a physical showroom can’t possibly keep up with the latest trends and all the options on the market. But that’s the thing — it doesn’t have to. What’s more, it’s not in the best interest of creating a positive customer experience. And 73 per cent of people polled in a recent PwC survey said that experience was an essential driver of a purchasing decision.
COLOUR CUES
I once read that the average purchasing decision is made in just 90 seconds, and most of the time it’s based on colour. We all have a favourite colour we’ll gravitate toward and harnessing that emotional reaction to create an experience is compelling. So, it makes sense to use colour to pique interest and set your business and customers up for the success of a positive encounter. Consider an architectural firm’s office. There’s not a single sample shown when a customer walks in the door. Once inside, they’re taken to a collaborative meeting space where the curated selections are presented. A colour board was created in advance of the customer’s design. They’ve customized the experience to serve only that customer. What you won’t see is a space called the resource library. This is a private area from which designers draw materials and concepts. Strategically timing the reveal of colour and material selections is critical. It’s a way to take control of unhelpful distractions and create the perfect experience that doesn’t overwhelm your customer. It becomes easier for them to make a decision because you’ve narrowed the choices down to what you know they’ll like based on initial feedback. This goes back to the question: What’s your favourite colour? It’s about getting customers’ emotional attention first before they’re distracted by colour, and then listening and sourcing whatever fits that preference. Remember, there’s no wrong way to design your showroom but there is a right way for your business and customer.
Nancy Busch is executive director of the International Surface Fabricators Association, a globally recognized trade organization dedicated to the manufactured surface industry. Nancy has worked in the building materials sector for more than 20 years. She previously served as sales manager for Willis, a North American distributor of premium design materials, as well as an independent kitchen and bath designer. Canada’s floor covering magazine \\
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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
SATISFACTION NOT GUARANTEED
Response times affect customer experience, business reputation By Christine Stewart-Fitzgerald
W
hat are the key elements of creating a positive or negative customer experience? Often, businesses think doing a good job, with acceptable workmanship, at a fair price are the driving factors. But recent surveys have found that communication, or lack thereof, is one of the top reasons for dissatisfied customers. Even if getting back to customers, a business might still be losing them because of poor response times. Consumers’ definition of an acceptable response time often differs from that of a business. For many local companies, 24 hours has been considered sufficient. However, this general standard was created more than 10 years ago before the rise of social media and instant messaging. So, it should come as no surprise that today’s consumer expects a response even sooner than one business day. Instead, they want their questions answered within minutes, not hours. Planning to e-mail or call back during the next business day or a slow period during the present one just won’t cut it anymore. To keep up on providing prompt customer feedback, team members must be trained and advised to take the necessary steps to cut down response times for all types of customers — prospective and current, happy and unhappy — and to prioritize those queries that require immediate attention. When it comes to leads and prospective customers, response time is even more crucial given the race against competitor companies to win new business. The name of the game is speed to lead. According to the Harvard Business Review, 78 per cent of new business goes to the quickest responder. Companies that reply first have the opportunity to edu-
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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT cate and influence their prospects, rather than just be compared to competitors. Answering prospective customers might seem like a straightforward task but only 27 per cent of all leads receive a call back, according to Forbes. And for those that do get one, it’s an average of 47 hours after they reached out. By then, the prospective customer will have probably engaged with other providers, resulting in a missed opportunity. Many social media platforms provide links for consumers to connect directly with local businesses. For those that use this feature, the average response times are posted there. Consumers with flooring issues that need to be solved soon may be dealing with multiple organizations like insurers that require answers right away. They probably can’t wait a full day to obtain the necessary information to move on to the next step in the process. They need answers now, not a day later. This can be a challenge for many contractors, especially since many inquiries are made after regular business hours on evenings and weekends.
satisfied with the response time. This indicates that approximately one-third of a business’ customers may expect a call back in less than a day. When it comes to communicating with customers via e-mail it’s even worse. Only 61 per cent of customers who had issues were satisfied with the speed of e-mail response. That is because almost half the time it’s taking business owners more than 24 hours to respond, which is much too slow for this crowd. In order to obtain positive customer reviews, businesses need to create and implement a plan to address new and current consumer requests every day within a standard time frame, using the correct system tools to organize and track requests, and the right people and technology to provide consistent customer service.
So, what happens when a business fails to respond within a customer’s expected time frame? Unfortunately, it can vary. While many customers are understanding of business owners’ needs to have time away from work, they may still have a very specific window in which they expect a call back. If they don’t receive a response or, even worse, get one that assures them of a follow-up within a set period of time and then there’s no follow-up, a business is likely to receive a negative online review. It’s just as critical, if not more, to have a plan in place to respond quickly to current customers who have a request or complaint. Recent studies show that three-quarters of today’s customer complaints made by telephone are handled by businesses within 24 hours, and only 67 per cent of customers are
Christine Stewart-Fitzgerald is the senior partner marketing manager at Signpost, a provider of customer relationship management and marketing automation software serving more than 20,000 businesses. Signpost helps companies respond instantly to customer requests, streamline communication and build online credibility, all of which can lead to positive reviews.
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TILE & STONE
TAKE A CUE
Current interior design trends influencing surface materials By Irene Williams
W
hat do two popular television series about the fact opposites attract and the great outdoors have in common? Each has inspired sweeping interior design trends that presently influence today’s residential and commercial aesthetics, including the look, feel and function of surface materials. These were showcased by Lindsey Waldrep, vice-president of marketing at Crossville Inc., during a presentation at this year’s Coverings expo, North America’s largest annual event for the tile and stone industries. Waldrep curated the survey of three macro design trends in
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context of what’s up-and-coming in the realm of tile design. Here’s a quick take on each. COURTLY CONDUCT: TIMELESS LUXURY
The first trend is inspired by the audaciously ornate sets and styles of The Great and Bridgerton. Both are lavish episodic television series marked by over the top period costuming and decor. The Great, billed as the “occasionally true story of the rise of Catherine the Nothing into Catherine the Great,” takes place in the Baroque 18th century, while Bridgerton explores the opulent lifestyles of London’s high society in the 19th century Re-
gency period. These influential shows have sparked frenzies in the realms of wearable and interior fashion, with designers offering modern interpretations of Baroque and Regency’s maximalist sensibilities. The overriding essence of this trend is really about timeless luxury and escapism. It’s indulgent, curlicued and theatrical. Whether following the appeal of Baroque’s grandeur or Regency’s fantastical elegance, this trend comes to life in contemporary applications through use of a spectrum of colours, stunning details and sumptuous layering. With the Baroque influence, gilded and marbled white hues dominate the palette
TILE & STONE with darker, jewelled shades and authentic woodworking details providing lush undertones. This palace-inspired luxury is much bolder than the art deco trend a few years ago because the scale of the design is much more grand. Regency’s sway on modern style is both in concert with and in contrast to Baroque. While this look is also stately and unabashed, it has a generally lighter and brighter aesthetic, incorporating graceful pastel shades and softer details to convey courtly luxury. So, how do these palatial styles translate to tile and other surface materials? The latest technologies for creation of surface visuals allow for vivid reproductions of some of the most luxe materials in the world. Manufacturers have answered this modern trend by developing convincing replications of materials that were previously inaccessible or too expensive for many consumers. From generously proportioned porcelain tile panels and mirrored tiles to looks that mimic mother-of-pearl and marble, there is a range of options on the market.
tions can capture the balanced contrasts of this modern style that speaks to the shared experiences of people’s unique lives and the times.
ERA OF CONTRAST: BALANCED LIVING
This design trend has emerged in a world that’s cautiously coming out of lockdowns and pandemic-related stressors to seek wellness, restore balance, and reclaim literal and figurative breathing room. As so many people try to steady the pendulum between safety and freedom and want versus need, interior design is responsively reflecting society’s contrasting perspectives in the prevalent use of visually contrasting design elements. Interiors incorporate white tones and bold, vibrant colours — a visual interpretation of the desire for both reliable steadiness and bold, intrepid optimism. With this trend, the world of design moves further from the once-popular modern farmhouse style with expected black and white elements to an organically bright cleanness that is highlighted with punctuations of deep, surprising colours — a hopeful aesthetic that is confident and sophisticated. This fervent trend plays out beautifully in tile design. Not only is there a seemingly ceaseless array of tile options to bring in the contrasting hues that are the foundation of this trend, but there are so many shapes, sizes, designer accents and textures, as well. Tiles applied in creative, patterned installa-
TAKE IT OUTSIDE: IMMERSION IN NATURE
Can nature really be a trend? The world of design answers with an emphatic yes. Both residential and commercial environments are increasingly incorporating outside elements inside and reinterpreting outdoor areas to offer the functionality of interior spaces. This is all in answer to people’s desire not to just connect with nature but to be immersed in it, too. The current trend is an extension and evolution of the popularity of biophilia, bolstered by the post-pandemic proclivity to get outside and experience nature with intentionality and purpose. Health and well-being have always been motivating factors for immersion in nature, but even more so in the wake of Covid-19 protocols. That’s why this trend is about much more than incorporating natural materials and biophilic design elements in interiors; it is about literally being outside, working and living outdoors in ways that have traditionally been reserved for inside spaces. Although residential design led in the creation of outdoor spaces in the last couple of years — for example, families opting for pools in the backyard since vacation budgets couldn’t be spent on travel — commercial designers are fully on the bandwagon,
too, developing highly functional and inviting exterior spaces for workplaces, healthcare facilities, hotels and more. Designers are creating outdoor environments that aesthetically blend with interior areas to create cohesive environments that carry the essence of health and well-being from exterior to interior and vice versa. As part of this trend, designers are more keenly aware of and committed to the specification of sustainable products for both exterior and interior projects. Designers and consumers alike are much more attuned to environmental issues, and end-users want to know product ingredients and how those impact health. Tile and surface materials have long addressed the priorities that align with this trend. Tile is an innately green surfacing choice, as it’s made of clay, fire and water, is durable and lasting, and supports healthier environments thanks to its dense body that’s resistant to dust, moisture and mildew. Additionally, tile design technology makes it possible to replicate countless natural materials, offering the look, texture and desired effects to support this trend. Notably, there are incredible exterior surface options available today to help create outdoor spaces that look and perform beautifully. Paver-style tiles, wood-look porcelain tiles, porcelain slabs and porcelain tile panels are only a few of the versatile coverings ideal for use in outdoor areas. Canada’s floor covering magazine \\
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TILE & STONE
ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Porcelain paver installations satisfy consumer demand for exceptional exterior spaces By Sean Smith
O
ver the last two years, demand for home renovations has reached an unprecedented level, as residents use household savings to tackle remodelling projects both inside and out. And with the rise in exterior upgrades has come the corresponding growth in the use of porcelain pavers. Porcelain pavers have gained in popularity as an alternative to conventional hardscape materials. Not only do they boast the beauty of their interior porcelain counterparts but at 20-millimetres thick, they’re extremely strong and durable. They also offer the look and feel of natural stone, concrete, wood and metal, but with the added benefits of being 16
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low maintenance and stain, salt, chemical and water-resistant, enabling them to handle even the harshest outdoor environments. This lends to porcelain pavers’ versatility — they can be utilized in a wide range of applications that include the use of a traditional mortar bed (wet-lay), granular or sand bed (dry-lay), interlocking base panels or pedestal systems. WET-LAY VERSUS DRY-LAY
Much like a flagstone installation where vehicular traffic is intended, or on a staircase, for walls and pool copings, porcelain pavers are best-suited to a wet-lay or mortar application. Using an exterior grade tile mor-
tar and a suitable structurally sound concrete base, the pavers can be installed with the knowledge that they will be permanently bonded and not move. As with a thinner tile installation, outdoor rated grout can be applied in the open spaces between pavers, giving the tiled area a clean, finished look. Since weather can affect the use of mortar and grout outdoors, it is recommended to follow manufacturer installation guidelines and ensure the conditions during installation are within the product’s tolerances to achieve best results. In certain areas, grout may not be the ideal choice. In this case, silicone can be used. Many manufacturers have developed colour
TILE & STONE matching silicones that can be used along with their grouts to create a cohesive and unified look. Where or if needed, trim profiles are available in a variety of finishes to accommodate the thick tile edges. For patios, walkways and areas of pedestrian traffic, porcelain pavers can be dry-laid much like interlocking brick and some flagstone project installations. Given the thickness of the pavers and strength, they don’t require a mortar bed and concrete. Much like a typical interlocking brick build, an area is excavated and prepped with a compacted granular base before laying the tiles. One notable difference between a tile and interlocking brick installation is the tiles are not laid tightly together. A gap is required to protect the finished edge of the tile (like that of a square cut flagstone). The gap is then filled with a porcelain tile polymeric sand. A rubber mallet is used to agitate the sand to the bottom of the joint. Water is then applied according to manufacturer directions to activate the polymers in the sand. INTERLOCKING BASE PANELS
Another possible installation method involves an interlocking panel system in conjunction with a sand bed. This option, which should be employed in areas with pedestrian traffic only, uses recyclable, foam interlocking panels designed to support the static load above and distribute the weight over a greater area. The advantage to this method is it requires shallower excavation and less base material than a typical granular base installation. Much like the latter, the project area is excavated and compacted to obtain a uniform subsoil base. A filter cloth is laid throughout the excavated site followed by a thin layer of sand, which is compacted and graded. The interlocking foam panels are laid over the sand in an offset pattern followed by the tiles in the chosen pattern. The panel manufacturer’s spacers/discs are used as the tiles are being laid to ensure even joints between the tiles, as well as to provide a surface area for adhesive to form a bond that connects all the tiles together. To finish, porcelain tile polymeric sand is applied according to manufacturer directions.
an aggregate base to raise a floor to a desired height, especially on a rooftop area. These elevated systems create usable environments that can hide drains, substrates and ventilation yet still provide easy access underneath. There are a number of different pedestal system designs. Some include the use of stackable components, while others use adjustable pieces with optional extension components to reach a desired height. Then there are those that combine pedestals with aluminum rails or plastic modules (trays) to create platforms for the tiles to be laid. With any pedestal system, spacers are used to create even, open joints between the tiles to allow water to freely drain from the tile surface onto the substrate below. It’s important to keep in mind that pedestal systems are designed to be used for pedestrian traffic only and installed over a stable and solid structure (wood, concrete or metal). Also, pedestals should not be installed on soil or granular material because of possible settlement over time. This settlement could possibly cause shifting or tilting of the pedestals, compromising their stability and the pavers sitting on top. When using pedestal systems, tile manufacturers will often specify safe maximum height, maximum slope percentage and number of pedestal points or positions per
tile to ensure the greatest support and stability of the installation. In some cases, the manufacturer may also recommend the use of a particular type of pedestal system based on tile dimension and/or the final height of the installation. With the complexities and design layouts of today’s projects, some pedestal manufacturers have created tools like estimators and calculators to help installers determine the type and number of components that may be required for a project. Some manufacturers also provide engineering services to assist with calculating/estimating the components needed. THE PERFECT PAVER
Tile manufacturers pay close attention to design trends and make adjustments to their collections to ensure they’re modern-looking. Today’s pavers are produced in a wide range of colours, textures and styles, including natural stone looks like quartz and marble, wood-look from barnboard to deck board, finished concrete, exposed aggregate-look, painted and aged metal looks. Often, each style is available in a range of sizes, though 24-inch by 24-inch is the most common. Whether rectangular planks or large squares, there is a paver with the size and shape to fit any scale project, large or small.
PEDESTAL SYSTEMS
A popular choice for porcelain paver installations on a patio has been the use of a pedestal system. Pedestals are a strong, lightweight and serviceable alternative to using
Sean Smith is the exterior tile sales representative with Centura Tile in Toronto, one of the largest distributors of floor and wall coverings with several locations across Canada. Sean has more than 20 years of experience in the landscape construction industry working as an installer and project manager on both residential and commercial projects. Canada’s floor covering magazine \\
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Mannington Commercial’s refreshed Color Anchor collection of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) features 29 hues, including rich neutrals with multiple value steps, various shades of blue and green, and vivid primary colours. The updated line is available in two patterns, Groove and Stride. Groove is a small-scale, textile-inspired visual with non-directional crosshatching. Stride is a finely drawn linear pattern with soft line work. The visual can be run in a uniform direction or turned to create playful patterns. Both styles come in three sizes, including 6-inch by 36-inch planks, and 12-inch by 24-inch and 18-inch by 18-inch tiles. They can be mixed and matched in unlimited combinations to create endless pattern possibilities that work well for education and healthcare applications, says the company.
Tarkett’s Dynamic Edit modular carpet collection is inspired by how interior spaces continually evolve over time. The series celebrates this creative process with five patterns that allow designers to freely mix, match, add and edit their spaces. Each of the styles is available in 12 colourways. 18
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Laticrete’s Pro-Mix Station is a mobile pourable cart that helps eliminate harmful dust and provides combined batch consistency for efficient self-levelling underlayment, overlayment and epoxy projects. It features a removable drill with a built-in dust extractor, and a motor that operates at 14.5 amperes/110 volts and can be adjusted based on required product consistency with two drill speeds, 580 and 250 revolutions per minute. This allows for the mixing of tile and stone adhesive and repair mortars. The ProMix Station is constructed of a durable steel frame assembly for longevity and includes rotating caster wheels for easy mobility, as well as two mixing paddles. Easily pourable and with a three-bag capacity removable bin, the station can deliver up to 1,500 pounds per hour of output, says the company.
Expressive Ideas by AHF Products is a vinyl-based tile with 28 colours, from bold brights to subdued natural hues. Developed specifically for commercial environments, the product line offers low maintenance and life cycle costs versus traditional vinyl composition tile, says the company. It is scratch, stain and scuff-resistant without polish, reducing the total cost of ownership over the life of the floor. Expressive Ideas features a sturdy 2.5-millimetre gauge construction with a 20-mil wear layer. The collection comes in a standard 12-inch by 12-inch square edge tile and is available in a gluedown application, making it ideal for large area installations and easily able to handle rolling loads and heavy traffic.
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Schluter-Systems’ family of matte black products includes two new grates for its Kerdi-Line linear floor drain. Available in a variety of sizes, the solid and square grates can be used to blend right in with a darker tile or to create a daring contrast when combined with a lighter tile. Additionally, KerdiDrain is available with a matte black grate in curve, floral and pure designs. The Kerdin-Line-FC cover plate is also newly available in matte black and can be used with the Kerdi-Line linear floor drain to create a seamless look in applications where multiple drains are installed end to end.
Developed for sports facilities and multipurpose areas, Ecore’s Baller Motivate Class I provides commercial-grade durability and realistic wood/court visuals. The performance flooring product features a 2-millimetre vinyl surface layer factory fusion bonded through its TRU technology to a 5-millimetre vulcanized composition rubber base layer. The floor is resistant to static and rolling loads, and is ergonomic with an absorption of impact energy (force reduction) of 28.3 per cent for ASTM F2772 Class I requirements.
American Biltrite has launched two fresh designs as part of its UltraCeramic Contract engineered stone collection. Eclectic Stone is a delicate stone visual inspired by a wide range of natural stones like granites and marbles. A combination of tone on tone veins and perforations gives these tiles a subtle variability that creates an overall look of uniformity. Natural Travertine mimics traditional travertine slabs. Pattern details are weathered and almost faded.
Torlys’ two Xtreme Performance collections, Everest XP and Cork XP, are 100 per cent natural and waterproof, and can be installed in residential and commercial spaces. Everest XP provides more design possibilities with various wood species in wider, longer and cleaner grade planks that deliver a lifetime of unparalleled performance without sacrificing the beauty of natural wood, says the company. Cork XP is sourced from responsibly managed forests. It is available in traditional, modern and even high-definition printed wood grain visuals, offering the beauty of hardwood, durability of laminate and comfort of cork. Canada’s floor covering magazine \\
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STATS & FACTS
61.6 points Small business confidence has dropped as labour shortages, fuel and energy costs pose major challenges. The 12-month outlook fell by three index points to 61.6, while the threemonth optimism index dipped to 58.8, a loss of two points since April. Despite this, the general state of business is on the upswing and better than in previous months, with 43 per cent of businesses reporting being in a good state, compared to 16 per cent who said they were in bad shape. Almost all provinces were more optimistic over the short-term, except Ontario, where businesses saw the biggest decrease (5.6 points), and Quebec. Full-time staffing plans are positive, with 30 per cent of businesses planning to hire in the next three months. The share of businesses saying they will cut back has not changed since April. —Canadian Federation of Independent Business
48% Canadian employees continue to struggle to take care of their health and well-being, losing 41 working days per year to absences and presenteeism. Nearly half (48 per cent) of employees are experiencing at least one work-related mental health challenge. Lack of work-life balance ranked highest among the risks. —Manulife
39% Thirty-nine per cent of Toronto homeowners are renovating instead of moving due to real estate prices. Of these, one-fifth are drawing on their home equity as a primary source of project financing, an increasing trend seen across Canada.
126,000
—Billdr
12.6% The kitchen and bath industry grew 12.6 per cent in the first quarter of this year, and is expected to continue its upward climb through 2022. All segments reported high single-digit sales growth year-over-year except for manufacturers, who reported double-digit sales growth of 10.3 per cent. Not only were sales numbers up compared to 2021, but quarter-overquarter sales accelerated for all segments of the industry. As a result, 2022 full-year sales growth expectations have increased, with professionals anticipating 15.1 per cent growth, up from the earlier reported 9.4 per cent. —National Kitchen and Bath Association 20
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The number of employees receiving pay or benefits from their employer increased by 126,000 in April. Gains were spread across all provinces except for Quebec, which saw little change. Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia reported the largest payroll employment increases, up 0.7 per cent (49,900), 1.9 per cent (37,200) and 0.7 per cent (16,600), respectively. In April, for the first time, payroll employment in all provinces had either returned to or surpassed levels seen in February 2020, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. —Statistics Canada
THEN & NOW
A LITTLE BIT OF PARIS
Private equity firm’s French country-inspired office makes employees, clients feel at home By Janay Koldingnes
Photos courtesy Ema Peter
B
lueArck isn’t a typical private equity firm, so it should come as no surprise that in a year when most businesses shied away from undertaking a major office expansion, the unconventional company embarked on one. BlueArck needed more space and the art deco Marine Building in downtown Vancouver was the perfect fit, albeit it needed an injection of personality. (The office was originally a blank canvas with raw concrete floors and open exposed ceilings.) The company enlisted local design firm Edit Studios to re-envision it, resulting in an environment that eschews the conservative design aesthetic generally associated with wealth management firms in favour of a more modern and welcoming approach. The space mixes the elegant comfort of French country with the sophistication of a modern Parisian office. This is a reflection of BlueArck’s corporate culture and its desire to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment. From the start, the design goal was to balance the art deco architecture and bones of the building with a mix of ‘resimercial’ inspired materials. This hybrid approach of imbuing commercial spaces with a residential feel employs ‘soft’ design features that provide sound absorption as well as comfort and privacy. To achieve this, the conventional dark woods and leather chesterfields of the typical private equity office were swapped for light oak, herringbone wood floors and luxurious drapery. A muted colour palette was chosen, providing a comforting mix of neutrals with a rare pop of BlueArck’s branding blue. The herringbone engineered flooring is woven throughout all common areas. Inside the private offices, a switch modular carpet tile 22
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was made in the same tone as the wood with a pattern also inspired by art deco motifs from Shaw Floors. The main entrance reveals a reception area that feels more like a living room for family and friends. Likewise, the modern bar is outfitted with all the comforts of home highlighted by book-matched black and white marble with gold accents. Locally produced area rugs greet guests and provide a coziness to the space. Inspired by the hidden passageways in an old French château, the office’s inner workings are tucked behind hidden doors that are masked by intricate mouldings. Crown moulding and wainscotting accent the walls, while modern furniture pieces, rich marbles and traditional French light fixtures juxtapose old with new. The process of transforming the space started in March 2020, right as British Columbia went into lockdown due to Covid-19. With international supply chains disrupted by the pandemic, Edit Studios moved quickly to find and source replacement products that could be found locally. This included materials like the herringbone floor, as well as area rugs, glazing partitions and stone countertops.
Janay Koldingnes is the founder and design director of Edit Studios. Based in Vancouver, Edit Studios is a group of talented designers and brand enthusiastswithexpertiseininteriordesign,graphicdesignandarchitecture. BlueArck’s office renovation garnered the firm a 2021 IDIBC Shine Award, presented by the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia.
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