Flooring October/November 2017

FLOORING

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

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oct / nov 2017

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WANT TO BE PART OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST FLOORING & BLINDS RETAILER? Pictured: Timber | Stockmans Ridge - Blackbutt

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We are looking to expand our family into these areas around Australia: Victoria - Eltham South Australia - East Adelaide and Mt Gambier Western Australia - Kalgoorlie and Geraldton New South Wales - Murwillumbah

Queensland - Caloundra, Atherton, Dalby, Gladstone, Mackay and Maryborough/Hervey Bay Northern Territory - Alice Springs

GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY. VIC & TAS

Please contact Brett Talbot P: 0499 800 702 Brett.Talbot@carpetcourt.com.au

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WA & SA

Please contact Tom Power-Craig P: 0403 673 007 Tom.Power-Craig@carpetcourt.com.au

NSW, QLD & NT

Please contact Greg Zeegers P: 0488 079 326 Greg.Zeegers@carpetcourt.com.au

Upfront

FLOORING

Hi everyone, Welcome to the October/November issue of Flooring magazine. We have a great mix of news items and regular features to report and some Overseas and local Business articles, too.

Take a look inside and our subtle new-look design, we feel, enhances the content and photos/images even more.

Our News section is a bumper one with stories from across the country and our Overseas News highlights what is important and trending abroad. There is our regular Airstep Retailer of the Month spread and this issue we visit Dandy Flooring in Victoria.

Carpets & Rugs is always a highlight of our magazine and is proving to be very popular with our readers.

As well as Software, we also show you updates for Vinyl and Resilient flooring, and the Product Updates section is as informative as ever.

Preparation, Installation & Care feature highly in this issue and Flooring magazine takes an in-depth look at Sustainable Flooring that’s hard-wearing, eco-friendly and looks great, too!

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

oct / nov 2017 vol 35 no 5 News 5

Choices Flooring Launches the MOOD Collection

7

AFS Gives Back this Christmas

Overseas News 20 DOMOTEX asia/Chinafloor Celebrates 20 Years in March Regular Reports 30 Software 32 Carpet & Rugs 36 Airstep Retailer of the Month 46 Product Update 51 Prep, Install & Care

Front Cover 01 Choices Flooring www.choicesflooring.com.au

If you have any feedback, we also welcome it at the magazine, and keep an eye out for our next bumper December/January issue, out early in the New Year.

Merry Christmas to all our readers from the team at Flooring magazine.

Ronnie Gramazio Editor

4 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

READ ON THE GO: Scan code to view the latest FREE digital versions of the magazine on our website. Simply click on the front cover once you have scanned the code.

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

News

Choices Flooring Launches the MOOD Collection The revenue from the Australian Window Coverings industry currently sits at approximately $1.85b (retail figure) and is expected to increase over the next 3 – 5 years. With investment in traditional single-unit housing construction, along with alterations or additions to existing dwellings, strong demand for window furnishings will continue.

Curtains, blinds and awnings represent an integral component of housing décor and construction trends, heavily influencing expenditure on these items. Window furnishings installed in commercial spaces are also a consistent and important source of industry revenue.

As a result, Choices Flooring has decided to diversify their product offering to consumers to now offer window furnishings. Although not new initiative within the industry, the launch of the exclusive MOOD Collection will assist Choices Flooring members provide a solution to those consumers wanting changes to floor and windows.

Supplied by one of Australia's largest window furnishing manufactures, the MOOD Collection is Australian made and exclusive to Choices Flooring. The MOOD Collection will launch into 70 stores in late October with a large array of products including Roller, Roman, Venetian and Vertical Blinds, as well as, Panel Glides and Plantation Shutters.

Great brands leave an indelible impression with consumers through the clever use of visual cues or mnemonics, like the MOOD Collection name, logo and brand. The MOOD Collection was launched internally at the Choices Flooring’s inaugural National Members Meeting in August, and was embraced immediately by the group’s members.

To compliment the launch, Choices Flooring have designed new in-store display system which showcases the functionality of the different products within the MOOD Collection, allowing customers to interact with the products prior to purchasing.

The key call to action for this new product category will be via choicesflooring.com.au. The website will feature a state of the art section, allowing consumers to swap window furnishings, colours and accessories with ease.

The MOOD Collection will also be presented through the instore touch screen program, Inspiration Station.

Similar to that of flooring, customers will have the ability to change a room’s features across all product categories.

“We are very excited about breaking into this new category and we feel that this is a positive step forward for the brand and the group members. We are very keen to see how the MOOD Collection advances over coming months, as it arrives in-store,” said Product Category Manager Nicole Canty.

For more information on the MOOD Collection by Choices Flooring, please visit the website at choicesflooring. com.au

Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 5

News

Big River Group Flooring Lays Foundation for Display Home Win Bringing the warmth and beauty of nature into the home, timber flooring creates an inviting tone from the moment the front door opens. It is this welcoming feel which saw Big River Group’s New Generation Armourfloor engineered flooring selected for GJ Gardner Homes’ award-winning Mandalay display home in the new North Harbour Development, Burpengary East, Queensland.

As the winner of the HIA-CSR Queensland Housing Award for Best Display Home in Brisbane, the Mandalay display home design utilises the warm, unique character and stunning beauty of timber flooring to great effect by accentuating the home’s focus on blending indoor and outdoor living. The innovative design sees separate living zones wrap around a central outdoor area, which maximises natural light and cooling cross-breezes across the spaces, and is topped off by a stunning alfresco area – ideal for entertaining all-yearround.

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Throughout the home is Big River Group’s prefinished Australian hardwood engineered flooring in Spotted Gum, setting the foundation for the entire interior. Together with its visual appeal, the flooring solution is selected by builders and homeowners for its durability and stability.

Not just a hardwearing flooring choice, Armourfloor is also stylish and complements the light and airy interior of the home design. With a focus on cool whites, soft neutrals, vibrant greens and wood accents – the lush natural Queensland environment is perfectly honoured through the interior decor.

‘Floors for Living’ Catalogue Recently Released This month Choices Flooring will launch their Floors for Living catalogue, which takes decorating from the floor up to a new level.

The catalogue campaign will run from October through to the 2nd of December, 2017.

With over 150 products on sale, Choices Flooring’s Floors for Living catalogue takes consumers through 20 pages of themed room settings that feature a variety of exclusive product categories, to ensure they find the floor they’ve been searching for.

With over 5.2 million catalogues being distributed in state and local newspapers across Australia in October, Choices Flooring has also launched an interactive version of the catalogue on their website. The group has indicated they are set for a busy few months in the lead up to Christmas.

AFS Gives Back this Christmas Australian Flooring Supplies (AFS) has launched one of its largest campaigns to date with the aim of giving back to their customers following a successful year.

The AFS 12 Weeks of Christmas campaign launched on October 2 and involves $10,000 worth of gifts designed to alleviate the pinch this Christmas for AFS’ customers.

The campaign’s gifts include a $500 fuel voucher to finance the obligatory Christmas trips to distant family and a $1,000 Coles-Myer gift card to help stock up the pantry and purchase last minute gifts.

There is even a $3,000 Webjet voucher up for grabs to help finance a well-earned break.

Ugo Tettamanti, General Manager of AFS Vic, said the 12 Weeks campaign is the biggest AFS’ has launched since 2013 when customers who purchased Roberts products went into the draw for a boat trailer and motor.

“This new campaign is exciting as there will be many more customers winning prizes from the substantial pool of prizes throughout the promotion,” Mr Tettamanti said.

There are a total of 12 prizes in the promotion, one for every week from the start of October until the week before Christmas.

There are no tricky conditions involved, to take part customers only need to stock up on popular products they already purchase regularly from brands like Ardex, RLA Polymers and Roberts.

Craig Hildebrand, General Manager of AFS NSW, said the promotion will crown what has been a successful year for the business.

“So far this year we’ve farewelled long serving colleagues, welcomed new

employees, moved branches, acquired businesses, introduced new products and we were welcomed back by old customers,” Mr Hildebrand said.

“This is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers for their unwavering support throughout 2017.”

Earlier this year AFS introduced an innovative new tool, the Cove Trimmer 10-690, which was designed in-house

by AFS parent company QEP Australia.

The Cove Trimmer was designed for vinyl layers and cuts coved commercial vinyl at a certain height fast and evenly.

AFS also became the local distributor for world-class kneepad brand, ProKnee.

Midyear the Wetherill Park branch shifted to a new warehouse in Wetherill Park following sustained growth. The new branch, at Unit 2 of 472 Victoria Street Wetherill Park, is three times the size of the old outlet.

To be the first to know about the 12 weeks of Christmas weekly products and prizes, customers can simply signup to the AFS email database. Visit www.australianflooringsupplies.com. au for more.

Choices Flooring’s inaugural General Excellence in Marketing and Sales (GEMS) Awards showcases outstanding service and sales performances

Dollar Growth in Total Sales Metro Members

VIC: Choices Flooring by Fletchers (Geelong) TAS: Choices Flooring Launceston QLD: Choices Flooring Fortitude Valley WA: Choices Flooring Myaree SA/NT: Choices Flooring Eastwood NSW/ACT: Choices Flooring Alexandria

Country Members

VIC: Choices Flooring Albury QLD: Choices Flooring Mackay WA: Choices Flooring Kalgoorlie SA/NT: Choices Flooring Alice Springs NSW/ACT: Choices Flooring by Bright’s (Bathurst)

National Winner Choices Flooring Launceston TAS

National Winner Choices Flooring Albury VIC

Percentage Growth in Total Sales Metro Members

VIC: Choices Flooring Frankston TAS: Choices Flooring Launceston QLD: Choices Flooring Fortitude Valley WA: Choices Flooring Myaree SA/NT: Choices Flooring Eastwood NSW/ACT: Choices Flooring Caringbah

Country Members

VIC: Choices Flooring Albury QLD: Choices Flooring Mackay WA: Choices Flooring Kalgoorlie SA/NT: Choices Flooring Alice Springs NSW/ACT: Choices Flooring Tamworth

National Winner Choices Flooring Myaree WA

National Winner Choices Flooring Tamworth QLD

Store Person of the Year State Winners

VIC: CHRISTINE JONES of Choices Flooring Wodonga TAS: LEIGH MITCHELL of Choices Flooring Devonport QLD: PETER CUTTS of Choices Flooring by Mallets (Ipswich) WA: KEZIBON SIMS of Choices Flooring by Albany Interiors (Albany) SA/NT: DOUG SCOWN of Choices Flooring Darwin NSW/ACT: WAYNE GARNETT of Choices Flooring Tamworth

National Winner WAYNE GARNETT of Choices Flooring Tamworth NSW/ACT

Jack Swinton Award State Winners

VIC: Choices Flooring Shepparton TAS: Choices Flooring Launceston QLD: Choices Flooring Centenary WA: Choices Flooring Myaree SA/NT: Choices Flooring Keswick NSW/ACT: Choices Flooring Nowra South

National Winner Choices Flooring Myaree WA

Alliance Partner Award Carpet: Beaulieu Australia Timber, Bamboo & Laminate: Premium Floors Resilient Flooring: Signature Floors Underlay & Accessories: Dunlop Flooring

Hall of Fame Winner

Jack Swinton

A highlight of the night was no doubt the announcement of the second inductee into the Choices Flooring Hall of Fame. This honour was awarded to two time Chairman of the group - Jack Swinton in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the Choices Flooring group and wider floor coverings industry.

choicesflooring.com

News

Floorworld Shines Nationwide As 36 locally owned and operated businesses, Floorworld is passionate about what they do. With a product range second to none in floor coverings for the domestic and commercial markets, Floorworld supplies the latest innovative products, ideas and trends in carpets, timber, laminate, bamboo and vinyl flooring all from the Australia’s biggest brand names in floor coverings.

Intrigued by the possibility of joining a retail group but unsure about the tangible benefits then Floorworld may be the perfect solution for you.

Floorworld can ease your journey towards profitability in the floor covering industry with their high profile brand recognition, proven model of operational

success along with competitive pricing and a strong rebate structure back to its members.

Owning a business doesn’t stop once you open your doors. The Floorworld philosophy is to improve your business with support in product, marketing, training and business advice. regular regional group meetings and a yearly conference are conducted which are great resources for forward planning and review, sharing business techniques and strategies.

Floorworld’s corporate imaging is designed as a modular store concept which is inexpensive and designed in order to maximise the merchandising of its core product range.

Marketing strategies incorporate modern communication techniques that cater for the individual store at a local level as well as offering extensive corporate campaigns.

Unique training formats in product knowledge and professional development is easily accessible through the online portal.

It all comes together at Floorworld when you package these benefits with the expertise and knowledge that only dedicated and helpful staff with years of experience can offer.

If you are interested in the Floorworld module please contact: info@floorworld. com.au or visit their website.

10 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

News

National Members Meeting Recently Hosted by Choices As Choices Flooring continues to embrace change and push the boundaries across all areas of their business, they also don’t want to become complacent. In order to maintain their position as Australia’s most progressive retail floorcoverings group, they acknowledge the importance to continually learn, develop and evolve.

This August, Choices Flooring hosted their National Members Meeting which was themed around Gaining the Edge, providing delegates with knowledge surrounding the ever-evolving retail environment and how they can stay competitive in the floor covering industry.

Held over two days at Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre, Choices Flooring’s National Members Meeting was the largest in the group’s history, with over 400 members, alliance partners and guests in attendance.

The event was hosted by one of Australia’s top comedians in Lawrence Mooney, guiding delegates through array of fantastic guest speakers including global thought leader in marketing to women Amanda Stevens, Australian astronaut Dr Andrew Thomas, the man with the answers when it comes to science and technology Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Interior Design Consultant Kathy Demos and author & rugby commentator Mick Colliss.

The meeting also revealed many new initiatives, including; exciting new exclusive products, marketing and online strategies and the launch of their latest product category - window furnishings with the MOOD Collection by Choices Flooring.

With their foray into New Zealand, Choices Flooring was thrilled to also have their first New Zealand members attend the conference alongside Australian 12 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

members and alliance partners. The meeting also facilitated enhanced networking opportunities for delegates, with an Exhibitor Showcase featuring creative alliance partner displays for Choices Flooring members to enjoy. The Exhibitor Showcase had over 30 booths displaying exciting new products and services for the group’s members.

Platinum Sponsors Cavalier Bremworth, Embelton Flooring, Godfrey Hirst, Karndean Designflooring, MJS Floorcoverings, Premium Floors and Signature Flooring all took to the stage showcasing creative and enlightening presentations based on the conferences theme ‘Gaining the Edge’.

To complement the formalities, the Choices Flooring Gala Dinner & National GEMS Awards started with pre-dinner drinks in the Exhibitor Showcase, followed by the GEMS awards presentation, photo booth fun, delicious food.

A highlight of the night was no doubt the announcement of the second inductee into the Choices Flooring Hall of Fame. This honour was awarded to two time Chairman of the group - Jack Swinton in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the Choices Flooring group and wider floor coverings industry.

Choices Flooring’s National Members Meeting ‘Gaining the Edge’ was the best to date, providing the perfect foundation for the group’s continual success and growth.

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signaturefloors

News

Flooring Industry Trainers Forum Established by the FCIA The FCIA has established a national Flooring Industry Trainers Forum. Discussions between the FCIA and the National Flooring Trainers Network (NFTN) have resulted in the creation of a single national body to take responsibility for the sustainability of flooring skills training in Australia. The inaugural meeting of the FCIA Trainers Forum is scheduled for 19th October 2017.

The Forum is a fully inclusive, industry-wide network of qualified trainers and assessors who are expert in the delivery of accredited training in Flooring Technology skills.

Membership of the Flooring Trainers’ Forum includes practicing Trainers and Assessors from all state TAFE institutes, Private RTOs, and Flooring Suppliers irrespective of whether they are affiliated with the FCIA National Training Academy.

Pre-requisites for membership include formal qualifications in Training and Assessment and Flooring Installation, as well as current experience in the delivery of Flooring Technology training.

Chaired by the FCIA National Training Academy, the key functions of the Flooring Industry Trainers’ Forum are: • Development of strategies to ensure learner resources meet industry requirements; • Development of strategies to expand the national network of qualified Trainers; • Development of resources, learner guides & assessment tools in Flooring Technology; • Review of existing learning materials for national consistency and industry currency;

• Recommendations for Industry Endorsement of quality learning resources; • Input into the review of Furnishing Industry Training Package (where appropriate); • Professional development strategies to ensure currency of vocational skills for Members of the Forum

FCIA Industry Trade Cards Recognise Skilled Installers Experienced layers can now apply to be recognised by the FCIA and be issued with a Trade Card showing their qualifications in one or more streams of Flooring Technology. Through recognition of prior learning (RPL), experienced installers can receive a Silver, Gold, or Platinum FCIA Trade Card depending on their experience and demonstrated competency in flooring installation.

SILVER CARD: Qualified Flooring Installer in a single stream - Carpet or Resilient or Timber GOLD CARD: Qualified Flooring Installer in two streams - Carpet/Resilient, or Carpet/Timber, or Resilient/Timber PLATINUM CARD: Qualified Flooring Installer in three streams - Carpet and Resilient and Timber Interested Installers can find out more about their eligibility for a Trade Card, undertake a self -assessment and apply for recognition of existing skills by visiting fcia.org.au

14 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

A SINGLE VOICE FOR THE ENTIRE AUSTRALIAN FLOORING COMMUNITY Advocacy Stakeholder Engagement Best Practice Industry Panels Innovation e-Learning National Image One Industry Quality Trade Cards Training ‘Cutting Edge’ Apprenticeships

Phone (03) 9832 0663 Email info@fcia.org.au

fcia.org.au

News

National Rollout of FCIA Apprenticeship Program The FCIA is now accepting expressions of interest from members and employers interested in enrolling their apprentices in all states and territories in australia. A brief online expression of interest form can be completed on our website at fcia.org.au Since the announcement of the FCIA’s Apprenticeship program, we have received nearly 100 Expressions of interest with at least 3-5 new applications coming in on a weekly basis.

We are especially pleased to announce that we are finalising a service protocol with a WA based RTO to bring local apprenticeship training back to WA..

Positive negotiations with States/territories means that the FCIA is on track to facilitate a consistent, nation-wide, government funded, and industry driven apprenticeship training for the Flooring Industry by the end this year.

VIC: Enrolments underway TAS: Enrolments underway S.A: Enrolments underway N.T: Enrolments underway NSW: Enrolments by end October 2017 WA: Enrolments by December 2017 QLD: Enrolments by December 2017

Installer Masterclass: Perth 14th – 15th November 2017

FCIA Member, Armstrong Flooring has teamed up with ARDEX Australia to deliver a 2-day workshop in Canning Vale Perth on 14th and 15th November. The workshop covers critical installation skills such as Moisture Treatment, Floor Preparation, and LVT and Sheet Vinyl Installation.

The FCIA is negotiating with Flooring Manufacturers and Suppliers to develop a national training calendar to promote short courses and Installation Masterclasses via our National Training calendar. Installers participating in these programs and other FCIA endorsed Masterclasses may gain credits towards a Trade Card and formal qualifications in Flooring Technology.

16 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

f C o h s r k i e s e t mas w 2 1

W A E A V Y! I G the Christmas spirit early th s getting into i is year. e i k c i D eks he will be giving away up to For 12 we

$10,000 worth of gifts to you the customer, just for shopping at AFS! Simply purchase any of the weekly featured products for your chance to

WIN BIG! Make sure you are signed up to our mailing list so you can be the first to find out the weekly featured products and prizes!

australianflooringsupplies.com.au *Terms and Conditions apply, see www.australianflooringsupplies.com.au for more

Overseas News

DOMOTEX 2018 to Open with an Array of New Features Only three months to go until the start of DOMOTEX 2018 (12 to 15 January), but it’s already becoming clear that the 30th edition of the world’s leading tradeshow for carpets and floor coverings will be a very strong and innovative show, sporting an extensive lineup of new features. The show has a new exhibition layout and hall restructuring that will make it a lot easier for visitors to survey the market and connect with the exhibitors and trends that matter to them. The show will also have a strong overarching focus on the megatrend of individualization, as reflected in the keynote theme of “UNIQUE YOUNIVERSE”. This theme will find concentrated expression in Hall 9, which will house an inspiring world of creatively staged display zones by exhibitors, artists and budding young designers. “The upcoming show will immerse its visitors in a totally new and captivating world of trends, innovations and lifestyle,” commented Susanne Klaproth, the director in charge of DOMOTEX at Deutsche Messe, Hannover. “Exhibitors and visitors alike can look forward to a wealth of concrete ideas that will help them grow their business and keep up with the trends and innovations that are shaping the future of their industry,” she added.

“UNIQUE YOUNIVERSE” – wall-to-wall individualization With its keynote theme of “UNIQUE YOUNIVERSE”, DOMOTEX 2018 is focusing on the individualization megatrend and its effects on the flooring industry. In today’s globalized and digitized world, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to express their individuality. Consequently, the products and services they use to shape their lives – including their home lives – are becoming more and personalized and tailored to their needs and preferences. “DOMOTEX is picking up on this trend, because if other products can be tailored to lifestyle preferences, then the same should also be true of floor coverings,” explained Susanne Klaproth.

Exhibitor registrations trending much higher than expected

The enhanced DOMOTEX format has been well received by the carpet and floor coverings industry – as can be seen from the high level of exhibitor registrations. “We are well up on the number of exhibitors confirmed at the same time in the build-up to the previous year. We’re also significantly above expectation on booked display space,” Klaproth said.

“This further underscores DOMOTEX’s importance as a global marketplace and setter of trends for the carpet and floor coverings industry. At this rate, we are on track for around 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 nations,” she added. Apart from Germany, the show’s biggest exhibiting nations in terms of display space are Turkey, India, Belgium, China, the Netherlands, Iran, Italy, Egypt and the USA.

New hall restructuring boosts market transparency

The new hall restructuring physically clusters allied product groups, making it much easier for visitors from all professional backgrounds – whether wholesale or retail, architecture, interior design, the skilled trades, or furniture or furnishing retail – to find their way around and survey the market. Getting down to specifics, halls 2 to 4 now house the biggest offering of hand-made carpets and rugs seen anywhere in the world.

Halls 5 through 7 are home to a unique selection of machinemade carpets and rugs. Hall 8 is the gateway to the latest carpet creations from the world’s most innovative designers and labels. The displays of resilient floor coverings, design flooring / LVT and laminate flooring are concentrated in halls 11 and 12. And halls 12 and 13 house the show’s displays of parquet and wood flooring. Hall 13 also houses displays of the latest flooring application and installation technnology. The convenience factor will be further enhanced by the venue’s excellent integration into the local public transport system and by the new MY DOMOTEX Shuttle, which will transport visitors and exhibitors quickly and directly to wherever they want to go on the exhibition grounds.

18 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

Immersive showcase of creative ideas

Hall 9 is the new jewel in the crown of DOMOTEX. It is the home of the “Framing Trends” special display area, a richly diverse and immersive showcase in which established companies, industry newcomers and artists will engage with the keynote theme in an array of creatively staged displays. “Framing Trends” comprises four distinct zones, where visitors will be able to experience and interact with all kinds of out-of-the-box ideas and designs. In the “Flooring Spaces” zone, companies from the floor coverings industry will stage extraordinary product showcases that play with and reflect on the individualization trend. Next-door, exhibitors will partner with interior designers to craft inspiring spaces and lifestyle realms in the “Living Spaces” zone. Then there’s the “NuThinkers” zone, where students and young designers will redefine interior design with a dazzling array of unconventional ideas and product prototypes. And finally, the “Art & Interaction” zone will present the keynote theme of “UNIQUE UNIVERSE” in a sensory feast of exhibits from the worlds of art and design, paired with interactive multimedia displays. To ensure that “Framing Trends” delivers a consistently high-quality visitor experience, the organizers have appointed a panel of experts under the leadership of Peter Ippolito, of Büro Ippolito Fleitz Group (Stuttgart, Germany), who will determine which of the ideas and designs submitted are worthy of going on display.

As its name suggests, the “NuThinkers” zone is for alternative thinkers who can envisage a world beyond the main stream.

The exciting new ideas on display there will include a new kind of floor heating system inspired by reptilian thermoregulation, a self-driving robotic painter that can create personalized floors, and a virtual reality software that uses body movement to create individualized spaces in real-time. When it comes to exploring the keynote theme, the sky is – literally – the limit in the “Art & Interaction” zone. “Meanwhile in the YOU-niverse”, for instance, is an installation in which visitors can open a window to catch their own little glimpse of infinity – in the form of a live feed of outer space from NASA. The “Endless Uniqueness” installation offers a similarly interactive perspective on the keynote theme. For this, 50 creatives, including Germany’s ten best interior designers, were each asked build their own personal interpretation of the “UNIQUE YOUNIVERSE” keynote theme in the form of their favorite items and flooring staged inside an open mirror box.

The boxes are arrayed opposite a giant mirror kaleidoscope that reflects the boxes and the visitors walking among them. As they walk through this mirror installation, visitors can change and rearrange the materials in the boxes, thereby creating their own unique design universe.

Captivating supporting program in Hall 9

To add to the inspiration on offer, the upcoming show will feature a captivating program of speaking events – the DOMOTEX Talks – inspired by the “UNIQUE YOUNIVERSE” keynote theme. The speaker lineup includes industry experts, founders of amazing startups and trailblazing next-generation designers. Held on the “Framing Trends” stage in Hall 9, each day’s Talks will comprise three speed presentations followed by a moderated discussion panel. The Talks will explore a range of highly topical and innovative projects and ideas from architecture and design. They will be grouped into three main theme areas: “Modular design: individual versus mass-produced?”, “New one-off originals: handmade versus digital?” and “Retail interactive: virtual versus real?” The Talks are aimed primarily at architects, interior and product designers, but are also of interest to forward-thinking exhibitors and visitors.

There will also be daily Guided Tours of the show, led by big-name architects and designers. For visitors, the tours are a great way to gain deeper insights into the keynote theme and the products on display and, of course, to make contact with key exhibitors. In the center of the “Framing Trends” area, visitors and exhibitors will find lounge-style meeting areas and a café – the ideal settings for relaxed, informal dialogue.

The Carpet Design Awards are another Hall 9 highlight. The internationally coveted award honors the world’s best new designer carpets in eight categories. The 24 carpets shortlisted for the award will be on display in Hall 9 for the duration of DOMOTEX. Hall 9 will also have a key focus on the exciting promise of virtual reality as an interior design tool. Virtual reality is set to transform the way we shop for floor coverings and furnishings and how we connect with one another and perceive the world.

On the subject of virtual reality, it is worth noting that DOMOTEX’s organizer, Deutsche Messe, has developed the “hackvention event series” – a new international series of events in which, among much else, companies from the skilled trades, commerce and industry can use virtual and augmented reality to develop concepts and prototypes for individualized products.

DOMOTEX exhibitors also benefit from this opportunity. First results will be presented at DOMOTEX 2018.

Congratulations to the winners of Floorworld’s

WINA$4500 LG HOME APPLIANCE PACKAGE

Floorworld conducted another successful yearly promotion between June and August 2017 with an intensive metro, regional and interstate TV campaign and social media advertising.

The winners received an LG home appliance package to the value $4500 supplied by The Good Guys and supported by our sponsored suppliers RedbookGreen, Godfrey Hirst Floors, Pegulan Flooring, Quick•Step, Polyflor and Clever Choice Design Floors.

John Walker - Warragul Floorworld with Michael and Jenny Jostlear who purchased Feltex carpet.

Cameron Sharp - Sharp’s Floorworld Mornington with Jenny Sabo who purchased Godfrey Hirst laminate.

Dennis Cottle Smith’s Floorworld Ringwood with Tracey Loomes who purchased Quick-Step laminate.

Overseas News

DOMOTEX asia/Chinafloor Celebrates 20 Years in March The Shanghai New International Expo Center will be the meeting point amongst flooring professionals once more during this anniversary edition of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR that celebrates 20 years, from when it was first launched, on March 2018. With six months before the show, exhibitors from across the flooring industry are quickly securing their space at the upcoming edition, with over 80% of the show being already booked.

The show’s internationality is increasing year on year with even more world renowned brands joining the largest flooring show in Asia Pacific in its upcoming editions. International brands, up to date, occupy more than 21% of the total confirmed exhibiting space. Some of the world’s leading brands that will be part of this historical 20th edition of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR are: Armstrong, Gerflor, KCC, KDF, LG Hausys, Nox, US FLOORS, HanWha, Tarkett, Toli, Meijer, Elegant and Kingdom showing resilient flooring, Alsapan, Classen, French Timber Association, Haro, Swiss Krono Group, Parador, Kaindl, Egger, Fans, Giant, Weitzer Parkett, Edelholz, Bakerio, Alloc, Unilin, Homelegend, Lamett, Power Dekor, Arte Mundi, A&W and Valinge displaying wood flooring, Balta, Boyteks, Nishaburi, Oriental Weavers, FARRAHI, Shanhua, Haima, SanLi, BEAULIEU, MANNINGTON, BEST WOOL CARPETS and Suminoe exhibiting carpets, and Homag, Osmo, Dynea, Klumpp, Winters-teiger, Hawk, Banfert and Azumi showing floor technology.

The exhibition ground in 2018 comprises of 15 halls among which 5 are dedicated to carpet and rugs, 6 to wood, laminate, cork, bamboo, other hard floors and FloorTech and 4 halls are dedicated to resilient floorings for commercial, industrial and residential purposes.

Special areas will be created for all exhibitors participating in the InnovAction program, the flooring platform that enables them to launch their newest products, designed by an international new and aspiring architect, Mr. Kostas Chatzigiannis of KCA Ltd. Luxury Brands carpet show is coming back for the second time with some returning handmade rugs brands as well as brand new designers for one more exclusive upscale experience in the world of handmade carpets. cadex conferences and events, Materia exhibition, a showcase by the leading global network in the field of innovative materials, and many more of the well-loved and

20 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

trusted programs and showcases such as the Floor Heating or the Hospital Space Design Forum, of DOMOTEX asia/ CHINAFLOOR will also be present in 2018 along with many more exciting new launches, like the Wood & PVC Wallboard showcase or the winter sports themed events in the Sports Flooring Forum.

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2017 gathered 1,364 exhibitors from 40 countries and attracted 54,529 trade visitors, of which 12,812 international, coming from 100 nations. The 2018 edition that marks 20 years of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR in the region is expected to become a unique point of reference for all flooring professionals from around the world as it continues its successful route offering the flooring world a unique platform to access and do business in Asia – Pacific, the biggest flooring market in the world.

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VISIT YOUR NEAREST INTAFLOORS DEPOT FOR A WIDE RANGE OF FLOORING PRODUCTS Or view the full catalogue at intafloors.com.au NSW

QLD

Intafloors Trade Depot

Gibbon Group | Trade Depot

Sydney: 02 8678 5479 NEW DEPOT Botany: 02 8038 1111 Email: sales@intafloorstrade.com.au

North Brisbane & Central Qld: 07 3881 1777 Email: sales@gibbongroup.com.au

TAS

McDonalds Flooring Accessories

North Hobart: 03 6234 9855 Email: admin@totalflooringtas.com.au

South Brisbane & Gold Coast: 07 5564 9999 Email: daniel@mcdonaldsflooring.com.au

Total Flooring

WA SA

Seal and Sons Adelaide: 08 8346 9833 Email: office@deseal.com.au

VIC

FIS Distributors (HO) Keysborough: 03 9768 7248 Knoxfield: 03 9764 2400 Geelong: 03 5521 6670 Preston: 03 9416 7878 Email: sales@fisdistributors.com.au

Kevmor Wholesale Trade Supplies Perth: 08 9277 7177 Email: sales@kevmor.com.au

NEW ZEALAND Allnex Industries Ltd

Free Phone: 0508-882-288 Email: cs.constructionnz@allnex.com

Overseas News

‘NuThinkers‘ Showcased at DOMOTEX 2018 A group of enterprising young interior design students from Hochschule Hannover (Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts) has come up with a stunning array of out-of-the box concepts for tomorrow’s floor coverings. The 14 students were asked to develop concepts that embody the DOMOTEX keynote theme of UNIQUE YOUNIVERSE, aka the trend towards product individualization. The ideas they have come up with fall into two broad categories: inspired by nature and modeled on highefficiency natural processes and structures. Working in teams or on their own, they have developed prototypes that will go on display in the “NuThinkers” section of the “Framing Trends” showcase in Hall 9 at DOMOTEX 2018, which runs from 12 to 15 January.

Some of the prototypes being presented are experimental and visionary, while others are more focused on practical, realworld solutions. Among them are a carpet that purifies the air, a floor tile that changes color depending on the viewing angle, a floor surface made of beeswax, and a type of flooring that – thanks to an instantaneous chemical reaction – can be sprayed on and then “cooked” to return it to its original state.

Beyond this, the following four projects will be featured:

Superficious Heat

by Nele Ratjen Inspired by thermoregulation in reptiles, this is a flooring system that incorporates a new approach to floor heating. Unlike conventional floor heating systems, which are hidden in the subfloor, this system is featured proudly as a design element that can be customized by the user. The result is a floor heating system that is highly individualized and easy to repair.

Blindsight

by Nina Düwel What if floors could communicate with people and help them find their way around? That’s the kind of innovative thinking that lead this young student to develop a new type of navigation system for the blind. The system uses intuitive, universal symbols (e.g. for bathrooms, elevators, information areas) to give the blind and vision-impaired new freedom and independence. In this way, it provides help and guidance in situations where conventional signage and directory systems are of no use or are unavailable.

Fairkorkt

by Sarah Gerner and Johanna Kolb Fairkorkt is a vegan, organic carpet made of tiny sequin-shaped cork discs. Each disc can move and has different colors and surface finishes on each side. The result is a carpet that constantly changes in appearance as you walk on it and feels great under bare feet.

Phoenix

by Janna Marie Bombek und Franziska Roethemeier Used as a wall cladding, charred timber is not especially new.

But as flooring? These two students set out to develop a method to make this highly attractive material suitable for flooring so that they could bring the charred wood aesthetic indoors. On the way to achieving this aim, they conducted a series of truly inspired experiments. In one of them, they coated timber with

22 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

molten glass, which charred the upper layer of the timber and then cooled to form a protective layer.

In addition to these product prototypes, the Hochschule Hannover display in the NuThinkers zone will feature a multitude of preliminary studies and experiments. The entire project is supervised by Professor Suzanne Koechert and Guest Professor André Nakonz.

The university’s Interior Design faculty offers an interdisciplinary program of hands-on learning aimed at giving graduates the best possible start in their chosen careers. The school has a strong focus on creativity, communication and analytical thinking. It gives its students a good grounding in materials, architecture and engineering and equips them with the skills they need to present their concepts effectively using digital platforms. Course projects range from public sector construction to corporate architecture and exhibition design.

The school has a limited intake of just 35 students per year, which makes for a very low student-lecturer ratio and excellent education outcomes.

IT ALL COMES TOGETHER AT WHAT MAKES A GOOD CONFERENCE?

A

balance of business and pleasure of course and this year was no exception at Floorworld’s 2017 Conference. In all 80 Floorworld members and suppliers attended the 5 day conference at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Phuket Thailand in August.

SUPPLIER PRESENTATIONS

GODFREY HIRST

QUICK-STEP

The first day of the conference saw the delegates hit the ground running with an early start of presentations from major suppliers throughout the day. Floorworld members were introduced to new and innovative products and processes of doing business providing them with a competitive edge in today’s floor covering market.

While networking and business was on the agenda there was time to relax by the many resort pools and organised activities.

PEGULAN

FELTEX CARPETS

WELCOME DINNER

TOUR

POLYFLOR WITH STORE OF THE YEAR WINNERS DELTA (BALLARAT) & CARPETS GALORE (THOMASTOWN)

The farewell dinner held at the Dream Beach Club was an informal affair taking in the view of the sunset from the beach. Floorworld’s annual awards were presented with Carpets Galore Floorworld Thomastown and Delta Floorworld Ballarat awarded the Bill Tsapatsaris Store of the Year. Rep of the Year went to Dale Bond from Feltex, and Supplier of the Year to two suppliers, Premium Floors and Feltex Carpets. Carpets Galore Floorworld was also awarded highest volume in carpet from Feltex.

Both Floorworld members and their suppliers agreed that this year’s conference “was the best yet” with the balance between work and play working especially well giving everyone a chance to meet and talk in the informal and splendid atmosphere of Phuket.

Interested in the possibility of joining a retail group and the tangible benefits Floorworld can offer you then contact Bob Crotty (03) 9761 5235 or email info@floorworld.com.au

Overseas News

From the Blue Angel to the EU Ecolabel: A Meaningful Environmental Label for Laminate Flooring Laminate flooring manufactured in Europe is top of the league when it comes to floor coverings that use clean production methods and create a healthy living environment. Evidence for this can be found in the recognised EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) relating to these products. In addition

24 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

to CE marking, a scheme stipulated throughout the EU and applicable in principle to all construction products coming onto the European market, flooring manufacturers can voluntarily apply for extra national or international environmental certification and approval marks for their products. Looking to

the future, one particular ecolabel that is expected to gain significance in the flooring sector is the revised version of the “EU Ecolabel for wood-, cork- and bamboo-based floor coverings�, which came into effect at the end of January 2017 and which naturally includes laminate flooring.

market. Over the decades, its significance has reached beyond the region where it originally started. The high level of familiarity that consumers have with the Blue Angel is reflected in its use as a quality mark within the European laminate flooring industry: out of the 17 European producers of this product within the EPLF, 11 are capitalising on the good reputation of this long-standing ecolabel.

Harmless components – proven eco-friendliness

Ecolabels are intended to guide consumers in their purchasing decision by providing reliable and trustworthy information concerning a product’s impact on the environment and health.

Recognised labels indicate independentlytested product quality together with proof of environmentally-sound and sustainable manufacturing. Forest certification schemes such as the FSC trademark (wood/wood products resulting from exemplary forest management) or the PEFC mark (raw materials from sustainable forest management) play an important role around the world.

The Blue Angel (“Der blaue Engel”) has made a name for itself among consumers as a quality label for lowemission products in many product categories, particularly in the Germanspeaking area, and has become a brand of its own. Around the world, it is known as the first and therefore oldest ecolabel for communicating products that are especially kind to the environment when seen against comparable products.

Introduced in Germany in 1978, the Blue Angel ecolabel was initiated by the federal government and became successfully established on the German

Sometimes the grass is teal Strong brand entity within a supportive network

Before a product is awarded the ecolabel, its entire life cycle is taken into consideration. Products awarded the Blue Angel must comply with a list of criteria which incorporates as many relevant aspects of environmental and health protection as possible. First and foremost, the aim is to promote the use of wood from sustainably managed forests and low-emission wood-based products. For laminate floor coverings, the applicable catalogue of requirements is in accordance with “RAL-UZ 176 – Low-Emission Floor Coverings, Panels and Doors for Interiors made of Wood and Wood-Based Materials”. By entering into a trade mark agreement with RAL gGmbH, every manufacturer makes a legally binding commitment to comply fully with the requirements for the duration of the agreement. Notification of any potential non-compliance received from competitors, consumer associations or individual consumers will be thoroughly investigated by the German Federal Environment Agency and RAL. On an international level, the Blue Angel cooperates closely with organisations in Austria, China, Japan and Korea.

26

25 years Jill & I wanted more; this led us to have a look on “theAfter other side of the fence.

We wanted to have our independence and be part of a recognisable brand, with all the benefits of being in a group.

We found Carpet One was there for us and this made the change easy, affordable and fast.

We are now part of a global brand with exclusive lines, personalised website and the centralised services that we needed to help grow our business. What we really like, are rebates that rewards us for our success.

Within two years and having better territories to work with, we have our dream of two stores and our return on investment couldn’t be better with sales and profits up.

We are glad that we made the change. Is it your turn?

”

Brett & Jill Haddock owners Picton & Engadine Carpet One

– Brett Haddock

For a confidential discussion, contact membership today on: (07) 37258600 Email: Liam.barrett@carpetone.com.au

Overseas News

EU Ecolabel – an environmental label for Europe

The EU Ecolabel, likewise a voluntary scheme and known also as the “EU Flower”, was set up by the European Commission and officially introduced in 1992 by means of EU regulation EC 880/92. It is recognised in all 28 EU member states as an ecolabel covering a range of product categories, as well as in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey.

As with the Blue Angel, the EU Ecolabel is awarded to goods and services that, throughout their entire life cycle, have a lower impact on the environment than comparable and conventional products or services. The EU Commission views the label as a recommendation for European consumers to purchase in such a way that a reduction in environmental pollution is achieved in the long term in as many areas of life as possible.

In Germany, the competent bodies for the Ecolabel at the European Commission are the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and the company RAL gGmbH. The Federal Environment Agency is responsible for the technical side when it comes to further developing award criteria and developing new ones; it also assists RAL gGmbH with processing new applications. RAL gGmbH examines incoming applications for use of the EU Ecolabel and in successful cases it concludes the agreements for use of the mark.

New product categories for flooring

The new version of the “EU Ecolabel for wood-, cork- and bamboo-based floor coverings” came into effect at the end of January 2017 and is valid until the beginning of February 2023. Experts from the EPLF were among those involved in the complex technical preparation work.

The list of criteria has been reviewed and amended by extending the former product group “Wooden Floor Coverings”, and in certain cases new, stricter requirements have been laid down.

The EU Ecolabel focuses on environmental compatibility and, being a voluntary label, in some areas it extends beyond existing statutory regulations. The EU Ecolabel requirements for chemicals are comparably stricter: Certain restricted chemicals are completely prohibited, or the maximum allowed limit values are set lower than those stipulated within the framework of the corresponding laws inside the EU, e.g. the use of 28

26 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

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Overseas News flame retardants has been prohibited and the content of VOCs permitted (Volatile Organic Compounds) has been reduced. According to the EU Ecolabel, all wood used as raw material for flooring must originate mainly from certified, sustainably managed forests or from “controlled sources”.

The new requirements set down by the Commission also aim to reduce energy consumption during production.

Dr Theo Smet, acting chairman of the Technical Committee at the EPLF, has been involved in the new version of the EU Ecolabel in the capacity of EPLF representative, and he hopes this

European initiative will have a positive impact, saying: “With the new criteria for floor coverings based on wood, cork or bamboo, the EU Ecolabel gives out a clear quality message to end users at an international level. European quality laminate floors are in a position to comply with the criteria for this product label, which is why the high-end laminates made by EPLF member companies could carry the EU Ecolabel from now on. From the point of view of environment and sustainability, this new ecolabel gives European laminate floor manufacturers another compelling sales argument”. www.eplf.com

MMFA Association Gains Two New Members The MMFA – the Multilayer Modular Flooring Association, based in Bielefeld – is pleased to welcome new players to its network: Hymmen and Proline Systems have joined as extraordinary members.

Bielefeld-based German company Hymmen GmbH Maschinen- und Anlagenbau develops and distributes machines and technology for the

flooring industry. Proline Systems GmbH (Boppard/Germany) is a specialist for profile and matting systems for walls and flooring since 1994. These new entries increase the MMFA’s total of members to 46 companies and institutions, which also reflects the dynamic market development of the modular multilayer flooring systems.

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Software

Make More Sales: Think Service, Not Sales It seems counter-intuitive to suggest that our salespeople should be thinking about service rather than thinking about making sales. We think of service as something simple we do in response to a request; it’s uncomplicated and something almost anyone can do.

Selling on the other hand, particularly as it is taught in sales courses, is difficult; a formulaic mixture of psychology, mind reading, and tricks, all coming together to convince the unwilling customer to part with their money (or “our money in their pocket” according to one sales course I attended).

What I learned from the courses and books was that I not going to be the traditional hard-boiled salesman. I went to numerous sales courses and read many books on how to be an effective salesperson. It all made sense, but none of it stuck. Despite that, I found that I was making good sales, and building up a network of loyal clients.

It is only in recent years that I have come to understand the most effective sales process, and the key word is “process”. There are a quantifiable number of stages in making a flooring sale, and when I was dealing with a flooring client I approached each stage as if my job was to provide great service to the customer at that point in the process.

The customer who comes into a flooring store and is dealt with by a service-oriented salesperson, leaves the store having had a great retail experience. Each successive step; the measure, the quote and then the follow up, reinforces to the customer

that service is as important to the salesperson as making the sale. Every time we interact with our customer as salespeople, we want them to leave us thinking about the great service they got; not that we are trying to sell them.

The real test of how service oriented we are as a salesperson comes when we have given the customer our quote. Having established ourselves as someone who has given great service up to this point, do we follow through by following up?

Each successive step; the measure, the quote and then the follow up, reinforces to the customer that service is as important to the salesperson as making the sale.

Salespeople hate making follow up calls and don’t make enough of them.

Servicepeople (for want of a better word) might equally dislike making follow up phone calls, but they make them because they know that customers appreciate follow up, and see it as an extension of the excellent service they have enjoyed so far in their dealings with us. Servicepeople know the more they follow up, the more likely they are to make the sale.

Follow-up is good service, and it leads to sales. Each of us knows that followup is good service because in our own experience, and in the experience of our friends, we are aware of the single biggest complaint we make about sales organisations- “they sent us a quote but we haven’t heard from them since”.

What are we saying? We are saying that we have experienced bad service.

Follow-up and how we should be doing it is a subject in itself. The fundamental fact our salespeople should recognise is that following up is good service. To not follow up is to appear to be indifferent. If we want to win more than our fair share of business, we cannot appear to be indifferent.

Managing sales through service, whether our own sales, or those of our sales team, is easier than managing sales through complex sales systems. In our own flooring business, we engaged a company to send in mystery shoppers each month. These surveys did not measure sales skills, they measured service levels.

Managing the sales process as a salesperson, or reviewing the performance of our salespeople as business owners are key activities that are often overlooked because our systems don’t give us the visibility that we need to do it effectively. RFMS is a fully integrated business management system for flooring businesses. If you can put aside an hour of time, we can show you what RFMS might do for your flooring business.

Chris Ogden is a consultant and Director of RFMS Australasia a supplier of IT solutions specific to the flooring industry. Chris has an extensive background in all aspects of the flooring industry, and he can be contacted at cogden@rfms.com.

The customer who comes into a flooring store and is dealt with by a serviceoriented salesperson, leaves the store having had a great retail experience.

30 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

Integrating Measuring Tools with Business Management Tools As the deadline for these articles approach, I wonder if I will think of a subject worthwhile discussing. Often something comes up at the last moment that provides the idea for the article.

In this case, I was demonstrating Measure last week, and I had been through most of the Measure functionality and the response was reserved. When I was asked about the difference between Measure and other products in the market, I covered some of the key differences, but then mentioned integration. I showed how all the data from a project in Measure, can be imported into the RFMS business management system to generate a quote or an order. The response I got was “I’m glad I was sitting down when you showed me that!”.

The person to whom I was demonstrating Measure immediately recognised the benefits integration would bring to his business workflows.

If, from Measure, he could bring across all the customer information, along with product and add-on lines (Measure will calculate your labour and miscellaneous products), with pdf attachments of the plan and pricing, the benefits would be enormous.

Electronic quantifying (EQ) is becoming more common, but only few have it integrated with their business management solution. Instead they take the quantities, calculate the add-ons manually, or plug them into a spreadsheet. Some things to consider: • Every time we re-key data from one source into another, we are taking additional time

• Also, we introduce at each step opportunity for error and omission • If you are calculating add-ons by formula, you are almost inevitably getting these quantities wrong; maybe not significantly, but enough in some instances to miss a job, and in other instances turning what would otherwise be profit into material that is wasted, or left in the vans of your contractors.

As you consider your EQ options, don’t lose sight of the fact that, sometime in the future, you may want to integrate your measuring into business management.

Not all EQ solutions are equal; Measure

by RFMS is the market leader. If you would like to have a look at Measure, drop me an email at cogden@rfms.com. We will arrange for a trial, and we will help you get going.

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Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 31

Carpets & Rugs

Rydges Award-winning Refurb Underpinned by Artistic Flooring When Rydges South Bank (Brisbane, Australia) threw open its doors to reveal their $30million refurbishment in June of last year, the work of carpet-artisans, Artistic Flooring, was one of the first things the gathered crowd saw.

The Brisbane-based company’s custom-designed Axminster carpets now grace the impressive lobby of the worldclass hotel, along with hallways, foyers, and luxurious guest suites. Their work also features in one of Brisbane’s finest degustation restaurants, Bacchus, on the hotel’s Podium level.

Callum Kennedy, General Manager of Rydges South Bank, said their aim was to create a feeling of refinery and opulence from the first moment you entered the hotel.

“We wanted flooring that was unique to us and created a real sense of arrival,” Mr Kennedy said. “Artistic Flooring created for us a series of bespoke carpets that are distinctly ours.”

For the team managing the Rydges refurbishment, three years in the making, there was never any question about the kind of flooring they would use.

“We were always going to opt for Axminister carpet,” Mr Kennedy said.

32 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

“You can feel the quality underfoot; you can’t replicate that plush wool feeling with a cheaper product. And a good Axminister also guarantees longevity which is important to us.”

Mays Jajo from the multi-award winning architectural firm, KannFinch was the Lead Interior Designer on the project and worked closely with the team from Artistic Flooring to create stunning floor designs in each of the zones.

“Artistic Flooring was wonderful to work with,” Ms Jajo said. “Their execution of our creative vision was great. What they produced was exactly what we, and the client, had in mind.

“The carpet design in the common areas was very geometric, but in the suites we felt that it needed to be softened, so we developed a design much like a free-hand brush stroke – very organic and relaxed but with a rich, luxurious feel.”

Ms Jajo said the decision to go with a ‘brush-stoke’ design was a subtle nod to the precinct where Rydges is situated – just a short stroll to major art galleries, design schools, museums and major performing arts venues.

“We chose the plum as our hero colour for its richness and sophistication.

There’s something very regal about

that shade,” she said. “It’s opulent hue can also be found in carefully selected elements around the room, such as soft furnishings, so that the design flows through the whole space.”

Despite winning the Queensland Hotel Association’s Award for Best Superior Accommodation 2017 and Best Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel/ Resort in 2016, Ms Jajo said the Rydges refurbishment project was not without its challenges.

“We had a few technical challenges to begin with, but the amazing results we achieved, thanks to the help of Artistic Flooring, were well worth the extra effort.”

Mr Kennedy echoed Ms Jajo’s sentiments.

“Our experience working with Artistic Flooring has been flawless,” Mr Kennedy said. “It was a long, involved processed, however they were very patient and the outcome was outstanding.”

“The end result was exactly what we had envisaged from the start of the design process.”

TCM Completes Acquisition of Tai Ping’s Carpet Commercial Business Finalizing an agreement first announced in August of this year, Thailand Carpet Manufacturing Plc. (TCM) have completed their acquisition of Tai Ping Carpets' commercial business. The deal marks Tai Ping’s strategic exit from the volume & machine-made commercial market to focus on its artisan roots, while firmly positioning TCM and its Royal Thai Brand as the world’s largest producer of Axminster carpeting. TCM also announced that it has named Tai Ping executives Bill Palmer and Mark Johnson as co-CEOs of the new Commercial Business.

The transaction resulted from an alignment of interests between two of the carpet industry’s global giants.

In recent years, as Tai Ping’s portfolio had expanded to include six individual carpet brands across multiple sectors, a consensus arose among the Hong Kong Stock Exchange-listed corporation’s board of directors that, strategically, the company would benefit by narrowing its focus to a single area of targeted growth. The acquisition will consolidate the 1956 by Tai Ping brand under the Royal Thai banner, while Carpets Inter, with its strong brand equity in the carpet tile market, will continue under that name focusing on the corporate sector within the TCM organization.

This direction enables the commercial businesses to continue flourishing with renewed importance under new ownership while the proceeds of the sale will serve to fuel Tai Ping’s recommitment to the core artisan business on which it has built its name for over 60 years.

In TCM, Tai Ping found a buyer who was already keenly focused on ramping up its flooring business, spearheaded by its signature commercial carpet brand, Royal Thai. The two companies also share a history of parallel interests and mutual cooperation dating back to 1967, when they joined forces to launch a carpet manufacturing business in Thailand (which Tai Ping eventually divested in 1999).

Commenting on the transaction, Sir Michael Kadoorie, representing the company's major shareholders, said, "Collectively the commercial divisions of Tai Ping have been one of our great successes of the past decade. Their value is a testament to the hard work and resourcefulness of our managers, and we felt strongly about leaving them in good hands. Having known and worked for decades with the Srivikorn family, the major shareholders of TCM, we have full faith that TCM, under the leadership

of Chairman Mr Pimol Srivikorn and his excellent team, will foster growth on a global scale and take these businesses to even greater heights."

Echoing these sentiments, TCM Chairman Pimol Srivikorn added, “This year marks TCM’s 50th anniversary, and I can think of no better way to mark the occasion than by staking our claim to global leadership of the commercial carpet markets. We welcome Tai Ping’s outstanding commercial team to the TCM family and are committed to giving them the resources and support required to achieve even greater successes.”

Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 33

Carpets & Rugs

Striking Floors Introduced from Signature Floor Concepts All it takes is a splash of colour to make an impressive impact on a floor.

The Strike carpet tile range from Signature Floorconcepts introduces colour in a very subtle manner, with highlight colours weaving their way in and out of an earthy base colour to achieve a dramatic visual effect.

All Strike highlight colours match Signature’s Vivid 101 range of full colour carpet tiles, which allows for

34 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

a collaborative usage and assists in distinguishing areas in a project layout or helps to create dynamic patterns making for an even more interesting floor.

With seven contemporary base colours to provide contrast in varying degrees against the choice of 32 highlight colours or 101 Vivid colours, you’re sure to find something to suit.

Of course, the beautiful base colours are also available without any highlight in

a complementary range called Strikeout to give a greater contemporary edge and allowing for even more variation.

Strike is that visually stunning that it suits both full floor designs or can be used as an accent for passageways, breakout areas, internal office, boardrooms and reception areas.

All Strike and Strikeout carpet tiles are in stock and ready to give your next design job that pop!

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Retailer of the month

Big Enough to Cope, Small Enough to Care Dandy Flooring Centre, Dandenong Victoria Jim Grammatikos could have been a professional tennis, basketball or volleyball player had things turned out differently. Today he’s the Director of Dandy Flooring Centre in Dandenong, Victoria.

Sport’s loss is the flooring industry’s gain and Jim’s really enjoying the challenge.

Phil Ashley reports.

36 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

D

andy Flooring is an independent flooring store in Dandenong, Victoria. Perfectly located next to a major freeway with lots of exposure; the store services the housing boom in the west and eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Director Jim Grammatikos says “We’ve been here six years and every year we’ve seen significant growth. In fact, July this year saw us break all previous records.

We turned over three times as much stock and won ninety-five percent of our quotes.” The team ‘get out there’ and Jim reports that with some product; Dandy Flooring Centre sells 40% of all National sales!

Jim’s working life started when he was thirteen years old. After school he worked

at the Oakleigh fruit market; earning a hundred dollars a week. At a very young age he learned the value of hard work and had “money in my pocket.” Leaving school, he worked in hospitality at a large hotel and when he turned eighteen, behind the bar where he learned all about wine. “I became a wine connoisseur at the age of eighteen” he laughs “and it’s now one of my hobbies. A friend and I produce cleanskin wines; mostly Shiraz but we’ve also made Cab Sav. We’ve done pretty well and I’ve got a cellar full of awards and medals for our troubles.”

After the hotel, Jim managed fruit and vegetable departments for supermarkets and did a stint with Australia Post. He bought a concrete delivery truck and

carted concrete for a while. He still owns the truck and employs a driver, “It was a big investment but it proved to be a good one” he says. It’s fair to say that Jim’s had his fair share of work experiences over the years but he’s settled down now and considers the flooring business the one he’s staying with. He said “I’ve got good people, a good network and we’re always learning.” This year Jim went to Domotex in Shanghai to see the latest colours and designs and also visited several factories to further the store’s knowledge. He says “The flooring business is a great business to be in and we’ll eventually open a new store further out to service the growing housing demand.”

Jim First got into the flooring industry when he married 13 years ago. His father in law had a store in Rowville and Jim started there at 24 years of age. A move to Blackburn; then Noble Park and six years ago to the present location in Dandenong has seen Jim do his ‘apprenticeship’ and build up a strong following of customers. In fact, the majority of Dandy Flooring’s work

comes from referrals or return customers.

Jim’s been the Director now for about four years and took on Marc Quick only a few years ago to help out. Mark has a wealth of experience and is also highly skilled in window coverings; a product range that was introduced because of Mark’s knowledge and sells really well.

Rounding out the team is Kerry who runs the warehouse and manages the busy activities there.

Jim’s philosophy is to treat all his customers the same, no matter what they are spending. He tells me a story of an elderly woman who came to his store asking if he would look at her skirting boards. She’d been to several other stores and they weren’t interested. Jim said ‘of course I’ll take a look at it’ and went out a few days later. She was so moved by Jim’s effort for such a small job that she was almost in tears. Two days later she returned to change all the flooring in her home.

As an independent store Jim can carry any product he wants but Jim would have all the products they stock, in his own home or he won’t stock it. They’ve got a

huge variety of hard flooring and possibly the biggest range of European Oaks in Victoria. Hard floors are a big percentage of Dandy Flooring Centre’s business.

Jim has more floor covering products on display than most other stores to give their customers a real feel about what they are buying. Another positive about Dandy Flooring Centre’s service is that they turn over our jobs very quickly. Jim says “We can often get it done in only a few days.”

At 16 Jim was given a scholarship but the timing was all wrong. He also played pennant tennis and State volleyball. Jim is fit and energetic and still works out in the gym, plays tennis socially and enjoys his life in the flooring trade. His passion for the business shines through and his ‘secret’ is to “sell the story, not the product.” He’s a big supporter of sports camps for children with disabilities and also financially supports great causes like ambulance paramedics and police training. Of Dandy Flooring Centre he says “Some days are a challenge but it’s a great business to be in. I’ve chosen my career; this is my future.”

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Resilient Flooring

Exciting New Range Updates Released from Preference Floors Leading National flooring distributor Preference Floors is in the process of releasing two innovative updates to their extensive resilient flooring portfolio.

The new product ranges support the move to deliver solutions that provide everyday water protection for consumers.

The range updates include, Aspire a new generation interior Waterproof 38 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

Hybrid Plank manufactured with a rigid core board (RCB). The RCB technology provides class leading attributes in stability and wear resistance along with excellent interior waterproof credentials.

The range features, 5g Click profile for easy assembly, long length planks, 1.8m and widths, 178 & 223 mm. Available with 14 colours and visual decors that

include Spotted Gum and Blackbutt.

In addition to the Aspire development, Preference Floors have enhanced their ever popular KronoSwiss Laminate range to introduce Aquastop.

KronoSwiss Aquastop Laminate is an innovation that specifically address everyday household spills or unfortunate pet accidents that can occur within the

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home or workplace. The HDF core now combines unique binders that protect the plank from swelling that typically occurs when laminate is subjected to moisture ingress. For the 8 & 12 mm range, a guaranteed 48hr water protection is provided and for the new 14 mm range, 72hr water protection is guaranteed.

The KronoSwiss Aquastop range features six popular colours in both 8 & 12 mm and the new 14 mm Giant Planks now available with seven contemporary decors.

Preference Floors are confident retailers and you will find that the new Aspire and Aquastop ranges are a worthwhile addition to their showrooms.

40 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

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Overseas News Report

Digital Printing is Transforming the European Laminate Flooring Industry

“Those who invented laminate can reinvent it over and over again� – this is the positive, confident motto used by the players in the EPLF, the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring. For four decades, they have constantly combined modern technologies with creative ideas in order to develop new generations of laminate that are superior to their predecessors in every case. And now, digital printing is proving to be a major innovation driver for the European flooring industry and its suppliers.

Ever since the first laminate floor covering was developed by a Swedish company in 1977, European specialists have consistently provided key impetus for innovation. They have gained huge experience over four decades and this has helped them to follow new paths and to make each new generation of product a little better than the one before. On more than one occasion, the use of innovative print technology has driven major advances in the development of laminate flooring.

The first directly-coated laminate flooring (DPL, Direct Pressure Laminate) entered the German market at the end of 42 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

the 1980s. This nudged laminate flooring products out of the high price bracket, making them more affordable for everyone.

The excellent value for money secured a global triumph for European laminate and was also the reason why manufacturers increasingly became involved with this flooring and were able to continue developments.

The surface appearance of European laminate floors experienced a significant leap in quality in the 2000s when synchronous pore printing (EIR, or Embossed In Register) was developed. While DPL laminates still had a relatively smooth

Hybrid Luxury Floating Floor surface, their realistic appearance and tangible feel improved their sensory impression; the wood textures and realistic “V” grooves heightened the feel of real wood. As a result, European laminate became the master of the rustic furnishing style. Tile effects, which were becoming increasingly popular, also became more realistic through the use of synchronous pore printing.

A few years later, indirect gravure printing (i.e. direct printing) came into use as a quick production process for high-quality multi-colour printing. For the first time, the decorative surface could be applied directly to the HDF core using four-colour printing – without the use of decorative paper. This had the effect of bringing more warmth to the surfaces of the boards and a new level of authenticity to its look and feel, whilst reducing the electrical surface resistance. At the same time, this innovative printing technique meant that long plank dimensions could be produced whilst avoiding pattern repeats. The attractive wood effects with their natural colouring and textures could be shown to their best advantage on these generously-sized planks. Laminate collections were thus enhanced and offered even greater scope for interior design.

The digital revolution is in full swing

The flooring industry is currently experiencing another technological boost: the digital revolution is covering all aspects of the development, production and marketing of laminate, and changing them forever. This poses new challenges for every player in the field, as the implications of digital printing extend far

beyond mere technical implementation.

The potential switch from centralised to decentralised production could result in ideas for new sales and business models.

The skill and expertise of decor printing companies gained from gravure printing will remain crucial for digital printing, because their in-depth knowledge will ensure that digital decor print files will meet the high quality standards required for print image and colour rendering.

Pattern repeats are a thing of the past

Modern digital printing presses are highly-efficient production systems with a capability that holds interest for an increasing number of applications and markets. The advantages of this technology are well-known: the printing systems receive the necessary data directly from the computer – without taking a circuitous route via unchangeable printing plates or impression cylinders. Digital data transfer increases flexibility throughout the entire process of laminate floor production.

It means less investment in cylinders, reduced make-ready times and minimal storage costs. Producing new designs digitally significantly reduces the time it takes to bring products to market. Digital printing enables the speedy changeover of decor patterns, a quicker reaction to customer requests and prompt implementation of new decor concepts – for customised mass production as well as small batches.

By introducing industrial digital printing in their laminate flooring production, European producers and their suppliers are setting new standards. It’s thanks to digital printing that “endless 44

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decors” can be manufactured for the laminate industry. Whereas previously the diameter of the impression cylinder (usually 1,370 mm) determined the repeat length, it is now possible to make decors with extra-long repeats up to 6,000 mm – that’s a quarter of the number of repeats, a perfect solution for true-tonature decor effects and broad planks.

A greater variety of products is possible due to a free choice of sizes and the far greater choice of colour variations within the collections. The visual appearance and feel of the surfaces can be varied further by using textured 3D surfaces or “fully synchronised pores”. In the supply sector, profile manufacturers have obviously been taking advantage of digital technology for some time now when printing customer-specific decors on various core materials such as wood, plastic and aluminium.

Different concepts all leading to one goal

For several years, decor printing companies, machine builders and flooring manufacturers have been working flat out on a variety of concepts to develop industrial digital printing for the flooring industry. One of their objectives for the future is to offer the entire range of gravure print decors digitally. When creating digital decors, some companies rely on colour pigments also used in gravure printing, to ensure adjustability in the classic printing process and potentially avoid metamerism, when colour effects vary depending on the light conditions. Representing certain effect colours such as opaque white, gold, mother of

44 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

pearl and glitter is still problematic; due to the larger pigment particles, these cannot be produced on digital printing lines at the present time.

Up to now, printing digitally on paper resulted in a relatively limited colour space, when standard decor papers are used.

Admittedly, special inkjet papers allow for more colours but they are much more expensive. Some digital printing lines don’t use paper, however, and the inks are printed directly on the pre-treated HDF boards. Each of these methods has its own challenges and poses increasingly tricky problems for system designers, which take patience and the relevant expertise to resolve.

As a general principle, it is also important with digital printing to ensure that the decor papers and colours have good impregnability; after all, the laminate product will need to comply with all standard requirements at a later stage – still a difficult task in practical terms.

Integration into the production processes

A major factor when evaluating the economic viability of digital printing systems is the cost of the print heads and special inks. Up to now, print heads have made up around one third of the cost of a digital printing unit. Equally crucial factors are the print speed attainable and the reliability of the inspection systems for real-time error detection and correction. One fundamental requirement is that digitally printed decor papers must be capable of being processed seamlessly within the value added chain. If, for example, it continues to be feasible to print conventional print base papers reel-to-reel within the digital printing process, the next production stages of impregnation and pressing can be carried out exactly as for classic gravure. The machine should also allow for problem-free switching between the various print processes, so that subsequent orders can be executed reliably without much time and effort needed for changeovers.

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Three-dimensional surface structures can also be achieved with digitally printed decors, for the most part using analogue processes. As an alternative to the classic melamine coating system, a new, compressible UV lacquer coating system has recently been developed which uses the laminate producer’s existing press plates. The digitally printed core boards are treated with a wet lacquer film and are then transported directly into a high-speed press with press plates to give them the required texture. Immediately after the pressing process, the surface structure is fully cured within a very short time using a conventional UV lamp. After cooling, the plates can immediately be used for further processing. System designers have pointed out that surfaces produced in this way have a warmer feel and have superior impact and footfall sound properties compared with conventional melamine surfaces, and that they are very resistant to scratches, scuffing and chemicals.

Another newly-developed concept combines industrial digital printing of decors with digitally-produced synchronous decor textures (EIR, or Embossed In Register).With the Digital Lacquer Embossing (DLE) technique, a single-pass digital printing system prints a transparent liquid medium on a layer of UV lacquer that is not fully cured. The required textures are produced with the aid of physical and chemical reactions. These 3D lacquer surfaces comply with the existing quality requirements for textured surfaces in terms of hardness, bonding and scratch-resistance.

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Digital printing for laminate floor production is evolving and making significant advances. That’s why the experts at the EPLF are confident that this technique will be a key determining factor in the flooring sector for the immediate future, although it seems rather unlikely that digital printing will ever completely replace classic gravure printing. The two technologies can satisfy different requirements and sales channels, so they are more likely to exist side by side for the foreseeable future. What is evident is that digital printing extends printing capabilities. So rather than becoming an outright substitute for gravure printing in the laminate sector, it has the potential to be used as an innovative basis for new, future-proofed product concepts. www.eplf.com

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Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 45

Product Update

‘Cheap Vacs Cost More’: Aussie Pumps Sub-standard cleaning equipment can have a serious impact on workplace health and safety and reduce cleaning efficiency.

In the long run, cheap equipment ends up costing more. Aussie Pumps’ Rhiannon Williams, interviewed local office cleaners who use outdated and heavy ‘backpack vacs’ to find out their experiences.

Product (In)Efficiency

“The vacuum cleaner isn’t very good” said local cleaner, Kristin Giessel, “It doesn’t pick up everything the first time which means vacuuming takes twice as long and requires twice as much effort” she said.

For cleaners who get paid on a job-byjob basis rather than on an hourly rate, the ineffectiveness of cheap products impacts upon how many jobs they can complete in a day. It also reduces the quality of work being carried out; often rushing through to move onto the next job.

Health Risks

Cleaning for long periods with a machine producing 85dBA can cause hearing damage that accumulates the longer the machine is in use. Backpack vacs can offer their own unique health impacts such as back and hip pain. Local office cleaner Kristin commented that “My backpack straps lack any real padding so they dig into my shoulders and I keep having to adjust them so it won’t hurt”.

Her colleague, Sharma, also noted that when used for long periods, the backpack causes her back and hip pain. Concerns were also raised regarding the amount of dust released when they vacuumed.

“A lot of the dirt and dust it collects doesn’t even stay in the machine. It just gets pumped back into the air ready to breathe in,” said Kristin.

Recent studies undertaken by the University of Queensland and Laval University in Quebec, found that airborne dust from vacuums contained harmful bacteria and mould. The spreading of these particles can make vacuuming unbearable for allergy sufferers and lead to serious illness for those with a weakened immune system.

Quality Product, Quality Clean

Aussie Pumps recommends cleaning contractors do their research and buy machines that come with quality filters.

“Sensitive areas such as aged care facilities or doctors surgeries need a 46 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

‘hygienic’ clean, not just a ‘cosmetic’ one”, said Williams. “Poor quality machines just aren’t appropriate for the seriousness of the job,” she said.

Aussie Pumps has developed a portable 30 litre wet-dry vac that operates as low as 60dBA! Since it’s not a backpack, operators won’t have the hassle of uncomfortable straps or back pain caused by the weight of it on their back. Furthermore, all of Aussie Pumps’ heavy-duty wet-dry vacs come fitted with a 99.9% filtration Microweb filter at no extra cost.

The Microweb is a unique filter media constructed from a homopolymer acrylic fibre. It has a microporous membrane applied to the collection surface that provides for a low pressure drop and causes the dust to ‘cake’. That ‘caking’ effect facilitates better dust release and improves collection efficiency. It also means that vacs can be used to collect dust from limestone, biochemicals, lead, sugar, cement and even gyprock dust.

Research undertaken with Australia’s leading cleaning supply companies indicates a gradual shift in the right direction.

“Our Italian made Aussie wet-dry vacs are proving more and more popular among serious cleaners” said Williams.

“Contractors are realising that up-to-date equipment will minimise health risks for employees and enable them to do a better job” she said.

Further information including free catalogues on Aussie Pumps’ complete cleaning range is available on their website www.aussiepumps.com.au

Accu-Cut in the Spotlight Accu-Cut, established in 1990, is the market leader of carpet / residential sheet cutting machines offering four unique models designed to meet the various needs and budgets of the floorcovering industry.

Manufactured in Canada each component is cut to perfect precision in the high-tech computer cut facility. All the machines’ frames are robust and fully welded to ensure they are ready to face the rigor of years of use and thousands of cuts of hundreds of rolls of carpet and vinyl.

As technology has advanced, AccuCut has developed their machinery to include extremely accurate digital measuring devices. The Q7, Q9 and X33 machines also have the unique ability to interface with selected floorcovering software packages enabling the retailer to send the cuts directly from their computer to the machine. This greatly assists retailers in accurately and simply integrating their warehouse directly into their inventory software.

Accu-Cuts innovation is also evident in the patented superior cutting systems which uses a chain driven selfsharpening circular blade which ensures a perfect cut every time.

The Accu-Cut X33 and Q9 machines offer sensor controlled pneumatic alignment systems that ensure a neatly rolled cut every time even when using the cutting machines at high

speeds. This allows larger retailers and commercial contractors to easily manage vast amounts of material efficiently when required.

MJS Floorcoverings has been the proud distributor of Accu-Cut machinery in Australia and New Zealand for over 9 years. Over that time MJS has assisted Accu-Cut to become the leader in the Australian market. MJS can provide an installed price into your local facility and also offer staff training as part of the delivery so you can confidently begin using your new machine immediately with ease.

Together with their service partners, Sutikely, MJS also offer preventative maintenance on your machinery to ensure you get years of reliable use.

With its 20-year lifespan, simple operation and never missing a day’s work, the Accu Cut machine quickly becomes a favourite of carpet warehouse staff around the country!

These machines enable floorcovering retailers to be far more reliable and efficient delivering their product with minimal wear and tear on their valuable warehouse staff.

For these reasons, many leaders in the floorcovering and synthetic turf industries in Australia recommend AccuCut carpet cutting for their business.

For further product information and to receive a quote on one of the innovative Accu-Cut machines, please visit their website.

Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 47

Product Update

Boral Timber Releases Wideboard Engineered Flooring Following the successful launch of its metallon® flooring collection in 2016, Boral Timber has added a new offering to its engineered flooring portfolio with the launch of Boral Engineered Wideboard Flooring. Available in the popular

48 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

Australian hardwood species of Blackbutt and Spotted Gum, the 186mm wide 1 strip boards feature a matte sheen brushed finish that highlights the natural colour and features of the timber.

In a flooring category dominated

by imported species, Boral continues to showcase local timbers throughout its flooring collections. The addition of wideboards is in direct response to home design trends that preference open plan interiors and larger living spaces.

“Consumers, interior designers and architects alike love the look of wideboards,” said Boral Timber national sales and distribution manager, Leon Travis. “Boral is pleased to now offer this design solution as part of our engineered flooring range, with the option of two popular widths – 134mm and 186mm wide boards. We believe this will be a popular choice for both new builds and the renovation market, providing a striking timber floor with the benefit of a quick and easy installation over many surfaces.”

Pre-finished with seven layers of 10 per cent matte sheen UV cured acrylic coating, the 4mm nominal hardwood top layer allows resanding and recoating for a long service life. The board has a 4 side Uniclic 14mm profile for a tight board-toboard fit and a smooth consistent finish.

The new wider boards are also offered in a 2.2m length which is longer than the 134mm boards.

Boral Engineered Wideboard Flooring can be laid over a level subfloor such as a concrete slab, particleboard or plywood sheeting, old timber floors and tiles.

A variety of quality underlays can be installed with the flooring to address floor levelling, cushioning and any acoustic concerns.

Graded to AS 2796.2 Standard & Better, Boral Engineered Flooring is a sustainable engineered timber flooring choice. It is Chain of Custody certified by the Australian Forestry Standard , which has mutual recognition by the world’s largest forest management certifier, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme. This means the timber is produced using certified, legal and sustainably managed sources.

As a building material, timber is a good choice because it is a natural and renewable resource.

For more information, visit www.boral.com.au/timber

Classic Architectural Group Introduces the Timeless Collection

Fusion series - Offers a distinguished elegant metal insert within an aluminium profile. This designer series is suitable for both internal and external applications, with profiles to suit any application such as vinyl, concrete, carpet tiles or rebated applications. As an extra step, Classic offers a cut to length service as well as the nosings being supplied complete with fixings, ensuring a quick and easy installation.

Instep series – The series developed to meet the growing demand for modern low-profile stair nosings. Unobtrusive yet still sufficiently visible to fulfil its purpose, it plays its role well.

This range is designed to be rebated into the substrate so that the nosing is level with the surface of the stair. Tiles, rubber or carpet can also be butted up to the nosing to achieve the same streamlined appearance.

All these products comply with the Australian standards and are installed at various landmark locations across Australia and New Zealand.

The existing product profiles from these series, in the 4 new colours are perfectly positioned to fill the gap that our customers identified within their plans while applying the heritage style. The new profiles retain their excellent functional aspects required to build safety and enhance public space while ensuring perfect visual alignment with its surrounding design and style.

Leigh added, “At Classic, we have always put our customers’ requirements at the forefront and listening to them has brought us success over the years. It has helped us improve and innovate over the last four decades and I am confident that it will continue to do so well into the future.”

Classic Architectural Group is excited to introduce its new Timeless Collection – a new range of colours for its ever-popular series of aluminium stair nosings. Exploring the latest trends in interior decors, this new range is in line with the growing demand for floor safety products that aesthetically enhance the heritage style décor that has made a strong comeback.

“Numerous conversations with our customers, especially the architects, have drifted into a discussion on the increasing trends of using colours that are variations of gold, bronze and earthy elements in the décor for buildings across industries,” says Leigh McAlpin, Director Business Development at Classic Architectural Group. “These conversations led us to run a structured feedback program that validated the demand and resulted in the Timeless Collection.”

While this trend is clearly prevalent across the hospitality and educational sectors with more and more hotels and colleges opting to have a modern heritage look, there is also a visibly increasing demand for it in the healthcare and residential sectors.

Classic’s new Timeless Collection range, which addresses this increasing demand, offers primarily 4 new colours – Honey Saffron, Portland Stone, Jamaican Chocolate and Amber Gold.

These colours are available across Classic’s range of aluminium stair nosing that includes the – Silhouette series - Popular, proven and endorsed, this series continues to be loved and used by thousands since its inception, this series has stood the test of time. Ideal for retrofitting as well as fitting to new staircases. It remains superior in quality, affordable in cost and useful in application.

Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 49

Product Update

Dunlop FloorShield - A Simple and Easy Way to Protect your New Floors Picture this scenario…A housing estate has recently been developed with a number of newly built homes in the neighbourhood. On the site of one such home, a beautiful, European Oak veneer timber floor, meticulously detailed in its brushed timber surface, perfectly matches the décor of the space. But work on the site hasn’t finished. The walls still need to be painted. The homeowner contacts a local painter to complete the job. The painter arrives on site, carrying all the necessary tools to ensure a successful job. The lid of the paint tin is pried open and, as he does so, the paint splatters all over the newly laid timber floors.

Thankfully, Dunlop FloorShield has

been placed on the surface, so there’s no need to stress. The paint is caught on the woven plastic surface and the hand-picked oak floor selected by the homeowner remains perfectly unmarked allowing the painter to continue on with the job.

As the above setting highlights, building and construction areas are busy and hectic places. There’s the typical noise, the copious amounts of materials and the general movement of people around the site. These factors, among others, increase the chance of newly laid floors becoming damaged.

Dunlop Flooring are committed to finding solutions to these problems to ensure floors survive the construction phase intact, free from dents and scratches. Dunlop FloorShield is a reusable floor protection mat that is designed to protect floors and other surfaces during construction.

At a thickness of 4mm it is composed of expanded polyethylene foam, polyethylene based bubble and polyethylene based woven. Functioning as a protective film it allows tradespeople to work at ease knowing that the floor is protected.

Benefits of Dunlop FloorShield

• Reduces the damaging effects of dropped items • Protects against dirt, dust, debris and spilled liquids • Is easy to cut with a knife • Protects against scratches on soft timbers as a result of its non-abrasive underside Best of all, it’s affordable, lightweight and reusable. Due to its versatile nature it can be used on timber, laminate, vinyl, tiles, slate and marble.

For further information visit dunlopunderlay.com.au.

Floorsafe Australia Introduces A New Franklin Range of Carborundum Stair Nosings Floorsafe Australia’s safety products have resulted in solving many safety issues over the past 28 years. We source and find suitable cost effective safety products to deal with every issue especially when it comes to complying with the new laws that have been introduced when it comes to stairway safety.

We are cost conscious and always consider affordability. There are many reasons why builders, contractors & Architects chose our products because we focus on producing & providing quality and reliable solutions at an affordable cost.

Safety & long term wear factor is now being considered more than ever before. Rubber and like materials used for stair nosing inserts are slowly being replaced with carborundum inserts. On external stairways where pedestrian safety becomes of paramount concern carborundum offers the best grip & wear factor. Floorsafe Australia has seen an 80 percent increase since they introduced and offered a fully coated carborundum insert in place of the usual PVC rubber serrated insert.

50 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

For some time a high cost stair nosing product has been available that incorporates 4 or more carborundum strips rebated into several styles of aluminium profiles. An excellent product but beyond most contractors budgets. Floorsafe Australia with its aluminium partners have addressed the costs and now have a range of very affordable carborundum stair nosings that meets the requirements of the Australian standards and building code of Australia. Neatly rebated hard wearing carborundum strips are moulded into a high quality aluminium profile which is also anodized for extra protection. With all the benefits that this new range of stair nosings has to offer Floorsafe Australia can provide a quality long lasting safety product at a price that’s affordable.

Contact Floorsafe Australia today or visit www.floorsafe.com.au

Prep, Install & Care

A Quick Guide to Diamond Tooling by All Prep Choosing the right diamond tooling means understanding what makes up Diamond Tools and ensuring you get the right style for your job. No two floors are the same. Even some of the biggest of grinding machines don’t work well, when you have the wrong diamonds installed.

Soft floors require harder bond diamonds. Soft floors often refer to fresh concrete, screed, old floors, rain damaged or exposed concrete.

Harder floors require softer bond diamonds to effectively cut through. These floors are often referred to ones with a high MPA, Hard trowelled concrete, micro terrazzo with resin or granite floors. Often concrete that is externa l can be harder also.

Each manufacture has a different colour scheme for their diamond tooling to determine the bonding of the diamond. Diamond Grit however is what the diamond wheel, shoe or cup is made up of.

The lower the grit the more aggressive the cut. And the higher the grit the slower the cut, but smoother the finish. More often than not, lower grit diamonds are used for a fast, aggressive grind on concrete, or to remove thick carpet or vinyl adhesive, waterproofing membrane, tile bedding or screed and other tough products to remove.

If the wrong bond or grit diamond is used, the floor prep job will be much harder.

All Preparation Equipment is a Specialist Supplier of Diamond Tooling and carry a wide range of diamonds for grinding, removal and preparation through to grouting, finishing and polishing concrete floors effectively. By talking with one of the team there you will be able to determine whether you have diamonds that are working or if there is alternative diamonds to help you get through your tougher floors – faster.

PYRAFLOOR CONCRETE POLISHING TRAINING ACADEMY Join us for a Comprehensive 2 Day Training Course to learn more about Polished Concrete Flooring using a leading chemical from USA.

I would highly recommend Pyrafloor Training. After a lot of experience grinding and sealing, the training gave me the confidence to upgrade my gear and take on the Pyrafloor Polishing System.

Josh Kent Central West Flooring

info@pyrafloor.com.au | www.pyrafloor.com.au

Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 51

Prep, Install & Care

Concrete Polishers Need Mobile and Reliable Power Overview

Hastings Surface Preparation specialise in creating beautiful polished concrete floors for both residential and business environments yet their existing Gen Tech 12 ½ kVA generator didn’t provide adequate power to enable them to operate their machines.

With over 80 hours of field trials and testing, Hastings felt confident the Makinex 16kVA Generator was the right choice for their power needs.

As a solution to this problem, they purchased a Makinex 16kVA Generator as it provided them with the additional power their fleet of machines required to run.

Problem

Results

Hastings Surface Preparation use a variety of machines to create outstanding polished concrete floors.

They use a variety of machines such as PG530 Husqvarna grinders and polishers, Ermator S26 and S36 dust extractors and the Schwamborn 650 grinder and polisher. In addition to this, they also need power to run a range of Makita hand grinders and polishers and dust extractors.

Hastings found their existing Gen Tech 12 ½ kVA generator didn’t work for them as it didn’t provide them with enough power to run their machines.

Solution

As a solution to their problem, Makinex Construction Products introduced the Makinex 16 kVA Generator to Hastings Surface Preparation to solves their power shortages.

Hastings felt confident with choosing the Makinex 16 kVA Generator as over 80 hours of field trials and testing had proven its ability to handle load variances and long running times.

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When asked what the main benefit had been since purchasing the Makinex Generator, Brett from Hastings was quick to reply with one word…. mobility! “You can wheel it right up to where you want it and have it right next to where you need it to be. It’s in the trailer with all my machines and so we just attach the leads and we’re ready to go.”

Since purchasing the Makinex 16 kVA, Hastings could meet their additional power requirements as well as having the added benefit of a highly mobile power source.

The Makinex Generator range includes a 16kVA, 10kVA and 6kVA as well as the Makinex Parallel Box (which combines the power of two Makinex Generators into one) and accessories.

If you would like to understand how Makinex Generators can power your needs, please contact Makinex.

Temporary Floor Protection: Getting it Right Often during renovations or refurbishments existing floors need to be protected from dust, dirt and damage. In the Cannon Hill Anglican College, Sports hall the rubber floor covering product required protection during a multifunction catering event.

The challenge was what floor protection would do it right.

MDF Board

Recommended as a heavy duty protection material for high traffic or heavy impact areas, completely buffering fragile surfaces during demolition works and from tools and equipment during construction

Polyweave

This double laminated polythene floor protector is woven for superior strength, durability and tear resistance. Recommended as a cost effective solution for all construction projects for surface protection on floor and wall surfaces.

When the sports flooring needed effective temporary floor protection, the answer was in Supabord. With a tight schedule of only a few hours to be able to protect the flooring before the event started, Supabord held the benefits of effective impact protection, standard moisture control, breathable and easy to cut and fold.

If your needing an easy, fast and effective solution for temporary floor protection have a chat to one of the team at All Preparation Equipment who can help recommend a system to ensure maximum cost savings and be sure you get the protection right.

This impressive, recycled cardboard product is being used in kitchens, commercial office fit-outs, multilevel apartments and offices, industrial warehouse floors, sports flooring, hospitals, aged care homes and many other areas while refurbishment is taking place to act as a temporary protection.

With one side being natural cardboard color sheeting can be applied with brown cardboard tape to give consistency across the whole floor. Pictured you see the black cloth tape over the Supabord rolls.

Temporary floor protection can also be used at parties to make the clean up afterwards easier than ever.

R

Supabord

The winner. Not only was it one of the easier products to ship, install and lay but it also was going to be the most durable considering only foot traffic. As there was food and drinks going to be around, it was chosen for it’s moisture and spill resistance.

Supabord is being used instead of other common products like Ramboard and MDF Board.

FLOORING PRODUCTS

Flooring products that save you time and money

Jack Hammer Trolley

Innovative design for clever contractors

ASK YOUR LOCAL DEALER OR CONTACT US AT

makinex.com.au Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 53

Prep, Install & Care

Abranet速

by Mirka Provides a High Quality, Dustfree Sanding Solution Mirka, a world leader in abrasive technology innovation, has developed Abranet速 as a solution to improve the working environment and time efficiencies of sanding tasks for professionals and DIYers.

Abranet has revolutionised sanding, the open weave net structure means no dust particle is ever more than 0.5mm away from a dust extraction hole, resulting in a dust-free, healthier working environment.

The use of Abranet also eliminates any clogging or dust build-up between

the sanding disc and surface, creating a finer, more consistent scratch pattern for a better surface finish. Reduced clogging also improves the durability of Abranet, which can last up to 10 times longer than traditional abrasives.

Sanding with Abranet not only provides a clean, dust-free environment, it saves time, is practical, easy to use and delivers a high-quality surface finish. Abranet is quick and easy to attach. The net construction means no lining up of holes and can

be used with existing sanders and dust extractors.

Simply combine Abranet with an electric or hand-sander, then attach a bagged dust extractor for instant access to a dust-free sanding solution.

Abranet is ideal for plaster sanding, paint removal and wood sanding.

The Mirka range from Tenaru includes a selection of abrasives, Mirka速 DEROS electric sander, Miro 955速 plasterboard wall and ceiling sander, Professional Dustfree Sanding Kit and dust extractors.

An Innovation by the Designers of the PortaMix Mega Hippo Launched PortaMix focuses on the needs of the contractor. Performance and efficiency for contractors are key drivers to our developments as these directly affect contractor well-being and profitability.

Performance applies to the products; they have to do what they are designed to do, do it well and do it fast! Efficiency applies to the product performance but also to cost benefits. Not only do our products have to work well, and work together, they need to provide cost savings by reducing labour costs and

54 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

increase productivity and profitability. And we have achieved this very successfully.

The Pelican cart is another example of this performance and cost effective approach. It gives choices and flexibility to the contractor. The Pelican is a great cost-effective and productivity solution for the contractor who may normally mix material by hand. The Pelican can be used with a hand mixer that the contractor may already own. With the correct mixer and paddle he can mix up to 3 bags of material in the Pelican by hand or utilise the motor mount accessory to mix hands-free thus freeing up labour for other activities. The Pelican can transport and pour out the material easily reducing physical effort. Or if using the Pelican as a transport cart along with the Hippo mixer, the contractor can increase his square meter cover rate by over 50%!

The PortaMix system gives you choices. Each unit supports the other but can be used separately - no purchase is wasted. As an introduction offer for the Pelican Mixing Cart system with the

Mixer holding system , All Preparation Equipment is offering a free Hand held Mixer frame with every purchase of the Pelican until end of December 2017.

“ providing innovative solutions for concrete surface preparation “ Floor Grinders & Polishers

Maintenance for Polished Concrete Floors In Focus The question is often asked, what I use to clean my polished concrete floor. Everything needs maintenance. Carpets, vinyls, timber, tiles, and polished concrete. Each have a different method.

Just like your car, everything needs maintenance.

Carpets, vinyls, timber, tiles all have different methods and recommendations to clean – so does Polished Concrete.

Crete Colors International have developed a product, C2 Maintenace, designed specially for cleaning and maintaining polished concrete floors. Regular upkeep on Polished Concrete Floors is vital to extend the lifetime of the concrete and reducing costs of re-treatment or application. Alongside this C2 Maintenance is the one of the only products on the market that is specially formulated with Lithium for conservation of concrete surfaces.

A commitment has been made to testing, trialling over the past years to ensure the success of the application of this product to get the best results out of your Polished Concrete flooring investment and increase the surfaces’ longevity.

Floorex’s range of concrete grinders built rental-tough for professional contractors • 240 volt • Easy to read LED screen with hour meter • Floating Dust Shroud for effective dust control

Dust Collection Floorex’s range of dust extractors & dust separators for concrete dust!

• Effective filter cleaning system • No Electronics to fail!

Floor Scrapers Floor scrapers from Floorex with Grunt! Impressive perfomance from walk behind machines • The Beaver™ Floor Stripper uses our unique Conrod “Direct Shot” oscillating blade system delivering power right where it is needed.

What is C2 Maintenance?

• A unique, proprietary concentrated lithium based cleaner • Designed for concrete floors treated with Lithium Hardeners • Contains Lithium Hardener-Densifier to help maintain the concrete’s hardness. Perfect for use in all indoor applications especially retail stores, warehouses, manufacturing, warehouses through to shopping centres, showrooms, restaurants, cafes and schools.

• Can be used as an effective maintenance cleaner for almost any concrete floors including those treated with postassium or sodium silicates / densifiers.

General cleaning is still recommended with a vacuum, mop or scrub of the floor but it is essential not to just use any old cleaner from the store as some are too harsh for the sealer application that has been made and over time will wear away the concrete sealer finish.

Screed Mixing Equipment Floorex has a range of highly effective mixing equipment • Forced Action Mixers • Hand Held Mixers • Paddle Mixers

WHY BUY FROM FLOOREX?

• Shipping directly to your door is simple and easy • Free technical advice • Friendly fast service Sydney Showroom Melbourne Showroom U2, 31 Governor Macquarie Dr 13F, 2A Westall Road CHIPPING NORTON NSW 2170 SPRINGVALE VIC 3170

1800 356 673 www.floorex.com.au Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 55

Prep, Install & Care

High Quality Coatings Ensure Long Lasting Timber Decks The life of a timber deck can be extended with professional results using the high quality Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro range.

Already a trusted brand in trade circles, Sikkens is known for its premium formulations, uncompromised longevity and transparent finish, which accentuates the natural characteristics and colour of the wood.

Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro water based finish is microporous, allowing the timber to breathe while repelling unwanted moisture. Providing long lasting UV protection and water resistance, superior durability and flexibility, Cetol BLX-Pro is ideal for decks, fences and outdoor furniture.

Water based coatings are ideal for weekend projects. Re-coating can be done within two hours, clean-up is easy

and odours produced during application or drying are less noticeable when compared to oil based coatings.

Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro is available in 1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 litres to meet the needs of any size of deck.

Cetol BLX-Pro is also available in 100ml sample pots, which makes it easy and affordable for customers to test one or more colour options, before starting their project. The five ready-mixed shades include Dark Oak, Light Oak, Pine, Teak and Walnut.

For long lasting timber protection it makes sense to invest in high quality products. The Sikkens range includes preparation products and a variety of water and oil based exterior and interior timber coatings to ensure a professional finish that lasts.

Using PCDs for the Thicker Removal of Adhesive What is a PCD ?

PCD stands for Poly Crystalline Diamond and they are used for the toughest, roughest harshest in concrete preparation – for GLUE, Adhesive, membrane and waterproofing removal.

Largely used as your initial grinding shoe or diamond they take away the bulk of glue or adhesive before you get down to the concrete.

Sometimes diamond grinding wheels, shoes or cups have the issue where the glue reheats or reactivates and encapsulates the diamond from being able to continue cutting.

As one of the Andersen’s floor layers quoted, ‘’ Those PCD Diamond Wheels just ripped off the glue and helped us grind 4-5 times faster.’’

The use of PCD Diamonds means

faster, more aggressive and more costeffective removal. These diamonds are available in anything from a 4’’, 5’’, 7’’ diamond cup wheel to diamond grinding shoes suited to any of your stand-up grinding machines. If you have the time to browse online, All Preparation Equipment has a number of different shape and style PCD Diamonds used for different applications.

The thicker the glue, the harsher diamond you need to use.

Often PCD’s are followed with a 20 or 40 grit diamond to clean off any excess and prepare the concrete substrate itself.

Largely on Three phase grinding machines the removal speed is up to 40% + faster, depending on the application when using PCD’s opposed to a standard diamond grinding shoe or wheel.

The rule of thumb is, stay clear of any bolts, or imperfections in the concrete to ensure your diamonds are not damaged.

If you’d like to discuss a thick adhesive / glue removal project, have a chat to one of the team at All Preparation Equipment or stop by their store to see the range first hand.

56 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

Vinyl

Signature’s Exclusive Australian Native Timber Designs Launched Taking inspiration from the beautiful, varied landscapes of our great country, the new Homestead LVT range by Signature Floors features five rich, deeply coloured and uniquely Australian designs.

The Signature exclusive design development over a year of dedicated time to get a perfect representation. The native timber designs include Spotted Gum, Irongum and Blackbutt species, each with their own distinct characteristics in the appearance of grain and knots replicated to a true-to-life look. The warm colours will suit any type of Australian home, from the literal country homestead to even the most urban of apartments.

Although it may look convincingly like a native timber, its LVT construction ensures that it is much easier to install and maintain than its solid timber counterpart.

Homestead uses the Tac installation method allowing for a fast, clean fixed floor installation while still offering the flexibility of easy floor maintenance or removal after laying*. Designed with Australian families in mind, Homestead is a moisture resistant, scratch resistant and hard- wearing luxury vinyl plank that will look beautiful for years to come. *When installed using a semi-permanent adhesive

Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 57

Sustainable Flooring You can find a range of timber from Australia and overseas with the FSC logo from stores such as Bunnings. Gunns Ltd, Australia's largest forest products company, seeks FSC certification for the bulk of its managed native forest and plantation estate, and has increased its plantations significantly to reduce reliance on native forests.

Australian Forestry Standard (AFS)-certified

Can I Install a Floor that's Hard-wearing, Eco-friendly AND Looks Great?

The short answer is: yes, there are plenty of good environmentally friendly flooring materials. In fact, most flooring options have some "green" credentials, but you'll need to weigh up how sustainable they are against the other options. And it's not just the energy used in producing the flooring (which is called "embodied energy"); you should also consider the energy used to maintain and clean the flooring as well.

Out of all the different flooring options, timber flooring has the most variables when it comes to choosing a sustainable product. We take a look at those variables and help point you in the right direction for more information.

We also provide an at-a-glance guide to the sustainability pros and cons of all flooring types.

Timber flooring

Wood is a natural and renewable source of flooring – but is it sustainable?

Only a few years ago, about 10% of our total yearly timber imports ($840 million worth) was estimated to be illegally logged timber products – mostly outdoor furniture, timber boards and decking, and pulp and paper. This timber may have come from clear-felled rainforests in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia or Papua New Guinea.

Timber importers and processors now have to ensure their imported timber is legally produced. Several industry players already focus on sustainable timber use; for example, Bunnings sells outdoor furniture that is produced from

58 | Flooring Oct/Nov 2017

timber sourced from sustainable forests and IKEA aims to use only timber from legal, sustainable sources.

Greenpeace has published the Good Wood Guide to help Australians find legally and sustainably sourced timber products.

Buy recycled timber

Your best option is recycled (reclaimed) boards. Some new plantation hardwood timbers take up to 100 years to grow, so recycled boards are a more sustainable choice. It's also an opportunity to use rare hardwoods that are difficult to buy now; however, they are in short supply and may cost more than plantationgrown timber. Recycled timber can be sourced from companies that specialise in reclaimed floorboards. Also, look for boards being sold from demolished buildings.

Look for FSC-certified

The next best option is certified sustainable timber. Major environmental groups recommend the global ecolabel FSC, which has representatives from the ACF, The Wilderness Society, Friends of the Earth and Fauna & Flora International. FSC is an internationally recognised accreditation program created in the early 1990s to prevent logging of high conservation-value forests around the world. Search the FSC website for certified products. Whether from a plantation or a native forest, FSC-certified means the timber is from a sustainably managed forest.

Like the FSC, timber from Australian Forestry Standard (AFS)-certified forests adheres to sustainable principles. The AFS is recognised by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme (PEFC), a global eco-label based in Europe, as well as being an Australian-registered standard. While the AFS has federal and state government endorsement, the Australian Conservation Foundation has reservations about the AFS scheme. Lindsay Hesketh, ACF's Forests Campaigner and FSC board member, has said that the AFS has no on-ground certification: "It's just desktop certification that systems are in place to do certain things. No one actually goes to check that what is said to be happening is actually happening." Hesketh believes the global PEFC label also lacks onground auditing and stakeholder engagement, in contrast with the FSC system, where on-site forest audits happen every 12 months.

Ecospecifier's "Green tag" Ecospecifier, an online database of eco products, has launched "Green Tag", an eco-label for green building materials and products. The label can appear on all types of sustainable building products found in hardware stores or building supply centres, and rates them according to their total life cycle. The rating includes health and toxicity issues of products, embodied carbon, biodiversity impacts, efficiency of building and installation, and corporate social responsibility.

Good Environmental Choice Australia

The Good Environmental Choice is an Australian environmental labelling program that indicates the environmental performance of a product from a whole-of-product-life perspective. The label is awarded to products that meet voluntary environmental performance standards that have been created and assessed in conformance to international environmental labelling standards. Search their website to find certified products.

Beware false claims

Look out for products with multiple wood layers or components, only some of which are certified with the FSC or another eco-label. Engineered timber floorboards, for example, can have a timber veneer and plywood underneath, but not all components are from certified sources. Read the certification details carefully and ask the supplier to confirm the total product is fully certified. Watch out for false eco-labels or other green claims. Some retailers develop their own eco-labels – for example "certified plantation rainforest timber" – which have absolutely no substance or proof of any environmental benefits.

Your best approach is to ask the supplier to show proof of certification, and to purchase products clearly marked with the appropriate eco-label logos. If you're employing a builder to buy on your behalf, make sure they consult the lists of certified timber suppliers on the websites of FSC, AFS, Greenpeace and Ecospecifier.

Which timbers are OK?

Sustainable timber types include: • rubberwood from old rubber trees • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)certified or Ecotimber • New Guinea teak • FSC-plantation eucalypt and bamboo, and FSC or Ecotimber taun (a type of large hardwood).

Timbers to avoid include: • Burmese teak • African mahogany • merbau • ramin • meranti.

The rise of bamboo

Experts believe harvesting fast-growing bamboo has fewer environmental and greenhouse impacts than harvesting timber. However, although it makes a tough, durable flooring material, bamboo is often manufactured using glue that can emit VOCs. Most bamboo floorboards available in Australia use low-emission glues (rated E0 or E1 under the Australian Standard for formaldehyde emissions), but do your research to be sure.

Environmental impacts to consider Embodied energy used to make the floor Choose the product that has the least materials. If you have timber or other hard flooring, avoid covering it with carpet, which involves significant additional materials and energy to produce, or limit the carpeting to a few rooms, or use smaller rugs or mats.

Regular floor cleaning One of the biggest environmental impacts of floors is the energy spent on cleaning them. Carpet is the worst culprit compared with tiles, rubber, vinyl and other hard floors because it is vacuumed often (usually weekly) and also steam cleaned. Low-maintenance surfaces such as bamboo, polished stone or concrete, or resilient finishes such as natural linoleum or cork, are better.

Durability The longer lasting a material is, the fewer resources are required over time. Carpets have a short lifespan – popular low-cost carpets only last five to 10 years, both because of wear and changing interior

Ask about our exciting new range www.preferencefloors.com.au

design tastes. Hard floors such as timber, stone, concrete or tiles last considerably longer.

Floor finishes Even if a floor is certified eco-timber, it may be finished with a high-embodied energy, potentially toxic polyurethane coating. Instead, choose a natural-oil hard-finish coating.

Toxic emissions Some floor coverings are known to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals linked with health problems including damage to the nervous system, allergic reactions and cancer. Adequate ventilation can help, but may not be enough to ensure healthy air quality, so avoid these.

Thermal mass A high thermal mass material absorbs heat from the sun (via windows) or from indoor heating to warm the inside of a building in winter, while in hot weather shaded thermal mass can help cool the interior by absorbing heat. Floors with a high thermal mass include stone, tile, concrete, rammed earth and bricks.

Covering these with carpet, linoleum or floorboards will reduce the benefits.

On the other hand, carpet does provide some insulation for the floor, which can reduce heating costs in winter, as well as feel more comfortable. A concrete slab is one of the most common flooring systems and can offer benefits of thermal mass. However, concrete also has a high embodied energy. If you need to use concrete, choose a "green" concrete that contains extenders such as fly ash.

60

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THE 48H / 72H PROTECTION AGAINST EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD SPILLS AND PET ACCIDENTS

FLOORING

Sustainable Flooring

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD ABN: 27 006 876 419 PO BOX 800, Templestowe Victoria, Australia 3106 Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815 Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087 Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au Website: www.elitepublishing.com.au

Using carpet sustainably

PUBLISHER Vicky Cammiade Email: vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au

Buy a second-hand carpet and have it fitted to your space. Some carpet products are made from recycled materials such as PET and other plastics; otherwise, look for sustainable natural fibres such as coir, sisal or seagrass. There are also systems that minimise waste, such as carpet tiles that can be replaced in areas of wear and tear.

EDITOR Ronnie Gramazio Email: ronnie.gramazio@elitepublishing.com.au

Sustainability pros and cons of different floor types

PRINTED BY Prominent Group Pty Ltd

Carpet PROS: • Provides warmth (by insulating the floor) and acoustic benefits.

• Carpet can sometimes be recycled; some brands of carpet contain recycled materials such as PET plastic.

• Natural-fibre carpets such as coir, sisal and seagrass are non-toxic and can be from a sustainable source.

CONS: • Low thermal mass benefits.

• Is one of the least durable floor systems.

• High energy requirement for cleaning.

• Some synthetic carpets and dyes can be toxic.

• Can be high waste in installation.

• Is sometimes difficult to recycle.

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD (established 1985) All rights reserved – No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc expressed in articles appearing in this publication are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any consequences of reliance on this information or this publication.

Timber PROS: • Can be recycled − and it's often possible to buy recycled timber.

• Relatively hard-wearing and durable.

• Easy to clean.

• Low embodied energy.

CONS: • May be sourced from unsustainable forestry, unless it carries proper certification labels.

• Low thermal mass benefits.

• Some finishes or composite products can be petroleum-based and toxic.

TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Philip Ashley philipneilashley@yahoo.com.au ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Sandie Velkovska Email: sandie@elitepublishing.com.au CIRCULATION MANAGER Georgia Gilmour Email: georgia.gilmour@elitepublishing.com.au PRODUCTION For artwork and production enquiries please email: production@elitepublishing.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN Uber Creative Phone: (03) 8513 0208 Email: connect@ubercreative.com.au www.ubercreative.com.au PRE-PRESS Prominent Digital

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD PUBLISHERS OF: Supplier Woodworking Magazine, Tile Today Magazine, Discovering Stone Magazine, FB Magazine, Flooring Magazine, Finishes & Surfaces Magazine Member of the International Woodworking and Furniture Supplier Magazine Association

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Bamboo PROS: • Comes from a fast-growing, more sustainable resource than timber or plastic flooring.

• Hard-wearing and durable.

• Easy to clean.

• Low embodied energy.

CONS: • Some bamboo floorboards may have been finished with toxic glues.

Linoleum, rubber or cork ("resilient floors") PROS: • Made from renewable materials such as linseed oil, rubber, cork and wood fibre.

• Low toxicity.

• Fairly durable.

• Easy to clean.

• Low embodied energy.

CONS: • Not recyclable.

• All these products are imported to Australia.

• Some rubber, cork and wood fibre floors contain petroleum-based materials.

Ceramic tiles PROS: • Good thermal mass.

• Low toxicity.

• Easy to clean.

• Highly durable.

CONS: • Higher embodied energy.

• Local environmental impacts of quarries.

Polished stone (granite, sandstone etc) PROS: • Good thermal mass.

• Low toxicity.

• Easy to clean.

• Highly durable.

CONS: • Higher embodied energy (especially if imported from overseas).

• Local environmental impacts of stone quarries.

Polished concrete PROS: • Good thermal mass.

• Easy to clean.

• Highly durable.

CONS: • High embodied energy of concrete, as well as the polishing process.

• May be finished with a toxic polyurethane sealant.

Vinyl PROS: • Low maintenance.

• Easy to clean.

CONS: • Can contain toxic plasticisers and lead-based stabilisers.

• Made from petroleum-based materials.

Source: Choice.com.au Article written by Tanya Fong.

Feature

Wood Floors Could Generate Energy from Your Steps Every step you take has the ability to generate energy — if you’re walking on the right kind of floor.

Material science researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have figured out how to build wood flooring material that converts downward pressure into usable electricity.

Xudong Wang, an associate professor of materials science and engineering who’s leading the research, tells Business Insider that the science behind this technology is simple. The flooring is made of pressed wood pulp, which is separated into a series of small layers that have different electrical charges. Each layer is less than millimetre thick, and there are very small spaces between each one.

When people walk on them, the weight causes the layers get pushed together.

“Basically if we have two different materials that have different abilities to attract electrons, then once we put them together electrons will transfer from one to the other,” Wang says.

In other words, because the layers are chemically treated to have different charges, electrons from one naturally flow to the other once they come into contact, building up a charge. Then once the layers separate, the electrons seek to right that imbalance and flow back.

The movement of electrons amongst different atoms is by definition an electrical current. To harness that electricity, the wood flooring forces the electrons to pass through an external circuit as they return to correct the charge imbalance.

This type of energy is called triboelectricity, and it happens when charged materials rub against other materials. It’s the same thing that happens when your clothing produces static electricity.

Wang says the material can currently produce just a few milliwatts of power per step, so would be most effective if used in highly trafficked areas, like malls, stadiums or subway stations.

Although the flooring couldn’t gather enough electricity to power an entire building, Wang estimates that if 80,000 people in a stadium each take just

one step, that would generate enough energy for more than 100 super-bright stadium-sized light bulbs. Plus, future versions of the flooring could increase the number of layers to yield a higher energy output.

The team chose to make the material out of wood pulp, a common waste product often used in flooring material, because it contains tiny cellulose fibres that can be chemically treated to produce an electrical charge.

Cellulose is the organic compound that makes up many plants’ cell walls, and it’s also sometimes used as a food additive. (FDA agents have found it in packaged grated Parmesan products.)

Wood pulp is cheap, so Wang suggests that the price of this electricity-generating flooring wouldn’t be more than 20% higher than regular wood panels.

The team’s next step is to build a floor of 50 to 100 square feet, which Wang expects to be complete by mid2017. The sample they have now is just one square foot, but he’s confident that larger versions will be easy to create.

“Our approach is pretty scalable.

It’s just a chemical process and wood panel cold pressing,” Wang says. “So those approaches are — I would say — commercially ready for the larger scale.”

Wang envisions the product as a complement to solar panels or other renewable forms of energy, since it offers a few advantages over solar technology. First, the wood panels can generate electricity no matter where they are located or what time of day it is. Second, solar roadway or footpath tiles — which several companies are currently working to produce — can’t gather energy when they’re covered by crowds of cars or pedestrians.

Plus, the wood material wouldn’t have the cold, futuristic look that many solar tiles currently do.

“If people are walking on it they won’t feel the difference,” he says, “and if you look at it, it will just look like a floor.”

Source: Business Insider Australia, article written by Dana Varinsky

Flooring Oct/Nov 2017 | 61

Exhibitions

Ad Index

2017 Exhibitions

NOVEMBER 2017 20-22 IFFT Interior Lifestyle Living

International Furniture and Flooring Fair

Tokyo, Japan www.ifft-interiorlifestyleliving.com

12-15

23-26

15-21 Living Interiors 2018

Floorcoverings and wall coverings event

Cologne, Germany www.imm-cologne.com

DecorExpo 2017 International Furniture, decoration, housewares expo

Algiers, Algeria www.algeriadecorexpo.com DECEMBER 2017 18-20 Furniture Asia 2017 – Furniture, flooring, furnishings, Interior Expo

Karachi, Pakistan www.tradefairdates.com/Furniture-Asia/ Karachi JANUARY 2018 1-5 Feria del Mueble 2018

Professional Furniture, home and decoration show

Zaragoza, Spain www.feriazaragoza.es 9-12 Heimtextil Frankfurt 2018

International home and textiles trade show

Frankfurt, Germany www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

Domotex 2018 World trade fair for carpets and floor coverings

Hannover, Germany www.domotex.de

17-20 Magna Expo 2018

Interior decoration & floorcoverings expo

Mexico City, Mexico www.hfmexico.mx/magna-expo 24-27 Casa Salzburg

International trade fair for interior design

Salzburg, Austria www.casa-messe.at FEBRUARY 2018 27-1Mar HI Design MEA

Business forum for the hotel interior design industry Doha, Qatar www.hidesign-mea.com *** For more information on the fairs or to confirm dates, please check the individual event websites.

Airstep Australia 36-37 All Preparation Equipment 57 Blastrac Australia 63 Carpet Court 3 Carpet One 25 Choices Flooring Front Cover, 8-9 Classic Architectural Group 39 Con-Treat Pty Ltd 45 Domotex asia/Chinafloor 11 Dunlop Flooring 2 Floorcovering Institute of Australia 15 Floorex Products 55 Floorsafe Australia 40 Floorworld 19, 23 Gibbon Group 21 GMK Logistics 49 Laser Measure Australia 27 Laticrete 35 Makinex 53 Mapei Australia Back Cover MJS Floorcoverings 47 Preference Floors 43, 59 Pyrafloor Polished Concrete Training 51 QEP 17 RFMS Australasia 29, 31 Signature Floorcoverings 13

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