FFI 62 September 2013 by Media-Pact NV / FFI bvba

n r 4 io at ve 4 t rn si e o E V i I nt n tand um a t an 7 s or H ll rF x ) Ha oo Fl te 14 o 20 m 1. o .0 D 1 -1 4

INTERNATIONAL trade journal for import, export, distribution and laying of parquet, laminate, cork flooring and related products

industry news

N° 62, September. 2013 - Price: €8 - Published 7 times a year - (Feb, March, May, July, Sept, Nov, Dec) Office of delivery 9099 Ghent X, P911092, BC 31359 — Responsible Publisher: Filip De Ridder

TOP EXPORT MINDED COMPANIES IN THE NETHERLANDS

NEW : The European Floor & Wall Exhibition European

Floor & Wall Exhibition

16, 17 & 18 March 2014 - FLANDERS EXPO GENT (B)

Special: European Timber Directive Preview: Domotex Middle East

Logo MADE expo _ posizionamento data + luogo _ ITALIANO Il posizionamento del luogo è stato studiato per potersi adattare a diversi formati. Invitiamo a usare quello ritenuto più adatto.

Special: Sanding machines and their dust removal : part I Preview: MADE expo

Special: Skirting Boards Special: Invisible fastening systems for exterior wall wood

Special: Hard & soft elastic silane based adhesives

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industry news

TOP EXPORT MINDED COMPANIES IN THE NETHERLANDS

NEW : The European Floor & Wall Exhibition European

Floor & Wall Exhibition

16, 17 & 18 March 2014 - FLANDERS EXPO GENT (B)

Special: European Timber Directive Preview: Domotex Middle East

Logo MADE expo _ posizionamento data + luogo _ ITALIANO Il posizionamento del luogo è stato studiato per potersi adattare a diversi formati. Invitiamo a usare quello ritenuto più adatto.

Special: Sanding machines and their dust removal : part I Preview: MADE expo

Special: Skirting Boards Special: Invisible fastening systems for exterior wall wood

Special: Hard & soft elastic silane based adhesives

Floor Forum International, N° 62, September ’13 Photo Adesiv

European

Floor & Wall Exhibition

16, 17 & 18 March 2014 - FLANDERS EXPO GENT (B)

NEW :

The European Floor & Wall Exhibition 4 Inside news 8 Special European Timber Directive 10 Preview Domotex Middle East Istanbul (TR) 12 Company visit Z - Parket (B) 14 Special Types of sports floors 16 Special Open book parquet

18 Special Hard & soft elastic silane based adhesives 27 Preview MADE expo Milan (I)

28 Special Nanotechnology- based lacquers 30 Special Laminate floors : part I 34 Special Distressing machines

Editorial “Lalegno brand profiling is bearing fruit.” The first half of 2013 was a very successful period for Lalegno. The company’s efforts to highlight the brand yielded the desired effect. At the same time, Jan Labeeuw from Lalegno is urging dealers to continue to invest in attractive showrooms, even in times of crisis, because he believes this makes all the difference. He comments: “We have to be satisfied with the first half of 2013. We’d launched scores of activities to highlight our brand and it’s borne fruit. It started in mid-January with

Jan Labeeuw (Lalegno)

the beautiful stand which we had at

Domotex in Hanover. There, an international, professional public warmed to our new collection. We also look back with satisfaction on the Lalegno Movie Night, where our dealers familiarised themselves with this new collection.” “We also launched scores of initiatives to reinforce our brand profile amongst consumers. For example, our presence at Batibouw did not pass unnoticed and, of course, there was also the Lalegno TV publicity campaign on VTM, 2BE, and VITAYA . Broadcasting our spot on those channels yielded excellent results. Our dealers, too, are delighted with the attention which Lalegno is getting. Moreover, they can testify that the TV spot has attracted more people to their showrooms and that the new collections is very much to consumers’ liking.” “That’s useful, but it’s not enough. We think it’s just as important that the Lalegno floors which we exhibit amongst our clients always look in tip top condition. And so, our merchandisers have their hands full. We’ve also paid more attention to updating the presentation material used by our dealers. We’ve designed new display systems such as the longitude or the latitude, which give consumers a realistic impression of what the parquet floors would look like in their interiors. And that’s convinced people!” “Yet we also need our dealers’ help for that smart presentation. The golden

36 Special Outdoor floors : maintenance & finishes

rule which we like to give them: it’s worth continuing to invest in an attractive

42 Special Subfloors : part II

on sale in an efficient manner without any extravagance. It goes without saying

47 Industry news 48 Special Invisible fastening systems for exterior wall wood 53 Special Skirting Boards 58 Special Top Export Minded companies in the Netherlands 66 Product news

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

that Lalegno likes to help its dealers with their choice of display and design. We urge them to involve us in their story!”

Visit us at

44 Special Sanding machines and their dust removal : part I

showroom, even in times of crisis. There, you can display the floors which are

Editing & advertisements

Advertising & subscriptions

Production:

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

Adriana Dascalu info@media-pact.com Hilde De Ridder floorforum@telenet.be Filip De Ridder sales@media-pact.com

Lowyck - Oostende

Publisher

Jean Paul Talbot Ludwig Janssens Filip De Ridder Jacques Legros

Filip De Ridder Lay-out:

Be-able Communication www.be-able.be

Translation:

Michael Robinson Floor Forum International is a publication of FFi bvba

Editors:

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

Contents, Colophon & Editorial

n R 4 io at VE 4 it rn O E Vis Inte N nd N sta m ru at A 7 H ll Fo X ) Ha or TE 14 O 0 M 1.2 O .0 D 1-14 (1

Flo

INTERNATIONAL trade journal for import, export, distribution and laying of parquet, laminate, cork flooring and related products

www.floor-forum.com

content

> Inside news PG Hardwood Flooring In recent months, PG Hardwood Flooring surveyed a number of industry professionals to gain insight into the latest floor covering trends. This year, the trend is towards lighter shades, a rustic appearance, matt finishes and so on. So this is what they propose for 2013.

Hope - New in 2013

Introduction of preoiled UV environmentally friendly products This year, PG added preoiled UV products to its Unique Collection as well as its Model Classic Collection. Products are finished with natural renewable oil, an environmentally friendly choice.

Floor Forum International 62

Inside News

New colours for the Model Classic Collection Once again, this year, grey is the mainstay of interior design and we are pleased to offer customers Minio in shades of mousegrey. Create your own ambience with Minio available for all our species, widths and finishes. The choice is yours! Visit PG’s website today for a closer look at all new products exclusive to PG Hardwood Flooring.

About PG Hardwood Flooring Inc. PG Hardwood Flooring currently ranks among the largest solid hardwood flooring manufacturers in Canada and offers more than 5000 distinct products. The company is renowned for the exceptional quality of its products and a solid reputation backed by more than 30 years of experience. Remain abreast of the latest trends by visiting PG’s website at pgmodel.com.

Bona presents the all-new Bona Oil System with optional 2-Dimensional Effect The brand new Bona Oil System is fully compatible and offers design, protection, maintenance and care in combination with cutting edge technology. As a world’s first, Bona has created a unique 2-dimensional effect that highlights every line, knot and contour of wood, while having the base wood colour as a stark contrast. To create this exceptional 2-dimensional effect the Bona Oil System offers two optional pre-treatment products that are to be applied on the floor after sanding: the Bona Nordic Tone and the Bona Rich Tone. This pre-treatment is used to change and enhance the colour of wood). The Bona Craft oil in the desired floor color can easily be applied afterwards. These two products in combination is an abundant offer of variations in tones, whether dark, brown, warm, light or grey… Bona claims that the complete range sets new standards for sustainability with an exceptional low VOC level under 8% across the floor’s lifetime. To accomplish this, Bona lowered the VOC levels of both the Bona Craft Oil and the maintenance and care solutions and guarantees the system offers the same robust wear, water and chemical protection of old systems. This means that the working environment will be greatly improved and that the wooden floors will be safe to live on over its entire lifetime. For places with an expected heavier wear, the floor can be finished with the optional Bona Hard Wax Oil that strengthens the wood from within en increases the water resistance. Bona also promises unique performances for it’s new care and maintenance products. Pre-cleaning with Bona Power Scrubber and Bona Deep Clean Solution results in a remarkably clean

surface, which can be easily applied with Bona Care Oil to restore the floor’s protection and beauty. The entire process can be completed in an instant and leaves a fantastic and lasting end result. DOMOTEX Russia rescheduled – New dates for 2014: 1 to 3 April – New venue: ARTPLAY Design Center in Moscow Hannover/Moscow. DOMOTEX Russia has been moved to a new time slot. The second season of Russia’s leading tradeshow for carpets and floor coverings will now be held from 1 to 3 April 2014 instead of 25 to 27 September 2013 as originally planned. The venue has also changed, with Deutsche Messe AG’s Russian subsidiary Deutsche Messe RUS now staging the fair at the ARTPLAY Design Center in Moscow instead of Moscow’s Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center. DOMOTEX Russia showcases the full range of hand- and machine-made carpets, textile floor coverings, parquet and laminate flooring and resilient floor coverings as well as application, laying, cleaning and maintenance technologies. Next year’s show will also be complemented by a supporting program of conferences and events featuring a solid line-up of renowned industry experts. DOMOTEX Russia got off to a flying start at its 2012 premiere in Moscow, attracting 145 international exhibitors and 4,120 trade visitors from Russia and the CIS states. Further press releases as well as photos are available for downloading at: www.domotex.de/pressservice F. Ball announces the appointment of Export Business Officer F. Ball and Co. Ltd., manufacturer of flooring adhesive and subfloor preparation products has announced the appointment of Esther Swinnock-Groenendijk as Export Business Officer at its UK

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Discover the Future of Floor & Wall solutions European

Floor & Wall Exhibition

Discover the latest collections and technological solutions for parquet, laminate, cork, bamboo, LVT, PVC and vinyl flooring, terrace floors (wood and composite) and fastening systems, fitting, finishing, and maintenance products, wooden exterior cladding, and related accessories. - The latest innovations and trends in the floor industry. - Add to your expertise via instructive conferences on technical issues. - The ideal opportunity to build up your network and discover new business opportunities. - Free admission for professionals. - Visit the exhibition and win one of the numerous tools and gadgets!

www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu T. +32 9 385 80 40 sales@european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu

European

Floor & Wall Exhibition

16, 17 & 18 March 2014 - FLANDERS EXPO GENT (B)

> Inside news

Floor Forum International 62

Inside News

headquarters in Staffordshire. Esther joins F. Ball with a wealth of experience in customer service, including developing mystery customer programmes and analysis, and further strengthens the manufacturer’s presence within the Dutch market. Esther, who is originally from the Netherlands, has lived in the UK for over 20 years. Esther’s new role will focus on providing high levels of customer service to the Dutch market with general sales and marketing support for the company’s export department. F. Ball has a dedicated Technical Representative established in the Netherlands, Freerk Beuckens, and recently joined forces with leading distribution company The Headlam Group, as part of the company’s growth plan in the region.

Progress Profiles. THE ARAB WORLD IS FASCINATED BY ‘MADE IN ITALY’ FINISHES The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and the rest of the Middle East are looking for the outstanding design and top quality of Italian producers. ‘Made in Italy’ knows no crisis when it comes to export. Indeed, demand for Italian design has even risen by over 3%. PROGRESS PROFILES is part of a group of factories which were capable of looking beyond their own borders in order to offer its range of about 12,500 fully certified “MADE IN ITALY” goods in stainless steel, aluminium, messing, PVC, and solid wood. Amongst the 50 countries where PROGRESS PROFILES is present, the Middle East constitutes a very important region. That is why they opened an office there in 2009 to be able to respond quickly to the needs of that market. That presence has made it possible for them to integrate products into scores of major projects. These projects include: The Information Technology and Communication Complex (ITCC) in Riyadh (800,447m²). The Princess Nora Bint Abdurrahman University, also in Riyadh, over 8,000,000m². Also: the Jumeirah Al Fattan Palm Resort, the Millennium Hotel, and in de Kensington Royal Sports City, but also in the major projects in Abu Dhabi, such as the Khalifa Port or the Bab Al Qasr Hotel. These top class sites also required products of a very high standard. That is why PROGRESS PROFILES, with its 28 years of experience, continues to invest in research, technology, and training so that the “Italian Style” continues to be a synonym for beauty and quality. Vandecasteele Houtimport awarded with the Charter of Sustainable Enterprise for the Province of West Flanders (B) for the 12th time in a row. During an academic sitting on 26 June in De Vossenberg in Hooglede (B), 50 companies received the annual certificate as a reward for efforts and achievements in the field of sustainable enterprise. Vandecasteele Houtimport has been awarded the Charter of Sustainable Enterprise for the Province of West Flanders for the 12th time in a row. The West Flemish Charter of Sustainable Enterprise is a tool to help companies organise their corporate policy on sustainable enterprise voluntarily in order to improve ecological, social, and economic performances constantly. A sustainable company integrates economic, ecological, and social aspects equally

into its operational management. Open communication and dialogue with all stakeholders concerned is an essential part of this process. Companies which sign the West Flemish Charter of Sustainable Enterprise agree to work proactively on 10 items, which are related each year to specific actions and objectives. Each year, a team of independent experts judges the performances. The team thinks constructively together with the company on points for attention and possible improvements. Companies with a favourable assessment are honoured and receive the certificate for that year. The Charter is achievable for both big and small businesses from both the service and production sectors. The West Flemish Charter of Sustainable Enterprise is an initiative of the POM West Flanders (B), VOKA West Flanders, and Bureau Veritas Certification. It has been developed in consultation with the companies and is supported by the Province of West Flanders. Vandecasteele Houtimport was rewarded mainly for its cleanliness and tidiness, the integration of the company into its natural surrounds, its efficient handling, storage, and transport, and its further attention to the theme of people-friendly enterprise. Stockholm Central Station benches treated with Rubio Monocoat oil- 250.000 passengers a day! Stockholm Central Station have engaged in a sustainable indoor environment. The benches in the main hall have just been changed to a spectacular combination of sustainable modernism and fin-de-siècle railway interior design. The setup of the five circles with a total capacity of 168 seats, has been made by Wester + Elsner Architects. The benches are produced and finished by Green Furniture Sweden, a leading producer of sustainable design for indoor public landscapes. We are proud they have chosen Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C finish in a personalized mix of shades for this exeptional project. www.rubiomonocoat.com – www.greenfurniture.se dBCover Solutions

dBCover Solutions specializes in underfloor solutions with superior performances on footfall noise and floorstability. They advise 4 products with great thermal conductivity that are specially designed for use with floor heating systems on different floor solutions (according to the EN 1264-3 norm): Aluminium, HD, HD3 and Vinyl. The thickness of these products is between 1.5 and 3 mm to avoid a high thermal resistance and all present an outstanding performance in temperatures up to 60°C. These products are also equipped with a steam moisture barrier to avoid condensation problems. Visit us at Domotex Middle East Istanbul.

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Special European Timber Directive

EU wood directive puts a stop to illegal wood trade. Legislation The sale of illegally logging wood or wood products in Europe must be eradicated. This is why the EU wood directive has been in force since March of this year. What does this legislation include and what are the specific consequences for our sector? We made some enquiries. With the EU directive, governments are aiming to do something about the adverse effects of illegal wood import. These effects are serious: illegal logging is connected to the global issue of deforestation, it leads to global warming, and it can cause conflicts and socio-economic disruption in forest areas. In Europe, illegal wood trading results in unfair competition for honest importers. To whom does the directive apply? The directive covers wood and wood products which have been brought onto the European market for the first time since 3 March 2013. Wood which was already on the European market prior to that date falls outside the scope of the new legislation.

Floor Forum International 62

For importers (companies which bring wood onto the European market for the first time): For each delivery of import wood (or wood products) importers must be aware of the following (the so called ‘systems of due diligence’): land or region of origin, wood sort, quantity, details about the supplier, and compliance with the legislation locally. Importers must carry out a risk analysis on the basis of this information and assess the risk of this delivery being illegal wood. If it emerges from the assessment that there is an appreciable risk of this delivery being illegal, more information and controls are required. If this information is still insufficient, the importer must renounce the purchase as a matter of fact. It is important to realise that for each raw material used in composite wood products it is necessary to be able to determine its origin and whether or not it is authorised. And so, for composite parquet it is a question of the origin of the noble top layer, but also the wood fibres used in the HDF base or the various layers which are used in a plywood base.

For traders (companies which buy imported wood or wood products from an importer, such as parquet wholesalers and parquet specialists) The EU wood directive requires everyone who drives this trade with already imported wood or wood products to keep a detailed note of who the suppliers and clients are so that the wood can be traced easily. And so, usually, standard accounts with a note of batch numbers will suffice. These details must be kept for five years.

Who monitors correct trading methods amongst importers? All importers must observe the requirements of the EU directive. Importers have the choice of whether or not to join a monitoring organisation, which imposes a standard working method. The European Union is still occupied with selecting those monitoring organisations. As always with European legislation, it is the member states which are responsible for the controls and the application of the law. It will often be customs officers who will ask for the necessary import documents. Time will tell whether or not controls will also be carried out in a different way. FSC and PEFC labels Durability labels such as FSC or PEFC are not enough to satisfy the new legislation. Conversely, people must remember that satisfying the EU wood directive is no guarantee when it comes to sustainable forest management in the region of origin. Wood from a country or region which grants cutting permits without much control or inspection will certainly be legal, but probably not sustainable. Are there already visible effects on the market? We put this question to Bart De Turck of the Belgian Timber Importers Federation. He replied as follows: “Our federation mainly groups together the major importers of wood. They’ve been preparing themselves in recent years so that they are ready for this directive. They have seen that some of their suppliers have pulled out because, despite insistence, they were not able to submit the necessary documents. I assume it is mainly small importers which are not yet ready for the new EU directive at the moment. Importers and traders also have to realise that the risk analysis of composite wood products can be extremely difficult. Amongst others, it’s often wood producers from China and wood from Russia and tropical countries that come without a logging permit. The import of wood from those countries is now much harder. It goes without saying that those countries are not very happy about this EU decision. I assume that this directive will also be raised during current and future negotiations between the large global trading blocks.” Thanks are due to Bart De Turck of the Belgian Timber Importers Federation, Lagae Hout (B) , and Vandecasteele Houtimport (B) .

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Pedestals from SOLIDOR will make difference Les Plots réglables de Solidor ferontthe la différence

pour ajusterthe la hauteur deyour votre terrasse ! to adjust height of terrace!

METAL GRATES grilles métalliques

WOOD WPC lames OR de bois

TILES dalleCONCRETE en béton, céramique

SOLAR PANELS panneaux solaires

stable stable •• Remarkably remarquablement

•• Easy simple et réglable avec précision and adjustable with precision •• Fast installation facile et rapide and easy installation •• Very très robuste robust •• Durable durable •• Modular système system modulaire •• Slope Correcteur de pente corrector •• Easy Facilement accessible pour l’entretien accessible for maintenance and reparation

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FSC TIMBER COMES FROM WELL MANAGED FORESTS, INDEPENDENTLY CERTIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES OF THE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL A.C.

Visit the website of the new fair www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu

Floor Forum International 62

BERGSTRAAT 25 | B-8511 AALBEKE | BELGIË T. +32 (0)56 43 33 33 | F. +32 (0)56 43 33 34 GENEVIEVE@VANDECASTEELE.BE | HANS@VANDECASTEELE.BE WWW.VANDECASTEELE.BE

Preview Domotex Middle East Istanbul (TR)

Istanbul hosts Domotex Middle East for the second time. A rush of interest due to the thriving Turkish construction industry From 7 to 10 November, the Istanbul Expo Centre is once again hosting Domotex Middle East. The organisers have already received many important bookings and expect a successful event. The thriving Turkish economy and the optimistic growth forecasts for the Turkish property market in the next few years are providing scores of opportunities. Martin Folkerts is the manager of Global Fairs at Deutsche Messe, the organiser of Domotex. He explains the choice of Istanbul. “The Turkish economy has grown by 3.7% this year and will continue to thrive in 2014. Both the country itself and the city of Istanbul have a strategic location as a bridge between Europe and the countries around the Mediterranean Sea, the Arabian Gulf, and the Arabian peninsula. This is a perfect location for Western companies to invest in the Middle East. We’ve also seen this from the big interest shown by carpet and other flooring material companies .”

Hotel construction and government infrastructure At the same time, there is also a big need in Turkey for extra hotel capacity, and several international luxury hotel chains have set up major investment projects. Infrastructure work is also being generated by the construction of a third international airport, a new financial centre, a large-scale project to convert Istanbul into a fully fledged sea port, and hospital extensions. Domotex Middle East - practical info Domotex Middle East will take place at Yeşilköy, the Istanbul Expo Centre, which is a mere five-minute drive from Atatürk airport. Domotex Middle East offers a full range of flooring: wall-to-wall carpet, carpet strips, textiles and hard floor finishes, laminate, wooden floors, and parquet. Furthermore, the exhibition also includes artificial turf, sports floors, ceramic and natural stone floors and all chemicals, machines, and materials to fit and maintain these materials. Visit the web site: www.domotex-middle-east.com

Floor Forum International 62

Turkish construction industry is ready for more growth In 2010 and 2011, Turkey enjoyed strong economic growth and forecasters predict more growth. For example, the Turkish government are pursuing an active policy to make the country’s buildings more ecological and energy-efficient. They are also working on an urban transformation plan for the next twenty years. This plan is designed to provide modern and comfortable housing, higher energy-efficiency, and buildings better equipped to withstand earthquakes (a frequent occurrence in Turkey). The Turkish government has set aside 400 billion US dollars to this end.

“Highly attractive property market” In the short term, too, Turkey offers lots of business opportunities. According to an international property report by Ernst & Young, Turkey is one of the most attractive property markets in the world and a Turkish property association is already forecasting 5% growth in property development for 2013. On the residential market demand for flats in particular is attracting attention and, in turn, that gives Turkish and international companies countless opportunities.

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The whole world of carpets and floor coverings under one roof

Take advantage of this opportunity to discover fascinating highlights and meet up with business partners from industry, trade and the skilled trades.

The World of Flooring

For more information and a complete overview of our range

www.ciranova.be

Produced by Debal Coatings nv Industrieweg 29 - 8800 Roeselare - T +32 (0)51 30 11 40 -ciranova@ciranova.be

Deutsche Messe · Tel. +49 511 89-0 · domotex@messe.de

Floor Forum International 62

ecoprotector

 Waterborne protection for outdoor wood.  Provides a nurturing protection that not peels off.  Impregnating, non film forming.  Fast drying - paintable after 20 minutes.  Available in 8 trendy colours.

Visit DOMOTEX and see the latest trends and products of suppliers from all over the world.

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Z-parket² takes the natural vision of Z-Parket to a new level Since its formation in 2004, Z-Parket from Belgium has traditionally been characterised by its choice of the natural. Their love for a natural and organic treatment of the wood goes together with an unceasing sense of innovation and creativity. This autumn, Z-Parket is taking this natural approach to the next level with the Z-parket² collections.

Company visit Z-Parket (B)

Love and respect for natural beauty

can accept responsibility for providing and maintaining comfortable

Anyone looking at Z-Parket collections immediately recognises the

surrounds. The efforts of OZG have reduced CO² emissions conside-

love and respect for natural beauty in general, and wood in particular.

rably thanks to the resurgence of the wild life, whilst at the same time

Colouring the wood means more than just quickly applying an artificial

they are working on making population groups self-sufficient in locati-

colour coat to the wood. At Z-Parket they give the wood a unique, meti-

ons where life seemed to be under threat. The OZG approach is already

culous, and patient treatment so that it reacts and colours organically.

bearing fruit: a number of species of animals and insects which were thought to have died out have now been spotted once again.

“Customise your feeling” The Z-Parket philosophy finds expression in three magnificent and successful collections which have impressed people both at home and abroad, namely the M, Z, and X collections. Moreover, the unique “Customise your feeling” experience enables clients to harmonise the floor of their choice to their personal preferences. M The M collection offers you a range of Z-floors based on a more traditional two-layer surface treatment with dyed colours. Z The Z collection is a range of parquet in special colours with the typical Z-Parket treatment. Up to six manual and traditional depth treatments give them a very distinctive and striking result. X The X collection undoubtedly provides the most imposing organic experience. With no fewer than 12 to 15 depth treatments spread over a period of six to seven days, the Z-Parket specialists strive for a wooden floor with a unique character and warmth. This results in floors to take any interior style to new heights.

Photo’s: ©OZG

Z-parket²: together we can do more

One euro each

The new Z-parket² collections, which are being launched this autumn,

Via the Z-parket² programme, Z-Parket, the dealer, and the client each

give clients and dealers the opportunity, together with Z-Parket, to

invest one euro for each square metre of parquet fitted. This sum of

make extra ecological and social efforts. You recognise them by the

three euros is enough to plant no fewer than six trees, and this effort

number 2, which sticks to the collection name: Z², X², and M². The

also makes a difference. The fact is that fitting 100 square metres of

major feature of the Z-parket² collection, and also the feature which

Z-parket² means the plantation of 600 new trees.

fires the imagination the most, is that purchasing one of these collec-

Z-Parket strives for 100% transparency for its clients. The fact is that

tions supports the projects of Entrepreneurs Without Frontiers Found

the purchase and fitting of the parquet is not the end of the story.

(‘Ondernemers zonder Grenzen’).

Indeed, via regular communication campaigns Z-Parket keeps its clients

Floor Forum International 62

informed of the funds collected. Furthermore, after the group purchase

Participation in Entrepreneurs Without Frontiers Found (‘Ondernemers zonder Grenzen’ - OZG)

of the trees, they state clearly how many square metres of forest have

Entrepreneurs Without Frontiers Found (OZG) is an agency which

for the traditional Z, X, and M series or to take part in this worthwhile,

strives for a restoration of the world ecology and social commitment.

organic, and sustainable initiative of Z-Parket. Z-parket² gives clients

Amongst other things, they do this via the replantation of forests.

and dealers the opportunity to make their contribution towards a clea-

Unlike other sustainable initiatives, OZG does not limit itself to the

ner world for everyone.

been planted. However, it is the clients themselves who decide to opt

reconstruction of uprooted forests, but is also committed to stopping desertification and fostering the restoration of vulnerable ecological

Product specifications of Z-parket²

systems in desert locations such as the Sahel. The local inhabitants are

The Z², X², and M² collections all bear an FSC certificate, which gua-

also involved in these initiatives so that in the future they themselves

rantees that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests, a

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Company visit Z-Parket (B)

> Continued from page 12

Photo: Paris, Z-collection

Photo: Argos, X-collection

CE certificate (in accordance with EU safety standards), and also the

Z-Parket is growing and modernising

German DIBt certificate, which guarantees that floors meet the strictest

The Z-parket² collection represents a major modernisation in the range

health legislation.

of this parquet manufacturer. A great deal of modernisation is planned in the months ahead. For example, the company is providing a

label). • Wooden planks have a total thickness of 14mm, 3.5mm of which

new Z-renovation floor with a top layer of 3mm and total thickness of 12mm, whilst the arrival of the Z-xxl collection in widths of up to 400mm will interest lovers of extra wide composite floors. Then there

is the top layer. The total width is 182mm and the planks are up to

is the brand new combination of a cut out effect with the argos colour

2200mm long.

from the X collection and the option of colouring whole doors, veneer

• Available in the Z, X, or M colours.

panels, and oak furniture in harmony with the colours of Z-Parket

• Z-parket² is available in 1 bis and rustic:

floors. This increases the creative possibilities for anyone striving for a

- European oak 1 bis is sap-free and has sporadic small joints.

comprehensive approach in interior design. Moreover, Z-Parket is cur-

- European oak rustic is a mix of rustic A and rustic B wood and is

rently expanding its production space with a new hall of 750m². This is

also sap-free, something which makes a very attractive selection

more evidence of the organic growth for which Z-Parket is striving!

possible. • Floors can be distressed, if necessary. We offer you a choice of light, medium, or heavy distressing. • As regards seams, there is a choice of straight seam, a V-seam, scraped seam, and a shadow joint.

Z-parket Jan Latoslaan 9 - 3600 Genk - Belgium +32 (0)89 380 863 info@z-parket.be - www.z-parket.be

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Floor Forum International 62

• Wide composite three-layer parquet from European oak (with FSC

SPORTS FLOORS ARE TAILOR-MADE

Floor Forum International 62

Special Types of sports floors

SCORES OF FEATURES DETERMINE SUITABILITY

There are various ways to categorise indoor sports floors. We can do it on the basis of materials used, the sport for which the floor is ‘mainly’ designed, technical specifications and features, the top layer, or on the basis of other aspects. The most elementary categorisation is still that based on the elastic features of the floor: this is still the basic categorisation used by all sports floor producers. All other aspects are meant ‘to serve’ the elasticity which we have in mind. Apart from a number of technical specifications or requirements, the floor usually also has to meet a number of individual requirements laid down by the project manager. And so, these floors are tailor-made. Other technical features Obviously, elasticity is not the only important feature of a sports floor. Three categories or requirements are included in the European standard EN 14904, which has been in existence since 2007. These requirements are: - Sports features: these are related to the playability of the floor, the safety of the players, and the sport in question. We are talking here about features such as the shock absorption of the floor, energy restitution, and the sliding co-efficient. - Technical features: these are features such as the bounce of the ball, pressure resistance, reacPhoto: Junkers tion of the floor to rolling pressure, impact resistance, scraping resistance, and the flatness. The choice of a sports floor - Essential features: these are features related mainly to safety The very first question which people usually ask when choosing a (e.g. fire class, formaldehyde emissions, etc.). sports floor is about the floor’s elasticity. In some respects, this elasticity forms the initial framework for deciding whether or not Geared to today and the future? the floor is suitable for particular sports or activities. In this con- Certainly whenever a sports floor is ‘purchased’ by a public ortext, official sports associations set very specific requirements. ganisation or a public authority, there are also a lot of other specIndeed, it goes without saying that in international competitive ifications apart from the technical features. Some of those specsport all parties expect sports floors to be the same everywhere. ifications do not readily come to mind, even though they are important. Obviously, floors of games rooms for toddlers or for Elasticity physical education in secondary schools will be subjected to difElasticity is determined largely by the materials used and the con- ferent requirements than floors for top class sport. This is a quesstruction of the floor. Basically, there are two types of sports tion of the immediate purpose of the floor. But what about the floors, namely shock absorbent floors and point elastic floors. future? Are there any plans to hold concerts, markets, or shows In between, there are also a number of combined or mixed sys- in the sports hall in the future? If so, it is best if the floor is altems, depending on needs. A shock absorbent floor is a floor with ready suitable for such events in advance. Furthermore, it is also elasticity which is spread over a large surface. The circle which is important to take account of other possible future developments ‘stirred’ under the exertion of certain pressure has a radius of such an anticipated growth in the number of sports clubs due to about 500mm. With a point elastic floor the point of inversion the planned construction of new homes in the region. It is also is about the same as that where the pressure is exerted. The ra- necessary to take the future of the sports club itself into account. dius in this case is only 100mm. The combined sports floor is After all, it is quite conceivable that the local authority, after cona shock absorbent floor with a point elastic top layer. With these sidering various options, will choose a point elastic floor. Yet what floors we can say that the distorted surface is wide in the base happens if the local basketball team does very well and gains proand small in the top layer. An elastic sports floor with a surface motion to a higher division in which the basketball association inreinforcement component is called a mixed elastic floor. sists on a shock absorbent floor?

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Types of sports floors The entire sports floor is constructed in such a way as to meet the sporting, functional, and technical requirements to which a floor is subjected. This means that the subfloor, supporting construction, and the actual floor together play a part in achieving a certain level of performance. As far as the (visible) top layer of the sports floor is concerned, there are various possible materials (see below). Wood is often (but not necessarily) used to construct the entire base of a sports floor by means of support pillars or beams. Elastic substances can be used under those support pillars to improve the elasticity of the final floor. This sort of base can lead to the eventual installation of various sorts of sports floors in various materials such as vinyl, linoleum, or textile. Wooden top layers Basically, the options for constructing wooden sports floors are largely comparable to options for constructing parquet. A very common construction for the top layer is to fit hardwood strips onto a plywood panel, which, in turn, is supported by rubber pillars. We find another option in the combination of a solid wood plank floor (or strips) on support beams which are supported by rubber pillars. Another commonly used construction is veneer or multi-layer parquet fitted directly onto the floor with a tongue and groove or click system, subject to the provision of a moisture barrier. The underside of the constructed panels provide for elastic strips.

Other top layers Even in the field of sports floors, a number of synthetics and natural products are on the march, apart from wooden top layers. In particular, universal sports floors are emerging with top layers in vinyl, textile, or linoleum. These top layers can be fitted onto a wooden support, but it is not absolutely essential. As we have already said, the support then plays a part in the field of sporting features. A number of these floors can be constructed without a wooden support underneath. Then, the thickness of the floor partly determines the sporting and technical features. We found another construction in the combination of rubber granule mats with a 2mm layer of polyurethane on top. Portable sports floors In recent years, many sports floor manufacturers have concentrated on devising portable or dismountable sports floors. These floors can be used for special events, tournaments, or competitions where there is a need for additional sports floor. Some of these dismountable floors are appearing in the shape of cassettes which can be bound to each other. At all events, those floors can be fitted quickly and then later dismantled again. A word of thanks : The editors would like to thank the following companies which kindly provided information to help us publish this article: Haro , Seicom and Junckers.

Special Types of sports floors

> Continued from page 14

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Floor Forum International 62

For the maintenance of all oiled surfaces

‘OPEN BOOK’ IS STILL POPULAR

Floor Forum International 62

Special Open book parquet

SYMETRY IN THE PLANK GIVES A SPECIAL EFFECT

In this magazine we often consider the various sorts of patterns for fitting (strip) parquet. Sometimes, these are old fitting patterns which are now back in fashion, such as Hungarian point, herringbone, old Flemish style, or English bond. Some floor fitters and producers have included ‘open book’ in their catalogues in amongst the various patterns. This approach is justifiable, but it is somewhat misleading. The ‘open book’ pattern is primarily the result of the production method rather than the fitting method. Let’s clarify this.

From the world of veneer The term ‘open book’ is derived from the world of veneer wood. The fact is that ‘open book’ is one of the most popular ways of cutting and assembling veneer. To understand the term properly, we need a grasp of the various forms of veneer. The most common cuttings are flat-sawn, quarter, rolling, or peeled veneer. Flat-sawn Flat-sawn is obtained by cutting the trunk into a thin layer. To do this, you first saw a thin segment and then the cutting begins. Initially, you get narrow layers, but they get wider and wider as you approach the middle until they are almost equal to the diameter of the tree trunk. In the middle the core of the tree will often be cut out so that you get semi-flat-sawn. You might also encounter this semi-flat-sawn if the producer judges that an excessively heavy gnarl (e.g. a new sprouting branch which was not removed in time from a young tree) will damage the veneer. In that case this detrimental gnarl is cut out of the veneer so that you get a semi-flat-sawn or false quarter, if it was necessary to cut away too much of the flamed part. Quarter In order to saw a quarter, you first saw the stem into four quarters and cut the veneer parallel to one of the saw planes, from broad to narrow. This yields a veneer which is more lined than flamed, as with flat-sawn. It is precisely with this cutting method that the veneer seams can be both in “open book” and “slipmatched” (see also the next section). In the case of open book the first layer is added to the second layer, which is turned over. The third layer is not turned over, but the fourth one is. This gives the panel a symmetrical structure and what is noticeable there is that you get a range of tints in which darker and lighter veneer is on show alternately. This difference in colour is down to the cutting of the veneer. The fact is that the cutting edge of the blade gives a different colour to the break side. In order to exclude this difference in colour, the veneer layers can be slipmatched next to each other. There is no longer a symmetry and the seams stand out more than with the “open book” seaming method.

The visual effect The way in which the veneer layers are seamed therefore has a direct effect on the look and appearance of the floor. Symmetry, asymmetry, or mixed: the visual end result differs completely. Slipmatched With slipmatched layers there is no symmetry, but the plank which is made like this provides a peaceful and repetitive appearance as the same pattern returns in the same direction. Slipmatched veneer is extremely popular in the furniture industry. Bookmatched ‘Open book’ is the result of ‘bookmatched seams’ as outlined above. This is actually the standard seaming method for floors (at least with veneer). Mismatched veneer Whenever we mix flat-sawn and quarter in an arbitrary sequence, we get the appearance of a solid wood floor. This is why we also speak of the ‘mismatched look’ or ‘solid wood look’. Applied to parquet The application of an ‘open book’ in parquet gives an extremely peaceful design look. The principle is the same as with veneer. A thick plank is sawn through the middle and laid open with one slanting edge on the outside. The wood grain of the one part is reflected in the other part. This creates a splendid symmetrical grain design. And so, visually, the two planks form one single plank, with a seam or bevelled edge which may or may not be pronounced on the outside. It goes without saying that this method gives the effect of extra wide floorboards. This is precisely why this production/fitting technique is ideal for use with wide floorboards with floor heating. A specialist in the field : Habo Master Line Doubling solid wood of 27mm and laying it open like a book gives you a mirror image. The attractive effect of the Habo Master Line arises from the use of predominantly quarter sawn and false

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> Continued from page 16

Special Open book parquet

quarter sawn wood. In the past, workers would glue and clamp open book parquet on site. This required a certain expertise from the floor fitter. The high-frequency glued Habo Master Line does not require any additional skills on the site. The most popular wood is French oak in the selections extra, premier, bis, rustic, and chablis. Habo Master Line in its glued book shape offers virtually infinite possibilities in wide planks up to 24cm, especially in the higher selections extra and premier. In exotic wood sorts the most popular are mainly American walnut, Burma teak, and wenge. Open book parquet is fitted traditionally in strips. Habo Master Line can also yield customised patterns such as herringbone and Hungarian point in open book.

Classic Line, traditional 9mm parquet in French oak and various exotic wood species. Selected at the highest standards and available as strips, herringbone, chevron or any custom made pattern. Master Line, unique 9mm pre-glued open book parquet, known for its increased stability and special design. Top Line, 13 or 18mm two-layer parquet with solid top layer on birch multi-ply board. All French oak parquet floors can be delivered with a PEFC certificate. Distribution: Holz Bois • Bosdel 41 • B-3600 Genk • T 0032 89 32 95 80 • holz.bois@skynet.be Albers Parketgroothandel • Franklinstraat 4 • NL-6003 DK Weert • T 0031 495 58 08 08 • info@albersparket.nl Advertentie 1/2 liggend.indd 1

20/06/13 14:31

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Floor Forum International 62

Classic Line Wengé chevron 45°

Special Hard & soft elastic silane based adhesives

ELASTICITY DETERMINES THE QUALITY OF THE GLUE. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HARD AND SOFT ELASTIC SET IN LAW. We all know by now that wood swells and shrinks. Moreover, a wooden floor continues to swell and shrink after it is fitted. The degree of moisture in the atmosphere determines whether wood swells or shrinks. Seeing that the air humidity changes constantly (either minimally or sharply), the wood is constantly in motion. With floating floors one takes account of this with the tongue and groove connection or, in more recent years, the modern click systems. Fully glued floors, however, are a different matter: in this case the glue also has to be capable of following the movements of the wood without losing its adhesive strength. The elasticity of the glue largely determines the quality of the adhesion. Elasticity … in what respect? In the world of parquet adhesives everyone talks about hard elastic, soft elastic, and, more recently, balanced elastic. The differences between the adhesives as regards elasticity can be found in the definitions in the standard EN 14293. Many companies believe that this standard is in urgent need of revision. Minimum requirements in the standard NBN EN 14293 for parquet glues. Minimum requirement {N/mm²} Testing method (*)

Shear strength: • After thermal ageing • After three days under standard conditions (23°C en 50% RV) Tensile strength: • After 7 days under standard conditions • After 28 days under standard conditions • After thermal ageing

Solid glue (y < 2 mm)

Fluid glue (y ≥ 2 mm

3,5 3,0

0,5 /

1,0

(*) To be in conformity with the standard, the glue has to be subjected to one of the two testing methods (tensile strength

Elastic glueing Now that the concept of elasticity is clear, we can also understand the term ‘elastic glueing’ more easily. It goes without saying that whenever wood swells and shrinks as a result of fluctuations in air humidity, for instance, the adhesive has to absorb those movements. As we have outlined above, the elasticity of the glue has to ensure that the glue also returns to its original shape in the opposite direction. Obviously, the elasticity of a glue is determined by its composition. The fact that there are various compositions is the result of the very divergent conditions in which wooden floors can be glued. You have various wood sorts, each of which reacts differently to the penetration of damp: some (such as beech) are much more susceptible to moisture than others (such as oak). Then, even if the same sorts of wood are used, there can be big differences in the surrounds. The air humidity in our part of the world fluctuates around 60%, whilst in Indonesia this rises easily to 85%. That is precisely why adhesive makers have produced a varied assortment of parquet glues in the course of the years. We look for the right glue for the right application. There are several possible classifications, but in this article we only deal with the classification according to the elasticity. Since the legislation on this is now being drawn up, we cannot yet give a conclusive definition. However, we can give some kind of clarification.

or shear strength) and satisfy the minimum requirements stated

Floor Forum International 62

in the chart above for the test in question. (Source: Rectavit)

Before we go further with the difference between hard and soft elastic, a short word of explanation on elasticity itself is in order. The ‘elasticity’ of a material is mainly the extent to which a material which temporarily becomes distorted develops a counterforce so that it returns to its initial shape after the removal of the cause of the distortion. The mechanical strength with which the material returns to its original shape is called the ‘resilience’. A word of clarification: cork is a good example of a highly resilient material. We can press in a wine cork up to 35% of its diameter. As the pressure is released, the cork returns to its original shape. Elasticity must not be confused with plasticity. Plastic materials can also be distorted by mechanical influences, but they do not return to their original shape.

Hard elastic The old solvent and emulsion adhesives are usually called ‘hard elastic’. This implies that these glues certainly could absorb shortterm and limited forces, but that they could get distorted in the exertion of longer and stronger exertion of force. Hard elastic glues do an outstanding job in fairly ‘normal’ conditions. In the event of excessive forces (e.g. excessive water) such a glue joint can break. Soft elastic If there is a good chance of wood moving considerably (e.g. with big fluctuations in the air humidity), by using a soft elastic glue, we can prevent the exerted forces from having a direct effect on the substrate, namely the screed. The glue then absorbs the movements of the wood and returns to its original shape each

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Balanced elastic The term ‘balanced elastic’ or ‘calibrated elastic’ is still fairly recent. The term arose when producers looked for a glue to combine the qualities of hard and soft elastic adhesives, but without the disadvantages. These glues are also called hybrids. A hybrid is a combination of various raw materials based on the application in question and the formulation of which is made using the best products for that specific application.

the application. The original elastic glues, which have made their way in recent years into the parquet industry (MS polymers and other silane glues), were generally too soft. They often had too little tack, so they could not guarantee a stable floor (certainly with solid wood floors, which are not engineered). Those glues were not really suitable for some parquet sorts (such as traditional parquet). Harder glues also came to light in silane adhesives. According to Jo Indesteege of the Japanese chemical giant Kaneka (see the editorial of the previous edition), which introduced MS polymers a decade ago, hard elastic MS polymers are the future. They have the vast benefits of 2-component polyurethane adhesives, but they also have better elasticity.

Towards a new standard More news is coming about a new standard (ISO17178:2013), which makes a distinction between hard adhesives, hardelastic adhesives, and elastic adhesives. The difference with the current EN14293 is limited in the sense that at first sight little seems to have changed as regards the testing method, but there will be an extra category. Indeed, the current standard makes a distinction only between hard and soft adhesives. Elasticity requirements have been adjusted down, whilst those for shear strength have been increased. Source: Soudal. A search for a balance Are we talking here about tailor-made solutions? It certainly looks like it. Glue makers can make their formulations to suit

Manipulating softeners If legislation is being drawn up regarding definitions, we can expect such legislation to refer to the issue of softeners. Softeners are oily fluids which are added to synthetics to make them more flexible. This expands the scope of these synthetics vastly and it is possible to manipulate the properties (flexibility) as required. We can compare this to the addition of water to clay to make the clay more pliable. The most important synthetic to which softeners are added is PVC. Furthermore, softeners are also processed into glues, kits, varnishes, paints, inks, and cosmetics. According to Jo Indesteege, due to the price pressure which is now dominating the glue market, some makers are looking for cheaper formulations through the addition of softeners. Not only are excessive softener contents harmful to the quality of the glueing, but also those softeners can migrate after the floor is fitted and cause a

Emfiparquet Pro Plus

ECOLOGY/PERFORMANCE Parquet adhesive Based on silane terminated polymers. Approved for the fullsurface adhesive bonding of all types of parquet and in very large sizes: 15 x 160 mm, 20 x 180 mm, 20 x 200 mm.

OUR APPLICATION ADVANTAGES OUR ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS • In adequacy with the environmental standards in force. • Not aggressive for varnish. • Very low VOC* emission. • Very low odour. • Classified A+. • Classified EC1 Plus R. * Volatile organic compounds

• Excellent shelf life, minimum wastage. • Keeps perfectly good lines. • Use of advanced technology. • Easy to apply. • FCBA certificate. • Remains flexible after polymerization. • Suitable for laying on heated floors, in bathrooms, etc. • Fast curing time. • Improve the acoustic comfort of parquets. • Excellent resistance to humidity and heat.

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Floor Forum International 62

time. The disadvantage of soft elastic glues is that they more or less result in ‘floating’ floors.

Special Hard & soft elastic silane based adhesives

> Continued from page 18

Special Hard & soft elastic silane based adhesives

> Continued from page 21

reaction with the applied finish. Finally, we note that many current softeners are also under fire on ecological grounds. A selection from the range : Blanchon

Bona

The Blanchon range includes two spreadable glues, one sausageshaped glue, and one ship deck filler. All these products have the A+ label as regards indoor emissions. AB 2000 is a hybrid polymer adhesive for the full glueing of solid wood parquet in widths of up to 200mm and multi-layer parquet up to 400mm wide. This glue is flexible and elastic and suitable for floor heating. The AB 1300 is also a hybrid polymer glue. This extremely effective adhesive makes it possible to glue wide solid wood sections up to 130mm and Multi-layer sections up to 260mm. This adhesive, too, is flexible and elastic and provides outstanding adhesion on most substrates. Both glues are easy to apply and provide solid form stability adhesive of the spread. Both glues are EC 1R classified (GEV Emicode). The packaging, too, is extremely handy and keeps loss to an absolute minimum: the glue is sold in 6kg aluminium bags which are very flexible and practical. The sausageshaped glue is recommended for tasks such as fitting skirting boards.

Floor Forum International 62

Bostik

substrates. Moreover, it can be applied to the substrate without a primer so you save both time and money. This glue has the following unique properties: it is damp-resistant (so you can use it on teak in damp rooms), it saves time, it contains no water (so there is no risk of the wood being warped, it contains no solvents or isocyanates, it is suitable for use with floor heating and electric floor heating, and it is permanently elastic (from -40 to +80째C). In other words, it is an all-rounder suitable for glueing parquet.

The Parcol MS Elastic was the first MS polymer glue from Bostik. It is an elastic 1-component low-emission adhesive, which contains no solvents, water, or isocyanates. Parcol MS Progress is an MS polymer glue of the second generation. This glue is more elastic once it has set and is packed in a bucket with resealable aluminium bags. Parcol Mono Hybrid is a 1-component MS hybrid adhesive for glueing all sorts of parquet on all substrates. Parcol Mono Hybrid Easy is the refined formula of the Parcol Mono Hybrid as it is easier to spread, has better grooves, and is therefore more convenient to use. Parcol Mono Hybrid Easy has a very broad scope. It is suitable for glueing most parquet sorts on various types of

Bona offers a full range of silane adhesives. The carefully balanced combination of elasticity and strength makes these adhesives unique. The Bona R 580 is a single component moisture barrier for covering damp subfloors. This moisture barrier can be used as a single or dual component system, depending on the required adhesion time. It is then possible to fit wooden floors a few hours later. The R580 is completely compatible with Bona R850. The Bona R850 is a soft, elastic, and single component silane adhesive for multi-layer and solid wood floors (parquet, blocks, or planks). This glue is also available as Bona R850T, a high-viscosity glue for glue guns. R 850 dries quickly; once the glue has set, it has a solid texture and it can be used on almost all subfloors. Bona R845 is a soft, elastic, and 1-component parquet glue for dimensionally stable multi-layer parquet. The adhesive sets into a soft, elastic layer of film so that pressures only have a limited effect on the subfloor. Finally, the Bona R860 is an elastic 1-component silane adhesive for multi-layer floors. The glue dries quickly and can also be used as a 2-component system for even faster adhesion through the addition of water. This adhesive does not contain softeners. Chimiver Panseri Spa Chimiver offers Unisil, an adhesive based on MS technology. This flexible an elastic adhesive is a ready to use product. UNISIL is a prepolymer based, singlecomponent adhesive with a silanic termination (MS technology), totally free of water, solvents, amines, tin, isocyanates and epoxy resins. It hardens with atmospheric humidity and becomes resistant to water, temperature and ageing in approx. 36-48 hours. Recommended for gluing prefinished parquet onto marble, grit, tiles, ceramic or marble-chip floor, etc. Also suitable for gluing parquet onto underfloor heating and cooling

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! W NE n

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PLUS

sio

Universal, elastic wood flooring adhesives

MICO V-E

® DE

A Plus in performance, environment and ease of use

• Faster curing, higher bond strength • Wooden floor can bear load and be sanded way faster • Very low emission (EC-1 Plus) • Excellent ease of use

A+

A+ A B C Soudal NV • Everdongenlaan 18-20 • Turnhout • Belgium • Tel.: +32 (0) 14 42 42 31 • Fax: +32 (0) 14 42 65 14 • email: info@soudal.com • www.soudal.com Soudal (UK) Ltd . • Unit A, Tame Park • Vanguard • Tamworth B77 5DY • United Kingdom • Tel.: +44 1827 261 092 • Fax.: +44 1827 284 454 • email: salesuk@soudal.com

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Special Hard & soft elastic silane based adhesives

> Continued from page 22

system. CERTIFICATES: EC1R; ATTESTATION CCAEnvironmentally Compatible Product (Certificate issued by Department BEST Politecnico of Milan CCA Registration No. 201216); Sound Reduction (CSI Test Report No. 0056/ DC/ACU/06); Heat conductivity (CSI Test Report No. 0020/DC/TTS/06). Unisil is available in buckets, sausages and cartridges. In addition to Unisil, Chimiver has also Adesiver Elastic which, as Unisil, is EC1 very low emissions certified adhesive.

just about any substrate without a primer. This also means that you save precious drying time. Lecol

Emfi

Emfi recommends its hybrid polymers for glueing all sorts of parquet. These include two spatula-applied glues (Emfi Parquet Pro Plus and Emfi Parquet Pro Eco) and the tube glue Emfimastic PS Parquet. Emfi’s ‘star product’ is Emfi Parquet Pro+, a parquet glue based on silanated polymers, suitable for the full glueing of all types of parquet. Thanks to plenty of research and development, Emfi Parquet Pro+ meets the strictest ecological standards: it contains no solvents, silicones, or isocyanates. This adhesive is suitable for glueing very wide floorboards in oak. It sticks rapidly and is easy to apply. Emfi Parquet Pro+ is a 1-component glue. Its high resistance to moisture and fluctuations in temperature make it particularly suitable for fitting parquet on top of floor heating.

Lecol offers the WAKOL MS 260. This is a hard-elastic parquet adhesive for glueing mosaic parquet, end grain blocks, 22mm parquet, multi-layer parquet, solid wood parquet (maximum 18cm wide, oak up to a maximum of 20cm wide), crosscut RE/ WE, and flat cork floor covering on absorbent and non-absorbent substrates. WAKOL MS 260 meets the standard DIN EN 14 293. WAKOL MS 230 is an MS polymer adhesive for full glueing of multi-layer with tongue and groove. WAKOL MS 290 parquet glue combines the impact strength of a 2-K PU glue with the excellent spreadability of a 1-K MS glue. The system’s strong internal solidity means it provides the utmost possible safety against the emergence of joints. You can use WAKOL MS 290 parquet adhesive to glue all sorts of wood and parquet as well as flat cork floor coverings and ready-to-fit cork with MS technology. Interplays with varnishes are not possible because the glue does not contain any softeners, so there can be no migration of components from the glue. Pallmann

Floor Forum International 62

Henkel/Thomsit

Fitting parquet places high demands on the performance of the floor fitter and the quality of the product used. For finished parquet Thomsit presents P 675 Elast, which is high in quality and at an affordable price. By contrast, P 685 Elast Universal has broader scope and, amongst other things, is suitable for solid wood parquet. P 695 Elast Universal Strong is your master of all classes and is suitable for all sorts of parquet. These three adhesives all have the benefits of FLEXTECTM technology, which Thomsit has developed on its own. Thomsit elastic glues absorb the swelling and shrinking of parquet floors to reduce the tensile stress on the substrate permanently. Moreover, they are also strong and flexible and stick to

Pallmann presents its single component STP glue Pallmann P5. The Pallmann P5 is a hard elastic parquet glue, which contains no solvents or water and complies with the standard DIN EN 14293. This adhesive combines the elasticity of a polyurethane glue with the benefits of state-of-the-art STP technology. It is extremely easy to apply without any risk of swelling, since it does not contain water. Pallmann 5 is suitable for 19-22mm strip parquet, end grain blocks (16-22mm), and for all wood sorts, including exotic sorts. Palmann P6 is a single component, hard elastic parquet

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> continued from page 24

glue of the new generation. This glue combines the strength of a dual component glue with the benefits of a single component glue. The glue is suitable for all types of parquet and can be combined with all finishes in the Palmann assortment. The glue bears the GISCODE EC 1 Plus and the German ‘Blue Angel’ labels, which are guarantees for a healthy environment.

A strong Duo.

WAKOL

STAUF SPU-570 and SPU-545 One for all WAKOL MS 290 Parquet Adhesive With WAKOL MS 290 Parquet Adhesive, Wakol marketed the first MS adhesive in the category of “hard parquet adhesives” in accordance with DIN EN 14293 and the former DIN 281 concerning shear resistance. WAKOL MS 290 Parquet Adhesive combines the shear resistance of a 2-C PU adhesive with the good processing properties of a 1-C MS adhesive. On account of the high internal strength, the system ensures maximum protection against block tearing. With WAKOL MS 290 Parquet Adhesive, all parquet and wood types, as well as flat-lying natural cork flooring and readyto-lay cork parquet, can be bonded with MS technology. The adhesive is characterised not only by its very good scoring stability, but also a long open time and easy removability from painted parquet surfaces. Owing to the rapid solidification, the parquet can be sanded after only 24 hours. Interactions with paints are excluded, as the adhesive is free from plasticising substances and migration of adhesive components is thus impossible. WAKOL MS 290 Parquet Adhesive is of course included in the “Connected Systems” system guarantee in combination with Loba paints. WAKOL MS 290 Parquet Adhesive is delivered in a practical plastic bucket. The container is sealed with a compound aluminium foil, which ensures long storage stability of 12 months. WAKOL MS 290 Parquet Adhesive is in the best emissions class in accordance with EMICODE EC1 PLUS R. Further information on this product can be obtained on site by mobile phone via a QR code on the label. Product text WAKOL MS 290 Parquet Adhesive First shear-resistant MS-Parquet Adhesive. For all parquet types especially for critical parquet. For flat-lying natural cork flooring and ready-to-lay cork parquet. Very good scoring stability. No interaction with paints. Long open time. Fast strength build-up – can be sanded after 24 hours. 12 months storage stability in sealed packaging.

1 and 2 component hard elastic SPU wood ﬂooring adhesive according to DIN 281 and DIN EN 14293 ▪

no adverse interaction with parquet sealings varnishes flow asphalt or old substrates

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high shear strength

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adhesive residues easy to remove

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integrated vapor barrier

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fast setting

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no labeling required, EC1-R plus

Sika Sika presents a full range of silane-based adhesives. These multifunctional elastic glues can be deployed universally. Amongst other things, in kits we find Sika Bond AT Universal, which is ideal

www.stauf.info

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Special Hard & soft elastic silane based adhesives

> Continued from page 25

for glueing skirting boards. Sika Bond AT Metal can be used for glueing metal with other materials. For glueing parquet, Sika presents the Sika Bond AT 80. Sika Bond AT 80 is a 1-component, solvent-free, and elastic parquet glue based on polymer silane end groups for full-surface glueing of parquet. It is suitable for solid wood and for pre-fabricated parquet systems (slats, planks, panels, and plates), mosaic parquet, industrial parquet, woodengineered parquet, wooden paving (residential), chipboards, and OSB.

also have very few emissions and are in class EC1 Plus. This latter feature is becoming increasingly important in airtight homes and within the context of sustainability labels such as LEED速 and BREEAM速. The MS-20 Plus is suitable for multi-layer and narrower planks, the MS-30 Plus is the all-rounder, and the SMX 30 Plus is the strongest and fastest of the trio. It goes without saying that these glues meet all the relevant standards, namely EN14293 and the new ISO 17178:2013.

Stauf

Tover Stauf offers various silane-based adhesives for just about every imaginable fitting method for wooden floors. In contrast to many highly elastic glues on the market, Stauf SMP glues combine very high tack with handy elasticity. This means you can glue safely and with no tension and you achieve high dimensional stability to guarantee a durable wooden floor. The Stauf SMP 930 is an extremely economical and, especially, a very safe adhesive. Adhesive residue can still be removed even days after the installation. Stauf SMP 950 is the only 100% silane-based SMP glue. The composition does not include any softening content whatsoever, so this glue can be used for all sorts of floors and subfloors without any shrinking. The SMP 950 has an integrated moisture barrier up to 4CM% on cement covering floors. With the SPU 460 launched in 2010, Stauf now has a new line of adhesives which combine the safety of PU with the benefits of SMP. This year, Stauf has added two more newcomers: the SPU 570, a userfriendly all-rounder, and the SPU 545, the first dual component silane glue. This adhesive excludes a faulty interaction with other materials. Finally, Stauf also has the Stauf S-Press, an elastic silane adhesive in a 1,800mm tube for mechanical spreading. Soudal For many years, Soudal has been selling an extensive range of elastic glues and fillers based on silane modified (hybrid) polymers and has clear expertise and know-how in this field. In general terms, these are universal and high-quality products for glueing, fixing, and sealing. With MS-20 Plus, MS-30 Plus, and SMX速 30 Plus, Soudal has now introduced three new elastic adhesives for wood flooring. Naturally, elastic wood flooring adhesives have the advantage of spreading the forces from the movements of the wood equally over the subfloor. Just like their predecessors, the new Plus-hybrid parquet glues can be used on almost all substrates, and for glueing just about all types of wood flooring. Moreover, they do not contain any water, solvents, or isocyanates. All adhesives have been developed with outstanding spreadability at the top of the list of the specifications. They all

Tover chose the MS polymer technology based on Kaneka resins for the production of its silan adhesives. These elastic adhesives have many advantages due to their extreme versatility: they are suitable for small size parquet as well as for big dimensions planks, on any sub-floor and they are particularly recommended on under-floor heating systems. Moreover, they do not swell, have a long working time, a good adhesion even on ceramics and metallic supports and excellent tear strength. Another positive point is that MS glues are very easy to clean from prefinished parquet. Besides, they are perfectly eco-friendly, with no symbol of risk for a secure use both for the environment and final user. Tover complete range is composed of three different products: MonoSil, solvent and phthalates free, packed into bags of 7,5 kg to reduce at minimum the waste, Tovcol MS, available in bags or buckets and Sigil MS in cartridges and sausages for a gun application of the sealant inside and outside. A kit made of 10 sausages + a gun for a 20 square meters bonding is now available.

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MADE EXPO 2013 – a new renaissance for the Italian building industry? Logo MADE expo _ posizionamento data + luogo _ ITALIANO

in energy-efficiency and making buildings more secure in the face of earthquakes. Home renovation as a ray of hope Giovanni De Ponti, CEO of MADE EXPO, has said that there can be no economic recovery without the help of the property sector. 550,000 building jobs have already been lost in Italy since the outbreak of the global financial crisis. Companies which are committed to quality, sustainability, and energy-efficiency must be supported by promoting demand for their services. Mr De Ponti has also said that home renovation is the only market segment to perform well in recent years. In the period from 2008 to 2012, the segment enjoyed Photo: Mardegan Legno growth of 9.3% and the forecast for 2013 is 3%. These details are vitally Government measures for building industry recovery important to MADE Expo because solutions presented at the exThe Italian economy is facing one of the hardest and longest eco- hibition are often relevant to the home renovation market. nomic crises over the past fifty years. The message from MADE Expo and the construction and property sectors is that a recovery Green, architecture and design: Growing City is not possible without a recovery in the Italian construction in- “Growing City” is designed to inspire visitors with a more organic dustry. Prime minister Enrico Letta also realises this. Recently, his approach to architecture and design through an ingenious use of government has taken a series of measures to curtail the gnaw- plants and natural beauty. Parks and gardens are permanent fixing uncertainty, the problems caused by late payments, and the tures in any town or city, yet they are two separate phenomena bureaucracy which slow down investments. Other good news is from architecture. With Growing City, the exhibition organisers that the Italian parliament has recently approved a 55% tax credit want to highlight the possibilities of a symbiosis between green for everyone who invests in energy-efficiency. plantation, design, and architecture and create new hybrid intermediate forms. The woods have to become part of the city, and Energy-efficiency and security against earthquakes buildings could adopt a much more natural appearance. This conMaurizio Lupi, the new minister for infrastructure, has now cept is presented with symposia, workshops, and an exploration worked out an integrated plan to speed up government infra- room. We feel it goes without saying that wood will play a major structure works (including a renovation plan for school buildings). intermediate role. The government has also granted a tax reduction for investments _6

Visit the website of the new fair www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu

Floor Forum International 62

MADE EXPO takes place in Milan from 2 to 6 October. This international building and architecture exhibition brings the Italian and international building and architecture industries to Italy’s economic capital. Organisers are stressing the vital role which the construction and property market can play in the recovery of the Italian economy and with “Growing City” as the theme they are highlighting the possibilities of plants and gardens combined with design and architecture.

Preview MADE expo Milan (I)

Il posizionamento del luogo è stato studiato per potersi adattare a diversi formati. Invitiamo a usare quello ritenuto più adatto.

Special Nanotechnology- based lacquers

THE SAFETY OF NANOTECHNOLOGY RISKS HAVE TO BE ASSESSED CASE BY CASE Some people regard nanotechnology as the biggest technological revolution since the birth of the computer. That’s no surprise, of course, since this ‘breakthrough technology’ makes just about anything possible. Materials take on different, new, or reinforced properties as a result of manipulation on an ultra small scale. Even the creation of new materials is quite conceivable. Is this the start of the brave new world? At all events, Europe is open to the vast opportunities, but at the same time there is a need to check the potential risks. According to the European Commission, those risks have to be assessed case by case. What is nanotechnology? Nanotechnology is ‘the study and manipulation of material on ananomicroscopic scale’. Nanomaterials consist of individual nanoparticles, sections with dimensions, thinner than 100nm (nm = 10-9m, one billionth of a metre). Nanotechnology is relatively recent, but what is remarkable is the fact that the researchers studying this phenomenon come from a wide variety of scientific disciplines. Nanotechnology has such a broad scope that it can be used everywhere and can refine every form of science.” Manipulation of material It is true to say that nano-scientists do make a distinction between different sorts of nanotechnology work. For example, there is the so called ‘bottom-up’ and ‘top-down’ work. The latter means that materials with which we are now familiar can be viewed on a nanomicroscopic scale, as we have outlined above. And so, we can work on that scale to give materials a different structure. Here you could conceive of a particular material, which is made to be a better conductor or waterproof.

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New material There is also such a thing as ‘molecular nanotechnology’. This is a form of ‘basic’ nanotechnology, which works differently. This process yields the creation of newly designed products from nothing, as it were. Think here of computer chips on nano-scale, or even minuscule factories. However, it will be some time before we can make a start on that.

From passive to active Nanotechnology may be a very recent phenomenon, but it is developing rapidly. In the initial phase, scientists could only create passive nanostructures. Those are materials whose structure we are going to manipulate on a nanomicroscopic by means of certain properties. An example in the parquet industry, for instance, is an extra strong parquet varnish or a waterproof finish. Active nanostructures can change their own properties during use. Today’s step is the creation of machines at nano-level: see them as mini-robots which consist of various structures and within which molecules work together with different functions.

The importance of nanotechnology Nano-materials are materials which often possess specific properties as a result of their small parts. The global market in nanomaterials is estimated at 11 million tonnes with a market value of 200 billion euros. Direct employment in the industry is estimated at 300,000 to 400,000 jobs in Europe. The industry is still dominated by materials which have been in use for decades, such as carbon black (used mainly in tyres) or synthetic amorphous silica (this has many applications: in tyres, as polymer filler, but also in toothpaste or as anticoagulants in foodstuffs in powder form). New applications In recent years, researchers have developed several new uses for nano-materials, including a number of consumer products such as UV filters in suncream. We can imagine that it might be possible to create such UV filters for a transparent finish for outdoor wood. There are also a lot of medical and technical applications (e.g. tumour therapies, sun panels, or lithium ion batteries for electrical vehicles). These applications can lead to major technological breakthroughs and therefore nano-materials are regarded as key pioneering technology. Analysts expect the global market value of products based on nanotechnology to rise from 200 billion euros in 2009 to 2 trillion euros in 2015. Risk assessment Due to the vast possibilities and opportunities, the European Commission approved a statement (“Second evaluation of the legislation regarding nano-materials”) at the end of last year. This communication outlined how the Commission wants to refine the EU legislation to ensure that nano-materials are used safely. The statement stressed the vast variety of nano-materials: these included both everyday materials which have been used safely for decades (e.g. in tyres or as anticoagulants in foodstuffs) and extremely sophisticated industrial materials and tumour therapies. Case by case More and more information is coming to light about the dangerous properties of nano-materials, but it is difficult to make general statements. It has emerged from the available information and the advice of EU scientific and advisory committees and

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The role of REACH The Commission is still convinced that REACH constitutes the best framework for the risk management of nano-materials in the shape of substances or mixtures, but more specific regulations for nano-materials are needed within this framework. The Commission is considering changing a number of REACH appendices and is encouraging the ECHA to develop the guidelines for registration after 2013.

ICA uses nano-particles for the composition of some varnishes. For example, there are varnishes which provide greater hardness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance. The particles are deployed to improve the chemical and physical properties. Those properties (wear resistance, impact resistance, etc.) need to be improved without affecting the transparency of the varnish, certainly when applied to wooden floors. The nano-refined products from ICA hold no additional risks, either for fitters or end users. At all events, ICA is convinced that nanotechnology has a great future and that there will be an increase in the number of related raw materials. Lecol

Blanchon

Blanchon uses nanotechnology only in certain specific industrial applications in which the operators use specially adapted personal protective equipment. Amongst other things, nanotechnology makes use of resins and other components the size of a nanometre. These minuscule parts can give the varnish or paint exceptional qualities as regards wear or scratch resistance, for instance. Blanchon continues to insist that the utmost care is required in the use of nanomaterials, certainly with applications on site where physical contact is possible. Blanchon will continue to develop this technology further with the utmost vigilance. ICA GROUP

Lecol presents Loba 2K Supra AT. This is a dual component, waterborne, and 100% polyurethane finish with extremely high wear resistance thanks to refinement with ceramic parts. AT stands for Advanced Technology and relates to the latest generation of products from Loba, which have come into being through the use of revolutionary technology, innovative raw materials, and/or improved applications. These products have unique properties. The AT products guarantee low emissions (VOC< 80g/l) and meet all the requirements regarding the health of workers and end users. Rubio Monocoat The most important product which is based on nanotechnology within the Rubio Monocoat range is the RMC Nano Industrial. RMC Nano Industrial is an industrial pre-colouring which can be used to achieve creative effects. RMC Nano Industrial is being finished increasingly with a Rubio Monocoat Oil. This product has the following qualities: it dries quickly, has 0% VOC emissions, and has low consumption (5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20g/mÂ˛). RMC Nano Industrial is available in nine different colours. It is not necessary to apply a thick coats, and this means that the molecular binding of the RMC Oil finish is still guaranteed.

Visit the website of the new fair www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu

Floor Forum International 62

independent risk assessors that nano-materials are comparable with normal chemical and other substances: some can be toxic, whilst others are not. The possible risks are related to specific nano-materials and specific applications. And so, nano-materials must therefore be subjected to a risk assessment case by case and on the basis of relevant information.

Special Nanotechnology- based lacquers

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LAMINATE GOES ‘CLASSIC’ Special Laminate floors : part I

FLEXIBLE FLOOR COVERINGS FOLLOW SUIT Almost all trend spotters agree that classic and natural decors are dominating laminate trends. Nevertheless, whilst oak continues to lead the way and old fitting patterns and old or distressed wood are being highlighted, producers are hastening away from the purely imitative and coming up with some original ideas. Laminate is emerging in decors picked up from completely different interior spheres. Wood referring to other wooden implements instead of wooden floors is coming on the scene. Fragments from the wild are moving into the living room, whilst those other success floors (vinyl, LVT, and linoleum) are following suit.

Floor Forum International 62

Photo: Egger

Oak is still number one In real life (i.e. in the parquet industry), we don’t have to search long for the reasons why oak is still the absolute number one. Oak is an extremely stable wood, solid and sturdy, reliable, and versatile. It adapts easily to colours and finishes of every possible kind. It is beautiful, even though that is purely a matter of taste. Finally, oak is fairly widely available so its price/quality

ratio as a raw material is quite favourable. All those arguments ‘in favour’ are clear enough, but those arguments can hardly apply to laminate. Laminate with an oak decor is no more stable than laminate with pine. And so, the priority here is the look! People like oak, and its mechanical qualities support the aesthetic preference psychologically.

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Traditional designs Anything more traditional is hard to image. Several producers turn to oak in standard selections so that floors suit almost any interior perfectly. They reproduce the wood design and grains perfectly. The wood properties are depicted synchronously on the decor to give the floorboards a very authentic character. Phenomena? No, all traditional! These oak floors are available in ‘natural’ oak, bleached, white, white-washed, soaped, and many others. Likewise, lovers of rustic also find planks with strongly highlighted grains in darker colours. Traditional fitting patterns The fact that oak is on top means that old fitting patterns are never far away. Laminate manufacturers are providing for the renewal of herringbone, Hungarian point, and other fitting patterns from bygone days. Seamless transitions give rise to continuous patterns as if they really were parquet. This is high-class imitation. Versailles panels with herringbone pattern? Use your imagination! And so, once again, manufacturers are following the trends on the parquet market where those patterns are also making a comeback. Designers are even looking for inspiration in the maritime atmosphere, because that, too, is a trend in the world of parquet: refined and imitation ship deck patterns provide for relaxation and a holiday feel. The swansong The advance of oak inevitably means a decline in tropical wood sorts. In the world of wooden flooring there are undoubtedly

some ‘ecological’ reasons for that decline. Once again, that line of argument does not apply to laminate. A laminate floor with an oak decor is no more ecological than a floor in wenge or merbau. And so, psychology also plays some part here in the choice of purchase. At all events, manufacturers confirm that tropical or exotic wood sorts now form a niche market. Old and distressed The use of old, recycled floors has always been popular. Furthermore, the exhaustion of supplies means that also in the world of real wooden floors people have to rely on artificially aged floors, which give the impression that they really are antique floors. To that end, with real wooden floors we have to rely on distressing machines (see elsewhere in this edition) and far-reaching production processes. Things are a little more straightforward for laminate producers. The right picture, combined with the embossed in register technique, makes it perfectly possible to give the impression that a floor is genuinely old. Used wood with signs of use, damage, and worn edges, this is pure ‘vintage’. However, according to some producers, this trend is not as strong as the preference for the ‘purely natural’. ‘Different’ wood In the world of parquet they have been all the rage for years: floors made from wood which does not originate from old floors, but from other items or materials. This distinction briefly merits our attention. Restoring old floors is one thing; making

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> Continued from page 31

Special Laminate floors : part I

new floors from old wood is something entirely different and has consequences for the look of the floor. Natural characteristics The way to obtain a wooden or parquet floor from genuinely old wood is to produce new floorboards from old beams or planks. Over 100 years ago, wood was dried naturally, so it also took longer than it does today. After a century of use, the wood is already hard and has acquired its appreciated and ‘weathered’ appearance. It has more than proved its quality and durability by withstanding the ravages of time. Here, the origin of old beams affects the look of the final floor and the sources of old wood sometimes do seem to be inexhaustible. Laminate is following suit here as well The clarification above was necessary to show that laminate producers are also taking advantage of this niche, and they’re doing so fervently. Or, rather, they’re surpassing the phenomenon from the world of parquet by going much further. To illustrate this, let’s start with an anecdote. This editor still has the worthy privilege of being descended from a family of old colonials. I was conceived in Congo and ‘forced to flee’ at the embryo stage, as life became too hazardous in those parts. It was a special experience. Throughout my youth, I was confronted with raised eyebrows because of that colonial era. One reason for the raised eyebrows were the wooden shipping crates used to transport our ‘possessions’ during the ‘long voyage’ on the Congo ship. Toys, scouts kit, and travel items; during our youth, everything was stored neatly in those crates which bore the marks of several customs stamps, all sorts of stamps from various authorities, board information, and such like. Yet now it is precisely those crates which are the source of inspiration for the creation of new decors for laminate, vinyl, and textile. Here are three remarkable examples:

this producer. This collection makes use of scaffolding planks. As a rule, scaffolding planks get bleached by the sun and show all sorts of colours as a result of residue from plaster, cement, and paint on the building site. This collection suits the loose urbanised lifestyle of people who crave the perfectly imperfect. Pure fantasy Strictly speaking, quite apart from the various types and patterns of wooden floors, quite apart from all other wood, and quite apart from other material imitations, it is possible to develop any pattern in laminate. For example, in the latest assortment of some producers we see the emergence of some nice fantasy decors such as a collage of cowhides or a patchwork of used carpets. These are original and exclusive, yet apart from the laminate manufacturers’ assortments, we are also witnessing the development of something even more exclusive in the shape of fully personalised laminate. Here, digital print technology has opened the door to pioneering steps. Whatever we can dream of (e.g. heads, boxes, moons, stars, draughtsboards or chessboards, or children’s drawings) is actually possible. Since laminate decors are made by ‘photography’ and ‘printing’, it goes without saying that digital printing is applied here, too. The advantage: digital printing is possible in small volumes, so clients can simply design and order their own floor. Laminate makers are rushing en masse to catch this digital train.

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Wine and fruit crates A few years ago, a renowned premium laminate producer unveiled a laminate collection with a decor shaped from wine and fruit crates. The launch proved an immediate hit and was copied in many segments of the floor industry. Not only was the decor copied, but also the very idea won widespread approval and helped to promote new sorts of decors and spheres.

Sea freight crates That very same manufacturer is now continuing with that elan and has launched a collection of laminate, which draws its inspiration from the above-mentioned sea freight crates. The wood from those crates has travelled the world for years and shows typical signs of use, colours, varnishes, and bleached typographical fragments. Building wood Used wood has also been a source of inspiration for a completely different collection from

Photo: Windmöller Flooring Products GmbH

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> Continued from page 32

Colour trends in general Year after year, Quick-Step keeps a close eye on trends in interior design. As far as colour trends are concerned, this is a summary of trends for 2013. Strangely enough, as is the case in fashion, we are not able to detect any set trends in colours. In other words, the palette is exceptionally varied and there is a colour for everyone. Black and white are still omnipresent, although white is now less popular. Lighter colours are starting to replace white and are now being called ‘the new white’. Light, neutral colours are timeless and, in combination with designs and structures, create a fascinating whole. Grey is still a permanent fixture. In particular, warm grey tints with a dash of brown (the so called ‘greige’) are proving a hit in home interiors. Warm and dark brown are also in fashion. This is one of the strongest trends at recent international furniture fairs. The revival of retro and vintage has led to a comeback of pastel colours. In combination with warm brown or the new grey, pastels come entirely into their own. Finally, bright and fluorescent colours are like a positive touch in this development. For the time being, they are still being used as detail and accessory colours. Vinyl is in the mix Those ‘other’ floor sorts such as vinyl, LVT, textile, PVC, and linoleum have all made great strides. That is quite clear. Some people think these floors pose a threat to the turnover of laminate in general, whilst others see them as complementary, so both segments can grow. Whatever the case, simple common sense tells us that anyone who fits vinyl tiles in a particular room will not fit laminate in that same room. We see several manufacturers offering both laminate and flexible floor coverings. Naturally, in those cases there is no question of competition, but perhaps that’s cannibalism. A representative from one of the leading producers speaks cautiously of a snatched market share of 5 to 8% (in the Benelux). The same trends All that we have said about trends and end user preferences applies equally to these floors. The same wood imitations still form the base for the classic range. More refined decors such as those outlined above are also part of collections aimed at a design-loving public. Since this, too, is about innovative printing and relief printing, the structures with these floors are also tangible. One step ahead? And so, if all the decors are the same, what is it that makes lots of people opt for vinyl tiles (LVT), for example, ahead of laminate? Firstly, the price is quite attractive, although LVT in the top quality category is definitely similar in price. A major difference lies in a number of comfort aspects. These floors naturally feel softer and warmer than laminate and, moreover, they also have much better acoustics. In other words, these are the ‘silent floors’.

A word of thanks to: Parador, Egger, Roysol/EPI Flooring, Quick-Step, Kronospan, Skema, Balterio and Windmöller Flooring Products GmbH.

Floor Forum International 62

Special Distressing machines

YOU CAN DISTRESS A FLOOR MANUALLY OR MECHANICALLY

BIG JOBS NEED MORE HANDS Distressed floors are ‘in’. We used to regard distressed wooden floors as a trend, but for some years now we have had no choice but to regard them rather as one particular method of finishing a floor. The magical keyword here is undoubtedly ‘nostalgia’. People associate parquet with ‘the past’, even though it is for all generations. This generation (and perhaps the previous generation) regards parquet as antiquated, a blast from the past. And so, it’s little wonder that distressed designs are proving such a big hit, even in modern interiors. Machine producers are providing the ‘tools’ for distressing floors, and for big jobs. Why distress a floor? The answer is quite simple: because distressed floors evoke that ‘vintage’ atmosphere, which is such a hit on the market. Whether you have a hypermodern or antiquated interior, nostalgia always gives it that something special. Wooden floors are warm and attractive and if they are given that weathered look, they offer an extra dimension in terms of homeliness and cosiness. As people look for natural materials, a distressed effect gives floors a strong dose of authenticity. Didn’t you used to love grandma’s parquet? Now that ‘old wood’ is scarce, we have to ‘imitate’ that ripe old age, and there are techniques in abundance. We have inherited them partly from the furniture industry. There was always an element of ‘deception’ involved. Antique dealers used to sell new items of furniture as antiques, and in the period from around 1970 to 1990 that generated a sharp rise in prices. These items could hardly be distinguished from real antiques. What is honesty? The fact is that parquet manufacturers and floor fitters nowadays admit openly that floors with an aged appearance are not necessarily ‘old’. ‘Distressed’ is listed as a finish in the same breath as varnish, oil, wax, hard wax, and so on. Distressing techniques To find out more about distressing machines, it is useful to consider the various distressing techniques. There is a difference between chemical distressing (e.g. smoking, whitewash, and staining) and mechanical distressing (e.g. beating, scraping, brushing, and lashing). In this article we limit ourselves to mechanical distressing. This can be done using a machine or by hand. Strictly speaking, with mechanical distressing we have two objectives in view: on the one hand, we want to give the impression that the floorboards have been produced using old fashioned techniques of 100 years ago (brushing and scraping); on the other hand, we also want to lead people to think that the floors have suffered under years of use (thrashing, beating, and flogging). Imitating old techniques We all know that technology is advancing rapidly. Machines about 10 years ago did not yield the same quality as today’s machines.

That’s to say nothing about machines 100 years ago! A century ago, it was not possible to saw straight with no visible movements of the saw blade. The same applies to planning and sanding. Nowadays, we can sandpaper perfectly smoothly by deploying various sanding tools one after the other, to cut a diamond, in the olden days we had to rely on brushes. You know what we’re going to say next: when we use these old materials and techniques on brand new oak planks or parquet, we largely create the impression that the floor is from ‘a bygone age’. You don’t find such poor sawing, planning, or sanding any more. A dash of colour completes the effect. Breaking a tongue and groove and planing plates (scraping) reminds us of old and defective planing machines. Brushing is another way of highlighting the wood grains. This, too, can be done with a touch of colour. Multiple use of imitations Another method of distressing is to give the impression that floors have been in use for several decades. You can do this by creating traces of use. Lashing and beating the floor gives it a certain damaged appearance which looks like traces of high traffic use on the one hand or which indicates the work of insects or micro-organisms on the floorboards. Making small holes in the floor gives the appearance of woodworm, something which occurred frequently in older (damper) houses on deal or pitch pine floors. Beating the floor reinforces these effects. Machines for distressing Originally (i.e. in the past), these phenomena were the result of intense use of a floor or of less refined tools (as compared to those of today). It is quite possible to imitate those effects manually and certainly that method will often yield the truest imitation. However, for big jobs, mechanical distressing is recommended in view of today’s technology. For beating we have modern beating machines. The principle is simple: planks are put in a drum filled with bolts, nails, and such like. As the drum rotates, the flying objects inside the drum cause arbitrary damage to the floor to give it an aged appearance. Brushing is done in a structure brushing machine, which can be integrated perfectly

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> Continued from page 34

into the production line. Such machines are available in various widths and can be fitted with different brushes. There are various materials for the brushes such as bronze or nylon with silicon carbide. Another tool for giving planks an old appearance is the ripsaw machine which leaves the original sawing movement visible. These are merely a few examples of distressing machines. Manufacturers continue to innovate and, of course, they work to meet client needs.

can be built into the line, whilst the computerisation of the parts makes the operation easier and enables easy integration within the production line. The ergonomic sizes mean that you can make full use of small spaces.

Boere Machinefabriek The main ways of giving a wooden floor a distressed effect are rounding off the material in the length, applying damage to the surface, and brushing the growth rings in the wood. In addition to its programme of broad belt sanders, the limited company Boere Machinefabriek bv also makes a full range of structure brushing machines, which may or may not be fitted with a scarving unit which can be used to apply a sawn effect to the floorboards. This operation is usually carried out in combination with light structure brushing. This treatment gives the floor surface a surprisingly rustic effect. The machines are suitable for fitting in a production line. The major clients are parquet manufacturers, solid wood floor manufacturers, and coating contractors. These sorts of machines are also supplied frequently to producers of refined panels and furniture makers. There is a growing demand all over the world for these surface treatment machines and Boere Machinefabriek bv has taken full advantage of this with the development of some special machines.

Energy efficient and a reliable operation The compact design reduces the need for expensive means of transport and relocation of materials. This represents a considerable saving in expensive parts, which wear out, and also reduces the required energy. This results in lower operational costs and reduces CO² emissions. Due to the better accessibility to all machine parts which require regular maintenance, maintenance can be carried out faster and more easily. This ensures an exceptionally high production co-efficient (up time). Rösler wood surface treatment The Rösler surface treatment offers complete solutions so that manufacturers can distress floors flexibly, quickly, and economically. These machines are used all over the world.

Special Distressing machines

What’s on the market?

Trabattoni Stampi

The best distressing Distressing machines are specially designed for maximum performance in the woodworking industry. The outstanding distressing effects, together with low corporate costs and a guarantee of consistent and repeated quality, are the top priorities in equipment requirements. With its range of transit facilities, Rösler meets these market demands in full and you also get cost-effective distressing on the parts. The main technical features are the compact designs for small areas, the high machine efficiency, and the low maintenance. The compact and versatile machine concept These distressing machines do not require any special concrete and floor reinforcement, and they can process sections with lengths of 6m and widths of 400mm. The sizes of the planks can be absorbed through each other and the machines can process a wide range of parts. Due to their compact design, the machines

According to Trabattoni, the best way to give parquet an aged appearance is to use press machine with press rollers. These rollers are easy to replace in order to obtain various effects using just one machine. Amongst other things, Trabattoni offers the Borgore 800 l machine from machine producer Renzo Borgonovo, a machine developed specially for direct hot pressing on wood. It is not possible to integrate these machines into a production line since they operate at high temperatures. Parquet manufacturers and fitters are the target group for these machines.

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Floor Forum International 62

Rösler wood surface treatment

Special Outdoor floors : maintenance & finishes Floor Forum International 62 36

FINISH AND MAINTENANCE AFFECT THE LIFESPAN A WOODEN TERRACE CAN LAST ‘FOR LIFE’. On an attractive estate in Leest, near Mechelen (B), stands an aristocratic villa with a swimming pool and a park of half a hectare. A wooden terrace has been constructed around the swimming pool to connect with the living room in the house. Brand new, you might think. Nothing could be further from the truth. The lady of the house turned eighty last year. The terrace was constructed in 1988 and is designed in Burmese teak. Every year, the odd-jobber cleans it thoroughly and it is treated with a special terrace oil every two years. Even after 25 years, the wood looks as good as new. And so, it can be done, if you use the right products. Durability of terrace wood New after 25 years, a quarter of a century! Has our elderly lady from Leest beaten all the laws of the durability classes? The fact is that durability class 1 gives certain sorts of wood a durability of 25 years in outdoor applications and, yes, untreated. However, the durability class does not give the maximum lifespan of a wooden terrace. A professionally constructed wooden terrace does not come into contact with the ground, is regularly buffeted by the natural effects of the climate, and is given a treatment so that it can stand up to the ravages of time. And so, a wooden terrace really can outlive its proud owner. It goes without saying that parquet floor fitters must give their clients professional advice at this point. What are the enemies of wood? Let us summarise them briefly. Ageing as a result of UV light Ultraviolet light, oxygen, and water together cause wood to age and rot (see below). In a photochemical process the sunlight breaks up the dark coloured lignin, one of the main constituents of wood. The light coloured cellulose, that other constituent, is left behind on its own. The fact that the colour of the cellulose is going to take over is visible from the ageing. What we perceive visually as ‘ageing’ is actually a microscopic thin layer of wood which is decomposing. Depending on the surrounds and the extent to which the air is polluted, the ageing can be darker or lighter. On the inside the cellulose can be washed away by rainwater and the wood takes on a frayed pattern which everyone has seen on a piece of rotten wood. And so, it is no surprise that various procedures for making wood more durable are geared towards manipulating the wood’s chemical composition. All beasts Everyone knows that the wild is full of little beasts. Woodworm, wood rot, and fungi can cause a major threat to all exterior wood. The woodworm is a larva of the woodworm bug. The designation ‘worm’ refers to the larvae, since the woodworm is essentially a bug. The woodworm lives in the wild, mainly in trees with

hardwood such as oak and fruit trees, for instance. Wood rot is a fungus which mainly affects wood which has (excessive) contact with damp. In some cases the fungus is visible. Sometimes wood rot gives itself away as the wood surface turns brown and crumbly or greyish white and spongy. The fungus often presses into the wood via the ends such as the underside of a post, the point where two beams touch each other, frame joints, and such like. Wood which is often exposed to wind is particularly vulnerable to wood rot. Finally, the polypore is a fungus like a toadstool which can cause a lot of damage to woodwork. The most notorious of these polypores is the so called dry rot. The remedies Products which can extend the lifespan of a wooden terrace are obviously designed to tackle the above-mentioned threats. Three products are particularly common in the extensive range on offer: terrace oil or saturators, terrace anti-ageing, and terrace cleaner. Terrace oil Terrace oil is applied to new or existing wooden floors. It is important to clean the wood thoroughly first or even to sandpaper it lightly. Terrace oil gives effective protection against the penetration of damp and dirt as the oil impregnates the wood to saturate the pores and strengthen the wood surface. You need to use coloured oil to protect wood from UV light. Terrace anti-ageing Terrace anti-ageing is designed in one respect to counteract the ageing process or to remove the disintegrating layer of wood which is causing the ageing. Anti-ageing products remove the veil and restore the wood to its original colour. Terrace cleaner Terrace cleaners are an effective means of counteracting moss formation and dirt. They can be used on all sorts of tropical wood. Most cleaners are diluted with water and applied using

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a brush. The dosage can be adapted, depending on the severity of the filthiness, and you can repeat the process if there is some stubborn dirt which requires two attempts. People often clean their terraces (thoroughly) before applying terrace oil. A selection from the range : Blanchon Blanchon recommends impregnating outdoor floors to protect them by means of saturation. This means that all the wood fibres (pores) are saturated and that there is only a small quantity of product left on the top. The wood must be cleaned thoroughly before it is saturated. Blanchon has a complete range of products for preparing, finishing, and cleaning wood. Firstly, there is ‘Dégriseur Bois Blanchon’. This is a good quality jelly which is recommended specially for cleaning outdoor wood which is exposed to the rigours of the weather and the formation of fungi and moss. ‘Satureur Bois Blanchon’ is the saturator and it is based on the traditional composition. For a few years now, Blanchon has also offered ‘Saturateur Environnement’, which is part of its Ecological Quality Line (‘Ligne Qualité Environnement’) and scores well at all points. It can also be applied to exotic wood

sorts immediately after the fitting. For periodic cleaning there is ‘Nettoyant Terrasses Blanchon’ and, specially for composites, Blanchon also has ‘Renovateur Terrasses Composites’. A new product this year is ‘Système Anti-UV Incolore’, a colourless series which protects wood from the effects of sunlight. The series consists of a conditioner (‘Conditionneur’) and a terrace protector (‘Protecteur Terrasses’). An important added benefit of this series is that it preserves the original colour of the wood. Whereas protection from UV light is traditionally associated with the addition of dyes, this series is colourless. Bona Bona offers a professional cleaning system, namely the Bona Deep Clean System. This system is suitable for cleaning both indoor and outdoor wooden floors thoroughly. It consists of a professional cleaning machine (Bona Power Scrubber) and a specially formulated professional detergent (Bona Deep Clean Solution). The Bona Power Scrubber is a compact and powerful scrubbing machine for cleaning varnished and oiled wooden floors thoroughly. In combination with the professional cleaner Bona Deep Clean Solution, it easily removes even the most stubborn dirt from wooden floors. The two cylinder brushes, which rotate in different directions, clean floors

Easy and effective. Naturally

MILLIONS

OF FOOTSTEPS ON WOCA 0ILS Carefully selected WOCA wood flooring products are now to be found in the new Tax-Free Shop in Copenhagen Airport (CPH) – not on the shelves, but on the newly installed wood floor due to a large renovation in 2013. The fact that Copenhagen Airport uses WOCA wood flooring products is not breaking news though. WoodCare Denmark has had the privilege of supplying wood care products for all wood floors in the airport for decades. As a result of a professional care and maintenance system developed by Copenhagen Airport and WoodCare Denmark in close cooperation, it is hard to tell that specific parts of the wood floor area were installed for more than 40 years ago – despite a daily influence of approximately 50,000 visitors. This clearly shows that regular and correct cleaning and maintenance really can make a difference for a wood floor. Products used in the airport: Basic treatment: WOCA Master Oil Maintenance: WOCA Maintenance Oil and WOCA Oil Refresher Cleaning: WOCA Natural Soap Products used in the Tax-Free Shop: Basic treatment: WOCA Diamond Oil applied with indoor WOCA Oil Applicator

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

Special Outdoor floors : maintenance & finishes

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Special Outdoor floors : maintenance & finishes

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thoroughly, even on rough, brushed parquet and wooden floors with bevelled edges. The two white rotating brushes (for indoor floors) can easily be replaced by the red brushes, which are specially for outdoor floors. Briançon At Briançon they are fully convinced that a saturator is the correct product to finish and maintain terrace wood. One important point here is that you don’t use saturator with too much colour in order to preserve the natural shade of the wood. For terrace wood designed in autoclave, treated pine you can apply the red wood saturator (‘Satureur Bois Rouge’). This product makes the wood look like ipe i.e. an exotic look. Briançon presents a full range for finish and maintenance. For removing the grey from aged terraces there is ‘Degriseur Bois’. ‘Satureur Aqua Terrasse’ can then be used for all wood sorts (five available shades). Finally, there is the ‘Huile pour Teck’ maintaining garden furniture.

Sundeck Wood Oil is an impregnating oil for outdoor wooden floors available in different colors and a certified anti-slip version. Lios Sundeck Soap is a nourishing soap for cleaning and maintaning outdoor wooden floors. Lios Grigioff is a special solvent-free product to restore wheathered outdoor wooden floor back to its original colour. Elastoxyl is an expansion joint for outdoor floors available in four different colours: black, teak, grey and white. Scudo invisibile is an invisible protection wateroil repellent for outdoor wood and stones materials. Kit maintenance and kit refitting are available sets for cleaning and maintaning your outdoor wooden floors. Starting from last year Chimiver offers also a new water-based impregnating oil SUNDECK W OIL available in different versions as no-slip and colored white and grey and SCUDO WPC which is a water-based water and oil repellent invisible protection for WPC. Durieu/Owatrol

Ciranova

Floor Forum International 62

Photo: Durieu - Adfields

Ciranova presents an extensive range of products for cleaning and maintaining wooden terraces, including a Green Streak Remover, an Anti-ageing, a Wood Cleaner (Ciranova), and a Wood Protector, a natural oil suitable for all outdoor wood. Ciranova Ecoprotector is a waterborne protective product for outdoor wood such as exotic wood, wood with resin, and European deciduous trees (eight colours). Ecoprotector does not form a film, but penetrates the wood (you apply it in two coats). There is UVP Colour + UVP Decking Oil 2K: UVP Colour is a waterborne, VOCless primer based on nano-dyes for colouring the wood. An extra UV absorber protects the wood from turning yellow. Once UVP colour is applied, it has to be protected by UVP decking oil 2K, a waterborne, VOC-less, and dual component oil with nano-dyes to protect outdoor wood. UVP Decking oil must be applied in one coat. The 2K technology ensures extra protection and the reaction with the substances of the wood ensure that the top coat is reinforced. New in the range is AQUAFIX PROTECT RRT, a revolutionary (single coat) product with built-in RRT Technology (=Rapid Rain Technology) which gives the wood a pearl effect so that the water drips off the wood immediately. Chimiver Panseri Spa Chimiver offers a wide range of products for treating protecting and maintaining all kind of outdoor wooden surfaces. Lios

Which products are most suitable for finishing and maintaining outdoor parquet is determined partly by the state of the wood. At all events, the wood has to be clean and dry and stripped of any previous finishes. The pores have to be well open: the wood has to be compatible with an oil or saturator. Depending on each case, it may be necessary to clean, anti-age, remove oil, or stain. For all those tasks Owatrol has a wide assortment. NetTrol 200/400/600 is recommended for anti-ageing, removal of oil, and staining. Protext is a lightly tinted saturator for all wood sorts. Textrol Pro is a saturator for soft wood sorts (mainly coniferous wood), whilst D1 Pro is for hard wood sorts (mainly tropical sorts). D1 Pro is available at present in a grey design which protects the terrace wood and gives it a grey tint. Floorservice Our gardens are increasingly becoming an extension of the interior. The style which is carefully chosen for the interior does not stop at the outside door. Wooden terraces with accompanying tables and chairs fit in perfectly with the interior. Just like indoor wood, outdoor wood also needs attention and maintenance in order to retain its natural look! Floorservice Terrace Oil has been developed to keep garden wood in top condition. This oil penetrates the wood (hardwood) deeply and gives

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Bona Oils for Unique Expressions The all-new Bona Oil System The all-new Bona Oil System brings out the true character of wooden floors. The innovative rangeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-dimensional design effects create stunning expressions through highlights and stark contrasts. From design and protection to maintenance and care, this complete system is all you need for a long-lasting, beautiful oiled wooden floor with low VOC levels over its lifetime.

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outstanding protection against water and dirt. The mild-odour oil does not leave a film, but gives the wood an even surface. The intensive cleaner Floorservice Anti-ageing for garden furniture, terraces, fences, and pergolas cleans thoroughly and removes signs of ageing. The cleaner is suitable for both soft and hard wood sorts. It restores the original tint in the old and ageing wood and the wood once again takes on a grandeur which it ought to have.

Osmo Optimal protection for wooden decking

ICA GROUP ICA believes that outdoor floor finishes must protect wood against damp and help it to preserve its natural colour. They suggest a ready-for-use and userfriendly product with low VOC content. The ICADECK grade with transparent, waterborne, and impregnating top coat is available in various colours. The product does not contain any NMP. ICADECK can be used as an alternative to oil-based products and ensures very high colour fastness. The frequency with which the treatment is repeated depends on the exposure to the sun and atmospheric conditions. ICADECK can be used perfectly well to treat tropical wood sorts. Irsa For cleaning terrace boards manually Irsa presents Aqua Cleaner 5000 Outdoor. This cleaner does not remove the natural ageing, but it does clean the wood thoroughly. To freshen up aged terrace boards there is Irsa Wood Refresher, a liquid cleaner which can be used diluted (up to 1:5) or undiluted. For the protection of exotic wood sorts such as bangkirai, teak, iriko, ipe, and such like, there is Irsa Exotic Wood Oil, made with ingredients such as waterborne oils and micro-fine dyes. Irsa Exotic Wood Oil offers protection against UV rays. This oil is free of toxic substances. The surface retains its open pores and can be repainted. In addition to this oil, Irsa offers Irsa Wood Oil, which can be deployed for the protection and maintenance of both exotic and non-exotic sorts of wood (e.g. larch, pine, spruce, and cedar).

Floor Forum International 62

Loba

breathe freely. The natural beauty of the wood is brought out by highlighting the wood fibres. The slip resistance corresponds to DIN 51130 for even and grooved terrace boards. For applying the oil it is advisable to clean the floor with Deck & Teak Refresh or with Lobacare® Parquet Soap. Deck & Teak Refresh restores grey wood to its original colour.

For the maintenance of outdoor floors and outdoor wood in general, Loba presents Lobasol® Deck & Teak Oil. This oil has been developed specially for wooden deckings, garden furniture, and garden wood and is based on vegetable oils which provide UV protection. The wood is protected due to the oil’s high penetration capacity, but it retains its open pores so that it can

With Osmo products high quality wooden decks keep their beauty. They protect and increase the durability of the wood against moisture absorption and UV influence. To remove soiling the decking needs to be cleaned with Osmo Wash and Care and water. After cleaning a very thin coat of one of the Decking-Oils should be applied. They are available in a variety of appropriate natural wood tones for the most popular wood species. DeckingOils smooth the wooden surface and make it water-repellent and dirt-resistant. As a top coat Osmo recommends to use the AntiSlip Decking-Oil. It adds extra grip to the surface and reduces green growth. Plastor

Plastor presents a complete assortment for cleaning and maintaining terraces. The ‘Nettoyant Concentré Terrasse’ is designed for regular cleaning. It removes food residue, grease, and dirt and gives wood a new gloss. This cleaner can be used for both wooden floors and composites. The ‘Degriseur Terrasse’ gives aged floors a ‘second youth’. This product cleans, anti-ages, and brightens up wooden terraces. The wood is restored to its original tint, whilst grease and any rust marks disappear. The ‘Huile Terrasse’ from Plastor gives wood an outstanding watertightness. The oil is ideal for all terraces and swimming pool boards, irrespective of the type of wood. The matt effect gives the wood a highly natural look. We obtain long-lasting protection with the ‘Satureur Pur-T® Deck’. This saturator is based on oil, enriched with anti-UV and dyes which are weather-resistant. A treatment with the Satureur Pur-T® Deck is a guarantee of a long lifespan for all wood sorts. Thanks to its water-resistant properties, it blocks out water and moisture on the wood surface.

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Rubio Monocoat

Monocoat Hybrid Wood Protector is maintained simply by using the same product, but without scouring! Moreover, the Rubio Monocoat Exterior Wood Cleaner is ideal for cleaning composites. Tover

Rubio Monocoat offers effective solutions for finishing and maintaining outdoor terraces. To start with, one uses the Rubio Monocoat Exterior Wood Cleaner. This cleaner completely removes dirt, grease, and green streaks. There are two different treatments for the finish. The Rubio Monocoat Decking Oil Duo System is a combination of a dyed primer which is based on nanotechnology (RMC Sunprimer Colour) and a finish oil (RMC Decking Oil 2C) which binds molecularly to the upper fibres of the wood. The alternative is the Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Wood Protector, which colours and protects the wood in a single coat. For cleaning, Rubio Monocoat presents a mild soap, namely the Rubio Monocoat Exterior Soap. Specifically for maintaining terraces treated with the Rubio Monocoat Decking Oil Duo System, there is the Exterior Maintenance Oil, which freshens up both colour and protection. An outdoor floor treated with Rubio

ECOSTAR 2K SPORT

New!

For a good finishing of wood in exterior, Tover recommends to apply the natural impregnating oil Oil4sun. Very easy to use, waterproof, it is suitable for the treatment of terraces, decking and furniture. The oil contains efficient fungicides against mildew and additives which guarantee a long-lasting protection against UV rays, the main cause of wood wear and aging. Oil4Sun deeply penetrates into the wooden pores and feeds it, granting a homogeneous tonality to the whole surface. When the floor appears dull or worn, it is enough to clean it well with Deteroil, a concentrated neutral soap and apply a new layer of oil. If the wood is grey, the specific agent Grey Free will remove this grey patina and enable a new coating with the oil. Oil4Sun is available in neutral, teak, wengé and grey versions.

Special Outdoor floors : maintenance & finishes

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BUZON Pedestal International s.a. Manufacturer of adjustable pedestals for all types of wood terraces Adjustable from 11 to 1120mm

90° 5%

90° 10%

Slope correction of up to 10% by combining 2 correctors. CHIMIVER PANSERI S.p.A. PONTIDA (BG) www.chimiver.com info@chimiver.com

BUZON Pedestal International s.a. Tel : +32 (0) 4 248 39 83 - Fax : +32 (0) 4 264 82 38 info@buzon.eu www.buzon.eu

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Floor Forum International 62

Two components water-based finish for treatment of wooden sport floors. It meets the slip resistance required by EN 14904 standard

SUBFLOORS FOR VINYL AND PVC FLOORS.

Floor Forum International 62

Special Subfloors : part II

LEVELLING AND SOUND IMPROVEMENT ARE TOP PRIORITY.

Every floor needs the right subfloor. This is a motto which various producers or suppliers, specialising in the manufacture and/or distribution of subfloors, all promote. Yet, at the same time, it is also a ‘universal creed’ in the flooring world. Strictly speaking, each floor is a system constructed from different components, whether we are talking about a floating floor or a fully glued floor or whether we refer to ceramics, natural stone, parquet, laminate, wall-to-wall carpet vinyl, or linoleum. Some demands made of a subfloor apply generally to all floors. For vinyl, linoleum, and textile, levelling is one of the main goals. Moisture barriers With floating floors, the best protection against the risk of damp is a moisture barrier foil. The available ones usually consist of synthetics. Highly common synthetics for moisture barriers are polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyisobutylene (PIB). Foils are available in rolls in various widths. They must be fitted with overlaps of 30cm and at the edge against the wall up to 2cm above the eventual height of the floor. Any damage to the foil must be repaired or else the whole subfloor becomes pointless. Once the moisture barrier is fitted, most people also fit a subfloor, depending on the necessity. For example, in some situations there might be a need for a levelling subfloor or thermal or acoustic insulation. The latter is often very important in blocks of flats where people want (and are legally obliged) to make sure that the neighbours below do not have to endure the nuisance of the sound of footsteps. Density of the subfloor Subfloor requirements for laminate or floating (multi-layer) parquet are different to those of vinyl, PVC, linoleum, or textile, at least as regards levelling capability. The crucial point is the floor density. We’ve often said that a perfectly level subfloor is vital for strong and attractive end results, since any unevenness or differences in levels show up in the top floor. The extent of this varies with the hardness or density of the floor. Slight unevenness in the screed usually remains invisible with laminate or parquet. In this case, a flexible subfloor with or without a fitted moisture barrier may suffice. With more flexible floor coverings, however, this small unevenness must be eliminated by a harder subfloor. The rule is that pressure of 300 kPa must not press the subfloor further in than 0.3mm. Sheets are the rule In our previous articles on subfloors for floating fitting, we have often divided subfloors up into those in rolls and those in sheet form. In keeping with what we have said above with regard to density, here we will concentrate largely on the field of subfloors in sheet form. We will do so largely, because there are some exceptions. Some producers promote subfloors which certainly appear as rolls, but actually provide enough density to fit flexible

floor coverings. A striking phenomenon with a number of specialists are the double sheet systems. The subfloor consists of a bottom and a top sheet. MDF is a frequently recurring material for these sheets. In some cases the sheets need to be fitted crosslinked, whilst in other cases they are glued to each other. A perfect combination for subfloors in the case of a flexible top floor is a soft bottom sheet and a hard top plate. The soft bottom sheet absorbs any unevenness in the covering floor, whilst the hard top sheet prevents impressions from chair legs, stiletto heels, and such like. This combination is used, amongst other things, for sound reduction, levelling, and stabilisation of elastic vinyl. Special topics Sound reduction On the whole, we can divide LVT floors into two types: some of them are fitted with a click system and are therefore fitted floating, whilst others consist of strips which need full glueing. Full glueing does have a noticeable acoustic benefit. Luxury vinyl tiles (and planks) fitted with a click system have a lot in common with laminate as regards acoustic qualities. In some cases, we could expect a certain degree of sound reduction from the subfloor. Many subfloors which are recommended for these tiles also reduce impact sound by 10dB. Floor heating PVC, vinyl, and linoleum are types of floors which are clearly on the up. At the same time, energy-friendly heating systems powered by low source temperatures or solar power are also growing in popularity. And so, it is logical that specialist subfloor manufacturers have been looking for suitable accompanying subfloors so that they can be used with floor heating. Both for full glueing of flexible floor coverings and for floating fitting of LVT, the market has subfloors with heat resistance so that they can be fitted with floor heating. If they are used with floor cooling, producers do stress the importance of a condensation monitor. Subfloors with glue As we have already said, many of these subfloors consist of two parts (components), namely a bottom sheet and a top sheet.

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More turnover for floor fitters In closing, we wish to mention briefly the lucrative benefits for parquet floor fitters who expand their range. Besides the floor itself, the sale (and fitting) of parquet includes all sorts of accessories for fitting, finishing, and maintenance. This fact has led floor fitters to open a ‘window’ onto their closed workshops by setting up giant showrooms to give them a shop as well as a workshop. Just as the emergence of laminate has opened up a new market, the rapid rise of vinyl and PVC floors has had the same effect. Here, too, it is not only about the floors themselves, but also the fitting accessories and so on. This article makes it clear that these subfloors are made for that purpose. They, too, form an assortment in and of themselves.

Parkettfreund The trend towards elegant, functional and at the same time thin LVT and vinyl floor coverings requires also an underlay that is especially adapted to this kind of floors. With its “Acoustic Vinyl 1.0” Parkettfreund is offering a light and thin polymer foil with anti-slip properties and very good insulation characteristics not only under vinyl floors but also under laminate coverings. Due to its low resistance of heat permeability it is ideal for the use with underfloor heating systems. But also the environmental aspects will be considered as the lowemission “Acoustic Vinyl 1.0” is fabricated PVC- and bitumen-free. Learn more about Parkettfreund and its range of underlays and ask for the informative sales brochure including descriptive presentations and technical details. Mac Lean Products

Word of thanks The editors wish to thank the below mentioned companies as well as the following companies which took the trouble to reply to our request for information: Foxi Graph International, Nostra, Mac Lean Products, Unifloor, Plinten en Profielen Centrale, Fermacell, Spea and Parkettfreund.

At Mac Lean Products, they stress that a subfloor for vinyl, unlike a laminate subfloor, needs a high density. The difference with laminate is that with 300 kPa the subfloor may be pressed in no more than 0.3mm. The aim of a subfloor for LVT is levelling, stabilisation, and pressure resistance. Mac Lean has the Isobloc subfloor as a subfloor solution for these floors.

Floor Forum International 62

dBCover Solutions dBCover Solutions specializes in underfloor solutions with superior performances on footfall noise and floorstability. They advise 4 products with great thermal conductivity that are specially designed for use with floor heating systems on different floor solutions (according to the EN 1264-3 norm): Aluminium, HD, HD3 and Vinyl. The thickness of these products is between 1.5 and 3 mm to avoid a high thermal resistance and all present an outstanding performance in temperatures up to 60°C. These products are also equipped with a steam moisture barrier to avoid condensation problems. Visit us at Domotex Middle East Istanbul.

Special Subfloors : part II

Some of these floors form a system in which the components are glued to each other in some way or other. One highly reputable subfloor specialists has several types. For example, there are a number of subfloors which consist of a bottom and top sheet joined together by an interactive glue to give a perfectly smooth and seamless subfloor. These subfloors allow you to glue vinyl directly. Another system consists of joining the parts together via self-adhesive chiplapped edges. Yet another system provides a bottom plate combined in shifted bond with a self-adhesive top plate. Another maker has a subfloor for LVT which is self-adhesive on one side to ensure better fitting of the final floor.

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Special Sanding machines and their dust removal : part I

DUST-FREE IS NOW A REALITY. LEGISLATION HAS SPURRED PRODUCERS ON. What exactly does ‘dust-free’ mean? Strictly speaking, the term ‘low-dust’ would be more precise, but in recent years manufacturers of sanding machines for parquet have made some impressive efforts to keep sandpapering sawdust to an absolute minimum. Were they spurred on by the legislation? Yes, to some extent, but they were certainly also driven on by the realisation that dust is harmful to both floor fitters and their clients. Dust suction from sanding machines themselves has improved considerably and, to improve matters on all fronts, they have also been working on external dust suction units. Why limit dust? Dust is both annoying and extremely unhealthy for both floor fitters and home occupants. Moreover, in some doses it is even explosive and inflammable. Dust from some hardwood sorts is generally labelled as carcinogenic. Furthermore, various sorts of wood can also cause specific complaints such as rashes, eczema, infections, and allergies. And so, it is no surprise that Europe has joined the fight against dust by setting out binding limits. Binding limits must be seen as the maximum acceptable concentration of a dust, gas, vapour, or mist in the air at work. The European binding limit or obligatory upper limit is 5mg/m³ within a period of eight hours. This means that an employee may work in a room with a concentration of 5mg per cubic metre for a period of eight hours. With recirculation, the dust content must not exceed 10% of the binding limit. Some countries apply even stricter binding limits.

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The fight against dust These binding limits are a protective measure for the benefit of employees and are part of the legislation regarding ‘health and safety at work’. After all, the rooms where parquet is fitted have to be regarded in some respects as places of work. The fight against dust has various levels of protection. In other words, there are various ways of ensuring that floor fitters and occupants are not subjected to the harmful inconvenience of spreading dust. As regards protection of floor fitters, it goes without saying that they must use the personal protective equipment provided for that purpose.

Eliminating dust completely This might seem like an illusion, yet it is not entirely out of reach. When a parquet floor is fitted, it is clear that most dust is caused by sandpapering. The major inconvenience and the biggest health hazards occur where a building is occupied. This inconveniences both the floor fitter and the occupant. This usually means renovation work. In the case of renovation, people could opt to fit a completely pre-finished parquet floor ready-for-fitting. If necessary, the cutting and sawing can be done away from the work site.

Counteracting the spread of dust Just as it is possible in fire prevention to enclose a potential fire by compartmentalising (dividing space into compartments), it is also possible to reduce the inconvenience of dust by limiting its spread. To this end, some suppliers offers PVC foil screens, which, as it were, seal off the work place from the outside world. However, as everyone knows, there is no such thing as air-tight and a certain quantity of dust will remain, even when the foil is removed. Absorbing dust at source Most parquet sanding machines have been equipped with dust suction for many years. In recent years, the legislation for sawdust and wood dust has become stricter so that it is difficult to meet these standards with traditional machine dust suction. The Achilles tendon of the dust suction on the various machines includes the material from which the dust bag is designed. Up to the present time, that material has been able to prevent the spread of sawdust and large particles, but could not prevent the spread of fine dust or clammed up because of that fine dust. Even replacing the bag provided no solution to the problem of fine dust spread. In recent years, sanding machine makers have been working hard not only to improve suction power, but also to counteract the spread of dust. For example, with some machines the use of several filter phases has ensured that dust is separated according to size. In addition, solutions have been devised for changing filters and dust bags without spreading dust. The ultimate dust suction has emerged in the shape of external dust units, although not everyone approves. Some producers Klindex Amongst other things, Klindex has the Timba. The Timba is a light sanding machine which, in contrast to most belt sanders, requires little explanation, training, or experience. You can work quickly, easily, and economically. The Timba operates dust-free thanks to a vacuum suction system. All Klindex machines are equipped with integrated dust suction. The system includes a stainless steel receptacle from where dust cannot escape. The machines can also

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be connected to an external dust suction unit and, furthermore, Klindex also offers an extensive range of vacuum cleaners with an automatic cleaning system.

different alternative solutions for it. K&T offers all its range of machines (for a PRO and DIY usage) also with disposable paper dust bags, for a quicker and safer disposal process, or remote vacuum units that can be directly connected to the machines for a 100% dust free sanding. In 2001 (as a real pioneer for that), K&T started the production of Arlequin: this model, now under the name Qx45, was the first floor sander with a vacuum on board. The pluses of this model (disposable paper bags and a direct connection with the Nova 2 edger) make it the best in its range for renovating existing wooden floors in apartments and small DIY projects.

Kunzle & Tasin How the wooden dust resulting from the sanding operations made on wooden floors should be removed and how should they be disposed of, have become two very sensitive topics in the parquet business. If in the past the only option for dust removal was a standard fabric bag fit onto the machines, now the user (whether a professional or a DIY user) can choose among

Special Sanding machines and their dust removal : part I

> Continued from page 44

NIEUW: Nature Protect At last: a product that retains the natural colour and look of wood, without the visible building of layers. But with the best protection possible!

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Floor Forum International 62

. Unfinished effect . No building of layers . Ultra matte look . Protection against scratches

Special Sanding machines and their dust removal : part I

> Continued from page 45

Coming to professional machines (i.e. Taurus or Aries sander, Pegasus or Vega edgers), K&T offers a comprehensive range of vacuums (from 20-lts to more than 60-lts capacity) that can be connected with all the machines proposed by the company For these reasons: 1) professionals can now start seeing dust free sanding as a real opportunity for increasing their business, as customers are more and more asking for no-dust jobs; 2) DIY users can easily sand on their wooden floors without fearing of the dust collection. Please visit http://www.kunzletasin.com/index.php/en/productscatalog/processes/on-wooden-floors for all the solutions proposed by K&T. L채gler According to L채gler, the most important points for attention with a sanding machine are a good consumption/efficiency ratio, top quality work, user-convenience, and a dust-free operation. The Hummel (endless sander), the Trio (three-disc rotary sander), and the edge sanders (Edge and Corner) meet these requirements. These sanding machines operate dust-free, not with an external unit, but with an outstanding integrated dust suction. The dust emission from the machines is less than 1mg per cubic metre. Very important is the material of the filters which must allow for a good supply of air on the one hand and yet, on the other hand, must eliminate dust. It is also important to empty the dust bag in good time, and that is best done outdoors. L채gler is not really an

advocate of external suction units. They make the work harder, have to be transported, and require additional investment. Overmat Industries Overmat offers various products for sanding floors. For example, the rotary single-disc machine Woodboy 4000/30 is a multifunctional machine for use on various sorts of floors for tasks such as sanding, cleaning, polishing, intermediate sanding, polishing, and removing carpet residue. Optionally, the Woodboy machine can be made 12.5kg heavier in order to increase output. The machine is delivered as standard with a dust suction kit to be connected to a Vac-1 dust suction unit. This Vac-1 Unit is a professional and durable dust suction system with bypass cooling, including a tube. Overmat is the exclusive dealer of the HTC quality trademark in the Benelux. The planetary sanding machine HTC Greyline 450 is suitable for sanding both concrete and substrates and wooden floors. The HTC Greyline 25D vacuum cleaner is specially designed to support single-phase Greyline sanding machines, such as the GL 450. The sound and robust construction, fitted with HEPA 13 filter and an anti-static tube, results in a handy and reliable machine of high quality.

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Floor Forum International 62

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KLINDEX s.r.l. s.s. 5 Tiburtina Valeria, Km 209+200 65024 Manoppello (PE) Italy tel: +39 085 859 546 fax: +39 085 859 9224 mail: info@klindex.it web: www.klindex.it

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> Industry news

MMFA association keeps growing: Now 17 members The MMFA – Multilayer Modular Flooring Association, which had been founded at the end of October 2012 only, is taking up its operational work full of vim and vigor. At its first working session on 28 February and 1 March in Munich seven new members were welcomed to the association. After two more companies that joined in early May, the number is now up to 17 with five European countries represented. – And there are more in the pipeline. Rubio Monocoat at Timber Expo For the second time in a row, Rubio Monocoat will be present at Timber Expo, the professional trade fair for our sector in Birmingham-UK. Main focus of our participation will be on the Rubio Monocoat Oil both for indoor and outdoor use, and the general benefits of our signature technology: molecular binding. For those who did not have the opportunity to come over to Domotex, this is also the ideal time to see our our Rubio Monocoater – a compact all-in-one industrial finishing machine – in action. You’re more than welcome on stand D14! Timbertop and Woodline Parquetry meet the strictest European standards Forestry Timber Export is one of the world’s leading makers of three-layer wood-engineered parquet (annual production 6 million square metres). The company, which finishes its products by hand and exports them globally, has been informed that its

EPLF New slogan: ‘Quality and Innovation made in Europe’ EPLF members show their colours on the international market Members of the EPLF (Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring) are to use an assertive new slogan: ‘Quality and Innovation made in Europe’. Incorporated in the EPLF logo, the new slogan sums up what makes European brand-name manufacturers renowned throughout the world: certified quality, mature technology, excellent usage characteristics, eco-friendliness, and products that are pleasing to the eye and the touch – combined with ever new and creative designs. Volkmar Halbe, Chairman of the EPLF’s Market and Image Committee, says: “Among wholesalers, the EPLF registered trademark has already established itself as a mark of quality in laminate flooring. The new slogan now conveys a clear statement of quality to the customer. The same quality implied by the label is what you’ll find inside the product. We are the world’s quality and technology leaders, that’s our USP. The new slogan enables EPLF members to communicate this pithily and effectively.” Declaring war on fakes The slogan is intended to identify the exceptional quality of EPLF members, especially in the growing export markets outside Europe. In some foreign markets, especially China, more and more products are appearing that purport to satisfy load classes specified by the EN-13329 standard – but testing proves that this is not the case. Volkmar Halbe explains: “Cheap imitations put the reputation of the whole laminate flooring industry at risk. We simply will not tolerate this. The EPLF is actively working to counter fake labelling. We hope that the new logo will help to support legal action taken by our members in cases of fake labelling by third parties.” EPLF: European quality for China’s high-end market According to the EPLF (Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring), the high-end segment of the Chinese flooring market offers growing potential for European-made quality laminate flooring. Chinese customers want a slice of the ‘Western’ lifestyle - which is excellent news for European-made products which, thanks to their high quality, enjoy an excellent reputation. Some EPLF members, such as Pergo, Skema and Unilin, are already active on the Chinese market, and they could soon be joined by other names. The EPLF will support its members with ongoing international standardisation efforts and an active quality policy for European products. Tover Tover proposes a brand new and exclusive packing system for its two-component adhesives: “Twin-Pack System” where the B component is put inside the A component bucket cover. Easy, practical, clean, it represents a real revolution both in the products palletizing for transport and in the use of the products themselves. Available from now!

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Industry News

EPLF meeting of members 2013 Market remains stable overall At the invitation of Kaindl, the members of the EPLF met near Salzburg for their annual general meeting on 5 and 6 June. Çamsan Entegre Agaç (Hendek – Sakarya, Turkey) was welcomed as a new ordinary member. The EPLF is the world’s largest regional inter-trade organisation for the flooring industry. In 2012, the market share of laminate flooring production in Europe, including Turkey, supplied by EPLF members was 89%; globally the figure was 53%. But there is competition: China has caught up and in 2012 was for the first time the largest individual producer with a market share of 28%, ahead of Germany with 27%. The EPLF is currently working with Deutsche Messe AG on preparations for the second Wood Flooring Summit 2014 at Domotex in Hanover. Next year the EPLF will celebrate its 20th anniversary, and member companies Windmöller and WPT invite members to join them in Ostwestfalen-Lippe on 14 and 15 May 2014.

products meet the strictest European standards. These are the DIN EN 14342 European parquet floor standard and the French legislation on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, for which Timbertop and Woodline Parquetry products have earned the A label. TIMBERTOP products are in stock at Fetim in Amsterdam, whilst WOODLINE products are available from Woodpecker in Mijdrecht (also in the Netherlands).

Floor Forum International 62

Osmo at MADE Expo Italy The trade fair MADE Expo Italy is a great opportunity to make and follow up new tangible contacts with the international building system business community. Osmo will participate this year with a 32m² stand to present natural oil-based wood finishes for interior and exterior use. Livedemonstrations and eye-catchers will certainly gain the interest of the visitors. Osmo looks forward to many excellent discussions and new contacts. You will find us in hall 7, stand P02.

Special Invisible fastening systems for exterior wall wood

WOODEN EXTERIOR WALL CLADDING IS NOW MORE ATTRACTIVE AND DURABLE: There was a time when we fitted wooden terraces by ‘nailing’ planks onto woodwork. Although some people still do this, if we express it like that, the verb ‘to nail’ takes on a destructive identity, something demonic. It feels like torture and, in all honesty, there is some truth in that. Nowadays, however, with high technology systems for invisible fastening, we are making terraces more attractive and extending the lifespan of the floorboards. This trend is spreading rapidly to other applications. If it’s good enough for a terrace, it’s good enough for an exterior wall. Wood in construction When we see the real hardliners already choosing wooden roofing, we know that wood is growing in popularity as a building material. That will not surprise anyone. People are looking increasingly for durable and natural materials, and that approach fits in completely with a growing environmental awareness. Wood is a renewable raw material and if it comes from (proven) sustainably managed forests, then we can rest in peace. The combination of the intrinsic qualities of wood and the technological ingenuity of mankind means that we can postpone the end (of our wood supply) until well into the future. Just think of the countless wooden homes built in places such as Scandinavia (i.e. in severe weather conditions). Those homes have stood firm for centuries, and that is the result of ‘proper wood used in the correct manner’. This is no less the case for outdoor wall cladding. Below we give a brief outline of the traditional rules for fitting exterior wall cladding in wood. We also highlight the new, invisible fastening systems. There is certainly ‘a world of difference’.

Floor Forum International 62

Traditional fitting In order to grasp the benefits of the modern clip systems, it is useful to have a good look at the traditional fitting method. To do this we will take the fitting instructions for cedar wood as our base (source Outdoor Wood Concepts).

The support structure Exterior wall cladding is fastened onto horizontal or vertical slats, which are also fastened to the support structure. Fit the slats preferably in softwood reinforced with a preventive treatment (22 x 45mm e.g. saturated wood with ATG certificate) at intervals of no more than 40cm. With horizontal coverings, the fastening lines are fitted vertically onto the exterior wall. With vertical coverings, the fastening lines have to be discontinued at certain points to allow for ventilation. Rules of thumb It is advisable to use only quarter-sawn wood for places exposed to direct sunlight. With horizontal fitting, you start at the bottom. The tongue always has to face upwards. Start 10-15cm from

ground level. Wood swells and shrinks: fit the planks with the crosscut end not right up to the wall/ceiling, but leave a space of about 15mm. For constructing an interior corner it is best to use an interior corner profile. There are also exterior corner profiles for finishing outdoor corners. Specific profiles are also available for finishing crosscut edges or window or door frame joints. Some exterior wall profiles are equipped with milled line which indicates the space for concealed nails. Nails Use stainless steel nails with a small head and a minimum length of 45mm. Do not use other sorts, since other sorts may oxidise and react adversely to the natural conservation oils in the cedar wood, and that would leave stains. Attach the exterior wall plank to each slat along the line i.e. fastening every 40cm. Never use headless nails. The BBRI have also told us that the nails must be at least two and a half times longer than the thickness of the planks. The nailing has to be done carefully. Hammering the nails too violently will distort the wood and may cause it to split. Make sure that the heads of the nails or screws are exactly level with the wood surface, but no deeper, since this causes an unfinished result. Slide the groove of the new exterior wall plank into the tongue of the plank already fitted. Make sure that the tongue of the crosscut side is slid into the groove of the connecting plank. Secure the exterior wall plank in place. Repeat this procedure for each subsequent panel. Some more tips If the length of the remaining section is at least 40cm, use this section to start the next row. For connections with other sections you must avoid direct contact with the wood at all costs in order to prevent any form of moisture absorption in the wood. You can do this by leaving a space between the exterior wall cladding and the structure. You can make sure that the structure is watertight by using seal foils or metal slabs, which are available in the trade. To prevent insects from getting into the cavity, you can fit a weather-resistant screen to the ventilation holes. Good ventilation also keeps insects out.

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Photo: Archi Wood/Hard Wood Clip®

INVISIBLE FASTENING SYSTEMS FOR EXTERIOR WALL WOOD

> Continued from page 48

Invisible fastening The technology which has caused such a furore in recent years in relation to invisible fastening of wooden or composite terraces is also making its way towards exterior walls. After all, the benefits are the same: quicker fitting, no nails or screws in the wooden planks or planchettes, no splintering, a longer lifespan, and a much more attractive result because there are no visible fastening items. Although wooden exterior wall cladding is subjected much less to mechanical pressure (you don’t walk on it, of course), several of these systems are nonetheless recommended for terrace wood and exterior wall cladding at one stretch. The range on the market is growing. This article gives a summary:

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Archi Wood / Hard Wood Clip® Hard Wood Clip® and Soft Wood ClipTM are the wooden terrace invisible fitting systems developed by Archi Wood. The stainless steel fastening clip (in a top quality synthetic case) is fitted into the grooves (side) of the floorboards and is screwed into the beams along the floorboards at an angle of 45° using self-drilling screws (SPAX in top quality A2 stainless steel). The clips are available in three types (3, 5, or 7mm) in order to guarantee the correct distance between the planks. Both systems can be deployed for exterior wall cladding. Apart from the reversible TWINTM profile, Arch Wood has also developed the DROPTM profile specially for exterior walls. The system can be used for both horizontal and vertical fitting and can also be deployed for composite, if you have the right grooves.

Timber decking & cladding

info@hardwoodclip.com +32 (0) 474 49 49 99

www.hardwoodclip.com

Although it is difficult to estimate the wooden exterior wall cladding market exactly, B-Fix does believe that it is a profitable and growing market. Various novelties are emerging in this field as regards finishes, wood sorts, fastening systems, profiles, and so on. Invisible fastening systems will also take over here, too, as is the case with terraces, due to aesthetic motives, speed of fitting, and the fact that there are no weak points created by screws and nails. Today, B-Fix presents B-Fix One, B-Fix Black One, and B-Fix Border. Their range also includes various accessories. The system itself is designed in stainless steel with memory effect so that the wood can operate naturally and yet stay fixed perfectly in place. Each plank can be removed individually. The fastening systems can be mounted onto three different profiles (Classic, Plus, or Premium) and can be deployed on an extensive number of wood sorts and

Floor Forum International 62

B-Fix

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DECK FASTENERS

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Carpentier CHS/QuickClip System Recently, it has become possible to buy the revolutionary Quick Clip System from Carpentier Hardwood Solutions. Quick Clip System is a fixing system which enables you to assemble wooden exterior wall cladding and terraces simply and invisibly, with aesthetic and seamless results. It is no longer necessary to mill or saw planks, and that prevents splintering. The clips provide lots of ventilation thanks to a layer of insulation between the covering and the support frame. The planks are lined up automatically for a seamless result. The system is extremely handy to use and guarantees quick fitting to reduce costs. Although the purchase price is more expensive, the fitting is 50% faster. A job which once took four days can now be completed in two. This also means fewer journeys to and from the site. DeckWise For the invisible fastening of wooden terrace boards, DeckWise offers the DeckWise Hidden Deck Fasteners. For exterior wall cladding, which, the company believes, is in full bloom, there is another invisible fastening system, namely the DeckWise Hidden Siding Fasteners. The special fastening clips have to be screwed into the exterior wall at an angle of 45° for an even better grip. Whereas the DeckWise Hidden Deck Fasteners consist of UV and chemically resistant plastic with a stainless steel core, the DeckWise Hidden Siding Fasteners are made entirely of metal, namely top quality stainless steel. Moso Thanks to a unique and patented process, MOSO, under the name Bamboo X-treme, has been able to develop outdoor bamboo products, which are superior to the best tropical wood sorts as regards hardness, stability, and durability. Recently, in addition to use as decking, Bamboo X-treme has also become available in a specific profile for use as exterior

wall cladding in the home, garden, and utility area. Since Bamboo X-treme hardly twists and is highly dimensionally stable, it can be installed simply by means of invisible fastening with clips, so that the exterior wall boards are not damaged. The MOSO Bamboo X-treme clip is made of stainless steel and has been making favourable impressions on the market for several years. An extra benefit is that there are 50% fewer fastening points for screws so you save both time and money. Outdoor Wood Concepts

The new vertical exterior wall cladding system Woodface®, developed by designer Roel Vandebeek, makes it possible to personalise exterior walls fully by using nine different wooden profiles (three thicknesses and three widths). These are fastened using an aluminium profile specially developed for that purpose. This means you achieve completely invisible fastening. Moreover, aluminium profiles can be supplied in all RAL colours or anodised. In comparison with open exterior wall cladding (with planks/ strips) mounted at set intervals, in which you can see the moisture barrier at the rear, this system offers a more aesthetic and architecturally more attractive finished exterior wall. The moisture barrier cannot be damaged by the sealed exterior wall cladding and it is impossible for leaves to get in. The aluminium profiles from Woodface® and the wooden exterior wall cladding together form one concept. Sicmex

Sicmex has not yet noticed any significant increase in wooden exterior wall cladding in Spain. The market there is stable. For many years, the company has offered a technical solution for the invisible fastening of terrace boards and exterior wall cladding. The secret of Sicmex is a fastening clip which is made of polyamide 6 with 30% glass fibre. The clips are in teak colour. The clip legs grip the support planks tightly, whilst the wings are anchored in the wooden cladding. The clips can withstand differences in

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Floor Forum International 62

composite. Thanks to the screws, the system adapts to different types of structures, such as wood, aluminium, and low structure. B-Fix can be applied horizontally or vertically.

Special Invisible fastening systems for exterior wall wood

> Continued from page 49

Special Invisible fastening systems for exterior wall wood

> Continued from page 51

temperature from -30 to 80°C. This system can be fitted up to 80% faster. Sicmex can be deployed for all exterior cladding as long as you have the correct groove for the clip.

treated wood. The exterior wall clip is designed for various wood sorts. Vetedy

Tilo

At Tilo they have noticed a growing demand for exterior wall cladding in thermally treated wood. For fastening exterior wall planks the company offers special exterior wall clips. These high quality clips are fastened invisibly with screws. The result is a beautifully smooth exterior wall cladding which has outstanding protection. The joints can vary so that the exterior wall cladding can be designed to meet (anyone’s) taste. The system offers excellent ventilation so that it is not possible for water to collect. One point for attention for the fitting, amongst other things, is that the screw holes always have to be pre-drilled for thermally

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Floor Forum International 62

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At Vetedy they have noticed an increase in wooden exterior wall cladding. This is the result of the general trend towards natural materials. Vetedy has developed two invisible fastening systems, namely techniclic® for exterior wall cladding and softline® for terraces. These are two different systems. Techniclic® works with U-profiles so that it is not necessary to use screws for the fastening. This makes the fitting much quicker. Whilst the pure material expense is certainly higher than with traditional fitting, it is precisely the time saving which makes the system cheaper. At present, tests are being carried out with a view to applying techniclic® with languid products.

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SKIRTING BOARDS ARE STILL THE FINISHING TOUCH. Some good advice for the professional trade: banish skirting boards from your warehouse and sell them only from a sample. A strange approach? Not at all! The range of skirting boards has grown to such an extent that it is virtually impossible to keep a full supply in stock. Moreover, producers make a point of being on the ball by offering extremely quick production and delivery times. For that matter, what do you do with the growing demand for personalisation? Customised work is increasingly becoming the standard and digital printing technology also makes it perfectly possible. The decorative dilemma It’s been quite a while since we raked up the age-old question of where a skirting board actually belongs. People generally conclude that it is purely a matter of taste. There is certainly no doubt that the answer to that deliberate question has a huge impact on the appearance of the room. Moreover, this discussion runs into another question: does the skirting board have to be a discreet finish or not? Is it a necessary evil or a decorative opportunity? This article sets out the possibilities.

Special Skirting Boards

POSSIBLE CHOICES ARE NOW WELL NIGH ENDLESS

The skirting board is part of the wall Supporters of this thesis include both supporters of discretion and those of striking skirting boards. There is a trend towards high skirting boards (65 to 165mm). This has not always been the case. Whether high skirting boards are discreet or obtrusive depends on the style (sober or precisely artistic/classical) and the colour. If we finish the high and sober skirting board in the same colour as the wall, it will merge into nothing. Yet at the same time, we are hearing that there is a trend towards high skirting boards in high-gloss finishes, even in high-gloss black. In that case there is not even a hint of discretion.

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Floor Forum International 62

The skirting board is part of the floor This is also a possibility. In this case we finish the skirting board Photo: Küberit the same (solid wood, laminate, and wrapped MDF) AZ_Zeitschriften_Text_ENG_190x65 Floor Forum Int._CERSAIE 18.07.13 in10:16 Seite material 1

> Continued from page 53

Special Skirting Boards

as the floor and the skirting board becomes the showcase of the floor. Opponents claim that this has the following disadvantage: the skirting board and floor together create a bathtub effect which is not in the least attractive. This problem is solved by that other trend: skirting boards in the same finish as the floor become low block skirting boards or even flat (lying) skirting boards which at least reduce the bathtub effect. The skirting board is part of the door This is a fairly new idea, which is promoted mainly by manufacturers of doors and doorposts. They assume that the door frame, in whatever style, has to run through into the floor finish, if we are going to obtain a uniform and decorative whole. Let’s be honest: there is something to be said for this, and it can be applied on both hyper-traditional door posts and straight, rigid, and minimalist frames. The skirting board does not belong anywhere Believe it or not, this article will prove that this last thesis is winning the day. The skirting board as a decorative interior object? Why not? The decorative possibilities discussed below, the advance of design, the yearning for personalisation, and the technical novelties such as illumination and marquetry can hardly be reconciled with discretion, can they? Materials and colours As far as materials and colours go, we can make a distinction between general trends in the middle segment and the trend towards exclusiveness in the highest segment. General trends The metal look continues to do well. In particular, aluminium skirting boards and stainless steel in various finishes score high marks. Nevertheless, with parquet in all its shapes, wooden skirting boards (high, low, block, or lying) in the same wood sort and finish as the floor are still very much in fashion. In particular, block skirting boards (2 x 2cm) are doing very well. Varnished or filmed MDF skirting boards are also very much in evidence. Varnished MDF skirting boards usually leave the factory primed. Usually, they are then finished on site in the colour of the walls. Both the MDF skirting boards and the solid wood skirting boards appear in different styles, from rigid and modern to traditional. High-gloss in black or white (varnished or filmed) are undoubtedly amongst the major trends.

Exclusive Exuberant things are happening in the highest segment. Producers are offering items such as aluminium skirting boards with inlays or strips from the floor, whilst some of them offer real ‘handicraft’. For example, one of the market leaders in skirting boards creates really awesome design skirting boards. A design is made using CNC controlled laser technology. The skirting boards are then polished manually. Later, hand-made elements from crystal producer Swarovski are glued onto the designs. Everything is done manually. That’s design for you! Both the designs and the crystal elements are available in various finishes and shapes so that a skirting board can be perfectly tailor-made. My personal skirting board There’s no getting away from the fact that digital printing is the future in several industries. This is no less the case in the floor industry and equally in the world of accessories, including skirting boards and profiles. Digital printing makes it possible to apply smaller runs to a skirting board with any image in any colour or shade. More and more traders are offering this option on the parquet and laminate market. The minimum sale varies from producer to producer, but the trend is towards increasingly smaller runs. And so, this development in customised work is yielding really unique skirting boards! The sky’s the limit! Digital printing is possible on any current material, and any content is possible. People no longer want the same design in the skirting board as on the floor. Nowadays, they want to reproduce in the skirting board whatever they have in mind e.g. company logo or colour, written messages, designs, illustrations, or product pictures. The sky’s the limit! It goes without saying that wood structures and imitations of other floors are no problem. Outsourcing Just as so called ‘coating contractors’ are thriving in customised finishes for smaller sales, companies are also emerging to do digital printing jobs for others. You could call them ‘second generation coating contractors’. Some skirting board producers have invested heavily to buy this technology and can offer personalised skirting boards from 100 running metres. Others call upon the services of external partners for small printing jobs. This is all a question of the investment in this technology, which some makers still regard as ‘too expensive’. Photo: Küberit

Floor Forum International 62

FN Neuhofer Holz

• Specialist in skirtings and profiles • Exact decor matching to every floor • Wide range of products for DIY, wholesalers and flooring industry • Austrian tradition since 1650

www.fnprofile.com visit the new www.floor-forum.com

Wir leisten mehr We of fer you more

> Continued from page 54

Clip or rail systems As far as the installation of skirting boards is concerned, producers are looking constantly for ways of making this easier. Most skirting boards can be fitted using a clip system (various clips positioned at intervals) or with a rail system (running clip system). The big advantage of those clips includes the speedy fitting and, therefore, a certain saving in costs. The main advantage for end users is that the skirting board is removable. That can be handy during painting or wallpapering or gaining access to wires/cables (electrical or informatics) which have been integrated into the skirting board. Even in wooden skirting boards there is a groove at the rear to allow for the passage of wires and cables. In such cases a clip or rail system is certainly handy. If you don’t want to use these skirting boards for wires and/or cables and you want to avoid the expense of the rail or clip systems, then you can always glue those same grooved skirting boards. LED lights LED lights are still a novelty, although they have been around for a few years now. As is the case with floors and terrace floors, LED lights also add something special to skirting boards. Illumination in skirting boards can be regarded as a decorative extra, but also as a user-friendly convenience. For example, LED lights can illuminate floors on landings and in corridors during the night, so that you can make your way safely through the house without switching on a main light. To look briefly into the future, LED lights in skirting boards and stair handrails are already used in public areas to facilitate evacuation in the event of fire. LED lights can even be used in some stations and care homes to indicate the evacuation route by flashing in a certain sequence. Is that the way ahead for private dwellings? Who knows?

in place. Demolishing old skirting boards, which are often stuck to the wall with solid cement, inevitably results in severe damage to the bottom wall. In such cases protective skirting boards provide some relief. You fit protective skirting board over the existing skirting boards (with a clip, rail, or adhesive) without any demolition work or damage to the wall. This also means you don’t have to take account of drying times for unexpected plastering. A great idea! What’s on the market? Küberit The latest trend at Küberit is aluminium skirting boards with LED lights and skirting boards with a section of floor (vinyl, laminate, or parquet) added. Top of the pole in that respect at Küberit is the range with elements of Swarovski integrated into aluminium skirting boards. The focus in research and development is on easy-to-fit skirting boards and the possibility of producing tailor-made stainless steel skirting boards. Digital printing is also on the up. Last year, Küberit invested in a new coating line specially for the surfaces of digital print decors. Customised skirting boards can be ordered in quantities of at least 100m.

Special Skirting Boards

Some technical aspects Apart from these trends, we are also seeing the emergence of a number of (more or less) new options, which give skirting boards a specific added value. These technical plus points may relate to speedy and convenient fitting or user-comfort for the end user.

FN Neuhofer

Skirting boards as a finish A renovation product par excellence! With renovation in old houses, we can sometimes still come across old stone skirting boards. In many cases people will fit parquet or laminate onto existing stone floors, but this doesn’t look quite right in combination with old stone skirting boards. The project manager (or odd-jobber) has to decide whether to demolish the old structure or leave it

naturali venature

mm190x65,5.indd 1

Floor Forum International 62

via del lavoro, 7 | 60010 Casine di Ostra (AN) Italia T +39 071688654-688669 | www.tecnorivest.com | info@tecnorivest.com

MadeinItaly

prodotto verniciato ad acqua

15/07/13 10.58

Visit the website of the new fair www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu

> Continued from page 55

FN Neuhofer has noticed a trend towards white skirting boards. These white profiles are mainly in demand in upper formats, sometimes even with a certain baroque character. Therefore, Neuhofer has developed the FN White profiles range. An important innovation (with decorative effects) is the FN Clipholder CH27. This clip finally ensures that flat skirting boards are attached to the wall. The problems of self-adhesive flat skirting boards are well known. Cracks arise on the wall with the changing of the seasons due to the movements of the floor. With this new clip the skirting board stays firmly fixed to the wall as the wood swells and shrinks in its natural manner.

Special Skirting Boards

Mac Lean Products

height of the skirting boards ranges from 65 to 160mm inclusive. In the field of technological innovation Mac Lean presents a new, patented solution (Perfect Mitre) for fitting mitred skirting boards easily. Mac Lean Products does not use digital printing technology due to the excessive production cost. Mac Lean Products can supply customised skirting boards in quantities of at least 500 running metres. Progress Profiles Trends vary greatly at Progress Profiles. These include ‘polished’, ‘super polished’, mirror effect, stainless steel satin, and seven different designs of aluminium. This is another company with an ongoing programme of research and development and they work constantly on innovations based on new technology. The fieldof skirting boards includes the Proskirting line and the flat skirting board system for plaster walls. The company regards digital Printing as a worthy discovery, but does not believe that ‘customised’ or ‘tailor-made’ work will dominate the industrial market in the future. Nevertheless, the company does customised work from 100 metres, depending on the colour and the product.

For Mac Lean Products the latest trend in skirting boards is the high white skirting boards with primer or high-gloss foil. The

www.progressprofiles.com

Floor Forum International 62

studioverde

Masterpieces to highlight

Parkettfreund With a glance always oriented to the future.

Skirtings and Trims

Only Progress Profiles offers you a full range of skirtings and trims meeting every single need. When beauty makes the difference. New series have enriched our wide range of finishes: black line, with anodized, polished, brushed and crepè finishes and tuscany line, dedicated to modern country style. Eye-catching details, it’s difficult to overlook them.

Progress Profiles SpA

Exposure for show room

Elegant and functional skirtings give special finishing aspects not only to rooms in residential properties but also in the object area. Parkettfreund is offering a great variety of different aluminium skirtings which can be applied for the most different requirements for example as a cable guide or with integrated LED lights. With the innovative types PF 945 U and PF 950 Parkett-freund offers to their clients an alternative to the aluminium optics as the floor covering (f.ex. LVT floors) can be inserted into the base board and thus creates an individual design due to the combination of aluminium and wooden surfaces. As Parkettfreund is always aiming to offer highest quality and best service they are continuously optimizing their assortment and performances. With the new digital printing technology colours, patterns and grains can be transferred exactly onto the decoration foil by scanning. Differences in colour from the floor covering to the profile will be avoided and the appropriate profile can be now offered even for individual colour schemes.

Certificated company UNI EN ISO 9001:2008

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

> Continued from page 56

Tecnorivest is an Ancona-based (I) advanced manufacturer of high quality wooden veneered profiles. Tecnorivest covers it’s profiles with a sole slice of veneer for a more esthetic product that shows only the beautiful natural wood grains without any

joints. Tecnorivest were among the first on the market to install finishing equipment suitable for a UV water based coating with a low environmental impact. This offers a wide flexibility of applications like clear or stained profiles finishing with ‘oiled’ or glossy effect. The range of products is wide and constantly updated and can be delivered in short notice. Tecnorivest can also manufacture personalized profiles based on a technical drawing. All products are entirely manufactured in our factory: this enables us to ensure high quality, to make either profiles and special finishing on customer’s request and to offer certainty in delivery time. A word of thanks : The editors wish to thank all those companies who have kindly sent information to help us publish this article: FN Neuhofer, Mac Lean Products, Küberit, Parkettfreund, Tecnorivest, Progress Profiles and Karl Pedross.

Special Skirting Boards

TECNORIVEST: manufacturer of wooden veneered profiles

Your supplier for the complete flooring profile and accessory range

www.parkettfreund.com Visit the website of the new fair www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu

Floor Forum International 62

Photo: FN Neuhofer

Special Top Export Minded companies in the Netherlands

PARQUET IN THE NETHERLANDS PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION ARE STILL QUITE LOW The Netherlands has both wood and parquet. An attractive range in the upper market segment is well worth a mention. Yet the Netherlands is not really a typical wood country. Over the years, its forests have been decimated, although the government is showing more interest in sustainable forest management. The Netherlands even houses its own department of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). As for parquet production and consumption, the country lurks at the tail end of the European peloton. This article gives an introduction. The Netherlands - geography The Netherlands is the Western European area of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The country has a total surface area of 41,526km². From north to south the Netherlands is about 300 kilometres long, whilst the width of the country from east to west is about 200 kilometres. There are about 30 small Belgian areas (enclaves) within the province of Northern Brabant, which together form the municipality of Baarle-Hertog; within this area there are two Dutch exclaves, which belong to the municipality of Baarle-Nassau. Apart from its mainland, the Netherlands also includes the West Frisian Islands: Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, Schiermonnikoog, and Rottumeroog. The Netherlands borders Germany in the east (577km), Belgium to the south (450km), the North Sea to the west, and the North Sea and the Wadden Sea in the north (the coastline is 451km long).

the number of forestry advisers, stewards, and other forestryrelated companies. The most productive sorts of trees are wild pine, oak, poplar, douglas, larch, and fine spruce. The wild pine is the most common sort of tree in the Dutch forest with 33%, followed by oak (18%), douglas (6%), larch (6%), poplar/willow (6%), birch (6%), spruce (4%), and beech (4%). The remaining forest area consists for 11% of other deciduous trees and for 6% of other coniferous trees. Each year, about 1.2 million cubic metres of wood are harvested from the forest and landscape. 50% of Dutch wood is used for the production of paper, cardboard, and wooden panels, 40% for sawn wood, and the remaining 10% is used for other purposes such as stake wood, clogs, firewood, and biomass.

Floor Forum International 62

The Netherlands – the economy A recent report issued by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) enables us to assess the prospects of the Dutch economy.

Current state of affairs According to the OECD, unemployment in the Netherlands is set to rise further in 2013 and 2014 and the national debt for both years will exceed 3% of the gross domestic product. The initial, discreet recovery will probably occur towards the end of the year. Improvements in exports and a modest upturn in investments could then yield slight growth. However, ongoing cutbacks by consumers and the government continue to inhibit the economy. For 2014, the OECD forecasts economic growth of 0.7%, but still sees big risks regarding the Dutch housing market. A further drop in house prices, together with the rising unemployment, could mean that consumers start spending even less money. Furthermore, banks could also get into trouble if home owners get further behind with mortgage payments. Forestry sector Although the Netherlands is not particularly rich in forests, it does nevertheless have a forestry sector. In all, 1896 forest owners are registered with the Forestry Board (‘Bosschap’). In addition, there are 368 registered forestry contractors, 171 of which are recognised by ErBo. We don’t have any information about

Parquet in the Netherlands As announced by the European Federation of the Parquet Industry during Domotex in Hanover (2012), European parquet production was lower than in the previous year. As yet, there are no signs of a recovery. Production in the FEP area amounted to 70,713,000m² in 2011. In 2012, that figure was 68,266,133m²,

visit the new www.floor-forum.com

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www.lprolle.com

Your gateway to European lumber

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Special Top Export Minded companies in the Netherlands

Do you take quality seriously? We do.

Floor Forum International 62

DON’T GAMBLE. USE BEST QUALITY EUROPEAN HARDWOODS.

a drop of no less than 4.7%. The total European production (FEP + other European countries outside the FEP) is estimated at 75,000,000m². The fall in consumption was even sharper. Whilst total consumption in 2011 exceeded 91,475,000m², that figure in 2012 was 87,509,000m². That meant a fall of 5.88%. The Netherlands has suffered in the areas of both consumption and production.

SelectWood

Production in the Netherlands In 2011, the Netherlands accounted for about 2.33% of the total parquet production and thereby finished in the third last place. Only the Czech Republic and Belgium produced less parquet. Dutch producers in 2011 turned out 1,647,612m² of parquet. In 2012, the Dutch share fell to 2.01%, a performance which left the country still in the third last place. In terms of real production figures this meant production of 1,372,149m², practically 280,000m² fewer than in the previous year. Consumption in the Netherlands In consumption, too, the Netherlands is towards the bottom of the FEP list with shares of 2.70% in 2011 and 1.80% in 2012. Consumption in 2011 came to 2,469,825m², whilst the figure for 2012 was only 1,575,162m², a drop of no less than 900,000m². Only Hungary and the Czech Republic consumed less, whilst Belgium had a higher figure (a share of 3.63%).

SelectWood has manufactured quality hardwood flooring products since 1996, exporting throughout the world. With a reputation for innovation, sought-after products include Tudor Oak and Camelot versailles panels for high end projects. Cabin Oak and the Stone-Aged range, tumble distressed hardwood, are popular choices for mid range renovations. New ranges include painted boards,the Black to White collection, and a handcrafted antique collection which is ideal for period properties. Extra wide engineered boards up to 400mm are available, practical and stylish. www.selectwood.nl - +31 (0) 512369810

Atoll

Bretagne

A presentation of the Top Export Minded Dutch companies in a nutshell:

Driftwood

Special Top Export Minded companies in the Netherlands

> Continued from page 58

Get inspired by Solidfloor! The innovative Driftwood floors are inspired by nature. Driftwood gives any home with its weathered appearance a unique atmosphere. The floorboards are sturdy, strong, beautiful in colour and each have their own identity. Are you interested in a Solidfloor dealership? Contact us via professional@fetim.nl For more information www.solidfloor.com

Parketfabriek Lieverdink

Solidfloor™

Parketfabriek Lieverdink started in 1960 as a producer of wooden furniture. From 1986 onwards, the company began to specialise in high quality traditional parquet floors and 2 layer parquet. In the meantime, Lieverdink has been led by several generations and still works according to the rules of the traditional craft. Quality is sacred! Wood sorts are selected carefully and checked at every stage of the production process. Investments in modern machinery ensure quality and flexibility. The core activities consist of producing customised traditional parquet and Burgundy, but in recent years the company has also set up its own fully independent 2 layer parquet production. In addition, the company does everything related to special patterns. All together, 22 people work at Parketfabriek Lieverdink BV and the company capacity is 300,000m² per annum. For 2013, the company is introducing a number of new lines in the distressed (Grigio, SHERAZADE)) range. These are based on sandscape, nightshade, and seaside. The floors are presented in sales modules specially developed for that purpose. www.lieverdink.nl - +31 (0) 314340563

For many years now, Solidfloor™ has been a top European brand with an extensive collection of high-quality wooden floors and accompanying accessories. With its extensive and modern range of durable wooden floors, Solidfloor offers interior solutions for any taste, style, and requirement. Solidfloor collections range from classic to modern and its wooden floors are typified by durable quality. There are good reasons why Solidfloor gives a 25-year guarantee on its products. An active and extensive network of partners sells Solidfloor products in over 30 European countries. Under the spotlight: the innovative Driftwood wooden floors! The innovative Driftwood wooden floors from Solidfloor™ draw their inspiration from nature, the sea, and briny, wind-weathered floors. The planks are sturdy, strong, attractively coloured, and each have their own identity. The Whitehaven, Brittany, and Saga are oak floors, whilst the other six items are in hevea, of which the Atoll, Pebble, and Coast have a pattern reminiscent of herringbone. Each plank is selected strictly and is processed in an innovative and unique manner to bring out the inner beauty of wood to the full. A team of specially trained professionals take care of this procedure from start to finish. And so, only the very best planks bear the name Driftwood. Never before have such unique and innovative floors been seen on the market. A Driftwood wooden floor, with its weathered look, gives any interior a unique character, with simplicity and spaciousness as the main features. For more information visit the web site: www.driftwoodfloors.com.

Visit the website of the new fair www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu

Special Top Export Minded companies in the Netherlands

L.P. Rollé was formed about 50 years ago and is now in the hands of Antoon van den Hurk and his two sons, Ton and Deevid. Despite an eventful history (including a severe fire in 2003 at its Schijndel headquarters), the company has grown into a major world player in the field of oak planks and milling. Rollé has offices in France (including its own drying facilities and warehouse since 1998 and, since 1999, a separate sales office for France) and Ukraine. The head office is located at Schijndel in the Netherlands. This completely new complex is equipped with the very latest technology. The company sells its goods worldwide, but mainly in Europe. 20 people work at Schijndel , and in total the Rollé Group employs about 100 people. The LPR Group takes care of the entire process, from the forest to the artificially dried wood (90% oak). Rollé can saw the most suitable wood from France, Germany, and Eastern Europe following the best procedures since it has its own sawmills and strong links with other sawmills. The group aims for ongoing quality and quantity for its European oak for the furniture, parquet, and floor industries, door manufacturers, and stair and interior builders. The total annual capacity amounts to 60,000m³ of sawn wood. In 2013, the group is starting to saw and plane wood at its offices in Ukraine. Furthermore, in 2013, the group is also trying to expand its market. At present, they are looking to expand in an easterly direction from the Netherlands, namely Germany and Eastern Europe, but they also have their eyes on the United Kingdom and Asia. www.lprolle.com - +31 (0) 735430043

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L.P. Rollé

Special Top Export Minded companies in the Netherlands

> Continued from page 61

Henkel

lecol

Henkel can trace its origins back to a 28-year-old trader called Fritz Henkel, who had a strong interest in natural science. On 26 September 1876, he, together with two partners, formed the company Henkel & Co in Aachen, Germany. The first product which they launched on the market was a universal washing powder based on silicate. In the 130 or so years which followed, this family of German entrepreneurs and their thousands of employees have built up Henkel into a world class company. 1929 witnessed the formation of Henkel Belgium in Brussels, whilst Henkel was formed in the Netherlands in 1932. Henkel operates all over the world with leading brands and types of technology in three fields: hygiene and cleaning products, beauty care, and adhesive technology. The major product within the Adhesive Technologies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pro Thomsit Benelux division is the XXL Premium low-dust levelling compound. In 2012, Henkel Global achieved a turnover of 16,510 million euros. The company employs about 47,000 people worldwide. New for 2013 within the Adhesive Technologies - Pro Thomsit Benelux division is the new Thomsit DX. www.henkel.nl - +31 (0) 306073911

Lecol has enjoyed a reputation for years as the number one total supplier of the best products for the installation, finish, and maintenance of wooden floors and parquet. Since the start of 2012, Lecol has added another string to its bow: a complete assortment for the installation of carpet and flexible floor covering. Apart from this complete assortment, Lecol gives a high priority to service, speedy delivery, and guarantee and advice. In 1998, Lecol was taken over by Maiburg, a renowned business enterprise in sanding materials, adhesives, wooden panels, and parquet accessories. Maiburg employs about 80 people, some of whom work for both Maiburg and Lecol. In 2013, they are extending the Lecol Multihole range (perforated sanding discs) which will shortly be available in the sizes 150, 178, 200, and 407mm i.e. for all applications. The main markets are the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK. www.lecol.nl. - +31 (0) 416566566

heywood VLOEREN

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Hand-carved surfaces and chamfers (A) Particular rustic appearance with knots and cracks (A)

Ask for the wide range of Heywood Vloeren, wholesaler / manufacturer of all kinds of wooden floors. Knotting Hill characteristic knot

Heywood Vloeren B.V. Scheldestraat 30 NL 5347 JD Oss

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Timberline

In 1996, Endesign introduced a small collection of vinyl strips and tiles in the Netherlands under the Metroflor brand name. In 2005, they changed this name to mFLOR. In the meantime, mFLOR has developed into a leading and trendsetting brand with a position at the head of the market and they sell mFLOR floors under the mFLOR International flag in over 20 countries. The systematic focus on innovation has resulted in attractive modernisation in the fields of quality, look, and design. In 2013, mFLOR has introduced two new collections, namely mFLOR PROJECT and mFLOR CONTACT. These collections are designed specially for use in bigger rooms. mFLOR CONTACT is a new method for fitting design floors without using glue. This method makes use of a fine absorbent textile fabric which is fitted on the underside of the mFLOR product. The fabric is impregnated with a special resin, which does not set and forms a solid, non-permanent adhesion with the subfloor.

Timberline International BV is a subsidiary of Houtindustrie Schijndel BV (HIS), the producer of Original Chapel Parket and Avance Floors floors. For some years now, the Dutch market has been served by HIS, whilst Timberline has been taking care of export sales. The core business is selling high quality wooden floors to professionals in the retail and project markets. The leading products for the higher segment are the floors of Original Chapel Parket, whilst Avance Floors are more important for the middle segment. HIS produces all floors using the best materials. The organisation employs about 180 people and its annual capacity is about 350,000m². In 2013, too, Timberline is still extending its range as regards sizes, quality, and colours to ensure that there is a suitable floor for every client. At present, the company sells its floors in over 50 countries.

www.timberline.eu - +31 (0) 736110606

www.mflor.com - +31 (0) 570678095

The entire process – from buying the logs to drying, production and finish – is done under own management and everything under the same roof. That is why Flamingo Parket is not only very competitive, but Flamingo Parket can also produce custom made for you! The program of Flamingo Parket: • Twinplank from 14 up to 32 cm wide, length up to 3 m¹. • Solid plankflooring. • Finishing happens in our own factory. • 3 Layers hardwaxoil finish, for heavy traffic use. • Custom-made floors.

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FLAMINGO • NL/BARNEVELD • TEL: +31 0342 404222 • WWW.FLAMINGOPARKET.NL Visit the website ofPARKET the BVnew fair www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu

Special Top Export Minded companies in the Netherlands

mFLOR

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> Continued from page 62

Special Top Export Minded companies in the Netherlands

> Continued from page 63

Flamingo Parket

Flamingo Parket BV was formed in 1985. In the early days, Lars Versteeg’s company supplied exclusively to Europa Parkett, which had 10 offices in those days. However, as the factory had a constantly growing capacity, they started supplying ‘other’ parquet businesses at the end of the 1980s. At present, both the Netherlands and exports are an important outlet for Flamingo Parket. Its core business consists of producing multi-layer floors, traditional parquet, wooden floors, and finishing those floors. Furthermore, Flamingo Parket is also very strong in the production of customised floors, such as Hungarian point and related products. In 2012, the company achieved a turnover of about nine million euros. 35 people work in Barneveld and 25 at its affiliated company Europa Parkett at Dömitz in Germany. Its annual capacity is 350,000m². In 2013, amongst other things, the company has invested in a second press line and a new machine with the latest technology for sawing top layers. The major markets are Germany and England. They also export to over 25 other countries. www.flamingoparket.nl - +31 (0) 342404222

Versailles Parket

Zabolak

Zabolak came into being over 40 years ago as a one-man business which specialised in supplying and fitting traditional parquet floors. 20 years ago, the founder of Zabolak, Mr G. Martens Snr. opted to take the company in a different direction and started specialising in the mechanical processing and treatment of floors in one location. And so, this is how Zabolak adopted its present form. Since 1996, his daughter Belia Jacobs-Martens and her husband Henny Jacobs have taken over operations. Since 1996, Zabolak has had more opportunities and this has not gone unnoticed internationally. The company’s speciality is still processing and treating floorboards, but they also work on interior construction materials: distressing, smoking, soaking in lye, staining, (colour) oiling, varnishing, sanding, brushing, and so on. Oiling and varnishing floorboards is their core business. Zabolak employs 10 people. Depending on the material, capacity ranges from 140,000 to 250,000m². For 2013, amongst other things, Zabolak has announced some new colours and finishes to fit in better with consumer trends. In addition, they are also launching some support products for designers and specialists so that samples are immediately at their disposal. Zabolak exports its products to the Benelux, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia. www.zabolak.nl +31 (0) 492565952

Floor Forum International 62

Easydek

At Versailles Parket the man playing the leading part is Ben von Hebel, who orders the wood and saws it as required by clients to complete the Versailles pattern. This is done in a completely traditional manner (i.e. without a computerised sawing machine) with home-made saw moulds. The sawn loose parts are assembled in a mould, pressed, and taped to the upper side. Then they are taken to the room where the floor is to be fitted. The pattern is fitted in the room in consultation with the fitter and client. Together with parquet floor designer Anne Tombeur, Ben provides haute couture in the field of parquet: specially designed, exclusive, and professionally fitted wooden floors for homes and company premises. The only difference with haute couture in the fashion world is that parquet floors do not differ greatly in price from other quality and brand floors. Versailles Parket employs two people on a permanent basis and a number of part-time workers. The company’s annual capacity is about 2500m² per annum. For 2013, Versailles Parket is introducing ready-made distressed and oiled floors. www.versaillesparket.nl - +31 (0) 653409637

Easydek B.V. was formed in 2005 in order to offer professional solutions for protecting interiors during new building work, renovation, and maintenance. All solutions must have the following features: simple and rapid processing, creating a safe working environment, and being as ecological as possible (i.e. re-usable or little waste). Gains in time and the prevention of damage and repair work are important reasons for choosing Easydek products. The major products are Carpet Cover, Multi Cover Premium+, and Multi Cover Ademend, three products which offer very specific solutions. Over the past five years, Easydek B.V. has particularly targeted the Benelux, but has also been operating on the larger international markets for three years. The major growth is coming mainly from Europe, but Easydek now also delivers regularly to clients outside Europe. In the next few years, Easydek will be paying extra attention to building up its European distribution network. 10 people work at Easydek producing an annual capacity of 10 million square metres. www.easydek.nl - +31 (0) 332859222

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Overmat Industries

Soest Ingenieursbureau en Handelsonderneming BV has been operating since 1982 as a supplier and producer of varnishing, glueing, and oiling machines for the wood and synthetic processing industry. Its core business is the production and fitting of machines for the parquet industry at home and abroad. The major product for the parquet sector is an oiling roller with polishing machine for parquet. 10 people work in the company, which formerly concentrated on Belgium and Germany, but now exports all over the world. New for 2013 is the compact RC-400 roller machine for the application of varnish, oil, or stains on wooden floorboards. This machine is fitted with a unique fast-change system so that it is possible to change the application roller without the use of tools within a few minutes. www.soest-handelsonderneming.nl - +31 (0) 756211780

For over 30 years, Overmat Industries has been the top specialist in the field of treating, finishing, maintaining, and cleaning hard floors. The company’s specialisation is Floor Service Hard Wax Oil in a wide range of colours and effects for manual, professional, and industrial application on wooden floors and the accompanying cleaning and maintenance products. This broad range of products is accompanied by a perfect range of machines with all the related accessories, such as the well known Woodboy and Floorboy machines. Moreover, Overmat is exclusive Benelux dealer of the top brands HTC and Airtec, which supply quality machines for treating and processing concrete and natural stone. The company employs 25 people. In 2013, Overmat will unveil various new items in the Floor Service brand, including an extension of the Prime Design Line and the colour range in hard wax oil. Floor Service is open to all countries and markets where Hard Wax Oil is used or is gaining ground. www.overmat.nl - +31 (0) 416317788

Brookhuis Micro-Electronics

Mac Lean Products

SUPER-FAST APPLICATION

Mac Lean Products was formed in 1930. Originally, the company was based first in Rotterdam and later in Dordrecht. Today, Mac Lean Products is located in Moerdijk. Their core business is to develop new products and merchandise for professional traders and the DIY sector. The production is done both inside and outside the company. The leading product category are skirting boards and also subfloors, which are produced in close co-operation with Selit Germany. Mac Lean Products achieved a turnover of about 60 million euros in 2012 and employs 20 people. Selit’s capacity in subfloors is 150 million square metres. New for 2013 is a subfloor specifically for LVT. They sell their in Europe and the United EASproducts advertentie EN 190x65,5.pdf 2 States. 19-03-12 15:00 www.macleanproducts.nl - +31 (0) 168359565

Brookhuis Micro-Electronics is part of the Brookhuis Group, which was formed in 1920. Brookhuis Micro-Electronics has over 50 years of experience in the field of damp measurement. Brookhuis Micro-Electronics is now a specialist in developing and producing hygrometers for measuring the moisture content in wood and building materials as well as systems for establishing the strength class and stiffness of wood. The company employs 29 people. The chief innovation for 2013 is the FMI V damp measurement system. The FMI-V is a contact-free in-line wood moisture measuring and classification system in one. The system’s basic operation establishes the wood moisture and this can be extended to include functions for sorting according to density and mechanical wood strength sorting. The unique FMI-V generates a considerably higher yield thanks to new functions and reporting facilities. www.brookhuis.com - +31 (0) 534333355

Easydek floor protection EASYDEK SPECIALIZES IN TEMPORARY FLOOR PROTECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION, REMODELING AND MAINTENANCE.

Laminates, Vinyl, Linoleum SAFEST CHOICE

LITTLE WASTE / DISPOSAL

Multi Cover Premium is a double layered protective non-woven with a unique anti-slip undercoating. The strong top polyethylene film prevents spillage, scratches and other types of damages.

Newly laid or treated wooden floors Multi Cover Breathable is the solution for protecting newly laid floorings. It is vapor transmitting and allows the floor to breath, whilst being waterproof from the top! Multi Cover Breathable is very strong and protects wooden floors against scratches, dents and discolorations. The anti-slip undercoating creates a safe and professional working environment.

MORE INFO: WWW.EASYDEK.COM/FLOORFORUM

Visit the website of the new fair www.european-floor-and-wall-exhibition.eu

Floor Forum International 62

Soest Ingenieursbureau en Handelsonderneming

Special Top Export Minded companies in the Netherlands

> Continued from page 64

> Product news Ciranova — RRT (Aquafix Protect RRT) bedrijf — ®product … Aquafix Protect is an industrial product used by the professionals as an industrial application, for protecting the outside wood. The built-in Rapid Rain Technology gives the wood a pearl effect so water drips off the wood. This product avoids the penetration of the water into the wood. In this way moisture circles in wood are avoided and the wood becomes grey in an even and — the product uniform way. Aquafix Protect is used especially to protect wood species mainly used … outside, such as resinous wood, exotic wood and European deciduous trees. Aquafix Protect is not filmforming but penetrates into the wood and gives a fast drying protection. After treatment is not necessary because the intention of the Aquafix Protect is to temporarily protect the wood against water and to let the wood become — product grey in a natural way. …

bedrijf

Product news

Floorservice — New maintenance product: Nature Care— product bedrijf … Floorservice Nature Protect you create a floor with an unfinished look, without the With normal building of layers on the wood surface. Of course the ultra matte effect should remain in tact! Therefore Floorservice developed Nature Care to maintain the floor. This new ultra matte Floorservice product maintains and protects all parquet and woodproduct en floors finished—with Nature Protect. With this product the floor is guaranteed with a matte and natural look, like created with Nature Protect. Gloss (60°) Utra matte: <5% … For weekly cleaning of the floor we recommend Floorservice Parquet Cleaner. HAVE A LOOK AT OUR NEW WEBSITE AS WELL: WWW.OVERMAT.NL

bedrijf

Pallmann — 2K Bonding agent Pall-X 350 A secure contact Existing pre-finished solid or engineered wood floors can now be safely re-coated even if there is little wood left to renovate. This challenging problem is now easily solved for any wood floor maintenance professional. Pall-X 350 is a two component bonding agent developed by the wood floor specialist Pallmann, which ensures optimised adhesion between the existing surface and the new lacquer coating without any intermediate sanding. So Pall-X 350 provides a fast, uncomplicated and cost effective refurbishment of wood floor areas, even in cases where a conventional refurbishment seems impractical. A robust and resistant wood floor surface can be achieved with a few small steps, through the application of the bonding agent. After a careful thorough cleaning with Pallmann Clean Strong, the mixed 2K bonding agent is applied with a roller or a spatula. With the benefit of speedy drying it prepares the floor for the subsequent application of the lacquer, for instance Pall-X Extreme 2K within same day. This dust-free refurbishment alternative prolongs the lifetime of any parquet floor significantly and allows for the re-sealing of a wood floor of up to an area of 100sqm on one day.

Proline — Support in product management

Floor Forum International 62

Excellent products alone are not sufficient to create customer loyalty. Service is playing a decisive role in the meantime. “Besides quality, especially service of Proline Systems and the willingness to work out individual solutions convinced me” so Moreno Leiser, purchasing manager of Bienna Interfloor in Switzerland. The company is working together with Proline for 2 years now and is still enthusiastic about their commitment, delivery times and support in the marketing sector.

Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Wood Protector now also available in 8 trendy pop colors! The all-in-one RMC Hybrid Wood Protector formula is a true hit. No surprise, as this product - as well as other company products - uses molecular binding to produce one single layer for coloring and protecting your wood. Furthermore, the product is designed for interior as well as exterior wood. With the arrival of the summer, the color range has been expanded with 8 trendy pop colors. More information on www.rubiomonocoat.com

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

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