19 minute read

Surfacing & Decorative Panels

A new perfect partner

Midnight Dash

Earlier this year REHAU and Decorative Panels Lamination announced a new industry partnership. One which will see many benefits for both companies; increasing Rehau’s opportunity to sell laminated materials into the UK market on short, reactive lead times whilst allowing dp-lamination to add value to the product in terms of supplying the surface laminated onto board.

The company is constantly adding to and evolving collections to enable them to keep their product offering up to date and relevant for customers. The latest RAUVISIO Noble Matt collection encompassing Noir HPLs and Brilliant Matt designs do just that and are the perfect addition to the dp-limitless range.

Having been a customer of Rehau edging for over 20 years, the Decorative Panels Group have already established a great relationship. In recent years they have introduced their surface materials to their customer base starting with the RAUVISIO Crystal collection and have now expanded the offering to include the RAUVISIO Noble Matt collection.

RAUVISIO Crystal Decor uses a 2mm transparent PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) surface over a high quality impregnated digital print stone decor giving it a depth that looks like the real thing – be it wood or stone.

Then there is RAUVISIO Crystal Mirror which has unrivalled light and flat reflection values that compare with a real glass mirror, but with half the weight and 10 times more break resistance.

RAUVISIO Noir Laminate a collection of 12 matt finishes with a robust HPL (High Pressure Laminate) surface, perfect for horizontal and vertical application with matching balancer.

RAUVISIO Brilliant Matt is available in eight colours and matching balancer. Perfect for vertical applications and harmonise excellently with RAUVISIO Noir HPL collection.

All of these are part of the dp-limitless range of specialised, decorative, and high-performance

‘Having been a customer of Rehau’s edging for over 20 years, we have already established a great relationship. In recent years we have introduced their surface materials to our customer base starting with the RAUVISIO Crystal collection and have now expanded the offering to include the RAUVISIO Noble Matt collection’

products available in a limitless number of possibilities. There is no commitment to purchasing in bulk and the offer is deliverable in quantities from as little as just one board.

Detail is everything in this industry, and because Rehau scientifically test in lab conditions to meet or exceed the highest standards from the German kitchen industry – as set by AMK and TUV – this sets their products apart from others on the market. For example, there are other brands that offer vertical and horizontal surfaces in a soft touch with a scratch resistant surface.

However, when you measure the light reflection at acute angles, some products on the market no longer look matt and you can see a reflection, as well as scratches not rubbing out with a sponge, or marks being left upon impact. None of these issues arise with the RAUVISIO Noble Matt collection.

Trends have moved from high-gloss to softtouch matt surfaces and are now extremely popular and in demand from furniture and joinery manufacturers.

The colour palette of the new RAUVISIO matt collection is perfect for the current market from the deep shades of After Dark, Olive Detour and Midnight Dash through to the contemporary take on greys and whites. Application includes doors throughout the home and all worktops including kitchens.

Boxcar Blonde

The colour palette of the new RAUVISIO matt collection is perfect for the current market from the deep shades of After Dark, Olive Detour and Midnight Dash through to the contemporary take on greys and white

‘Trends have moved from high-gloss to soft-touch matt surfaces and are now extremely popular and in demand from furniture and joinery manufacturers’

Olive Detour

You can easily achieve the ‘all over’ trend within a kitchen using the matching horizontal and vertical finishes. Manufacturers want quality materials that can be sourced and processed easily, with a consistency that compliments their workmanship and allows them to offer a perfect finish on every product.

Available now, the RAUVISIO Noble Matt collection is available from stock at Decorative Panels Lamination for nationwide delivery. Surfaces are supplied laminated onto board direct to the customer ready for processing. For cut and edged panels, Decorative Panels can put you in touch with one of their regional conversion partners. All surfaces can be laminated as sheet size 2800mm x 1300mm x 18mm MDF with lead times of four to six weeks. 01484 658341 www.decorativepanels.co.uk

David Bagshaw, key account manager for panel products at IDS, gives an insight into how furniture design has changed since the pandemic.

Reflective and reoriented trends for the post-pandemic era

We all know how much the pandemic and COVID-19 lockdowns impacted on how we lived and worked, and even though ‘normal’ routines resumed some time ago, we now have a greater appreciation for well-designed homes than ever before.

Our homes were our sanctuary in those unprecedented times, and they also served as temporary workplaces, schools, gyms, bars and more. We continue to see the impact of these changes reflected in furniture manufacture, as homeowners continue to invest in, improve and future-proof their homes.

The rise in home and hybrid working has naturally led to more people wanting to create home office hubs. Pictured here (left) are Swiss Krono boards in Toffee which have been used to create a large desk area and an adjoining storage unit built into the recess featuring open shelving and ample cupboard space for office items. In commercial offices too we’ve seen an upturn in companies investing in new furniture to welcome staff back, and there has been a move towards solo furniture instead of collaborative zones taking into account social distancing.

In kitchens, flat panel doors have been a growth area with kitchen furniture makers moving away from bought in doors and instead recognising the cost engineering benefits of sheet material. We’ve seen growing demand within the Swiss Krono One World collection with plain colours and the more stylish prints being strong sellers. Reflecting the ongoing trend for bold, dark shades in kitchen design, there’s been greater interest in indigo, navy blue, dark greens, red and terracotta panels in addition to the everpopular whites, greys and neutrals. Pictured here (below) are Swiss Krono panels in Vetro Green

Swiss Krono’s One World Collection of decorative panel board, available from IDS, can be used to create space-saving storage in bedrooms. Pictured here is the Ballet Slipper Pink décor.

which have been used to create a variety of sizes in flat-panel cabinets and to clad the large island unit.

Complementing this, the premium Durasein solid surface range has recently been extended with 20 new designs which are ideal for creating worktops, island units and cabinet fronts. Durasein offers a hygienic and high-performance material that combines on-point design and accessible pricing, with ex-stock availability. Durasein added in a number of veined and concrete décors specifically with the kitchen sector in mind.

If the past two years has taught us anything it’s that forward planning is key. Recognising current economic uncertainty, our portfolio will help kitchen companies should they need to branch out into other joinery projects such as

‘We’ve seen growing demand within the Swiss Krono One World collection with plain colours and the more stylish prints being strong sellers’

bedroom and box room renovations and media units. The solid colours in Swiss Krono’s 25mm thick panels are ideal for creating dressing tables, desks, open shelves as well as wardrobe and storage units that maximise space. Swiss Krono One World panels in Ballet Slipper Pink (above) have been used here to create floor to ceiling wardrobes which make full use of the available space in this bedroom alcove.

Responsible sourcing has long been an important consideration for furniture manufacturers and consumer demand is growing too, with more people wanting to take responsibility for their own personal impact on the planet. One World is an ideal product range for furniture manufacturers to get on board with. Swiss Krono is completely unique in producing the core board for the collection from 100% virgin wood material which meets and exceeds standard requirements from both FSC® and PEFC™. This ethos is mirrored by IDS and our entire product portfolio is compliant with European Timber Regulations, ensuring that customers have access to FSC® or PEFC™ certified options in each of our wood-based product categories.

The Swiss Krono One World collection is available exclusively from IDS and offers a choice of 133 décors available as a melamine or a laminate with matching ABS edging as standard. They can all be combined with a variety of different substrates, including chipboard, MDF of all types and compact density fibreboard (CDF) to offer design flexibility for a wide range of domestic and commercial projects.

The ex-stock collection can be delivered to a customer’s door in 24-48 hours from IDS’s network of 18 nationwide branches. 0845 023 0376 solutions@idsurfaces.co.uk www.idsurfaces.co.uk

Kronospan at Lawrcis – it’s time to switch on

The Komplete Kollection has 63 décors, exclusive in design and available at Lawcris on next day delivery

A brand-new design experience has been switched on in Leeds and Lawcris is the one chosen to bring this vision to life.

As soon as the lights go on, a very different, immersive installation awaits at Lawcris to promote Kronospan in a way never seen before in the UK. In addition to its LED-lit displays that immediately trigger the senses, its vibrant interior and unique presentation of the décors allow customers to visually and interactively experience Kronospan’s colourful portfolio. It’s a space where digital meets reality. Lauren Barker, head of marketing, explains: “We wanted to avoid the white, sterile, unnervingly open, noisily tiled, big echoing gallery concept which is so uncomfortable for customers to work in. We have created a fun and compact space where everything is close to hand. It has an enticing flavour of a comfortable loft layout. Customers can scatter their projects on the table, pick out large-scale door size samples, compare, contrast, mix, pile up and get more! It is a playful space with charging points for laptops, USB points for phones and a huge 65in TV to view projects on.”

“It has such an appealing vibe. People are using the space as a unique extension to their own office. It’s a room where the doors can close and the worry about disturbing anyone is extinguished. Customers can play their own music and there is no fuss from our sales folk, well, unless they want it. We are truly blown away with the feedback we have had so far. For me as a marketing manager, working with Kronospan, who have devoted so much time and money into this space, has been truly worth it.”

The space presents over 100 décors, the majority from the newer Komplete Kollection, exclusive in design and stocked at Lawcris for next day delivery.

Be inspired with the large-scale mood board using props and samples

Mix and match in the playful gallery area with A3 and door size samples All décors are in touching distance and displayed in a easy-to-use coloured display

‘Kronospan have come a long way in the last four years. It is not only Lawcris’s design space they have invested into, Kronospan have spent more than £250m on their UK manufacturing base’

Lauren continues: “Customers have never had the opportunity to see the Komplete Kollection in this way before. Customers are flabbergasted when viewing them on a larger scale for the first time. Décors such as the Flows and the Grange Oaks cannot be fully appreciated in an A4 format – to see them on a larger scale really changes everything. There are even routed slits in the table which allow customers to slot boards right next to each other and walk around to see how the light bounces off the surfaces. The addition of natural light really helps in the decision process when looking at contrasts and combinations.” Kronospan have come a long way in the last four years. It is not only Lawcris’s design space they have invested into, Kronospan have spent more than £250m on their UK manufacturing base. The factory has been comprehensively upgraded, streamlined and future-proofed and the changes are evident everywhere. Part of this investment has gone into a brand-new cleaning line for their chipboard production. Dean Carroll, head of procurement, reveals, “We were invited to Kronospan in Chirk, near Wrexham, to see these developments for ourselves and came away speechless. Kronospan use a very high percentage of recycled timber in their chipboard, and this gives materials such as metal and stone the chance to be processed alongside the chips.

“These unwanted items have tarnished Kronospan’s reputation in recent years. It’s been a hard sell to customers. However, since the new cleaning line was launched, things have most definitely changed. The technology is jaw-dropping to witness and is astonishingly efficient. Hearing the positive feedback from the market, I truly believe that customers can now have the confidence to buy the board once again.”

Lauren concludes: “Kronospan’s ambition is endless. The major step to introduce brand new state-of-the-art technology to clean their recycled timber, alongside their investment into a new design space for the north, plus the exclusivity of their décors, is a significant transformation from a Kronospan of ten years ago. For the UK market, these changes have set the bar extremely high and boosted Kronospan onto a whole new level. 0113 217 7177 www.lawcris.co.uk

Saviola created with the heart designed for the home

Saviola the Eco-Ethical Company really is going from strength to strength. The group have been producing panels with FSC certified 100% recycled wood since 1997. Saviola is the leading post-consumption wood processor in the world.

The whole philosophy of the company is based around recycling and upcycling, giving materials a second life with out the need to fell trees. Circular economy is a notion that has been mentioned by many but Saviola have embraced this philosophy for over three decades and have proven that they lead the way.

Constant research surrounding these processes makes this product unique. Considerable time spent assessing and developing this range has also led to particleboard panels with the lowest formaldehyde emissions.

One thing that is for certain is aside from the stringent measures too ensure this product remains 100% recycled, the design and the aesthetic are always at the forefront of this stylish product. It is clear to see that the passion has been carefully intertwined into the designs and finishes of this unique range, all of which started with the founder Mauro Saviola who pursued and believed in his ideas until they became a reality.

Today’s mission statement is a strong and clear message: “We are today a real and worthy example of Circular Economy. Staying faithful to our story first and foremost continuing to do business with the greatest respect for the

Scuro Oak Chalet

environment through eco-sustainability and a recycling ethic.”

Saviola is able to recover over 7.2 million tonnes of waste wood across their network centres, a process that allows more than 70,000 trees to be saved every day.

Panelco and Timbmet are proud to partner with this incredible innovative company which fits perfectly within their collective focus. The Trend-A-Porter UK collection is available from stock offering a carefully selected range of designs. The decorative elements combined with unique textures make this product a real stand out. Perfectly designed for the furniture and interior market this collection really gives an exclusive feel. Artistic patterns, rustic authentic woods, cracked burnt structures, elegant lines, natural sensations and marbling effects are just some of the styles you can expect to see.

Following the success of this decorative collection both Panelco and Timbmet have now decided to add three contemporary plain colours to this range to give the option of a complete 100 % recycled kitchen choice. With the addition of Brilliant White, Pastel Grey and Diamond Grey these classic décors will enhance any of the Italian design options. All designs are available with a matching 1mm edging to complement, stock is now available so please contact the sales teams for more information.

For more information about this impressive collection, book a visit to Panelco’s design showroom where you can see the collection in large format display samples, along with interactive design areas where you can fully immerse yourself with the design process with access to all of Panelco’s full collections. www.panelco.com/design-facilities

Naturalness, emotion, and durability

Continental’s surface specialist clearly shows that not all oak is the same. Above all, it’s all about naturalness and clarity. Continental’s new surface product, skai Viking Oak, turns to untamed wildness by unleashing many expressive elements. The result is simple, emotional, and genuine.

Naturalness is the clincher. In terms of their appearance, furniture surfaces today are in no way inferior to real wood. Continental demonstrates just how much naturalness and authenticity are possible with its new skai Viking Oak.

Strong character

skai Viking Oak is a wood decor of particularly strong character. It’s a free spirit that uniquely expresses itself completely. Floral grains and pore variations, delicately underlaid with contrast, create the depth of a reclaimed processed wood. Fine cracks mixed with rustic elements characterise this unique wild oak. Dark-coloured knots round off the look. skai Viking Oak thus has expressive and authentic wood features with sophisticated detail all in the right place. The result is a wild oak decor with unrivalled rough charm and strong originality. It is cool and clean in a light colour scheme, fitting easily into a modern living ambience and the popular Scandic Chic living style. Its pithy details make a strong visual statement.

Memorable experience

A realistic-looking wood embossing rounds off

skai Viking Oak

this naturalness. Pores that vary and make the unique surface visually and haptically tangible – just like real wood from nature. Light and shadow, highs and lows, matt and gloss: everything is there, all executed most convincingly. In skai Viking Oak, the surface structure has everything needed to create a naturally harmonious whole.

Colour in focus

Colour is also very important, whether in the wood decor itself or in combination as a colourcoordinated partner. In skai Viking Oak, the natural-looking wood elements such as cracks, knots and pores are supported with colour to achieve the desired character in a way that is never distracting. Continental offers skai Viking Oak in three colour variations: natural, brown, or olive. skai Viking Oak can be used as a standalone player in large areas or as a contrasting element in combination with the right plain colour.

Flexible and durable

skai Viking Oak can be processed flexibly. It is thermoformable and can also be adapted to design milling shapes such as grooved profiles, country house shapes, or curved elements. The surface is also highly scratch resistant. Its harmonious oak pore accents create a functional effect while also allowing you to haptically feel the wood decor. For use in kitchens, bathrooms, or lounge areas, the surface is standardscompliant in meeting the high requirements for soiling resistance and light-fastness, thereby ensuring that it retains its visual effect for a long, long time. www.skai.com/interior/furniture-foil

HPP gives timeless Shaker-style beauty a contemporary twist

A growing trend for a contemporary twist on the Shaker-style door has prompted Hill’s Panel Products, the Oldham-based board, doors and fittings manufacturers and suppliers, to build on its range of timeless Shakers to create four new, modern doors – including one completely new style.

HPP’s ever-popular Caraway, Johnson and Shaker doors, all part of the Aspire range and all featuring a traditional 90mm outer profile, are being complemented by the new range reflecting the increasing demand for a slimmer profile – sometimes nicknamed skinny Shakers.

The new additions are:

Mercia – which features a 60mm slim profile based on the current Johnson style door with its one-piece solid outer frame.

Treviso has a 60mm slim profile based on the Caraway style door, which is a solid one-piece outer frame with an angled recess to the centre panel.

Treviso – based on the Caraway style door, which is a solid one-piece outer frame with an angled recess to the centre panel Mercia – based on the current Johnson style door with its one-piece solid outer frame

Valencia has a 60mm slim profile and is based on the current Shaker style door, which features an outer frame with H section lines.

The brand-new addition to the range will be the Halstead, another Shaker-style door with the slimmer 60mm profile but also featuring a raised centre panel.

HPP sales manager Chris Essex says: “The Shaker style is a huge part of the market at the minute. We’ve seen that with our Caraway door, for example, which is proving hugely popular; they’re included in almost every other order. When you look at that with the modern twist it is very contemporary.

“We first started supplying the slimmer Shakers as special-order doors, but the demand has grown to such an extent we think it is the right time to include them in the range. The demand is coming via the retailers, and it’s being driven by people seeing the contemporary look on places like Instagram.”

The Shaker-style takes its name from The Shakers, a religious sect first formed in England in the 18th century but whose members later fled to America to escape persecution. It is renowned for its minimalistic characteristics and clean lines.

All the new additions will sit in HPP’s Aspire vinyl-wrapped range and will be available in solid, glazed, and angled options. Aspire door are all made-to-measure as standard.

Chris adds: “For me, the market still feels very positive. For example, when we look at orders that have been received over a weekend through our online ordering system, it’s still very buoyant.

“I know some of our competitors don’t feel like that, but at the minute we are just pushing on and the new door styles will be a very positive introduction to help us do that.” 0161 628 1147 www.hpponline.co.uk