June / July 2022
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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Contents
3
vol 40 no 3
Editor’s Note
Focus On 14
Welcome to the June / July 2022 issue of Flooring Magazine. Inside this issue you will find our annual Eco and Sustainability feature where we profile environmentally and socially preferable products and processes. Whether you are making or purchasing flooring, your choices can significantly impact people and our planet. The team at GECA explain their lifecycle ecolabel standards and help us better understand how their Floor Coverings and Carpets standards can make choosing sustainable flooring easier for everyone.
Focus on Bremworth
Company Profile 16
Classic Architectural Group
Technical Bulletin 20
Marmoleum myths busted
Feature 24
Eco and Sustainability
Waterproofing 36
Permanent protection from moisture and bacteria
Training 40
FCIA 2022 – the first six months
Software 42
What role does technology have in your flooring business?
Safety
Our Company Profile this month features the Classic Architectural Group who recently celebrated their milestone 40th birthday. Classic Architectural Group have been leading the way in architecturally designed safety and access solutions for many years and their work is well known in public spaces such as schools, universities, shopping centres, sports centres, and community buildings. Read our profile on page 16 for more on this all Australian success story. Please feel free to contact me directly regarding any industry news and or product information by email at – michelle@elitepublishing.com.au Don’t forget to join our growing online community and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Until next time, enjoy your read.
48
Maintenance and replacement checklist
Michelle Cammiade Editor
Front Cover Classic Architectural Group www.classic-arch.com
Flooring Magazine is on: @flooringmagazineaustralia @flooringmagazine
Flooring June/July 2022
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News
4
Tarkett - continued growth and development Tarkett Australia has continued to build on its strong and diverse executive leadership team with the appointment of Scott Bain as the National Residential Sales Manager.
Scott joins Tarkett from Cavalier Bremworth where he has spent the last 9 years as the State Sales Manager NSW/ACT/WA. In this role, Scott was heavily involved with building local relationships, new product introductions/rollouts, the development and execution of growth strategies, as well as directly managing and developing business with key flooring retailers, including the Carpet Court business nationally.
Prior to his role at Cavalier Bremworth, Scott held a number of Management positions within the building and construction sector, including National Category Manager at Beaver Brands, State Sales Manager at Halifax Vogel Group, and earlier in his career, Scott spent 8 years with Parbury Pty Ltd, a distributor of decorative surfaces and building materials in various Sales and Product Management roles.
development of Tarkett’s Residential business in Australia and New Zealand. This will include management of Tarkett’s existing residential channels and distributor network, as well as continued growth and development of alternate channels, key accounts, and defining a broader and more localised residential product offering.
In his role as National Residential Sales Manager, Scott will have complete responsibility for the growth and
Tarkett Australia’s Managing Director, Mauro Compagnoni, warmly welcomed Scott’s appointment, saying his experience, knowledge and networks within the Australian flooring retailers will greatly assist Tarkett to strengthen its position in the local residential market.
Flooring June/July 2022
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News
6
RFMS clients feature in Carpet Court Awards Out of eight major awards at the recent Carpet Court conference, six were awarded to members using the RFMS business management system for flooring businesses. Chris Ogden, CEO of RFMS Australasia, said he was delighted to see the success of RFMS clients within the Carpet Court group. He acknowledged, however, that RFMS is only one element in success. "What we commonly see in our clients are innovative business owners that work hard on their business to unlock its capacity. RFMS is a tool that can help; even great software is not a silver bullet and is no substitute for good management." In addition to the RFMS business Management System, clients often use Measure and Measure Mobile, RFMS products that enable salespeople to more quickly and accurately quantify plans and process sales. More recently, tablet and smartphone-based apps have been added to the suite of RFMS solutions that address the flooring retailer's CRM, warehouse, and installer needs.
Fiona and Simon McCredie of Coffs Harbour Carpet Court have used RFMS since 2014 and have grown their use of RFMS across all aspects of their flooring business. Fiona said they were happy to have their hard work recognised as the Member of the Year. She said they have benefited from using the RFMS business management system and Measure by RFMS to make their sales process
more efficient. They enjoy the data they can extract to give them up-to-date information about how the business is performing. Ryan Terry of Terry Bros was similarly pleased with their award, In Recognition of Extraordinary Contribution and Performance. Terry Bros have been using RFMS to manage their Carpet Court stores since 2016. Ryan says that RFMS gives him peace of mind as it streamlines his business processes and lets him keep tabs on their growing number of stores. Ryan has also appreciated the support he gets from the RFMS team. Having been a flooring retailer, Chris Ogden said he understands the need to provide support. "Providing knowledgeable support from people who understand the flooring industry has been a key goal of RFMS Australasia, and it is something we continually strive to improve." Chris Ogden noted that RFMS uses suggestions from clients each year to improve the RFMS and Measure software packages, further enhancing the experience that these award-winning stores and all RFMS clients benefit from.
Flooring June/July 2022
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Congratulations
Carpet Court 2021/2022 NMM Award Winners “We are delighted that the following winners are all RFMS software users.”
NATIONAL MEMBER OF THE YEAR In Recognition of Extraordinary Contribution and Performance in 2021/22 Coffs Harbour Carpet Court ____________ STATE MEMBERS OF THE YEAR In Recognition of Extraordinary Contribution and Performance in 2021/22 Coffs Harbour Carpet Court - NSW / ACT Cranbourne Carpet Court - VIC / TAS Caloundra Carpet Court - QLD / NT Midland Carpet Court - WA ____________ OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR In Recognition of Extraordinary Contribution and Performance in 2021/22 Terry Bros – Young, Yass & Cootamundra Carpet Court ____________
Learn how RFMS can take your flooring business to the next level, go to www.rfmsanz.com Freephone 1800 229 427 (AU) 0800 643 012 (NZ)
News
8
RLA Polymers is expanding RLA Polymers (RLA) is an iconic Australian manufacturer of Adhesives, Sealants and Cementitious Mortars, with local production capabilities that span over some 56 years. Throughout RLA’s history, there has been an enduring diversification strategy surrounding its flooring and related product offering. As the oldest Australian Flooring Adhesive Manufacturer, RLA has acquired and developed many iconic Flooring Adhesive brands including Roberts, Polymer, Holdfast, Brooks and Aftek. Today, we are ever so proud to announce the opening of RLA’s new Sydney manufacturing facility and premises located in Villawood Sydney. In 2020, RLA identified the need to expand its manufacturing footprint to meet the increasing demand of growth and innovation in their entire range of products. With the existing legacy plant located at Pendle Hill in Sydney at full capacity, and the Kilsyth plant in Victoria due to reach capacity, a new site has been located in Villawood Sydney. The new plant will offer state of the art production and is strategically located by Sydney’s metropolitan freeway system.
processes and positivity that continues to help drive the business forward”.
The construction of the new plant commenced in late 2021. The new Sydney site has both emulsion and powder mixing capabilities. The plant facilitates elite manufacturing equipment from Europe and allows RLA to double its current production output. RLA’s new facility is one of the most high-performance cementitious plants in Australia— in terms of technology, capacity, and capability. The new site is approximately 7,500 sqm, includes 18 bulk silos for automated raw material dosing, fully automated bag filling and palletising line, fully integrated ISO accredited Quality System and QC laboratories.
The strength of RLA’s operations ensures they continue to manufacture a range of adhesives and SLC’s as well as many other building and construction products throughout its four Australian manufacturing facilities, meeting customer demands both locally and internationally.
With the expansion and growth of RLA, this new investment will greatly increase RLA’s manufacturing capability and will put RLA in an even better position to bring products and services to customers throughout Australia. RLA’s Managing Director Troy Hogan said, “the support and investment in technological infrastructure shores up the future for RLA as a dominant local producer of cementitious and polymeric compounds delivering value to all Australian flooring industry stakeholders whilst supporting Australian manufacturing”. Troy Hogan also commended the success and sustainability of RLA “is a direct result of our employees’ efforts, hard work, innovative
Flooring June/July 2022
RLA National Sales Manager Craig Hildebrand said, “We continue to experience strong growth throughout all business segments, this expansion is a direct result of our growth and allows RLA to continue to provide innovative products to our existing customer base as well as meet the future needs of an expanding market”.
Brent Cartwright RLA’s Flooring Business Manager commented, “As I look forward, RLA’s Future is in safe hands with Troy Hogan our Managing Director. Troy’s level of commitment to invest in major capital work projects, people and processes shows his strategic intent to improve the performance of the business. Troy’s vision is delivering higher levels of customer retention and satisfaction. And to this last point, on behalf of RLA, I would like to thank our loyal customers and we look forward to sharing the power of our brands for many years to come”.
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Product Update
10
An old favourite is back: Capitol Adhesives now in stock at AFS Australian Flooring Supplies (AFS) is excited to announce a new partnership with Capitol Adhesives.
From here, Capitol Adhesives expanded nationally, and eventually globally, when QEP Co. Inc. acquired the company.
For over 36 years, Capitol Adhesives has been a leading global manufacturer of adhesives for the flooring industry.
With increased production and distribution abilities now in Australia, Capitol Adhesives has continued to innovate and adapt to meet and exceed the needs of the local flooring market.
Known for their quality and performance, AFS is pleased to deliver this range of products to the Australian market. Made in Australia, for the Australian industry Today, in partnership with AFS, Capitol Adhesives has consolidated a new range of adhesives for the Australian market, made to suit our carpet and resilient flooring industry. Better still, the new and improved range is developed and manufactured in Australia, and includes: • Carpet adhesive • Vinyl adhesive • Pressure sensitive adhesive • Brushable contact adhesive
Over three decades of experience From humble beginnings, Capitol Adhesives started producing flooring adhesives in 1986, with just three mixers in a small building in Georgia, US. Capitol Adhesives carved out a niche local market, which allowed them to focus on developing their adhesives, ensuring each unique formula was created to the highest possible quality.
New range now available With the performance qualities flooring professionals look for, such as superior spread rates and viscosity, AFS is pleased to announce the new range is now in stock. Given their commitment to creating high quality, installer friendly products, we are confident the new Capitol Adhesives formulations will be widely valued by AFS customers. With highly competitive prices, head to your local AFS store or call 1300 737 155 to find out more about the new Capitol Adhesives range.
Flooring June/July 2022
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Enquire
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Product Update
12
Beaumont Tiles launches new Hybrid Collection Australia’s largest tile retailer, Beaumont Tiles, has launched a new Hybrid Collection across its store network, as part of its commitment to making renovations accessible and affordable for all homeowners.It is the first non-ceramic flooring offered in the company’s 62-year history, marking a genuine milestone for the company’s product range. Taking on the best features of most other flooring categories such as laminate floating floors and vinyl planks, the Hybrid Collection is an innovation in flooring technologies. It offers authentic timber and stone designs with scratch resistance, plus hygienic and waterproof properties, and is well-suited to a variety of applications.
Beaumonts’ Hybrid Collection comprises two core technologies – SPcore and Isocore. Each provides a lightweight, easy to handle and install floor covering option, making them perfect for fast-moving projects.
Above: Lifestyle Pine Sierra Isocore 220x1510x7.5 “The ethos of Beaumonts has always been to exceed the industry standard, and hybrid flooring achieves this by combining pleasing aesthetics with superior technical performance.”
Beaumont Tiles’ National Buyer, Dean Booker, said “the expansion of the brand offering was in answer to feedback from customers who wanted Beaumonts to be their one-stop-shop for renovation needs.”
Beaumonts’ Hybrid Collection is highly practical, offering customers a diverse range of lightweight, easy-to-install flooring options perfect for many tastes and budgets.
“The new Hybrid Collection was specifically chosen to meet this demand. After three years of developing our decors and range, we are proud to offer Aussies a hybrid product that is both beautiful and reflective of the quality our customers expect.”
“The new collection is an ideal choice for spaces with pre-existing floors needing to be covered over,” Mr Booker added. “It’s easy to install and forgiving for first-time renovators, or those without access to professional trades.”
Above: Lifestyle Neptune Vogue Maple Spcore 225x1620x5.5 RRP $ 79.95 per sqm Flooring June/July 2022
Above: Lifestyle Oak Newport Isocore 220x1510x7.5 RRP $79.95 per sqm Key Features • 100% waterproof. • Odour-proof, Low VOC, scratch, and stain resistant – perfect for homes with pets and kids. • Durable, locking system for easy DIY installation with low maintenance. • Temperature resistant, suitable for extreme temperature fluctuations. • Antibacterial surface that protects from harmful bacteria and reduces the formation of mould and mildew – perfect for kitchens and laundry areas for improved hygiene. • Wide range of 60 decors across 12 styles in timber and stone look. The Beaumont Tiles Hybrid Flooring category will be expanding in the coming months with the addition of new innovative products and technology.
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TAKE A STAND AGAINST PLASTIC bremworth.com.au
Focus On
14 Focus On Bremworth
V
oted New Zealand’s most trusted carpet brand for nine consecutive years, Bremworth is a premium rug and carpet company with manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Napier, and Whanganui. Flooring Magazine recently sat down with CEO Greg Smith to discuss the company’s transformational journey focused on helping consumers bring more natural products into their homes and daily lives. 1. What is the Bremworth story? Bremworth is a quintessential Kiwi icon. We have been crafting excellence in NZ made flooring since 1959 when the Bremworth Carpet Company established a small factory in South Auckland. Our founders Tony Timpson and Grant Biel had a passion for natural fibres. Grant built our first carpet tufting machine, and without yarn to test it, he pulled apart the red woollen jersey he was wearing, thread by thread. The result: the first square of ‘carpet perfection.’ We currently employ just over 400 staff across Australasia, with the majority located at our manufacturing plants in Napier, Whanganui, and Auckland.
However, we believe that our wool needs to not only be the best quality, but it must be sourced from the best farms. So, as a first step, in June 2021 we signed up to the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme (NZFAP) which is a government funded independent assurance programme to ensure best practice on-farm in relation to important factors such as animal health and welfare.
2. How has the business changed and evolved over the years? Take us through your journey from a small factory in South Auckland to a global player in premium wool flooring solutions market. While carpet trends come and go, one thing for us has been constant: our love for and belief in NZ wool. Our 60+ years of experience has taught us that wool is not only 100% natural, biodegradable, and renewable, but it is also a brilliant fibre for design, innovation, and overall performance on the floor.
3. Discuss some of the company’s milestone moments. A major recent milestone was in May 2021 when we celebrated our last ever synthetic carpet production. By exiting the synthetic carpet market, we reduced our annual plastic consumption by about 2,500 tonnes. And we have not stopped there - one year on from ditching synthetics, we are using science, research, and innovation to find more sustainable ways to bring more natural flooring options for families to love. Watch this space.
Our wool is 100% grown in New Zealand. It is the perfect environment for sheep to thrive and deliver beautifully clean, white fibres to allow us to achieve better colour clarity in our final products. Over the last 60+ years we have fine-tuned exacting wool specifications for colour, length, and thickness by product to strike the perfect balance between delivering you optimum softness, design, and overall performance on the floor.
Flooring June/July 2022
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Focus On
15 On average, currently 87% of our woollen carpets are sourced from natural materials (by weight, based on a 42oz carpet). Whilst this is a great starting point, we want to do better than that, so we are seeking new ways to reduce, recycle and eventually remove plastic from our products, our business, and our daily lives where possible. By focusing on green chemistry our goal is to work towards a product that can be upcycled or safely returned to the earth at the end of its life.
4. What is the Bremworth business philosophy and or mission statement? Bremworth’s philosophy is that sustainability is not a choice – it is a necessity. Our longterm vision is to become a global leader in designing and creating desirable, safe, sustainable, and high-performing natural interior solutions. Guided by the purpose of finding a more sustainable way, Bremworth is on a transformational journey focused on helping consumers to bring more natural products into their homes and daily lives. 5. Bremworth has a substantial environmental policy. Can you explain what this entails? In 2021, our $4.9M research-based sustainability programme began with support from the NZ Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. The key focus of this programme is to find more natural and circular solutions and to assist with this work Bremworth partnered with the University of Auckland and AgResearch to help achieve results quicker.
Flooring June/July 2022
We have four key priorities: 1. Create demand for Bremworth branded product 2. Super charge the digital business 3. Optimise operational efficiency and commercial excellence 4. Prioritise innovation, sustainability, and partnerships
6. What is the product offering at Bremworth? Describe your current collections. Firstly, wool is a high-performing natural alternative to plastic synthetic carpet fibres – our wool carpets have been tried and tested for generations. We offer customers three collections of carpets starting with our high-end designer Bremworth Collection which features exclusive felted carpets. Our mid-tier Aspire Collection features a stylish range of loop and cut pile designs. Finally, our Lifestyle Collection is our entry-level wool carpets full of durable designs and on-trend colours. We have found that most consumers are looking for carpets that offer a textured sensory experience and are neutral in tone. A neutral aesthetic provides consumers with the flexibility to introduce bolder colours via furniture, cushions, throws etc to breathe life into the space. Having said that, we are seeing some consumers selecting playful and bold coloured carpets, to achieve an unexpected, unique aesthetic. Bremworth also offers wool rugs in custom shapes and sizes to suit every space. So, we have a range of NZ made solutions to naturally soften and elevate our customers’ homes. 7. Looking ahead, what plans have you got for the future of Bremworth?
As you can see from above, we have got a lot on, so I will expand on one area only. We are laser-focused on improving our manufacturing processes. With facilities in Napier, Whanganui, and South Auckland, the have a strong focus on ensuring these plants are operating as efficiently as possible through the use of technology, innovation and teamwork. Underpinning this work is our purpose which is to find more sustainable ways to do things– to allow consumers to make more considered product choices and to ultimately lessen our impact on the planet..
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Company Profile
16
For Every Step Article by Philip Ashley For over 40 years, Classic Architectural Group’s mission has been to make public spaces safe, attractive and accessible to all. Classic Architectural Group specialise in fulfilling the complete supply chain from design, supply to installation, providing a proven service for building professionals that enables them to do what they do best. Classic Architectural Group was founded by Peter McAlpin in April 1981 with headquarters based in Moorabbin, Victoria. Since then, the company has relocated twice and Preston is now home for local manufacturing. It’s a family company jointly managed by Peter and his two sons, Leigh and Garth but the family atmosphere and work ethic run throughout the people that choose to work there. Everyone is focused not only on customer satisfaction and quality but providing the right solution for the specific job that meets the required standards and architectural specifications.
Classic Architectural Group is Australia’s leading supplier of stair and floor safety products, their comprehensive product range includes commercial entrance matting, safety stair nosings and tactile indicators.
responsible in their commitment in humility to uphold their obligations to clients, staff, the community and the environment. They are resourceful in providing seamless experiences through insightful, innovative solutions with can-do versatility.
Leigh recently said, “Our DNA comes from our team, it’s not something we’ve written down on a piece of paper, it’s real. We believe in service where the customer comes first. We do everything with style and originality, and we provide our customers certainty that the project will be delivered on-time, that it will be right, and it will look good.” Focused on commercial projects, they’re trusted and respected across all industry sectors, working alongside architects, construction companies and flooring/tiling contractors. Classic Architectural Group upholds four critical values, these are rigour, respect, responsibility and resourcefulness. They are rigorous in being relentlessly driven to uncompromised world class quality, service and efficiencies. They are respectful in maintaining equality and integrity for all their business partners and users of public space. They are
A Wealth of Experience Classic Architectural Group has a manufacturing background, starting out manufacturing metal products for architectural applications such as bespoke, quality balustrades, specialising in highend brass and stainless steel products for the hospitality sector. Alongside this, the company produced floor safety products such as entrance matting, stair nosings, tactile indicators, floor trims and covers that also serviced the commercial construction sector. Over time the company saw a need for a local manufacturer to focus on the entire stair and floor safety solution, which is why their service offer now covers design and manufacture right through to supply and
Flooring June/July 2022
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Company Profile
17 the customer is going to require the product, and knowing where we fit into the process.” Sometimes though, things don’t go to plan and when this happens, Classic Architectural Group is able to make things happen with their can-do attitude, even if that comes to shovelling sand that might have been left where they need to work.
installation. Their expertise now also spans car park safety, covering high demand items like bollards, wheel stops and corner guards, as well as bike racks and skate deterrents. Kristine Angelo’s responsibilities include estimating and customer service. She adds, “We specialise in an end-to-end solution from the initial request to the manufacture, delivery and installation of the product. Because of the particular issues affecting the building industry from delays caused by many factors, we have to be very flexible in our approach.”
Classic Architectural Group works in public spaces such as schools, universities, shopping centres, sports centres and community buildings. The challenges are everywhere but as Garth said, “We have that can-do attitude, we will make it happen.” Janine Janides is Classic’s marketing executive. She said, “What sets us apart is that we’ve been doing this for 40 years. With that comes a whole wealth of experience.”
Proud to be Australian Garth McAlpin points out that, “We are 100% Australian owned. We employ locally and use Australian materials to manufacture Australian-made products for the Australian market.” Classic Architectural Group is a national group and maintains a physical presence in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with representatives in Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand. Recent projects include Walsh Bay Performing Arts precinct in Sydney; Melbourne Park precinct in Victoria; HOTA Gallery in Queensland and Centre for National Resilience Government project.
David Peckham is Classic’s senior estimator and adds, “We’re really good at getting timelines sorted out early, finding out when
With a team of 40 to 50 people nationally, everyone from the person a client initially contacts, to the person who cleans up after the installation is complete, is committed to Classic’s company standards. Brian Xuereb works in the Melbourne factory and says, “I’ve only been with Classic a short time, but I love the variety in the job and solving the challenges that come our way.” Glenn Lawrence is a senior site coordinator based in Melbourne. His role is to make sure the promises made are delivered, and the relevant standards are met. 18
Flooring June/July 2022
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Company Profile
18
Rachel Bradnick is Classic’s installations co-ordinator, she said, “We’re focussed on giving our clients the certainty that their job will be handed over on-time and to the architectural specifications and safety standards required.” To ensure Classic Architectural Group could deliver on time, in January 2020 they tripled their stock holdings. As a result, during Covid they had stock where others didn’t. Harmony Rickard from customer service sums it up best. “What makes us different is our core values and our distinctive capabilities. Our company culture is engaging, open and communicative; it’s a real family effort.” Creators and Innovators Leading the way in architecturally-designed safety and access solutions, the team at Classic Architectural Group diligently
stays on top of the latest industrial and design trends. With continual research and innovation, they offer a diverse array of products to complement both classic and contemporary applications. With on ongoing focus on providing innovative solutions, the team at Classic are really stepping it up, being first to market with their 3D and Augmented Reality (AR) technology. On their website, across entrance matting, safety stair nosing and tactile indicators, one can select a floor surface, team it with their preferred Classic product/colour ways and visualise it in 3D. You can then take it a step further and Visualise It in your own project space using their AR technology. Visit www. classic-arch.com to experience this cuttingedge technology.
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Technical Bulletin
20
Marmoleum myths busted Article by Forbo Flooring Systems
M
armoleum, Forbo’s brand of linoleum flooring has been around for over 150 years. It is not surprising that some common myths and misconceptions have arisen over time. Marmoleum is still by far the sustainable flooring champion and remains as natural and durable as ever with the basic raw material formulation remaining mostly unchanged. However, over the years many refinements and technological improvements have been made along the way. Marmoleum for one, is produced carbon neutral and without the need for offsetting. Secondly, is now easier to install, maintain and offers modern design and colour options in both sheet, tile, and plank. Marmoleum has also never been in more demand as it meets the requirements of truly sustainable focused buildings and clients who prefer biobased, plastic free options and are aiming to limit the amount of CO2 emissions and embodied carbon they are including in their homes or buildings.
Myth 1 Marmoleum is more sensitive to subfloor moisture than vinyl or rubber flooring and is more likely to fail If the subfloor has excessive moisture content, then Marmoleum could fail, but so will any other floor covering in this situation. The fact is, Marmoleum is no more sensitive to subfloor moisture than other resilient floor coverings. Subfloor moisture test methods according to the AS 1884:2021 define the test methods and set moisture limits that are safe for all resilient floor coverings. High moisture content under any floorcovering is unhealthy and a breeding ground for mould and mildew.
Flooring June/July 2022
Myth 2 Marmoleum is absorbent and therefore not resistant to penetration by surface water Surface water on Marmoleum is not an issue. Tests were carried out in which sheet Marmoleum was adhered to the base of a fabricated water bath using our standard Eurocol 414 Marmoleum adhesive. The sheet (with unwelded cross seams right in
the centre) was completely submerged in water for several days. The test has since been repeated on numerous occasions for demonstration purposes and that same sample of Marmoleum remains completely intact showing no signs of lifting or degradation. Our experience suggests that flooring failures due to moisture penetration are almost always at room perimeters and due to poor adhesion at the edges rather 22 than any product weakness.
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Technical Bulletin
22 “A correctly cut seam will not open during the long life of the Marmoleum and is often considered to be aesthetically nicer than a welded seam.” It would be wrong to claim that Marmoleum is as flexible as vinyl but, installed in the correct conditions, standard methods of scribing, back rolling, and templating are easily applied and will all result in a highquality finished installation.
Myth 5
Myth 3 It is always best to weld Marmoleum Whilst welding of PVC sheet floor coverings is standard practice as PVC will shrink at the seams over time, it is not appropriate to apply the same thinking where Marmoleum is concerned. It is often said that, unless welded, Marmoleum will shrink at the seams, allowing dirt and water to penetrate, causing the material to lift. In fact, the reverse is true and hessian-backed Marmoleum actually expands slightly in the width during installation. This means that a skillfully cut seam will close tightly by the time the adhesive has cured, to bond the Marmoleum in its final position. A correctly cut seam will not open during the long life of the Marmoleum and is often considered to be aesthetically nicer than a welded seam.
tools and techniques will ensure a physically sound and visually great result. The multicoloured weld options are perfect in these instances.
Myth 4 Marmoleum is inflexible and difficult to install Over the years Marmoleum has been improved and refined in many ways and the Marmoleum of today is far more flexible and installer-friendly than ever before. Two of the most important prerequisites for a good installation are correct acclimatisation and appropriate site conditions. These requirements for Marmoleum are no different from those for any other resilient floor covering.
Marmoleum should always be polished There has been no requirement to polish or strip and seal Marmoleum for years. Modern surface technology protects the floor from the day of installation onwards. Ready to use immediately. The latest surface technology Topshield Pro is a surface finish designed for easy cleaning and protecting the floor from day-to-day scuffs and scratches. It also offers improved resistance to chemicals and solvents such as acetone and alcohol-based hand gels. Other than a generic post-installation clean and standard maintenance, Marmoleum requires no additional surface finishes. To bust any other myths or if you have any technical queries regarding any Forbo floor coverings and their installation please email technical.au@forbo.com
There are of course particular applications where standards or regulations dictate that the floor covering seams must be welded, the most common being clinical areas in hospitals or childcare. In these cases, using the correct grooving, welding, and trimming
Flooring June/July 2022
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24 GECA – identifying environmentally and socially preferable products
Feature
Article by GECA
W
hether you are making or purchasing flooring, your choices can significantly impact people and our planet. GECA's lifecycle ecolabel standards include criteria for a wide range of environmental issues, human health and social impacts while proving that they perform as promised. Let us explore how our Floor Coverings and Carpets standards can make choosing sustainable flooring easier for everyone Floor coverings are an essential addition to any building. They have the potential to provide both aesthetic and functional benefits. However, like any other product, they can come with a range of environmental and health impacts. These impacts occur across the product’s entire lifecycle. The environmental impact of floor covering products primarily comes from the different types of raw materials used, products used for surface treatment and glue, and the energy used during manufacturing. In addition, impacts can occur during use and maintenance and when the floor covering reaches the end of its useful life. For example, unsustainable practices in the extraction of raw materials can result in a wide range of environmental issues, such as threatening biodiversity in adjacent areas, erosion in coastal areas and riverbanks, or pollution of waterways. It is also essential that materials and ingredients hazardous to both people and the planet are not added to the final product or used in its creation. For instance, some floor coverings can be treated with fungicides or insecticides that contain carcinogenic substances. Toxic heavy metals and their compounds such as mercury, arsenic,
Flooring June/July 2022
selenium, cobalt, tin, and antimony are also detrimental to the health of manufacturing staff and users of the finished product. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can also be a significant issue for the adhesives and finishes used in flooring. VOCs can trigger various health problems such as respiratory irritation, allergies, headaches, and asthma. Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, is a particularly common VOC found in adhesives and resins, despite its toxicity to humans. GECA certification removes doubt and confusion and makes identifying environmentally and socially preferable products easier. Products certified under GECA's Floor Coverings (FCv3.02021) standard can also contribute toward achieving credit points for projects certified under the Green Building Council of Australia's Green Star Performance tool. In addition, the standard also contributes to meeting WELL features under the WELL Building Certification and is recognised by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council's IS Rating Scheme. The standard sets requirements that aim to provide a benefit by: • reducing the impacts from raw material sourcing, including avoiding the illegal harvest of wood and fibre • limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) • reducing the use and subsequent release of environmentally harmful substances to the environment at all stages of the product’s lifecycle • encouraging recovery, reuse, recycling and responsible disposal of product and packaging,
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Be recognised for your sustainability credentials with GECA
including ensuring the product is not treated in a manner that would prevent post-consumer recycling • preventing the use of specific hazardous materials and heavy metals such as known carcinogens and mutagens • ensuring workers and suppliers through the supply chain can expect fair pay, equal opportunity, and a safe working environment This standard applies to a range of floor coverings and carpet underlays that are laid on top of a foundation of concrete or wooden beams and are not part of the building structure: • Parquet • Wooden planks • Engineered wood products, e.g., laminate • Linoleum • Bamboo • Cork • Rubber • PET (terephthalate) Plastics • Bio-based Plastics Carpets are a versatile addition to many buildings ranging from the home to educational venues and commercial spaces. They have the potential to provide beauty, function, and comfort. However, like any other product, carpets can have a range of environmental and health impacts. These impacts occur across the product’s entire lifecycle: from resource extraction and fibre production to installation and disposal. Therefore, it also considers all components of the “carpet system,” including the fibre, the backing or padding material, and the glues and adhesives used for binding. For example, the answer is not always clear-cut when looking at the sustainability benefits of synthetic versus natural fibres. Both natural and synthetic carpet fibres require water and energy-
intensive processes and may release harmful pollutants into the environment. Both types can also use significant quantities of hazardous substances during manufacture and have processes that contribute substantially to landfill. The foam used for carpet backing can include ozone-depleting chemicals or may present a risk to human health by including potentially carcinogenic compounds such as 1,3-butadiene. The backing should also be readily separable from the rest of the carpet, and the manufacturer or retailer should have take-back or recycling schemes in place for their products. Hence, each step of the product’s lifecycle represents an opportunity to reduce harm to people and planet and increase performance for all types of carpet. In particular, there are opportunities to substantially reduce the volume of carpet-related waste to landfill at the end of the product’s lifecycle, such as embracing the use of recycled materials where possible. The standard sets requirements that aim to provide a benefit by: • preventing the use of specific hazardous materials and toxic heavy metals such as known carcinogens and mutagens • limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds • reducing the impacts of raw material sourcing • requiring efficient energy, water, and waste management • reducing the use and subsequent release of environmentally harmful substances to the environment at all stages of the product’s lifecycle • encouraging recovery, reuse, recycling and responsible disposal of materials and packaging • ensuring workers and suppliers through the supply chain can expect fair pay, equal opportunity, and a safe working 26 environment
Demonstrate your leadership in sustainability Increase the procurement channels of your products Comply & be recognised with green building schemes in Australia & globally such as Green Star, WELL, & ISCA Give your business a sustainability advantage Show your products meet world class standards Take advantage of the rapid growth of the green building industry & consumer demand We actively build recognition & promote your business
Get the recognition your products deserve - contact us today!
+61 2 9699 2850 geca.eco
Feature The scope of this standard applies to the following types of broadloom and modular tile carpets: • Natural fibre carpets such as wool • Synthetic polymer fibre carpets comprising of nylon and nylon blends, olefin (polypropylene), polyester, acrylic, polyamide, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) • Blends composed of material that fit into the above fibre types
26 Other carpet materials that do not directly fit into the above may be considered for certification, provided the product fulfils the requirements of relevant sections of this standard. If you are interested in applying for GECA certification, or have a question about any of their services head to the GECA website for more details - https://geca.eco.
A sustainable future is a priority at Kenbrock Kenbrock is a leading national distributor of high-quality flooring in Australia. The company has grown to be one of the premier resilient flooring companies developing close relationships with national and independent flooring retailers as well as industry bodies. Kenbrock's expansive product portfolio is noted for its design, quality and, of course, sustainable development.
process is repeated every three years if an organisation wishes to maintain certification. ISO 14001 gives all Kenbrock stakeholders confidence in the brand.
in the management of health, safety, and environmental aspects of PVC products throughout their entire life cycle. Furthermore, Kenbrock is a member of The Australian Resilient Flooring Association (ARFA) which aims to advance, encourage, and protect the interests of the resilient flooring industry. ARFA works to achieve this through various initiatives and collaboration with a range of relevant entities and stakeholders.
Above: Coreflex Margaret River Marri
Above: Artloc Champagne Oak Firstly, Kenbrock products are made in ISO 14001 certified factories. ISO14001 certification is a global environmental management system, which helps organisation improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and waste reduction. To obtain ISO 14001 certification, companies must undergo a rigorous certification process by a certified auditing body to meet the requirement - this
Flooring June/July 2022
Secondly, Kenbrock is a member of the Vinyl Council Australia (VCA) and a signatory to its PVC Stewardship Program. The VCA represents the Australian PVC industry by offering its members access to expertise on PVC issues, strategic advice on environmental affairs and representation of the industry's interests to relevant businesses and stakeholders. The VCA has developed the PVC Stewardship Program (PSP), a program that aims to enable raw material suppliers, product manufacturers and distributors to be joint stewards of the safe and beneficial production, use and disposal of PVC products. All are to share
Above: Duraplank Western Spotted Gum A sustainable future is a priority at Kenbrock and with the correct systems, associations and guidance in place will help keep the company on course for a brighter future. web www.kenbrock.com.au
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by Kenbrock Artloc hybrid flooring is inspired by natural timbers found throughout Australia and enhanced with individual embossing chosen to complement each colour. The 0.5mm heavy duty wear layer and PUR surface protection is highly resistant to scratching and indentation making it perfect for the evergrowing family. The range is 100% waterproof, giving it the ability to be installed in all areas of the home creating a seamless look.
www.kenbrock.com.au
VIC 17 Cato Street Hawthorn East VIC 3123 T 03 9765 2222 F 03 9765 2233
QLD 2 Kingsbury Street Brendale QLD 4500 T 07 3881 1000 F 07 3881 3287
WA-NT T 1800 674 145 F 03 9765 2233 TAS-SA T 1800 674 145 F 03 9765 2233 NSW-ACT T 1300 785 000 F 07 3881 3287
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28
Committed to an environmentally sound footprint
A
ustralian Panels (a Borg Company) is Australia’s leading manufacturer of board products for all joinery and structural flooring applications. Manufactured products include a range of raw and decorative products, from shelving, components, doors, flooring, and prefinished panels. As a leading manufacturer of board products, with investments in state-of-the-art machinery and manufacturing techniques, Australian Panels is committed to an eco-friendly and balanced environment through minimising waste and maximising efficiency. This plays a major part in the company’s sustainability measures, ensuring opportunities are created for higher resource recovery. Australian Panels’ raw board products are manufactured from sustainably grown pine, sourced through Plantation Pine Products. This, in turn, offers full-service bespoke forestry management services, from leasing and buying land, purchasing trees, logs, and residues, transportation, plantation management and harvesting. Plantation Pine Products is highly aligned with sustainability
and has adapted vertical integration through the association with Australian Panels into every aspect of the business. Australian Panels is committed to an environmentally sound footprint. Sustainability ensures the company utilises timber from Responsible Wood and PEFCcertified forests backed by Chain of Custody and Green Tag Level Certifications. In addition, the company deploys sustainable practices like water recycling and full product life cycle waste minimisation programs to ensure the company can stand behind its sustainability claims. Significantly, Australian Panels have been investing in solar power since 2018. The company has installed over 53,000 solar panels across its network of factories, thereby becoming more energy-efficient and reducing carbon emissions. One of the many innovative products produced by Australian Panels that incorporates the company’s focus on an Eco-friendly sustainable environment is its marketleading 5.5mm High Performance Hardboard Underlay.
5.5 HPF Hardboard Underlay is an environmentally friendly high performance fibreboard underlay manufactured in Australia to E0 standards. For use over particleboard, strip timber, plywood, and concrete flooring, 5.5 HPF Underlay provides a strong flat ultrasmooth base for resilient floor coverings. When laying resilient floor coverings such as vinyl planks directly over a timber subfloor, any movement in the subfloor can telegraph through into the vinyl plank floor covering resulting in unsightly appearances of bumps and general unevenness. Utilising Australian Panels 5.5mm High Performance Hardboard Underlay between the resilient floor covering and timber subfloor minimises this showthrough, as well as provides other key benefits such as improving structural stability when used over timber sub-floors. It will also minimise the hollow sound and airborne noise from foot traffic along with providing a smooth, more predictable surface covering. Lastly, it helps resist damage from rising underfloor moisture while increasing the longevity of flooring by providing support and protection. E0 Underlay is made to comply with the Australian Flooring Standard AS1884 and MR E0 Underlay is manufactured from managed and renewable plantation pine and is AFS Chain of Custody certified. The product size is 5.5mm x 1220mm x 915mm and is environmentally friendly and Australian Made manufactured in Oberon NSW from renewable forest products. Australian Panels 5.5mm High Performance Hardboard Underlay can be purchased via MJS Floorcoverings and Australian Flooring Supplies. web www.australianpanelproducts.com.au
Flooring June/July 2022
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5.5 HPF Hardboard Underlay is an environmentally friendly High Performance Fibre Board underlay manufactured in Australia to E0 standards. For use over particleboard, strip timber, plywood and concrete flooring 5.5 HPF Underlay provides a strong flat ultra smooth base for resilient floor coverings.
Smart cost saving solution E0 & environmentally friendly
Double sided feature adds strength & versatility
Easy to score & snap with clean snap lines
Minimum face reaction to staples means less sanding & preparation work required
Ultra smooth & strong indent resistant surface
Complies with Australian Standards AS 1884
www.australianpanels.com.au
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Feature
30
Changing the business model to achieve Net-Zero
C
ircular economy is fast becoming a sustainability buzz term; spoken by many businesses who may use recycled materials, but truly practiced by very few. Interface falls into the latter category. Interface’s ReEntry program sees used carpet reclaimed to be recycled and kept from landfill, as well as taking a whole-of-lifecycle approach to product development and manufacturing.
In a time where most businesses are touting their use of recycled materials, or that their products are recyclable (which, does not really matter unless you actually ensure they are recycled), Interface looks to reduce the embodied carbon in their products. A product’s embodied carbon is the sum of the carbon emissions across the full lifecycle of the product from extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transport, installation, and use. Interface has measured these impacts and reduced them by over 76%, neutralising the remaining emissions by purchasing offsets.
“Circular Economy is based on three principles: design out waste and pollution in the early product development stage, keep that product and material in use, and regenerate the natural systems. These principles drive Interface to innovate and develop the products that will support a sustainable future. For us, circular economy does not mean that we take waste from someone else to use as a raw material for our product, circular economy for us is retaining the value of our product throughout its life,” explains Aidan Mullan, Sustainability Manager at Interface. “At the end of life, getting that product back is the goal. We can extend its life or dismantle it into its constituent parts for manufacturing new products. That, to us, is a circular economy.”
Interface has embraced the challenges involved for return product and developed a simple solution - carpet leasing. “Just at the end of last year, we introduced a very useful tool that will support the circular economy model, we call it Evergreen Leasing,” explains Aidan. “It is something that the founder of Interface, Ray Anderson, thought of in the 90s, but the infrastructure did not really exist to make it viable. Leasing provides an incentive for people to ensure our carpets come back to us at the end of their use through our carpet take back program, ReEntry.”
This whole of lifecycle approach means Interface takes responsibility not only for the way their products are designed and manufactured, but how they are used and disposed of as well.
This is called ‘Product as a Service’ and is becoming more common today. It is a key circular economy business model in which companies retain ownership of their products and lease them as a service to clients.
Aidan elaborates: “One of the key difficulties is ensuring customers return the product at the end of its use. This is particularly challenging with a product that has a warranty of 15 years. The difficult component is reverse logistics, in other words, reversing the supply chain.”
Flooring June/July 2022
For nearly 30 years, Interface has been on a journey to do better for the environment and in 2019, celebrated the success of achieving the Mission Zero goals ahead of time while making all their flooring carbon neutral across the entire product life cycle. And in 2021, under the Climate Take Back plan, Interface released a carbon negative carpet tile into the market. The new innovative CQuest Bio backings are carbon negative, removing more carbon from the atmosphere than is emitted during manufacture. “In the future there will be a bigger carbon impact from our clients actually cleaning the carpet than that from Interface manufacturing it,” explains Aidan. Using circular economy as one of the three lenses through which Interface selects materials for its products, alongside green chemistry and embodied carbon, Interface continue to push boundaries and lead the way, making more sustainable products and a better future for all. web www.interface.com
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CARBON NEGATIVE FLOORING FOR BETTER IMPACT
Product Shishu Stitch [-CO2] and Sashiko Stitch
We know the impact our flooring has on our world – whether it’s carpet tile, LVT or nora rubber. And we’ve been leading the way by reducing the carbon footprint of our products for more than two decades. Now we’re proud to introduce our first cradle-togate carbon negative carpet tile designs: Shishu Stitch, Tokyo Texture, and Zen Stitch all part of the Embodied Beauty™ collection. Taking our cue from nature, we’ve learned to work with carbon by using it as a building block to engineer better products. The carbon negative materials in the CQuest™BioX backing, in combination with specialty yarns and tufting processes, result in a carbon negative carpet tile. The finished product brings together durability, industry-leading design, and a negative carbon footprint that ultimately benefits the planet and shows that great design and sustainability are inseparable. Together, we can build a healthier planet.
CARBON FOOTPRINT
interface.com #lovecarbon
Feature
32 Believe In Better
T
he team at Godfrey Hirst, are challenging themselves to design, manufacture and distribute innovative products with reduced environmental and social impacts. As part of the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, GH Commercial feel a profound sense of responsibility to advance their shared mission of a more sustainable future.
With the Believe In Better sustainability framework, they have always felt a profound sense of responsibility to advance their mission of a more sustainable future. From 2015-2021, these efforts had already reduced their organisational energy consumption by 35%, emissions by 31%, plus usage of electricity by 31%, natural gas by 54% and LPG by 66%.
GH Commercial’s mission statement is to ‘Believe in Better’ and knowing better is a crucial step in the pathway to doing that. “We are continuously challenging ourselves to create better interior spaces and better work environments by using safe and healthy materials in our products. Our focus on material health is a never-ending journey,” says GH Commercial Corporate Sales & Sustainability Coordinator, Lachlan Howell.
Taking real climate action means voluntarily going above and beyond current regulations to achieve net zero carbon emissions. At GH Commercial, they do – and that’s why they are proudly a Climate Active Carbon Neutral organisation
Material design choices in today’s buildings have a deeper impact that goes beyond their form and function. Specified building materials can affect the indoor environment and human health, the greater ecosystem, supply chain and beyond. Product transparency is key, and manufacturers that are open about their products enable choices that can transform our industry for the better.
Product ingredients, indicators for environmental impact, toxicity, and sustainable building benchmarks, should be considered as a set of performance attributes. This is why labels like Declare that allow manufacturers to voluntarily disclose product information are important. Declare labels display all intentionally added ingredients and residuals at or above 100ppm (0.01%) present in the final product by weight. Each ingredient must be reported with a chemical name, CAS number, and percentage or percentage range. These product constituents are presented on a label, akin to a nutritional label, along with end-of-life information, responsible sourcing, VOC content, emissions testing, LBC compliance and other information designed to help specifiers better understand each product. GH Commercial currently have 18 products on Declare, all of them Living Building Challenge Red List Free, setting an incredibly high industry benchmark.
Flooring June/July 2022
Through support of two key offsetting projects – a 100+ year reforestation mission in Western Australia, and a renewable energy hydropower plant in China – they have offset over 17,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions to reach this point in their sustainability journey. But their efforts continue. They have committed to reducing their environmental impact in line with the Paris Agreement, and beyond, across all new product development. The Godfrey Hirst team are motivated to not only reduce their environmental and social impact but seek ways to give back and improve the lives of others throughout everything they do. They feel a profound sense of responsibility to advance their shared mission of a more sustainable future and realise the importance of leading the industry with voluntary carbon neutral operations under the Climate Active organisation standard. web www.ghcommercial.com
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New Australian Made Carpet Tiles from NZ Wool New & Exclusive
Natural Elevation
Borrowing from pastoral landscapes and rural terrain, the meandering pattern of Natural Elevation can be seamlessly integrated into any commercial interior. Australian Made Carpet Tiles from NZ Wool, these loop pile carpet tiles are naturally insulating for cooler summers and cosier winters, made from renewable fibres, fire resistant and commercially rated. Natural Elevation tiles feature our trusted Enviro Bac ® backing, are Declare Red List Free and come with Level 4 ECS top graded certification. Available in four colourways, Natural Elevation makes choosing a natural flooring solution easy.
Natural Elevation 750 Romney
In stock now for a quick turnaround. Contact your local GH Commercial representative to order sampling and discuss your next commercial project.
AU: 1300 444 778 | NZ: 0800 500 210 WWW.GHCOMMERCIAL.COM
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34
Andersens celebrate 200,000 tree planting milestone
E
nvironmental activism has not been the home improvement industry’s top priority, historically speaking. The industry has been due for a wake-up call, their environmental efforts have been limited, at best, and almost nil by retailers. One name in this business is changing that with a proactive, positive, and enthusiastic approach to combating the climate crisis on our doorstep. Andersens, an Australian based flooring and interior decor company, is the brand behind 200,000 trees that are now greening the planet. The company was founded in the late 1950s in the town of Gatton, just west of Brisbane, and they have fostered traditional values in terms of quality services, products, and giving back to the earth, “we believe environmental credibility should be assessed like a silent movie. Words matter far less than actions. So, when we were considering how to make a positive change, we leaned on some advice from Socrates; ‘Be as you wish to seem’, or, in more modern speak, ‘Just do it,” says Rowan Hodge, the team's chief executive officer.
With such a strong core value to act as a guide, the team got busy planting trees under the title of Project Green. As a franchise business with over 50 stores, each store got involved in spreading the initiative and inviting greater numbers of sponsors to get on board. While the franchisees have taken the lead, they are not stopping here, Project Green will continue. “200,000 trees in the second year represented double our initial goal. In year three, with new stores, and the support of some of our best supply partners, we will strive to double that again!” says Desmond Omovie, marketing manager for Andersens. Project Green is not only greening the earth at an astounding rate, but also bringing together communities and uniting people of diverse backgrounds as they share a common goal: to save the earth. Increasingly frequent extreme climate events like fires, droughts and storms all echo the clarion call for environmental leadership. As business leaders in their local communities, Andersens franchisees are answering that call with the Project Green tree planting sponsorship through the United Nations Environment Program and Plant for the Planet. “The customer reaction to Project Green has been fantastic. Communities like the one we have here in the Lockyer Valley have long prized land and resource management, but today, the public is becoming increasingly aware of man-made climate change. Aussies today increasingly understand the difference between climate and weather: It is nice and green today, but the locals will tell you it was only twelve months ago that there was no water in Lake Apex over the road,” says Rowan Hodge.
Flooring June/July 2022
Currently, Andersens boasts 54 franchisees that have participated in this project over the course of 18 months in 56 countries and across 12 Australian plantations. Andersens future will see them embracing the challenge of sustainability in other areas, including the following: • Embrace rooftop solar and battery energy at their headquarters • Embrace rooftop solar for their stores • Switch to green energy – this project is currently already in its trial stage now • Optimise their supply chain to reduce packaging, handling, and transport Andersens goal is to achieve carbon zero, and they intend to get there before the 2032 Olympics. Next will be exploring new ways to recycle. Recycling flooring has posed a significant challenge to the industry. Andersens is leading the way here as well, with a trial soon to commence with a local start-up that will gather and shred old flooring to give the product a second life. web www.andersens.com.au
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GET MORE OUT OF YOUR FLOORING BUSINESS OVER 60 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH COUNTRY TOWN VALUES Andersens is proudly a privately held company with its head office in Gatton where it all started with Jack Andersen over 60 years ago. We have 53 sites from far North QLD and down to Adelaide and expanding nationally.
WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU JOIN OUR FAMILY Significant incentives available to existing flooring stores National training and business support Industry leading green programs Full range of suppliers available from day one with only one account Retain your local brand We understand that it is your business Field support Marketing support programs and dedicated digital marketing professionals Country Town Values are what drives us Join other independents who have become part of the Andersens family. Ideal for independent operators or installers wanting to be part of a national brand
CHOOSE ANDERSENS
Call Dean Lightfoot on 0408 067 439 or Email dlightfoot@andersens.com.au
Waterproofing
36
Permanent protection from moisture and bacteria Article by Oxtek Solutions Aged Care Facilities More than ever, there is a real awareness and concern in relation to hygiene and potential contamination. This is not only critical for the protection and wellbeing of the residents, workers, and visitors, but for the long-term protection of the structure itself. When building these facilities, it is an important consideration to select the appropriate system of protection for the subfloor as this can have a significant impact on the building and its rooms as they are upgraded during it operational life. For most aged car facilities, when a resident’s room is vacated, it is widely accepted that the flooring system needs to be removed and the concrete need to be repeatedly treated for protection against bacteria on each occasion. It is well published, that there is always a high demand for accommodation in these facilities, so an efficient turnaround is imperative.
Traditionally in aged care facilities, topical toxic anti-bacterial membranes have been applied. However, when a room is retrofitted these are normally required to be re-applied, which are time consuming in relation to surface preparation and application, and generally the rooms cannot be occupied for a lengthy period of time as a consequence. Those who are waiting for a room to be available are at risk of missing out on essential care because of these time delays, and as facility owner you may be missing out on revenue as the rooms remain vacant.
against E. coli and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. SteriTouch additives eradicate the bacteria which cause contamination and infection, as well as those responsible for odours and staining. Incorporating Oxtek Solutions colloidal silicate technology, X260 Medi-Vet provides effective moisture barrier for impervious floor coverings and coatings allowing for a new topical flooring system to be installed immediately with a room able to be occupied within 2 days.
Introducing X260 Medi-Vet X260 Medi-Vet by Oxtek Solutions is a single pack one application spray on system that deeply penetrates new or existing concrete, provides curing, densification, hardening, permanent waterproofing, and deep matrix resistance to bacteria, moulds, and fungi. X260 Medi-Vet with safe silver ion, SteriTouch has independent antimicrobial testing showing complete protection
SteriTouch is safe SteriTouch is an established brand in antimicrobial technology, based in the UK. The anti-microbial performance of X260 Medi-Vet is confirmed by independent laboratory testing to the international standards (JIS and ISO) and is proven to be 99.99% effective against MRSA and E. coli. With the combination of SteriTouch X260 Medi-Vet creates a permanent barrier against the growth of bacteria, bio-films and moulds. 38
Flooring June/July 2022
www.flooringmagazine.com.au
Permanent Protection from Bacteria & Moisture for Concrete guaranteed for 15 years • • • • • • • • • •
Protection from bacteria - Proven control of E.coli and Staphylococcus aureu – MRSA Makes concrete impermeable, increasing longevity. Cures, Densifies, Hardens and Waterproofs concrete up to 200mm Ideally applied as a cure at time of pour by spray but can be applied to existing clean porous concrete Acts as an internal moisture barrier for Floor coverings and Topical Coatings Application of Vinyl & Topical Coatings 2 weeks after pour Environmentally Friendly & HACCP Certified - Low Odour – 0.0g/l VOC A 15 year warranty is provided with project specification Increases tensile & compressive strength Retards efflorescence & Shrinkage cracking
Contact: OXTEK SOLUTIONS PTY LTD 3/174 ATLANTIC DRIVE KEYSBOROUGH VIC 3173 TEL: 03 9798 7534 WWW.OXTEK.COM.AU
Waterproofing
SteriTouch is an additive based on ionic silver that is non-leaching and nonsensitising. We do not use nano-silver, or other organic antimicrobial additives which have well known and established health and environmental concerns. Warning – Some products in the marketplace claim to incorporate anti-microbial properties. Testing or Certification should always be requested. Do it once, it is done forever Once introduced into the concrete substrate it will be there forever, with SteriTouch providing continuous and permanent protection. The ionic silver-based additives will not lose efficacy due to leaching or migration, as they are evenly dispersed and embedded through-out X260 MediVet, so even scratches and abrasion will not affect the antimicrobial performance of the concrete through-out its service life. Maintenance and upkeep could not be easier, as cleaning chemicals such as
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38
chlorine bleach, disinfectants, alcohol, and harsh industrial products like MEK (methyl ethol keytone) will not diminish the antimicrobial properties of X260 MediVet. By using X260 Medi-Vet you can eliminate the requirement to re-apply flooring protection therefore significantly reducing the time to re-lay flooring. Compatibility The X260 Medi-Vet treated concrete remains compatible with topical flooring systems, levelling compounds, adhesives and future application of epoxies and line marking paint. Leading manufacturer’s compatibility tests available on request. The versatile product is ideally suited for protecting concrete across a number of markets segments and areas, including but not limited to aged care, Hospitals, medical facilities, animal enclosures, recreation/ amenities buildings, food processing, wineries, and dairies.
Quality guaranteed Established in 1998, initially as ‘Protect Crete’, Oxtek Solutions Pty Ltd guarantees its permanent concrete waterproofing and bacteria protection for 15 years. With 24 years as a specialist producer Oxtek has become the trusted brand in the industry. Our products are rigorously tested both in-field and laboratory which are further substantiated with our extensive projects case histories within Australia Pacific Region. An issued warranty is project specific and will require us to provide consultation and a registered specification number For more information on how Oxtek Solutions can assist your current or future project please contact us on the details below. +61 3 9798 7534 web www.oxtek.com.au
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Training
40 FCIA 2022 – the first six months
Article by Garry Thomas, FCIA
I
Promoting careers in flooring technology In the last couple of months FCIA (and its board members and employers) have visited local careers expos in Camden, Forbes (NSW), Beaumaris and Dandenong (VIC) to promote flooring careers to students doing years 9, 10, 11 and 12. We are getting a strong response from many careers teachers.
t has been a very busy six months meeting members and the industry and hearing their concerns for the industry. Through all our meetings, presentations, and conferences the common thread keeps leading back to the same old issues: • Lack of skilled installers • Lack of apprentices coming through • Lack of qualified installers
We would like to promote flooring technology to as many local careers expos as possible throughout Australia. If you know of a local event in your region and are willing to be an ambassador for training and the FCIA please contact the FCIA.
FCIA is working hard to try and ease some of these concerns for the industry. Below is just some of the work that is being done. Apprenticeships FCIA’s RTO has 149 apprentices currently enrolled in the certificate III in flooring technology- making a difference to the future of our industry. During the last six months, FCIA Training Academy has had six of the first group of apprentices complete their four-year apprenticeship - MSF30818 Certificate III in Flooring Technology.
We would like to congratulate each of these students who have been through changes of RTO’s, change of qualification, floods, fires and of course a world pandemic and still managed to complete their training. Each of these apprentices should be extremely proud of their achievements.
Lack of installers After talking to many people within industry who have been struggling for a long while now to find installers, FCIA has been speaking to the Department of Home Affairs about a Skilled Visa program for overseas flooring installers. Throughout July, FCIA will be coordinating information sessions and webinars on the visa options for our industry. These sessions will provide an overview of the types of visas and options for employing workers in regional Australia and include representatives from the Department of Home Affairs and authorised migration agents. FCIA will be sending out Invitations to attend these events by the end of June. Review of the Certificate III in Flooring Technology FCIA is a member of the Furnishing Industry Training Advisory Committee which is reviewing the Certificate III in Flooring Technology (MSF30818).
Flooring June/July 2022
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Training The Certificate III in Flooring Technology is a trade qualification that defines how Australian flooring installers will be trained and could be a benchmark future industry regulation and/or enable access to certain construction sites. It is essential for the industry and our RTO partners that FCIA provides practical advice and information to the Furnishing Industry Reference Committee to make sure that the training system and flooring qualifications are fit for purpose for the needs of our industry. A consultation paper was released by IBSA on 6th June 2022 seeking feedback on draft changes to the qualification and associated units of competency. FCIA is consulting with key members and stakeholders to prepare an industry response. Flooring Trainers Wanted It seems that the flooring industry is lacking not only in apprentice candidates but also in qualified trainers and assessors. Whilst I am quite sure this is not the only trade to be suffering this fate it is fast becoming a big issue. We need great flooring tradespeople who are ready to leave the tools but still want to work in the industry and teach the new generation of installers.
41 products and installations which allows me to pass current information to apprentices and their employers.
So why become a flooring trainer/ assessor? Andrew Deaville – Qualified Flooring Trainer and Assessor I have been in the flooring industry for the past 39 years and have worked in all aspects of this industry. I started my career as a young apprentice, I have been a subcontractor and own a flooring store. This industry has been good to me, and I feel it is now my time to give back. I wanted to become a trainer/assessor because the flooring industry lacks quailed trainers who have in-depth background knowledge of floor coverings and apprentices need to be taught correctly and to the appropriate standards. I believe that being an industry-based trainer/assessor ensures that I am still keeping up to date with new standards,
I really enjoy working with apprentices – seeing them when they first commence as young unexperienced people and watching them grow and become great flooring installers. I really enjoy mentoring these young people and giving them another person outside of their business that they can contact when they need clarification on products and practices. I love this industry and I am passionate about floor coverings. If people like myself do not get involved in training, the industry knowledge is not going to improve for the generations to come. The FCIA is trying their best to commence this change, but we need the industry people to become trainers and create a great foundation for these apprentices. If you feel this is an area you would enjoy working in and you would like to become a trainer/assessor in the flooring industry or would like further information, please contact: Fiona Wischnewski, fwischnewski@ fcia.org.au
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Software
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What role does technology have in your flooring business? Article by Chris Ogden
T
here is some resistance to new technology in the retail flooring industry.
Along the continuum of innovation adoption, there are innovators, early adopters, late adopters, and laggards. While the industry has innovators and early adopters, many flooring businesses fall into the last two categories when it comes to technology. One theory as to why this is, is that the majority of business owners in our category come from a very practical, handson background, often installation or product related; technology, particularly as it relates to business software, is regarded with some scepticism. Also, over the years, software solutions have been touted that have proved less than suitable for the flooring industry. Those who have tried these are justifiably sceptical of claims they hear from anyone in the IT industry.
Flooring June/July 2022
Whatever the reason for hesitancy, it is time to revisit the subject. Most flooring businesses have not changed their methods of doing business in decades; a person from the flooring industry fifty years ago could step into most flooring businesses and not notice many changes. The same could not be said of most other industries.
Very often, the first thing the new owner of a flooring business will look for is a solution to address these issues. In doing so, they will create value that the seller of the business should have captured.
Today, where people come into our industry from other industries, we see them struggle with the manual nature of many processes within their new business. They are frustrated by the double-handling, lack of transparency in their financial reporting, and inability to analyse precisely what is happening within their business. Many quickly discover that selling flooring is not a straightforward retail activity and are surprised there are not better systems in place to control the number of steps in a flooring transaction. Very often, the first thing the new owner of a flooring business will look for is a solution to address these issues. In doing so, they will create value that the seller of the business should have captured. In our role as a supplier of IT solutions to 44 the flooring industry, initial discussions
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with new clients usually revolve around how our solutions will address frustrations they are experiencing and then what further benefits might accrue that they might not have anticipated. Some of the more common discussion points:
been around for some decades but is yet to be adopted by many in the industry who believe they can do it quicker and more accurately than a computer. The equation is simple; quantify more plans, generate more quotes, make more sales, and make fewer mistakes.
to identify your best and worst sellers, those that generate the best GP, and those you would be better off buying in. Knowing what stock is on hand is problematic in a manual system, whereas it’s available within seconds in an integrated system.
The equation is simple; quantify more plans, generate more quotes, make more sales, and make fewer mistakes.
Double Handling. A fully integrated business management system removes the need for repeatedly handling the same data as a sale progresses through the business, saving time, removing frustration, and eliminating opportunity for error.
Maximising Installation Resource. Our installers are a finite resource, and any day that goes by where they are not fully utilised is an opportunity missed. Your business management system should manage every aspect of your installation diary, alerting you to anything that might lead to installers going without work, such as products that have not been ordered or yet delivered.
Measuring and Quantifying. This is a subject in itself, but it is sufficient to say that flooring retailers using a quantifying solution have a significant advantage over those competitors that continue to use the old-school methods. Electronic measuring and quantifying is not experimental; it has
Flooring June/July 2022
Managing Stock. There is a high cost for retailers carrying stock when it is used inefficiently. The goal is to minimise shortends and to use those that are created in jobs rather than have them sold off for mats. Also, fully understanding the makeup and movement of your inventory is notoriously difficult to do using manual systems. As a stockist, you want
Sales Analysis. So many businesses fly blind when it comes to knowing how their sales team is performing. As business owners, we want to have sales performance
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Software data at our fingertips; performance against budget, written sales (our pipeline), delivered sales, conversion rates, GP percentages and GP dollars. We want to incentivise our salespeople, so we might want to implement a commission system that doesn’t require days of calculations and debates. We want to know the difference between the margins achieved at the time of quoting (written sales) and the actual margins achieved on installation (delivered sales); in many businesses, the shrink in margin between the two is material to the overall profitability of the business. Financial Reporting. Most flooring businesses are multi-million dollar enterprises, yet many don’t know how profitable they are from month to month; maybe the majority find out when they get their annual financials from their accountant
BE ACCURATE.
45 six months into a new financial year. A fully integrated business management system will allow the business owner to track how the business is going during the month and then give them monthly management accounts within days of month close. Increased Profitability. Any investment in your business should show a return, and technology is no different. A fully integrated business management system will pay for itself and make your business more profitable. Increased Business Value. At some stage, you will be looking to sell your business; it will likely be your most valuable asset. A prospective purchaser will be looking at how profitable the business is and how easily they can run it. Implementing an integrated business management system now
BE EFFICIENT.
will maximise the value of your business and make it easier to sell. In considering technology for your flooring business, there is more than we can cover in a single magazine article. The first goal is to recognise that there is maybe more to technology than you might have thought and then to initiate a discussion to find out just how much more there is. At RFMS, we would be happy to hear from you..
Chris Ogden is a consultant and Managing Director of RFMS Australasia (rfmsANZ.com), a supplier of IT solutions specific to the flooring industry. Chris has an extensive background in all aspects of the flooring industry, and he can be contacted at cogden@rfms.com.
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Airstep Feature
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Service Above Self Article by Philip Ashley Any business is only as good as its people. With three generations of experience behind them, Jessica and Stephanie Paull are set to continue their exceptional service to the people of the Latrobe Valley in Eastern Victoria. Choices Flooring by Paulls has served the people of the Latrobe Valley in Victoria since 1952. Four generations of the family have operated the business, started originally by Bruce Paulls grandfather Charles, and Charlie’s son, Graeme; a father and son business. Bruce is taking a back seat and since January this year, the store is now managed by his daughters, Jessica and Stephanie Paull in the country town of Moe. Their motto is, ‘Service Above Self’ and the genuine application of that motto allows the Paull’s Choices outlet to shine above their peers. Their range of products covers all aspects of home furnishings and floorings. Moe is a rural city in the heartland of the Latrobe Valley. The area was originally known as the 'Mowie' swamp. The town's name derives from a Boonwurrung or Kurnai Aboriginal word meaning "the marshy nature of the area". When Paulls Home Furnishings opened their doors 70-years ago, the town had expanded to 13,500 people with the construction of several thousand new homes to attract employees to the power stations in the area. Moe became a city ten years later, in 1963. After the demolition of Yallourn power station in 1982, the population was relocated to Moe, Traralgon and Morwell, further increasing the size of these cities.
Flooring June/July 2022
Over the years the Paull family operated a number of businesses including a second hand store, a car yard selling Austin’s, Holden’s and other (now classic) vehicles, and a sports store. However, window furnishings, floor coverings and furniture were always the core of the family business. The Paulls flooring outlet was a member of Carpet Force and moved to Newfurn, a group started in 1959. Newfurn of course became Carpet Choice in 1993 and then Choices Flooring in 2011.
Bruce recounts the story of his grandfather Charles who was second to Mr Walton of Walton’s department stores. John Walton sent Bruce’s grandfather Charles down to the Latrobe Valley to report of whether or not he should open a department store in the region. Charlie reported this was a great idea, but John decided against it. Charles thought so much of the region that he financed his son, Bruce’s father, in buying a property close to where the current shop is now. The business went so well that eventually, Charlie left Waltons and moved to the valley himself for a time before moving to Queensland, leaving the store to his son Graeme and his wife.
Early this year Bruce ‘retired’ but can still be found at the store helping Jessica and Stephanie transition to the new directors. Bruce is currently spending a lot of time renovating the family holiday home in Eden and plans to move there permanently later this year. Eden is a fishing town on the NSW southern coast and Bruce expects it to “go off” in the near future. As a qualified dive master, you might catch him there hunting for crayfish. Recent improvements to the port allow cruise ships like the QE2 to dock and offload passengers.
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Airstep Feature
47 is significant, with jobs as far afield as Lakes Entrance and Eden in the east to Pakenham in the west, south to the coast and north to the Victorian alpine region. A lot of this work coming through builders they work with. They do a wide range of jobs in the domestic and commercial fields and have just recently completed work at the Latrobe City council building.
The store is in great hands with Jessica and Stephanie at the helm. Like many children of shop owners, they both worked weekends at the store with their father Bruce from an early age. Eventually, Jessica moved to Queensland and worked for Choices in Burleigh Heads, returned home a few times before going to London for a year and a half where she worked for a media company. Once her time in London was over she returned back into the business full time. Stephanie started full time in the family business after finishing high school and has been there for nine years or so. The business has seen its fair share of ups and downs over their seven decades. The eventual closure of the region’s powergenerating industry could affect them in the future but as more people seek a tree
change, the effect could be short-lived. The first year of Covid was the best year they ever had, despite several lockdowns and the girls feel that the level of spending will eventually flatten out. The business has a huge following from local residents who know the business as Paulls, not necessarily Choices and with much of their work from word-of-mouth, their future looks secure, despite some minor concerns about industry in the region. Both young women are hands-on, going onsite to measure and quote. They are very efficient, with customers remarking on how quickly they get back to them with pricing. They are ably supported by eight other people including an apprentice. They feel strongly about trade skills that contribute to a quality customer experience. Paulls reach
Stephanie says, “What makes us unique is our family oriented business and the culture we have built over many years, longer than most businesses. We aren’t totally focused on profit, our goal is firstly, to ensure our customers get what they want, and are satisfied with the service we provide.” Paulls supports the community wherever they can, and Bruce has a folder filled to the brim with letters thanking the business for their generous support of sporting clubs, rotary, running groups, art festivals and cancer research. Bruce may be moving on, but the business is set to enter a new era, based on seventy years of service, and new management that looks to the future.
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Maintenance and replacement checklist – Reduce slip, trip, and fall incidents Uphold the safety and compliance of your facility with regular maintenance and repairs. Whether you’re a facility manager at a shopping centre, an apartment building or sports stadium, it’s essential that you have your i’s dotted, and your t’s crossed when it comes to your building’s health and safety. Safe Work Australia reported that between 2003 and 2015, 56% of reported incidents were caused by environmental factors such as poorly designed or maintained walkways and slippery surfaces following rain or spills. Upholding the safety of site staff and public visitors, regularly scheduled maintenance and repairs are the keys to preventing and reducing the risk of slip, trip and fall incidents. Aside from minimising the risk of slips, trips and falls, the routine upkeep of your stair and floor safety also helps with enhancing your building’s cleanliness and longevity. By assessing if current access/safety features in
Above: Classic on-site LRV testing Flooring June/July 2022
heavy-traffic areas need to be replaced, you’ll also have the opportunity to update the aesthetics of your space. From new indoor and outdoor entry matting to contemporary stainless steel tactiles and anti-slip brass stair nosings, there are many ways to elevate your facility’s presentation and ensure the continued patronage of valued visitors.
Rather than waiting for assets to break down and causing unnecessary inconveniences, you can proactively allocate funds towards ongoing site checks and maintenance to ensure compliance with Australian floor safety standards (AS and NCC), while minimising the risk of costly injury claims occurring onsite.
Why is maintenance important for commercial public safety? From 2019 to 2020, Safe Work Australia stated that 23% of serious workers’ compensation claims, resulted from falls, trips and slips. Excluding fatalities and journey claims, the median compensation paid was $13,500 per serious claim.
What to inspect in your flooring/ surfacing maintenance check Inspecting your flooring and surfaces is an important part of any preventative maintenance process and mandatory for compliance with AS1428, NCC, and any applicable Safe Work Australia requirements. To cover your bases, you should follow a twopronged approach of assessing the condition of products to make sure they are still fit for purpose and determining whether they require standard maintenance or complete replacement.
Preventative planning and maintenance play a pivotal role in public safety, and it is your duty of care to ensure your facility is well-maintained, free of hazards and safe to access. Constant reactive maintenance is not only time-consuming and stressful but can also pose a larger financial risk.
As part of your flooring/surfacing maintenance check, we highly recommend you to closely assess the condition and compliance of your entrance matting, stair nosings and tactiles to ensure the safety of people passing through. Entrance Matting If your building sees high levels of inand-out foot traffic, commercial entrance mats are a great investment for keeping your building’s interior presentable while reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls by trapping dirt and moisture at the door. Creating an aesthetically pleasing entranceway, Safe Work Australia also requires businesses to eliminate the risk of slips, trips, and falls “so far as is reasonably practicable” which also saves you from potential costly payouts.
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Safety
49 When it comes to your maintenance check, you’ll need to assess if the current entrance matting is still fit for purpose, retains its anti-slip properties, and they’re in good enough condition for optimum dirt and moisture retention. Stair nosings Installed on the ‘nose’ of a step, stair nosings provide an anti-slip surface and can be susceptible to falling off due to wear and tear over time. They are an AS1428.1 general requirement, providing access for people with vision impairments and disabilities with confident and safe access when navigating stairs. In particular, stair nosings with a luminescent insert make the step edge more visible, a crucial visual aid for partially sighted people or in situations of power 50 failure.
Above: Classic Integra Vantt entrance matting
Above: Classic Tredfx Safety Stair Nosings
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Safety
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With the maintenance of your stair nosings, you’ll want to check that the right nosing has been installed and that it is still securely positioned, without signs of falling off or being excessively worn in any sections. From Slip Resistant Ratings, LRV ratings and more, the team at Classic Architectural Group can help you ensure your choice of stair nosing solutions are compliant with all Australian Standards. Tactile indicators Warning and directional tactile surface indicators are often installed across a range of public spaces including stairways, escalators, passenger conveyors, ramps and areas that lack suitable barriers, to provide adequate warning of impending hazards and orientation prompts. Complying with AS1428.4.1:2009, this is a particularly crucial navigator and environmental cue for those with vision impairments. As with stair nosings, tactile indicators also provide a luminance contrast to further empower the visually impaired to navigate built surroundings with confidence.
Above: Classic’s local manufacturing capabilities ensure quick solutions To ensure the optimal performance of tactile indicators installed across your facility, you will need to check that individual studs haven’t fallen out and that the tactile tiles haven’t worn out. Factoring in the various types, their placement, luminance contrast, size, and quality, you will also need to ensure that tactile indicators have been installed in all applicable areas. The top 5 benefits of fixing and replacing floor safety products • Keeping your staff and visitors safe • Staying compliant (AS and NCC) to prevent the risk of injury and untimely breakdowns • Maximising the lifespan of your flooring and stairs • Minimising the inconvenience of unexpected downtime due to preventable issues • Modernising your facility to achieve a different design aesthetic
Above: Classic Tredfx Tactile Indicators Flooring June/July 2022
Arranging maintenance and repairs Prioritising consistent proactive maintenance over ad hoc reactive measures, preventative maintenance covers four focus areas including
1. Inspection - this ensures all assets are safe and functioning as intended, keeping your facility and people protected. 2. Detection - by detecting any potential issues, you’ll be able to nip them in the bud. 3. Correction - if any potential issues are detected, you’ll be able to correct the problem before it worsens. 4. Prevention - by noting down past mistakes and proactively addressing potential problems, you can prevent unexpected issues from occurring. Let Classic help you create and maintain a safe, compliant environment With over 41 years of experience, the team at Classic Architectural Group can give you comprehensive advice on AS and NCC compliance as well as floor maintenance and replacement services. In addition to fixing or replacing your current entrance matting, tactile indicators and/or stair nosings, they can also guide you on the correct inclusion and placement of your floor safety solutions.
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Safety
51 With over 41 years of experience, the team at Classic Architectural Group can give you comprehensive advice on AS and NCC compliance as well as floor maintenance and replacement services. Whether it’s a quick product replacement, a complete assessment or general maintenance and installation, the team at Classic can provide you with end-to-end service from consult to manufacture, supply and installation. If it’s a replacement, their large range and stock holding of floor and stair safety solutions ensure effortless matching with your existing product for a cohesive look. web www.classic-arch.com
Above: Classic supply and install
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Design & Trends
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Three DIY hybrid flooring projects to warm the house this winter
T
he return of winter sees Australians start looking for cost-effective ways to create a little more warmth around the home. And while throwing on another layer or a blanket, wearing sheep skin slippers or firing up the home heater does help make our lives more comfortable, another option is to rethink your home’s flooring, which can account for around 10 per cent of heat loss. According to Christie Wood, Beaumont Tiles design specialist, one great flooring option that Beaumonts had recently added to its offering is hybrid flooring, which not only offers good insulation properties but can cost-effectively convert your home into a stylish and comfortable sanctuary. “Our hybrid range of stunning timber and stone look flooring is easy to install for even the most novice of DIYers and can permeate a feeling of warmth in any space,” Ms Wood said. “It also comes with other benefits such as a multi-layered protective coating which is easy to care for while adding protection against wear and tear plus integral sound mitigating underlay for better acoustics.”
Flooring June/July 2022
Three trending looks that can be achieved with Hybrid flooring that will make your winter a winner are: Industrial flare with rustic charm and comfort While Industrial design is often seen as cold due to its exposed details and imperfections, using hybrid stone can provide the insulation you need while staying true to the look.
“Choosing the Marengo or Meramec Stone Impressions Isocore hybrid floor can give the impression of dark large format tiles that can create the raw, overlooked beauty that is a key characteristic of this style,” she said. “The space can be further enhanced by coupling it with large, slouchy, comfy sofas in your living room, plus some beanbags and a throw so you have a warm spot to cuddle into after a long day of winter work.” Coastal style a guaranteed all-season style The coastal style interior is an all-seasons style that adapts perfectly to freezing winters and Beaumonts’ timber look hybrid flooring can give the lighter look that is needed to pull it off. “Timber planks can be expensive so using hybrid flooring can be a more cost effective and better option for getting this coastal vibe,” she said.
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Design & Trends
53 Enhance your home office space with vintage class The vintage look is a guaranteed way to bring personality and character to your home, and terrazzo look hybrid flooring can really launch you into its vibe. “Terrazzo flooring is quite cold underfoot, so going for the terrazzo look hybrid flooring will mitigate having those chilly feet in the wintertime,” said Ms Wood
“This style uses lots of large windows and bi-fold doors which are guaranteed to let in a bit more light during the colder season making for a little more natural warmth to get you to summer.
“It also relies on the use of rugs and textures with whiter tones giving a modern refresh to your space which is easy to clean and has a fun vibe.”
“Not everything has to match with this style, so it can be the perfect option as you don’t have to necessarily buy new furniture. Think about how you can repurpose that old desk or sideboard with some colourful lamps or funky artwork. “This can be a perfect look to break up the monotony of any space during the dreariest parts of winter.”
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