Newcastle Store - Andersens Growth Continues National Opportunities Available - Elite Publishing
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December 2020 / January 2021 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Newcastle Store
Andersens Growth Continues
National Opportunities Available
A REVOLUTION IN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION n High protection PAPR P3/TM3 99.95% n Reusable and cost-effective n No belts or hoses n Comfortable and lightweight 500g n IP Rated 66 water tolerant n AUST/NZ, NIOSH, CE approved Request a demonstration, contact us today at sales@cleanspacetechnology.com WWW.CLEANSPACETECHNOLOGY.COM
Contents 3
vol 38 no 6
News
Editor’s Note
4
Welcome to the December / January
The benefits of FCIA Membership
issue of Flooring Magazine. Inside
this issue you will find our Feature
Spotlight On on All Things Carpet. Where we look
at the Carpet Institute of Australia’s
10 comprehensive study on the
Small town values equals big growth for flooring retailers environmental impact of carpet and
indoor air quality then explain the
Technical Bulletin key issues affecting your health and
wellbeing. As well as the importance
12 of carpet maintenance and the top
Digital printing – driving flooring onto new realms five installation tips.
In this month’s Technical Bulletin,
Feature the experts at Forbo Flooring
Systems explain how the adoption of
18 upgraded digital printing technology
All things carpet is driving flooring into new realms,
customisation and of course
Talking Business installation.
35 The team at Flooring Magazine wish
RLA Polymers – from strength to strength all our readers a safe and happy
2021. Please feel free to contact me
directly regarding any news or product
Safety information that you would like us
38 to publish by email at – michelle.
cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au
The bold brass comeback
Don’t forget to join our online
Software community and visit us on Facebook,
Instagram and Pinterest.
42
Improve your business – Back costing for fun and profit Until next time, enjoy your read.
Design & Trends Michelle Cammiade
Editor
46
Dulux Summer 2021 colour predictions
Flooring Magazine is now on:
@flooringmagazineaustralia
Front Cover @flooringmagazine
Andersens Floor Coverings
@flooringmagazine
www.andersens.com.au
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.au
News 4
The Benefits of FCIA Membership
T
ake advantage of the only Association Industry engagement
which was established to provide Through the FCIA, Members gain access to
a voice for every sector of the peers, industry leaders and influencers. FCIA
flooring industry. We represent the interests is affiliated with the Australian Industry
of Manufacturers, Suppliers, Retailers, Group Training Services and collaborates
Commercial Contractors, and individual with National and state-based flooring
installers to government, industry, training associations in the pursuit of industry
providers and stakeholders in the Building excellence.
and Construction sector.
A sustainable workforce
Relax knowing that FCIA is future proofing
the industry by addressing skills shortages groups on quality assurance for the
though our unique apprenticeship programs, flooring industry. Our team of independent
apprentice workshops, recognition of consultants can provide expert advice and
experienced installers, and current, industry insights into flooring failures, moisture
endorsed learning resources. We source problems, and Australian Standards.
candidates to take up apprenticeships
in Flooring Technology. FCIA also offers Influence Key policy decisions
incentives for installers to become qualified Help overcome decades of government
trainers and mould the next generation of indifference to the flooring industry
skilled layers. by gaining access to the state and
commonwealth government policy makers
Member support services and regulators, industry stakeholders, and
Gain access to a wealth of information and funding agencies that should support our
expertise regarding industry best practice unique industry. FCIA works tirelessly in
in resilient, timber, and carpet installation; making submissions on Members’ behalf to
updating current skills, participation in key government funding bodies and industry
technical advisory panels and working reviews that relate to the Flooring.
We have established a national “learning
community” comprising schools, careers
networks, TAFE and private training
providers, Apprenticeship Network Providers,
leading charities, and government
stakeholders to drive innovation and quality
in the training and recognition of flooring
installers
FCIA Membership offers you a one-stop shop
in strategic advice, best practice solutions,
skills development and products and services
designed to make your business competitive,
successful and compliant. 6
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.au
FCIA Apprentice
Workshops
The FCIA is lifting the profile and reputation of the flooring industry. To drive relevant, up to date flooring
installation skills, FCIA coordinates intensive industry workshops which assists first- and second-year
apprentices in the progression towards their qualification in Flooring Technology.
The FCIA also gives back to the community by targeting these workshops to refurbish the floors of
community buildings, charity organisations or other deserving groups.
These workshops bring together FCIA members, RTO trainers and assessors, experienced installers and
industry technical experts to provide apprentices with an intensive, practical experience in all aspects of
flooring installation. This includes moisture testing, grinding, floor preparation and levelling, plus essential
elements of resilient, carpet, timber and floating floor installation.
These workshops enable the apprentice to:
• Capture evidence required for their training for example, photos, videos, work diaries
• Support their training and skills with accessible and current online learning
• Receive practical assessment of a range of skills on site (as identified by the RTO assessor)
• Benefit from personal tuition in areas / skills in which the apprentice may be struggling
• Learn specific laying techniques from product specialists and industry experts
Residential Detail
Dates A residential is held each month in a different state.
For the dates relating to your apprentice and business location,
please go to www.fcia.org.au/events
Duration 1 week (Sunday to Friday inclusive)
Venue This will vary depending on your state.
Please go to www.fcia.org.au/events
Employer Costs $1,500 plus GST, covering accommodation, transport, and catering (this could
be tax deductible - seek confirmation from your accountant)
Further information FCIA National Training Manager, 0407 295 149 fwischnewski@fcia.org.au
News 6
Overview of Member Services Full Associate Member
Members Members rates apply
Products and Services
Industry Trade Card Program ü ü
Industry best practice publications ü ü
Regular Newsletters and industry advice ü ü
Flooring specific insurance packages ü ü ü
Technical advisory panels (carpet, timber, resilient) ü ü
Expert advice on sub-floor preparation and installation issues ü ü
Participation in Standards reviews and related committees ü ü
Consulting Services
Independent investigations into flooring failure ü ü
Skills and Training
Workforce development and funding advice ü ü
Access Industry driven, workplace-based apprenticeships model ü ü
Participation in our unique residential apprentice workshops ü ü ü
Advice on apprentice wages and conditions ü ü
Information on employer incentives and subsidies for training ü ü
Skills recognition for existing installers ü ü ü
Product installation Masterclasses and professional development ü ü ü
Leadership and Small business training programs ü ü ü
Incentives to become a flooring trainer and assessor ü ü ü
Nationally recognised online learning resources ü ü
Apprentice recruitment support ü ü
Policy and Influence
Eligibility to nominate / vote for FCIA board Directorships ü
Participation in Annual General Meetings ü
Access to FCIA submissions and policy papers ü
Australian Standards reviews and technical working groups ü
To find out more call +61 3 9822 6163, email info@fcia.org.au or visit the website at www.fcia.org.au
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.au
Product Update
Innovative technologies at Polivac
2
020 has been overwhelming for all The Oscillating Polivibe Sander is
of us. We have built resilience in the a new generation sander, powered with a
face of adversity. The team at Polivac 1.1 kw motor and provides an oscillating
have been taking measures to help promote speed of 2850 oscillations per minute. It
workplace safety especially during these is equipped with pivot point design for
difficult times and will continue to work better distribution of weight and fitted with
closely to support the local and international additional weight for increased downward
community in 2021. pressure that provides improved sanding
efficiency.
Polivac is a proud Australian manufacturer
of cleaning equipment and major exporter Polivac Slow-speed
of cleaning technologies worldwide. SV25 Supervac
Their machines are specially designed and high-speed
with innovative technologies to deliver SV30 Supervac
performance and productivity that exceeds Vacuum Sanders are
industry expectations. They believe in equipped with a 400-watt
conducting research and development to long life motor which is
build the perfect machine for changing fitted into the vacuum
market requirements. With over 70 years of canister along with a
knowledge and expertise, the team at Polivac by-pass dust separator for
have created the ideal machines for heavy superior dust extraction.
duty sanding and carpet steam cleaning. Making it super easy to
separate and remove dust
The Polivac sanding range is designed as compared to standard
for tough sanding jobs. Currently they have sanders. Now no need to vacuum
five Polivac sanding machines with functions after your tough sanding job, these
and features that vary depending on the machines clean the indoor dusty mess
operator’s requirements. The sanding range for you. The slow-speed SV25 Supervac
includes the Oscillating Polivibe sander, Vacuum sander is powered with a 1.1 kw,
Supervac SV25 4 pole motor and 188 rpm pad speed. The
slow-speed and high-speed SV30 Supervac Vacuum sander
SV30 high-speed is powered with 1.5 kw, 2 pole motor and
vacuum sander 364 rpm pad speed.
and Sandivac SV25
slow-speed and SV30 Polivac Steam Carpet Extraction
high-speed vacuum sander. machines include the Terminator,
All their machines Terminator Plus, Predator MK1, Predator
are manufactured MK2 and Predator MK3. These versatile
in accordance with and powerful machines have been designed
ergonomic design to provide solutions for small, large scale
suggestions which carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning.
improve efficiency
and reduces The Terminator and Terminator
operator’s fatigue. Plus are compact sized carpet extraction
machines that fit into the back of 8
Product Update 8
most station The Predator range includes the MK1,
wagons. The MK2 and MK3, the diverse range is
Terminator fully packed with features that deliver
Plus is equipped performance depending on the different
with a 600 PSI requirements. Predator MK1 is equipped
pump (Factory with an 800 PSI max rated pump, factory
set to 500 PSI), set to 500 PSI. Predator MK2 2000 psi max
that gives you rated HYPRO pump driven by a 0.56kw
the power and (0.75hp) REGAL motor. Predator MK3 2000
performance psi max rated HYPRO pump, driven by a
of a large machine in a compact body for 1500kw (2 HP) REGAL motor.
maximum manoeuvrability.
Floors for paws
Carpet Court’s new paw-fect pet “In the past, the question of ‘which flooring
proof flooring options is most suitable for pets’ would have had a
limited answer,” says Darren. “Now, there
Pet ownership comes with numerous are innovative solutions such as stain
considerations, many of which relate to resistant carpets, water and odour resistant
the interior and exterior upkeep of your underlay, hybrid floors and outdoor synthetic
home says Carpet Court Ambassador, Darren grass that give homeowners the freedom to
Palmer. From plush living rooms, restful inject style into their home while allowing
bedrooms through to townhouse courtyards, for life’s little mishaps caused by pets.”
Carpet Court’s new pet proof flooring options
allow pet parents to welcome their fur-babies “If you love the look and luxurious
into every part of their home. feel underfoot of carpet, you cannot go
past Carpet Court’s new UltraPet ranges
comprising of ten colours and three pile
types – Birman, Basenji and Akita. Created
with cutting-edge technology, these
ranges come with a 15-year guarantee
for colourfastness, durability, and stain
resistance. This can be extended to 25 years
when you pair with the UltraPet Underlay.
Best of all, pet ‘potty’ mishaps can be
cleaned easily using cold water given the
carpets repel liquids from penetrating the
fibres.
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.au
Product Update 9
Something in the middle of the spectrum likes!), and timber, although the most
will have the best chance of disguising natural of the bunch, requires a degree of
individual hairs, though regular vacuuming care to maintain.
is always recommended,” says Darren.
“Carpet Court’s Hybrid flooring, Stainmaster
In a robust household, using the right PetProtect, is well suited to withstand the
carpet underlay is a must. “Carpet Court’s wear and tear from furry family members.
new UltraPet Carpet Underlay has been With eight contemporary colours, it
engineered to protect against common is designed to resist pet stains, odours
household spills and pet stains thanks to and scratching, as well as has anti-skid
its protective barrier, StainShield. It is also technology,” he says.
treated with a proven antimicrobial which
helps to prevent lingering odours, mould, Homeowners no longer have to sacrifice
mildew and dust mites - providing hygienic style for durability thanks to Carpet Court’s
freshness for your home.” fetching new pet-friendly ranges. Carpet
Court’s UltraPet Carpet is priced from $42-
For a more traditional approach to pet $52 per square meter; Stainmaster PetProtect
Darren recommends that your pet’s fur friendly floors Darren recommends hard is priced $59 per square meter; Carpet Court
colour should factor into your colour choice. flooring. “Tiles and timber can be quite LuxTurf is priced from $59.95 per square
“Light fur will show up on dark floors, unforgiving in a household with pets; tiles meter (all prices are supply only, excluding
just as dark hair will show on light floors. absorb the cold (which no pet or human installation costs).
BE ACCURATE, BE EFFICIENT,
BE PROFITABLE
MEASURE MOBILE
• Draw Scale Plans
• Add, Delete and Move Seams
• Include Doorways and Stairs
• Calculate Material Quantities
• Create and Email Quotes
• Take Signed Acceptance on Tablet
• Take Payments
Australia: 1800 229 427
New Zealand: 0800 643 012
NOW INTEGRATES WITH
www.rfms.com salesau@rfms.com
Spotlight On 10
Small town values equals big growth for flooring retailers
A
ndersens Floor Coverings have a long on customer experience, it will have a
and rich history in Australia. Founded Hampton’s style and deliver a welcome and
on country town values, and the homely feel. We’re all very excited for the
principles of integrity, honesty and respect, launch, and Andersens has committed to
the brand continues to grow nationally with supporting the store opening with a local
new stores already planned for 2021 in NSW, marketing campaign.”
Victoria and South Australia. Franchisees
Glen and Kristy Shepherd, in the Newcastle Since Glen and Kristy started operating in
region are the embodiment of these values, the Newcastle region, turnover has continued
which go hand in hand with Andersens to grow year after year. Glen explained,
longevity and expansion in the industry. "Andersens has been great with supplying
products that meet and exceed customer
Glen Shepherd explains, “I’d been sub- demand and expectation, and excellent
contracting as an installer for several Andersens support from the entire team.”
stores in South East Queensland, between 2007
and 2017, and during that time I got to know “Looking to the future we want to see
their business and became passionate for what services complex there with a Swimart, a Wattyl a continued increase in turnover and
the Andersens brand stands for. So, in January Paint Shop, a barber, childcare centre, CBI grow our team so that we can continue
2017, when Kristy and I were looking to start Blinds and several other family services, and to support our customers and ensure
something for ourselves, we saw Andersens as we thought that an Andersens Floor Coverings every customer interaction and shopping
the perfect opportunity to own our own flooring shop would fit right in.” experience is positive and unmatched as far
business.” as competition goes. And we really think,
Regarding the Covid situation, Glen said, with the Andersens brand behind us, our
“We knew the history of Andersens, how it “Perhaps it isn’t the best time to open a future plans are very achievable. Andersens
had started as a family business in a small shop, some people might think, in the have dedicated trainers who assist with
country town 90km west of Brisbane. When middle of a global pandemic. But it really staff training in store, as well as the online
you look at where it came from to where it wasn’t so bad. We had a lot of support Andersens Academy to ensure that the
is now – being the most trusted name in from Andersens during the entire process. customer experience is consistent.”
floor coverings - it really shows you what’s We had weekly Zoom meetings, additional
possible. We felt very comfortable getting on stock was made available, and when other Andersens is looking to talk with existing
board and joining the Andersens family.” competitors were withdrawing from the flooring stores, installers looking to open
market, Andersens stepped up with a boost in their own store or even complimentary
“Initially we were operating as a mobile marketing activities. It was great.” businesses looking to expand their business
flooring shop, that was our entire business - into flooring, window furnishings, shutters
we were a flooring company on wheels - but, “But it wasn’t just the marketing that they and blinds. Existing stores converting to
as the business started to grow, and there helped with, they were supportive of the Andersens are offered financial incentives
was opportunity for business growth and site we chose and assisted with negotiations and support, whilst maintaining their local
increased customer demand, we decided the of the lease. They were able to work with brand identity and legacy.
time was right to open a retail shop.” the landlord and their agent and secure
a market leading incentive. It’s all very Contact Dean Lightfoot for more
“We chose Warner’s Bay at the northern tip of exciting.” Glen continued, “This Warner Information to join the Andersens Family
Lake Macquarie on the very busy Hillsborough Bay store will actually be the first of the Mobile: 0408 067 439 Email: dlightfoot@
Road. There was this great little retail and new Andersens store design. Focusing andersens.com.au
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auThe Respected Name in Floor Coverings for over 60 years
Technical Bulletin 12
Digital printing – driving flooring into new realms
Brought to you by Forbo
D
igital transformation has allowed Some key points to note: Installation Guidance Note: Noviweld
us to replace conventional manual 671 cold weld for PVC Floor
processes and often go beyond what • Images always need to be copyright free. Coverings
manual printing processes could ever think • Image resolution should be a minimum
of achieving. Digital printing is not new of 72 – 120 DPI and ideally in Tiff/EPS General Advice
to the flooring world, however, was rather format (JPEG and PDF possible). 150 dpi Noviweld 671 is a solvent based cold welding
clunky in the early days. The adoption of for Flotex. system that can be used to provide a seamless
upgraded technology is now driving flooring • Scaling of images needs to be appearance for PVC floor coverings. It can
into new realms, customisation and of communicated and dimensions of the be used as an alternative to hot welding
course installation. space shown to all parties especially the systems and is particularly suitable for
installer. graphic based, wood and stone effect finishes
Forbo Flooring invested in digital printing • Pure solid colours are hard to achieve such as Forbo Eternal. Noviweld 671 is
some time ago and have continued to with all printing. Solids are often suitable for installations with few seams and
expand capabilities and grow technology achieved in a slight textured pattern of moderate commercial use.
across different formats. It is now possible multiple tones.
to print in photo like high definition on 4m • Allow extra material around perimeter Very heavy commercial areas such as
and 2m wide project vinyl, safety vinyl or for walls and odd building shapes as schools, hospitals, aged care and wet areas
acoustic vinyl. In textile, Flotex provides a filler pieces are not possible in single should still be hot welded. 14
perfect base for printing. print images.
• Maximum roll lengths are 25 metres.
Design options can include altering generic • Lead times will be a little longer than
timber/ stone designs with geometric standard material due to the printing
overlays or picking your own highlight process.
colours for a terrazzo visual that matches • Make sure floor prep is correct and as per
the interior décor. Then there is the Australian standards AS1884:2012.
complete bespoke option where a client can
personalise their floor from a photo or drawn Seams and joining large images perfectly:
graphic they have created and are only
required to order 12m2 as min for vinyl. The • A print overlap of the image on each
process is affordable and waste free. Inserting sheet needs to be included if multiple
social distancing markers on the floor is now sheets are running side by side for the
easy and no stickers or individual cutting in installer to trim and match onsite.
is required. Logos and emblems are simple • The installer needs to be aware of
and easy to print and combine with standard the overlap and double cut seams
flooring. accordingly, budgeting for the overall
width of the image and space.
There are some pointers to be aware of with • Often hot welding is not used rather cold
digital flooring and this relates mainly to seam (chemical) welding with Noviweld
the initial setup with image files supplied 671 so as not to distort the design.
for printing and then once printed, the Below is a specific guide to the cold weld
installation. process.
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auluxury vinyl tiles & planks
made with passion
We are excited to release our NEW Allura luxury vinyl tile collection with
contemporary designs in wood, stone, marble and terrazzo and available
across multiple product constructions. Allura Flex, a popular format in
Australia and New Zealand, is a high quality, dimensionally stable LVT with an
acoustic comfort backing and leading impact sound reduction result.
Unique and matte embossing structures ensure realistic wood visuals
with low repetition across planks in each box. There are 50 Flex designs all
exclusive to Forbo, stocked locally and ready to go.
For more information visit, www.forbo-flooring.com.au/allura.
creating better environmentsTechnical Bulletin 14
We expect digital floors will only continue
to evolve and become a living part of a
building, whether it be to guide users
through a space, educate and interact or
simply convey amazing images and internal
moods.
Procedure The floor covering can take light foot traffic
Seams in sheet products should be cut as after approximately 30 minutes. It should be
normal to produce a neat butt joint. As with protected for several hours from heavy foot
hot welding the welding process should not traffic across joins.
take place until the adhesive used for the
floor covering has dried. • A 40 ml tube of Noviweld 671 will be
enough for approximately 25 lineal
• The seams to be welded should be clean metres of seam.
and dry. Pull a lino knife through the
seam to remove any possible adhesive As for all products and projects always
residues in the seam. contact the manufacturer and product
specialist who can walk you through the
• Cover the seam to be welded with a process. Digital options can add real impact
smooth masking tape press the tape well and create unique and creative interiors that
onto the floor covering to ensure full go beyond convention.
adhesion. Cut through the tape tracing
the seam below with a sharp straight
blade.
• Alternatively, masking tape can be
applied either side of the seam as close to
the seam as possible.
• Place the needle of the nozzle into the
seam. As soon as the liquid starts to flow
out pull the nozzle along the seam with
a slow smooth movement, ensuring
an overspill of about 1 mm onto the
masking tape.
• Once the weld is dry remove the masking
tape. Any spillages onto the floor
covering should be allowed to dry and
removed with a sharp knife.
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auby Kenbrock Elevate any space whether it be home or office with allure and warmth. This striking collection was crafted using authentic Australian timbers including Spotted Gum and Blackbutt. With its long plank format and commercial grade quality, it really can be installed almost anywhere. It is phthalate free with no harmful fillers nor harmful plasticisers, giving it a low environmental impact and making it safe for the whole family. The perfect combination of durability and extravagance. www.kenbrock.com.au
Retailer of the Month 16
steadily grow the business since then. It
really is a team effort and together they have
The Complete Package built a reputation for service locals describe
as exceptional. Joining Leigh in Devonport
are Michael, Martina, and Jonathan in sales,
with Ian running the warehouse.
Story by Philip Ashley
As store manager, Leigh is still involved
in sales. He loves the challenge of that
environment and enjoys finding flooring
solutions for his clients. It is genuinely
important to him that his clients experience
with Choices Flooring is a positive one and
he can be relied on to follow through with
after sales service. He takes ownership of his
sales; often checking on site in his own time
to make sure a particular job is running
smoothly. Leigh builds relationships with
his clients which results in referrals and
repeat business. He says, “We’re very good at
looking after our Mum’s and Dad’s.”
The Devonport store services the Northwest
coast of the state, a beautiful but sometimes
L
esley and Chris Smart own and remote part of Australia. Their clients are
Above: (L-R) Leigh, Ian, Martina and
operate two Choices Flooring stores mostly residential customers with new
Jonathan
on the North Coast of Tasmania. builds, renovations; insurance work and
Their business is built on the quality and some commercial jobs, mostly in the
service Choices Flooring Group is well- Leigh Mitchell heads up the smaller team at education sector. They get a good number of
known for, and that personal touch that Choices Flooring Devonport. He has a wealth new residents seeking a sea-change, with the
only a community-based business can of experience as an installer for the store low cost of housing and building incentives
deliver. Lesley said, “We concentrate on the and joined the sales team in 2008, taking on currently in place. To keep pace with current
whole customer experience. Tasmania is a the manager’s role in 2016, the same year industry trends, the Devonport store recently
small place, and the personal touch is still he won the Choices Flooring Store Person of underwent some refurbishment to create a
especially important to our clients.” the Year (Tasmania) award. Leigh has been contemporary showroom with plenty of light
instrumental in helping Lesley and Chris and space.
Choices Flooring Launceston has been part
of Lesley and Chris’s life since 1991 when
they started working for Chris’s father,
Rodney Smart. Rodney had started the
store in the late 1980’s and was one of the
founding members of the Carpet Choice
Group, later to become the Choices Flooring
Group. Lesley and Chris became managers of
the Launceston store in 1998 and purchased
the outlet from Rodney ten years later,
about the time Rodney established the store
in Devonport. In 2013 they bought the
Devonport store when Rodney retired.
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auRetailer of the Month 17
“This year people have invested in their
homes and we see that in future, working
from home might continue that trend. We
still feel the personal touch of good people
and well-presented stores backed up by
the high standards of Choices Group are
essential to providing customers with the
ultimate retail experience.” Leigh adds, “We
were doing very well in March before COVID
and after that, online enquiries increased.
There’s a greater awareness of social media
and we think this will continue.”
Lesley said, “The two stores keep us fairly busy.
They are about 100 kilometres apart, but we
Team spirit is important to Leigh and his have a combined team of 23 really good people
team at Devonport, not just on a store level, that keep things running smoothly. Devonport
but as part of the business as a whole. Lesley is the third largest city in Tasmania and while
and Chris organise social / team bonding Choices Devonport is a smaller store, the area is
events and social club weekends away which still especially important for our business. The
includes staff from both stores. In mid-April, team there, headed up by Leigh do an excellent
a Coronavirus outbreak in the area forced job so we’re not traveling there too often. The
the closure of the Devonport store for a team in Devonport are equipped with the local
few weeks and that opened up a new and we have here; the quality of the people we knowledge, work force and services to manage
different sales and service dynamic for the have here; I’ve never seen it so good. We any project from start to finish. They are highly
flooring outlet. have an amazing team here in Devonport; efficient project managers and provide our
we ride the highs and lows together and if customers with the complete package.”
Leigh said, “It’s a great community, it’s something needs fixing, we rally round and
been tough for a lot of people this year, but get it done for our customers.”
we’ve seen local people supporting local
businesses. Where there’s been a chance to Lesley, Chris, and Leigh see a positive future
support someone, local people have just got for the flooring industry in Tasmania. They
in and done it. I’ve been involved with the invest in their success with an apprentice
Devonport store for eleven years now and for training program and tradespeople in
the last couple of years the team and morale addition to their subcontractors. Lesley said,
Look what’s NEW!
Welcome to Airstep Online Ordering, where you can now order both
Underlay and Hard Flooring products at your convenience, 24/7.
We invite you to register using the link below:
https://eorder.airstep.com.au/Account/RegisterAir
For more information, please contact your Airstep Account Manager.
www.airstep.com.au www.imaginefloors.com.au
1800 803 545 1800 803 54518
All Things Carpet
Indoor air quality
Feature
Brought to you by the CIAL
Australians typically spend 90% of their
time indoors - so indoor air quality is an
important factor in protecting health and
wellbeing.
The main factors that affect indoor air
quality are:
• Inadequate ventilation which may
occur if heating, ventilating and
air-conditioning systems (HVAC) are
ineffective
• Chemical contaminants from inside
and outside the building – these include
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Biological contaminants e.g. bacteria,
moulds, pollen
Extensive research is being undertaken to
evaluate the effects of products on indoor
air quality. Many countries have instituted
standards and voluntary codes of practice
that set guidelines for indoor air quality.
The Carpet Institute of Australia Limited is
conducting a comprehensive study of the
environmental impact of carpet, and indoor
air quality is part of this investigation. Here,
we cover the key issues.
VOC Emissions
VOC emissions consist of a range of
volatile organic compounds which at room
temperature may be released from materials
or products in the form of gases. Some of
the common sources of VOCs in the indoor
environment are cleaning agents and
polishes, cosmetics and deodorants, dry
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auFeature 19
cleaned clothing, building materials (e.g. toxic VOCs and trapping particulates
adhesives, laminates, caulking compounds, When compared to present in indoor air. For example, carpets
medium density fibre board), furnishings
(furniture, drapery and floor coverings),
other building materials irreversibly remove VOCs, including the
toxics formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide and
office equipment (e.g. photocopiers and laser with significant indoor nitric oxide.
printers), cigarette smoke and air drawn
from outside.
exposure, carpet is a Carpets and Airborne Particles
minor contributor to VOC Carpet also has a beneficial effect by
The health effects depend on the specific trapping small particles in the fibre mass
composition of the VOCs present and the
emissions. Approximately and removing them from the air we breathe.
length of human exposure. Build-up of VOCs 90% of all VOCs discharged A recent scientific study found that carpet
in indoor environments have been associated reduces dust in the air to half of that found
with sick building syndrome. from carpet dissipate within with hard flooring systems.
2 days of installation.
Carpets and VOC Emissions Carpet made in Australia and New Zealand
As part of the manufacturing process, carpet generally meets Australian requirements for
is generally baked in a finishing oven at indoor air quality including the National
150°C to 170°C. This drives off most of With good room ventilation, new carpet VOC Occupational Health and Safety Commission
the volatile chemicals including solvents emissions will drop below most indoor air occupational limits and the National Health
in adhesives and raw materials, leaving a quality criteria within a few days. and Medical Research Council Interim
product with a low remaining VOC content. National Indoor Air Quality Goals.
The VOC most commonly associated with New carpet VOC emissions are approximately
new carpet is 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PC) – 3 milligrams per square metre per hour (mg/ Importance of Carpet Maintenance
a by-product of the manufacture of synthetic m2.h). After 96 hours, carpet VOC emissions Frequent vacuuming and periodic deep
latex. 4-PC has a low odour threshold (0.5 fall to less than 1% of the initial value. cleaning by a trained operator is essential
parts per billion) so its presence can be for ensuring carpet stays in good condition.
detected at extremely low concentrations In addition, carpet has a purifying impact The Standard – AS/NZS 3733:2018 Textile
when the carpet is first laid. on indoor air quality by absorbing some floor coverings – Cleaning maintenance
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auFeature 20
• Vacuum the floor after the old carpet and
underlay have been removed.
• Operate the ventilation system at the
normal room temperature for 72 hours
after installation. If possible open
windows and doors to maximise fresh
airflow.
• If carpet adhesives are used, ask for a low
of Residential and Commercial Carpeting Installation Tips VOC emitting water-based adhesive.
provides guidance for good cleaning practice.
For a referral to a trained operator, contact • The area should be ventilated with • If you are sensitive to VOC emissions,
SRCP (Specialised Restoration & Cleaning fresh air during installation to avoid leave the premises during and
Professionals) Free Call 1800 621 872 or re-circulation of air. Most emissions immediately after carpet installation.
https://srcp.org.au A properly maintained dissipate quickly with adequate air
carpet should have only positive effects on exchange and ventilation. web www.carpetinstitute.com.au
Indoor Air Quality.
Manufacturing Robotics – Man and Machine Together
Futureproof manufacturing with over half of all British jobs by 2040. That In my experience this won’t happen. We
BBS – Australia’s local carpet will mean the automation of 15 million need to take a deep breath and relax - the
installation accessories maker existing jobs through robotics. situation for manufacturing workers is
It is certain that robots and intelligent In America the Boston Consulting
machines will replace a greater number of Group predicts that within 5 years
human manufacturing tasks in the near robots will perform 25% of all American
future. Indeed, this process is already well manufacturing.
underway in Australian factories as well as in
our everyday lives. In this climate it is natural to fear that
machines will one day take everyone’s
The rise of the machine has long been job. If we let then robots serve as
predicted in science fiction, and is firefighters, policemen, cooks and
having a growing impact in Australian taxi drivers will humans end up
manufacturing. Outside the factory it doesn’t serving machine overlords?
take imagination to realise that the driverless
cars and drones that are being tested today And more specifically what will
will be the delivery and transport systems of happen to factory workers when as
the future. robots arrive in greater numbers in
our workplaces? Are we heading for
In Britain the chief economist at the Bank human obsolescence?
of England forecasted that robots could take
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auFeature 21
not as dire as it sounds. Instead of stealing It is more likely that that humans will end
human jobs artificial intelligent systems and up working with these machines, rather
robotics are more likely to help the factory than being replaced by them. We might
workers of the future to do their jobs better. even become their colleagues. In this future
the workers who prosper will be the ones
Australian is an open market for the supply who cope best working alongside machines.
of goods where only the competitive can
prosper. Open competition creates a pressure At BBS we have been investing in robotics
for us all to be more productive, and to And while most jobs have repetitive or for many years to eliminate repetitive and
be more efficient we will need the latest strenuous tasks that will be chopped away strenuous tasks from our carpet gripper
technologies – in this case robots - working by robotics, we should expect new jobs and tape production lines. Our success at
alongside us. created at the same time. automating repetitive tasks has improved
our competitiveness and the quality of work
These smart machines should be recognised This is because our robotic systems need for everyone. Through this approach we
as new tools in the hands of skilled workers humans too. Each generation of machine can be relatively optimistic, though not
rather than the dystopian overseer that technology needs to be installed, modified, complacent, about the future of robotics
some fear. After all, jobs don't get replaced programmed, run and maintained. And this and manufacture here in Australia.
by robots or other cognitive technologies, can only be done by a new generation of
only tasks do. smarter Australian workers. web www.bbscarpetgripper.com.au
SureTrim®
Raw Oak Scotia
Honest. Australian. Quality
15mm 18mm 20mm Rounded 20mm Modern
Stain to match your timber floor
18mm
15mm
8mm
7mm
15mm 18mm 21mm 20mm
2 / 75 Zenith Road, Dandenong, VIC, 3175, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9793 2244 EMAIL: info@bbsfp.com BBS Flooring ProductsFeature 22
Long lasting comfort with Redbook
W
hether replacing old, out of date Colour is one of the most important aspects
carpet, buying for the first time or to consider when choosing carpet as it
just giving their home a colour impacts the ambience of a room. It can help
makeover, there are many things for your alter the appearance of a room’s size and
customers to consider when selecting carpet. shape and makes the most of natural and
Which rooms of your home will be carpeted artificial light. When selecting new carpet,
and how much foot traffic is likely? Do they your customers should take home a sample
have children and/or pets? What is your (or order one online at www.redbookcarpets.
décor style? Considering these factors will help com) and view it in their home at various
to decide on the best carpet for a home. As a times of the day, as the colour can appear Triexta is the top performer across the
rule, they should seek to purchase the highest different under varying lighting sources. board with superior built-in stain resistance,
quality carpet that they can afford, so they Darker, multi-coloured, and patterned carpets easy maintenance (cleans with just water),
can continue to enjoy it for years to come. are especially effective at hiding soiling durability and softness. Recognised as
compared to solid shade, lighter carpets. one of the most trusted accreditations,
The longevity, appearance and texture of Redbook triexta carpet is officially certified
a carpet is largely determined by its fibre Texture is also an important consideration. Australian Made. Redbook triexta carpet is
type. Many Redbook carpets are durable, As well as providing visual appeal, carpet also certified Declare Red List Free. Certified
stain resistant and fade resistant, so texture adds dimension to a room. Carpets Red List Free products provide complete
Redbook carpets can provide long lasting with soft, lustrous, long pile can be ingredient disclosure, that reveal zero Red
comfort in the home. Carpet performance susceptible to tracking (flattening), while List chemicals for peace of mind in selecting
is related to the amount and quality of fibre plush and twist carpet constructions can a healthier floor covering.
in the pile. The higher quality of the fibre show pile reversal (commonly known as
and the denser it is packed, the better the shading or watermarking) characteristics Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN) is durable,
performance. which are a matter of personal taste and versatile and available in a wide range of
should be taken into account when selecting styles. This is a popular fibre that is resilient
carpet. Textured and loop pile carpet offer a and easy to clean.
more uniform finish.
Polyester provides great value all-round.
Carpet is a substantial investment and It provides a balance between comfort and
requires proper care to keep it attractive over durability. With wear, stain, and fade resistance,
time. Customers can protect their investment polyester offers a stylish look for less.
and prolong the life of their carpet by
establishing a regular maintenance Polypropylene carpet is a great value
schedule. option. This entry level carpet is anti-static
and resistant to moisture and mildew.
Carpet fibre types explained
Finding new carpet is simple with Redbook. Redbook now offers a free online sample
Easily compare fibre types across a wide service, with take home carpet samples sent
range of colours and styles to select the directly to customers. They can select up
perfect carpet. Your customers can browse to three samples from the Redbook carpet
with confidence, knowing that Redbook ranges online.
carpets are made to the highest standards in
Australia. web www.redbookcarpets.com
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auFeature 24
Carpet – the King of floorcoverings
I
f 2020 has taught us anything, we have sound and reducing it from bouncing off the
learnt that things can change very floor surface, but carpet also traps dust that
quickly. Normal is suddenly not what would otherwise circulate in the atmosphere
it once was, and the importance of having contaminating the air we breathe.
some consistency in an ever-changing world
is now more important than ever before. In recent times, Beaulieu Australia have
become part of the Beaulieu International
Carpet has been a proven constant in our Group (B.I.G) a vertically integrated
lives as it has been around in one form company that not only produces semi-
or another for many thousands of years. finished and finished floorcoverings as
Starting out as hand crafted rugs and well as fabrics but is also established in the
evolving into the broadloom machine tufted chemical supply chain. B.I.G have over 5000
carpets of today. Carpet is the largest selling employees, have 47 plants and offices and
floorcovering by volume in history. operate in 17 countries, a great resource for
Beaulieu Australia to drawn upon.
Flooring trends come and go, with the
current flavour of the month being vinyl
planks. There is no doubt that this new Beaulieu Australia are proud producers of
trend has had a major impact on carpet locally made high quality tufted carpets.
sales, not only in Australia but around the Produced in their 5 Star, Greenstar
world. It is now more important than ever; environmentally friendly state of the art
we draw on all our experience and expertise production facility in Yatala, Queensland.
to create carpets that represent value for The staff, many of whom have been part of
money with new innovative features and our Beaulieu family for over 20 years, are
benefits to ensure carpet remains the King of highly skilled in their roles and take pride Beaulieu’s goal, is to continue to explore and
floorcoverings well into the future. in knowing the products they produce are push the boundaries of sustainability in all
going into Australian homes and businesses aspects of their production processes. 2021
making them a more comfortable space to will see the introduction of carpets with new
inhabit and work. Carpet is in their DNA, and exciting environmental credentials in
with their Executive Management team both their residential and commercial ranges.
alone having over 150 years combined
experience in the carpet industry. With the latest styles, colours and
innovations, Beaulieu have a carpet to suit
With the use of advanced technologies, they every situation. Whether it be the lounge
can now produce carpets that are not only room, bedroom, classroom or the office they
visually appealing and durable but are safe have a product to suit your space.
for consumers and the environment.
To explore the possibilities and find where
Beaulieu research and development has led you can inquire about their ranges, please
them to create products that debunk all the visit their website or contact one of their
myths surrounding carpet contributing to some friendly customer service staff for details.
common respiratory and allergenic conditions.
Carpet not only reduces noise by absorbing web www.beaulieu.com.au
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auCarpets made in Australia,
by Australians,
for Australia’s future.
Beaulieu Australia
is the premier producer of
environmentally friendly textile floor
coverings in Australia.
Select carpets have been approved by
the National Asthma Council
Sensitive Choice Program.
Activecare Exclusive.
Proudly Investing
in Australian Manufacturing
Since 1973
www.beaulieu.com.au
Sales 1800 777 007
Beaulieu of Australia Pty Ltd
The self-renewing odour destroying carpet treatment
PO Box 6160
Yatala DC, Qld 4207
5 STAR GREEN STAR RATED BUILDINGFeature 26
5 Wonders of Wool Carpets
O
ffering a combination of luxury,
longevity and aesthetic value – wool
carpets can take homes from stark to
inviting almost instantly. Flooring Magazine
explores its many benefits.
1 - High on style and personality
Wool carpets feel naturally soft and
luxurious – making it ideal for introducing
comfort and character into any home.
Naturally curly, they also bring in a textural
element, elevating a home's overall appeal.
Signature offers a choice of high-pile loop
or sisal-wool carpets across 4-metre widths.
This makes it perfect for covering large
indoor spaces. The chunky loops on the top
layer lend smoothness while also offering Signature's wool carpets are not only 4 - Creating quiet indoor spaces
extra spring and cushioning in the yarn. durable, withstanding daily foot traffic in Owing to its fibrous nature, higher weight
busy households, but with a little love and and pile density, wool carpeting improves
2 - Durable, safe and long-lasting care, can easily last decades. They are also a room's acoustic performance, reducing
A naturally resilient fibre, wool has better naturally soil-resistant, preventing dirt from impact sound, airborne noise and sound
crush resistance and can retain its original getting entrenched in the carpet's fibres. From transmission compared to rugs made from
appearance compared to other fibres. This a safety perspective, wool exhibits excellent synthetic fibres.
ensures carpets bounce back into shape even flame resistance and is difficult to ignite.
after being crushed. 5 - Good for the environment
With their ability to minimise slips and As a 100% biodegradable, renewable and
trips – there is a lower likelihood of injuries sustainable material – wool is kinder
from falls, making it a safe flooring choice, to the planet compared to several other
especially with children. synthetic fibres. In landfills, wool piles tend
to decompose without leaving any harmful
3 - Ideal for all-year comfort residues.
Signature's wool carpets offer thermal
insulation in cold weather – ensuring a Many of Signature's high-end European
warm feel indoors. During summers, wool wool carpets are crafted entirely of undyed
feels breathable and has a cooling effect. wool using premium wool yarns. Carpets are
Thanks to its anti-microbial and anti- available in multiple weights, constructions
bacterial properties – the carpet also inhibits and colour options ranging from deep
the growth of mould and mildew, making charcoal to light and milder tones. With
it the right choice of flooring in humid maintenance, wool carpets will stand the
and damp weather. Low on toxins and test of time – automatically maximising the
odours – Signature's wool carpets make for return on the customer's investment.
a healthier flooring alternative indoors and
are naturally hypoallergenic. web www.signaturefloors.com.au
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auFeature 28
Customer carpet regrets and how to avoid them
A
s any good retailer will know, looking expertise. With large wheels, glide plates,
after the long-term interests of efficient air flow, height adjustable brush
customers and the products they have rollers and high-performance filtration,
bought can reap huge ongoing benefits, not SEBO premium vacuum cleaners are the
only by reducing the number of call-backs gold standard in debris removal and can
and complaints but by building customer remove up to 92% of soil from carpets.
satisfaction and gaining repeat sales. In the
case of carpets, providing advice on care First impressions last
is an important part of the sales process Flooring appearance is vital for first
and should include guidance on which impressions in a healthcare setting, according
vacuum cleaner is best suited for the carpet to SEBO, who says there is nothing worse than
purchased. walking into a hospital foyer and seeing that
the carpet is worn, dirty and covered in debris.
SEBO is no ordinary vacuum cleaner “This is usually due to using the wrong
supplier. Their niche is the ability to identify cleaning equipment,” said Collins.
and provide vacuum cleaners with specific
features best suited to particular carpet types “Regular vacuuming is recommended by
and fibres, it is referred to as ‘Pairing’. Carpet manufacturers recommend the SEBO most carpet manufacturers as the best way
K3 Premium Barrel (9682AU) and SEBO to care for carpets correctly, yet the majority
If your sales staff are nervous to provide Felix Premium Upright (9809AU) vacuum of consumers purchase the wrong kind
vacuum cleaner recommendations, let SEBO cleaners with specially designed SEBO ET1 of vacuum for the maintenance of their
guide them with these top Pairing tips. powerheads (pictured) which allow the user flooring product.”
to switch the brush roller off for straight
100% wool loop care suction cleaning and 4-level brush height Recommend SEBO vacuum cleaners to
Suction only… it’s not that simple adjustment with uniquely crafted optional your customers for the correct care and
Not all suction vacuums are suitable for delicate brush roller (5010GE) for gentle maintenance of their flooring investment,
wool loop carpets. Kristine Collins, Product and effective removal of loose fibres and fuzz your flooring manufacturer does. Better yet,
Manager for SEBO Australia explains: “Some from the looped surface. save your customers time and money from
suction only vacuum cleaners available in purchasing the wrong vacuum cleaner,
the market can damage the loop and cause Heavyweight cut pile Twist / Plush supply a SEBO BS Series Twin Motor or SEBO
fuzziness across the carpet surface due to the SEBO X7’s vacuuming success when Professional G5 single motor vacuum cleaner
poor design of the combination head and others fail with your modular carpet tile package.
coarse retracted bristles.” Not all vacuums can handle heavyweight cut
pile twist or cut pile plush carpets. Collins SEBO – Sensitive Choice Partner
A powerhead for 100% wool loop carpet? explains, “Vacuums with concentrated or very Not only do SEBO vacuums clean the floor,
Are you crazy? sealed suction can prove difficult to operate they also enhance the air by removing
SEBO’s good vacuum design and correct on cut pile twist or cut pile plush carpets.” maximum debris and filtering allergens
carpet cleaning knowledge is behind the from the air expelled.
technology capable of maintaining 100% SEBO X7 BOOST Automatic Upright
wool loop pile carpets in accordance with a – Gold Standard The equation is simple Carpet + SEBO
carpet manufacturer’s recommendations. Made in Germany, SEBO is the market leader Vacuum = Better Indoor Air Quality.
in commercial upright vacuum cleaners
and their domestic range benefits from this web www.sebo.com.au
Flooring December 2020/January 2021 www.flooringmagazine.com.auE a s yVACUUM CLEANER SOLUTIONS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Customer Problem
Current vacuum cleaner has concentrated
suction, is hard to push or cuts-out when
used on Cut Pile Twist or Cut Pile Plush.
Solution
SEBO X7 Boost Automatic Upright (91542AU)
Features high filtration, large wheels, glide
plate, full air flow, adjustable brush height.
Result
Customer satisfaction, correct carpet care.
SEBO X7 BOOST BEST FOR CUT PILE TWIST
Customer Problem
Pilling or fuzzing of 100% Wool Loop Pile.
Solution
SEBO SEBO Delicate Green Brush
Roller (5010GE) used with either:
SEBO K3 Premium Barrel (9682AU)
SEBO Felix Premium Upright (9809AU)
Both vacuums feature height adjustable
brush roller and suction only vacuuming.
Other
Result
Improved appearance, customer satisfaction,
SEBO FELIX BEST FOR 100% WOOL LOOP correct carpet care.
Dense and often with impervious backing - there's
a SEBO commercial vacuum cleaner to suit any
carpet tile, premise size and operator type.
Twin Motor - SEBO BS Series
SEBO Dart Series
Single Motor - SEBO Professional G5
SEBO Automatic XP Series
Result
Better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), 100% lint pick up
customer satisfaction, correct carpet care.
SEBO COMMERCIAL FOR CARPET TILES
Trusted. Improve customer satisfaction
and speak with SEBO today:
Approved. Ph:1300 697 326
Recommended. support@sebo.com.auYou can also read
