the great flooring guide

Carpets • Rugs • Ceramics & Porcelain • Natural Stone • Laminates • Vinyl • Wood

Bamboo • Cement & Epoxy • Outdoor Flooring • Underfloor Heating • Buying Tips

2011

Liezel vd Merwe, Fanie Venter, Roxanne Mancini, Madelein Smith, Dave Soons, Signa Evans, Jakolien Strydom, Joanna Papastamopoulos. THE GREAT FLOORING GUIDE is published by Media in Africa. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the pulishers.

Contact Media in Africa on (012) 347 7530 or visit our website at www.mediainafrica.co.za

CARPETS

CERAMICS & PORCELAIN

CEMENT & EPOXY

OUTDOOR FLOORING

VINYL FLOORING

NATURAL STONE

WOOD, LAMINATES & BAMBOO

The best of both worlds

Top industry professionals and dis-cerning homeowners not only want a product that says “luxury”, but also ones which are environmentally responsible. FloorworX offers both, with beautiful, quality wood floors from the internationally renowned

Kährs that utilises cutting-edge floor technologies which are dura-ble, stable and easy to install. Also in the FloorworX sales pro-gramme is the high-quality Quick-Step range of laminate floorcover-ings that sets the pace in design

style, ultra-tolerant wear surface, and a natural gloss level that ensures your floor will retain its beauty and perfection for several years thanks to a precise produc-tion process.See Page 44 for full details.

READ ONLINE @

www.mediainafrica.co.za

Albert Carpets 021 464 4320 www.egecarpet.com p8Belgotex Floorcoverings 033 897 7500 www.environmentalchoice.co.za Inside Front Cover www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za p9, p10-11Floors Direct 0861 356 677 www.floorsdirect.co.za p20Fotakis Brothers 011 626 3000 www.fotakisbrothers.co.za p15House & Home 0861 113 213 www.houseandhome.co.za p16-17Nouwens Carpets 011 796 5180 www.nouwens.co.za p12-14Top Carpets & Floors 087 150 0999 www.topcarpets.co.za p23Van Dyck Carpets 0800 227738 www.vandyckcarpets.com p18-19a.b.e. Construction Chemicals 011 306 9000 www.abe.co.za p25Cemcrete 011 474 2415 www.cemcrete.co.za p26-27 Kenzan Quality Tiles 021 510 8310 www.kenzantiles.co.za p29TAL 0860 000 825 www.tal.co.za p34Tile Africa 0800 002 783 www.tileafrica.co.za p30Tiletoria 021 511 3125 www.tiletoria.co.za Inside Back CoverUnion Tiles 08600 84537 www.uniontiles.co.za Back Cover Belgotex Floorcoverings 033 897 7500 www.duraturfsa.co.za p32-33Van Dyck Carpets 031 913 3800 www.tigerturfworld.com or p4 www.vandyckcarpets.com Belgotex Floorcoverings 033 897 7500 www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za p41FloorworX 011 406 4290 www.floorworx.co.za p40 Coirtex 0861 264 7839 www.coirtex.co.za p21Limaro 011 462 9848 www.kambali.co.za p5Natural Quartz 072 267 6224 www.naturalquartzflooring.co.za p36Natural Stone Warehouse 021 506 1300 www.naturalstonewarehouse.com p37Quartz Carpet 086 178 2789 www.quartzcarpet.co.za p35 Bedson Timbers 0861 233 766 www.bedsonflooring.co.za p47Ecostrong Bamboo Flooring 011 552 8480 www.ecostrong.co.za p48-49FINfloor 0860 346 356 www.inovar.co.za p46Floors Direct 0861 356 677 www.floorsdirect.co.za p51FloorworX 011 406 4290 www.floorworx.co.za Front Cover, p44, p52Nextstep Flooring 021 534 0870 www.nextstepflooring.co.za p45SAWLFA 011 455 2822 www.sawlfa.co.za p43Style 021 534 0870 www.stylelimited.com p50Top Carpets & Floors 087 150 0999 www.topcarpets.co.za p23Transiton Transport 011 915 2222 p22

RUGS

OTHER

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i n t r o d u c t i o n

What floor forwhich room?CHOICES

Once again, The Great Flooring Guide 2011 is bringing you a whole

host of innovative designs and materials and lots of new ideas, based

on the very best in flooring – and each product type has its own dedi-

cated section with a detailed overview of how it will perform.

Most of you reading this Guide will be

looking for a floorcovering for a par-

ticular room, or perhaps deciding what to use

for your planned new home or renovation,

so this year we have provided an overview of

each type of floorcovering and its suitability

for each room in your house, which we hope

will enable you to make the right decision for

your needs.

Rooms that will benefit from the use of carpetIf you intend to use carpet it is advisable

to consider the room’s function: Carpet

in a rough-and-tumble family room or a

frequently used dining area should be

selected for its hardwearing, soil-hiding

and stain-resistant capabilities.

In a bedroom or a seldom-used formal

living room, a pale colour and a more ‘del-

icate’ fibre can be chosen and, although

it is always best to spend as much as can

be afforded on a carpet, a bedroom is a

relatively low-traffic area so it is possible

to use a lower-cost carpet.

In the main living (or family) room it is

possible to make a real style statement

with a patterned carpet, particularly

when teamed with neutral furniture and

accessories throughout the room. This is

a busy room in the home and it needs to

cope with plenty of wear and tear, so take

advice on what type of carpet will be best

to meet the anticipated use.

The hallway is the highest trafficked

room in the home, so this needs a carpet

that can cope with plenty of wear and

tear. Check the quality of the carpet and

go for those labelled heavy domestic or

extra heavy domestic. A hardwearing type

of carpet will be needed, perhaps one

with an 80% wool and 20% synthetic

fibre mix that will withstand plenty of

foot traffic.

If the hallway is likely to get an

abnormal amount of traffic, you could

consider using carpet tiles, which can

be easily replaced or swapped around if

those closest to the entrance are show-

ing signs of wear.

Rooms that will benefit from using wood floorsWood floors can be used in any room of

the house and with the factory finishes

that are available today they have a mini-

mal cleaning requirement. In addition,

the developments in specialised under-

lays and installation methods for these

floors have greatly reduced the noise

levels of an installed wood floor when

walked upon, and this encourages their

use in any area of the house.

In bathroom areas one needs to ensure

that there is no standing water or mois-

ture emanating from the substrate; in

kitchens wood floors should be pro-

tected in the areas where grease and

oil deposits are usually prevalent; in

entrances they must be protected from

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ERIO

3g r e a t f l o o r i n g g u i d e | 2 0 1 1


the ingress of dirt and grime by using walk-

off mats.

When used in conjunction with other

floorcoverings as a combination floor, or

even when provided with inlays or used with

attractive rugs or small carpets, a wood floor

will meet the expectations of any homeowner

and be the envy or your family and friends.

Rooms that will benefit from using laminate floorsThe attributes of a laminate floor are similar

to wood, with the modern surface finishes

enabling the floor to be cleaned with just a

damp mop and a minimum of clean water.

They are suitable for any room in the house,

but they don’t like water, so once again the

warnings given for wood still apply here if

they are to be used in kitchens or bathrooms

– and the same aesthetic attributes apply

throughout every room.

Rooms that will benefit from the use of vinyl floorsThe traditional ease of installation, ease of

cleaning and the easy-on-the-pocket pro-

vision of hygienic floors with a great deal

of aesthetic appeal make vinyl a strong

contender for the floor in any room of the

house. Vinyl floors are used extensively in

schools and hospitals, so they will be right

at home in any kitchen, bathroom, nursery

or children’s playroom.

Almost any room will benefit by using the

new luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) that are rapidly

finding popularity in the marketplace.

Brilliant designs – including wood and

natural stone looks that are so realistic – are

ensuring that LVTs are becoming an endur-

ing trend for any living area.

Vinyl tiles are probably still ‘king of the bath-

room and kitchen’ and for these applications

it may be worth looking at vinyl in sheet form

as opposed to tiles, as the smooth, unbroken

surface it provides really makes the cleaning

process simple.

Once again vinyl does not like moisture

from below, so it must only be laid once the

recommended moisture or waterproofing of

the substrate has been carried out.

The best advice we can give for anyone

considering vinyl floorcoverings is to visit a

local showroom; you will be pleasantly sur-

prised to see how good your home would

look with a vinyl floor.

Rooms that will benefit from the use of ceramic or porcelain tilesWe may sound like a stuck record, but these

tiles are suitable for any room in the house –

and this is why practically every cluster home

or security estate developer will build houses

with ceramic floors installed in every room.

Bulk buying, ease of installation and the

‘fit and forget’ aptitude of modern tiles have

ensured their popularity in these applications.

Available in different sizes, colours, pat-

terns (yes, even wood and stone look-alikes!)

ceramic and porcelain tiles add value and

convenience to any residence, and work well

in combination with other flooring materi-

als, particularly mosaics, metallic and other

inserts, to provide exciting looks and appeal.

There are no problems with dampness,

water, or cleaning with these tiles – so they

can be used in any room in the house.

Rooms that will benefit from the use of natural stone and concrete floorsAny room in the house will be graced by the

use of these floors, except perhaps in bed-

rooms where a warmer, cosier ambience and

underfoot comfort are normally required.

The same design ideas apply as for

ceramic tiles, and the various combinations

of inserts such as other flooring materials,

metals, or mosaics, mean the design poten-

tial is limitless.

However, natural stone or concrete floors

need a professional to supply and install.

Homeowners should make sure the selected

suppliers and installers have considerable

experience in natural stone or the modern

concrete applications, and thoroughly

check their credentials before signing on

the dotted line.

No matter what floorcovering you favour,

this issue of the Guide will point you in the

right direction and should enable you to

decide which type and brand of flooring

best meets your aspirations. Then you can go

shopping with confidence!

Happy flooring!

FLO

ORW

ORX

VORW

ERK

CEM

CRET

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Finally there is a page on Facebook that gives you the opportunity to chat to other people who are busy building, renovating and deco-rating their homes!The goal is to inspire and help one another. You can expect tips, international trends, product specials, new product launches, tech-nical expertise, and much more! Join today and you could win flooring prod-ucts for your home!Visit the Building & Décor SA page on Facebook, click ‘Like’ and join in the excite-ment! Obtain the views and experiences of other people, and get the answers to all your problems or queries.

Join Building & Décor SA Facebook page!

Limaro House70 Northlands Deco ParkNorthriding,JohannesburgTel: +27 11 462 9848 +27 21 554 5181+27 31 764 5615 Fax: +27 11 462 9849Website: www.kambali.co.zaEmail: [email protected]

Naturally better!Go green with Mountain Grass carpets and rugs – they make a great alternative to synthetic carpeting! You get a natural, environmentally friendly floor with a textured, earthy look – very trendy! They have a luscious, loosely woven feel, and an attractive, natural warm golden tone. Long-lasting and sustainable, mountain grass is naturally anti-static, stain-resistant, flame-retardant and absorbs sound. Although popular overseas, mountain grass carpets and rugs are relatively new in South Africa – be a trendsetter in your own home! This unique product forms part of the sales programme of Limaro, who are special-ists in other green floorcoverings as well, including jute, coir and sisal.


c a r p e t s

Still a greatfavouriteCARPET

The sheer comfort, good looks, and the brightness and joy that a new

carpet brings into your home always adds the satisfaction of a pur-

chase well made, and beautiful wall-to-wall carpeting will define the

room and re-emphasise your good taste.

The reason why carpet is still a very

popular floorcovering is that it

allows you to complement any interior

design or furnishings, or you can create

a completely new ‘look and feel’ from the

extensive range of carpet colours and

surface textures available. The choice of

carpet styles, textures and constructions

has never been greater, so you are really

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c a r p e t s

spoilt for choice.

However, make sure you are buying

the right type of carpet for your needs.

As a guideline, carpets are graded into

five basic categories regarding their

suitability for various applications in

accordance with the national standards:

Light Residential – for light traffic in, say,

guest bedrooms; Medium Residential

– for light traffic in bedrooms and

similarly-used rooms; Heavy Residential/

Light Commercial – for moderate traffic

in hallways and passages, lounges, play

rooms, TV rooms and home offices; and

Medium Commercial or Heavy Commercial

– both of which are primarily designed

for offices and suchlike, but can be used

in any room in the house. In fact, some

people often look to use these higher-

grade carpets in residential applications

because of the increased wear factor.

Nevertheless, while these gradings will

offer a guide in selecting a carpet which

is fit for the purpose, you would be well

advised to obtain expert advice from

your flooring retailer before making the

final decision.

Don’t forget that carpets are made

from a variety of different fibres and con-

struction methods, so please make sure

that you discuss the extent and type of

use that the carpet will be exposed to, in

detail, with your supplier or contractor to

ensure that the carpet you select will do

the job you expect from it.

Loop-pile carpets are very durable, and

suitable for any room in the house. They

can be ‘level loop’ (loops of the same

height) and generally multi-coloured; or

‘multi-level loop’ carpet has loops of sev-

eral different heights, providing a casual

and more textured appearance – great

for family rooms.

Cut-pile carpet involves strategic cut-

ting of the loops created during the

weaving or tufting of a carpet. The loops

are cut either to the same or a different

height and allowed to tuft slightly. This

approach gives the appearance of soft-

ness and can be employed with various

levels of thickness in the pile. As a result,

the cut-pile carpet often appears to be

very dense and provides a cushion for

the foot.

While tufted carpet can be construct-

ed using natural fibres, many are made

with a blend of man-made fibres. It is

not usual to find cut-pile carpet com-

posed of a combination of polyester,

olefin, and polyester. Often, it is the

ability of these blends to hold up well

under a lot of traffic that make them

ideal for carpeting for both the home

and in offices.

Needlepunch carpets are exceptionally

hardwearing, which makes them suit-

able for hallways, stairs, and other well-

used and commercial areas.

Especially when you’ve installed a

quality underlay, you can experience

the sheer comfort and warmth that is

the hallmark of a good carpet, and your

family (including small children and

older folks) are protected by having a

slip-free floor surface. For small children,

carpet cushions the falls that come with

learning to crawl or walk. For the elderly,

the slippery surface of a tile or wood

floor can be extremely hazardous.

Why Carpet? Homes with carpets are cooler in sum-

mer, warmer in winter, providing you

with sheer comfort all year round – and

the level of thermal insulation they pro-

vide will help with your energy bills, too!

They reduce noise by softening harsh

sounds and create a quieter, more peace-

ful indoor environment.

They are also great value for money,

and with the wide range of carpet avail-

able, there is a solution to meet all your

budget and décor needs.

And keeping it clean?Cleaning couldn’t be easier either. A daily

vacuuming and a periodic clean by a rep-

utable, professional company, together

with prompt attention to spills will keep

your carpet looking good and extend its

service life.

However, don’t fall into the trap of not SHU

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c a r p e t s

Buying tips

Determine the use of the room that the carpet will be installed in; the carpet must provide the comfort you are looking for, yet still withstand wear in high-traffic areas.Choose the style and design that meet your décor requirements and make sure that the carpet specification will do the job you expect it to do. To make certain that you make the right decision, visit more than one supplier or showroom to see what is avail-able.Don’t buy cheap – it will undoubtedly be more expensive in the long term. Better to have peace of mind by investing in a qual-ity carpet. The carpet price often reflects the quality, but you will find that there is good value for money in the lower-priced ranges. The rule of thumb is: buy the best you can afford.Make sure you select a reputable and experienced installer – look at some of his previous jobs, and ask his customers if they were satisfied. If they wouldn’t use him again, nor should you!Before you place an order with the installer, ask him if the offcuts that are left at the end of an installation are your property. This is not always the case, and asking upfront will avoid any argument or extra cost later. They can be used for any future repair work that may be required and, properly edged, they make great scat-ter rugs.Make sure you buy a high-quality underlay, and that it is fitted correctly. Take samples of the carpet home and view them in different light situations to make sure you still like the carpet you’ve cho-sen before you buy. This way you can make sure that it blends with the furnishings.Check any quote carefully so that you fully understand what you are getting. Make sure there are no hidden “extras”, and certainly don’t pay in full in advance.Speak to the fitter, and make sure you understand and are happy with the laying procedure. Points to look for are to ensure that joins do not occur in high-wear areas, and particular attention must be paid to joins on stairs – these should be avoided wher-ever possible.A mistake often made is to buy carpets that are too light for the area of use. This is acceptable in bedrooms, but if the area is regularly trafficked, rather consider going for a darker shade.

carrying out these cleaning procedures. With hard floorcoverings

the dirt on the floor is immediately apparent, but because the car-

pet fibres hold and hide the dirt and soiling until released by vacu-

uming, people often overlook the cleaning for long periods, which

will affect the appearance and overall performance of the carpet in

the long term.

It has been said before that nothing compares with carpet when it

comes to the ‘feel’, the comfort, the opulence it provides, the ease of

installation and maintenance – and value for money.

If you have any queries on this section of The Great Flooring Guide,

please contact the FLOORS in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530 and we

will put you in touch with the experts.

www.egecarpet.com

Albert CarpetsCape Town

021 464 4320

Transform any creative idea into a new and intriguing carpet solution

Kevin Bates Flooring Johannesburg011 608 4270


p r o m o t i o n


p r o m o t i o n

CARPET CONFIDENCECarpets add comfort and warmth to your home, providing a luxurious yet durable foundation for

your décor and lifestyle. Whether you’re after toe-wriggling warmth in your bedroom, soft cushion-

ing and safety in baby’s room, soundproofing your study, texture and style in the lounge and stain-

proof durability in the living or dining rooms, it’s important to select the right carpet for your area.

The right carpetfor the right room

Belgotex Carpets provide tips to select

the right carpet for the right room:

1. Which area in my home am I carpeting?Your new carpet must suit the area you’re

covering. High-traffic areas like entrance halls

or passageways need durable carpets with

patterns or textures such as Marakesh or

Superweave from Belgotex Carpets to hide

soiling between vacuuming. Softer carpets

like the plush, cut-pile Heather Bliss or chunky

Royal Berber suit bedrooms or lounges where

comfort is more important.

2. Match your carpet to your lifestyleSelect a carpet that caters to your family

lifecycle. As a single student or young profes-

sional, your needs will be much different from

newlyweds or a young family with crawling

babies, pets or elderly parents. Likewise, these

priorities will change as you get older. Are you

looking for high-fashion style and comfort,

Westminster

Superweave


p r o m o t i o n

• Ultimateinluxuryandcomfort• Insulatesagainstcoldandbuffers noise• Cut-pile,loop-pileorneedlepunch construction• Modernstain-proofyarntechnology such as SDX and Stainproof Miracle Fibre• Cut-pilerecommendedforbed- rooms and lounges• Loop-pilerecommendedforliving rooms, dining rooms• Needlepunchrecommendedfor hallways and stairs

Visit www.belgotexfloorcoverings.com or call 033 897 7500/ 021 763 6900/ 011 788 3450 or 031 313 9600.

Royal-Twist

low-maintenance convenience or safety?

Choose a carpet made from a yarn that suits

your lifestyle and family environment. For

instance, if you have dogs or children, choose

one made from an impermeable yarn such as

SDX or Stainproof Miracle Fibre that’s bleach-

resistant and stain-proof. If you’re a couple

looking for a luxurious bedroom carpet, then

you can safely opt for one of the more chunky

Berbers or space-dyed carpets since it won’t

have as much traffic or dirt and the chances of

staining and marks are thus reduced.

Did you know?Carpets made from Solution-Dyed Nylon yarns

such as SDX and Stainproof Miracle Fibre are

engineered to be stain- and bleach-resistant.

The colour is added to the molten solution

so, like a carrot that is orange to the core, it’s

not just skin-deep. This is the reason they are

colourfast and stains can be removed with an

equal mixture of bleach and water without

the worry of fading or discolouring.

3. Consider the amount of traffic Be careful to select the right grade of carpet for

the amount of traffic in the area where it will be

laid. It doesn’t really matter whether it’s a plush

cut-pile or hardwearing loop-pile carpet – it’s

whether it’s graded heavy residential, medium

commercial or light residential that will deter-

mine the wear and durability you can expect

for that particular carpet.

4. What is the area used for?The function and frequency of use is an

important factor to consider when deciding

what type of carpet, loop pile, cut pile or nee-

dlepunch, for that room. For example, will your

kids be lying on the carpet doing homework?

and stairways. This type of carpet tends to be

slighter harder underfoot but is extremely

durable and resistant to soiling.

5. ColourCarpets appear one shade lighter when laid

and change with different sources of light.

Lighter colours create an airy, spacious feel

while darker ones feel more cosy and inti-

mate. Also, blue, grey or green palettes tend

to be cooling, while brown, red and yellow

undertones are warming. Plain or lighter

colours are best suited for rooms where

soiling is less prevalent. Textured and multi-

coloured carpets should be used in high-traf-

fic areas and areas adjacent to external doors,

to hide dirt.

For your information:Decorators recommend a 60:30:10 ratio when

selecting primary, secondary and accent

colours. Next to walls, your floor contributes

around 30% to your overall décor scheme so

should be in a complementary colour that will

last longer than the hottest shade this season

and suit your lifestyle.

Or will guests be marching in and out of your

home? Will people be eating and drinking

there? Will there be a lot of heavy furniture?

Will you want to retreat to your sound-proof

sanctuary?

Cut-pile, loop-pile or needlepunchThis refers to the carpet yarn’s construction

and can affect wear patterns but has little to

do with its durability.

Cut-pile carpets are perfect for bedrooms

or lounges where comfort and luxury is para-

mount. Their deep thick pile adds super-soft

comfort underfoot with a plush texture that

oozes sophisticated indulgence while insu-

lating against cold. Not only will they help

reduce your heating bill, but carpets also

improve the acoustics of a room by absorbing

both ambient “white” noise and impact noise

such as footsteps from high heels or dropped

items, creating a haven of tranquillity – per-

fect for rooms housing home theatre systems,

kids’ bedrooms or studies where you want

peace and quiet.

Suited for high-traffic areas, durable loop-

pile carpets are ideal for hallways, TV rooms,

studies or busy households. Offering a practi-

cal solution that adds both comfort and con-

venience, loop-pile carpets disguise everyday

dirt and soiling until the next vacuuming,

whilst simultaneously being comfortable and

warm enough to sit on. Belgotex Carpets’

modern hi-tech ranges made from Stainproof

Miracle Fibre guarantee pace of mind against

inevitable stains or marks.

Needlepunch ranges such as Timbavati

Ultra and Color Rib are very hardwearing,

tougher styles for heavy-traffic areas like halls

Through its rich heritage and quality craftsmanship, Nouwens has established itself as a brand which

compares with the best in the world since 1962. Its carpets of distinction not only offer wearability and

comfort underfoot, but also stylish, contemporary and decorative soft floor offerings for the modern

South African consumer or designer.


p r o m o t i o n

CARPETS OF DISTINCTION Wearability &comfort

Nouwens Chenille


p r o m o t i o n

Nouwens Lincoln

Choose a Nouwens carpet, choose a carpet for lifeA carpet is not an item you buy every day

and therefore it is a decision you would

like to get right the first time. Our advice

is to consider your carpet purchase as an

investment by buying the very best you can

afford. It is important to take into account

the areas you are looking to carpet from an

ambience and traffic perspective, as this will

ensure the satisfaction you will get from a

floor that maintains its good looks.

Not only are carpets the safest, most for-

giving floor finish available today but they

also add a touch of comfort to any room.

Fitted carpets are non-slip, quiet and don’t

appear soiled as easily as hard finishes do.

A good carpet choice will look great in your

home for years.

Think ahead – most carpets look good

on day one, but how will they look after 3

months or 3 years? Therefore, it is impor-

tant to buy the right carpet. Nouwens has

various quality carpet offerings to suit your

needs and offer value for your money. A

Nouwens carpet is the right choice!

Nouwens carpet professionals understand

the dilemmas involved when choosing

the right carpet for your home or office.

Therefore, a Nouwens carpet professional

in conjunction with a Nouwens Platinum

Partner representativewill gladly visit your

location and advise on the correct product

for your environment, need and budget.

In addition, Nouwens carpet profession-

als will recommend the right fitment and

underfelt for the job, which will substan-

tially increase the longevity and aesthetic

appeal of your purchase. By making use

of this complimentary service you can rest

assured that the investment you make is

sound.

Even greater carpet longevity with quality care

Nouwens Carpets are of the best quality

available and proper care will ensure that

your carpet’s lifespan and good looks are

extended. There is no need to be wary of

that being a difficult job, however – car-

ing for your carpet is really quite simple,

especially if you manage spots and stains

vigilantly.

You can now do this effortlessly as

Nouwens extends its carpet and rug care

range to major retailers, in addition to its

dealer network.

The range comprises four products:

Nouwens dry carpet and rug care cleaning

powder; Nouwens heavy-duty dry foam;

Nouwens solvent-based dry foam; and

Nouwens light-duty carpet and rug care

cleaner.

The products in the Nouwens carpet and

rug care range are truly South African, with

all ingredients, right down to the packag-

ing, being manufactured here.

The products are also earth-friendly,

being completely biodegradable and com-

postable, making your cleaning experience

not only effective, but also safe for the envi-

ronment.

Nouwens dry carpet and rug care cleaning

powder is the range leader, with its high-

impact (yet no-water) solution being a won-

der at removing even the most stubborn

spots and stains.

You simply sprinkle a handful of the pow-

der over the affected area; work it into the

pile with a cloth or soft brush; wait 30 min-

utes for the powder to penetrate and then

vacuum or brush any of the residue away.

The offending material gets absorbed into

the powder, and nothing remains in the car-

pet after the next thorough vacuuming.

Because no water is involved, carpets are

beautifully clean without needing to be

dried out over a long period. In addition,

there is no potential for marking or staining,

causing unsightly discolouration or perma-

nent damage.

All the products are safe for use on natu-

ral and synthetic carpets, protecting your

Nouwens investment for the long term.

The Nouwens carpet and rug care range is

a must for any household. Affordable but far

superior, gentle yet efficient – these prod-

ucts are just what you need to ensure your

carpets are fresh and pleasing to the eye.

Apart from managing spots and stains,

Nouwens recommends an annual clean by

a professional carpet care company to keep

your distinctive floorcovering in tip-top

condition.

Likewise, ensure that you keep, and refer

to, the guarantee and care and mainte-

nance a Nouwens Dealer provides you with.

Your Nouwens quality carpet is made to be


p r o m o t i o n

Nouwens Contracta

enjoyed but, like anything else, your invest-

ment needs to be looked after.

Don’t just buy a carpet, buy a Nouwens carpet!10 Reasons why:

It is true that pure wool carpets are

simply the best, but Nouwens also

offers a superb range of wool-blend

and synthetic carpets which come in

a wide range of prices, always offering

discerning homeowners the very best

in design, durability and value for their

money.

For consumer convenience, Nouwens has

grouped its wide product range into three

distinctly different categories – the flag-

ship Platinum Edition; the Naturally Nouwens

spun-yarn ranges; and the Easi-carpet poly-

propylene ranges.

Nouwens Platinum Edition is a select

group of flagship ranges, endorsed

by the Nouwens craftsmen as carpets

of exceptional style and quality – five

unique ranges crafted in the finest

imported pure new wools and syn-

thetic fibres, for elegance, comfort and

sheer luxury you can enjoy for years in

your home!

Naturally Nouwens offers more afford-

able traditional Nouwens style and

quality – six ranges in 100% spun

yarn, ranging from the ever-popular

wool-blend Berbers to plush polyes-

ter Saxony styles. Carpets from this

Nouwens collection are suitable for

all areas of the home and provide an

unmistakable quality base around

which to design your interior and your

future.

Distinctive Easi-carpet, in a Nouwens

extruded fibre, introduces a totally new

culture in polypropylene carpets. This

entry-level Nouwens brand is produced

in solution-dyed Nouwens Easi-fibre for

excellent colourfastness, and comes in

a quality and style that is so obviously

Nouwens.

All Nouwens carpets are manufactured

to the highest standards, carrying the

SABS 1375 mark of quality, which is

your assurance that these products

have been tested and pass the SABS

Basic Quality Standards. SABS will

entertain any quality-related consumer

complaint on SABS-branded carpets

and will deal with the manufacturer on

the consumer’s behalf.

Every Nouwens carpet comes with a

five-year quality guarantee supported

by a dedicated Nouwens customer

service department to deal with any

product quality enquiries.

Carpets do minimise noise, provide

a non-slip surface, conceal dirt, and

provide good insulation which saves

energy.

Nouwens is committed to the future

and has implemented systems and dis-

ciplines to conserve energy, minimise

waste and preserve our environment.

Nouwens market their products

through a national Nouwens Appointed

Dealer network. These dealers are listed

on the Nouwens website by province.

In addition, there are specially quali-

fied Nouwens Platinum Partners, with

fully equipped showrooms, offering

a professional service on all Nouwens

ranges at no additional charge, as well

as extending the five-year guarantee

on all Nouwens products to include the

installation as well.

When it comes to name-dropping,

Nouwens is the name in carpets, often

quoted along with a swimming pool

and other features worth mentioning

in house-for-sale notices.

Nouwens Carpets – Carpets of Distinction Nouwens Dealers:A complete and updated list of Nouwens

Platinum Partners and Nouwens Appointed

Dealers appears by region on the Nouwens

website.

For more information: 011 796 5180 /

031 502 5730 / 021 447 2856 / 058 622 1101 /

[email protected] / www.nouwens.co.za

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.


w o o d , l a m i n a t e s & b a m b o o

wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates nat-ural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection laminates natural fibre floors luxury vinyl wool collection

Create a fresh look for your home with a new floor from Fotakis Brothers, the leading specialists in flooring.

PURE WOOL COLLECTION

NATURAL COLLECTION

LAMINATE FLOORINGCOLLECTION

LUXURY VINYLCOLLECTION

- Exceptional quality and price points- Superior Fibre- Natural Ability to resist staining- Long lasting

- Coir, Hemp/ Jute, Sisal, Sea Grass- Healthy & environmentally friendly- Anti-static and sound absorbing

- Alloc, Berry Floor, Tusk and Rhino- Available for domestic and commercial applications

- High Quality- Easy to clean- Softer quieter surface- Wood and tile surfaces available

For your nearest dealer contact Fotakis Brothers onJohannesburg 011 626 3000 Cape Town 021 933 2620 Durban 031 705 3331

A NAME YOU CAN RELY ON SINCE 1936

A NAME YOU CAN RELY ON SINCE 1936


p r o m o t i o n

Your Health andthe EnvironmentCARPETS

First and foremost, a carpet is a safe, cost-effective flooring choice for

virtually any indoor setting. It doesn’t just ease foot and leg fatigue but

also reduces the number of slip-and-fall injuries.

ALl Van Dyck carpets have a very low

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

emission rate which means that no irritation

or discomfort is expected. In the manufactur-

ing process no formaldehyde content is used

and because of their anti-mould-growth, rot-

proof and anti-microbial treatments, all Van

Dyck carpets have no microbial VOCs.

Tibet StrepQES


Above that, we also have an Environmental

Management System that ensures respon-

sible manufacturing as we focus on using

recycled materials instead of virgin material.

Van Dyck is a proud member of the Green

Building Council of South Africa.

Van Dyck also has a range of Eco-lay under-

lays which are made 100% from post-con-

sumer recycled rubber and are fully recycla-

ble. Most of our products are all made locally,

thus reducing the impact of transportation

on the environment, and are well-known for

their superior and lasting performance.

Fewer carpet replacements minimise the

impact on the environment. All Van Dyck car-

pets have built-in thermal properties assist-

ing the overall thermal comfort of a home

or building with reduced energy efforts. This

doesn’t only benefit our environment but

also helps keep our health issues at bay.

We’ve heard over and again how carpets

attract unwelcomed guests: dust, bugs,

germs, and so on - and how expensive and

difficult they are to keep clean. Health pro-

fessionals have gone so far as to sometimes

recommend that allergy and asthma patients

remove carpets from their homes as they

believe they could aggravate their symp-

toms. Let us get rid of such misconceptions

and state the facts as research has shown.

Research showed that walking on hard

surfaces disturbed more particles which

became airborne and entered the breathing

zone. In contrast, carpeted surfaces trapped

more particles so that walking disturbed

fewer particles. The findings were that there

was less dust in the breathing zone over car-

peted floors. Carpets act like a filter, trapping

allergens away from the breathing zone so

they can be removed through proper clean-

ing. This is exactly where the solution for

your healthier self lies.

A clean, dry and well-maintained carpet

improves indoor air quality and so by clean-

ing your carpets on a regular basis you

prevent contamination of the air that you

and your family breathe. Following the right

carpet cleaning procedure helps kill harmful

bacteria which are the cause of many irrita-

tions. Maintaining the cleanliness of your

home ensures that your family’s health is

also protected.


0800227738 or www.vandyckcarpets.com.

p r o m o t i o n

Weavecraft

Round-up


c a r p e t s

JHB Representative: Shannon 072 155 3411 Byron 073 714 0925DBN Representative: Dean 0861 264 7839

Tel: 0861 264 7839 | Fax: 021-76222 [email protected] I www.coirtex.co.za

Stockists of natural fiber flooring which is environmentally friendly, organic sustainable and very durable. Our range consists of Jute, Hemp, Sisal, Coir and a selection of Wool Kelims, Oriental Rugs and Gabbes. We can custom make rugs to any shape or size within 7 working days of placing an order with a variety of borders or tucked ends to suite our clients needs. Our range of sisal is the largest in the country so we are sure to have something that appeals to all ones needs.

Inspired by beauty, crafted with imagination, woven with commitment

Inspired by beauty, crafted with imagination, woven with commitment

Coirtex Natural Flooring, 29 Basil Road, Plumstead, 7800, Cape Town

10 REASONSTransiton Transport is the transport company responsible for trans-

porting many of the carpets sold in South Africa – from the factories

to you. They are passionate about carpets, and have sponsored this

article to show you why they love carpets – and why you should too!

These are ten reasons why Transiton believes you should look

no further:

TRANSPORT

1. AffordableThere is often a miscon-

ception that carpet-ing is expensive, but these days that is not

true. Modern fibres and manufacturing techniques make carpets your most

affordable and stylish choice of floorcovering.

2. Spoilt for choiceCarpets are available in a wide variety of colours, textures and patterns to meet your exact needs, with styles that will complement or enhance the décor of every room in your home.

3. Dust is capturedThe fibres in the pile of a quality carpet trap dust until the next vacuum cleaning, so the amount of airborne dust in carpeted rooms is much lower than in bare rooms, where dust is con-stantly disturbed by draughts and sweeping.

4. Reduction of allergensAirborne dust is a carrier of germs and allergens, but these are reduced by the dust-trapping prop-erties of a quality carpet, which will not cause allergic reactions if regularly vacuumed, and is therefore an excellent choice for people with allergies to house-dust mites.

5. Perfectly safeWith a non-slip surface that makes them safe for children, the infirm and the elderly, carpets also have a built-in softness that further reduces the risk of injury.

Carpet is not only safe, but ortho-paedic specialists confirm that they alleviate strain on backs and joints. It is said that walking barefoot on carpeting also acts as reflex massage treatment

7. Energy saving

A carpet provides superb thermal

insulation and not only feels warmer

underfoot, but in fact retains 10% more

ambient heat.

8. Not so noisyCarpet soaks up noise and provides a more relaxed ambience in your home, with virtually no impact noise, clatter or echo.

9. Easy to cleanCarpets can be installed quickly, with no mess. They require minimum effort to clean and maintain – and, of course, they won’t crack, scratch, scuff or splinter.

10. Long lastingModern manufactur-ing means a carpet will keep looking good for longer than ever before, and those with comprehensive guar-antees and warranties give you complete peace of mind.

This Advertorial is brought to you with the compli-ments of Transiton Transport.

6. Clinically approved

Why carpet?Here’s why!


p r o m o t i o n


c e m e n t & e p ox y

CEMENT & EPOXYNo longer just the dark grey slab collecting oil under the car in

the garage, cement – and epoxy – floors are now the ‘in’ look for

the trendy modern home.

Colourful and trendy floors!

Cement and epoxy floors do not fall within the realm of the DIY fan. You will need a professional installer, but check his refer-ences and the work he has completed to make sure he knows what he is doing.

With a huge range of colours and

styles and a durability that is sec-

ond to none, concrete is becoming one of

the most popular flooring choices currently

available, and there are several options for

you to choose from.

Polished concreteRegularly used in the most upmarket of

homes, a polished concrete floor can give

the illusion of a highly waxed surface with-

out the hard work or slipping hazard. Almost

any concrete surface can be buffed to a high

shine, including older floors that are in good

condition, and the look can become even

more dramatic depending on the colour of

concrete that is used.

Acid Stain Concrete Acid staining is another concrete flooring

treatment that can be used on existing

concrete for a decorative touch. The stains

consist of a solution of acid and water mixed

with metallic salts that can be applied in a

variety of colours.

The effect is a natural-looking colour pat-

tern with mottled shades of the same hue.

This concrete flooring finish looks classy in

new homes, and it is very easy to maintain.

Stamped ConcreteStamped concrete is a particularly popular

trend for patios, but it can have a dramatic

effect on interior floors as well. Stamping

concrete involves using a tool on fresh con-

crete to provide a textured appearance. A

stamped concrete floor can resemble tile,

brick or even wood grain, and stencils can

be used to provide an even greater varia-

tion of designs.

This effect is generally used with a single

colour so the pattern can stand on its own.

By combining different colours and patterns,

your choices are nearly limitless.

Concrete flooring provides so many

options for your home, both indoors and out.

With many bold styles and colours and rela-

tively low maintenance, it is no wonder con-

crete flooring has become the trend of today.

Epoxy floors and concrete overlaysOne of the easiest and least expensive ways

of brightening up an existing concrete floor

is by using polymer coatings or overlays. This

technique involves pouring a layer of tinted

polymer over the existing floor to add colour

and design. This process should only be

used on concrete flooring that is structurally

sound and in good condition.

Modern home designs are using creative

applications of epoxy and polyurethanes to

replace many other expensive, high-main-

tenance and fragile floor surfaces, and now

everyone can have great-looking floors that

are not subject to mould, mildew, warping,

or dissolving – and are easy to maintain.

Cleaning is easy – a quick string mopping

removes any dirt brought in. These floors can

be cleaned to hospital standards in minutes,

look great, remove problems with dust mites,

mould, mildew and bacteria – while costing

a fraction of many other floors.

Chemically resistant, these seamless floors

are made of epoxy and polyurethanes that

are also resistant to dirt and stains, and

impervious to water.

These flow-coated surfaces stick to the

flooring surface without chipping, peeling or

lifting. With good preparation, they provide

a permanent surface that requires little or no

maintenance.

Great new looks are also available. Floors

can be made to look like other surfaces such

as granite, tile and slate. Logos, stripes and

even sparkly floors are now appearing in

restaurants, garages, basements, as well as

upmarket homes. They would look good in

your home, too!

If you have any queries on this section of

The Great Flooring Guide, please contact the

FLOORS in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530 and

we will put you in touch with the experts.

Buyi

ng ti

ps

CEM

CRET

E






abe

Ceramic tiles are a great option for your home because they are

virtually a ‘fit and forget’ floorcovering. Well, not exactly, because

they still need to be kept clean but, if looked after, they will out-

last most other types of floorcovering and will continue to complement the décor of any room even if it

changes over time.

c e r a m i c & p o r c e l a i n

Why ceramicor porcelain tile?

CERAMIC & PORCELAIN

TILE

AFR

ICA


So what is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?

Ceramic tile is a mixture of clays and other

natural materials. The special clays are

mined from the earth, shaped, coloured and

then fired in kilns.

Traditional ceramic tiles can be naturally

coloured and left unglazed (like terracotta),

or they can feature coloured or highly

designed surfaces which can be glazed (fin-

ished with a glass surface) in either a high-

gloss or matt finish.

Porcelain tile is a form of ceramic tile that

is extremely popular among homeowners.

Porcelain tiles are composed of fine porce-

lain clays and fired at much higher tempera-

tures than ceramic tiles, which makes them

denser, less porous, much harder and less

SXC.

HU


c e r a m i c & p o r c e l a i n

Buying tips

Don’t buy cheap ceramic, porcelain or terracotta tiles or you will regret it later. The same applies to the grouting, which is avail-able in many shades and colours to form an effective part of the overall floor design.It is a good idea to purchase 10-15% extra tiles over the estimat-ed quantity – to accommodate breakages or for replacements later, if necessary for any reason.Your installer must make sure the substructure is solid, smooth and level before laying commences, and it will pay to find out if a primer (or, in some cases, a damp-proof barrier) is required for your application before the tiles are laid.Ensure that a good-quality adhesive is used, and whoever is lay-ing should make sure that the manufacturer’s instructions are followed to the letter in terms of spread rates and application procedures.Find out if your tiled floor needs to be sealed. (Terracotta tiles in particular may need sealing.)If you are employing a flooring contractor for tiling any floor, make sure he is experienced in this type of work. Check his refer-ences.Don’t forget that if you decide to buy imported tiles, you may need up to eight weeks for containers to arrive. (Ordering more tiles than you need is a great idea in the case of imported tiles – you may not be able to get them again!)

prone to moisture and stain absorption than ceramic tiles.

For these reasons, most porcelain tiles are suitable for both

indoor and outdoor installations, although they are generally

more expensive than their ceramic sisters. Porcelain tiles are also

harder to cut due to their density and hardness, and therefore are

more difficult to install.

Because these tiles are denser they can also be manufactured

as large-format tiles and, because they are available in a wide

variety of shapes besides the traditional squares of ceramic tiles,

they lend themselves to imaginative floor designs. Some porce-

lain tiles can even be provided with the edges specially treated to

provide a virtually seamless look once installed.

Ceramic tile is a beautiful, tough and enduring flooring material.

Apart from being available in a wide variety of styles, colours, pat-

terns and even different tile sizes, it is resistant to almost all of the

common sources of wear endured by quality flooring.

Renowned for their durability, ceramic and porcelain tiles are

fireproof, resistant to moisture, abrasion and tread wear, and are

also stain resistant and easy to clean. Because they are so easy to

keep clean, they are also very hygienic.

If you are stuck for design ideas for your floor or the décor of

your room, visit your nearest ceramic and porcelain tile show-

room, where you will find a wonderland of ideas to get your cre-

ative juices flowing!

If you have any queries on this section of The Great Flooring Guide,

please contact the FLOORS in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530 and

we will put you in touch with the experts.


p r o m o t i o n

Perfect tiles tosuit your homePRACTICAL MAGIC

Tiles are extremely durable, practical and easy to maintain and add

value to your home’s floors and walls. At TILE AFRICA you are spoilt for

choice with the extensive selection of porcelain, ceramic, travertine,

slate and sandstone tiles.

Whether you’re looking for a

floorcovering that offers low

maintenance or an attention-grabbing

finish for your kitchen’s splash-back area,

you’re sure to find the right tiles for your

home at TILE AFRICA.

Polished porcelain tiles in light colours

and bigger sizes such as 600 x 600mm or

800 x 800mm remain popular for living

areas and create a marvellous sense of

space, especially indoors, because of the

light reflecting off the tile surface.

“By using the same tiles throughout an

open-plan area you can create a seamless

flow from one room to the next,” says Kate van

Niekerk, marketing manager for TILE AFRICA.

One way of adding both colour and tex-

ture to walls is through mosaics. Mixing

materials is very fashionable at present and

TILE AFRICA has beautiful mosaic sheets

which incorporate glass, marble and metal-

lic finishes. Don’t be afraid to use these

delicate tiles in your favour to add pizzazz

to your home’s walls.

Tiles add style and elegance, from the

bathroom wall to the patio floor, and with

the wide selection of materials and colours

available from TILE AFRICA you’ll find the

perfect tile to suit your home.

TILE AFRICA has 37 retail outlets nation-

wide. For more information about their

stores and range of products, visit www.

tileafrica.co.za or call the toll free number:

0800 002 783. Follow @tileafrica on

and like their page for more creative

and practical ideas with tiles.


o u t d o o r f l o o r i n g

Bringing theindoors out!

No doubt you are one of the modern discerning homeowners who

pays as much attention to the exterior of your home as the décor of

the house itself, and you look for design, flair, aesthetic appeal, safety

and durability in providing wonderful outdoor areas for your home.

OUTDOOR FLOORING

Buying tips

Preparation of the ground and substrate on which the external surface is to be applied is the critical factor in obtaining a satisfactory installation and, as each type of external floor has its own requirements, it pays to go to a specialist for whatever you want to achieve. For example, there are many reputable paving companies around – check them out, including their references before you employ one to work for you. If you are in any doubt, contact the Paving Division of the Concrete Manufacturers Association for technical information or contractor recommenda-tions. Likewise, the Cement & Concrete Association will provide the same service for you if a cemented area is your choice, and for wooden decking the Southern African Wood & Laminate Flooring Association is your best bet.

Looking after your external surfaceThere is not much to be done in terms of cleaning; a weekly hose-down and brushing would seem to be sufficient. Maintenance is another story. The area needs to be kept clear of weeds, and look for any cracking of the surface, deterioration of the edges of paths, and the general appearance of the area.Although it should have been taken into account at the installation stage, you will need to keep an eye on any adjacent trees or large bushes. As their roots spread, these can seriously affect the performance of paving or pool surrounds.Any defects such as those mentioned above should be corrected by a specialist, so check your guaran-tee and get the same people to carry out the repairs.VA

N D

YCK

CARP

ETS

This not only means the traditional braai

areas, but also the search for unique

features such as quality decking and fitted

lapas…not forgetting the artificial lawn that

is becoming so popular!

Concrete, asphalt, epoxies, tiles of all

descriptions, clay brick and concrete block

paving, and wooden decking all have a

place in the exterior finishes of any home

– particularly as the value they add to the

property is considerable, with the ability to

completely alter the lifestyle usage of the

home.

Traditional paversThe tried and trusted block and brick pavers

are available in many colours, shapes and

sizes to meet almost any demand in these

applications. If the proper installation pro-

cedures are followed they will provide you

with a good-looking and serviceable paved

area that will last for years.a

They require little or no maintenance

apart from inhibiting the growth of weeds,

and can easily be altered or extended, or

provide immediate and easy access to ser-

vices if necessary.

Concrete optionsHere you are spoilt for choice with a wide

variety of pigmented colours, patterned

surfaces applied on site or supplied as

pre-finished concrete blocks, and slabs or

‘tiles’ with factory-made stone finishes of

all descriptions that enable outstanding

designs to be created for the paved area.

These latter materials can be used to great

effect in providing interesting paths or cus-

tom-made walkways for your garden and

they are great for braai areas, patios, lapas

and other outdoor entertainment areas,

including the non-slip surrounds needed for

splash and swimming pools.

More choices!Ceramic, porcelain and terracotta tiles are

also regularly found in these applications,

and for the ever-popular lapas, you can turn

to the warmth and beauty of natural wood

decking which, if properly treated and

maintained, is an aesthetically pleasing and

long-lasting option.

Artificial grass?This provides a perfect lawn with a soft,

safe surface that looks good all year round,

and needs hardly any maintenance…in fact

it needs no cutting, watering, fertilising or

any of the other time-consuming and costly

features of natural grass. It is being used

regularly for sports fields and other arduous

applications, so it will be quite happy with

the amount of use your family makes of it.

Finally, if you use quality materials for

your exterior ‘flooring’ and have it installed

by a reputable and specialist contractor,

there is no doubt that any of these exterior

surface materials will provide years of plea-

sure, excellent service, and a considerable

asset improvement to your home.

If you have any queries on this section of The

Great Flooring Guide, please contact the FLOORS

in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530 and we will

put you in touch with the experts.


p r o m o t i o n

Anywhere youcan think of!HOME TURF

Turf out old ideas of high-maintenance lawn with DuraTurf artificial lawn

from Belgotex Floorcoverings. From penthouse patio to playground,

poolside to parking bay, DuraTurf is the low-maintenance grass that can

be used anywhere you can think of.

DuraTurf gives us the cutting edge on artificial lawn and a guide on

where to use it:

Q: Does it look like real grass?A: DuraTurf looks and feels just like real grass and even has blades of varying lengths and densities, just like different grass species. Best of all, DuraTurf saves both water and time as it needs no watering, mowing or weeding to stay perfectly green and mani-cured all year round.

Q: Is it only for gardens?A: No. DuraTurf can be used to transform any area you wish! From that shady patch where the grass won’t grow, to your veran-da, backyard or swimming pool, on either side or down the middle of the driveway or between stepping stones, in your gym or even in the dog’s kennel – there are eight different ranges of DuraTurf suited to specific areas.

Q: Is it suitable for outdoor entertaining?A: Yes, it’s perfect for that! Spills and dirt can be washed away with normal water. Never use solvents and please refer harsh chemi-cal stains to the manufacturers. Burns from cigarettes or hot coals from a braai should be removed as soon as possible and may discolour the grass. These can be profession-ally repaired but should be referred to your installer.

Q: Will my dogs or kids ruin it?A: No. Just like any garden surface, DuraTurf will collect dirt from environmental exposure and from being walked upon. Simply scoop up any mess or dirt as you would with nor-mal grass. Sweep with a soft-bristled garden broom to restore flattened blades to their upright position.

Q: Can it be installed on any surface?A: DuraTurf can be installed on any flat, even surface such as concrete, stone or tar. The substrate should be flat, stable, well-condensed and preferably porous to allow for drainage. If the subsoil is not sufficiently condensed it may shift and settle later caus-ing irregularities in the artificial lawn.

AugustaSuitable for gardens, landscaping, terraces and multi-functional areasPile height: 25mmInfill: N/A

BermudaSuitable for gardens, landscaping, terraces and multi-functionalPile height: 18mmInfill: N/A

Oval - Summer Green (Non-Infill/Infill)Suitable for cricket pitches, corporate entertainment areas, change rooms and sports facilities in general. Oval is also available in Olive Green.Pile height: 12mm Infill: Cricket pitch when required - 6kg per square metre


p r o m o t i o n

Rye (Infill)Suitable for gardens, landscaping and multi-functionalPile height: 40mmInfill: 15 - 20kg per square metre

DIY Turf (Non-Infill)Suitable for gardens, landscaping, terraces and multi-functionalPile height: +/- 8,5mm

WicketSuitable for cricket pitches, putt-putt courses, change rooms and sports facilities in generalThickness: 7mmInfill: N/A

Lawn (Infill)Suitable for gardens, landscaping and multi-functionalPile height: 25mmInfill: 10 - 14kg per square metre

8 different ranges in various shadesof green

- Easy to shape and install- Suitable for flat, even surfaces such as concrete, stone or tar- Safe for children and pets- Durable and weather-proof- 7-year warranty (Excluding DIY Turf)

For more information: 033 897 7500 or visit www.duraturfsa.co.za

34

NATURAL STONE

g r e a t f l o o r i n g g u i d e | 2 0 1 1

n a t u r a l s t o n e

An historic floorfor your home . . .

Stone flooring has long been considered

the flooring material of choice for the

privileged and elite, but that is no longer the

case. Advances in technology have helped

make the labour-intensive process much

more affordable and those savings have

been passed on to modern-day consumers.

In South Africa and its neighbouring coun-

tries, specifically Zimbabwe, there are quar-

ries producing excellent stone including

highly prized marble, and you should visit

your nearest showroom to see what is avail-

Apart from its beauty and the fact

that it will outlive you and your fam-

ily, a natural stone floor offers some-

thing that no other floorcovering can

– history – because it was centuries

in the making!

NAT

URA

L ST

ON

E W

ARE

HO

USE



TO PAGE 36 >>

able. There you will find a veritable wonderland of beautiful natural

stone, both local and imported.

Among the many advantages of stone is one very practical one.

Natural stone flooring will virtually always increase your home’s resale

value and, unlike most other types of flooring, it improves with age.

A natural stone floorcovering is a lifetime investment. Its aesthetic

qualities are eye-catching and sure to give you pleasure for years to

come. Simple care and cleaning is all that is needed to protect this

precious asset and to maintain its intrinsic beauty, but beware – lack

of maintenance can become a costly experience.

However, all natural stones should be sealed to prevent staining. It

is important to use a penetrating sealer, as this does not change the

appearance of the stone but protects it from the inside. This gives you

far more time to wipe up accidental spills, as any liquid will pool on

the surface and not be absorbed by the stone.

While most of the information in this section refers to natural stone,

there is an alternative called Manufactured or Agglomerate Stone,

which is a synthetic stone product made from natural stone chips sus-

pended in a binder, such as cement, epoxy resins or polyester, that can

be used for flooring and is usually not as expensive as natural stone.

Another variation on this theme is seamless quartz stone flooring

using imported tumbled glacial stone that is tinted and blended with

clear resins and encapsulated in polyurethane resin. It has also taken

its place in the realm of fashion and design and become increasingly

popular in the residential sector.

If you have any queries on this section of The Great Flooring Guide, please

contact the FLOORS in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530 and we will put you

in touch with the experts.

QU

ART

Z CA

RPET


Buying tips

* Take your time in buying a natural stone floor. Talk to the experts and, with their advice, choose the stone that meets your daily functional needs as well as providing the aesthetic appeal you require.* Natural stone floors must be laid by a flooring contractor that is experienced in this type of work. Check his references.* Natural stone floors must be sealed to prevent staining and to make daily maintenance easier. Speak to the experts to find out the best options for your individual floor.* Get the supplier’s recommendations on a regular cleaning and maintenance programme, and follow it rigidly.

Look after it!The best way to clean any natural stone floor is by using a clean mop, a mild liquid detergent and clean warm water – but the floor surface should be rinsed thoroughly after washing. The water should be changed regularly when the floor is being washed to ensure that dirt is not washed back onto the floor. Care should also be taken to ensure that not too much soap or detergent is used as this may leave a film and cause streaks on the floor. Detergents containing lemon, vinegar or acids should not be used on marble or other calcareous floors. Scouring powders and creams should also be avoided as they contain abrasives that may scratch the stone.

>> FROM PAGE 35

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r e s i l i e n t f l o o r i n g

Why not use resilientflooring in your home?VINYL

The common types of resilient flooring include vinyl tile and sheet floor-

ing; PVC tiles; linoleum; rubber tile and sheet flooring; and cork, and the

ease of cleaning and removing of spills is an important reason why you

could happily select these for use in your kitchen, bathrooms, entryway,

family rooms and almost any other part of your house or apartment,

especially when used in conjunction with rugs.

Let’s look at the available types:

FLO

ORW

ORX

Vinyl flooringOne of the most attractive features of vinyl

flooring is the incredible array of colours, tex-

tures and designs available and there is almost

no look that cannot be provided by vinyl.

The flooring is available in two forms – sheets

and tiles. Both forms are easily installed, and the

variety of vinyl tile sizes complements the wide

range of colours and designs, providing you

with limitless decorating options at a price that

will please your pocket.

Surface finishes have been introduced to

vinyl flooring that dispense with the waxing

and polishing of these floors, and the favoured

polyurethane (PU) coatings are very resistant

to scratching. To get the best out of your vinyl

floor, work to a regular and suitable main-

tenance programme, which should include

regular sweeping and vacuuming, and washing

with a damp cloth and a mild detergent when

necessary.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) are the latest resil-

ient flooring innovation. This is a flexible

tile that provides faux finishes in wood and

natural stone which are indiscernible from

the real thing; and some are provided with

an embossed effect so that even the expert is

hard-pressed to tell the difference. You will

love them!

PVC tilesWith brilliant new colours such as bright blue

and almost pure white having been intro-

duced, these tiles are now often being used

in the most upmarket of homes. One of their

best features is that they can be provided with

raised pastilles that have a radiused curve to

the top of each pastille, which makes cleaning

very easy.

LinoleumLinoleum has been around for over a century,

and it is primarily made from natural products

including linseed oil from flax, wood powder,

limestone, resins and coloured pigments, with

the backing often made from jute, which is a

natural grass.

Available in bright, lively colours and made

for homes with an active lifestyle, linoleum

is healthy, practical, eco-friendly, and has an

extremely long service life. Because it is made

from natural products, it is also readily recy-

clable.

CorkThis is natural and sustainable flooring that is

ideal for buyers with their eye on the environ-

FLO

ORW

ORX


r e s i l i e n t f l o o r i n g

Don’t be fooled into thinking that a thick vinyl tile is a good one – the quality, strength and performance of a vinyl tile is determined by the thickness of its wear layer. Check it with your supplier.Use a reputable flooring contractor – and check his references by visiting some of his past customers to make sure that they would use him again.The contractor must make sure that the subfloor is perfectly smooth, because any imperfection will “grin through” the floor once laid.He should also check the subfloor for mois-ture before laying commences, and ensure that the correct adhesive is to be used (in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer or the supplier).Check with your supplier or flooring con-tractor if the resilient flooring you have selected needs sealing.Finally, the eternal warning to the uniniti-ated: Don’t buy cheap – it is always expensive in the end.

Buying Tips

ment. Cork is naturally anti-microbial and has

excellent insulation properties, ensuring mini-

mal heat loss and a comfortable, warm walking

surface.

Available in planks or tiles, cork floors are

normally provided with a specially designed

tongue-and-groove inner core to secure the

planks together, and they are treated with a

variety of colours and surface finishes, giving

you a hardwearing, good-looking and virtually

silent floor.

RubberRubber flooring is a versatile and durable prod-

uct which is available in a wide range of colours

and patterns. Properties such as sound reduc-

tion, excellent slip resistance, and resistance to

cigarette burns, heavy impact loads and water

all make rubber a unique product, suitable for

almost any application.

In general, resilient floorings seem to last

forever whilst retaining their good looks. Take a

look at the resilient options the next time you

are considering a new floorcovering. You will be

pleasantly surprised.

If you have any queries on this section of The

Great Flooring Guide, please contact the FLOORS

in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530 and we will put

you in touch with the experts.

BELG

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p r o m o t i o n

What’s the buzz aboutLuxury Vinyl Planks?LUXURY VINYL

A recent trend in flooring is the advent of luxury vinyl planks. Much

more than just flooring, Signature Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVPs) from

FloorworX represents a lifestyle choice for those who value taste, indi-

vidualism, quality and easy maintenance in their home.

What are Luxury Vinyl Planks?Luxury Vinyl is typically manufactured from

virgin PVC, has a tough wear layer, and also

has a more robust backing system than stan-

dard vinyl sheet goods. Soft and comfortable

underfoot, luxury vinyl accurately represents

real hardwood colours and textures for beauty

in a vinyl product.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is considered

by many to be the perfect blend of style and

functionality, and it is durable and tough. If

you are one of the many consumers consider-

ing luxury vinyl wood-looking planks, there

are several things you will need to know

when choosing your floor.

What ranges and finishes are available in luxury vinyl planks?Signature LVPs from FloorworX is an envi-

ronment-friendly floating floor plank series

with a 5mm x 0,5mm thick wear layer and

a 180mm x 1 200mm PVC (layered with

PU) coating, safe from harmful substances

such as formaldehyde and Volatile Organic

Compounds (VOCs).

Signature LVP’s come in a selection of eight

authentic plank lengths and widths, featur-

ing 4-side V-groove bevelled edges and ends.

Colours include Misty Grey, Antique Pine,

Rosewood, Mahogany, Light Oak, Vintage

Oak, Light Bamboo and Dark Bamboo.

There are several finishes available in luxury

wood-looking vinyl planks. A smooth finish

is what most consumers are familiar with.

However, you can get a more realistic floor by

using a plank that has a ribbed, hand-scraped

(simulated) finish or one with registered

embossing. Signature LVPs have the latter fin-

ish and this gives the plank more of a wood

look and feel by adding texture to go along

with the colour and wood species.

How is it installed?Ever heard of floating vinyl flooring? This is it!

No adhesive is required for installing

Signature LVPs. The adhesive-free installation

allows for a wider area to be fitted in less time.

Easy to remove and re-install. Signature LVPs

are 100% recyclable after use.

Where do I buy?FloorworX has been a manufacturer and sup-

plier of vinyl since 1953. In addition FloorworX

supplies wood and laminate floors as well

as an extensive range of adhesives, floorcare

and accessory products. FloorworX furnishes

all major accredited flooring contractors and

wholesalers with product and therefore does

not sell directly to the end-user.

Contact our national call centre on 0860 346

679 for the contact details of a recommended

FloorworX-stocked flooring contractor in your

area. The contractor will measure, quote and

install your Signature LVP floor.

What are the benefits of choosing Signature LVPs from FloorworX?• SignatureLVPsaresuitableforall

areas within the home.

• AC5class33

• ISO9001andISO14001certified

• Environmentallyfriendly

• 100%recyclableafteruse

• Easyinstallation

• Adhesive-freeinstallation

• Easytoremoveandre-install

• NoVOCs

• Anti-bacterial

• Non-slipbacking

• Supremedurability

• Itlookslikewoodand/orbamboobut

doesn’t have the noise of foot traffic

How do I maintain Signature LVPs?Sweep or vacuum regularly. Wash your floor

regularly with FloorworX Maintain. Wipe

up wet areas from spills, foreign substances

or wet feet as soon as possible. Do not use

detergents, abrasive cleaners or mop and

shine products. Never use highly abrasive

scrubbing tools. Do not use wax or solvent-

based polishes.

What is the warranty on Signature LVPs?There is a 10-year limited commercial and

20-year limited domestic warranty against

defective Signature LVP material when speci-

fied, installed and maintained in accordance

with manufacturer’s recommendations.

What about pets?Luxury vinyl is extremely durable. Pets are

welcome.

Luxury Vinyl may never outsell some of

the other floorcovering options, but it is a

grand alternative that makes sense and is

here to stay.


083 380 6665 (Peter Geyer)


Vinyl floors areback in fashionVINYL VOGUE

Get the good looks of wood without the worries! Vinyl flooring from

Belgotex Vinyl is supremely water-resistant, durable and hygienic and

thus the ideal solution for kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms or any-

where you want low maintenance with style.

• Luxuryvinyltilesorcushioned vinyl sheets• Popularwoodspeciesandfinishes• Water-resistantandhygienic• Lowmaintenance• Insulateagainstcoldandabsorb noise

Visit www.belgotexfloorcoverings.com or call 033 897 7500/ 021 763 6900/ 011 788 3450 or 031 313 9600.

These floors absorb noise and provide a

warm, comfortable surface that adds an

air of sleek sophistication to any interior.

Belgotex Vinyl offers a wide range of

authentic wood-look species and fashion-

able finishes, available in either super-styl-

ish luxury vinyl tiles or easy-care cushioned

vinyl sheets that are easy to install and even

easier to clean!

Providence luxury vinyl tiles are suit-

able for upmarket homes and come in 11

popular colours of easy-to-lay planks that

are stuck down side by side for a seamless,

smooth finish.

Hartsfield is a commercial-grade range rec-

ommended for very high traffic areas such

as offices and retail applications and comes

in 8 different colourways.

Woodmark cushioned vinyl sheeting has

superior 3mm underfoot cushioning that

insulates against cold and absorbs noise, and

can even prevent breakages in the kitchen!

Luna cushioned vinyl is an entry-level option

available in ten replica finishes from simulated

wood to slate, ceramic and granite lookalikes.Woodmark

Hartsfield Providence

p r o m o t i o n

Wood

Hardwood is still one of the most popular

choices because the elegance of this type

of flooring will add character to any room

in your home. If you favour traditional solid

wood floors, these are still available in all the

natural varieties, but criticism from the ‘green’

lobby (about depleting the forests) means

that these floors are losing ground to the

engineered wood products.

What is engineered wood?Engineered wood floors use modern technol-

ogy and manufacturing that enable you to

have your preferred hardwood as the surface

of the floor, applied to a carefully designed

multilayer system that uses less expensive

wood as the base to provide its stability and

longevity, which means there is reduced

demand on the exotic hardwood varieties.

The end result is still the same – a beautiful

hardwood surface of your choice, but the use

of more common wood in the makeup of the



Beautiful hardwood, modern laminate floorcoverings, and bamboo

all have one thing in common – they look like wood! And it is this

attractive feature that no doubt will attract you to use one of these ideal options, but each

of them has its own distinctive qualities.

It ’s all aboutthe look!

WOOD, LAMINATE & BAMBOO

planks which substantially cuts demand for

the use of the hardwoods, as they are no lon-

ger supplied as solid planks.

Add to that the advances made in surface

treatments that have virtually seen the end of

waxing, polishing and sanding of wood floors

on a regular basis, and you have the best of

both worlds.

Bamboo

Bamboo flooring is an environmentally friend-

ly option because, strictly speaking, bamboo

is not wood but a grass, but its overall appeal

and performance places it in the same ‘cat-

egory’ as wood. However, where hardwoods

can take 50 years or more to grow to maturity,

bamboo can be harvested in under five years.

Also, the cut plant regenerates without need

for replanting, and requires minimal fertilisa-

tion or pesticides.

In use, bamboo is claimed to have the same

qualities as hardwood and uses the same sur-

face finishes. With a range of distinctive natu-

ral or impregnated colours that meet most

décor demands, every bamboo floor installed

means less pressure on the hardwood forests.

Laminate

If you are looking for a less expensive answer

but still want the appearance of wood, you

should consider a laminate floor.

With the quality finishes available, laminate

floorings are often mistaken for wood, even

by experts, because they not only match any

type of exotic wood look, but the planks can

be given a texture that makes them feel like

the real thing.

A laminate floor consists of layers of materi-

als that are pressed together and fused into

one ‘plank’ material; these are the wear or sur-

face layer, which is a layer of two thin sheets

of paper impregnated with melamine; the

core layer; which is usually made of processed

wood; and the base layer which provides its

stability.

The surface layer is a photograph of wood

grain, not real wood, and is usually covered by

a hard transparent layer that is impervious to

dogs, chairs, high heels, and so on.

Laminate floors are very easy to clean and

are very durable. They are also stain- and fade-

resistant. Most brands use a click fixing system

which makes installation easy – together with

any replacement needed at a later stage.

Laminate floors are mostly imported from

reputable manufacturers in Europe, although

some Asian countries are making determined

efforts to enter the South African market.

KÄH

RS

FLO

ORS

DIR

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PU

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RALS

1. 1st layer: 0.6mm Hardwood veneer2. 2nd layer: 5.8mm HDF Board made of wood fibres3. 3rd layer: 0.6mm Pine

1

2

3



What is available?REGULATIONS

Anyone contemplating having a wood, laminate or bamboo floor

in their home, or homeowners that may be experiencing problems

with an existing floor of this sort, should note that there is an active

Association that can assist you in finding the right product, contractor,

or solution for your requirements.

The Southern African Wood & Laminate

Flooring Association (SAWLFA) was

established locally in 1998 and since then

has instigated ongoing training to ensure

that its members adhere to a strict code of

conduct and provide the highest standards

of workmanship.

This means that accredited members in each

region are fully conversant with the product

selection, preparation, installation and main-

tenance programmes for wood, laminate and

bamboo flooring, and SAWLFA has experts

available to assist both the contractors and

you – the end user.

Fly-by-night operators with substandard

products still exist in this sector of the

floorcovering industry, but the services

provided by SAWLFA and its accredited

members will provide you with peace of

mind, knowing you are dealing with profes-

sional companies of some substance and

reputation that will install the floors to the

highest possible standards and honour

their guarantees.

Regional offices are operative in

Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, and

full details of the Association can be obtained

by contacting the SAWLFA secretariat on 011

455 2822, or visiting the website

ww.sawlfa.co.za.

Never buy cheap wood, bamboo or laminate

floorcoverings – these will not last and will

require very expensive early replacement.

Make sure you get a well-known brand – and

a guarantee (for both the product and its

installation).

Use suppliers who are SAWLFA members and,

especially, SAWLFA-accredited installers.

Use solid wood and engineered wood

suppliers that conform to FCS (The Forest

Stewardship Council) and ISO14001

Environmental Management – these organisa-

tions protect and sustain forests worldwide.

Check the references of both your supplier

and your installer and make sure that their

previous customers are still happy.

Make sure you have a flat, smooth subfloor

that is free of moisture.

Satisfy yourself that the fixing method and

the finishing details are what you expect.

Is your solid or engineered wood prefinished

or does it need to be sanded and sealed after

Buying tips

1. Transparent Overlay: wear & tear protection

2. Design Layer: image printed on paper

3. Watertight, glued, high density fibre board

4. Barrier layer : prevents deforming & damp

For those products manufactured in Europe

there are stringent technical requirements

imposed by the EPLF (European Producers

of Laminate Floorcoverings) to ensure that

the consumer or specifier can rely on the

quality. Locally, the Southern African Wood &

Laminate Flooring Association (SAWLFA) has

instigated training to ensure their members

provide the very highest standards of work-

manship.

Keeping these floors cleanYou will love wood, laminate and bamboo

floors because they are all relatively simple to

keep clean. Sweep and vacuum these floors

daily if possible – and a damp mopping once

a week should then keep your floors in good

condition. However, never swamp the floor

with water, and mop up any spills as soon as

they happen.

You must also make sure that dirt and grit

are not brought in onto the floor from outside

because, although repair kits may be avail-

able, these impurities will cause the appear-

ance of the floor to deteriorate rapidly.If you have any queries on this section of The

Great Flooring Guide, please contact the FLOORS in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530 and we will put you in touch with the experts.

How tochoose?WOOD VS. LAMINATES

Design trends are constantly changing and choosing material can be

difficult when thinking long term, but one thing is certain – the use of

sustainable and healthy products is here to stay. As a result, top industry

professionals and design-savvy consumers want products that not only

say “luxury”, but also ones which are environmentally responsible.

FloorworX offers both.

WOOD – KährsKährs is known for its cutting-edge floor tech-

nologies which are used to produce beautiful,

quality wood floors that are durable, stable and

easy to install.

Your interior settings can change many times

over the years while your floor remains timeless,

only adding value to your new design. Wood

floors conform to their environment and add

value with age. Most architects and designers

agree that wood will be the preferred building

material of the future.

More reasons for choosing wood include its

being sustainable and strong; versatile and

beautiful; biodegradable; and it is part of our

cultural heritage. Wood also stands for quality

and hence it is a very aspirational floor to own.

Quality is something that has been on top of

the Kährs agenda right from the start. All the

production units within the Kährs group have

implemented quality and environmental man-

agement systems according to ISO 9001 and

ISO14001 and are registered under EMAS.

During the last five years, the availability of

wood floors of different colours and species has

increased enormously internationally. The Kährs

range includes Ash, Birch, Beech, White Oak,

European Maple, Hard Maple, Cherry, Walnut,

Red Oak, Jarrah and Rosewood– many of the

world’s most beautiful species from the most

exciting parts of the globe.

However, Kährs is determined to promote

environmental awareness, and therefore tropi-

cal species in our range come from countries

who are members of the International Tropical

Timber Organisation (ITTO).

Lacquer, matt lacquer or natural oil? All Kährs products have a factory-applied finish

and, in the case of our 15mm floors, a top layer

which can be sanded several times. Whichever

surface treatment you choose for your wood

floor, it always enhances the wood’s natural

beauty. All surface treatments are free from

solvents, formaldehyde and isocyanates. Your

choice should be based on your preference

for style, feel, colour and maintenance.

Kährs 15mm multi-layered parquet floors

or Kährs Linnea 7mm floors are ideal candi-

dates for use in conjunction with underfloor

heating. FloorworX has appointed Bona con-

tractors who supply dust-free sanding of all

parquet floors.

LAMINATES – Quick-Step & Signature Quick-Step is known as the design style leader

in laminates with a wide range of floors to

choose from. All the designs are provided

with a hard top layer with a natural gloss level

and look that ensure Quick-Step will retain its

beauty and perfection for several years thanks

to a precise production process.

The protective layer is highly scratch- and

wear-resistant, making Quick-Step floors suit-

able for any room in your home that gets a lot

of wear – and pets are welcome!

Quick-Step planks are cigarette-glow-toler-

ant – in other words, the planks are virtually

non-flammable. Nice and safe! Furthermore,

Quick-Step floors are UV-resistant, blow- and

impact-resistant, easy to install (thanks to the

Uniclic click system), damp-proof, antistatic

and can be used in conjunction with under-

floor heating.

The perfectly joined planks are highly

hygienic and ideal for babies that are learn-

ing to crawl. Quick-Step will delight your

eyes and ears. The hard coreboard has been

optimised for use in conjunction with Quick-

Step underfloor which yields a solid, pleasant

wood sound.

FloorworX recently added another first-rate

laminate floorcovering, FloorworX Signature,

to its extensive sales programme that will

complement its range of superior Quick-Step

laminate flooring options for property own-

ers. With Signature, you’ll see there’s nothing

preventing you from realising your dream

interior.

Kährs, Quick-Step and Signature – each

beautiful in their different styles – surely

cater for all tastes, fashion and budget. All

three ranges have a heart for nature and your

choice will be deemed equally responsible

when one wants to make a “green” decision.

These ranges all use an easy-to-install click

system. They are easy-to-maintain, top-quality

floors with the most attractive designs. At the

end of the day, choosing between a wood

or laminate floor comes down to personal

preference.

Tip: Just make sure whomever you choose to install your floor is registered with the South African Wood Floor & Laminate Association (SAWFLA).

For the best advice contact FloorworX’s own

wood and laminated guru Peter Geyer on

083 380 6665.

p r o m o t i o n



next step




oop


c a r p e t s


c a r p e t s

LUXURY LEISURE LASTING VALUE

www.bedsonflooring.co.za0861 BEDSON

From the forest to your home. . .The only South African manufacturer of

solid hardwood flooring and decking.A seamless transition between indoor

and outdoor living.

Head Office: Pretoria, Gautengc/o Axle & Battery St, Willows Business Park, Silverton Ext. 52

T 012 803 4376 E [email protected]: Hammarsdale, Kwa Zulu Natal

Unit 2 - Complex 4, 121 Main Road, HammarsdaleT 031 736 1022 E david.gearing.co.za

Ecostrong is one of South Africa’s foremost

importers and distributors of top-quality bamboo

flooring. The company was started in 2003 and has the longest track record of any bamboo flooring

company in SA. The company also specialises solely in Bamboo making it a sure choice for architects,

green developers and decorators.


p r o m o t i o n

TrulygreenBAMBOO

drops and locks right into place. Other sys-

tems require a tapping block and hammer,

which could not only damage the floor but

also make it more difficult to install.

The Välinge system takes the hammer out

of the installer’s hands and helps to elimi-

nate potential problems.

Environmental ImpactBamboo flooring is an attractive alterna-

tive to hardwood floors as the product is

sourced from the forests of a fully sustain-

able, environmentally friendly and rapidly

growing renewable resource. With hard-

Ecostrong bamboo flooring boards

are elegantly timeless and have been

acclaimed internationally as a truly green

product. This quality flooring has 3 distinc-

tive grains in a variety of colours which

makes it an attractive and unique flooring

material that enhances the beauty, comfort

and value of any home.

A very popular and relatively new addition

to our range is Solid Bamboo Panels. Panels

are again available in the 3 bamboo grains

and natural or carbonised colouring. This

can be used in any number of ways from

cabinetry, to custom joinery, panelling and

floating stairs to counter tops.

Panels are 2 440mm x 1 220mm in size

and available in thicknesses from 5mm to

40mm. Bamboo veneer will also be avail-

able shortly.

A recent enhancement of the Ecostrong

range saw the addition of the Välinge Click

System. Our range of Strand Bamboo floor

now features the Välinge-patented fold-

down locking system. This system allows for

rapid installation of these floors with con-

sistently perfect joints. The big advantage

Välinge has against its competition is that

there is no need for a hammer. This product


p r o m o t i o n

Are there any downsides in the manufac-ture of bamboo flooring from a consumer viewpoint? Yes, because not all manufacturers and

suppliers regard product quality as highly

as our production facility does. All our

manufacturing processes and products are

well within EU norms, and we employ an

independent third party to ensure that all

production specifications are adhered to.

Ecostrong thereby maintains a consistently

high product standard and ensures that

the consumer receives value for money.

When in doubt, please refer to SAWLFA

(South African Wood and Laminate

Flooring Association) and only use accred-

ited suppliers and installers

(www.sawlfa.co.za).

What is the ideal installation method; do you recommend soundproofing; and does bamboo require anything special in the way of trims, expansion joints, skirtings, etc.?There is no ideal method for installing

bamboo as such – it is installed much like

a traditional hardwood floor. Depending

on the bamboo grain chosen, it can be

glued to an elastic mat or installed as a

floating floor with a self-locking system

that requires no adhesive.

All our floors should be installed on a 3mm

thick solid rubber underlay which also

acts as a sound-dampening mechanism.

In addition, we have a range of trims and

profiles to match each of our various floor

grains and colours.

Part of our vision is ‘to assist customers in

achieving fulfillment of their design ideas

through a positive and dynamic team’ and

we look forward to assisting you with your

next project.

For further information: 011 552 8480 /

[email protected] / www.ecostrong.co.za

wood forest resources under continued

environmental pressure, bamboo floors

are a natural selection for any home.

Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource;

it is self-regenerating, growing to matu-

rity and achieving optimum hardness in

approximately 5.5 years. It has high carbon

absorption rates and releases oxygen into

the atmosphere. There is a minimum of

waste as well as minimal pollution in its

harvesting and production – all parts of

the bamboo plant are utilised to produce a

multitude of products.

Some people have expressed concern

that the natural habitat and food supply

of pandas will be harmed by bamboo

product manufacture. The species of bam-

boo used for Ecostrong’s products (Mao

or Moso bamboo) is very different to that

sought by pandas and has no negative

impact on their environment.

Frequently asked questionsWhat colours are available, and can bam-boo be stained?Bamboo is available in two standard

colours; Natural and Carbonised. That said,

bamboo takes stain perfectly and can be

stained to match certain hardwoods.

Apart from the eco-advantages and its inherent hardness, what would you say are the other main advantages over hardwood flooring?Bamboo has many advantages over hard-

wood flooring. It compares favourably

with traditional solid timber floors and,

given that it is already sanded and fin-

ished, bamboo flooring is capable of being

quickly installed, ready for use with mini-

mal disruption. It is also very stable under

humid and dry conditions. As Ecostrong

bamboo flooring is a solid product, floors

can be sanded and resealed should it

become necessary.

Ecostrong strand-woven bamboo floor-

ing has the patented Välinge click system

which locks the boards together when

horizontal. This makes the floor very easy

and quick to install, even for the DIY

enthusiast. The click system also makes

replacing a damaged board a lot easier.


style


The finishingtouches!ACCESSORIES

The floors are the most used part of any room in the house, and the

flooring accessories will add the finishing touches to any installation.

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Typically these will include edge trims; specialised items that will

control any expansion or contraction of the floorcovering; transi-

tion joints to take care of the difference in height or texture at the abut-

ment of two completely different flooring materials, mouldings, inserts,

skirtings – and the cleaning equipment and materials that are very nec-

essary if you are to keep your new investment in tiptop condition.

Other accessories, such as listellos, inserts and inlays and border

treatments in hard floorcoverings like ceramic tiles or natural stone,

can also bring life and creativity to your floor design, and your local

showroom will have many beautiful examples and ideas for your

selection in this respect.

Edgings and corner pieces provide a neat appearance and make

cleaning easier by preventing dirt from becoming trapped in those

awkward places.

One area where it is essential that the right accessories are used is

that of steps or stairs – because the floor will be less than safe and cer-

tainly not as good-looking if the correct edge treatments and stair nos-

ings are not used – to both protect the floorcovering from abnormal

wear and to provide the necessary safety on the stairs.

Keep it clean!The installation of quality dirt-trap matting outside the doors will pay

for itself many times over in terms of protecting your floor from the

ingress of dirt, grit and water – particularly with hard floorcoverings

that may scratch easily.

Support the outside mat with a lighter wipe mat, scatter rug or even

a carpet off-cut placed inside the door, and you will then have the

ideal protection system for any floorcovering. But keep these mats

clean as well or else you are wasting your time putting them down

in the first instance.

Ask any home cleaning expert and you will hear that the most

valuable accessory for the floor in any home is the vacuum cleaner.

Every type of floorcovering needs vacuuming regularly – some more

than others – if they are to remain in good condition, and investing

in a good quality vacuum cleaner will considerably prolong the life

of the floor.

Floor heatingThe main requirement of any home is comfort, so it is worth taking a

look at keeping the house warm. The answer is to install floor heating.

The modern designs ensure that the heat can be controlled to provide

warmth when and where it is needed, and they are perfectly safe,

unobtrusive, create no mess, need no cleaning or maintenance, require

no other materials or fuels to operate, and can actually conserve ener-

gy – particularly when compared to panel heaters and element fires.

If you have any queries on this section of The Great Flooring Guide, please

contact the FLOORS in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530 and we will put

you in touch with the experts.


a c c e s s o r i e s

the great flooring guide

Documents

p50top carpets floors

nouwens carpets

p23van dyck carpets

quality wood floors

cover belgotex floorcoverings

p52nextstep flooring

p47ecostrong bamboo

great flooring guide