Great Flooring Guide 2010

Carpets Rugs Ceramics Porcelain Natural Stone Laminates Vinyl Wood

Bamboo • Concrete • Epoxy • Maintenance • Outdoor Flooring • Buying Tips

2010

Liezel vd Merwe, Fanie Venter, Roxanne Mancini, Margaux Brink, Madelein Smith, Dave Soons, Jakolien Strydom, Signa Evans, Sietske Rossouw. 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 Belgotex Floorcoverings 033 897 7500 www.environmentalchoice.co.za or

www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za Inside Front Cover, p18-19

Belgotex Carpets 033 897 7500 www.belgotexcarpets.co.za Front Cover, p10-11

Fotakis Brothers 011 626 3000 www.fotakisbrothers.co.za p12

Nouwens Carpets 011 796 5180 www.nouwens.co.za p15-17

Top Carpets & Floors 031 717 0400 www.topcarpets.co.za p14

Van Dyck Carpets 0800 227738 www.vandyckcarpets.com p7, p13

CEMENT & EPOXY a.b.e. Construction Chemicals 011 306 9000 www.abe.co.za p21

Cemcrete 011 474 2415 www.cemcrete.co.za p22-23

CERAMICS, STONE & Ferreiras Decor World 0861 337 734 727 www.ferreiras.co.za p27

PORCELAIN Italtile 011 510 9000 www.italtile.co.za p25

Kenzan Quality Tiles 021 510 8310 www.kenzan.co.za p5

Natural Stone Warehouse 021 506 1300 www.naturalstonewarehouse.com p31

San Marco Tile Centre 0861 762 726 www.sanmarcotile.co.za p28

Tile Africa 0800 002 783 www.tileafrica.co.za p29


Union Tiles 08600 84537 www.uniontiles.co.za Back Cover

OUTDOOR FLOORING DuraTurf 033 897 7500 www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za p34

SmartStone 0861 762 781 www.smartstone.co.za p33

TigerTurf 031 913 3800 www.tigerturfworld.com or

www.vandyckcarpets.com p3

RESILIENT FLOORING Allure 0860 346 356 www.finfloor.co.za p40

EarthWerks Grandeco 021 464 4320 www.earthwerks.co.za p50

IVC Woodmark 033 897 7500 www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za p51

Novalis Hartsfield 033 897 7500 www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za p52

RUGS FlorDécor 011 463 8770 www.flordecor.co.za p9

Limaro / Kambali 011 462 9848 www.kambali.co.za Inside Back Cover


SEAMLESS FLOORING Quartz Carpet 086 178 2789 www.quartzcarpet.co.za p5

WOOD, LAMINATES Alco Exotic Green Building Products 021 552 7733 www.bamboofloorsa.co.za p41

& BAMBOO Azura Distributors 011 837 8462 www.azura.co.za p48

Bedson Timbers 012 803 4376 www.bedson.co.za p43

Berry Floor Laminate 033 897 7500 www.belgotexfloorcoverings.co.za p39

Bona 011 406 4290 www.floorworx.co.za p37, p38

Ecostrong Bamboo Flooring 011 552 8480 www.ecostrong.co.za p46-47

FINfloor 0860 346 356 www.finfloor.co.za p40

Floors Direct 0861 356 677 www.floorsdirect.co.za p42

Kährs 011 406 4290 www.floorworx.co.za p37, p38

Nextstep Flooring 021 534 0870 www.nextstepflooring.co.za p45

Oggie Hardwood Flooring 021 510 2846 www.oggie-sa.co.za p5

Quick-Step 011 406 4290 www.floorworx.co.za p37, p38

Rhoms Timberworld 0861 846 237 www.rhomstimberworld.co.za p44


Flooring sets the tone of a room and is the foundation that defines your style. It’s the easiest way to give your home an instantfacelifat and offers a variety of benefits beyond just good looks.Your choice of flooring must combine fashion and function to suit your tastes and lifestyle but

should last longer than the season’s latest fashions. With improvements in yarn and material technology (such as Stainproof SDX and the patented BerryLoc laminate joint) and green-er manufacturing processes, you can now make the environmental choice and still get the latest looks

using the flooring of your choice. Whether you love the plush, warm comfort of luxurious carpets, the sleek, smooth sophistication of glossy laminate floors or the fuss-free convenience of cushioned vinyl, Belgotex Floorcoverings has a product that will steal the show!

Fashion fads come and go but flooring is forever

There is no doubt that to get the best

floorcovering to meet your require-

ments you will need to spend as much

time in planning and finding out what is

available as actually buying and installing

the floor.

This year The Great Flooring

Guide 2010 is full of new ideas

and innovative designs and

materials to meet every need,

bringing you the very best in

flooring – each in its own dedi-

cated section with a detailed

overview of how it will perform.

To make the right decisions you will need

to take a look at your lifestyle and which

type of floor you will need to do what you

expect of it. Comfort levels, durability,

ease of cleaning, and how the floor needs

to perform in selected areas are of great

importance.

Floors will need to meet your require-

ments for aesthetic qualities, colour, feel and

durability, providing comfort and luxury in

the living and bedroom areas, through to

the more workmanlike floors for kitchens,

garages, external areas and those well-used

sections of the home.

As before, we have provided you with buy-

ing tips for each type of floor and hints on

how to keep your floors clean and extend

their working life but, before you embark on

buying any floorcovering, it must be remem-

bered that whatever you choose will need to

last for many years.

So although the floor must be aesthetically

pleasing and meet your décor requirements

– don’t select it on colour or design alone.

You need to take into consideration how well

it will wear, how easy it is to keep clean, does

Where to startwith a new floor?

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it need any special installation require-

ments, is it right for the room you will be

using it in, what alternatives or options

are available, and are you getting value

for money.

Another good reason for buying the

best floorcovering that you can afford

is that doing it ‘on the cheap’ always

becomes more expensive as it will need

early replacement, meaning you will

not get the performance you expect

or deserve from spending your hard-

earned money.

Consult the experts, and make sure

the flooring manufacturer, supplier and

installer have sound reputations and

can meet their guarantees, rather than

making a decision to use someone with

their credentials written on the back of

a Castle box, or on a scrap of cardboard

hanging from a pole at the robots.

Once again, we have asked our adver-

tisers to use their expertise in bringing

you up to date with the latest products,

trends, systems and services in the

floorcovering market, showcasing all

latest developments in carpet; ceramic

and porcelain tiles; vinyl tiles; natural

hardwoods; laminate floorcoverings;

and innovations such as polished

and coloured concrete, epoxy floors,

bamboo, and much more – all aimed

at providing you with wonderful floor-

ing ideas and ensuring you are getting

excellent value for money.

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 aspira-

tions. Then you can go shopping with

confidence!

Enjoy!

From Landfill to Landscape

The World’s First & Only Synthetic Turf Made From Recycled Bottles

TigerTurf Vision (distributed by Van Dyck Carpets) incorporates ground-breaking patented technology – recy-cling plastic bottles to produce the green outdoor area you always wanted, at the same time reducing waste, your carbon footprint and landfill usage

Go greener with Vision from TigerTurf by Van Dyck Carpets.

TOLL FREE: 0800 CARPET (0800227738)

DURBAN RECEPTION: 031 913 3800

www.vandyckcarpets.com

www.tigerturfworld.com

by

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“On 24 April 2010 some sections of the

Consumer Protection Act (CPA) came into

force. In terms of these sections, the National

Consumer Commission is to be established

and the Minister is required to commence

with the publication of regulations in terms

of the CPA.

The balance of the provisions of the CPA will

come into force on 24 October 2010. Included

are much-talked-about provisions which

provide for a form of strict liability on the pro-

ducer or importer, distributor or retailer of any

goods, who will be liable for any harm as a

result of the supply of unsafe goods, product

failure, defect or hazard in any goods, or inad-

equate instructions or warnings provided to

the consumer in respect of any hazard associ-

ated with the use of the goods.

The liability will arise irrespective of whether

the harm resulted from any negligence on

the part of the producer, imported, distributor

or retailer. The CPA provides for only limited

defences by such a producer, importer, dis-

tributor or retailer.

This is to allow sufficient time for the

establishment of the National Consumer

Commission, an enforcement/investigative

body on consumer protection issues which, it

was anticipated, would be established after 12

months from the date of signing of the Bill by

the former President, but to date this has not

been finalised.

Once the Act comes into effect you – as

a consumer – will have the right to return

goods as long as you do so within 5 business

days from when the transaction or agree-

ment was concluded or from the date that

the goods were delivered to you (which ever

is the later date), and if you order products

or goods based on a sample or details in a

catalogue, the goods must correspond in all

material respects and characteristics with this

description or sample.

Regarding liabilility in terms of the CPA

for goods supplied after 24 April 2010, The

Great Flooring Guide asked Jac Marais, Senior

Associate with Adams & Adams for clarifica-

tion. This is his assessment of the situation:

The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 was signed by for-

mer President Kgalema Motlanthe on 29 April last year and

is now officially law, although it will only come into effect

on 29 October 2010.

You and the Consumer Protection Act Notwithstanding the fact that the provi-

sions relating to strict liability will only come

into force on 24 October 2010, it should be

noted that they will apply to goods which

have been supplied on or after 24 April 2010.

The upshot is that a consumer will, as soon

as the relevant provisions come into force

(i.e. on 24 October 2010), be able to com-

plain to the National Consumer Commission

in respect of harm suffered in terms of the

provisions, in respect of goods that were

supplied to a consumer on or after 24 April

2010.” Jac Marais

The Department of Trade & Industry states

that the aim of the Act is to make markets

work better for consumers by ensuring that

they are able to make well-informed buying

decisions; able to access a wide range of prod-

ucts and services based on honest and fair

marketing and selling practices; have access

to efficient and effective redress; and are edu-

cated about their rights and responsibilities.

The CPA simplifies consumer legislation by

replacing existing provisions from five other

Acts including the Unfair Business Practices

Act, 1988, the Trade Practices Act, 1976, the

Sales and Service Matters Act, 1964, the

Price Control Act, 1964, and the Merchandise

Marks Act, 1941, and is now said by the

pundits to make South African consumers

amongst the best protected in the world.

If you wish to know more, visit the DTI

website www.dti.gov.za.

u s e f u l t i p s


In this respect, carpet probably allows people to express them-

selves in their product choice better than any other.

Buying a carpet is one of the most important and costly

investments that any homeowner can make, but apart from

making sure that the carpet you select will do what you expect

from it, and that it meets your budget, take care over selecting

the colour and design. Once it is installed you have to live with

it for many years, so make sure you get it right first time.

As a quick guide to colour selection, warm colours can make

a room feel warmer in a room that lacks light; cool greens and

blues have the opposite effect and are a calming influence.

Lighter colours make the room seem larger; darker colours

make it feel more ‘cosy’, and the medium and darker colours will

hide soiling better in the more used areas of the home.

The type of fibre and the way the carpet is constructed are key

factors in the basic performance of the carpet so, once you have

got past the euphoria of finding the right colour in the show-

room, make sure that you get full information on the use of the

carpet and a firm indication of how it will perform.

To determine the quality of the carpet you have to look at its

pile and density. Density is the thickness of the pile yarn and how

close the tufts are to each other. High density is preferred, with

ideally so many fibres grouped in every 25cm square of the car-

pet that it is hard to insert a finger down to the mesh – the gen-

eral rule being the denser the pile, the better quality the carpet.

The texture and style of a carpet are usually determined by

the type of pile that is used in its construction. If the pile is left

as uncut loops, this gives a more casual look and is likely to be

If there is one floorcovering that is designed

and manufactured specifically with the discern-

ing homeowner in mind, it is carpet. Everything

you need is catered for with today’s carpets – a

luxurious feel in the bedrooms and relaxation

areas of the home; hardwearing construction

for the well-used rooms and hallways; and

almost any colour or design to match your

décor and furnishings.

Carpets provide luxurious livingc a r p e t s

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Van Dyck Carpets is a proud member of the Green Building Council of SA and has a comprehensive Environmental Management System in place that focuses on reducing our carbon footprint. All Van Dyck Carpets’ products have VOC levels that meet the Green Star rating criteria. We also offer a range of products that use recycled content and are recy-clable at the end of their lifetime, to minimise the impact on landfills.Think Green – think Van Dyck Carpets.

TOLL FREE: 0800 CARPET (0800227738) www.vandyckcarpets.com Residential Carpets Commercial Carpets

Rugs DIY Sport & Leisure Grass Underlays

BUYING TIPS

more hardwearing – ideal for those active

families with children and pets. The loops

can be at a regular height or multi-level,

which creates patterns in the carpet.

Any carpet, regardless of quality, will benefit

from the use of a quality underlay. Gone are

the days of underfelts that were almost waste

material being given away free of charge with

every carpet purchase. Today there is a wide

variety of underlays to meet the demands of

any area of the house, and there is no doubt

that they will greatly enhance the service life

of the carpet, and ensure that your invest-

ment is fully protected.

Finally, maintenance. Although modern

carpets are designed to hide soiling, this

does not mean that they don’t need clean-

ing! A daily vacuuming – particularly in well-

trafficked areas will keep your carpet looking

and feeling good, and it will extend its lifes-

pan of good service. It will also improve the

overall air quality as it reduces the volume

of airborne dust; interesting to know in this

regard is that (according to a research done

in Germany) is that carpets are better for

allergy patients than hard flooring for the

same reason.

Take advice from your supplier or the web-

site of the manufacturer, but a professional

clean once a year is essential to remove any

contaminants that the regular vacuuming

may have missed.

However, perhaps the best and most eco-

nomical way to keep your carpet clean is

to prevent it from getting dirty! Although

walk-off mats are regularly used in com-

mercial and industrial buildings to keep the

floor clean, they are hardly ever favoured by

homeowners, who will often use off-cuts of

carpets and even cardboard amongst other

unsuitable materials for this purpose, but

these will not function as properly as a mat

designed to do the job.

A quality walk-off mat outside the door and

perhaps an area rug inside will ensure that

the carpet (or any other floorcovering you are

using) will not be affected by incoming dirt,

wet and grit, and will considerably increase the

life expectancy of the floor, as well as making

the cleaning operation that much easier.

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.

Determine the use of the room that the car-pet will be installed in; the carpet must pro-vide the comfort you are looking for, and 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 this end, it pays to visit more than one supplier or showroom to see what is available.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 expe-rienced installer – look at some of his previ-ous 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 this will avoid any argu-ment or extra cost. They can be used for any future repair work that may be required and, properly edged, they make great scatter 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 it 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 under-stand and are happy with the laying proce-dure. Points to look for are to ensure that joins do not occur in high-wear areas, and particu-lar attention must be paid to joins on stairs – these should be avoided wherever possible.A mistake often made is to buy carpets that are too light in colour for the area of use. This is acceptable in bedrooms, but if the area is regularly trafficked, rather consider going for a shade darker.

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Sustainable

FlorDecor is sensitive to the needs of its clients as well as the importance of living and work-

ing in a sustainable manner. Traditionally, people are insensitive to the harm done to the

environment resulting from contemporary methods in the production of rugs: traditional ener-

gies are used unnecessarily; toxic chemicals from dyeing are returned to

the water table; and water, a diminishing resource, is not appro-

priately recycled.

The company is dedicated to returning to the ancestral

means of producing rugs through a sustainable living

model, to preserve the environment for genera-

tions to come.

It is important to keep creating wonderful

rugs that will be well thought of a generation

or two from now, and FlorDecor has that

opportunity now because the company is

riding a wave of interest in hand-woven rugs

and creative production in the industry.

FlorDecor are making some pretty nice

rugs again, and we owe it to the future to

create truly beautiful things. Rugs have

historically been an anchor of comfort and

beauty in the home, and they are sustain-

able: they last, which means you won’t have

to toss one out every few years.

Most importantly, rugs and carpets play a

deep and powerful aesthetic role in that you

can create your own sustainable environ-

ment. Buying well-chosen rugs is a multi-

lifetime investment.

With the FlorDecor range of rugs, ranging

from luxurious leathers, outdoor aquatech

rugs to sophisticated wools and silks as well

as handspun fibres, you will be inspired!

For further information on this exciting

avante garde range of ‘green’ rugs, contact

FlorDecor today at the numbers shown below.

FlorDecor

Tel: 011 463 8770 / 082 452 7079

Fax: 011 463 8776

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.flordecor.co.za

Over the years FlorDecor has gained an enviable reputation for being

trendsetters, leaders, dynamic, and innovative, and once again they

are leading by taking a stance – being green and operating in a

sustainable manner.

rugs!

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Olde Worlde Nostalgia

Recreate the nostalgic charm and romance of yesteryear with a

luxurious patterned carpet such as Belgotex Carpets’ Georgian in

Windermere. The subtle traditional pattern creates comforting

familiarity while its insulating thick pile is a great energy-saver too.

Made from Stainproof SDX yarn, Georgian is ultra-soft and comfort-

able underfoot, adding warmth and texture to bedrooms or loung-

es without concerns of wear and tear as it is completely stainproof

and guaranteed to retain 90% of its pile for 15 years!

Safari Season

Escape the concrete jungle and go “Out of Africa” by introduc-

ing the deep earthy tones and rich textures of Belgotex Carpets’

Granada in Muscade. Reducing noise in busy lounges or entrance-

ways, Granada’s muted, duotone fibres make the room appear cosy

and warmer, while effectively hiding soiling for easy removal by

vacuum or household bleach and water since they’re made from

Stainproof Miracle Fibre.

STAINPROOF MIRACLE FIBRE RANGES (POLYPROPYLENE)Superweave

Granada

Berber Heritage

Origins

Stone Ridge

Timbavati Ultra

GRENADA MUSCADE

GEORGIAN WINDERMERE

Carpet CoutureBelgotex Carpets combine fashion and function to

create the season’s hottest looks.

Fashion and décor fads may come and go, but floor-

ing is forever. As a long-term investment that forms

the foundation to define your style, your choice of

carpet must combine fashion and function to suit

your tastes and lifestyle but last longer than the sea-

son’s latest looks.

We show you how to create the season’s hottest

looks but ensure longevity using either Belgotex

Carpets’ hi-tech Stainproof SDX or Stainproof Miracle

Fibre ranges.

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Minimalist

Create a sense of space and airiness with light carpets such as Belgotex

Carpets’ Superweave in Sago that won’t stain or fade. Made from Stainproof

Miracle Fibre that’s UV-resistant and colourfast, meaning the colour won’t lift if

you expose it to harsh sunshine through vast expanses of glass windows, you

can safely work, play or party on this floor knowing you’ll be warm in winter

and cool in summer. GlamourIndulge your sense of luxury and comfort and make an

over-the-top style statement with a luscious carpet such as

Belgotex Carpets’ Westminster in Black City.

Available in a wide variety of attention-grabbing colours,

from understated neutral shades to dramatic jewel tones

that ooze glamour and sophistication, they’re made from

Stainproof SDX that is produced using a dry manufacturing

process, so you can also brag about their eco-friendliness.

For further information , please phone (033) 897 7500 or visit

www.belgotexfloorcoverings.com

Stainproof SDX and Stainproof Miracle Fibre

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS:• Stainproof

• Colourfast

• UV-resistant

• Fade-resistant

• Bleach-resistant

• 15-year limited warranty to retain 90% of pile fibre

• Saturated colour of exceptional depth and clarity

• Uniform colour throughout, Dry, water-wise manufacturing

process = Environmental Choice

• Excellent shape retention in cut-pile ranges

STAINPROOF SDX RANGES (NYLON)Royal Twist

Westminster

Georgian

BLENDS (SDX + SPMF)• Marakesh

• Royal Berber

SUPERWEAVE SAGO

WESTMINSTER BLACK CITY

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Wool carpets are now

affordableWool carpets have long been regarded as the height of luxury, and a selection of these high-quality

carpets at affordable prices has recently been introduced by Fotakis Brothers.With a wide selection of patterns and designs, the Paris, Milan, Athens, Venice, Vienna and London

ranges now marketed by Fotakis Brothers provide the very best in style and fashion.These wool carpet ranges from Fotakis Brothers are naturally stain-, soil- and water-resistant, flame-

retardant and very durable – providing excellent value for money with an exceptional long life.

And they are so warm and comfortable!

Available from carpet dealers nationwide, contact Fotakis Brothers on 011 626 3000 for the one nearest to you.

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Warmth and elegance….

Choose from Van Dyck Carpets’ collection offering classic elegance, luxurious comfort and exceptional performance at an affordable price.Value-added benefits include Stain Shield protection for ease of maintenance, a five year guarantee and a ten year limited wear warranty.

TOLL FREE: 0800 CARPET (0800227738) www.vandyckcarpets.com Residential Carpets Commercial Carpets

Rugs DIY Sport & Leisure Grass Underlays

A Carpet is a big-ticket item and you will

probably need to live with your decision

for years to come. It’s something you don’t

buy every day and you would like to get it

right, so where do you begin?Firstly, a carpet is still the safest, most for-

giving and comfortable floor finish available today. Fitted carpets are non-slip, quiet and comfortable underfoot; they cushion falls and don’t appear soiled as easily as do hard floor finishes. 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, 3 years? This is why it is so important to buy the right carpet.

Given the competitive nature of the carpet industry in South Africa, it would be fair to say that, to a large extent, price indicates the value you can expect for your money.

Any carpet will still look great after 30 years if it is never used – you need to choose a carpet that can handle the level of wear and soiling it will be exposed to, and this is determined by fibre choice, colour and actual carpet construction.

With regard to fibre, wool is the ultimate carpet fibre with really great all-round appear-ance retention. Nylon and acrylic generally perform better than polypropylene which is more affordable.

On colour, avoid soft pastels and pale colours where you expect a lot of foot-borne soiling. It is also worth considering a colour which “tones in” with your outside soil – red soil for example will show up much more on a grey carpet than on a brown carpet.

When it comes to carpet construction, a tight, dense pile will hold its form better in heavier traffic areas than will a loose, chunky carpet.

Choosing the right carpet is only one-third of a successful purchase – correct installation and aftercare are equally important for the lasting good looks of your carpet.

A professional fitter will use the correct underfelt, make sure your carpet is laid in the right direction and that joins are well done and correctly positioned.

Caring for your carpet is pretty basic, but you need to know what to do from day one.

Ideally your purchase should be through a reputable carpet contractor for a professional installation, where a knowledgeable consul-tant will gladly assist you with your carpet selection and good aftercare advice.

Look out for recommended dealers such as Nouwens Platinum Partners and Nouwens Appointed Dealers who regularly receive product training. For your own peace of mind, sharpen up a little on your carpet

Choosing a carpet by Luci Nouwens


knowledge before going out into the market-place – the user-friendly Nouwens product guide is freely available at all our recom-mended dealers or you can browse through it at www.nouwens.co.za

When Cornelius Nouwens started Nouwens Carpets in Harrismith 48 years ago, he brought with him a unique set of values and carpet craftsmanship skills which he passed onto the next generation – Luci and Pieter – thereby establishing Nouwens as a brand which compares with the best in the world.

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 excep-tional style and quality – five unique ranges crafted in the finest imported pure new wools and synthetic fibres, for elegance, comfort and sheer luxury you can enjoy for years in your home!Naturally Nouwens offers a more affordable traditional Nouwens style and quality – six ranges in 100% spun yarn, ranging from the ever-popular wool-blend Berbers to plush polyester 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 solu-tion-dyed Nouwens Easi-fibre for excellent colourfastness, and comes in a quality and style that is so obviously Nouwens.

All Naturally Nouwens and Easi-carpet ranges come with mill-applied Easi-care soil-resistant treatment, making them easier to clean for lasting good looks.All Nouwens carpets are manufactured to the highest standards, carrying the SABS 1375 mark of quality, which is your assur-ance that these products have been tested and pass the SABS Basic Quality Standards. SABS will entertain any quality-related con-sumer 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 qual-ity enquiries.All Nouwens Wool Collection carpets come with a Five Point Wool Collection Commitment based on international wool quality standards. Nelson Mandela selected a Nouwens pure wool carpet for his home again… … whilst Jacob Zuma had a regal red Nouwens carpet made up for his inauguration!

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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 flagship Platinum Edition; the Naturally Nouwens

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WHY BUY A CARPET IF YOU CAN BUY A NOUWENS CARPET? 20 GOOD REASONS:

A specially qualified partnership for the ultimate carpet experience all

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Many, many valued Nouwens customers have supported the brand over and over since 1962. This has earned Nouwens an unrivalled reputation for carpet excellence – Thank you!Carpets do minimise noise, provide a non-slip surface, conceal dirt, and provide good insulation which saves energy – Nouwens does this in style…After 48 years, Nouwens Carpets is still a family business, imbued with the same passions and craftsmanship with which it was first started, and is still making “carpets (they) are proud to put (their) name on!”Nouwens carpets simply look different – the innovative style and quality engineering provide lasting good looks, which sets them apart from other carpets.There is something about the comfort of a textile floorcovering that distinguishes it from other hard floor finishes – that is why carpets are still used in most bedroom and living areas where people kick off their shoes. This is even truer for Nouwens!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 is committed to uplifting and supporting the local community with sus-tainable projects.Nouwens is committed to the future and has implemented systems and disciplines to conserve energy, minimise waste and preserve our environment.Nouwens market their products through a national Nouwens Appointed Dealer net-work. These are listed on the Nouwens web-site by province. Then there are the spe-cially qualified Nouwens Platinum Partners, with fully equipped showrooms, offering a professional service on all Nouwens ranges at no additional charge and extending the five-year guarantee on all Nouwens prod-ucts to include the installation as well. Visit the Nouwens website for comprehen-sive information on every Nouwens range, practical advice, complete carpet care, Nouwens dealer listings as well as an e-mail link to the Nouwens director’s desk!

NOUWENS PLATINUM PARTNERS

• Floors Up, Midrand, 011 318 0446

• Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting,

Sandton, 011 608 4270

• National Carpets, Randburg, 011 791 6874

• Carpet & Décor Centre, Johannesburg,

011 833 2311

• Carpet & Décor Centre, Fourways,

011 465 1017

• Sawyer Group, Horizon Park, 011 763 1045

• Stern Carpets, Benoni, 011 421 4282

• John Dore, Menlyn, 012 346 4046

• Floors Up, Centurion, 012 653 2465

• Richard’s Place, Lynnwood, 012 348 3910

• Bentleytex Carpets, Cape Town,

021 461 7550

• Albert Carpets, Cape Town, 021 462 3446

• Cardinal Flooring Specialists,

Bellville, 021 945 4470

• Carpet World Flooring, Somerset West,

021 853 8530

• World of Carpets, Diep River, 021 715 9660

• Master Carpets & Flooring, Springfield

Park, 031 263 0431

• Tile & Carpet Centre, Hillcrest,

031 765 5554/1

• Top Carpets, Pinetown, 031 705 8584

• Walton Carpets, Pietermaritzburg,

033 386 8222

• Barry Kapelus Carpeting, Port Elizabeth,

041 364 3710

• Nolan’s Flooring, Plettenberg Bay,

044 533 1252

• Carpet Discount House & Interiors,

Knysna, 044 382 2090

• S A Vloerweelde, Bellville, 021 948 6552

NOUWENS APPOINTED DEALERS:

A complete and updated list of Nouwens

Appointed Dealers appears by region on the

Nouwens website.

Nouwens Carpets

Tel: 011 796 5180

Tel: 031 502 5730

Tel: 021 447 2856

Tel: 058 622 1101

Website: www.nouwens.co.za

the way into your home!

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Whatever colour carpet you choose, with Belgotex it’s always green

Choosing an eco-friendly floor goes way beyond just selecting a natural product that is abundantly available or bio-degradable. In fact, many natural prod-ucts are LESS green than their synthetic counterparts!

Belgotex Floorcoverings dispel a few myths and highlight some of the factors you should consider to help you make the best environmental choice in flooring Natural vs Synthetic

Many shoppers mistakenly assume that

because a floor is made from natural fibres

such as wool, bamboo or jute that it must

be eco-friendly. Often the processes needed

to make these items ready for sale, and

keep them looking good, use more precious

resources such as water and energy than

synthetic materials!

Think of the washing, bleaching, dyeing

and chemical treatments required for that

lovely pure wool carpet. What’s more, natu-

ral materials are often treated with harmful

pesticides and sprays to prevent fishmoths,

house dust mites and bugs feeding on them.

Belgotex Carpets’ hi-tech SDX ranges are

produced through a waterless extrusion pro-

cess that gives them their stainproof, colour-

fast, UV- and bleach-resistant characteristics.

The synthetic nylon has its colour injected

during the molten solution stage (hence

the name Solution- Dyed Nylon for X-Treme

Conditions) as opposed to traditional post-

dyeing techniques which utilise more water.

This makes the colour an intrinsic part of the

molecular structure of the yarn and therefore

more resistant to colour loss.

The result? A carpet that not only is easy

to clean and won’t be damaged by bugs or

harsh sunlight, but also uses less raw materi-

als and precious resources in the first place.

Green RootsHas your floor been produced by a responsi-

ble manufacturer committed to eco-friendly

production practice?

Belgotex Floorcoverings is one of the only

local manufacturer’s to be ISO 14001 certi-

fied in line with the international standard

on environmental management systems

with all products bearing their Environmental

Choice logo.

They spent a whopping R2,4-million to save

Make the environmental choice in flooring


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460 kW of power with automatic sensors that

turn off lights and aircons when not in use.

They have certificates for safe waste disposal

and use only clean-burning coal.

The Stainproof SDX ranges including

Georgian, Westminster and Royal Twist use dry

manufacturing processes which reduce water,

chemical and energy consumption too!

Reduce, Reuse and RecycleCan your floor or its materials be recycled or

reused in other useful product at the end of

its useful life?

Belgotex Carpets’ Reclamation programme

collects second-hand carpets which are

cleaned and sent to CINDI, the charity

organisation for Children in Need so they

don’t land up on a landfill site.

Their new Green Underlay is made from

100% recycled yarn while downgraded yarns

and fibres are used in less critical products

such as rugs, bathmats, shoelaces and ropes.

Creel ends and extrusion waste is recycled

into injection-moulded products such as

plastic tables and chairs, crates and pallets.

Belgotex also reduces the amount of post-

consumer waste by developing products

such as the Grimebuster Ultra rubber crumb

cushion backing made from 100% recycled

car tyres that diverts 20 tons of post-con-

sumer waste from landfill sites too!

Energy efficiencyCarpets are warm in winter and cool in sum-

mer, offering 10% better thermal insulation

than other floorcoverings. Not only will

they add great warmth and comfort to your

home, but they will significantly reduce your

need for heating and electricity consump-

tion too!

A once-over once a week with a good vacu-

um cleaner is all that’s required to keep them

looking their best and spills and stains can

be easily removed with household bleach

and water in carpets bearing the Stainproof

SDX or Stainproof Miracle Fibre logo.

The air we breatheThe old wives’ tale that carpets are bad for

allergies and asthma couldn’t be further from

the truth. In fact, research has proven that

hard floor surfaces have twelve times more

dust and allergens in the air we breathe than

carpeted areas!

This is because carpets remove these par-

ticles from the atmosphere by trapping them

in their fibres and can then be vacuumed,

whereas on hard, smooth surfaces they are

whisked straight back into our breathing

space every time we walk past.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are

also important contributors to the indoor air

quality and research has shown that carpets

are one of the lowest emitters of VOCs in the

home or office environment.

What’s more, all the harmless emissions

associated with that new carpet smell quick-

ly dissipate so rest assured you’re breathing

clean air. Belgotex Carpets have passed the

stringent tests for VOCs with flying colours,

meeting the VOC criteria for the Carpet &

Rug Institute’s (CRI) Green Label, as well as

both the Green Building Council of South

Africa’s (GBCSA) and Australia’s (GBCA) cov-

eted Green Labels too!

For further information, visit

www.environmentalchoice.co.za or

call (033) 897-7500.

BENEFITS OF USING BELGOTEX FLOORCOVERINGS

• Environmental Choice = environmentally

friendly production practice

• Carpets are energy-efficient as they insulate

against cold

• SDX ranges Westminster, Royal Twist and

Opulence are water-wise

• Low VOC levels

• Improved indoor air quality

• Green Underlay = 100% recycled yarn

• Reuse old carpets – cleaned and sent

to CINDI

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c e m e n t & e p o x y

If you thought that cement and epoxy floorcoverings were only for industrial

applications, think again! They can provide your home with a unique, avant-garde look that will be the envy of all your friends and, because they are seamless, they improve the air quality and do not trap pollutants or bacteria, making them safe for kids and those with allergies.

It may surprise readers to find concrete floors featuring in a residential flooring guide, but in fact the days are long gone when con-crete floors were only considered for use in factories, warehouses and the like, and they are now regularly used by architects and interior designers, with extraordinarily beautiful results.

One of the advantages of concrete is its tremendous versatility. It can be coloured or stained to match any décor requirement, and patterns and textures can be selected to meet any design need.

Finishes are available that resemble tile, slate, or brick – popular textures used for achieving a warm, natural feel – and they complement stone and wood. Concrete can also be treated to create a more refined, pol-ished appearance, with the look, texture and feel of natural stone such as marble.

Stained concrete is another option – it costs less than tile, it is easy to maintain and care for, and there is so much versatility with all the colours, patterns and border choices that anyone can have a floor that is one-of-a-kind and uniquely theirs.

There are many decorative treatments for freshly placed concrete, including pattern stamping, exposed aggregate, and textured finishes. Engraving is another option with the use of special tools and equipment to cut pat-terns and designs into existing concrete.

Polished concrete floors are now being regularly specified by architects for the most upmarket of homes, where they provide an attractive and affordable alternative to expen-sive floor treatments, and the polished surface reduces the need for unnatural lighting, can handle any amount of use and wear, and will last a lifetime.

They can be polished to expose aggregate that will look like polished stone when com-pleted, and are low-maintenance, hygienic,

dust- and allergy-free, seamless, easy to clean, and with a great appearance.

Modern polishing techniques allow for colour and different finishes to be added to the floor, which will have the appearance of a polished stone floor, and with a high-gloss fin-ish that gives a mirror-like effect.

Smooth cement floors present a very attrac-tive and viable option when used in the home, and are obviously easy and cheap to look after. They can be pigmented in various colours, painted, provided with a textured fin-ish, or left with a matt or gloss finish.

The other alternative is cement tiles, and here you really are spoilt for choice, ranging from pigmented or painted options, through to the really upmarket stone replicas that emulate several stone types, both in looks and texture. Used in combination with other flooring materials, you can produce a unique design to be proud of.

Encapsulated aggregate flooring is another revolutionary flooring system that has really caught on since it was introduced to South Africa a few years ago, offering unique floors with great design possibilities.

These floors are made from imported natu-ral glacial aggregate, tinted and blended with colourless resin to provide a unique seamless finish, which basically makes them an epoxy-type floor.

The stones, whilst maintaining their natural angular appearance, have lost their sharp edges – achieved through being tumbled down glacial rivers – resulting in a luxurious “soft” sensation underfoot.

Epoxy floors are concrete floors that are painted with an epoxy coating. Also known as polymer seamless floors, they typically have a clear or coloured finish for any room, and can provide a tough, working floor for garages, pool decks, work areas and laundry rooms.

These floors are durable, slip-, stain- and dust-resistant, will reflect natural or artificial light and are easy to clean. They are also resis-tant to chemical spills, will not peel or crack, and they are scuff- and abrasion-resistant.

Cleaning is simple. A daily brushing or vacu-uming and an occasional mopping or buffing will keep these floors clean and looking good.

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.

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 you are getting someone who

knows what he is talking about.

Cement & epoxy - why not?

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c a r p e t s

A typical example is a.b.e.’s abecote WD 337 – a prod-

uct that has become increasingly popular with the

DIY fraternity.

abecote WD 337 is a two-component, solvent-free,

water-dispersed epoxy emulsion that produces floors

with a paint-smooth finish in several colours. abecote

WD 337 floor coatings are not only decorative but robust

enough to protect factory and warehouse floors through-

out South Africa.

Floors at chicken farms, dairies, motor workshops and

even wineries are protected with abecote WD 337. This

is an amazing, economical product that can also be

applied over damp surfaces, and easily overcoated at

any time for maintenance.

This makes abecote WD 337 ideally suitable for a wide

variety of applications and offers considerable advan-

tages, in contrast to other materials that are used in

these areas.

For example, unlike traditional paving, it is dust- and

waterproof and easy to clean; it retains its colour and

semi-matt finish through-

out its lengthy lifespan; it

is not prone to cracking

which is often the case

with tiled surfaces; it is

scratch- and abrasion-

resistant; will not stain or

When it comes to flooring, the range of

products supplied by a.b.e. Construction

Chemicals cannot be surpassed. The

company has more than seven decades

of operation-formulated products that

– although trusted and applied by major

flooring contractors – can also be used

by the homeowner/DIY enthusiast.

peel; and is water-, oil- and chemical-resistant.

Also, if the surface to which it is being

applied is porous no primer is required,

because you can simply dilute the product

with between 10-15% clean water to provide

a suitable primer. Applied in three coats when

used as a flooring medium, abecote WD 337

is supplied in 5-litre twin-pack containers that

will cover 8-10m²/litre on a smooth surface.

But it is just one of many outstanding a.b.e.

epoxy flooring products. Other noteworthy

brands are abecote 400 Hi-build, abeflo,

abescreed, abecote sf 217, abecote 356 and

abecote 386.

But there is more. In addition to this impres-

sive list of epoxy products, a.b.e. can also help

you with flooring problems. duracure LSR, for

example, makes floors less “sandy” and hard-

ens surfaces; duralatex can be added to your

screed mix for improved performance; epider-

mix 318 solves repairing and patching defects

in floor surfaces; and a.b.e.’s polyurethane and

polysulphide sealants add that professional

look to your floor joints.

So, when next you require epoxy walls and

floors for patios, garages, bathrooms or kitch-

ens for your home, call at your local hardware

store and look no further than the familiar

a.b.e. black-and-red displays. The secret to all

your flooring needs is in the red tins.

Anyone interested in learning more about

this versatile floor coating should make

contact with a.b.e. Construction Chemicals

at 011 306 9000, or visit the website:

www.abe.co.za

the choice of professionals and now DIY fans!

Hardwearing epoxy flooring products –

House floors & walls

Inside patios

Wineries

Factory floors & walls

Retail stores

Pale greyMedium sea greyIvoryLightstoneGreen


Marketed under the brand name of Cemcrete CreteCote, this new

floor product does more than just provide a beautiful floor fin-

ish, because its amazing adhesive qualities allow it to be applied to

even the most difficult of surfaces such as old screeds and concrete

– even after the removal of carpets – saving you time and money.

Being cement-based, CreteCote is extremely durable and is also

waterproof, easy to clean and maintain, and available in six attractive

colours. It can also be further enhanced with Cemcrete’s CreteStain

colour systems.

Cemcrete’s Colour Hardener has been used for more than 150 000m²

of flooring in South Africa over the past year alone. This is a grano-

lithic concrete material that strengthens and colours concrete floors.

It sets rock-hard, has exceptional abrasion resistance and reduces

drying shrinkage, providing a very hardwearing, attractive colouring

system. It can be finished in a number of ways, including different

textures, stamped, rolled or imprinted to create tiled or paved effects.

Colour Hardener can be used both internally and externally for a

stunning floor finish.

Only available for use on internal floors, Cemcrete’s FloorCrete is a

coloured, cement-based, self-levelling floorcovering for application

onto rolled or wood-floated concrete floor slabs or screeds, where it

Industry leader for overCemcrete’s floor products are claimed to have led the cement floor industry for over two decades with

Cemcrete Colour Hardener and Cemcrete FloorCrete. Now, Cemcrete has launched a new innovative floor

product that is perfect for any floor renovation project.

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ardn

er

produces a 2mm smooth, decorative layer

that is unaffected by rising damp.

The latest innovative addition to the exten-

sive Cemcrete sales programme is a range of

Modello Décor decorative stencil designs for

creating elegant artistic effects on concrete

or cement surfaces – available with many dif-

ferent themes and design styles.

Modello Décor stencils are easy to transfer,

after which the pattern is stained to the sur-

30 years!Co

lour

Har

dene

r - im

prin

ted

face using CreteStain, or skimmed on using

Cemcrete’s CreteCote in contrasting colours.

You can have any design you want custom-

made to your specification. With Modello

Décor stencils, you can take decorative con-

crete to the next level of design.

Cemcrete not only provides quality prod-

ucts, but its national sales team offers expert

advice and technical assistance, helping you

to choose the most suitable product and

application as needed.

In addition, extensive hands-on training

courses are offered at Cemcrete’s Head

Office in Industria, which is fully equipped to

provide the attendees with sufficient background

and hands-on experience needed to tackle their

own projects with absolute confidence.

View www.cemcrete.co.za for their

full range or visit their Ideas Centres in

Johannesburg (10 Telford Road, Industria)

and Cape Town (1 Franschhoek Crescent,

Panorama) for loads of inspiration!

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Ceramic tilesCeramic tiles are available with a glazed or unglazed finish, depend-ing on your décor requirements, but it is important to choose the correct type or ‘grade’ of tile that suits the intended application. To assist in this respect, the industry rates them universally in five groups or classes as a guide to their suitability in terms of quality and performance.

These range from very light traffic in bathrooms and shower areas; to light traffic in lounges and living rooms; moderate traffic in kitchens;

and high traffic in entrances and well-used corridors.

Available in a wide range of colours and designs,

including wood and natural stone finishes, ceramic

and porcelain tiles are amongst the most durable and

aesthetically pleasing floorcoverings you can find. In

most tile showrooms you will find numerous inserts

and border tiles that enable you to create an individu-

al and exciting pattern for your floor.

Ceramic & porcelain - The hard choice!

ceramic & porcelain

TO PAGE 26 >>�� g r e a t f l o o r i n g g u i d e | 2 0 1 0

ITAL

TILE

In a saturated market where natural

resources are scarce, the new direction is

towards products that combine technology

and eco-compatibility.

Italtile has just launched a new collection

of tiles called EARTH, which is part of the

Ecoline programme of Italian manufac-

turer Ceramica Sant’Agostino. This action

programme aims at obtaining very high-

quality products while totally respecting

the strict European and international rules

to protect the environment.

The hallmarks of the EARTH range are

quality, reliability, safety and prestige - all

Ecoline: EarthIn the last decade we have experienced and are still going through a world crisis. We have started realising how

much damage we have been causing to our planet and we are becoming more conscious of the environment.

within strict international guidelines to

protect the environment and with the certifi-

cation to guarantee it. Technical specifications for the EARTH

collection include: through-body porce-lain; available in three attractive colours (Sunray; Kashmir; and Autumn) and in three sizes: 450mmx450mm, 300mmx300m, and 150mmx150mm.

The EARTH collection can be viewed at Italtile stores countrywide, but anyone requiring further information can con-tact 011 510 9000 or visit the website www.italtile.co.za

Italtile is offering readers of

The Great Flooring Guide 2010

Special offer!!!

a free consultation

on all floor tiles purchased on presentation of this

coupon.

anda 5% discount

This offer ends on 31 October 2010!!But hurry!


Don’t buy cheap ceramic, porcelain or terracotta tiles or you will regret it later. The same applies to the grouting, which is available 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 estimated quan-tity – to accommodate breakages or for later replacement if it becomes 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 laying 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 particu-lar may need sealing.)

If you are employing a flooring contractor for any tile floor, make sure he is experienced in this type of work. Check his references.

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!)

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Porcelain tilesPorcelain tiles are made from fine porcelain

clays and fired at a much higher tempera-

ture than ceramic tiles, which makes them

denser, less porous, much harder and less

prone to moisture and stain absorption

than ceramic tiles. They can be used in vir-

tually any application – both indoors and

outdoors.

Almost any look can be reproduced in

porcelain, and porcelain floor tiles that look

like wood or natural stone have become

very fashionable.

Treat the tiled floor with TLC!Tiles need minimal maintenance although,

as with all flooring, the best care is regular

care, and by regular sweeping and using

water and a mild detergent, you can keep

your floors looking like new for years.

Sweep or vacuum your ceramic tile floors

at least once a week, or more often if they

get regular use, because dust and lint can

evolve into grime if they are not promptly

removed, especially in areas where there is

moisture.

Since ceramic tile is often used in the ‘wet’

areas of the home (kitchen, bathroom), it is

likely that it will be subjected to different

spills and spots. Simple washing or mop-

ping with hot water and a mild household

detergent should wipe away anything that

finds its way to your ceramic floors.



FLOORS in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530

and we will put you in touch with the experts.

>>FROM PAGE 24

ceramic & porcelain

BUYING TIPS

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TTER

STO

CK,IN

C.

Here you will be delighted in discov-

ering the best options to bring your

dreams into reality, with customised solu-

tions to make your ideas happen – and

with the sweetness of the service match-

ing the sweetness of the Italian “caffè”.

You will find a selection of high-qual-

ity imported ceramic and porcelain

wall and floor tiles, encompassing the

sophistication and warmth of Italy with

a unique South African flair, and provid-

ing a customised solution with the abil-

ity to suit any style, as well as innovative

ideas that will meet your budget.

Coupled with this is the assurance of

a stress-free and pleasurable shopping

experience that will provide each client

with a comprehensive and cost-effective

tiling solution, as well as great ideas in

mosaics, sanitaryware, local and import-

ed vanities and accessories, taps, towel

rails, and a whole lot more.

From French to classic to contempo-

rary styles, we cater for the discerning

individual. Our dedicated and dynamic

team has an unsurpassed passion for

excellence, sense of class, customer

satisfaction, and the ability to suit every

pocket and style, as well as providing

The San Marco differenceWhen you visit any San Marco Tile Centre, you are greeted with

a fresh espresso coffee, a warm welcome, and a personalised

service from people with a love and passion for the very best in

tile design that will ensure your visit is a memorable one.

innovative ideas that differentiates us

from our competitors.

Our top priority and company policy

revolve around helping customers find

products and designs that suit their

personal taste, together with the assur-

ance of a stress-free and pleasurable

shopping experience that will provide

each client with a comprehensive and

cost-effective tiling solution.

While our product knowledge, skills,

talent and infrastructure enable us to

offer a one-stop bathroom solution, our

expertise assists in the transformation

of complete homes as well as kitchens,

entertainment and outdoor areas.

Although the endless variety can

make it seem impossible to make

the right decision, our tile specialists

can help establish the choice of tile,

quantity and style, and we offer practi-

cal support at every stage of the job

– from onsite measuring to technical

and décor advice.

For further information on the full ser-

vice that San Marco can offer, contact

your nearest branch, or visit the web-

site: www.sanmarcotile.co.za

Come to San Marco – you will be

amazed and delighted!

BoksburgUnit 6, Atlas Lifestyle CentreCnr Atlas & Northrand Roads Boksburg, Gauteng Contact Details: 011 918 3800 Office 011 918 3847 Fax [email protected]

XavierUnit 2, Xavier Boulevardcnr. Vleiroos & Xavier DriveRobertsham, GautengContact Details: 011 680 8013 Office011 680 7289 Fax


TILE AFRICA is proud to announce the

arrival of a brand-new range of imported

tiles to complement their existing tile offer-

ing. The new additions present the latest

finishes and sizes, including large-format

600x600mm and 800x800mm glossy por-

celain tiles, glazed porcelain tiles in stone

and travertine finishes as well as super-shiny

Nano tiles.

Tough, resilient, practical and suitable for

inside the home as well as the great out-

doors, tiles add value, look beautiful and

provide many years of good service.

“Tiles are easy to maintain and a long-term

investment, making them the ideal choice

for flooring, especially in high-traffic areas,”

says Kate van Niekerk, marketing manager

for TILE AFRICA.

Boasting lifestyle displays that have been

specially planned and developed to showcase

their latest trends in flooring, bathroom and

kitchen designs, TILE AFRICA stores highlight

the most up-to-date décor styles and provide

fresh new ideas for homeowners.

Look out for the brand-new edition

of connexions, a style guide compiled

by TILE AFRICA which is available at all

stores. This beautiful coffee table book is

packed with ideas to inspire, encourage,

update and inform.

Tiles are arguably one of the

most versatile flooring options

used in many homes and come

in a multitude of colours, natural

textures and modern materials

that offer a vast creative palette.

Fancy floor work . . .

TILE AFRICA is giving away a copy of con-

nexions to each Great Flooring Guide reader.

Simply bring this page to your nearest

branch and you will receive a complimentary

copy while stocks last.

With an extensive selection of tiles, includ-

ing polished porcelain, ceramic, natural

stone and mosaic tiles, you can be sure to

find the right tile for your floors and walls by

visiting any one of the 40 TILE AFRICA retail

outlets nationwide.

For more information on TILE AFRICA, and

the vast range of exciting tile options they pro-

vide, visit www.tileafrica.co.za or call toll free:

0800 002 783.


Marble is one of the most elegant natural stones

with a classic beauty that is unparalleled. Most

homeowners use marble not only to increase the

value of their homes, but also to reflect a refined and

cultured taste. It is famous for dramatically changing a

bland space into a luxurious one.

Granite is one of the hardest and most durable

of all natural stone floors. Its smooth polish brings a

classically elegant feel to your home, and is a perfect

choice for hard surface applications where durability

and low maintenance are important, such as kitchen

countertops and high-traffic or hardworking floors. It

is also available in a flamed finish, which has a rough

surface texture, making it perfect for outdoor areas.

Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by

mineral springs and is usually found as a cream, tan or

reddish stone, but it is available in many colours from

silver to deep brown. Usually honed to a satin smooth

finish, travertine is also available brushed or polished,

and its highly attractive appearance adds classic beau-

ty to any room.

Limestone offers any space a naturally soft ele-

ment and is the perfect choice for giving your home a

refined rustic look. Your home could mirror the most

memorable French and English mansions, all of which

are famous for their beautiful limestone floors and

fireplaces.

Sandstone and soapstone. Sandstone is avail-

able in light pastel colours, often with beautiful fossils

appearing on the surface, and Soapstone is a softer,

denser stone, lighter in colour and yet more resistant

to stains. Both are very durable and easy to maintain.

Slate is a fine-grained natural stone with traces of

metal and earth. A stone with a more rustic feel, slate

is highly durable and available in many colours, provid-

ing an extremely attractive and hardwearing floorcover-

ing that is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

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

Natural stone . . .adding elegance to your home

back onto the floor. Care should also be taken

to ensure that not too much soap or deter-

gent 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 con-

tain abrasives that may scratch the stone.



FLOORS in Africa Help Line on 012 347 7530 and

we will put you in touch with the experts.

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 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.

Depending on the stone selected and

the amount of traffic it is subjected to,

these floors will require re-sealing after

a number of years. Ask your supplier or

flooring contractor to advise you on this

aspect.

Spend a lot of time with your supplier,

deciding which stone to use and which

accessories are needed to really bring the

floor to life. Then you can spend a lifetime

enjoying your natural stone floor.

Of all the floorcoverings

available to the modern

homeowner, natural

stone provides a feeling

of opulence and aesthet-

ic appeal combined with

exquisite natural beauty

and inherent durability

like no other.

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Pathways: The material choice here is nor-

mally determined by the usage of the path-

way; paths leading to the house or building

are usually an extension of the driveway,

which is likely to be block or brick paving.

In the garden areas, loose-laid gravel (or

small pebbles) is the cheapest available

material for paths, and apart from spread-

ing the stones over a reasonably com-

pacted sub-base to the required thickness

and ensuring that there is a path edging to

prevent them from spreading all over the

garden, it is the simplest to provide. Keep

them well away from pool areas though

– pebbles and stones are the last thing you

want in the pool!

Pebbles for use as paths are also available

in a different format. Graded and encap-

sulated in a special epoxy resin, they can

provide excellent walkways, non-slip pool

surrounds, patio and lapa floors, although

they may require some occasional recoat-

ing to offset the UV effects of the sun.

Clay brick or concrete pavers are always

popular, but those seeking a more natural

feel to garden paths often turn to various

types of stone, slate and slasto, while others

prefer cobblestones, flagstones, or even in-

situ embossing of concrete.

Patios and lapas: Most of the hard-sur-

face materials will work splendidly in these

areas, although many people favour the

use of terracotta, ceramic or porcelain tiles

and even interlocking rubber tiles for the

floors – but ensure that the correct tile is

selected for the application, and laid cor-

rectly.

Most of these tiles have no anti-slip prop-

erties unless they are bought specifically

for this purpose, so some anti-slip treat-

ment is recommended – particularly when

used around pool areas – but cast stone

flagstones or tiles offer a non-slip and natu-

ral look alternative.

Decking: Although most of the materi-

als used for outdoor areas can be used for

decking applications as well, natural or

engineered hardwood and bamboo are the

most commonly used.

Timber decking is stylish and will last a

lifetime if properly cared for. It is easy to

work with, which means it can be used

for any size or shape of deck that may be

required, and it can be painted, stained,

or left to weather naturally.

The most important consideration for

selecting what wood to use for a decking

installation is durability. A high resistance

to the conditions that will cause decay

means that only quality timber capable

of providing a minimum life of 15 years

should be selected.

Decking or patio floors of bamboo have

increased in popularity in recent years

because it is recognised as being one of

the most eco-friendly and sustainable

materials currently available, and its

strength and excellent weathering are

major factors in its favour.

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,

but some regular maintenance is also

required. The area needs to be kept clear

of weeds, and look for any cracking of

the surface, deterioration of the edges

of paths, the encroachment of tree roots,

and the general appearance of the area.

Any of these defects should be cor-

rected by a specialist, so check your guar-

antee and get the same people to carry

out the repairs.



FLOORS in Africa Help Line on

012 347 7530 and we will put you in touch

with the experts.

Preparation of the ground and sub-

strate 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.

To get the best out of their outdoor

living, homeowners look for design,

flair, aesthetic appeal, safety and dura-

bility in providing wonderful enter-

tainment areas for their homes, which

not only mean the traditional braai

areas, but also the search for unique

features such as quality decking and

fitted lapas.

Floors foroutside!

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


SMA

RTST

ON

E

Perfect for verandas and patios for trendy outdoor entertain-

ing, DuraTurf is the ideal foundation to make your friends green

with envy!

Turf out old ideas of high-maintenance lawn, this low-maintenance,

comfortable flooring can be used indoors or out. It’s a fabulous founda-

tion that blurs the lines between interior and exterior.

Try it in the courtyard or transform your rooftop into an evergreen

entertainment haven, or bring the outdoors in by putting it in

your sunroom.

Perfect for patios and poolsides, playrooms or courtyards, DuraTurf is

the low-maintenance grass that can be used anywhere you can think of.

Green over your balcony and enjoy skyrise cocktails, add colour and

texture to your veranda for sundowners or soften up ugly bare patch-

es under the kids’ jungle gym and swings. DuraTurf is great anywhere

Green with envy

Extend your living space and create an everlasting “green room” with DuraTurf artificial lawn from Belgotex Floorcoverings.

• Evergreen lawn all year round

• No mowing, weeding or watering

• Install over smooth or prepared even surfaces

• Water-wise

• UV-resistant

• Perfect for trouble spots

BENEFITS OF DURATURF

that natural grass wouldn’t be seen dead!

Available in natural-looking shades of green in eight different ranges

suited to any budget, DuraTurf is quick to install on even, or prepared

flat surfaces and is UV-resistant so won’t fade in our harsh sunlight

conditions.

No watering, no mowing and no weeding – DuraTurf is the grass

that lasts!

Belgotex Floorcoverings

Tel: 033 897 7500

Fax: 033 897 7700

Website: www.belgotexfloorcoverings.com


As the consumer demand for natural hardwood floors has grown, so has the ability of manufacturers to produce

better quality finishes and superior construction techniques. The result of those advances is that wood floors are

now available in both solid and engineered wood varieties, and can be installed over a wide variety of sub-floors.

are they all the same?

Engineered wood floors are of multi-

layered design, with a 0,6 - 6.0mm top

layer (of course the thicker the top layer, the

more times the floor can be renovated) of

the selected hardwood factory-applied to a

cross-laminate of hard pine or poplar wood

construction in three layers or multiply to

reduce and stabilise any movement in the

solid wood material. This design enables

more floor to be produced per tree than

solid wood, thus making far less environ-

mental impact.

The basic construction of a laminate

floorcovering is divided into four main sec-

tions: the stabilising bottom layer; the core;

the decorative layer; and the wear surface

– all put together under high pressure.

The bottom layer is a melamine-impreg-

nated paper that protects the underneath

parts of the floor from any damage, provides

dimensional stability to the planks, decreases

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

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WOOD, LAMINATES & BAMBOO -

BALTERIO GRANDEUR

the chances of the floor deforming or ‘bow-

ing’, and helps guard against moisture.

The next layer is the core board, usually

made from high-density fibreboard or par-

ticle board that may also contain melamine

plastic resins which help to improve the

moisture resistance of the core.

Then a decorative layer or print film is

adhered to the top of the core board,

which gives the floor its required faux finish

because it is in effect a printed high-resolu-

tion photo-reproduction of wood grain or

natural stone – or almost any other ‘picture’ if

the demand is strong enough.

The wear layer is basically the transparent

sheet over the decorative layer that gives the

surface its strength. This overlay is impreg-

nated with melamine – almost the same

finish as provided on kitchen countertops

– and sometimes it contains aluminium

oxide as well. Either way, the surface has

exceptional durability.

The wear layer makes the laminate floor

resistant to abrasion, scratches, fading,

impact and indentation, cigarette burns,

chemicals, and stains; they never need wax-

ing, polishing or sanding; and have a very

low-maintenance requirement – regular

vacuuming and a wipe with a damp cloth is

all that is needed to keep the floor clean.

Bamboo can be an attractive alternative to

hardwood because it is eco-friendly, dimen-

sionally stable, and does not have the same

expansion and contraction problems as

hardwood, which means it can be installed

in a high-moisture environment with less

concerns. It also handles temperature fluc-

tuations better and shows less warping, cup-

ping and bulging tendencies, and has a great

resistance to flammability.

Vertical and horizontal grain of bamboo is

similar in hardness to that of Oak however

the strand-woven bamboo is extraordinary

as it is at least twice as hard as Oak so would

be better for those high traffic areas.

Manufactured in planks with tongue-and-

groove edges, bamboo floors are installed

just like engineered hardwood floors

– glued down, nailed down or installed as

a semi-floating floor on Elastilon, and can

be installed over many different types of

subfloor to provide homeowners with a cost-

effective, eco-friendly, durable, low-mainte-

nance, long-lasting and aesthetically pleas-

ing floor that will be the envy of all visitors.

Keeping these floors cleanWood, laminate and bamboo floors 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 trafficked 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.

Never buy cheap wood, bamboo or laminate floorcoverings – these will not last and will require very expensive early replacement. (Visit www.

sawlfa.co.za for best recognised brands.)

Make sure you get a well-known brand – and a guarantee (for both the product and its installation).

Use suppliers 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 organisations protect and sustain forests world wide.

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.

Check if your installed floor needs sealing.

>> FROM PAGE 35

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


BUYING TIPS BALT

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New Naturals, Loft, Essentials and First Line ranges of laminates

from Belgotex Floorcoverings offer a variety of decorative wood

finishes and colours that recreate the beauty of Mother Nature.

The extensive selection ranges from the full spectrum of dark and

light natural wood finishes to coloured options or the popular dis-

tressed and limewashed treatments currently in vogue.

Designed to emulate natural wood in every aspect, Berry Floor’s

Woodstructure and WoodView replicate the grain and grooves of

natural species in either oiled or natural finishes.

Scratch-, stain- and impact-resistant, BerryFloor laminates boast the

patented BerryLoc system which is the strongest joint on the market,

guaranteeing a flawlessly smooth surface for up to 25 years.


Tel: 033 897 7500

Fax: 033 897 7700

Website: www.belgotexfloorcoverings.com

Berry Floor wood laminates answer the call

for the natural look and feel of wood with-

out destroying tree life.

Laminate life


Although there are scores of varieties of

bamboo, the fast-growing variety used

for flooring is not part of the panda’s diet –

and one of the main suppliers of this aestheti-

cally pleasing and environmentally friendly

hardwood floorcovering is Alco Exotic Green

Building Products who are the sole South

African agents for Sennorwell Bamboo.

Sennorwell Bamboo is an “A” Grade product

that is available with Sennorwell’s very own

precision patented “Tap & Go” locking system,

making installations simpler, and putting this

product in a class of its own, with fewer tools

required to install, less time on site and no

gluing required for the provision of a stable,

stylish and highly durable floor.

The Sennorwell bamboo flooring imported

and distributed by Alco is an eco-friendly

material that is factory pre-finished to provide

an exceptionally hardwearing surface that is

hygienic and allergy-free, requiring very little

maintenance. In fact, regular sweeping or

vacuuming, and an occasional ‘once over’ with

a micro-fibre pad, will keep these floors in

pristine condition.

Alco’s extensive range includes strand-

woven, vertical and horizontal bamboo floor-

ing with both tongue-and-groove and

Tap & Go locking installation systems, and

matching profiles. The product range is con-

stantly growing and part of their new range

will include unfinished product for the cus-

tomised market.

To further enhance the claim to be one

of South Africa’s foremost importers and

distributors of bamboo products, Alco has

recently introduced a range of eco-friendly

unfinished bamboo products that includes

flooring, decking, furniture board, cladding,

lumber and posts.

All harvested from environmentally con-

trolled sources, the bamboo flooring ranges

marketed by Alco are 100% natural solid

renewable bamboo with superior strength

and density that ensure its durability.

Alco in association with Protech specialises

in the worldwide procurement of quality

flooring, and the warehousing, stockholding

and supply of these materials to the flooring

trade – a function that has earned both Alco

and Protech an enviable reputation for atten-

tion to detail and customer care.

All materials are offered with full technical

support and accreditation by international

Bamboo options with aBamboo flooring is fast becoming one of the most sought-after

floorcoverings in the country. Originally it may have gained interest

from having a certain ‘novelty’ value (Pandas eat it – can it be used as a

floor?) but it has rapidly gained popularity as a hardwearing, low-main-

tenance, exotically beautiful floorcovering that is great value for money.

and local authorities, and the company works

closely with specialist installers and applica-

tors to ensure that the products perform to

optimum manufacturer’s specifications.

It is this excellent service and support pro-

vided on a national basis – together with the

sourcing of exceptionally high-quality pro-

ducts – that has assured Alco of an increasing

market share in the provision of bamboo

flooring, with a considerable and growing list

of satisfied customers.

For further information on the products

and service provided by Alco Exotic Green

Building Products, contact the numbers or

visit the website shown below.

Distribution available nationally.Alco Exotic Green Building Products

Tel: 021 552 7733

Fax: 021 552 7736


Website: www.bamboofloorsa.co.za

difference!


Gauteng: Pretoria 012 803 4376KZN: Hammarsdale 072 622 7400

www.bedson.co.zawww.mesopotamiaflooring.com

Protecting your decking investment

LUXURY LEISURE LASTING VALUE

SOLID Timber DeckingMaximising the use of your social areaBedson Decking as the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living


Everyone’s favourite floors...

N a t u r a l l y , y o u p r e f e r q u a l i t y !

Solid Woodengineered and laminate floors

Decking

complete wooden floor solutions • floor & deck maintenance • professional advice and designs

0861 tiMBer • 011 465 4150

www.rhomstimberworld.co.za


c a r p e t s

The art of decor at your feet.by

Nextstep Flooring (Pty) Ltd

Importers and Distributorsof Quality Decorative Floor Products

Contact us for your closest Authorised Dealer021 534 0870

[email protected]

floorproducts.egger.com stylelimited.com

THE GREEN ALTERNATIVE TO HARD WOOD

Strandwoven Bamboo Floor Products

Bamboo floors are

Bamboo is fast becoming the most popular choice of flooring for

homeowners, particularly those that have concerns about the ecology,

because it is a flooring option that considers the environment and is

extremely hardwearing and attractive at the same time.

Worldwide, there

is an ongoing

requirement to pro-

vide ever cleaner, ever

stronger and ever more

technologically advanced

construction and decora-

tion materials.

Ecostrong bamboo is

one of these products.

The company was formed

to promote and distribute

Ecostrong bamboo floor-

ing in Southern Africa.

Bamboo is the latest

trend in flooring and pan-

els, providing a beautiful,

sustainable and renew-

able alternative to solid

timber or laminate floor-

ing and custom joinery.

More and more people

are finding out about the

seemingly endless ben-

efits of bamboo in both

looks and practicality.

Ecostrong offers a range

of bamboo products

including flooring, wall

cladding and furniture

panels, with products that

are sourced from repu-

table manufacturers.

Sustainable bamboo

Bamboo is a rapidly

renewable resource; it

is self-regenerating,

growing to maturity and

achieving optimum hard-

ness in approximately 5

years. It has high carbon-

absorption rates and

releases oxygen into the

atmosphere.

There is both minimum

waste and minimal pollu-

tion in its harvesting and

increasingly popular


production – all parts of the bamboo plant are

utilised to produce a multitude of products. It is

also highly termite-resistant. Bamboo products

are harder and more resistant to moisture than

popular hardwoods such as Red Oak and Cherry.

About bambooBamboo is a naturally beautiful and durable

alternative to our limited global supply of hard-

wood and, like traditional timber, is a natural

organic substance.

It is technically a grass, not wood, and is found

in tropical and sub-tropical climates throughout

the world – particularly China. Once the bamboo

has been harvested and processed it is more

stable and harder than most old-growth forest

hardwoods.

With a tensile strength superior to mild steel

and a weight-to-strength ratio surpassing that of

graphite, bamboo is regarded as the strongest

growing wood plant on earth.

In conclusion, Ecostrong bamboo flooring and

panels should be the natural selection for your

next building project and because bamboo is

environmentally friendly, it will no doubt

become an increasingly popular choice in

the 21st century.

Ecostrong

Tel: 011 552 8480,

Fax: 086 530 6230


Website: www.ecostrong.co.za

Environmentally sustainable

– Ecostrong bamboo flooring is an

attractive alternative to hardwood

floors, and is derived from the

forests of a rapidly growing renew-

able resource.

Easy installation – bamboo floor-

ing compares favourably with tradi-

tional solid select timber floors and

is pre-finished, alleviating the need

for sanding and sealing on site.

Coupled with its price advantage,

bamboo floors are creating signifi-

cant interest for their aesthetics

and other qualities over existing

hardwood alternatives.

Very stable under humid and dry

conditions.

Bamboo flooring is allergy-free.

Ecostrong bamboo floorboards

are manufactured with non-toxic

glues and are finished with alu-

minium oxide.

Ecostrong bamboo floors also have

high UV resistance, blocking the

sun’s harmful rays and protecting

the floor from fading over time.

Easy cleaning is another aspect in

its favour, since bamboo flooring

doesn’t trap dirt, and most spills

can be cleaned up with a damp

mop or sponge.

Very low emissions through waste

and pollution, the result is a very

environmentally friendly product.

Ecostrong bamboo floors are very

hard and durable, and provide

excellent warranty protection.

A complementary range of Bamboo

furniture panels is available for cus-

tom joinery applications to match

your bamboo floors.

Advantages of Bamboo


LAMINATE ENGINEERED WOODSOLID BAMBOO

The WONDeRS OF ALL WOOD WORLDS!

Azura Distributors | www.azura.co.za | 011 837 8462 | [email protected]

Australia

Importers and Distributors of internationally known quality brands

Belgium Germany Malaysia

Visit our website at www.azura.co.za to find out more and explore with the online room designer.

3mm Solid Rubber Underlay Excel Silent Barrier with built in Moisture Barrier

NEW

Modern resilients are attractive, high-

quality floorcoverings that retain

their good looks and performance under

the hardest working conditions. Because

of their durability, underfoot comfort, aes-

thetic appeal, long-lasting beauty and cost

effectiveness, resilient flooring can be used

throughout any home, and the ease of clean-

ing and removing spills as well as its mois-

ture resistance are important reasons why so

many homeowners prefer it.

Vinyl sheet & tileDurable, good-looking and easy to keep

clean, vinyl floors are amongst the best floor-

ing options available today.

The latest developments include luxury

vinyl tiles (LVT) which are flexible and have a

PVC wear layer with a polyurethane surface

treatment, a print film layer to provide the

decoration (usually a wood or stone look-

alike), and a polyester or polypropylene mat

backing.

LinoleumAlmost totally made from natural materials,

linoleum (and its derivatives) has an exten-

sive working life, is a great thermal insulator,

and is extremely quiet and shock absorbing,

and it is hypoallergenic - great for hypersen-

sitive people.

Available in a variety of patterns and both

bright and subtle colours, linoleum will grace

any room in the house.

CorkCork is an eco-friendly flooring material

which is available in coloured form, printed

with a pattern, or in its natural tones and

shades, and it is warm, resilient, naturally

hypoallergenic and resistant to mould and

mildew.

Cork is warm to walk on, extremely quiet

with natural sound-absorbing qualities, and

it is resistant to mould and mildew.

RubberThese days, rubber flooring is made in a wide

array of attractive colours – not just black

– and is available in sheet or tile form, with

studded surfaces if required.

It is virtually indestructible, quiet and warm

to walk on, impact- and stain-resistant, and

its waterproof surface has an anti-slip finish.

Made from natural materials, some rubber

floorcoverings are made from reclaimed rub-

ber tyres, and in turn are all recyclable.

PVCThese tiles are available in various sizes,

surface finishes, and pleasant colour ranges.

They can be provided with an attractive

studded surface to provide a non-slip surface

when used in ‘wet’ areas, and are in great

demand from homeowners for kitchens,

bathrooms and children’s playrooms.

Interlocking tiles are also available, mak-

ing them ideal for areas where they can be

loose-laid without adhesive and with mini-

mal sub-floor preparation.

Keeping resilients cleanWith the new surface finishes now available,

all these floors require is to be kept free of

any grit or dirt, swept or vacuumed regularly,

and cleaned with a damp cloth with a neu-

tral detergent and clean water which should

be changed often throughout the cleaning

process – but never use any cleaner that has

an alcohol or abrasive content.

In general, resilient floorings seem to last

for ever whilst retaining their good looks.

Take a look at the resilient options the next

time you are considering a new floorcover-

ing. You will be pleasantly surprised.


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.

Resilient floors -

* 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

imperfections will “grin through” the floor once laid.

* He should also check the subfloor for moisture before laying commences, and ensure that

the correct adhesive is being used (in accordance with the recommendations of the

manufacturer or the supplier).

* Check with your supplier or flooring contractor if the resilient flooring you have selected

needs sealing.

* Finally, the eternal warning to the uninitiated: Don’t buy cheap – it is always expensive in

the end. BUYING TIPS

The good-looking, long-suffering, value for money floors!


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

OBJ

ECTF

LOR

BILD

ALBERT CARPETS

EarthWerks Grandeco is available in vinyl wood plank and vinyl concrete tile finishes. Now also available in Unisono, Black and White tiles.

www.earthwerks.co.za

Albert Carpets Cape Town 021 464 4320

Carpet Discount House & Interiors Knysna 044 382 0861

East Cape Carpet Contractors Port Elizabeth 041 585 8107

Flordek Windhoek 0926461 233913

Franks Flooring George 044 884 1205

Kevin Bates Flooring & Carpeting Johannesburg 011 608 4270

Laminate Flooring Direct East London 043 722 6041

Nolans Flooring Plettenberg Bay 044 533 1252


c a r p e t s

Adding a fashionable foundation to every floor,

Woodmark comes in a variety of authentic wooden

colours from the lighter oak shades to darker mahogany

hues, as well as popular whitewashed finishes.

Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, lounges or any high-traffic

area, Woodmark is quick to install and even easier to clean

– the cushioned surface is hygienic, scratch-resistant and insu-

lates against cold and impact noise, with a non-slip, waterproof

coating and protective wear layer for extra durability.

What’s more, you’ll be right on trend with the “greenies”

as Woodmark vinyl flooring meets the most stringent emis-

sion standards with extremely low VOC (Volatile Organic

Compound) emissions, making it the perfect fashionable

foundation in any eco-conscious home.


Tel: 033 897 7500

Fax: 033 897 7700

Luxury Woodmark cushioned vinyl from Belgotex Floorcoverings brings vinyl floors back in vogue.

BENEFITS OF WOODMARK VINYL

• Quick to install

• Easy to clean

• Hygienic

• Scratch-resistant, protective wear layer

• Non-slip, waterproof surface

• Insulates against cold

• Absorbs noise

• Eco-friendly low VOC levels

Vinyl vogue


Available in a novel “plank” tile suitable for wood-

looks rather than the usual square tile or old-fash-

ioned rolls of linoleum we’re accustomed to, Hartsfield

recreates the gleaming beauty of natural wood without

the cost or maintenance headaches.

Go au naturel with the natural good looks of Canadian

or English Maple, American Cherry, Brazilian Walnut and

Saddle Oak, add subtle colour with Rustic Jade or Rustic

Amber or opt for the appeal of Barnwood.

Quick and easy to install, simply lay Hartsfield luxury

vinyl planks over any smooth, even surface and transform

a room with the grains and patterns of your favourite

wood species! Suitable for heavy-traffic areas, Hartsfield

can be cleaned with normal vinyl cleaners but should not

be subjected to heavy abrasive scrubbing.

Hartsfield is a heavy commercial-grade flooring and car-

ries a 10-year commercial warranty.

For further information please call (033) 897-7500.

Novel ideaNew Novalis Hartsfield vinyl planks from

Belgotex Floorcoverings are a novel idea

for a flooring makeover.

BENEFITS OF HARTSFIELD LUXURY VINYL TILES

• Novel luxury vinyl planks

• Eight colours in different wood species

• Easy to clean

• Commercial-grade flooring suitable for heavy-traffic areas

• 10-year commercial warranty

• Less noise - vinyl planks are quieter than wood


Natural fibre floor coverings for a sophisticated and exquisite look

Limaro House

70 Northlands Deco Park

Northriding

Johannesburg

Tel: +27 11 462 9848

+27 21 554 5181

+27 31 764 5615

Fax: +27 11 462 9849

Website: www.kambali.co.za

Email: [email protected]

Specializing & consulting in flooring solutions for 45years

Environmentally friendly

The choice of interior decorators

Specialized fitting

Great Flooring Guide 2010

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Transcript of Great Flooring Guide 2010