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Contract Flooring Journal (CFJ) the latest news for flooring contractors

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Help and advice

Technical services – a testing place to work

Stephen Thornton provides insight into some of the duties undertaken by the technical services team...

Inspire your customers with colour and texture

The creative possibilities which come with modern timber floor refinishing techniques shouldn’t be sniffed at,...

Don’t get caught out by IR35 and off-payroll working

Floorlayers working through their own companies, and the contractors they work for, need to ensure...

Keeping an eye on the fine print

Barry Ashmore explains how contracts should be set up and advises flooring contractors on what they...

Refurbishments – you never know what you might uncover

Problems on refurbishments can be avoided by doing a thorough and intrusive assessment of the...
donna-hannaway

Guaranteed deliveries ensure refurbishments stay on schedule

Donna Hannaway discusses how contractors can ensure guaranteed supplies of their chosen flooring solution. CARPET tiles are...

Phew! What a scorcher!

Richard Renouf grapples with an inspection where, as happens from time to time, crucial information...

Fast-track smoothing compounds

Many recent developments in smoothing compounds have been driven by the desire to speed up the...

Carpet tiles, moisture and condensation

Richard Renouf recently inspected new office blocks where carpet tiles were lifting around the edges. Here’s...

The 5 Ps: perfect preparation prevents poor performance

When it comes to floor preparation and moisture testing in particular, Shane uses the five...

The ways your hardwood floor surface can wear

Richard Aylen investigates the various factors that bring a hardwood floor to the point at...

Are you still working with DCM?

If you want me to stop banging the DCM-free drum, says Rachael Morgan, then make...

Dealing with movement joints

Using a real-life example, Jason Tatton looks at issues arising when installing floorcoverings where movement...

Handling an employment tribunal claim

Adam Bernstein explains why taking legal advice at an early stage will ensure an employer understands...

Marketing for flooring contractors this year

2024 won’t be so much about doing new things, as building on proven activity in...

What does your construction contract say about insolvency?

Frances Antoniak, Fintan Wolohan and Nicola Deedes discuss the importance of scrutinising your contract to...

Fuzzy side up

Roy Barker looks at how the conceptual minimalisation of flooring is failing the construction industry. MOST,...

Fire Safety: New building safety regime is now live

Tom Weld elaborates on the final elements of the new building safety regime introduced by...

Oil-treated wooden floors: the full story

Richard Aylen looks at what lies behind the natural beauty of an oil-treated solid timber...

Shining the spotlight on calcium sulphates

Paul Sycamore talks through some facts when dealing with calcium sulphate screeds, including the properties...

Talking away trouble

Using examples from the flooring industry, Adam Bernstein outlines why more employers are looking to...

Swallow your pride and do a deal

There are definitely times when it’s better to settle the matter and put it behind...

A safe bet

Mark Hoskins considers one of the most common dilemmas faced by hospital estates managers and...
lewis-cooper

Fighting the spread of infections using flooring

As one of the largest interior surfaces in any building, there’s no better place to...

Why green issues need to get the gold treatment

Flooring manufacturers across the world are companies just like any other and need to take ownership...

A laser-like focus on measuring

When it comes to measuring, Richard Renouf advises you to use whatever’s best for you,...

What are you doing to improve your installers’ work environment?

Whether you are a national contractor or a local carpet shop, the safety of your installers...
Chris-McQuade

Handling the heat

Chris McQuade gives advice to floorlayers wishing to install floorcoverings where underfloor heating is present. FLOORING installations...

Overcoming delays on construction sites with on-time deliveries

Andrew Tavener explains how to take advantage of proven software solutions such as accurate delivery...

Tooling trials

To help contractors expand their tooling portfolio and achieve effective surface preparation, Becky Duncan highlights...

Smoothing compounds selection – it’s right for you, but is it right for the job?

Adam Jones talks through the different types of smoothing compounds manufacturers such as Bostik have...

The power of the PDF for sharing and lead generation

Barry explains how the humble PDF can play an important role in sales and marketing...

Exploring hardwood floor installation techniques

Richard Aylen takes a closer look at different installation methods for hardwood floors. IN my role...

Don’t shoot the messenger

Richard Renouf says he sometimes feels the need for a hardhat when his inspections don’t...

Not your typical winter working warning

Choose the right products, condition and acclimatise the materials in the intended environment, and very...

Balancing price and quality

WITH inflation having a double effect on the flooring business as rising costs squeeze margins...

Giving flooring a sustainable foundation

Sustainability is increasingly popular in commercial and industrial spaces. Jason explains how increasing use of...

A question of money

Let’s review the basics of getting paid, says Barry, in an analysis of choices contractors...

Why resin floors tick the awards box

When resin floors were entered into this year’s CFJ Awards, they won 50% of the...

A right royal resin round-up

Ed Birch looks at resin-flooring projects across the commercial sector. Flowstone: Hand sanitiser manufacturing plant, County...

What is LVT?

Rob Eckersley explains what LVT is, its benefits, and provides a guide for those who...

Regulations and considerations when fitting LVT transitions

Tim Hayes explains the regulations that must be taken into consideration when fitting LVT transitions. LVT...
mark-atkins

Patio maintenance – staying one step ahead

Keeping on top of patio maintenance can help eliminate issues and ensure outdoor areas are...

Does LVT flooring work with underfloor heating?

Stuart Hicks elaborates on the use of underfloor heating with LVT and its benefits. LVT is...

Tips for laying tile effect stickdown LVT

Steve Ball shares his top tips for floorlayers when it comes to installing tile effect...

Why LVTs are a versatile solution

Craig Tornhill explains no matter the project requirements or subfloor condition, there are solutions available...

Using adhesives correctly

Steve Thornton explains how to use adhesives correctly when it comes to the installation of...

How to zone specific areas with LVT designs

As wellbeing remains a key design influence, Louisa Eyles shares her expertise on howLVT flooring...

How can ongoing maintenance be improved?

Alec Stacey explains how to simplify the maintenance of LVTs. LUXURY Vinyl Tiles continue to be...
lewis-cooper

Carpet tiles provide plentiful options for commercial design

Lewis Cooper explores the benefits of carpet tiles for your project. IN keeping with the recent...

No! Don’t do it like that!

To help crews overcome productivity barriers onsite, Dave Bigham highlights some bad habits he often...

Igniting a discussion on lignite

Lignite is often overlooked, says Shane Moore, particularly where the installer may not know how...

Cutting corners

The damage that can result from not using the correct specialists at a flooring installation...

Taking the risk out of adhesives

If you change one thing in 2023 let it be your spray adhesive, Rachael Morgan...

Giving flooring a sustainable foundation

Jason McWilliams looks at how sustainable flooring can help reduce a building’s environmental impact. PEOPLE have...

Refurbishment remedies

Jason Tatton looks at common issues arising during refurbishments and offers advice on how to...

When should flooring contractors compensate in a customer dispute?

Should you pay up or resist compensation when a client is unhappy? Ciarán Harkin gives...

An A-Z of marketing for flooring contractors

Barry Ashmore drills down into exactly how contractors can use marketing to benefitthemselves and their...

Success on large project sites with Recofloor

Are you working with vinyl flooring on large project sites? Carla Eslava explains how the...

Rapid refurbishments with adhesive-free flooring

Karen Wilding explores the benefits of fast flooring for refurbishment projects. IN the fast-paced world of...

Tailored support

A successful digital strategy needs to utilise a range of digital media to suit different...

Do you have a gap in your knowledge when it comes to floating floors?

It’s essential any product to be fitted as a floating floor must have a minimum...

Choosing a wooden floor: why one type of wood over another?

When it comes to wood flooring, choice is hugely important. Richard Aylen takes a closer...

How do you know that?

This is a question Paul Sycamore asked a lot when he joined the trade, and...

Chipboard challenge

John Green draws on a real-life, timesaving solution for preparing chipboard subfloors. Continuing the format of...

Employee ownership can solve many modern business concerns

Evidence suggests wider employee ownership offers benefits to employees, businesses and the wider economy, including...

Removing risk from your flooring startup

It may be a risky gambit, but starting a new flooring business from scratch and...

Ignore this article at your peril!

Take action to safeguard your business from the catastrophic impact of delay and disruption.If you...

How to claim cashback

Steve Boulton explains how to claim cashback on all purchases of F Ball and Co’s...

Here’s why screeds fail

Padraic McGrath looks at why some screeds fail and, more importantly, how you can correct...

Transforming electric UFH installations

Alistair Bell explains how the next generation of electric UFH cables can drastically transform installations...

How to bring nature inside to createmore user-focused interiors

Scott Hosie explains why natural floorcoverings can bring a wealth of benefits for all kinds...

You never know what you might uncover during a refurb

Problems on refurbishments can be avoided by doing a thorough and intrusive assessment of the...

Hunting high and low to raise cash

There are many ways to invest, but good advice is key. Flooring companies need to...

Sorry about the mess!

Dave Bigham goes behind the scenes of floor removal to explain best practice and, in...

Copywriting: a short guide for flooring contractors

Barry takes a look at content and how flooring contractors can write good marketing or...

Peter Dumigan on harzards of the job

Professional tradesmen and women know that working onsite can be a hazardous business. Minor injuries...

Floor removal: how much is too much?

Some believe continuous floor removal ruins the substrate, the choice of machine tooling is often...
lewis-cooper

Sticking to deadlines: how adhesive-free flooring can transform education spaces

Lewis Cooper explains how adhesive-free floorcoverings can help minimise disruption, enabling contractors to meet project...
Chris-McQuade

Dealing with uncommon subfloor types

Chris McQuade advises on identifying and working over less familiar types of subfloor during an...

Fourteen things you need to know about contract programmes

Programmes present many pitfalls for the unwary flooring contractor.So, what should the ‘streetwise’ subbie bear...

Taking the Mick with click?

Richard Renouf attends a complaint where the click LVT was apparently ‘impossible’ to install.The product...

Working over calcium sulphate screeds

Continuing the format of recent articles drawing on real situations as examples of best practice...

Where you’ll need a high temperature adhesive

Matthew explains why, when working in a conservatory, near bi-fold doors or in any area...

Get a grip on slip

Christian Harris explains why flooring businesses need to know (more) about slip resistance. I’M Christian and...

Embedding health and safety

Adam Bernstein speaks to James Lowe, regulatory partner at Wright Hassall LLP, about the best...

You don’t need millions to market your business

A philosophy known as ‘The Rule of Seven’ is based on the fact each prospective...

Reinforcing brand identity with custom flooring

Karen Wilding explains how bespoke flooring schemes can be created using customflocked flooring. Flocked flooring is...

The stages of subfloor preparation

Neil Sanders talks through the necessary preparation procedures to achieve a flawless flooring finish. The application...

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish 2.0– for all flooring contractors

To protect your flooring business, you need good quality, cost effective professional advice, says Barry...

The danger of making assumptions

Richard Renouf elaborates on a case where the biggest single factor that led to a...
Chris-McQuade

Dealing with age

Continuing the format of last month’s article from a flooring expert, Chris McQuade relays project-based...

The future is bright – provided we recognise the value of what we have

Here, in the first of what will be a series of columns for CFJ, Simon...

Selecting the appropriate primer

Priming is, in Adam’s experience, an often misunderstood and under-appreciated aspect of subfloor preparation. What...
lewis-cooper

Flooring in the changing office

Office design has adapted to new styles of working, with many offices offering employees the...

Flooring installations in dampand humid environments

Neil Sanders discusses the variables to consider when determining how to ensure long-lasting resilient flooring...

Levelling subfloors before applying a waterproof surface membrane

FLOORING contractors are used to applying a waterproof surface membrane before a levelling compound when...

The march away from ‘solvents’

We’re now, for many reasons, seeing an inexorable march away from spirit-based sealers. While some...

Don’t suppress the need to float

Fitting things on top of a floating floor can lead to problems. For some this...

With an eye on the current fashion

How you can stay on trend as a contractor without throwing away a perfectly good...

Raising the level

John Green explains how to raise floor levels quickly and easily with the aid of...

Decisions, decisions

Adam Jones elaborates on what to look at when you’re choosing a single or two-component...

LVT – the key to longevity in leisure and hospitality environments

After a rocky couple of years, many leisure and hospitality firms may be looking to...

Imaginative designs inspire optimism for the future

As we move firmly into a post-Covid world, Fleur looks at how the boundaries of...

Endless possibilities with thePlusfloor Vero collection

One of the many benefits of installing a glue-down LVT system as opposed to click-lock...

LVT, wellness and workplace design

Louisa Eyles discusses the connection between sanctuary spaces, wayfinding and wellbeing. Wellness is going to be...

I’ve received a claim form because aclient is suing me. What should I do?

All court documents have a deadline for response, so act quickly and don’t put it...

How long will my diamond tooling last?

There’s no definitive answer to tooling lifespan – in reality, job site conditions dictate how...

A customer has asked me for my public liability insurance details as they want to make a claim. Do I have to give them...

Public liability insurance gives you cover for accidental damage and other problems that might arise...

What is the key to installing a spectacular sports floor?

The key to a spectacular sports floor depends on who you ask. With many stakeholders...

Do looselay products in installations represent a challenge to the future of adhesive manufacturers?

Looselay flooring offers additional flexibility to design contemporary interiors in spaces where a glue-down product...

How much should I have in my toolkit?

You never know what’s going to happen, so preparation is key. If you’re not prepared...

When should contractors use glue-less click flooring?

Glue-less click flooring is suitable for many types of installations, especially refurbs and on jobs...

What are the benefits of having your own showroom?

We pride ourselves on offering a personal and tailored service to all our clients, whatever...

Why is polyurethane screed flooring important for the food sector?

Polyurethane flooring systems are the de facto standard for flooring in the food sector owing...

Who is responsible for subfloor preparation?

The simple answer is that it’s the floorlayer’s responsibility to ensure a subfloor is suitable...

When would you use a metal bond diamond instead of a PCD?

Before initial surface preparation, contractors should assess the concrete they’re due to prepare before choosing...
mark-atkins

How do you avoid rust outbreaks from ferrous hard stones?

‘Rust or orange-coloured ‘iron break-out’ can appear naturally within hard ferrous-type stone pavers, like sandstone,...

What should a contractor do if he hasn’t been paid for an installation?

A flooring contractor’s efforts to get paid are often thwarted by their lack of attention...

Why does using self-smoothing screed products require less manual correction to a floor level?

Self-smoothing products need less manual correction owing to its flowing liquid consistency. When pump applied,...

Is homeworking killing the office contract flooring sector?

The global pandemic may have changed forever the way in which we work, bringing in...

Why should sustainability influence how carpets are made?

Sustainability and the circular economy will be even more important in 2023 as customers look...

How does a solvent-free repair resin system fix non-structural cracks in screeds?

Cracks will sometimes appear in screeds, either by forced drying, settlement or naturally through the...

How do contractors ensure they are using the best adhesive available?

Choosing the best adhesive is one of the most important decisions in any flooring installation....

Is there a magic formula to winning a big flooring contract?

The way to approach any new tender is to focus on a few different factors,...

Making the right choice

Neil Sanders offers his straightforward guide to contractors with respect to selecting the optimum vinyl...

Fast flooring: The solution for any project

Adhesive-free flooring can be used in various sectors from offices and retail to healthcare and...

When are speciality adhesives required?

Circumstances sometimes dictate more speciality adhesives are required to provide the correct installation integrity and...

The best of both worlds

Connie Hardy explores how the next generation of walk-behind flooring removal equipment can benefit contractors. WE...

Weighing up the volume

When it comes to determining value for your money when purchasing adhesives, it pays to...

The devil is in the details

What can affect the lifespan of the lacquer finish on your hardwood floor?Richard Aylen makes...

Bouncing back better

By using construction logistics intelligently, we can minimise the impact and deliver construction materials much...

How to maintain your machine battery lifespan

When it comes to selecting surface preparation equipment, Geoff Putz provides some tips about how...

What’s in store – threats or opportunities?

2023 could be a year of great opportunity for your business but first we need...
lewis-cooper

Changing office trends call for readily available and affordable flooring solutions

As such, flooring contractors may see a rise in office refurbishments and in turn, will...
Tina Chander

When your employee suffers a loss

As an employer, it’s inevitable you’ll at some point be faced with an employee who...

The award you don’t want to win

The worst subfloor Richard Renouf has ever come across was in a former Soviet bloc...

Hard goods require heavy duty

Nick White explains how to select the best equipment for hard goods removal and outlines...

Dealing with weak or friable screeds

Jason Tatton relays a solution provided by the company’s technical service teamto avoid completely removing...

Overcoming challenges in educational facilities

David Powell investigates the demands placed on flooring contractors with respect to educational facilities, particularly...

New money for old rope

Barry Ashmore (and Geoff Noake) give the lowdown on what a flooring contractor should avoid...

Restore the floor

Rohit Sharma on how the renewal of sports hall surfaces hits the ground running. SURFACES in...

Innovations in adhesives

Stephen Boulton talks through some of the latest innovations around continuous advancements in adhesives technology...
Tina Chander

Zero hour contracts: getting into the weeds

Tina Chander defines zero hour contracts, explains what you need to know aboutthem and outlines...

Biophilic design can help us adaptto a changing world

Spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive impact on physical health...

Let the creak speak

Whether it’s engineered wood, laminate or anything else, flooring shouldn’t creak and if it does,...

PSAs – when to use, and when not to use

When it comes to PSAs, always follow the flooring manufacturer’s installation guide and the adhesive...

The hazards and pitfalls of incorporation

Company tax law can trip up a firm and its owners regardless of the business...

Heavy-duty solution for a heavy-duty environment

Using a real-life example of advice provided by F Ball’s technical service team on the...

Penny wise, pound foolish

Our headline this month might be an old phrase and/or one that isn’t familiar to...

Staining and colouring methods for hardwood floors

Richard Aylen talks dyes, primers, oils, sheens and vacuum coloured floorboards. One of the many reasons...

Mix match flooring and oil finishes

Wooden flooring trends, from parquet and plank designs, to ‘outside-in’ trend and oiled floors. Combining flooring...

Let’s renew, not replace

Are the days of brand new installations floundering in favour of an alternative approach which...

Don’t let safety slip

When it comes to healthcare settings, Craig Thornhill looks at the key areas to consider...

Installing floorcoverings on raised access flooring

During floorcoverings installations, particularly in offices and admin areas, a common substrate is raised access...

Money-saving tax tips for the self-employed

Oumesh Sauba says that the self-employed, by putting aside just a few hoursevery week, can...

Water, water everywhere

John Green shares a fast-track solution for installing floorcoverings as part ofa refurbishment after flood...
anna-bithrey

Lies on CVs can be costly for all concerned

What are the legalities surrounding dishonesty on CVs? Anna Bithrey evaluates what employerscan do to...

A flooring contractor’s marketing selection box for Christmas

In his final column before Christmas, Barry Ashmore presents a ‘selection box’ of subjectsand issues...
ellen-reith

Making office refurbs quicker using new technologies

Ellen Reith discusses how office refurbishments can be completed swiftly and sustainably, thanks to new...

The march away from ‘solvents’

We’re now, for many reasons, seeing an inexorable march away from spirit-based sealers. While some...

Growing pains

It’s impossible to say where Brexit leaves us at the moment, and to an extent...

A curate’s egg?

Has Brexit had a significant impact on the flooring industry? Or is it just a...

When the lights turn green

Do Green Guide ratings still have a role to play in assessing environmental impact?Rob Firman...

When to think about your ink

Although many tradespeople have tattoos without it being an issue, do corporate officeworkers in the...

Contracts under the microscope

Katarina Morgan explains the differences between cancelling and terminating a contract, and why these matters...

Moving and maintaining your flooring machinery

Geoff answers some common questions about loading and maintaining equipment in the flooring industry. AS Emmert...

Understanding moisture testsfor a successful installation

Moisture tests, a crucial stage in the preparation of a new floor, are often offered...
Chris-McQuade

Dealing with lignite

WHEN undertaking any flooring installation, it is important to ensure the subfloor is free of...

The ins-and-outs of adjudication

Barry Ashmore explains the meaning of adjudication and how it can be used to help...

Keeping retail clean: Entrance flooring systems are the way forward

The coming increase in Christmas shoppers will take its toll on the entrances of retail...

Reading the tea leaves

In the knowledge that many floorlayers, in wanting to measure the moisture that can effect...

Out with the old, in with the new?

Richard looks into whether we should be installing modern floor finishes in heritage buildings. THERE are...

Flooring: it’s all about preparation

Here Nick explores the importance of efficient floor preparation and its role in the growing...

Have you got the right moves?

Using an example of where F Ball’s technical service department has advised on the best...

How to complete subfloor preparationon timber substrates

The challenges of wooden floors can daunt some flooring installers, but the ideal installation can...

When painting takes the floor

James examines what’s involved when undertaking the painting of flooring in warehouses, workshops, schools, hospital...

Going back in time

Employment status is fraught with danger, says Adam. Those in a position where employment rights...

When feedback gives food for thought

To have any worth, marketing feedback must be both relevant and constructive, says Barry. I WAS...

Subfloor preparation in industrial settings

Flooring in industrial settings will often be subject to greater stresses and strains than in...

For durability, hygiene and slip-resistance, it has to be resin flooring

Resin flooring is the flooring of choice for industrial and commercial applications whether manufacturing, warehousing,...

Visitor attraction gets the Bostik treatment

ESTABLISHED in 1945 by the University of Manchester, Jodrell Bank in Cheshire is a deep-space...

Debate about workplace temperatures heats up

After the record-breaking 40.3deg C in July, employers and employees are asking questions about the...

Flooring renewal contributes to circular economy

When it comes to sustainability, by changing mindsets and working together we can ensure continuous...

More than one way to skin a cat

Richard Renouf explains that while there are many ways to measure moisture in the air...

The XPS Factor

Rob Firman details how extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) is made, and explains what gives it...

There’s no one-size-fits-all to tooling

Dave Bigham answers three commonly asked questions about surface preparation equipment tooling, including how many...

Fast-track smoothing underlayments

John discusses innovations around smoothing underlayments, a product category that’s seen particular advancements to help...

How much subfloor preparation productdo you really need?

In this illuminating column, James Rosher answers key questions some contractors ask regarding subfloor preparation. HOW...

Buy now, pay later: a route to success?

For the moment, BNPL is an option that retailers cannot afford to ignore; if they...

Before you sign on the dotted line…

Entering into a contract is a serious business which requires careful attention to detail.Barry outlines...

Considering more in vinyl flooring

Paul Webb says good vinyl flooring design is not only about the colour and pattern...
ellen-reith

Designs to consider for office refurbishments

Ellen Reith discusses the design of offices and what contractors may want to consider when...

Influencer marketing and the flooring industry

Could an influencer help your business?Yes, says Chloe Rushworth. At Unify, we’re constantly emerged in the...

Creating growth for flooring businesses across the UK

Tom Cockerill explains how digital marketing can help any business out there. I have been in...

How many words is a picture worth?

The saying goes ‘a picture is worth 1000 words’, and this has never been truer...

The power of social media advertising

Social media is at the forefront of marketing and there is no sign of it...

The role of content boosting in SEO

Ellie Harvey looks at why search engine optimisation is so important. What was once a small...

Why a well-designed website is crucial

Catherine Spibey discusses some of the most important factors to consider when creating or updating...

Why your flooring business needs social media to thrive in today’s market

While many of us are consumers of social media nowadays, there are certainly fewer amongst...