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Help and advice
Wood and laminate market trends
Gail Alcock looks at market trends in the wood and laminate world…
Laminate flooring continues to...
Making a great first impression with bespoke entrance flooring
An effective entrance flooring system improves safety and reduces cleaning costs but can also form...
EPDs: tools for reporting environmental impact
Rob Firman on understanding different types of environmental product declarations and how they support project...
A. C. G. C. A. – five sources of moisture in buildings
Richard describes the five sources of moisture in buildings and explains why moisture readings is...
New system announced for ‘right to work’ checks – what you need to know
Nicola elaborates on the fact that how employers perform ‘right to work’ checks isset to...
Marine markers
New post-Brexit regulations have come into force governing standards that must be met in order...
The art of making a good investment
Richard Aylen talks about rising prices and why you should be concerned about the longevity...
9 things flooring contractors should know about PR
Barry Ashmore goes through a series of easy steps to help flooring contractors raise awarenessof...
Selecting versatile sports flooring
Lewis Cooper looks at the factors to consider when recommending sports flooring to ensure it...
Working mums: managing pregnancy in the workplace
Tina Chander guides us through the rules and regulations employers should follow in order to...
Unlucky number 13
Richard Renouf reports on his visit to two different homes that had something in common...
When do you need a temperature-tolerant adhesive?
Temperature-tolerant adhesives have been developed for installing resilient floorcoverings in areas where temperatures can rise...
A declaration of trust
What are EPDs and what do they say about the sustainability of construction products? Rob...
Hiring and firing the apprentice is a serious matter
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to employers appointing apprentices as Alec...
Plan, communicate and prosper
Darren Robinson provides advice on what to consider when installing multiple flooring types in commercial...
Can flooring contractors beat material increases and shortages?
With precarious global developments leading to material price increases and shortages, flooring contractors are faced...
Herringbone set-up guide
Shaun baston offers a comprehensive guide to ensure the correct centralisation of a herringbone design...
Ten top tips for installing Rigid Click LVT flooring
Steve Ball outlines his top tips for laying rigid click LVT flooring.
It goes without...
Biophilic design can help us adapt to a changing world
Spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive impact on physical health...
Choosing the best adhesives for your LVTs
When installing LVTs, it’s useful to have the advantages of pressure sensitive adhesives, which afford...
The green dream: incorporating sustainability in commercial interior design
Louisa Eyles explains why, as well as how, sustainability is becoming a key part in...
LVT training school
Gary was able to draw on years of experience as a fitter when he was...
Fast, efficient flooring is adhesive-free
Chris Rand outlines the benefits of adhesive free floorcoverings for healthcare facilities, including speed of...
Keeping noise in check with the latest options in LVT
In the midst of a busy hotel or restaurant, acoustics play a key role in...
Smarter alternatives to traditional sand and cement
Tim Absolom shares questions technical teams are asked about commercial flooring and offers advice for...
Timesaving solution for preparing chipboard subfloors
Continuing the format of recent technical advice articles drawing on real-life situations, John relays a...
Why an end-user wasn’t too happy with his flooring installation
Richard Renouf found that his feet, with shoes off, provided the perfect pointer to why...
Moisture meters should be essential to your toolkit
After a disaster involving water intrusion, moisture meters are crucial to assess and document the...
A tailored technical approach to floorcoverings
How can a flooring contractor best work with their client to get floorcoverings installed to...
Are engineered wood floors are more stable than solid ones?
Everybody knows engineered wood floors are more stable than solid ones…. don’t they? Richard Aylen’s...
The power of photos and blogs
More images, particularly ones that tell a story, and a quality blog could attract more...
Rapid refurbs with adhesive-free flooring solutions
Donna Hannaway explores the advantages of opting for adhesive-free solutions.
BUILDINGS such as universities, hospitals, residential...
Transition profiles minimise the risk of hazards
In this guide to flooring transitions, Tim Hayes points out it’s vital to fit robust...
Should you overboard a subfloor? The answer is…
After putting together sections of the CFA guide with industry colleagues, Martin Cummins was asked...
Moisture in ground floors: what is going on below the floor finish?
Dealing with unwanted or excess moisture in a floor can be challenging, particularly when decisions...
Working over calcium over calcium sulphate screeds
Continuing the format of recent technical advice articles drawing on real-life situations as examples of...
Customers want to buy from you – give them reasons to do this
Barry outlines his three-point strategy plan to help flooring contractors get growing, regardless of what...
A trick up up my sleeve
Can an inspector check whether there are expansion gaps without causing damage? Yes – as...
Menopause at work – are women legally protected?
People suffering from chronic illness or disability in the workplace are generally safeguarded under UK...
Educational buildings need to ensure the most suitable flooring solutions are installed
As a contractor, you need to carefully consider each area of an educational building to...
Why kicking the can down the road just doesn’t wash
Richard Aylen looks at why kicking the can down the road on the environment, and...
Underfloor heating goes under interrogation
As underfloor heating becomes less straightforward for floorlayers, Martin Cummins answers all the questions you’re...
Quarry tiles and the ‘horses-for-courses’ theory
Choosing floor tiles is a matter of ‘horses-for-courses’, that’s to say ensuring you’ve chosen the...
Dealing with age
Chris relays project-based guidance on overcoming anticipated challenges when undertaking flooring installations in old buildings.
CONTINUING...
The ‘who cares what the contracts says?’ mindset
The contract sets out the rules of the game and if the contractor has written...
Why the correct surface prep is the key to outstanding flooring
Given that correct surface preparation is key to obtaining beautiful flooring, Claude Besson explains the...
Moisture behaving badly
Richard Renouf elaborates on the updated British Standard code of practice for the management of...
Flooring is exciting! (Now to persuade the youth…)
Getting younger generations involved in flooring is a challenge, says Martin Cummins. But we must...
Combatting racism in the workplace
No sector, including construction and floorlaying, can afford to ignore discrimination in the workplace –...
Raising the level
In a break from the usual technical advice format, John Green explains how to raise...
Sales and marketing: Not all that again!
Sales pushes while marketing persuades. And people don’t like to be pushed. They like to...
It’s time to man up about male floorlayers and mental health
Men often think they don’t need to talk about their problems. But, as Brian relates...
Let’s talk about wet-room flooring
With a growing trend for wet-rooms in the commercial sector, choosing an appropriate wet-room solution...
Why the end-user needs to get that missing link
Sid Bourne returns to express his frustration at the problems that arise when customers aren’t...
A point to prove
Richard Renouf is encouraged, while dealing with a recent carpet complaint, to hear someone thinking...
Be wary of wayward installations in winter weather
It may be getting colder but you should carry out your work only in accordance...
Thriving under pressure
Owing to innovations in adhesives technology, high performance, pressure-sensitive formulations are available with a range...
Get your site team onboard from Day One
Engaging your team is hugely important for the success of your company, says Barry Ashmore....
Flooring for the good of human health
As the design of healthcare environments transitions away from stereotypical clinical aesthetics to warmer, more...
The ins-and-outs of solid wood flooring
Richard Aylen takes an in-depth look at how clients can have very different perceptions of...
Cyber and data risks take the floor
Paul Fernandes explains why the flooring industry needs to understand the threats posed by cyber...
Volume versus weight
Stephen Boulton weighs in on the sticky subject of adhesives and considering how much product...
Blending the boundaries between work and home
While people going back to the office is a positive move, the physical design of...
Don’t stop at the door
OUTSIDE areas have become so important in all walks of life - providing an extension...
Antimicrobial action for all floor types
Antimicrobial technology can be incorporated into various flooring types to complement regular disinfection routines for...
Expert, reporting for duty
Even experts are challenged on their qualifications. Richard Renouf relates a story in which his...
Designing flooring with care in mind
Seeing as others see is key to designing flooring for those who suffer from dementia,...
When a plan comes together: How a team effort still brings the best results
Martin Cummins provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the challenges faced by the CFA as it...
Pause for this clause
Karen Mason provides invaluable advice about how to agree a suitable break clause during aperiod...
Plan it, manage it, nail it
Barry Ashmore talks about how a properly planned and managed marketing process can bring sales...
Sensing the pressure: perusing the plethora of possibilities with PS
Martin give his perspective on PS from a technical point-of-view, while also understanding the contractors’...
Design without the Fuss
Scott looks at the popularity of design floors and how manufacturers are meeting the need...
Strike while the iron is hot
If you’re a business owner who despairs at how Covid-19 and Brexit have upended your...
Repurposing of floors and the circular economy
Richard tackles the subject of repurposing, a type of recycling that offers many environmental benefits,...
Of prime importance
Priming can be the difference between a successful flooring installation and complete floor failure. Chris...
One version, another version – and then the truth
Richard argues that it isn’t his responsibility to work out who’s telling the truth –...
Set-off and contras
In many cases, says Barry, the veiled threat of adjudication is enough to cause a...
Installation 101: made for modular
Garry focuses on fully bonded or tackified modular products – with the purpose of highlighting...
Installation done properly Fit the Room to the Floor and the Floor to the Room
Mark looks at the importance of fitting the correct flooring in the correct environment.
Installing the...
A better future for LVT with Loose-Lay
Alison looks at the challenge at the end-of-life of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and how...
My one golden tip: test for damp!
Time and again, we’ve seen a damp subfloor causes floors to fail. Regardless of the...
The dangers of going cheap
Sid Bourne was incredulous when, while attending a complaint, the consumer told him she chose...
The correct adhesive is key to a successful stair-nosing
Stair-nosings can be quite a troublesome part of a flooring installation, but choosing the correct...
UFH and floorcoverings: get up to speed
Andrew Coy explains why selecting the right sort of flooring to go with underfloor heating...
New rules for witness evidence in business and property courts
6 April 2021 heralded significant change in the way factual witness evidence is presented in...
Is long Covid-19 a disability?
For those employers in the flooring industry wondering whether long Covid-19 constitutes a disability, Anna...
Carefully does it
Richard Renouf attends a failed flooring complaint and wonders whether the developer will be more...
Why social media is so important for your flooring business
We’re spending so much of our free time behind a screen, which has led to...
Floor the competition with professional marketing
How can a flooring contractor market itself in the most efficient way possible?Alison Relf has...
Build up your troubles in your old kitbag
Adam Fox retells the interesting story of Norm Mason and the invention of the efficient...
A flooring contractor’s guide to Twitter
Twitter may not appear to be as trendy as other social media channels but it’s...
Give laminate the freedom to express itself
Richard Renouf points out that laminate must be free to expand and contract just like...
All the colours of the floor
So, you want to colour your floor? There are many innovative ways to do so,...
Flexible working is the way forward
Flooring businesses must expect more flexible working requests from their employees in the weeks and...
The sound of silence: getting the most from acoustic flooring and underlays
Life can become a lot more comfortable by using acoustic and underlay systems and choosing...
Working over wood and metal
Jason Tatton gives his guidance on preparing metal and wood subfloors ahead of the installation...
Antimicrobial power beneath your feet
Jonathan Clapp gives a detailed analysis on antimicrobial additives and their ability to keep floors...
New working practices set to continue
Jerry Woods highlights interesting trends that have emerged from a detailed survey into the staffing...
Build up your troubles in your old kitbag
Neal Inwood delves deep into his casebook for this cautionary tale which warns that it’s...
Remote but still in touch
As remote working remains commonplace even post-pandemic, David elaborates on connecting with new business prospects.
WHILE...
Making remote working work
Barry recaps on our industry’s experience of remote working and explores how subcontractors can use...
It’s my party, and I’ll ply if I want to…
Neal arrived onsite to find Freddie’s newly-laid LVT floor was failing dramatically - lifting and...
Home away from home
Jerry has compiled his top tips for contractors on how they can inspire their teams...
Tiled flooring: The heat is on
Martin provides advice on how to perfect your tiled floor when warm water underfloor heating...
Ensuring a perfectly smooth subfloor
John details steps for when a flawlessly smooth subfloor finish is required.
ENSURING a smooth base...
Shiny happy people
What do you do if you’re a flooring contractor in the Scottish islands where the...
The plague of ‘invisible’ bullying
For organisations that ignore invisible bullying or don’t take adequate steps to prevent it, the...
Getting in a flap about energy savings
In light of the relentless drive for energy savings, Richard explains why he thinks keyholes...
Playing it safe
Flooring can help prevent industrial workplace accidents and contribute to an overall safer work environment,...
Simplifying construction procurement
Barry explores how software can de-risk and streamline the chaotic world of construction procurement.
FAST-PACED and...
Heads you win?
As the UK slowly returns to a normalised society, Karen elaborates on the importance of...
Filling the skills gap in your team
If you’ve weathered the storm and want to ensure continued growth in the contract flooring...
Online defamation – a growing risk for businesses?
Before you act against someone who’s bad-mouthed your business, remember there’s a very fine line...
The wonderful world of wood
And I mean it, says Neal. Wood is such a wonderful material that if it...
Installing wood flooring – it’s not the same as other floors!
In this detailed column, Martin gets into the nitty-gritty of why the installation of wood...
So, you want good business? Make it about the customer!
How do you ensure your business is successful? James says you should start by enhancing...
Using technology to maximise profit
Using a real project as a case study, Barry explores practical ways software can help...
That don’t impress me much!
THERE are certain phrases I hear regularly which don’t impress me, but there’s one that...
Why temperature onsite is so important
Martin discusses the factors that greatly impact on flooring installations when temperatures aren’t ideal.
A COLD...
Taxing times
Paul elaborates on the plastic packaging tax and the opportunity to help the contract flooring...
Mitigating stress in the workplace as workers return
It’s critical for businesses to recognise that if they fail to act appropriately, they could...
That ole bestseller – great expectations
It’s all too easy to batter Freddie the Flooring Contractor and Young Rodney, says Neal....
Look behind the logo
With respect to environmental product certification and approval, Richard gives an indication of what to...
Transitions: Getting the transition right for flooring
Tim explains why transition profiles are vital in allowing people to safely move between different...
Considering sources of moisture
Tony provides an overview of some of the main issues to consider, and the importance...
Between hell and excess moisture
Jason advises on guarding against floor failure as a result of excess subfloor moisture, including...
Green is the money
Flooring, by virtue of involving a manufacturing process, is a consumptive industry. Whether it’s raw...
Resistance is futile! (or is it?)
Can an employer require an employee to take a Covid-19 vaccination? The answer will surprise...
‘Our new landscape needs a new compass’
How can you become change and innovation ready, so you’re optimised to take advantage of...
Site conditions – what should happen
CFJ received an impassioned comment from a flooring contractor in reaction to Garry’s article on...
Up the creek with updraught soiling
Richard inspects a job with a good standard of workmanship and where, if no steps...
Training: It’s a lifetime thing
One of the most important things flooring contractors can do to prevent their installations failing...
Taking a temperature check on LVTs
Lee takes a closer look at luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) and investigates the common problems...
Practical ways to investigate new technologies
Barry offers guidance on how you can identify which technology will be a game-changer for...
The ins-and-outs of your Ts and Cs
Peter advises readers to review their contractual terms and conditions in the light of the...
All dressed up with somewhere to go
Adam investigates HMRC’s rules when it comes to staff wearing unform and provides advice on...
When nature gets involved in flooring
John advises flooring contractors on the appropriate steps to take when installing nature’s own brand...
Digging deep to get a seamless finish
A well-prepared, solid substrate is the vital element in underpinning a successful flooring installation. Tarjinder...
Sticking with tolerance
TEMPERATURE-tolerant adhesives have been developed for installing resilient floorcoverings in areas where temperatures have the...
Water, water everywhere – but not a sec to think!
Water is utterly essential in many construction processes and products, says Neal. That is, until...
Not all steps are created equal
Lee elaborates on installing stair treads and explains why it’s never been the easiest part...
Let’s look at an underlying problem
Sometimes, says Richard, problems with a particular type of flooring can come in waves for...
Take the guesswork out of running your business
Barry explains how software enables subcontractors to replace gut-feel decisions with informed data-driven decisions.
I WAS...