Wood Floor Year

JJ11-cov.indd 1

www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com NWFA 2011 YearFloor Wood Imported WoodImported Flooring Tools + Supplies Product Focus the t of h

e One Inspector’sLifelong Learning Avoiding White Line Syndrome Syndrome Line White Avoiding page 47p a g e 47 June|July 2011 |

y page 42 page 23 5/27/11 10:20 AM Your reputation. You’re standing on it.

For consistent, high-quality results, choose 3M™ Regalite™ Floor Sanding Abrasives. Our premium products start sharp and stay sharp, for a smooth finish with less effort. So they help keep you in good standing.

HF06_3M611.indd 1 5/24/11 12:42 PM HF06_Owens611.indd 1 5/25/11 2:20 PM Once you try our other products, you’ll see the family resemblance. For more than 100 years, DuraSeal has provided a wide range of products you can rely on. From our popular DuraSeal Polyurethane to X-TERRA® and the innovative “black bottle” Water-Based Polyurethane, you can expect the same exceptional ﬂow, leveling and dry times you’ve come to expect from all of our wood ﬁnishing products. Even if you need to meet the latest compliance issues, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting the highest quality and best performance with DuraSeal, the longtime leader in quality and innovation.

For more information, call 1-800-364-1359 or visit www.duraseal.com for your nearest distributor.

HF04_DuraSeal411.indd 1 3/17/11 1:27 PM Contents June|July 2011 Features Vol. 24.3 NWFA Wood Floor of the Year: San Diego Spotlight Check out the winners of the wood flooring industry’s Oscars. page 47

47 Your Business Live and Learn By Selva Lee Tucker Inadequate inspections lead to a new world of education. page 23

Legal D. Jeffrey Craven 29 What is a lien and how does it work? page 26 On the Cover: NWFA Wood Floor of the Year winner Precision Money Floorcrafters Inc. For more, turn to page 47. By Johnny C. Gates Track your money with effective internal controls. page 29 PREMIUM PARTNERS: Management By Phillip M. Perry Negotiate with suppliers to get a bang for your buck. The page 32 GARRISON® Collection

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 Hardwood Floors 5

JJ11-TOC.indd 5 5/27/11 9:37 AM Contents On the Job 19 Ask the Expert Q&As on estimating square footage, dishout and sound control, plus a nifty trick for straining finish. In Every Issue page 37 Chairman’s Message From the Field page 8 By Bob Pratt Make sure your underlayment is working for you. page 39 NWFA News page 12 Troubleshooting By Keith Cudmore Woodworks This floating floor can’t take the heat ... radiant heat, that is. page 19 page 41

Products Techniques page 65 By Kim Wahlgren What is really causing the dreaded white line syndrome? Ad Index page 42 page 66 42 Product Focus Tools + Supplies Special Advertising Section: page 58 Imported Wood Flooring page 64

At www.hardwood- Also, check out the web-only content from in this issue: floorsmag.com, add your comments to At www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com/WFOY11: the CONTRACTOR, › See more photos from this year’s Wood Floor of the Year winners, including shots of some of the jobs in progress. INSPECTOR and GREEN BLOGS; and join the con- At www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com/LLearnJJ11: versation with your peers at › See photos from the inspection classes. the HF FORUM.

6 Hardwood Floors June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-TOC.indd 6 5/27/11 9:37 AM HF06_Mercer611.indd 1 5/24/11 1:44 PM >>chairman’s message

The magazine of the National Wood Flooring Association

NWFA Chairman Rick Holden NWFA NWFA CEO Michael Martin

NWFA Offices 111 Chesterfield Industrial Blvd. • Chesterfield, MO 63005 We Are 800/422-4556 • 636/519-9663 • Fax: 636/519-9664 [email protected] • www.nwfa.org Listening Editorial Advisory Committee John Lessick, Chair/Board Liaison | Apex Wood Floors Inc. Dan Antes | Distinctive Hardwood Floors B y R i c k H o l d e n Daniel Boone | Powernail Company Inc. Joe Boone Jr. | Wood Floors Online Inc. Chairman, NWFA Avi Hadad | Avi’s Hardwood Flooring Galen Fitzel | 3M Robert Humphreys | Majestic Wood Floors Inc. s the incoming chairman of the National Wood Flooring Mike Litchkowski | Dekora Parket Association, one of the things that is a major priority for Sprigg Lynn | Universal Floors Inc. me is to ensure that the NWFA’s programs and services Robert McNamara | Bostik Inc. A Charles Peterson | CP Wood Floors continue to meet the needs of our membership. This is not an Jim Powers | Saroyan Lumber Company easy task since our membership spans 52 countries and all 50 of Genia Smith | Accent Hardwood Flooring Inc. the United States, but it is one that is absolutely critical to our Janet Sullivan | Lenmar Inc. continued success and growth as an association. So this past Tricia Thompson | Enmar Hardwood Flooring Inc. April, at our annual convention held in San Diego, we did just Publication Staff that. We listened. EDITORIAL When our board of directors heard that there was some con- Kim M. Wahlgren | Editor cern over the change in dates for Doug Dalsing | Associate Editor our 2012 convention, we decided to Scott Maurer | Art Director Feel free to Marjorie Schultz | Electronic Production Manager take action. And to do it immedi- Scott Packel | Production Assistant ately. Within an hour of adjourning ATHLETIC BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS INC. our meeting, we had formulated a share any Gretchen Kelsey Brown | CEO survey and had distributed it on the Peter Brown | President Wood Flooring Expo show fl oor to comments or Kara Clark | Controller/Circulation Director Sharon Siewert | Administration Director/Accountant all our exhibiting companies. Based Sadye Ring | Graphic Designer on their feedback, we then returned concerns. Jodi Chamberlain | Sales Coordinator from the show and distributed a Lisa Popke | E-mail Marketing Coordinator similar survey to our dealer/contractor members, which represent Alex Malyutin | Web Programmer Susan Bickler, Erika Reise | Online Producers the majority of our attendees each year. Their feedback con- fi rmed what our exhibitors told us—our Expo needs to take place ADVERTISING SALES Shawn Gahagan | Group Publisher as early in the year as possible without interfering with other Kendra Bjorklund | Account Executive conventions. Since then, we have been working to renegotiate our contracts Editorial and Advertising Offices for a timeframe in the early part of 2012 so we can continue to Athletic Business Publications Inc. |4130 Lien Road • Madison, WI 53704 meet the needs of both our exhibitors and our attendees. We are 608/249-0186 • 800/722-8764 • Fax: 608/249-1153 [email protected] | www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com very close to fi nalizing the dates and will communicate them in the near future. Our new training facility in Las Vegas is another example of member feedback in action. This facility was opened in direct response to member requests for dedicated training options in CHANGE OF ADDRESS: In order to ensure uninterrupted delivery of Hardwood Floors, notice of change should be made at least five weeks in advance. Direct all subscription mail to Hardwood Floors, P.O. Box 47705, Plymouth, MN 55447, call a city that is easily accessible and affordable. You asked, we 800/869-6882 or fax 866/658-6156. For faster service, visit us online at www.nwfa.org/member/mag.aspx. Single-copy price is $8. Subscription price is $40 for seven issues in the U.S.A. and Canada. International subscriptions listened, and we responded with a state-of-the-art facility that (via airmail) are $65. Hardwood Floors is published bi-monthly, plus the annual industry resource book, and distributed without charge to those active in the wood flooring industry. POSTMASTER: expands our training capabilities. Send address changes to Hardwood Floors, P.O. Box 47705, Plymouth, MN 55447. Publication Mail Agreement #40049791. Canadian mail distribution information: International Mail Your board wants to ensure that the NWFA continues to meet Express, Station A, P.O. Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2011 Athletic Business Publications Inc. and National Wood Flooring Association. Reproduction in whole or in part is pro- your needs. Feel free to share any comments or suggestions. We hibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. (ISSN 0897-022X) Periodicals Postage Paid at Madison, ■ Wisconsin, and at additional mailing offices. are listening.

8 Hardwood Floors June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-ChairM.indd 8 5/25/11 9:22 AM BAMBOOZLED about bamboo?

MAPEI’s Ultrabond ECO ® 985 removes the confusion about which adhesive to use for bamboo ﬂooring. Plus, it’s great for traditional wood ﬂooring and is easy to clean up too!

Ultrabond ECO 985 Hybrid-Polymer-Based, Moisture-Control and Sound-Reducing Wood-Flooring Adhesive sæ )SOCYANATE FREEæWITHæEXTREMELYæLOWæODORæ sæ #ONTROLSæSUBmOORæMOISTUREæUPæTOææLBSæ-6%2æANDææ2( sæ 2EDUCESæSOUNDæTRANSMISSIONSææ sæ #LEANSæUPæEASILYæFROMæHANDSæANDæPRElNISHEDæWOODæmOORING

HF04_MAPEI411.indd 1 3/17/11 1:32 PM HF02_Garris211.indd 1 1/19/11 1:32 PM HF02_Garris211.indd 2 1/26/11 1:41 PM >>ceo message

NWFAnews and information from the nationalnews wood flooring association | www.nwfa.org

NWFA is Your Association

B y M i c h a e l M a r t i n CEO, NWFA

hile attending my fi rst NWFA Conference & Expo in San Diego in April, I had a revelation. I was at lunch with a large group of people and everyone was looking down at the fl oor, Wtalking about what kind of materials were used, how the fl oor was installed, and how the restaurant could have done things differently. It was at that moment that I realized just how much my life has changed since joining the NWFA in February to become its new CEO. You see, for the last 14 years during my time with the National Association of Electrical Distribu- tors, I’ve spent every business luncheon or dinner looking up at the ceiling. In the electrical products industry, no one looks at the fl oor—everyone’s too busy speculating on whose lighting is in the ceiling, whether the right bulbs are in the fi xtures, and how much energy is being consumed. However, whether you’re in a business that looks up to the sky or down to the ground, every construction-related industry is breaking bread over the same questions and concerns … When will the housing market turn? Why are competitors willing NWFA is your to lose money to get a job? How do distributors limit fi nancial risk yet carry enough inventory to service customers? How are imports affecting the way association, and we do business? What are we going to do to get some young people in the industry? How can we drive consumer demand? our purpose is And these conversations aren’t just happening at lunch. During the last three months, I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot in a very short amount to help make your of time by attending schools in St. Louis and Las Vegas; observing this year’s annual convention and expo; meeting with the NWFA board of directors; going own businesses on a NOFMA mill inspection; and listening to as many of the industry’s best and brightest as possible, including the talented staff of the magazine you’re better. reading. So what have I learned? I’ve learned that the NWFA has had tremendous growth during the last 25 years for two reasons: equal representation of the entire supply chain, and a passionate membership willing to contribute individually to make the whole industry a better place. I’ve also learned that while most of you have spent hour upon hour looking down at your work, you also have a great sense of optimism for your industry’s future. So share your optimism and ideas with us—the NWFA is your association, and our purpose is to help make your own businesses better. You can now make your voice heard through our new social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, as well as through our listservs and the Hardwood Floors forum. And if you’re not ready for those technologies, or you want to communicate more privately, then please use the old standards of e-mail or telephone! You can reach me directly at michaelm@nwfa. org, 800/422-4556 (U.S. & Canada), or 636/519-9663 (local and international). ■

12 Hardwood Floors June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Michael.indd 12 5/25/11 9:19 AM Introducing Mullican Flooring’s QUA HIELD AMoisture ProtectionS System. It’s one thing to block moisture from above. But it’s another thing entirely to block moisture from BELOW.

Mullican’s specially “Kerfed” under-board construction Mullican Moisture Mat provides protection to keep blocks moisture floor flat, stable from below. and problem free.

www.mullicanflooring.com 1-800-844-6356

HF02_Mullican211.indd 1 1/19/11 2:00 PM >>education and training

NWFAnews and information from the nationalnews wood flooring association | www.nwfa.org

RECENT SCHOOLS & INSTRUCTORS SUBFLOOR PREPARATION & SOLID GLUE DOWN >> May 11-13 in St. Louis The NWFA’s Director of Technical Training Frank Kroupa led the instruc- tion, and these volunteer instructors assisted: Dayle Moore and Phil Pitts (Bostik Inc.), Roger Barker (Fortifiber Building Systems Group), Cort Dunlap (Hardwood Inspections), Steve Lima (MAPEI Corporation) and Nick Motto (Motto’s Flooring).

WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION >> May 25-27 in Las Vegas Kroupa led, along with Jon Namba (Namba Services Inc.).

Hakeem Odutola traveled all the way from Nigeria for the NWFA’s Advanced Installation school held March NWFA 2011 TECHNICAL SCHOOL SCHEDULE 23-25 in St. Louis. For more information: 800/422-4556 (U.S. and Canada) [email protected] | www.nwfa.org

Personal Perspective June 22-24 Installation, Sand & Finish (Las Vegas)

requently, students leave an NWFA ﬂ ooring July 13-15 Factory Finish Installation (New York) Fschool with a new outlook or new abilities July 27-29 Subfloor Preparation and Solid Glue Down (Las Vegas) that will transform their business—or both. Hakeem Odutola—who is from Ibadan Oyo, Aug. 2-4 Factory Finish Installation (Las Vegas) Nigeria—attended the association’s Advanced Installation school on March 23-25 on a scholar- Aug. 3-5 Installation, Sand & Finish (New York) ship. He had this to say about his experience: Aug. 23-26 Jigs, Treads and Risers (Las Vegas)

“Now I know how to achieve Sept. 13-16 Wood Flooring Basics School (St. Louis) good workmanship with ease. Sept. 20-24 Expert Installation (Las Vegas) Though it took me eight years to get Sept. 26-28 Expert Sand & Finish (Las Vegas) here with huge ﬁ nancing, it’s the Oct. 4-8 Expert Installation (St. Louis) best thing for my business and the Oct. 10-12 Expert Sand & Finish (St. Louis) wood ﬂ ooring industry in Nigeria. Oct. 26-28 Subfloor Preparation and Solid Glue Down (Las Vegas) I learned much from both my Nov. 2-4 Factory Finish Installation (Las Vegas) colleagues and instructors.” Nov. 9-11 Subfloor Preparation and Solid Glue Down (St. Louis)

14 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Schools.indd 14 5/26/11 4:12 PM HF06_BasCoa611.indd 1 5/26/11 3:06 PM >>convention wrap-up

NWFAnews and information from the nationalnews wood flooring association | www.nwfa.org

San Diego Soirée his year the NWFA and about 1,900 of its members traveled to SoCal for the association’s 26th Wood Flooring Conven- Ttion & Expo, held April 26-29 at the San Diego Convention Center. With 332 exhibit booths this year, attendees had plenty of manufacturers to visit and learn from. In addition, the convention included educational content from technical demonstrations, to motivational speakers, to educational classes. “Overall the show went well. I had a lot of exhibitors tell me they had a lot of business conversations, so the right people were here for them to talk to,” said NWFA CEO Michael Martin. ■

Speaker Charles Marshall shared good and ugly tales of customer service during the convention’s opening session.

ConventionCoC attendees enjoyed a welcome reception nvn ene ti hosted byon the a ttNWFA the evening of April 26. Every- ene ddees one appreciated the gorgeous enjjoy setsetting on a terrace edd a w overlooking San DieDiego Bay. wellco mem rec of April 26 E eption

TenTeT n WWoWoododd FFloorlloor ooff ththehe YYeYearar ttrophiesrophhiies anandd ttwtwoo hhohonorablenorable mentions were given during the Awards Dinner on April 27. NWFA Chairman Neil Poland (left) presented the Best Commercial trophy to Avedis Duvenjian, partner AlongA with technical at Archetypal Imaginary Remodeling, and Duvenjian’s demonstrations, attendees 8-year-old son Tigran, who helped with the award- also took in educational winning floor. It was the company’s second award in seminars held on the expo the annual competition. floor.f Topics included Photos: David Stluka woodw floor moisture, smart business partner- ships, and using social media effectively.

16 Hardwood Floors June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-confwrap.indd 16 5/26/11 5:02 PM

JJ11-confwrap.indd 17 attendees to gather at the demo theater. demo the at gather to attendees

www.hardwoodﬂ Background: Hawkins Productions caused preparations—also subfloor and tations—including big machine maintenance maintenance machine big tations—including

demonstration on April 28, and other presen- other and 28, April on demonstration

Plenty of attendees took in the UV the in took attendees of Plenty Our future’s so bright, we gotta wear shades. shades. wear gotta we bright, so future’s Our

oorsmag.com

finish finish

Warehouse.

Inc.; Jamie Lupresto, Diamond Flooring; Rick Jones, Swiff-Train Co.; and Craig Dupra, Installers Installers Dupra, Craig and Co.; Swiff-Train Jones, Rick Flooring; Diamond Lupresto, Jamie Inc.;

Chairman John Lessick, Apex Wood Floors Inc.; Treasurer Jeff Fairbanks, Palo Duro Hardwoods Hardwoods Duro Palo Fairbanks, Jeff Treasurer Inc.; Floors Wood Apex Lessick, John Chairman

Past Chairman Neil Poland, Mullican Flooring; Chairman Rick Holden, Derr Flooring Co.; Vice Vice Co.; Flooring Derr Holden, Rick Chairman Flooring; Mullican Poland, Neil Chairman Past

Design; Barry Gork, Timbermate USA; Secretary Kim Holm, Mannington Mills Inc.; Immediate Immediate Inc.; Mills Mannington Holm, Kim Secretary USA; Timbermate Gork, Barry Design;

Front row, left to right: Joe Rocco, Artistic Floors by Design; Tony Robison, Consult Inspect Inspect Consult Robison, Tony Design; by Floors Artistic Rocco, Joe right: to left row, Front

Coatings.

Flooring Products Inc. ; Tommy Maxwell, Maxwell Hardwood Floors; Enos Farnsworth, Basic Basic Farnsworth, Enos Floors; Hardwood Maxwell Maxwell, Tommy ; Inc. Products Flooring

Sprigg Lynn, Universal Floors Inc.; Mark Elwell, Bamboo Flooring Hawaii; John Wooten, CMH CMH Wooten, John Hawaii; Flooring Bamboo Elwell, Mark Inc.; Floors Universal Lynn, Sprigg

Wayne Cotton, Wheeler Inc., a Division of JJ Haines & Company Inc.; Jim Schumacher, 3M; 3M; Schumacher, Jim Inc.; Company & Haines JJ of Division a Inc., Wheeler Cotton, Wayne

Back row, left to right: Peter Connor, W•D Flooring; Kevin Mullany, Benchmark Wood Floors; Floors; Wood Benchmark Mullany, Kevin Flooring; W•D Connor, Peter right: to left row, Back During the show, the 2011-2012 Board of Directors was elected. They include: They elected. was Directors of Board 2011-2012 the show, the During display ontheshow floor. Wood FlooroftheYearentrywereW on Photographs anddescriptionsof every June|July 2011 Hardwood Floors 17 5/26/11 5:03 PM HF06_Woodwi611.indd 1 5/25/11 1:45 PM WOOD ■works insights and information on the hardwood flooring industry

Reclaimed Reprint Artistic duo puts cityscapes on wood ﬂ ooring

nstead of throwing away that flooring, we’re going to give ‘Iit a new life,” artist Hugo Garcia Urrutia says. Garcia Urru- tia and fellow artist MK Semos are currently in residence at the Fairmont Dallas, creating new works in exchange for studio space and displaying their “Wooden Postcards,” an art series made from reclaimed wood flooring. The pair starts with film images snapped with Semos’ Holga camera, and then Garcia Urrutia constructs the wood floor medium on which the images are printed. (To view

more from the series or to purchase a piece, visit www.decorazon- Urrutia and MK Semos Photos: Hugo Garcia gallery.com.) The wood flooring was reclaimed from homes in the Dallas area. Semos and Garcia Urrutia—who are married—chose wood flooring for its green qualities, namely the fact it can be torn up and re-used (even in completely different applications, like art). “We like the concept that the wood For their “Wooden Postcards” series, was once used as flooring, and now it is artists Hugo Garcia on your wall,” Garcia Urrutia says. When Urrutia and MK creating the composite works of art, Gar- Semos printed cia Urrutia takes into account the physical urban landscapes characteristics of the wood. “I like to find inter- on reclaimed wood esting pieces of wood with the right notch or grain that could even flooring. be incorporated into the image,” he says. “We’ve used mainly white oak since it seems to be the right color and grain. Maple would also work, but you don’t find maple too much in this area.” So how does the duo print its images on wood? Sorry, but they’re not telling. “It’s kind of an ancient Chinese secret,” Semos jokes.—D.D. Boundless Imagination German company offers custom-printed baseboards

N Neuhofer Holz says its FN Digiprint baseboards are better seen Fthan explained—which is right on the money. FN bills it as the ultimate complement to any floor décor because they can take any graphic—a logo, photograph, digital design, whatever—and apply it to a baseboard (or even vertically hung blinds). With an upcoming online design center, users will be able to upload any graphic file and instantly see how it comple- ments a room’s design. And because the process is digital, the custom products can be produced quickly. So, go ahead and let your imagina-

tion—or your customer’s imagination—run wild. FN Neuhofer Holz (For more examples and information, visit www. These definitely are not your grandma’s fnprofile.com/en/fn_digiprint.)—D.D. baseboards.

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Wdwks.indd 19 5/26/11 4:51 PM WOOD ■ works

Vintage Re-Creation Praters gives this gym ﬂ oor an aged look

t’s a brand new wood floor made to look old—real old— Iwhich is nothing unusual in today’s wood flooring business, except that this was a Final Four basketball floor. The floor was created by Chattanooga-based Praters Inc., which has been fur- nishing women’s Final Four flooring for the past four years. At the request of the NCAA, Praters made the floor paint crack by applying a chemical to it. “Normally, Praters does these very perfect floors, and then they get this one, and it has to look old and distressed,” says Debbie Prater, one of the company’s co-owners. “It was a challenge, believe me.” The company usually uses oil-based paint on its sports floors, In addition to making the court paint crack, but here they used water-based after discovering oil-based Praters designed the paint did not crack like they wanted. Overtop went an oil- keyway (at left) to based finish. The floor saw plenty of great basketball action resemble the narrow during this year’s Final Four tournament when Texas A&M kind used in basket- beat Stanford, and Notre Dame upset top-seeded UConn. ball’s early days. In addition to this floor made for the women’s champion- ship, Praters created two other floors used in the men’s and women’s NCAA regional basketball tournaments.—D.D. Praters

VINTAGE■ momentsents Long-Term Growth

ay back in 1935—with the WGreat Depression still lin- gering—distributor Derr Flooring (then Derr Gibbons Supply Co.) employed just five people, operated out of a small warehouse, andd serviced only Philadelphia and its close suburbs. But Derr worked too get its name out there, and one wayay was attending this trade show put on by the Eastern Building Materialsals Dealers Association (which is still around today). In the photo is es- sentially Derr’s whole product line at the time: oak flooring, nails and flooroor finish. Today, however, the companyny offers literally tens of thousands off SKUs and services regions from Newew York City to Richmond, Va.—D.D.

20 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Wdwks.indd 20 5/26/11 4:51 PM HF06_BR111611.indd 1 5/25/11 2:20 PM WOOD ■ works Green ■ speak Your guide to green vocabulary Rapidly Renewable

ne of the most com- Omonly referenced LEED categories, “Rapidly Renewable Materials,” covers raw materials that can be “renewed” within a 10-year period. Bamboo and cork are the most common products meeting this standard within the flooring industry, but some engineered floors that include cores (usually plywood or HDF) from plantation woods might also meet the standard. It is important to know the percentage of the product made from the rapidly renewable component.

For more on how ﬂ ooring can contribute toward LEED credits, read the HF Green Blog at www.hard- © www.CartoonStock.com woodﬂ oorsmag.com/green/blog. Flickr/cactusmelba

HARDWOOD FLOORING ■ mini-quiz 1. Name a synonym for the following American 5. The unusual pattern visible in the finish below wood flooring jargon: is referred to as: a. sliver a. Benard cells b. parquet fillets b. hexoplexion c. slip-tongue c. striation d. bastard-sawn d. stippling e. screed e. combing 2. What does EMC stand for? 3. Rank the following species softest to hardest: Ash Black walnut Loblolly pine Wenge 4. True or False? If you don’t clean your floor well enough between cuts of sanding or screening, the debris left on the floor can actually lift the abrasive off the floor, preventing the machine

from cutting the floor correctly.

4. True 5. a. Benard cells Benard a. 5. True 4. Answers: 1. a. Dutchman b. fingers or slats c. spline d. riftsawn e. sleeper 2. Equilibrium Moisture Content 3. Loblolly pine, black walnut, ash, wenge ash, walnut, black pine, Loblolly 3. Content Moisture Equilibrium 2. sleeper e. riftsawn d. spline c. slats or fingers b. Dutchman a. 1. Answers:

22 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Wdwks.indd 22 5/26/11 4:51 PM Your Business Live and Learn Lifelong Learning Inadequate inspections lead to a new world of education

By Selva Lee Tucker

hat you are about to read was written by an Years ago, I was feeling inadequate as an inspector. addict. In a national publication, I am about to I hated that feeling of not being able to explain to my W reveal a deep, dark secret about myself: I am clients what I was seeing. I felt like a con man each time an educational junkie. Part of the recovery process is to I cashed a check, knowing my report was not up to my fully admit when you have an addiction. I admit it. standards, because I just did not know. However, I am not alone! There is a small group of Why did one wood floor cup and another did not? Why inspectors, installers, manufacturers and retailers who did this wood check, love the flooring business. We love to learn. We are not but, in another room, in denial; we fully embrace our addiction. Since you are the wood that had been I felt like a con reading this publication to learn, you also might have the installed much ear- same condition. lier didn’t? Why is there man each time I wood flooring gapping near Charleston, S.C.? cashed a check. BUSINESS BRIEFS Gaps? In Charleston? Unheard of, but I was seeing those gaps and many more Overwhelmed with Goals? issues that led me to feel I needed much more knowledge to be a good inspector. hile having many goals is a Inspectors, as a group, usually fall into two categories: good thing, doing too much W those who already know it all (inject sarcasm) and those at once can make you feel over- who openly admit they do not. I do not know it all. In- whelmed. Use the following five- spectors, have you ever written a report to find out later, step process to organize your to-do being insufferably embarrassed, you were so wrong that list so you can get it all done. even the “other side” felt sorry and embarrassed for you? • Make a mess. Make a big pile If you answer no, you are in denial. If yes, then you have of all the sticky notes, lists, files, been motivated to never let that happen to you again. I papers, and other items scattered around your office. have had such life lessons. Let me explain. • Sort and purge. Go through your pile. For each item, ask: I was commissioned by a manufacturer to inspect an Is it still important? Can I get it elsewhere? Is it duplicated? engineered wood floor glued to a concrete slab. The • Organize your list. Look through all your “keep” papers issue was severe face-checking. I reported the industry and ideas to decide which goals are truly important to you. line: based on my one time/date relative humidity (RH) • Rank the list in chronological order. Redo your list measurement, it was low RH causing the problem. The regarding the order in which you feel you should do things, consumers were upset. They were fine people. and add detail about your next steps for each item. So, I started thinking, and that is always a danger- • Get going! Tick off the tasks as they’re completed. ous path for flooring inspectors. I went on the Internet. Dr. Joelle K. Jay, Ph. D., is an executive coach, senior manag- I found a site with documented weather history for that ing partner of Pillar Consulting and author of The Inner Edge: area. I saw that during that week I did the inspection, The 10 Practices of Personal Leadership. For a free sample the RH levels changed each day. What’s more, I found chapter, go to www.TheInnerEdge.com or e-mail info@TheIn- they also changed during the day. At midnight during nerEdge.com.

Dreamstime.com that week of my inspection, RH was as high as 80% but

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 Hardwood Floors 23

JJ11-LLearn.indd 23 5/26/11 12:43 PM Your Business | Live and Learn

dropped to the 25% to 35% range during the day. Now I I learn, there are wood laboratories? That can test and wanted to learn how this could happen, and how could examine wood? Then I learned about the Hodges Wood checking be blamed on dry conditions when the RH lev- Laboratory at North Carolina State University. I toured the els changed so drastically during a 24 hour period? I had, lab with Dr. Tony LaPasha and he explained the testing by being ignorant, caused harm to good people. If it was work that he was conducting. Later I met Dr. Joe Denig not the environment, then, what was it? and Dr. Phil Mitch- To start my wood education beyond my work history as ell. The four of us The inspectors bring an installer, first I went to the old NOFMA/NWFA instal- sat down and had a lation school. I learned a lot. I bought books, looked up roundtable discus- ideas and problems research papers by wood scientists and, frankly, started sion on some of the pestering good wood people. Later, I attended inspector problems I had seen that stimulate the courses from both organizations, learning a lot. But still, I in the field. An idea was not satisfied. The science was not there. began to formulate instructors and During the installation school, I met Howard Brickman. in my head about He freely gave his help teaching me how damn ignorant I how to involve provide topics for had been. I am not one to be ashamed to say when I have these professionals been ignorant. Several months and many telephone calls and those in similar future research. later, Howard agreed to do a wood inspection course for fields to teach tech- inspectors. Howard’s first class was in Dalton, Ga. My ad- nical updates to wood flooring inspectors. The idea was diction now was beyond my control. spurred by my impression that they were excited about I started looking around for more people to teach me. teaching wood technology and are impartial stakeholders It took being embarrassed again by someone: A wood in this area. laboratory had found I was wrong on a report, again. So, That’s how the first wood flooring class taught and

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JJ11-LLearn.indd 24 5/26/11 12:43 PM Your Business | Live and Learn

geared specifically to inspectors and other wood flooring from NCSU seem to enjoy the classes as much as the professionals at a university began. The subject was En- flooring inspectors attending. The inspectors bring ideas gineered Wood Science. Since then classes have included and problems that stimulate the instructors and provide Wood Identification, taught by Dr. Elisabeth Wheeler and topics for future research. Dr. Alex Wiedenhoeft (Dr. Wheeler is a retired professor The demand for seats in the classes has increased to the from NCSU and Dr. Wiedenhoeft is the chief Wood Iden- point that many people are being turned away. The next tification Scientist at the USDA’s Forest Products Labora- class will be in Charleston, S.C., in early fall; topics will tory); Advanced Engineered Wood Science for wood be: new construction techniques, moisture control, build- inspectors; and Wood Characteristics and Defects, with ing envelope science, and how to relate all those topics emphasis on moisture and wood, taught by Dr. Mitchell to flooring. Three of the professors will be teaching again, and Dr. Denig. The day before the Advanced class, there but this one is going to be special: My friend Howard was an Introduction to Concrete Class taught by Dr. Ro- Brickman will do a one-day, hands-on, data collection berto Nunez, who is a concrete engineer. class to teach inspectors the correct method to gather data The goal of these classes is to increase the knowledge when inspecting wood flooring. If you are an addict just of the inspector in wood science and wood behavior so like me, I urge you to contact me and join us for more that the inspectors could do a better job of collecting data lifelong learning. and interpreting the results. The classes were not designed to teach how to inspect. Selva Lee Tucker is founder of the Flooring Inspectors Another exciting aspect of the classes is that it gives the Education Guild and can be reached at (864) 238 5507 or participating inspectors time to interact with each other [email protected]. during class and after-hours. This scenario provides an For more information on the classes and photos opportunity to ask other inspectors their experience when from previous classes, go to www.hardwoodﬂ oors- faced with a variety of different problems. The faculty mag.com/LLearnJJ11.

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www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 Hardwood Floors 25

JJ11-LLearn.indd 25 5/26/11 12:43 PM Your Business | Legal Brief

Lien Lingo What is a lien and how does it work?

By D. Jeffrey Craven

ood floor guys are pretty in the county where the real estate is Does it Guarantee Payment? good with the tools of located. Unfortunately, a lien is not a guar- W their trade. However, there The contents of the lien vary from antee of payment. Instead, it merely are certain tools in the business side state to state but, generally, at a grants the contractor a “security inter- of contracting that are often over- minimum, the lien has to identify the est” in the real estate. That is, if the looked and misunderstood. One of contractor, owner and, sometimes, owner is not paying the contractor, the better tools for protecting the the lender. It should also state the the contractor can use the lien as a contractor’s right to payment is the amount the contractor is owed and means to collect what he is owed. mechanic’s and materialman’s lien, contain a legal description of the real As a contractor, generally, you have or lien for short. Use a lien correctly estate. a right to payment for the value of and you’ll be taking an important A legal description identifies the your work, which often is defined step in protecting your chances precise location and dimensions of by the terms of the contract. But to of getting paid for your work and the real estate. Most of the time the actually collect the money you are materials. description will be a “meets and owed when the owner refuses to pay, bounds” type, whereby the county you usually have to file a lawsuit. This What is a Lien? is broken up into various quadrants is because you need some impartial A lien is a document that announces that have been surveyed by a land person to decide whether you are to the world that the contractor has surveyor. From a point of reference, entitled to be paid and, if so, how performed some work on a property measurements are taken to a begin- much. Though you believe that the and, as a result, has a legal interest ning point on the property line, owner owes you the full contract in the property until paid. When the and then from there the property is price, the owner who refuses to pay lien is against real estate (residential described in distances and compass usually believes that they have a or commercial), it must be recorded directions from point to point. reason for not paying. Of course, you should try to resolve that dispute with the owner prior to filing a lawsuit, but BUSINESS Q & A BY JIM BLASINGAME if you cannot, a lawsuit is often your next step. As part of that lawsuit, if What types of assets can serve you have a lien against the real estate, Q: as collateral for a bank loan? you will assert your right to have the property sold to pay you. The process Collateral is assets that can be pledged to a lender in the event of a loan for the forced selling of the real estate default. It can include real estate (personal or business), equipment, cash A: is foreclosure. (such as in a CD), inventory or accounts receivable. However, some forget that A prime factor to consider when collateral can sometimes be augmeted by goodwill, or trust you’ve built with your deciding whether to record a lien, banker through the years. This can often add leverage to physical collateral. and thereafter whether to file a lawsuit to foreclose, is whether there Jim Blasingame is the creator and award-winning host of the nationally syndicated is adequate equity in the property radio/Internet talk show, “The Small Business Advocate,” and author of Small Business such that you can get paid from the is Like a Bunch of Bananas and Three Minutes to Success. Find Jim’s show and more proceeds of the judicially forced sale. at www.SmallBusinessdvocate.com, plus instant answers to your questions at his small business knowledgebase, www.AskJim.biz. Each state applies its mechanic’s lien laws a bit differently, and each state

26 Hardwood Floors June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Legal.indd 26 5/26/11 1:06 PM HF04_NWFAbb611.indd 1 5/24/11 12:43 PM Your Business | Legal Brief

Dual-Depth Scanners pinpoint floor moisture. differs in the process for assigning Generally, a contractor can handle the priority to different liens. For ex- situation by explaining to the owner ample, if you know that the owner that the lien is standard business borrowed money to buy the property practice and is simply a way to protect and that the loan is secured by the the right to payment, the same as any property (by mortgage or deed of lender would do under the circum- trust), that lender’s claim will gener- stances (after all, if you are not being ally be ahead of yours. If you pro- paid in-full up front, you are lending ceed to lien and then foreclose, the your time and labor to the improve- proceeds from the sale of the prop- ment of the owner’s property). If the erty will have to first be paid to the owner is not satisfied after such an lender, and whatever is left over may explanation, then as a contractor you be paid to you. There may be other have a business decision to make: Do lender’s or mechanic’s liens that are you trust this owner enough to forego higher in priority than yours. So, you the lien? Remember that not every job need to have an idea of the property’s is worth having, and a customer who value and the value of the other liens is uncooperative at the start is not like- Meters you can trust to decide whether it makes sense to ly to improve as the job progresses. for solid hardwood floors enforce your lien, since there is no The requirements to lien real estate engineered floors point in foreclosing if you get paid vary from state to state and are gener- bamboo floors and subfloors. nothing for the effort. ally set by a state’s statutes or codes. Measures 1/4” and 3/4” deep. After you have gone through the Several states require the contractor lawsuit process, a judge will make to provide some form of notice prior a final decision as to what you are to the lien, generally at (or near) the Choose one of the owed. As part of the judgment, the outset of the job. Additionally, some multi-function Meters to judge may order the real estate be states require a contractor be licensed cover all floor applications. sold at a public auction. If the auction to be able to sue. In those states, occurs (usually the owner will pay if you are unlicensed, you have no -- Pin to avoid losing the real estate), the right to collect at all, let alone record -- Pinless money from the sale is used to pay a lien. Also, be aware that recording -- RH for ambient conditions and ASTM 2170 concrete the amount you are owed on your an improper lien could result in your measurement contract and the amount of any other paying the owner damages far greater liens on the property. What is left is than you are owed. paid to the owner. There are lien service companies In the favorable event that you’re available to assist with the process, paid in full after completing your but remember that ultimately you are work, then you need to record a responsible for the liens recorded on reusable sensor release of lien. This is a document your behalf. When in doubt, consult that basically says, “I’ve been paid in an attorney. ■ full on the lien and no longer have a claim to the real estate.” D. Jeffrey Craven, Esq., is a former judge pro tempore and a principal Lien Requirements of Phoenix-based Smith & Craven, Some states require a notice be given P.L.L.C., a law ﬁ rm whose primary Any questions? Contact to the owner at the outset of the practice focus is businesses and Lignomat at 1-800-227-2105 project to let the owner know that the construction industry. He can be reached at 480/222-2225 or by PO Box 30145, www.lignomat.com the contractor has the right to lien. Portland, OR 97294 E-Mail: [email protected] Contractors, particularly those work- visiting www.smithcraven.com. This ing with homeowners, often worry article is for general information only that telling their customers that they and not to be construed as legal ad- CheckCheck out out the the floflooringoring section section on onon have the right to lien for payment vice or the basis for formation of an attorney-client relationship between wwwwwwwwwwww.moisture-problem.com.moistur.moistur.moisture-pre-pre-proboboblem.com will cause the owner to cancel the wwwwww.moistur.moisture-pre-proboblem.com contract. That can and does happen. the reader and the author.

28 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Legal.indd 28 5/26/11 1:06 PM Your Business | Money

Oversight Overview Track your money with effective internal controls

By Johnny C. Gates

nternal financial controls are essential to your business: They help prevent and detect fraud. Imple- menting them starts with the company leader and filters down through your entire organization. IDone right, they can achieve reasonable (although not absolute) assurance that the objectives of your business are met. With good internal controls, you can also generate reliable financial reporting while complying with laws and regulations. Some “fraud” is actually the result of innocent employee error, like when an accounts payable clerk forgets to compare the price on an invoice to the price on a purchase order, resulting in the company paying more than it should have to pay. Or, when a supplier’s shipment is received without the proper purchasing documentation, resulting in the company paying for something it doesn’t even need. Here, proper oversight or direction could have avoided the problem, but what about instances when employees are deliberately trying to steal from the company?

Types of Fraud Asset losses that occur through deliberate fraud by an employee (or employees) are usually covered up, making them more difficult to detect. Here is an overview of fraud types so that you can attempt to stop them before they happen: Expense Account Abuse. Employees can use fake expense receipts, request reimbursement of un- approved items, or include the same item multiple times on their expense reports. You should have a policy in place that requires receipts and approvals for each expense report. Financial Reporting Misrepresentation. Even though no assets are actually stolen, falsification of a financial statement is still fraud since it projects an altered image of your company to outside parties. Fixed Asset Theft. As the name implies, fixed assets are usually large enough to be immovable, but many items such as computers and tools can be stolen by employees. Most companies do not want to safeguard fixed assets through the use of security guard services; however, these assets can be protected by simply carrying insurance with a minimum deductible. Inventory and Supply Theft. One of the easiest types of theft involves employees taking inventory or supplies from the storage shelf and walking away with them. Inventory controls can be improved through the use of fencing or limiting access to the warehouse. The extent to which controls Dreamstime.com are applied here depends on the amount of pilferage

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JJ11-Money.indd 29 5/25/11 12:55 PM Your Business | Money

and the value of inventory and supplies. • Mutilating voided checks. Be sure to stamp voided Purchases for Personal Use. Employees may use checks “Void,” or tear off the signature line to avoid cash- company credit cards for the purchase of items that can ing of the check. be diverted for personal use. A detailed record of all credit • Performing bank reconciliations monthly. This should card purchases should be required, rather than relying on be done by someone who has no association with ac- spot checks or the incoming credit card statement. counts payable, accounts receivable or cash receipts. • Reviewing un-cashed checks. It is possible that an un-cashed check is created through a flaw in the system, With good internal controls, you which could send a check to a nonexistent supplier. can generate reliable financial • Stamping incoming checks “For Deposit Only.” Accounts Receivable. Controls are needed here to stop reporting while complying with employees from taking customer payments and hiding them by altering customer records. The most common laws and regulations. controls for this area are: • Confirming accounts receivable balances. If an em- Supplier Kickbacks. Purchasers can make arrange- ployee happens to be hiding deposits, then it is possible ments with suppliers to buy from them in exchange for to detect this loss through periodically sending an account kickback payments. This type of fraud usually results in confirmation to the customer. higher prices being paid to suppliers. Fraud of this nature • Requiring approval of credits. Pilferage may occur is hard to detect because it requires the constant review of through an employee’s granting credit to a customer in prices paid as compared to market rates. exchange for a kickback. This can be prevented through This covers just some types of fraud—it is by no means the use of forms for the granting of all credits. all-inclusive. Fraud problems may increase in some organi- • Comparing checks received to money posted against zations because the business environment makes it easier accounts receivable. A clerk could cash a customer check for fraud to occur. For example, increased emphasis on and deposit it into his or her own account. Subsequently, higher profits could lead to false financial reporting. Fraud they could keep applying funds received to the oldest is more likely if there are unrealistic growth objectives, invoice, thus disguising the fraud. Periodic comparisons of problems within management ranks, or if controls are not checks on deposit slips against accounts charged can help keeping pace with organizational growth. fight this type of fraud.

Internal Controls Now that we’ve established some of the more common Increased emphasis on higher ways a company may be defrauded, we’ll look at some common internal controls to stop it. profits could lead to false Cash. Cash is one of the most important assets in a financial reporting. company and is critical to its operation. The following are some of the more common controls. • Comparing the check register to the actual check Inventory. Tracking inventory can be extremely complex, number sequence. lending to the need for good internal controls. Common • Conducting spot audits of petty cash, keeping in mind controls include: that it’s possible to falsify petty cash records through the • Requiring transaction forms for scrap and rework use of miscellaneous receipts and IOUs. transactions. In a manufacturing operation, there is a start- • Controlling the check stock, making sure that checks ing amount of materials and direct labor that can be lost are kept under lock and key. through scrap. This is a difficult area to control since scrap • Controlling signature plates, which should be stored in materials and reworks occur at many points of an opera- a secure area. tion. Staff should be well trained in the use of transaction • Depositing checks daily. forms that record this process so that inventory records • Filling in empty spaces on checks. If the amount line remain accurate. of a check is left partially blank, an additional amount may • Conducting inventory audits. Due to error, inventory be inserted. tends to gradually differ from what is in your books. Do • Limiting petty cash reserves. a full inventory twice a year, or cycle through the entire

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inventory over the course of a year. matches the invoice with purchase order pricing and the • Investigating negative-balance perpetual records. If a quantity charged against the quantity received. This ability balance in the perpetual records ever reaches a negative is included in certain computer programs. balance, always investigate it to determine the cause and • Independently reviewing additions to the vendor make sure it does not happen again. file. Have someone not associated with accounts payable • Reviewing inventory for obsolete items. This area review all additions to the master vendor file to avoid pay- tends to be the largest cause of inventory valuation errors. ments to fictitious vendors. One way to avoid this is to print a report that lists inventory • Requiring approval on all invoices that do not have a items that have not been used recently, including the ex- purchase order. If a purchase order has not been issued, tended cost. An alternative method is to create a report that then the invoice should be sent to the supervisor of the compares on-hand inventory to an item’s historical usage. department being charged for approval. Focusing on the above areas is a good starting point; Accounts Payable. This is the most common area of however, this is just a portion of the necessary controls. company fraud and transactional errors. But first, a word of Other areas include investments, employee advances, fixed caution: This area requires a combination of controls, and assets, notes payable, revenues, and travel and entertain- it’s important they are applied judiciously. They include: ment. By keeping these controls in mind, you’ll be in a • Auditing credit card statements. To avoid having com- better position to truly evaluate your bottom line and run a pany credit cards used on non-business purchases, credit better, more profitable business. ■ cards should be audited regularly. Apply limitations on the amount that can be charged to keep an employee within Johnny C. Gates is partner at B2B CFO, the United States’ spending limits. largest CFO ﬁ rm focusing on mid-market companies. For a • Verifying authorizations with a three-way match of free assessment of your company’s internal controls, Gates the purchase order, invoice, and receiving report. This may be reached at [email protected] or 803/519-3961.

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www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 Hardwood Floors 31

JJ11-Money.indd 31 5/25/11 12:55 PM Your Business | Management

Getting to Win-Win Negotiate with suppliers to get a bang for your buck

By Phillip M. Perry

hen it comes to buying goods and services, getting the most bang for your buck is critical in today’s economy. If you’re like most other business owners, your bottom line is under siege W just when your suppliers are looking to protect their own profits with higher prices and tougher terms. For many business transactions, the secret to making the most of your money lies in smart negotiations. Remember that you don’t have to accept your suppliers’ opening terms. Instead, continually look for ways to create transactions that are mutually beneficial to you and your vendors.

Give and Take Successful negotiating is more an art than science. The best way to master this is by studying some examples. Consider this common scenario: You want to create a snappy, modern website for your business. Unfortunately, the really good web designers are in high demand—and your favorite one wants a big portion of his fee up front. What to do? “It’s not unreasonable for a website designer to ask for some money before starting work, but you can negotiate a reasonable amount,” says Phil Marcus, principal of The Negotiation Pro (www.negotiationpro.com) of Columbia, Md. “Suppose the firm asks for a third of the total up front for a new project,” he says. “A good approach is to point out that the vendor does not have to buy any expensive materials like a construction contractor does; then, offer to pay 10 percent up front. Next ask, ‘Can we set a schedule of payments to occur when certain portions of the site are done?’” Many times, says Marcus, project agreements call for payments to be made when work completion reaches 25 percent, 50 percent, and 75 percent. Then the balance due is paid upon completion, minus 10 percent of the total bill for a 30-day period. “Holding back 10 percent allows you time to fiddle with your site and make sure everything is working correctly before your final payment,” Marcus says. The idea here is to avoid a drain on your cash flow, maintain quality control over the service

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32 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

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efits from your business. J. Holt, a Seattle-based management consultant. “You are in Let the vendor know that if you are happy with the job a better position if you have established a personal rela- you will order more work, will put a link to the vendor’s tionship with your banker,” she says. And the size of the own site on your site, and will post a fair appraisal on pub- institution matters. “Small banks and credit unions are much lic bulletin boards such as Angie’s List, which are consulted more open to negotiation than the big banks, which can be by prospects. A vendor will go an extra mile for any cus- intractable.” tomer who promises to help improve business. Before you talk with your banker, do your homework. The approach that works with a web designer can work Start by talking with other businesses in your region to see with any number of suppliers, whether offering services or what rates they have been getting. Then you can ask your products. Consider these scenarios: banker to match them for your outstanding debt, or for new debt that you incur. Take into consideration those compet- Merchant Fee Hike ing credit card offers you receive in the mail, too. If you’re like many businesses, the ability to accept credit Finally, be prepared to horse trade. “Offer something in cards is critical to your success. Unfortunately, many mer- return for a better rate,” Holt advises. “Even if you are not in chant account vendors take advantage of that fact by hiking arrears, be prepared to knock the amount you owe down their fees. Take heart: The merchant account industry is to 33 to 50 percent of the current amount. Some banks may highly competitive and your vendor is likely to be open to offer you a lower interest rate if you set up a monthly auto- counter offers. matic payment of a minimum amount.” “Pricing is always open to negotiation,” says Paul A. What’s not negotiable? Billing cycles, for one thing. Those Rianda, an Irvine, Calif.-based attorney specializing in the are set by third-party transaction handlers and your bank bank card industry. “The market has gotten to the point has no control over them. where profits have compressed and the main way of retain- ing merchants is through lowering price. Keep in mind that Addition of Surcharges your existing processor knows you can go somewhere else Earlier in this story we discussed an example with a website and get it cheaper—there’s always another guy beating on service provider. However, product suppliers can pose their your door.” own problems: Suppose you’re dealing with a vendor that Merchant account pricing involves two main components: starts adding fuel and delivery charges or other bill-fattening The first is the interchange rate, or the percentage taken by items, or maybe it has started requiring COD. the merchant account provider of each sale made. There are “If this is a vendor with whom you deal regularly, you dozens of these rates, varying by type of card and transac- have more negotiating power,” Holt says. “Tell them that tion. The second main fee is the transaction fee, which is you have a good relationship and want better terms. Offer paid for each transaction. This generally runs around 25 to keep them as a vendor if they move out of the COD and cents. give you a three-percent discount if you pay in 10 or 15 “In many cases, your lion’s share of savings will come days.” from negotiating better interchange rates,” Rianda points out. The bigger you are as a customer, the better negotiating Start by analyzing your sales by category. Generally, focus position you are in. Offer to increase the amount of mer- on the rate for “card-present” transactions if you’re a brick chandise you buy if they eliminate surcharges. and mortar outfit, and “non-swiped” transactions if you’re basically a Web-based merchant. Grow Your Vehicle Fleet Shop around and see what other merchants are paying “There’s lots of competition in the vehicle leasing field, and what other merchant account vendors are offering. so negotiations are wide open,” Holt says. Here are some Then you can ask your own vendor to match the better things you can offer your vendor in exchange for lower deal. Emphasize that you enjoy working with your current monthly fees: company and want to stay with them. What will they do to • An extension of your lease into multiple years. keep you? • Leasing additional vehicles. • Inclusion of the leasing firm’s banner with a “Leased Credit Card Rate Hike from XYZ” sign on your vehicles. Of course, businesses leverage credit card purchases every • Paying more months up front. “If you pay them six day, too. Suppose your credit card issuer spikes your interest months of a three-year lease, they are better off than if you rate, even though you are a stellar borrower. This seems to pay only two months,” Holt points out. be happening more often today as a result of the turmoil in • In addition to lower fees, you may ask for: more the credit markets in general. frequent, less expensive maintenance work; less expensive In many cases, interest rates are negotiable, says Marilyn emergency service and the use of replacement vehicles

34 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Mgmt.indd 34 5/25/11 1:30 PM Your Business | Management

without the vendor’s logo; lower cost to apply your busi- tenant more amenities, such as more reserved parking, that ness’s name and logo; or installation of security systems. do not cost the landlord out of pocket but provide signifi- cant benefit or cost savings to the tenant. The tenant may Office Expansion also want to negotiate a cap on common area maintenance Suppose you need bigger office space. It’s available in your expenses. current building, but how do you approach your landlord? In today’s economic environment, commercial real estate Speak Up is a “tenant’s market” in many cities, meaning that tenants Many small business owners don’t bother negotiating be- have more negotiating power. (For more on real estate cause they feel they will be turned down. Don’t make that negotiation, see “Better Lease on Life” in the February/March mistake. Vendors are ready to talk turkey in today’s tough 2011 issue.) You are important to your landlord because economy. After all, they want to increase revenues and you are a proven quantity: A reliable tenant who is actually retain accounts as much as you do. expanding in tough times. But take the right approach. “Ask in a non-demanding Tenants everywhere are asking for—and getting—free way that offers the supplier something in return for what- rent. “You might tell your landlord that in exchange for ever discount you need to make your project work,” Marcus taking twice the space, you are willing to sign a three-year says. lease, and you want the first three months’ free rent,” Marcus Try to apply the power of negotiation to all aspects of says. Or you might ask for more “build-out money.” That your business. “Practically anything can be negotiated for,” term refers to investment in such critical amenities as interior Marcus says. “There is no reason not to ask. The worst they walls, electrical wiring and cabling, attractive carpeting, or can say is ‘no.’” ■ lighting. “All of this is very important to your customers,” Marcus says. “And it can be expensive.” New York-based freelancer Phillip M. Perry negotiates win- Other ideas: A landlord might have flexibility to give a win deals with his clients everywhere.

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www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 ■ Hardwood Floors 35

JJ11-Mgmt.indd 35 5/25/11 1:30 PM HF06_Urban611.indd 1 5/24/11 12:40 PM On the Job Ask the Expert Waste, Dishout & Noise

Coming up Short Roy Reichow, president at East ing across the grain or sanding Why does it seem like I’m Bethel, Minn.-based National Wood two adjacent species with different always short on flooring when Floor Consultants, answers: hardnesses (such as walnut and oak) also can create dishout. I get to the end of my installa- Dishing out the grain of the wood, tions? It seems like the manu- also sometimes referred to as “shell- Other problems are over-screening facturers are shorting me. out” or “dishout,” is commonplace, yet and over-padding the screen (with it is preventable at the time of final a 1-inch white pad, for example). Glen Miller, manufacturer divi- True hardplating (with a bolt-on or sion manager at the Chesterfield, sanding. double-sided disc) is pretty much a Mo.-based National Wood Flooring In many cases this problem can thing of the past; today, soft-plating Association, answers: be caused by the drum sander removing springwood prior to the or medium-plating using 100- or 3 It is commonly accepted that you buffer ever seeing the floor. Many 120-grit paper backed by a ⁄8-by-16- need to add at least a minimum of floor sanders use too much drum inch white pad for the buffer is often 5 percent for waste to the square pressure on the final cut to remove used. With this technique, the paper footage you measure for each job. sanding marks from the previous is pliable enough to do the job, yet Manufacturers are not in the busi- cut, and shellout begins. This usu- rigid enough to avoid shellout. With ness to shortchange anyone on the ally happens when a floor sander this soft-plating system, you can both actual footage; if they were, more is trying to stretch out the distance eliminate shellout and the use of than likely they would not be in on ceramic-type sandpaper. Sand- screens before stain. business long. The waste allowance can change depending on which flooring you’re RICK OF THE RADE using. For flooring equal to No. T T 1 or better in grade/appearance, multiplying the square footage by Straining the Solids 5 percent is generally accepted. Using lower grades/appearances, using shorts or using plank typically requires multiplying 7 to 10 percent (or even more for wider plank). If you are installing on a diagonal or in an irregular room, multiply by no less than 10 percent. This is not to say that the footages may not be short sometimes from the manufacturer, but, in general, the footage will meet the stated amount. If there truly is a shortage, then you have all rights to be upset. Contact the distributor first, and then the manufac- hen containers of finish have been previously opened, Steve Bella at Stebex turer, to get things taken care of. W Hardwood Floors in North Vancouver, B.C., strains the finish with women’s pantyhose to reduce the amount of solid pieces in the finish. A plastic tie holds the Avoiding Dishout nylons in place while he pours the finish. “Laugh if you will, but I don’t have bumps What can I do to make sure I on the floors I seal,” he says. “Now, my wife asks if I have any spare pantyhose.” don’t dish out the grain when Do you have a Trick of the Trade? Send it to [email protected]. I’m sanding?

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 ■ Hardwood Floors 37

JJ11-AskKW.indd 37 5/26/11 3:53 PM On the Job | Ask the Expert

Noise Reduction minimum for multi-family dwellings So, when thinking about IIC and I’m bidding my first multi-level (always check to see if the rating is STC ratings, you have to consider condo building. What do I need more stringent for the project you’re the entire subfloor and ceiling. to do about soundproofing? working on). When using an engineered wood Keep in mind that a key factor in floor where sound control is a Scott Coll, CEO at Austin, Texas- sound reduction is the total mass of concern, one of the most common based Commercial Flooring Systems, the subfloor and the ceiling lay- methods is to use a floating floor answers: over a 2-mm underlayment foam. For many high-end multi-family A newer solution for sound con- residences, soundproofing is big The higher the IIC trol is using polymer-based wood business. Surprisingly, sound waves floor adhesive that not only holds travel faster through material such or STC rating, the material to the floor but also as wood than they do through air. has sound absorption qualities, with There are two measurement sys- the better the excellent IIC and STC ratings. These tems used for noise when it comes products also repel slab moisture at to flooring: Impact Insulation Class noise reduction. an extremely high level and have no (IIC) and Sound Transmission Class water, solvents or Volatile Organic (STC). IIC is the impact noise that Compounds (VOCs). is transmitted through a floor/ceil- ers: each doubling of the total mass Whichever method you use, keep ing assembly. STC is the actual increases the IIC and STC by about in mind that the floor must not have sound in a room. The higher the IIC seven points. Increasing the thick- contact with walls or baseboards, or STC rating, the better the noise ness of the sound-absorbing material which transmit noise to other parts reduction, with 50 considered the increases the IIC and STC ratings. of the building or surface. ■ Decades Got of innovation 5/8 - 3/4" 250AL questions? Get help from your peers at the

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38 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-AskKW.indd 38 5/26/11 3:53 PM On the Job | From the Field

Maximizing What’s Below Make sure your underlayment is working for you

By Bob Pratt

or wood floors, underlayment floating) and the performance goals compression resistance; the ability to can be more than just padding, for the underlayment as part of the smooth minor floor imperfections; F and understanding the features floor assembly. moisture protection; and the ability to that offer benefits beyond cushioning The composition and character- be installed over radiant heat. (Some can enable installers to recommend istics of underlayment vary widely. underlayment actually incorporates ra- the best fit for their customers. Going beyond the basics, underlay- diant heating elements, eliminating an First, consider the factors that play ment can include: sound abatement installation step). Also, some underlay- into your choice of underlayment: the and reduction in sound transmission ment is made from environmentally type of floor (solid, engineered, or between floors; insulating qualities; safe recycled materials. There are jobs where you may want to take advantage of multiple attri- TALES FROM THE FRONT butes. For example, for an installation where a new floor is replacing old vinyl asbestos tile, it can be helpful Cringe-Worthy to have underlayment with adequate Tile guys’ talk provides unwanted educationn compression resistance to properly support the floor while dispersing cott Giza of Grand Blanc, Mich.-based Yankee Hardwood Flooring the impact energy of each footfall Sremembers a job site that ended up being more of an education for some (lessening strain on knee and hip young boys than they had bargained for: “I was working on a job with these joints), and you also may want it to three young kids. They were very religious and they had been homeschooled minimize small floor imperfections. As their whole lives. But, they were very advanced carpenters, even at the ages of long as the VAT is secure, using this 11, 13 and 16. I was listening to Howard Stern in the morning, and the 13-year- type of underlayment can eliminate old asked me if I could turn that off—he said he found it very offensive. I said, the need for a potentially hazardous ‘No problem.’ The next morning the three boys were singing the most beautiful tear-out that could release dangerous gospel music as they were working. I mean, it was really nice and refreshing. All fibers into the air. Or, the same type of a sudden some tile guys came in and they were cussing, talking about the of underlayment can be glued directly ladies in a very offensive way, and just being very vulgar. No four-letter word was over secure old vinyl composition tile, spared that day. Every time they would talk, you would see these poor kids just offering a smooth surface ready for wince. I couldn’t help but think it was so darn funny at the time. I didn’t want to the finish flooring without having to stand by those tile guys—I was thinking God was going to strike them down with first remove the old tile and prepare a bolt of lightning. I finally took the tile guys to the side and asked them to tone the underlying subfloor. it down for the kids. I bet those kids were thinking that Howard Stern wasn’t Sound absorbing, or acoustic, un- all that bad after all. I heard that after that job the father never had them do derlayment quiets impact sound and construction again.” inhibits noise from traveling into the If you have a true (and printable) story to share, e-mail it with your name and phone room below. Acoustic underlayment is number to [email protected]. available in various materials, including polyethylene or polystyrene film,

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 ■ Hardwood Floors 39

JJ11-FTF.indd 39 5/26/11 11:13 AM On the Job | From the Field

cork, rubber, and fiber, and some acoustic underlayment enables engineered wood to sound more like solid wood. In multi-family housing units, acoustic underlayment must at least meet local code; exceeding the code can go further to help prevent complaints. Some underlayment has insulating properties. Insulat- ing underlayment with an R-value of at least 0.50 acts as a thermal break, helping keep a room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Under engineered wood, underlayment with moisture management reduces the possibility of mold growth Underlayment under the finished wood floor and can prevent subfloor or with moisture incidental perimeter moisture from marring the floor. management For floor installations that are part of green building reduces the projects, eco-friendly underlayment without VOCs can be possibility of an easy upsell. You’ll want to choose underlayment that is mold growth. third-party-certified for low emissions and is also manufactured substantially or totally from recycled fibers. Incorporating this type of underlayment may enable the flooring assembly to contribute to earning LEED credits. Electric radiant heat underlayment for under floating wood flooring can distribute quiet, clean hypoallergenic electric heat evenly throughout a room, providing supple- ment heating overall. This type of underlayment can also be adhered to the floor for glue-down wood. The next time you have a job that requires underlayment, make sure you and your customer are getting the most out of it. ■

Bob Pratt is technical director at Norfolk, Neb.-based MP Global Products.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? Answer: The installer left an area of the installer left an area Answer: The floor without the combination adhesive/ barrier so he could see his moisture chalk line ... which buckled the floor- it. (Photo courtesy of Matt ing above Floor Detective) Skowron/The

40 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-FTF.indd 40 5/26/11 11:13 AM On the Job | Troubleshooting

Too Darn Hot This floating floor can’t take the heat ... radiant heat, that is

By Keith Cudmore

The Problem As wood dries, it shrinks. In an engineered floor like Recently I made a visit to a home that had a problem with this one, the hardwood wear layer shrinks more than the a European-style floating floor. The homeowners com- plywood core, which leads to cupping. In this particular plained about some shrinking between boards and some product, the core was made of vertical-grain softwood. movement in the floor. The problems sounded like fairly It also shrunk in response to the heat, but the shrinkage minor issues, likely the result of some small corner-cutting varied with the grain of the wood, resulting in that funny during installation. rippling effect on the surface of the floor. And the gapping issue? It seems the installer neglected to apply glue The Procedure to some of the joints, so as soon as there was some stress The floating floor had glued joints and was installed in an on the floor, it just started to come apart in sections. existing home in the Pacific Northwest over a hydronic radiant heating system—one that uses pipes filled with How to Fix the Floor heated water to transmit heat. Although the system was Given the extent of the damage, there really wasn’t a lot used to heat several that could be done to salvage this floor, other than to use rooms, it was governed it as a cautionary tale. Although it had by a single, dial-type sounded like the thermostat. In the Future This situation illustrated the two biggest sources of prob- problems were The Cause lems with hardwood and radiant heat: improper installa- Although it had sound- tion and improper operation. minor, in fact, the ed like the problems For starters, I would have suggested putting in an up- were minor, in fact, the dated digital thermometer (my preference is a quick-re- floor was a mess. floor was a mess. In covery thermostat, which helps minimize radical swings addition to the gapping in temperature that can “shock” a wood floor). While and movement the homeowners had described, which older systems can’t always be retrofitted into separately was certainly in evidence, the entire surface of the floor controlled “zones” like newer systems, at the very least was showing serious cupping at the edges of the boards, the system should have been recalibrated to deliver more and a strange rippling pattern in the middle. Everything even heat distribution. The floor (or large areas of it, at suggested some serious heat and humidity issues. least) was being heated well past the maximum allow- Using my infrared spot thermometer, I spot-checked able temperature. All radiant-heat approved wood floors the surface temperature of the floor in each room. The have their own limit specified by the wood flooring temperatures ranged from 75.7° to 92.9°F. Of seven areas manufacturer. tested, four were hotter than the 82°F maximum surface The bottom line is that, even when using wood floors temperature specified. This also showed how unevenly approved for use over radiant heat, care has to be taken the radiant heating system was operating. to ensure the heating system can be operated within the Next I checked the moisture content of the flooring, guidelines required by the floor’s manufacturer, and that, which typically should be in the 8% to 10% range. It regis- after installation, it is. ■ tered low on the moisture meter; I later did oven-dry tests revealing the average MC was a measly 4.22%, or about half Keith Cudmore is technical services manager at Kent, Wash.- what it should have been. This floor was cooked! based Metropolitan Hardwood Floors and is an NWFACP The excessive levels of heat had dried out the floor. Certiﬁ ed Inspector.

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 Hardwood Floors 41

JJ11-Troublesh.indd 41 5/27/11 11:10 AM On the Job | Techniques

White Line Woes What is really causing WLS?

By Kim M. Wahlgren

he wood flooring business doesn’t have much in the way of conspiracy theories, but one finish problem is approaching that status. Rumors and buzz about it—and its causes—spread T rapidly by word of mouth and even faster in the blogosphere. It’s discussed so much, with so much wrath, that it has even earned a name that sounds like a disease: white line syndrome, or WLS for short. The name is casually used any time white lines show up between boards in a wood floor. The reason it has earned its own moniker is that it seems to be so much more prevalent in recent years, particularly about the last five years. Some contractors who have never had issues with white lines before report suddenly having to redo floors, even though they’re doing everything the exact same way—with the same products they always have used. This has all led to suspicions directed at the finish manufacturers: They’re changing product, using cheaper ingredients, messing up the finishes to comply with VOC laws, etc., etc. Contractors feel they are being thrown under the proverbial bus. But what really causes WLS? Is it truly a mys- terious, misunderstood phenomenon lurking on your next job?

Types of WLS The first question is: What, exactly, is WLS? Not all finish experts agree on the terminology. Some use “WLS” to describe any time any sort of white lines show up between boards. Others make a distinction between what they consider to be “real” WLS—finish stretching between boards—and white lines that result from peeling finish. They do agree on this: Whatever you call it, the vast majority of calls they receive from customers saying they have WLS are actually about finish peeling at board edges.

Peeling Problems Peeling described as WLS manifests itself along board edges, usually with oil-modified urethane (OMU) finishes. As the finish begins to lose adhesion and peel, it turns white in an irregular pattern that roughly follows the board edges (but isn’t an exact straight line) and often overlaps the top of the board slightly. Why does peeling show up in this pattern? One answer has to do with abrasion, or lack thereof. OMU typically doesn’t stick well to itself—it needs a good mechanical scratch, or abrasion, in order to bond well with the next finish coat. If the floor isn’t abraded well enough between coats—as often happens when you’re afraid of creating swirl marks or cutting through the finish to bare wood— the finish won’t bond well, especially along lower-lying

42 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Techn.indd 42 5/26/11 4:30 PM HF06_Fein611.indd 1 5/24/11 12:44 PM On the Job | Techniques

You’ll need to abrade extremely carefully—until the finish is completely dulled down—to ensure good adhesion of ‘WLS’ Caused by Peeling the next coat. hite line syndrome in which the finish stretches across Many contractors go far beyond a worn screen to W a gap between boards is much harder to come by than abrade between coats of OMU. One technique is to another problem some people refer to as WLS—finish peeling screen the floor, then come back with a pad and strip along board edges. WLS from stretched finish is pictured on system to make sure you hit the lower areas in the floor. the opener page of this article. Following are some examples Most importantly, after you think you are done abrading of peeling WLS, which is denoted by white areas that are between coats, clean the floor and take a careful look to slightly irregular and actually overlap the board edges. see if there is any visible shine difference remaining (see the sidebar “Lying Low” on the next page). If you see any areas that are shinier than others—board edges are a common problem spot—you may need to complete abrasion by hand until all the finish is dulled down.

Peeling from Solvents Another problem that can result in white lines between boards occurs with stain or solvent-based sealers: When they haven’t dried well enough before the finish coats, or too much stain or sealer has seeped between boards, solvents trying to evaporate through the topcoats can cause the floor to take on a WLS appearance. On recoats, the problem can be made worse by wax and/or maintenance products between boards that react with the new finish.

WLS from Stretched Finish Far less common than white lines from peeling is what some manufacturers refer to as “real” WLS. This happens when the finish stretches over a gap that develops when wood flooring boards contract. Just like a black garbage bag stretched too far, stretched areas of finish over the areas of the floor. (As one finish manufacturer put it, “It’s gaps turn white. The white areas are perfectly even, stuck, but it’s not stuck well enough!”) straight lines directly over the gaps. Once the finish has cured and people are walking on Because the white lines are a direct result of the fin- it, and the floor goes through seasonal movement (par- ish’s tendency to stretch instead of fracture over a gap, the ticularly in areas with a great variation in humidity), the finish’s flexibility can be a good predictor of potential for places in the finish stressed the most are those where the WLS. In general, this appears to be more common with finish has bridged between the boards. The foot traf- waterborne finishes, which are the most flexible, but it also fic and seasonal movement stress the finish to the point can happen with recently applied OMU. It is uncommon where it releases from the finish below (which wasn’t with other finish types and unheard of with finishes such bonded well enough to start with), and white areas of as oil and wax. Because the composition of waterborne peeling finish begin to appear. If you use a microscope to finishes varies widely, some may have a greater tendency to look at the finish underneath the peeling coat, you’ll see develop WLS than others. that there isn’t enough of a scratch pattern to create good adhesion of the next coat of finish. Preventing Stretching This problem is much more common in situations when Manufacturers stress that acclimating your wood floor, there is more than just a day of dry time between coats and then ensuring the customer uses good climate control of OMU. For example, say you applied everything but the year-round, are the most important steps you can take to final coat of OMU on a floor in a kitchen, and then the minimize WLS from stretched finish. If the floor doesn’t cabinet guys installed the cabinets and the painter was do- move, the finish won’t stretch and create the lines. ing touch-ups. It was a couple weeks before you applied But what does acclimation really mean? The floor the final coat, and now the poly had a chance to cure should be at a moisture level close to the midpoint of the much harder than it would have over just a day or two. moisture content (MC) it will have year-round. If you’re

44 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-Techn.indd 44 5/26/11 4:30 PM On the Job | Techniques

installing a walnut strip floor in Ohio in August, the MC of the floor and the subfloor may be within 4 points of each Avoiding WLS other, but they are probably at their year-round peak, and that floor is likely to shrink substantially come wintertime, here’s no guarantee, but keep these tips in mind: especially if the customer doesn’t maintain reasonable T • Acclimate to the mid-point of year-round MC. humidity levels in the home. • Make sure the floor is adequately fastened. Also, a floor with loose end matches and/or fasteners • Realize that dark floors and stained floors may show too far from end joints can cause movement in the floor WLS more. that stretches the finish. • Be wary of wider boards and species that are less Additionally, not all finish experts agree, but some be- dimensionally stable. lieve that using a thicker-than-recommended spread rate • Abrade well enough between coats of oil-modified may increase the likelihood of WLS. urethane. As always, customer education can go a long way to- • Be sure stain or solvent-based sealers have dried. ward minimizing this problem. If you think WLS might be • Stick to the recommended spread rate. a problem, let the customer know that there is a potential • Let the customer know that the floor and the finish will for white lines to appear between boards—at least one expand and contract. contractor actually writes it into his contract. Make sure the customer knows about proper maintenance proce- do often change their products, they say WLS also hap- dures—wet-mopping the floor, for example, will wreak pens on products that basically haven’t changed in decades. havoc on MC levels. VOC-compliant OMU products are thicker than previous If calls about WLS from stretched finish do occur, versions, with more solids, so it’s possible that longer dry sometimes waiting for the floor to go through a full cycle times with those products are making WLS more likely. of seasons can lead to an acceptable appearance. Another The reasoning goes that instead of the finish drying and option is to use a razor knife to cut down the finish at the breaking right away, it’s flexible for a longer amount of time seams, then buff and recoat. while it’s still curing, creating a chance for WLS to occur. One important factor everyone can agree on is a Why Is It Happening Now? change in consumers’ preferences. Trends in recent years This all doesn’t answer the question of why it seems like toward exotic floors, dark floors and plank floors all suddenly everybody is talking about WLS. The blogosphere make WLS more visible. A white line between boards commonly cites VOC changes and finish manufacturers may not even be noticeable on a maple floor, but it will changing their products to use different resins. But the be front and center on a walnut, padauk or dark-stained resins being used in VOC-compliant wood flooring finish floor. Plank flooring expands and contracts more than have been used for years, and while finish manufacturers strip, stretching the finish more, and many exotic species are also known for their volatile expansion and contrac- tion on the job site. Lying Low Today’s more urgent job sites also may play into WLS. In the olden days, wood floors were installed and sat on a hen abrading between coats of oil-modified poly- job site for a while before they were sanded and finished. urethane, make sure all areas of the floor, especially W Today, jobs tend to be more rushed than ever, and the low areas at board edges, have been abraded well enough. wood may still be settling in—in particular, shrinking— Below, sheen differences at some of the board edges while the finish is still flexible and drying. show where the abrasive didn’t hit low spots enough. If not Finally, customers’ expectations are ever-increasing. As abraded further, these areas could be prone to peeling that they become more demanding, fewer imperfections are looks like white line syndrome. seen as normal, making life more difficult for everyone. WLS may never totally lose its mystique—and every single case of WLS may not always have an easy explanation—but hopefully by taking the right steps, you can reduce your potential for catching this dreaded disease. ■

Sources and reviewers for this article included: Johannes Boonstra, Synteko Floor Finishes; Paul Campbell, Glitsa American; Steve Crawford, Dura Seal; David Folkman, Basic Coatings; Bill Jauernig, PoloPlaz; Todd Schutte, Bona US; and Janet Sullivan, Lenmar.

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 ■ Hardwood Floors 45

JJ11-Techn.indd 45 5/26/11 4:30 PM SikaBond®-T21 ADHESIVE & MOISTURE CONTROL

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HF06_Sika611 1 5/24/11 12:45 PM 2011 NWFA WOOD FLOOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

San Diego Spotlight

HE WOOD FLOOR OF THE YEAR Awards are the Oscars of the wood flooring industry, with Tenough buzz around them to merit paparazzi and a red carpet pro- cession. And the winners of the cov- eted trophies are no less excited than the famous actors clutching those gold statuettes. Turn the pages to find out about the proud Wood Floor of the Year winners who collected their trophies at the NWFA convention in San Diego at the end of April. Winners for all categories except Designers’ Choice were voted on by NWFA members before the show.

To find out how you can enter the 2012 Wood Floor of the Year contest, or to view all the entries in the 2011 contest, go to www.nwfa.org.

And to see more photos from the winning projects, go to www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com/WFOY11.

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 Hardwood Floors 47

JJ11-WFOY.indd 47 5/27/11 8:56 AM 2011 NWFA WOOD FLOOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

BEST LIMITED SPECIES; MEMBERS’ CHOICE

Deadhead Revival

URING THE LATE 19th century, the United States’ logging heyday, “river pigs” Dguided millions of logs down northern Florida’s famed Suwannee River. Inevitably, some of the logs destined for the saw- mill fell to the river’s bottom—deadheads, as they’re called. Over their 100 years of submersion, the logs collected minerals and changed color, giving way to an entire industry today where the deadheads are reclaimed and finally used for building—and consumers love it. Just ask Matthew Marwick, president of Summerfield, Fla.-based Precision Floorcrafters Inc., whose client for this award-winning 120-square-foot floor specifically requested it be designed exclu- sively using reclaimed deadheads from the Suwannee, which is just 60 miles from his home. “He picked out the lumber and I drew a design that he loved,” Marwick says of the creative process. The floor has four primary components. The focal point is a 53-inch medallion of end-grain bald cypress. Marwick took a slice of a log from a recovered tree’s crotch, sliced it horizontally, and then laid the pieces opposite one another. The result is a mirroring effect at the floor’s center. Surrounding the medallion is a herringbone-patterned ring of heart pine, and next is a field of end-grain heart pine. The final component is a mitered border of rare curly pine. Marwick says that about one in 400 deadhead pine is curly pine, which has a very erratic grain and tiny pro- trusions at its bark, things Marwick says resemble “warts” (visible on the cover of this issue). Marwick took the wood that would become his border and sliced it lengthwise, then matched the Summerfield, Fla. ends and placed them at a 90-degree angle. When it comes down to it, this floor has everything a Members’ Choice floor should have: beau- ty, creativity, craftsmanship, and a great story.—D.D.

Suppliers for this project | Advertisers in this issue appear in ALL CAPS Abrasive: Virginia Abrasives | Adhesive: BOSTIK INC. | Buffer, Edger: CLARKE AMERICAN SANDERS | Finish: Rubio

Precision Floorcrafters Inc. Monocoat | Router: Festool | Sanders: Lägler (Palo Duro), CLARKE AMERICAN SANDERS | Saws: Festool, Delta | Wood: Goodwin Heart Pine

48 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-WFOY.indd 48 5/27/11 8:57 AM 2011 NWFA WOOD FLOOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

BEST CNC/LASER CUT

Power Play

NSTALLING A WOOD floor in a place where lots of people gather is good marketing. Installing a wood floor in a place where lots of powerful, high-ranking government officials meet is great Imarketing. In 1999 Yantarnaya Pryad-Parquet began doing restoration work in Russian muse- ums, and later it began working in the homes of government officials, eventually leading to work in the home of current Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Today the company is taking jobs Khimki, Russia several thousands of miles from its base in the Moscow suburbs. For Yantarnaya Pryad-Parquet’s latest Wood Floor of the Year winner (it won the Best Living Room/Family Room [Hand-Cut] category in 2009), it traveled to Tajikistan, of the former USSR. As a result of the flooring company’s conspicuous installations throughout Russia, the National Bank of Tajikistan commissioned the company to install more than 9,000 square feet of flooring in the National Teahouse inside the Culture Park of Dangara. For design, an “ethnic ambiance” was requested, so Yantarnaya Pryad-Parquet incorporated common natural geometric shapes prevalent in Tajik culture. The teahouse serves as a retreat for the country’s president, Emomali Yantarnaya Pryad-Parquet Rahmon, and it is dedicated to the Nowruz holiday, or the Persian spring and New Year celebra- tion. On Nowruz, celebrants visit family, friends and neighbors, and so the president entertains guests at the teahouse; pictured is the reception room. The solid wood floor, which was glued down, comprises jatoba, beech, wenge, amaranth, merbau, jarrah, walnut, maple and Karelian birch. Yantarnaya Pryad-Parquet is a vertically integrated company, so design and fabrication were handled in-house at its plant in Tula, Russia. Much like the patterns throughout this floor, life repeats itself in the seasons and with each new year. If this fact is any indication, it’s likely we’ll be seeing Yantarnaya Pryad-Parquet in this contest for years to come.—D.D.

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 Hardwood Floors 49

JJ11-WFOY.indd 49 5/27/11 8:57 AM 2011 NWFA WOOD FLOOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

BEST COMMERCIAL

All in the Family

OR MANY, PASSING gifts to the next generation is life’s primary goal, so it’s no wonder that Avedis Duvenjian, partner at Archetypal Imaginary Remodeling, is so pleased with his compa- Fny’s second Wood Floor of the Year award. Helping Duvenjian on this end-grain mosaic project at the headquarters of AriZona Iced Tea in Woodbury, N.Y., was a typical cast of architects and designers, but there was also a young boy who often lent a hand: Duvenjian’s 8-year-old son, Tigran, who also went on stage in San Diego to help his dad claim their latest trophy (see photo on page 16). “On this project, he came to the job site so many times,” Duvenjian says of his son, “and the client really loved him. He would try to take Tigran on tours and get him iced tea, but he would say, Long Island City, N.Y. ‘No, I want to stay with my dad.’ Every time I speak about wood, he loves to learn.” The entire floor comprises thousands of end-grain white oak and wenge pieces, organized in a concentric-circle-mosaic pattern and glued to a plywood subfloor. “Looking at the middle, you think it’s one piece of wenge, but it is not,” Duvenjian says. At the center, the faces of the tiny 1 1 pieces measure about ⁄16 inch by ⁄4 inch. With each successive circle, the pieces become incre- 1 mentally bigger until the final rows, where they measure 1 ⁄2-inch square. For Duvenjian, this was the toughest part of the job: Gradually increasing each row—millimeter by millimeter—to give the intended effect of having his client’s logo appear to be floating in a dark, rippling pool. The biggest fan of the project is Tigran. At school he was recently assigned an art project to create a design using his school’s name. His chosen medium? End-grain mosaic with wenge and white oak glued to plywood.—D.D.

Archetypal Imaginary Remodeling Corp. Suppliers for this project | Advertisers in this issue appear in ALL CAPS Adhesive: BOSTIK INC. | Buffer: Bona US | Finish: Woca | Wood: Distinctive Hardwood Floors

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2011 NWFA WOOD FLOOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

DESIGNERS’ CHOICE

On Deck

OR SOME WOOD flooring contractors, installing a large-format custom herringbone floor crafted from exotic species over a slab in a home located directly on Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway Fwould be a job to run from for fear of moisture problems … but it’s business as usual for First Coast Flooring Inc.’s Greg Simpson. He’s been in the wood flooring business in Florida since 1984, and he has some words to live by: “The moisture meter won’t fail you if you use it right,” he says. In fact, Simpson ended up with this job after a different wood flooring contractor ran into trou-

Jacksonville, Fla. ble and had to be replaced on another one of the builder’s jobs. “The builder asked me to come out to the house and look at what they were doing; it’s a nautical-themed home from stem to stern, so to speak. There are big brass light fixtures and port-hole windows.” The builder had a rough design of a nautical-inspired floor drawn out, and when Simpson created a large sample of the 8-foot herringbone design from afrormosia and hard maple, he got the job. 3 The square-edged flooring was glued over a single layer of ⁄4-inch plywood on top of the slab; First Coast Flooring Inc. it has pegs to complete the nautical design. As the customer wanted something different around the perimeter of the room, a santos mahogany border stained to match the mahogany on the windows was installed. In a bathroom, Simpson installed the afrormosia in a grate pattern with epoxy centers, reminiscent of a boat deck, as well. (Go to www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com/WFOY11 to see photos of that floor and more photos from this project.) The customers loved it, and Simpson loved getting such a nice job during what continues to be a housing bust in Florida. “I’ve never been the cheapest guy in town, but I’ve maintained my quality and customer service,” he says. That’s a philosophy that proved to be a winner.—K.M.W.

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BEST MANUFACTURER FACTORY-FINISHED

Curvy Collection

AMIE BECKWITH IS an interior designer who entered the wood flooring business because she couldn’t find what she was looking for. “For so many years I used hardwood for projects and Jwas limited by linear planks, which are beautiful but straight,” she explains. “In my mind, I thought, ‘This would be an interesting place to bring shape and geometry to hardwood; let’s see wood that is circular and curved.’” That thought began a two-year process of creating prototypes of non-ending patterned floors. Beckwith wanted top-notch quality, from the construction of the Nashville, Tenn. 3 ⁄4-inch engineered pieces to the aluminum oxide finish, and she wanted the floor to be green. The resulting products debuted to rave reviews at Surfaces in 2009, and now have garnered top honors from NWFA members, as well, with the company’s first Wood Floor of the Year award. Beckwith’s products have particularly caught the eyes of architects and designers doing commercial work, but the winning Wood Floor of the Year project happens to be a living room in a high-end residence. The company’s Sextant pattern from its Enigma collection was chosen because it suited the home’s design, which has French and Moorish influences. That particular Jamie Beckwith Collection pattern was one Beckwith spotted on a stone church floor in France—she saw it and immediately fell to her knees to trace it with a piece of paper, which she took home to replicate in wood. Although Beckwith still has her interior design business, she says her wood collection, which can be installed on floors or walls, is now her passion. “I love interior design, but I always say that the wood doesn’t talk back like clients do,” she jokes. “The wood just does what I want it to do—it has no complaints!”—K.M.W.

Suppliers for this project | Advertisers in this issue appear in ALL CAPS Adhesive: BOSTIK INC. | Wood Flooring: Graf Bros.

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BEST RECLAIMED

Doing What You Love

ARIUSZ KARNAS HAS been in the wood flooring business for 12 years—he moved to Chicago

Chicago from his native Poland to work with his father at a wood flooring company—but his real Minspiration in the business came two years ago, when he went to his first Expert NWFA school and learned from instructors including Frank Kroupa and Steve Seabaugh. “The National Wood Flooring Association opened my mind to having a better perspective on a better life,” he says. After the school, “I worked hard and started to create medallions,” Karnas says. “I feel like my head is full of different kinds of designs to this day; what I am looking for is space to create these kinds of things.” Karnas found the space for two of the designs right in his own house, and they both turned out to be winners—an honorable mention for his Best Residential entry (turn to page 57 to see that floor) and the Best Reclaimed top honor for this floor, which he fashioned out of hickory, white oak, sugar pine and eastern pine. “It was a huge honor to get on stage to get my award,” Karnas says, explaining that wood flooring is his life’s passion. “I can do what I love to do and I can feed my family; this is an amaz- ing feeling.” These awards have special meaning for another reason, as well—Karnas dedicates them to one of his workers, Marek Hliniak, who was with him for four years and recently passed away after a short battle with cancer.—K.M.W.

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BEST RESIDENTIAL

Learning How to Bend

NLIKE MANY WOOD floor- Derry, N.H. ing contractors, Fine Cut UWood Flooring President Craig Anderson didn’t grow up in the trade. Rather, he’s a chemist who, at the suggestion of a friend in the construction business, ended up sanding wood floors on the weekends,

Fine Cut Wood Flooring hauling around his sander and edger in the back of a Toyota Corolla wagon. When that proved more lucrative than his chemistry career, Anderson took the leap to doing wood floors full time, and another leap came when he connected with Tom Osborn of Mosaic Hardwood Floors. “He took me under his wing and showed me a lot of techniques—how to do site-cut parquet, how to re-groove the boards, how to lay things out,” Anderson says. With Osborn, Anderson worked on a variety of jobs up and down the East Coast, including one particular highlight: the wood floors at the Presidential Conference Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, attached to the White House. Osborn is now retired, but Anderson has the wealth of knowledge he learned from his mentor— knowledge that enables him to create unique floors such as this one, which impressed NWFA members enough to give it the Best Residential nod. Anderson had the idea in his head for years. “I was looking to do something different from what I had seen out there,” he explains. “Pretty much what’s out there now are geometric patterns that can be really fancy, or scroll-cut or laser-cut curves that just take a straight board and cut a curve into it. I was looking to take a straight board and bend it.” Anderson experimented with which widths of flooring he could bend without the boards breaking 3 and finally had custom ⁄4-inch-wide white oak flooring milled for the project. He used squares of plywood as fulcrum points against which to bend the wood—he didn’t steam the boards or get them wet in any way—then kept nailing the floor from there. Anderson also custom-built the border, which was re-grooved and splined to lock into the floor. All this exacting work, which took about a week and a half, was done for a client who truly appre- ciates the craftsmanship involved—it was installed in the foyer of Anderson’s own home.—K.M.W.

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BEST RESTORATION

Gaining Momentum

NEX FLOORS SEEMS to have a knack for taking an existing Iwood floor to the next level: In 2010 it won the Best Extreme Makeover category by supple- menting an ash and white oak floor with a sinuous dragon, and this year the company earned the Best Restoration award by recre- ating a floor in an apartment on Manhattan’s East Side. The apartment’s new owners loved the colorful, intricate parquet floor already in place, but it had fallen into disrepair. Stan Sidorov, Inex’s vice president, decided to create a new floor using the same design as the old one. “The client already liked the floor,” Sidorov says of the deteriorated one, “so we just followed that.” Sidorov’s clients wanted their new floor to be built on top of a hydronic radiant heating system. To ensure the new floor would have dimensional stability, Sidorov specified it with rift and quartered wood. “It wasn’t difficult to convince the clients to spend a little more money,” Sidorov says of using rift and quartered wood. “I showed them how lower-grade wood could develop cracks, and they were convinced.” Before tearing out the old floor, Sidorov photographed it. Back at the Inex shop, the floor in the photos was recreated using white oak, wenge, maple and akaju; about 20 percent of the old

Inex Floors floor was salvaged. At the job site, the GC applied a leveling compound over the radiant heating Richboro, Pa. system and then Sidorov’s crew glued down the wood. Two coats of amber sealer were applied to achieve an oiled look, and then topped with three coats of semi-gloss finish, resulting in a classy, elegant floor that’s as good as new.—D.D.

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JJ11-WFOY.indd 56 5/27/11 8:57 AM BEST RESIDENTIAL (HONORABLE MENTION)

Inex Floors Richboro, Pa.

NEX’S HONORABLE MENTION winner includes white oak, merbau, maple and ash wood flooring that is Icoated with a waterborne semi-gloss finish.

BEST RESIDENTIAL (HONORABLE MENTION)

Henry & Mariusz Flooring/ H&M Flooring Inc. Chicago

HE RESIDENTIAL ENTRY from this company includes a custom layout of red oak, white oak, walnut, Twenge and maple with a satin water-based finish. (The company’s winner in the Best Reclaimed category can be seen on page 54.)

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JJ11-WFOY.indd 57 5/27/11 10:22 AM ProductFocus Tools + Supplies

nnovation drives industry. The manufacturers included in this year’s Tools & Supplies Product Focus are producing equipment that propels our industry forward, helping you produce superior Iresults and meet ever-rising customer expectations.

abrasives

3M 3M’s Easy Change disc buffer system makes blending scratches and chatter marks or sanding patterned hardwood floors easier than ever, the company says. Contractors can now quickly change from one 3M Hook-it II abrasive grit to another without tools. The discs are available in grades 20 to 150. www.3m.com Bona US The Bona Blue Anti-Static abrasive line, featuring sanding belts and edger discs, combines grit materials and antistatic properties that help prevent dust from clinging to the belt, leading to a more consistent cut and less dust on the floor, the company says. www.bona.com

FestoolFes GritsG for Festool’s Granat line of abrasives range from 40 to 1,500. They are designed for Mercer Abrasives, a solvent-based, high-VOC Division of Mercer Tool surfacessu and paints. These Corp. abrasives feature a hardened aluminum oxide with ceramic grit and stearate coating. What’s more, Festool says Mercer Abrasives offers heavy-duty belts the abrasives have exceptional anti-clogging properties. and pads of various grits and sizes. Mercer says these are cool-cutting and long-lasting. www.festool.com Its Premium Zirconia Floor Sanding Belts feature Zirconia grain, a resin-on-resin bond and a butt-tape joint for bidirectional sanding. www.mercerabrasives.com

Virginia Abrasives Designed for use in between-coat finish preparation, Blue Magic pads feature hard, sharp abrasive grains. Blue Magic has been tested and approved by top finish manufacturers, the company says, adding that the nonwoven material allows for a more consistent abrasion without removing too much finish. www.virginiaabrasives.com

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JJ11-toolsPF.indd 58 5/26/11 5:05 PM ProductFocus Tools + Supplies applicators Glitsa, a Division of BonaB US Rudd Company Inc. Bona US offers a European nap roller for waterborne finishes. It features a candy stripe Glitsa’s waterborne roller cover and frame that shows whether the roller is dragging. The help professional finishers achieve an speciallyspeciall designed roller is for use with Bona finishes. even finish; Glitsa’s 18-inch roller cover 3 with ⁄8-inch nap fits perfectly into the www.bona.comwww adjustable frame. The frame is balanced on both sides to ensure even finish ap- plication, and it adjusts to fit roller covers from 12 to 18 inches. www.glitsa.com Mercer Abrasives, a Division of Mercer Tool Corp. Padco Inc. Made of premium, thick lambskin, Mercer’s applicators Padco’s Crack & Groove Tool is a lightweight are available up to 18 inches in size, with or applicator with a narrow woven pad that can without a wooden applicator block. get into hard-to-reach areas; it can be used Thumbscrews hold the 6-inch-wide with all stains and finishes. The applicator is pad in place between two 2¼ -inch- made of solvent-resistant plastic and comes wide blocks. They can be used to in 2- and 6-inch sizes. apply stain, sealer and surface finish. www.padco.com www.mercerabrasives.com

Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products The Woodwise Nap Saver suspends an applicator pad inside a polycarbonate housing so the nap doesn’t get crushed. Since the nap never touches the sides, it keeps applicator pads like new so they can be used again and again without compromising quality, Woodwise says. www.woodwise.com

floor manufacturing equipment

Great Lakes Custom Tool Mfg. Inc. Royce-Ayry y Cuttingg Tools Inc. Great Lakes Custom Tool’s Great-Loc SG Universal Floor Cutters lets Royce-AyrRoyce-Ayr produces fully adadjustablejusta tooling for users change inserts and backers in order to cut different flooring thethe hardwood flooringflooring industindustry.r The company profiles while still using the same cutter body, something the company sayssays its productsproducts combinecombine theth ETP-Cubit says eliminates the need to purchase additional cutter bodies. Each adjustmentadjustment system with eitherei insert- or insert is precision-ground and optically inspected. diamond-tippeddiamond-tipped cutters to achieve precise www.glct.com results,results, andand thatth this combination workswork extremely well inin high-feedhig applica- tionstions because tools cancan be adjusted while stillstill mounted to save set-upset-up time. www.royceayr.comwww.

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JJ11-toolsPF.indd 59 5/26/11 5:06 PM Product Focus | Tools + Supplies moisture meters

Delmhorst Lignomat Wagner Electronic Instrument Co. USA Ltd. Products Inc. Delmhorst’s Total Check The Ligno-Scanner Wagner says contractors can features pin and pinless SDM offers indi- instantly and accurately measure moisture measurement vidual calibration moisture content of rough- or and a thermo-hygrometer curves and calibra- finish-grade wood with its MMC 220 attachment that conforms to tion settings for moisture meter. The tool measures the ASTM F-2170 standard. wood and the most from 5 to 30 percent moisture con- Advanced features include corrections for 69 wood common bamboo tent (MC) and has a species selec- species, a calibrated drywall scale and a reference floor plank styles, including horizontal, vertical, tion feature, eliminating the need to scale for non-wood materials. Stored readings can strand, natural and carbonized. The meter has reference correction tables. It also has an extended range be downloaded to a spreadsheet, providing clear, two measuring depths of ¼ inch and ¾ inch. feature, which allows for an extended species setting complete documentation of every job. www.lignomat.com range for exotics. www.delmhorst.com www.wagnermeters.com nailers scrapers

Duo-Fast Floor Fastening Porta-Nails Hardwood Industry Products Systems Inc. Hardwood Industry Porta-Nails’ Porta- Products offers a full TheThe FloormasterFloormaster 25250BN is a hardwood line of hardwood floor- finishfinish nailer.n It features a matic Evolution is an 18-gauge flooring ing scrapers designed to ppatent-pendinga no-mar create hand-distressed gguideu for precise blind cleat nailer. It is designed to install looks. Its Optimum, nanailing,il and it drives into 3 Ultimate and Pro scrap- ⁄8- to ¾-inch-thick dedenserns exotic woods with ers (pictured top to bottom) vary in handle curve and eease,ase, DDuo-Fast says. Also, engineered and solid wood flooring, including bamboo products. It profile, offering different amounts of leverage needed for this ffinishinish nanaileri offers an adjustable either bench-scraping or on-site applications. The scrap- ddepth th of f ddrive, i which hi h the company says features an ergonomic design and fully adjustable shoe base for increased stability. ers come with a lifetime warranty. reduces tongue splitting. www.hardwoodindustryproducts.com www.duo-fast.com www.porta-nails.com Mercer Abrasives, a Division Powernail Company Inc. Primatech of Mercer Tool Company Powernail’s Flex nailer can be Primatech’s uusedse to install a variety of 250 Series is for Mercer’s premium, heavy- 5 duty scrapers allow contrac- tontongue-and-groove flooring use with ⁄8- to types,types including both solid ¾-inch flooring tors to scrape without aand engineered flooring with 16-gauge gouging any tough surface 3 edge sanders can’t reach. from ⁄8 to ¾ inch thick; L or T nails, or it eliminates the need 15½-gauge staples. They’re available with either for pads and shims The 550 Series rubber-molded or premium 3 hardwood handles, and through adjusting to the is for use with ⁄8- to ¾-inch flooring with floor height. It uses an 18-gauge L cleats. With many enhancement op- they feature double-hardened, high-carbon steel blade 18-gauge cleat and is tions, Primatech says both of these nailers can edges, angled to reach corners, edges and recesses. made from rugged cast be used on residential or larger jobs. www.mercerabrasives.com aluminum, while its pressure-sealed body eliminates www.primatech.ca leaks, the company says. www.powernail.com Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products Woodwise’s V-Groove Woodwise/Design Hardwood Scraper cleans out V-groove flooring during Products the refinishing process, Woodwise makes a rectangular-head nail set for L or T while its Nosing Scraper cleats. This tool, which is made from case-hardened impact- helps maintain the tool steel, sets the nail below the wood surface. round surface of nosing www.woodwise.com or tread; a 14-inch Sharpening File is also available for the Nosing Scraper, and replaceable blades are available for both scrapers. www.woodwise.com

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JJ11-toolsPF.indd 60 5/26/11 5:07 PM Product Focus | Tools + Supplies sanding equipment

Bona US Cherryhill Clarke American Bona’s sanding Manufacturing Sanders systems feature Corporation Clarke’s OBS 18 and OBS 18DC the Bona Portable random-orbital sanders remove Dust Containment The U-Sand Pro weighs 40 pounds less than the original scratch patterns left by drum or rotary System and the sanders. The company says these Bona Edge, which offers a reduced sanding U-Sand and is more aggres- sive. Utilizing Cherryhill tools leave the floor smooth, flat and arm but maintains the ergonomics and feel of ready for refinishing, and that they’re a traditional edger, the company says. Plus, the Manufacturing Corpora- tion’s patented four-pad, perfect for the interim “screen company says its dust containment systems are and recoat” process. the only Greenguard-certified systems in the random-orbital design, the industry. U-Sand Pro will not damage www.americansanders.com www.bona.com the floor, the company says, adding that it works as a sander, edger and buffer to provide a single, user-friendly machine. www.u-sand.com

Mercer Abrasives, a CS UnitecU Inc. Festool Division of Mercer Tool CS Unitec’sUnit 110-volt ERS Festool’s RO 90 Multi-Mode Sander has a Corp. 180 rrotaryo sander fea- tool-less design, allowing it to quickly change turesture slide rollers for from a round Mercer now offers sandingsan along a sur- pad sander to narrow, elastic-neck face’s edge, and a delta-shaped, floor sander bags it can be paired random-orbit with zippers. Made with a vacuum detail sander with 100 percent for dust collection. in seconds, the cotton flannel and It includes a variable- company says. napped on the speed motor and lock-on button to maintain It also features inside, Mercer says its sander bags are perfect a steady speed. This sander can accommodate a rotary mode for rough surfaces. for heavy-duty floor sanders and edgers. Also, the company still offers its standard bags with 7-inch discs, and it weighs six pounds. www.festool.com reinforced grommets and a drawstring closure www.csunitec.com that prevents dust from escaping. www.mercertools.com

Revolution Inc. U.S. Sander LLC Werkmasterr Revolution Inc. manufactures a new product U.S. Sander now offers the HEPA Jet Dust Werkmaster says its Viperper 1700 is like called the FlexPad. Designed by contractor Containment System, which meets the EPA’s having seven machineses in one. This Wayne Lee, this pad replaces the rubber pad RRP Lead Safe Work variable-speed machinene can grind, polish,polish, for Clarke’s B2 Practices requirements edge, sand, buff, burnishish and stristripp coatcoat-- and S7R edgers. to sand hardwood ings from concrete andd hardwood. Revolution says floors in homes built The sandpaper-less machineachine has this pad cuts before 1978. It features a 17-inch footprint andnd flatter than other a large, certified and low profile, and it edgeses 1 pads due to its tested HEPA filter that is to within ⁄8 inch. “flex.” It also rated at 1000 CFM and www.werkmas- sands smoother than rubber edger pads, leaving includes indicators to ter.com fewer scratches to take out. show when the filter is www.101revolution.com contaminated. The system fully outdraws up to two sanders. www.ussander.com

Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products Woodwise Dust Collection Bags are made from 12-ounce brushed denim for maximum durability. All sewn edges are finished for added strength and to prevent raveling. The bags open wide for easy emptying, and hemmed drawstrings ensure complete closure. The bags are available in large sander, large edger, and double-bottom edger sizes. www.woodwise.com

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JJ11-toolsPF.indd 61 5/26/11 5:08 PM Product Focus | Tools + Supplies other

Amana Bona US Bosch Power Tools Tool Bona offers the Bona Bosch Power Tools says its GTS1031 10-inch portable Amana Tool offers Microfiber Mop for table saw is lightweight and designed to be carried in a full collection cleaning the job site. one hand. It includes an expandable tabletop to meet of cutting tools When used dry it picks cut needs up to 18 that enable users up loose dust particles inches, and it has to create custom before sealing or stain- an all-steel base tongue and groove ing a sanded floor. It can and ergonomic wood flooring also be used to wet-tack handle. inlays from between coats of finish. www. solid wood. Included in this collection are router The Bona Microfiber boschusa.com bits, plunge router bits, a shaper cutter set, and an Cleaning Pad is wash- undercut saw blade. able for more than 300 uses. www.amanatool.com www.bona.com

Festool Festool’s CT Work- center WCR 1000 mounts to the top of its CT Dust Ex- tractor vacuum. The Workcenter features all sorts of hooks, pegs FEIN and shelves, so it can hold a variety Mercer Abrasives, a Division FEIN says flooring installers get more done faster of tools needed on of Mercer Tool Corp. with the quality and durability of its MultiMaster the job site. tool. As the inventor of oscillating technology, FEIN Mercer Abrasives says it supplies safety products to www.festool. says it brings a system perfect for flooring applica- guarantee a safe work environment. The N95 Particulate com tions. With the MultiMaster, users can efficiently Respirator is NIOSH-approved and protects against dusts remove old floor coverings, plunge-cut parquet and mists produced by sanding. The soft, closed-cell nose or laminated flooring with ease, and quickly trim foam and adjustable nosepiece increases comfort and boards and doorframes. ensures the compatibility of glasses/goggles. www.themultimastersystem.com www.mercerabrasives.com

North American Starborn Industries Caster Limited Starborn Industries North American Caster Inc.’s Smart-Bit says its Floor-Care brand of Pro Plug system is self-adhesive felt floor pro- for plugging wood tectors have super-strong flooring and decking. adhesive. The 110-piece It features a patent- pack pictured contains all pending glue nozzle of the most popular sizes Powernail Company Inc. that delivers glue to to accommodate all kinds Powernail’s PowerJack 500, with its drop-down the sidewalls of the 5 plug hole. The system of furniture, it adds. These self-adjusting jaw, handles flooring from ⁄16- to protectors can be used with ¾-inch thick. Powernail says it speeds up instal- includes a tool for pre-drilling and counter-boring, all hard-surface flooring, lation of starter and finishing rows, and that its fasteners, a glue nozzle and plugs. and they are made in slim design and angled handle allow users to fit www.starbornindustries.com Canada. it under toe kicks and cabinets, ensuring tight flooring strips by either pushing or pulling. www.powernail.com

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JJ11-toolsPF.indd 62 5/26/11 5:09 PM Product Focus | Tools + Supplies

SKIL Power Tools Taylor Tools While Oil-Flo 141 Urethane Buster SKIL’s model 1830 router runs a variable-speed easily removes mastic, adhesive, 2¼-hp motor and features both an aluminum ink, chewing gum, and asphalt, it fixed base and aluminum plunge base. A is especially formulated to remove quick-release lever allows for easy adjustments cured and uncured urethane from and removal, while a depth rod and adjustable hardwood surfaces without damage turret make repeatable plunging possible. or discoloration of the finish. It is a www.skiltools.com low-odor, non-flammable solvent that is water-soluble and USDA-approved, containing no chlorinated solvents or CFCs. www.taylortools.com

Treska Products Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products Game lines are easy to install with Treska’s Woodwise Felt Floor Protector Pads protect wood, vinyl, parquet and Line-Rite Tape Machine, the company says. ceramic floors from scratches, The machine applies masking tape for paint- dents and rust stains. By allowing ing sports court game lines, accurately ap- furniture to glide across a floor, the plying the masking tape for each side of the pads also help prevent furniture leg line at the same time. Line-Rite is adjustable joints from becoming loose. The for different widths and is especially useful pads come in ¾- and 1-inch sizes for applying basketball circles, key ways and for the peel-and-stick kind, while three-point lines, the company adds. 7 the tap-in kind are available in ⁄8- www.treskaproducts.com and 1¼-inch sizes. www.woodwise.comv

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JJ11-toolsPF.indd 63 5/26/11 5:10 PM Imported Wood Flooring SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION FAR-FLUNG FLOORING t seems like our world is always shrinking. Technology lets us interact with people on the other side of the planet, and logistics Imake it possible to procure products from similar far-ﬂ ung regions. To that end, we bring you this year’s Imported Wood Flooring Product Focus. Read on and learn what exotic ﬂ ooring you can offer your customers.

Elegance Exotic Old Master Products Inc. Wood Flooring Old Master Products’ primary source of woods for its Garrison Collection is the U.S. northern Appalachian mountain region. Other woods are imported Elegance Exotic Wood Flooring says it from Canada, and it also offers a consumer-friendly selection imports oak from Europe of hardwood ﬂ ooring. Popular species for the French Con- including preﬁ nished Brazilian tigerwood, nection line (pictured). santos mahogany and cumaru are in The process continues stock for immediate shipment. Its newly with its manufacturing opened North Carolina warehouse offers partners, where quality quick shipment to the East. What’s more, standards are strictly the company says its environmentally monitored by Old Master conscious sourcing makes these exotic Products. species even more beautiful. www.thegarrison- www.elegancewoodflooring.com collection.com

Owens Flooring by Colonial Craft Urbanfloor Owens Flooring by Colonial Craft produces solidly engineered Brazilian Urbanfl oor says its Italian-infl u- cherry, sapele, eucalyptus, and santos mahogany fl ooring, which is avail- enced Villa Caprisi line is ultra- able in standard Plankfl oor wide and extra-long. In fact, this widths up to 8 inches. Also, European white oak engineered 1 its Select line offers a natural fl ooring is 9 ⁄2 inches wide and 87 factory fi nish for 3-, 4- and inches long. The line is available in 5-inch widths. Because of eight colors, with Brushed, Smoked its cross-ply lamination, the and Hand-Carved textures. Also, company says its Plankfl oor is the fl ooring is prefi nished with an

perfect for areas not normally Easy-Care lacquer, and it includes Flickr | Reid Beels 3 recommended for ⁄4-inch a lifetime structural warranty. solid ﬂ ooring. www.urbanfloor.com www.colonialcraft.com

64 Hardwood Floors ■ June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-importedPF.indd 64 5/26/11 1:15 PM Industry News | Products

5 1 Stone & Pewter Accents manufactures a line of ⁄16-inch-thick solid wood tiles for light-traffi c areas. The tiles are pre-sealed and prefi nished with matte polyurethane, and they’re sold in mesh- mounted, interlocking panels. Pictured is the Mu Cane line in amberwood. www.stonepewteraccents.com 1 2 DriTac Flooring Products’ Eco-Urethane 7500 is certifi ed under the Green Label Plus Program for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and contains zero VOCs and zero solvents. DriTac says the adhesive is 2 easy to spread and can be used with a wide range of wood fl ooring options. www.dritac.com

3 Jelight Company Inc.’s JFC-412 is a fl oor cure system with a 12-inch cure width. Jelight says it is ideal for garages, kitchens and residential fl ooring, or it works great as an edge- and stripe-curing system to complement Jelight’s larger UV fl oor cure machines. 3 www.jelight.com

4 Tornado Industries’ CVF 125 vacuum has a four-stage ﬁ ltration system, and the company says it meets the EPA’s requirements for 4 the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule. The vacuum is designed for heavy-duty, industrial use with a 1.1-hp motor and 7.4-gallon tank. www.tornadovac.com

5 ProTeam’s LineVacer backpack-style vacuum captures 99.97 percent of particulates on a 0.3-micron scale, making it possible to use this vacuum on job sites where you must follow the EPA’s 5 Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule. The vacuum uses a four-stage ﬁ ltration system. www.pro-team.com

6 Mirage has released Knotty Walnut as part of its Mirage Natural collection; it is available in 5-inch boards with a Cashmere ﬁ nish. 6 The boards feature color variation and distinctive knots. www.mirageﬂ oors.com

7 Bostik Inc.’s Vapor-Lock is a one-part, trowel-applied urethane adhesive that doubles as a vapor-retarding membrane. It works with the gamut of glue-down wood ﬂ ooring products, as well as 7 tile, marble and stone inlays. Bostik says it is virtually odorless and contains zero VOCs. www.bostik-us.com

9 8 Smith & Fong’s PlybooStrand is a ⁄16-inch-thick strand bamboo fl ooring product and is FSC-certifi ed, which means the product can garner LEED points. PlybooStrand is urea-formaldehyde-free and available in three fi nishes. www.plyboo.com 8

www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com June|July 2011 Hardwood Floors 65

JJ11-Products.indd 65 5/26/11 4:24 PM AdIndex Online Resource Center www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com/resourcecenter

Get more information about advertisers in this issue by visiting Hardwood Floors’ online reader inquiry service.

Quickly locate an advertiser in this issue using the list below:

3M Mullican Flooring www.3M.com ...... 2 www.mullicanflooring.com ...... 13

Amana Tool NWFA www.amanatool.com ...... 35 www.nwfa.org ...... 27 Appalachian Lumber Co. Inc. NWFA www.appalachianlumber.net ...... 63 www.nwfa.org ...... 51 Basic Coatings Old Master Products www.basiccoatings.com ...... 15 www.thegarrisoncollection.com ...... 10-11 Bostik Inc. www.bostik-us.com ...... 67 Owens Flooring by Colonial Craft www.colonialcraft.com ...... 3 BR-111 Imports & Exports Inc. www.br111.com ...... 21 Powernail Company Inc. www.powernail.com ...... 57 Clarke American Sanders www.americansanders.com ...... 25 Primatech Inc. www.primatech.ca ...... 38 Delmhorst Instrument Co. www.delmhorst.com ...... 35 Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling Inc. Dura Seal www.sheogaflooring.com ...... 24 www.duraseal.com ...... 4 Sika Corporation Elegance Exotic Wood Flooring www.sikabondusa.com ...... 46 www.elegancewoodflooring.com ...... 33 U.S. Sander LLC Fein Power Tools Inc. www.ussander.com ...... 63 www.feinus.com ...... 43 Urban Floor Lignomat USA Ltd. www.urbanfloor.com ...... 36 www.mistureproblems.info ...... 28 W.D. Flooring MAPEI Corp. www.wdflooring.com ...... 68 www.mapei.com ...... 9

Maxwell Hardwood Flooring Wagner Electronics www.maxwellhardwoodflooring.com ...... 40 www.wagnermeters.com ...... 31

Mercer Abrasives, div. of Mercer Tool Corp. Woodwise/Design Hardwood Products www.mercerabrasives.com ...... 7 www.woodwise.com ...... 18

66 Hardwood Floors June|July 2011 www.hardwoodﬂ oorsmag.com

JJ11-index.indd 66 5/25/11 12:58 PM

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