TILE STYLE
Contract flooring is all about balance. Functionality is just as important as a contemporary design aesthetic that embraces an inviting, hospitality-style feel. Here, commercial tile manufacturer and supplier, Designworks Tiles, explains how you can create both.
According to the latest AMA Research report, prospects for the contract floorcoverings market remain positive, with annual value increases of around 3% to 2020 when the sector will be worth around £1.1billion.
There have been some significant changes over the last decade in terms of both products used and specification levels. Key to these changes was the move from carpet to smooth flooring and a very strong focus on design and aesthetics, with contrasting colours and textures used to provide differentiation between locations.
Even though the contract floor tiles sector was affected by the recession, it still experienced less severe decline than the domestic floor tile sector. Good growth in recent years was due to increased demand from the HORECA business sector, as well as retail, leisure and offices.
Kevin Grant, Associate Contracts Director at Designworks Tiles, said: “Our clients seek a stylish design and a high- quality finish that will look stunning for years and stand the test of time.
“So when it comes to planning, we start with the big picture. It’s like realising the client’s dreams, step by step, we make sure all they’ve envisaged comes true.”
Designworks Tiles offers a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes to ensure the final effect is unique and beautiful. It’s possible to choose from a number of off-the-shelf options or go for a tailor-made, bespoke pattern.
Technology and safety, however, are just as important as the design, Kevin explained: “Most of our pool mosaics use JointPoint- an innovative system of flexible silicone joints that hold the individual mosaics together in sheets.”
JointPoint is a technologically-advanced system where silicone points are used to join individual mosaics together into panels. Designed to ensure that the sheets are laid uniformly, up to 92% of the surface is left free for the
20 | FEATURE “With an eye for
design and a vast portfolio, we’re
confident that we can
provide what you need to take your project to the next level.”
application of adhesive, which results in a superior grip.
The pool and spa surroundings have to work just as hard. In particular, tiles used for flooring around wet areas have to; complement the colours and textures within the pool itself, look good in their own right, withstand wear and tear, and, most importantly, they have to have slip-resistance qualities.
There is a duty of care upon the specifiers and contractors to ensure that flooring surfaces are fit for purpose and meet all the HSE and DDA guidelines. That’s why Designworks Tiles and Dorset Wolliscroft (its sister brand), are so strict when it comes to testing for slip-resistance. Thanks to this approach, Dorset’s industrial products – fully vitrified and suitable for internal and external use - can be found in high-traffic areas with heavy footfall.
John Henry, from the Contract Sales Department of Dorset Woolliscroft, said: “At Dorset Woolliscroft, we understand that your design vision has to balance both form and function. Our range of slip-resistant floor tiles have been specifically designed and manufactured to offer the safest durable choice in floor tiles for the industrial, commercial and leisure markets.”
The Dorset Woolliscroft brand prides itself on offering a long-life, heavy- duty floor option for all commercial applications. You can see the brand on the high street, at leisure centres, in schools and places like railway stations and public transport locations.
Kevin Grant summed up Designworks Tiles and its values, saying: “We’re no strangers to working on a large scale and work extensively with companies such as Network Rail, alongside pub and restaurant chains, spas, leisure centres, hotels and even oil rigs and luxury yachts. With an eye for design and a vast portfolio, we’re confident that we can provide what you need to take your project to the next level.”
www.designworkstiles.com
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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