Suppliers
Kronotex is Floors Direct’s biggest supplier of laminated flooring. The German manufacturer is renowned for its high-quality laminates and wide choice of designs and colours. Kronotex used the steam it produces to generate electricity to run the factory and at times supplies excess electricity back to the national grid. Pine trees that are abundant in Europe are used for the base of the laminate flooring. Trees used by Kronotex Germany are from forest thinning projects and managed plantations. Kronotex is a world leader in the development and manufacturing of laminate flooring and constantly surprises with innovative designs, new textures and unique colours. The laminate industry generally follows the trends of real wood flooring as well as those of the furniture industry and Kronotex seeks to lead the market with new designs. These are just a few of the reasons why we import from Kronotex.
SAWLFA was formed by foresighted people in the face of competitive materials and "under-trained competitors" to collectively address issues facing the wood and laminate sector of the Southern African flooring industry. SAWLFA membership is drawn from all players, from installer to suppliers, we therefore cordially invite you to come and join us in the most exciting and progressive movement in the industry.
EPLF - European Producers of Laminate Flooring - have stringent tests for laminates which are then graded AC1 to AC5 - AC stands for Abrasion Class which represents the wear characteristics of the laminate.
Accreditation is a practical exam for installer team members which, all installer members must attend and pass before they are listed on our web site. They must follow correct installation procedures. If at any time they have floor failure due to incorrect fitting or incorrect materials they fail and will need to re-do the exam until such time as they follow correct installation methods. During the past year we have had some 75 member pass this exam.
Advanced Accreditation is a practical exam which only accredited members can take. This test for capability in all the finer finishes of a wooden floor, for example, stairs, basins, toilets, doorframes, and curved walls. Each team member is tested individually. We have seen some 11 x members achieve this award of which we set a very high standard.
Importers - What SAWLFA is accomplishing is to list only products that conform to European Standards. We only list importer members with the test reports/certificates to prove they are in compliance. Products listed go through strict testing and are graded. We can safely state that the products can be used for what they are advertised for. Training – Training for the first time through SAWLFA was held on the 14 and 18 July 2009, this for members of the association only and incorporated both practical and theory training for laminates and solid wood. This full day course has been put together by using all 6 x guides:
- Pre–installation guide for laminate floors.
- Pre-installations guide for solid wood and engineered floors.
- Installations guide for laminate floors.
- Installations guide for Solid wood & engineered floors.
- Maintenance guide for Laminate floors
- Maintenance guide for solid wood & engineered floors.
These documents have taken the association over 12 months to put together and offer everything an installer would need to be one of the most professional in his field. We want our members to have full technical knowledge and the confidence to set the standard within this industry. With the most qualified instructors within this industry behind it and with exciting opportunities in the pipeline like sand and seal and decking for future training being looked at we will continue to grow from strength to strength. The association is also working with SABS on updating the SANS (South African National Standards) 10043 document for correct installation procedures. For more information you can visit their website www.sawlfa.co.za