Wood Mosaics

New Product coming Soon!

Teak Mosaic with Sand coloured Grout

Whilst searching for something different to use on the panel of my recently installed bath, I happened across a true Artisan who produces the most beautiful wooden mosaics. Darrin Halliwell, of Flux Studios in Chicago, uses sustainably grown exotic woods and Bamboo further enhancing  his green credentials by using pieces left over from furniture making. The mosaics are cut and hand assembled in various patterns and blends and are finished during installation.

One of the problems associated with this type of product in the past has been the performance  of grout. Wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, placing huge strain on the grout lines. Darrin has invested condsiderable time and resources in developing a flexible grout that  looks and installs much like typical cementitious tile grout. It uses a special blend of flexible binders and fillers to achieve a system that is waterproof, non toxic, resists staining, can be coated with wood finishes and expands and contracts along with the natural movement of wood tiles.

We are hoping to partner with Flux Studios to bring these to the UK. Look out for an update when the samples arrive……..

Damien

First Aid for Wooden Floor

I received an e mail from an existing client, which included…

Can you please call to re attached photo showing blotches/stains on floor. I really need some sort of emergency repair kit to deal with these. It looks like blood, but Gill thinks it may be some clothes stain remover she spilt after soaking some clothes in it in the sink (trail goes from sink to washing machine). I’m seriously wondering if it was a mistake to go for a wooden floor in the kitchen if we’re a typical family that can’t take care.

Stains on a European Oak Engineered Board

The floor in question is a European Oak engineered board finished in Bona Carl’s Hardwax Oil. It is our preferred finish as

Bona Case Study

Photo Shoot in Windsor

Last week we accompanied the Bona marketing staff and photographer to a recently completed job in a beautifully refurbished Victorian house in Windsor. We installed 70m2 of European Oak to the lower ground floor, which has now become the kitchen.

The unfinished engineered boards were from our Dutch supplier, and following discussions with our client we recommended the application of two coats of Bona Carl’s Hardwax Oil. It is a stunning satin-effect finish which is both hard wearing and easy to patch repair in the event of any mishaps. The client was so impressed with the finish that the Oak staircase and all doors were also finished to match. We are proud to work with Bona, who will use the images as part of a case study for Carl’s Hardwax Oil.

Damien

Photo Shoot of a newly installed floor

Wood and Waste – To Recycle?

Is it fair that so much commercial waste ends up like this?

We constantly strive to improve our green credentials and it is a source of frustration to see so much wood going into landfill. We recently heard about the good work being carried out by The Chiltern Wood Recycling Project, and have made arrangements with them to take all of the wood waste we generate as part of our installation work. Whether uplifted old floorboards or off-cuts of new flooring, no more trips to the local landfill. There is also an irony (and cost benefit) as it is actually less expensive.

I think it is fair to say that many small companies claim to operate green initiatives, but fall short when it comes to action. We are now looking for a cost effective method to dispose of adhesive containers – any advice or suggestions  gratefully received.

Damien