28
Oct
Courier Companies
by Drewski2112

All about courier and courier companies

It doesn’t matter what you send and where you plan to send your materials or documents, courier services are ready and willing to handle it for you. A courier company is an organization that proffers special deliveries of packages, money, documents or information. Speedy delivery times than any other a method of transporting documents is what you get from the courier services. In an international business, the courier services has become an essential service in an enterprise, even though emerging technologies such as the fax machine and internet have gained popularity, still courier service is in demand.

Generally a courier company appoints an individual to make deliveries and the types of things that person delivers vary from messages to large packages. The person uses various modes of transportation and it varies from roller skates to airplanes.  Some of them used to deliver documents between businesses and others used to deliver goods between merchants and consumers. The courier firm appoints different individuals and some of them are specialized in certain types of deliveries such as legal documents or large parcels. Courier Companies keep track of their delivery times for the purpose of being able to provide accurate estimates when orders are placed so that consumers know when to expect a delivery. Each company has their own delivery time and the length of time varies depending on the distance and the product.

Finding a courier company to deliver your parcel anywhere in the world is practically easy because many companies offer cheap courier service. Courier service companies use the most technological innovations and made the courier process enhanced in all the remote locations and distant locations. Make sure what you are going to send in a courier and also, protect your delivery items in closed box or envelope so that it has no chance of missing. Once you done all the packing process, make sure that you are providing the correct address where you plan to send this parcel to. Write the correct address on which you want to send your items on a piece of paper and stick it on the envelope or box because this will remind the courier where the package should go.  

Searching for a cheap courier service doesn’t mean that you are finding the wrong one and the easiest way to locate your nearby cheap courier service is by having a glance at the local phone book or in search engines. Even though many modern technologies are there, they can’t fully replace the use of the courier service and still there is a constant demand for couriers in transporting goods and documents to both short and long distances.  The world is now in the peak of all the technological inventions, but still most of the people have the trust on the courier service and they find it as the best and the cheapest mode to transport their deliverables.

The author is an expert for couriers. He has written many articles like car transport. For information visit our site motorcycle transport

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28
Oct
Mezzanine Floor
by JonasPhoto

Ten little-known facts about mezzanine floors for business owners to consider

 

It might be more cost-effective to install a mezzanine floor than to acquire new premises. A Mezzanine Floor could add a new dimension to your premises by making use of redundant overhead space – giving your business the additional room it needs at a fraction of the cost of relocation. And if you can outsource not only the build but also the mezzanine floor design, you will reduce your own staff costs to the minimum.
Mezzanine floors are useful for more than storage. The additional space created by a Mezzanine Floor can also be used to accommodate offices, or to increase production space. A well-built mezzanine floor can be used for any of the following:
Retail outlets / showrooms
Viewing Galleries
Laboratories
Office Accommodation
Assembly / production
Fitness / Gyms
Canteen / Staff Rooms
Mezzanine floors can be designed to your own specification. A good design and install company will create a bespoke design to meet your precise requirements, and will  install it having taken into account such things as site conditions, Building Regulations, safety and access.
Mezzanine Floors can be Multi-tiered. Where height allows, a two-, three- or four-tier mezzanine floor will give considerable additional floor space, and is particularly effective in ensuring a good return on your investment if and when you come to move on.
Planning permission is not usually needed for mezzanine floors if they are going to be used solely for storage space. For many other uses, planning permission and other building regulations must be obtained. A good mezzanine floor design company will obtain permissions on your behalf, having first advised you on the most cost-effective use of materials which will both comply with regulations, and fit in with your requirements.
Mezzanine floors can look wonderful. Wide ranges of colours and design options are available so that staircases, gates, walls and other structural elements can be blended with the overall design of your brand and internal decor. This is particularly important if you intend to use the additional space as a showroom.
Installing a mezzanine floor can be done quickly and with a minimum of disruption. If you can provide your mezzanine floor designer with detailed plans of the space and your requirements, much of the planning can be done off-site. A good company will provide you with detailed drawings and calculations for your approval, will give you an installation date well in advance, will let you know exactly how long the installation will take, and will keep disruption to the minimum while installation is carried out.
Mezzanine floors can be customised for special environments. Provided that your mezzanine floor installer is experienced in more specialist projects, you can use him to include such things as plant support structures, lorry sheeting platforms, plant access walkways or outdoor staircases.  And if you want your mezzanine floor to be used outdoors, there are numerous structural and design features that can make this work.
Production lines and production centres can benefit from mezzanine floors - for example, a mezzanine floor can be used to provide workers with a higher access point to a particular item. In addition, the installation of a mezzanine floor can minimise the amount of wasted space, while maintaining a safe and secure working environment.
A mezzanine floor can be most effective as a storage solution when combined with bespoke racking and shelving. Look for a mezzanine floor designed/installer who can also offer you design, supply and installation of  bespoke racking and shelving. This will ensure that your vision for transforming redundant overhead space into useful storage space can be effectively costed, planned, and realised in one undertaking.

If you would like to know more about designing, installing and using mezzanine floors, please contact a mezzanine floor designer, who will be happy to answer your questions. In the meantime, we hope this article has helped you become more informed about mezzanine floors!

Dennis and his wife Janet run Bristol Storage Equipment and love to help companies maximise their space to save money. Whether you have warehouses in Cardiff and Swansea or an office in Bristol or Gloucester, Bristol Storage Equipment supplies Dexion products to businesses throughout Wales and the West.  Supplying and installing mezzanine floors, live storage, partitioning or providing racking repairs and maintenance, they offer quick and cost effective storage solutions.

A Mezzanine Floor being erected with a FLT and two Scissor lifts

27
Oct
Promotional Clothing
by Mitchell J. Goldstein

It’s all about image with promotional clothing and promotional mugs

Whenever your employee (or customer for that matter!) wears a piece of promotional clothing, everyone who sees this individual will see your business name as well. So when you think about how many places an individual can travel in a single day by wearing promotional clothing with your branding on it, your business will have unparalleled advertising potential.

Corporate clothing is also a potential welcome gift for your employees and customers alike. Whether you give promotional shirts, promotional jackets, promotional polo shirts and promotional caps, your employees and customers will feel like they are part of a team, employees will appreciate being recognised for their hard work and will work even harder to be a part of your company. Scientific studies have shown that companies who encourage a team-building atmosphere in their professional environment also have a lower employee turnover rate. And as recruiting new employees can be a costly expense for growing businesses, so establishing a higher level of employee retention can be crucial to the future success of a business. In a similar way, all successful companies know that their foundation is built on a loyal customer base and promotional clothing and promotional apparel from Code Promotional Merchandise can encourage a stronger customer retention rate.

Second only to promotional pens in popularity, promotional mugs and promotional glassware are extremely popular…and with good reason!  Just take a look at the average office environment and count up the number of branded promotional mugs you can see.  That is the strength of the promotional mug as it is very rarely thrown away.

And from your perspective, you have a great range to choose from.  Firstly, take promotional mugs and decide how you want your brand to be perceived.  Choose from practical promotional travel mugs or classic promotional ceramic mugs, the cost-effective plastic promotional mug or the fine promotional bone chine mugs.

Or secondly, consider promotional glassware.  Does the ability to provide an engraved promotional gift give your business message the opportunity to rise above the others?  From promotional pint glasses to corporate gift boxed champagne sets, we have a selection for you at Code Promotional Merchandise.

Code Promotional Merchandise is an online distributor of promotional items for businesses, charities and the education sector. Our website at www.codepromotional.co.uk has access to over 100,000 products from over 2,500 suppliers worldwide.

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26
Oct
Email Compliance
by cote

3 Things Businesses Need to Know About Email Compliance

In today’s business world, we are nothing without our email. Now, we don’t even need to be sitting in our office to hear the ding of our inbox, alerting us that yet another message has arrived; we live in a time where smart phones are everywhere and we can have our email with us at all times. With all this new technology though, there has also come an onslaught of laws that are designed to keep email compliant with things like customer privacy, law enforcement investigations, and corporate governance. In short, the purposes of the laws are to make sure that email is being used, and managed, properly.


If you work for a doctor’s office, you certainly know about HIPAA. The two rules that affect email compliance are the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule. Of the two, the Security Rule is more in-depth and essentially mirrors the Privacy Rule; its purpose is to focus on information and security best practices and revolves around the security cornerstones of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The Security Rule focuses on everything from workstation management of information to facility access and transmission security. It is vital that any information you send via email, not speak of the patient’s identity or the problem they are facing; many offices will use initials when speaking about patients via email.


In the financial industry, email compliance is governed by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Also known as GLBA, it is basically the same law as HIPAA, just for a different type of business. It is designed to ensure the privacy and security of non-public personal information as it relates to individuals financial information. GLBA’s rules apply to mortgage lenders, banks, stock firms and others of the like. Within GLBA, the financial company is charged with several things: to designate an employee or employees to coordinate the information security program, to identify reasonably foreseeable risks to non-public information, to make sure their suppliers are also using safeguards, and to monitor all of the above.


On top of these two rules, there are also others. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, also known as SOX, is watched over by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This act was designed in response to the various, and highly publicized, bogus financial reporting in the early 2000s. SOX discusses what information may leave an organization and how long the industry should keep information on file; it requires that financial companies keep emails on file for six years. Likewise, the SEC Rule 17a-4 and NASD Rules 3010 and 3110 affect email communications within the financial industry.


This is just the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to email compliance, there are rules everywhere, and your business needs to know which apply to you and how to handle them. There are several ways to handle these issues, most of which include hiring at least some type of IT security firm to develop a total information security plan that will comply with recent, and future, government email regulations.

Richard Bliss is an Internet Security Expert and VP of Marketing with with worldwide GroupWise compliance software provider GWAVA. Visit them online and see why GWAVA is the #1 software provider for Novell GroupWise.

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20
Oct

Know More About the Second Hand Catering Equipments

 

Second hand catering equipments- an overview

Catering equipments help to serve the industry of food catering. There are varieties of catering equipments such as refrigeration, cooking equipments, cutlery, utensils, tableware as well as ovens. These equipments are bought by varied buyers serving catering industry, such as restaurant chains, hospitals, local authorities as well as domestic catering service providers.

These equipments are produced across the world as they serve the purpose of catering in the most appropriate way. If you are into catering sector, it is not always necessary to buy absolutely new and fresh catering equipments. As a matter of fact, these days second hand catering equipments are easily available that can be attained at low costs.

Different catering equipments available

There are diverse products of catering that can be used in different areas. Following are presented some of them:

v Bars: In bars, various kinds of catering equipments that help in preparation of mock tails and drinks such as blenders, juicers, coffee grinders, milk dispensers and water boilers are generally bought.

v Cooking equipments: Restaurants and food outlets buy specific equipments like ovens, slicers, blenders, juicers, potato peelers, chippers, machines for vegetable preps, and crepe machines in order to prepare different types of food items.

v Refrigeration equipments: These equipments help greatly in preserving as well as maintaining the food quality and hygiene. There are extensive ranges of counter freezers and upright refrigerators to serve the purpose in the desirable manner. On the other hand, glass washers, sinks and dishwashers help tremendously in saving the labor costs and work effectively as well as efficiently for you.

Second hand catering equipments – online available

The second hand catering equipments can be bought online as there are many manufacturers that deal in them. Here are presented some of the valuable benefits attached with availing the online services:



The first and foremost benefit of availing online services for buying second hand catering equipments is that these companies provide huge discounts that make your buying highly reasonable and suit the pockets of customers in an appropriate way.
As these online companies are available 24/7, you can buy the products at any point of time and that too with just few clicks of mouse; depending upon the criteria of your convenience.
Another benefit attached with them is that they provide 100% guarantee as well as warranties. This largely gives the stamp of safety as well as security to your buying.
These online companies display all the varieties available so that customer have complete knowledge of all the products along with their features and select the most appropriate product for their utility.

So, always take care of the fact that your business can grow organically only you invest smartly in these second hand catering equipments as they help to save your money by great amounts. Therefore invest in the required second hand catering equipment in order to meet all the projections and enhance the productivity of your business to the desirable level.

Caterequipment is the author of this article on Catering Equipment. Find more information relating to Servery Counters , and Refrigerated Displays here.

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16
Oct
pcb design
by skootergrrl

Know More about PCB Design in UK

On a daily basis, we use different types of electronic items such as mobile phones, television, laptops, computers and lots more. These all electronic equipments make the use of PCBs (printed circuit boards). A PCB can be defined as a platform where different electronic components are fixed all together in order to make the device functional. PCB design UK is an essential part of business.

A PCB designer etches, or traces, conductive pathways from copper sheets that have been laminated onto a non-conductive base. There are numerous electronic companies in UK that are involved into electronic components manufacturing make the use of PCBs on a large basis. These companies either make the PCB itself or purchase it from somewhere on bulk. A company involves into PCB design is capable of designing the circuit board for different types and sizes of electronic products. In simle words, the PCB design UK for a laptop is different from a desktop. To cater the needs of different markets, the PCB Design companies UK make the use of latest manufacturing technologies. The wide range of Printed Circuit Board layout services includes Assembly Drawings, BOM Creation, Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, and Library Part Creation etc. There are different types of PCBs such as Single-Sided, Double-sided, SMT, Multi-layer, Blind and buried vias, Flexi-rigid, and Rigidised flexi.

There are numerous softwares available in the market that is specifically developed for PCB design in UK. These softwares include Vutrax, Cadstar, and P-Cad etc. Modern PCB design tools fulfill a number of functions. They must be capable of facing the complex tasks in miniature, whist being quick and accurate in use. Modern PCB design UK systems make the use of latest technology in order to cater the need of different electronic markets.

PCB design services often utilize numerous platforms, so it’s essential the use interface of each is comprehensive and easy to use.

Established in 1987, Blackburn Circuit Design Ltd provides a high quality PCB design, manufacturing and assembly service to the electronics industry. We are a team of professional PCB design UK engineers offering a wealth of layout experience ranging from single-sided boards for the consumer market through to complex multi-layer flexi-rigid PCB’s for the defense industry.

For more Information Click here

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08
Oct
party wall surveyors
by Dystopos

What You Need to Know About Party Wall Matters

What do you need to know about party wall matters? That depends… how much of a glutton for punishment are you? If you intend to tackle a construction project that involves a party wall matter by yourself, then what you’ll definitely need to know plenty about the complicated world of party wall matters. You can start with a free copy of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s handy 22-page Explanatory Booklet that we can provide you with a link to. But even that, as the booklet will tell you, is “not an authoritative interpretation of the law.” You’ll have to keep researching all the myriad details of your particular situation. For most people, this does not strike them as fun at all. And if you’ll likely ever do but one or two projects involving a party wall matter, then the huge investment of your time required to master the various regulations is probably not worth it. In any case, you (as the Building Owner ) cannot act as a Surveyor. You can serve the Notices but if the Adjoinming Owner dissents / disagrees then you will have to appoint a Surveyor in any case. But you can avoid much of the hassle by hiring a professional party wall surveyor at the outset and authorising them to act on your behalf throughout the entire process.

Whilst you can serve Notices, if they are not properly written and served then they could be invalid and all procedures that follow are null & void – you go back to square one.

Party Wall Matters

Anyone who carries out certain work involving a party wall, construction on a boundary or excavation for foundations close to an adjoining building anywhere in England and Wales is likely to need to consider the requirements of the Party Wall Etc Act of 1996. One of the most important requirements of the Party Wall Etc Act 1996 is that you must give notice to all Adjoining Owners, even if your construction work does not extend beyond the centre line of the Party wall. That is very important to note: even if you didn’t think you’re affected by the Act because all your construction appears to take place upon your property… you still possibly are. And once your neighbours are legally informed that you are carrying out work that could potentially affect their structure and property, they’re also going to feel much better about your project (and likely refrain from causing you potential delays) if they see that you have entrusted the Party Wall matters to a professional firm of Party wall surveyors.

The Party Wall Surveyor

London Party Wall Surveyors can assist you with your project from start to finish. We’ll perform the initial research to determine your specific job needs and give you a written estimate of costs. Our professional surveyors can prepare notices, liaise with your Architect, Engineer etc., and obtain the information neccessary to assist in putting an agreement in place in a timely manner. We’ll keep you advised of the progress of the party wall matters, and our experience in dealing with the issues that arise will help . If any issues do arise, you can rest easy that London Party Wall Surveyors will quickly respond to them.

For more information, advice and guidance on tackling party wall matters, visit http://london-party-wall-surveyors.co.uk/

Collier Stevens Chartered Surveyors, Building Surveys, Homebuyer Reports, Party Wall Surveyors, Disabled Access Auditors
Video Rating: 0 / 5

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29
Aug
Courier Delivery
by gak

Important Facts About Courier Delivery Services

Courier delivery companies boast of offering the most responsive customer-oriented point-to-point delivery service. There are many types of Courier services.

There are many different ways to send or transfer packages, documents and personal parcels. A service provider allows clients to send their packages and documents, whether it is local or international. This business depends on the type of delivery, depending on the client’s choice.

Some of the services that courier delivery companies offer are:

• Courier transfers
• Delivery services
• Cargo deliveries
• Personal parcel deliveries
• Office documents delivery
• Courier services
• And Courier deliveries

The Courier Delivery Services Ground offers these delivery services throughout the largest international and local areas. The regular territory for Direct, Rush, and Regular Services can even stretch over hundreds of metropolitan areas.

Courier deliveries have some services offered via different companies. Some of the services are listed below.

• Nonstop – The Company will provide an estimated time once the client places the order. Within a local area, the on-duty driver that is stationed nearest the area of the client’s pick-up place will immediately provide the needed services. For the security of the person negotiating with the client, an online call on delivery is done. This is in order to let the client know who will sign it and their location for the exact time.

• 90 minute service – This service is used by people who are extremely busy with their everyday schedule. This is a type of delivery service that entails a 90 minute guarantee. This will start from the client’s call for a courier. However, for delivery distances of over 20 miles, 30 minutes are added to the delivery time. This is applicable for every additional 10 mile or a fraction thereof.

• The 5 hour service – This type of service delivers packages and the like only within a range of five hours, which starts upon the client’s call. These messenger orders, when placed, are ready for pickup before 12 noon on weekdays. For courier delivery distances over 20 miles, add 30 minutes delivery time for each additional 10 miles or a fraction thereof.

Courier delivery services provide very efficient ways. This would include legal, medical, financial, environmental, manufacturing and freight forwarding. Success in the medical industry depends on these delivery offices, particularly for their medical and pharmaceutical supplies.

Local couriers provide local courier services either for pick up or for the delivery of your sensitive packages. Nationwide couriers provide a “same day delivery” program across the US. Whether the package is small or large, going 5 miles or 5000 miles, they can handle the client’s transportation needs within the city. The city-to-city services are also available.

Through their dedicated, exclusive and regular services, the courier company has set up a steadfast commitment in providing their clients with the best same-day delivery solution throughout the country.

Under the Courier Delivery Services, a contractor must ensure that any person, who is an employee or a contractor, should receive a remuneration and entitlement. Hence, the NSW industrial relations legislation includes any amending legislation and regulation made under these principal pieces of legislation.

The NSW also provides a uniqueness and excellence amongst other couriers, helping motivate the clients’ satisfaction. Plus, the commitment of the company to quality services was achieved through the dedication of its delivery team.

Moreover, they provide the best possible services while considering the special needs of their own respective clients. For over 20 years, this delivery system has set up a wide range of specialized delivery services. They make client satisfaction as their number one concern, contributing to various outstanding companies.

For more information on Courier Delivery Services please visit our website.

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29
Aug
Organic products
by kahala

What is All the Hype About Organic Products?

It seems many are going organic these days, but are these products really that much more beneficial?

Organic Products are defined by The Organic Trade Association, as a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. These foods or products have been processed very little without any artificial ingredients or preservatives, which more and more people are looking for.

Americans are becoming more and more environmentally aware these days and you likely have noticed that organic products are becoming more popular everywhere you seem to go.

The term organic also includes other items other than foods or organic products, such as personal care products like shampoo, soap, toothpaste and more that are also available in organic form. There are also organic products such as cosmetics, organic mattresses and even organic pet products such as organic cat litter.

Although there are a few laws that govern the personal care ingredients within personal care products, most personal care products are exempt from strict guidelines, so you really need to check the labeling to see what the ingredients are before choosing something that may not be all that beneficial.

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) allows products that contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients to display the the organic label. Certainly, there are organic farms that exist here in Arizona, but one of the more popular organic farms is Shamrock Organic Farms. I don’t know about you, but I personally believe that it can be quite confusing when looking for organic products.

Here’s the USDA Definition of Organically Produced Organic Products Regulations and tips to help you decide if these products are right for you.

In order for products to be able to display the USDA Certified Organic seal, each product is required to contain 95 to 100 percent organic ingredients.

Products can be labeled 100 percent organic if they contain 100 percent of organic ingredients.

In order for an organic label to be displayed on a product, the item must contain at least 70 percent but less than 94 percent of organic ingredients to make the statement that organic ingredients make up the product. (These products cannot use the USDA Certified-Organic seal, however)

Stiff penalties as much as 10,000 dollars can result for any violators misusing these organic labels.

Farmers need to do their homework if they are to display an organic label. Farmers are required to document and prove that their products and farming operations actually comply with these USDA guidelines. This also includes farmers having to submit their farming system plans as well as documented records in order to keep compliant with the set forth rules. In addition, farmers are also required to allow inspectors inspect their goods at any given time.

There are many reasons why people believe in organic products and are probably the same or similar reasons that others in any other country or state believe that these products are truly better.

More and more Americans are in agreement that organic food and products made without pesticides and fertilizers are the best thing for the future. Many consumers and environmentalists firmly believe that going organic isn’t just about promoting better health. They also believe that organically grown food is good for the soil, the environment and certainly our children and others for many years to come.

Many people believe that eating organic foods is healthier because these products contain very little, if any, pesticides or chemicals that will harm you or your children.

Many people believe that choosing 100 percent organic products benefit consumers because these items do not contain any chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides or any growth hormones and antibiotics.

Many people will agree that by supporting organically grown products, we are doing our part for a healthier environment for everyone. Organic crops do not require any fertilizers because of the fact that they are rotated, which in turns replenishes the essential nutrients needed for healthier and more nutritious fruits and vegetables.

To know whether you are really purchasing something that is said to be organic, look for the organic certification. If you do not know the difference between organic and sustainable, you are not alone. It can be very confusing trying to decide whether or not food without pesticides are better.

Just keep in mind that, organic farms must be independently certified every year and then approved by the USDA, to be officially identified as an organic farm.

Organic products may not be a priority to some people, but there is one thing that cannot be disagreed upon. Fertilizers are not used with these products which is always a benefit when it comes to pollutants that enter our rivers, lakes and streams.

Cecilia Valenzuela is a full time entrepreneur and supporter of small businesses. Cecilia Valenzuela works with entrepreneurs striving to become successful like herself. Valenzuela supports other online business owners. More information about organic products including resourceful information about the state of Arizona and the desert southwest is available at: http://www.my-arizona-desert-living.com/Organic-Products.html

23
Aug

What is So Good About Amtico Flooring

Amtico flooring is just about the most hardwearing and practical alternative to real wood.

Have a look at the comprehensive selection of Amtico flooring in the latest natural wood designs. These range from the softest colours such as white maple, to the mid toned classic oaks, and on to the darkest colour in our range Wenge Wood. All Amtico woods are genuine British made commercial grade {not the Asian made Spacia} and are available in ‘tick’ finish in the 114mm x 915mm standard size. They are all available from stock for next day delivery so you can avoid the frustrating long delivery times quoted by supposed Amtico stockists. You can even check out our real time stockholding online so that you cab book your installer in advance.

Choosing Amtico flooring means you don’t’ have to worry about long tem maintenance- your floor will never need sanding or re-finishing. The tough abrasion resistant surface will repel stains and moisture making it an ideal choice for wet areas such as bathrooms and shower rooms, and heavy wear areas such as hallways and entrance lobbies.

Amtico wood authentically replicates the natural product and it’s true characteristics. The Stripwood is highly variable in grain, shade and decoration. Please consider this in your product selection, as our online images only display a small section of the material.

Installing Amtico wood flooring can be undertaken by any reasonably competent DIYer with little in the way of equipment. If you are installing onto an existing wood floorboard, chipboard, or MDF sub-floor, it is always good practice to install a new plywood base first. Not only will this ensure long term wear, it will prevent undulations showing through your new flooring. If your sub-floor is reasonably flat, 6mm exterior grade moisture resistant plywood is adequate. This should be fixed at 15-20cm centers with screw nails.

If your sub-floor is old and extremely uneven, a heavier grade plywood 9mm or 12mm should be used. However before installing this, level off any hollows with a latex screed compound. Otherwise the plywood will never be completely flat.

After installing the plywood, spend as much time as possible filling any gaps in the joints, and knocking down nails flat. Then take down any high spots with a medium grade sand paper. Time taken on preparing the sub-floor will produce huge dividends when you have installed you new Amtico, so do not be tempted to cut any corners.

Depending on how flat and smooth you have managed to make the plywood base, it may be necessary to apply a further leveler such as Ardex Feather Finish which can be applied thinly without the risk of delaminating.

If you are installing over a solid floor e.g. concrete, asphalt, quarry tiles, stone flags etc. it is imperative that your do a thorough check of the moisture content of the sub-floor. Even a slight amount of moisture in a sub-floor will cause Amtico flooring to start lifting within a very short period of time. Your investment will then be wasted, as the floor will be beyond repair. Check first for the presence of a dpm, which should be visible on your outside, walls maybe the first or second line of brick or stone. If there is nothing evident, and your house was build before 1960, then it is safe to assume that there is no damp proof membrane in the sub-floor.

Your only option then is to apply a surface dpm to the sub-floor. These are a 2-part epoxy resin coating. These are easy to apply, but can take up to 48 hours to cure. The most widely used product is ES3000 made by Treetabond.

Once you have a dry clean solid sub-floor, a leveling screed should be laid. Always follow the screed manufacturers instructions with regard to the use of priming or bonding agents. Remember that if the screed de-bonds from the sub-floor, your new Amtico floor will also fail. The screed should be rubbed down as smooth as possible before installing your Amtico flooring. Any trowel marks, high or low spots will soon become evident once you have a new shiny floor over the screed. Therefore more time and effort spent on the preparations will be rewarded with a superior final floor finish.

The Amtico flooring in Stripwood should always be installed using the approved Amtico adhesives For wet areas the Amtico ‘Universal’ adhesive should always be used. Amtico flooring can be laid onto underfloor heating, provided that Amtico HT (high temperature) adhesive is used. For all other areas the standard Amtico SF (solvent free) adhesive can be used without problems.

As with all flooring, Amtico flooring will benefit from regular maintenance. The Amtico floor dressing will give enhanced protection from moisture and abrasion. The Amtico Cleaner will effectively clean your floor without stripping off the Dressing. However, when the time comes to renew the dressing, Amtico Dressing Remover is a powerful and aggressive stripper, which makes light work of removing heavy build-ups of old layers of floor dressing. Guidance on maintenance is available from the Amtico flooring web-site

Paul is technical manager at Birbek Wood Flooring which is a UK distributor of amtico.