Sunday 6 September 2015

all about engineer wood flooring.

Wood flooring is any product manufactured from timber that is designed for use as flooring, either structural or aesthetic. Wood is a common choice as a flooring material due to its environmental profile, durability, and restorability. Bamboo flooring is often considered a form of wood flooring, although it is made from a grass (bamboo) rather than a timber.[1]

Core/substrate
  1. Wood ply construction ("sandwich core"): Uses multiple thin plies of wood adhered together. The wood grain of each ply runs perpendicular to the ply below it. Stability is attained from using thin layers of wood that have little to no reaction to climatic change. The wood is further stabilized due to equal pressure being exerted lengthwise and widthwise from the plies running perpendicular to each other.
  2. Finger core construction: Finger core engineered wood floors are made of small pieces of milled timber that run perpendicular to the top layer (lamella) of wood. They can be 2-ply or 3-ply, depending on their intended use. If it is three ply, the third ply is often plywood that runs parallel to the lamella. Stability is gained through the grains running perpendicular to each other, and the expansion and contraction of wood is reduced and relegated to the middle ply, stopping the floor from gapping or cupping.
  3. Fibreboard: The core is made up of medium or high density fibreboard. Floors with a fibreboard core are hygroscpoic and must never be exposed to large amounts of water or very high humidity - the expansion caused from absorbing water combined with the density of the fibreboard, will cause it to lose its form. Fibreboard is less expensive than timber and can emit higher levels of harmful gases due to its relatively high adhesive content.
  4. An engineered flooring construction which is popular in parts of Europe is the hardwood lamella, softwood core laid perpendicular to the lamella, and a final backing layer of the same noble wood used for the lamella. Other noble hardwoods are sometimes used for the back layer but must be compatible. This is thought by many to be the most stable of engineered floors.
Aesthetics
Engineered wood flooring is mainly industrially fabricated in the form of straight edged boards, with milled jointing profiles to provide for interconnecting of the boards. Such manufacturing is most cost efficient but leaves an industrial looking surface. In nature no straight lines exist; therefore there is a rising trend to modify the avisual appearance to imitate it. In recent years numerous producers have been taking on the challenge of adding more natural aesthetics.

Comparison of solid wood with engineered wood


There are some characteristics that are common to each category: solid wood is more frequently site-finished, is always in a plank format, is generally thicker than engineered wood, and is usually installed by nailing. Engineered wood is more frequently pre-finished, has bevelled edges, is very rarely site-finished, and is installed with glue or as a floating installation.
It is difficult to compare solid wood flooring to engineered wood flooring due to the wide range of quality in both product categories, particularly engineered. There are some limitations of solid wood: There are recommended maximum lengths and widths, typically 5" / 127mm wide and 7' / 2100mm long. Solid hardwood is also more prone to "gapping" (excessive space between planks), "crowning" (convex curving upwards when humidity increases) and "cupping" (a concave or "dished" appearance of the plank, with the height of the plank along its longer edges being higher than the centre) with increased plank size.[citation needed]. Solid wood can be used with under floor radiant heating.[2] However extra care is necessary with the planning and installation of the heating system and the wood flooring, such as limiting the temperature to 85 °F (29 °C), avoid sharp temperature fluctuations, utilizing an outdoor thermostat to anticipate heating demands, and monitoring the moisture content for the subfloor before installation.
Engineered wood flooring has other benefits beyond dimensional stability and universal use. Patented installation systems allow for faster installation and easy replacement of boards. Engineered wood also allows for a floating installation where the planks are not adhered to the subfloor or to each other, further increasing ease of repair and reducing installation time. Engineered flooring is also suitable for underfloor and radiant heating systems.


Floor finishes

The two most popular modern finishes for wood flooring are oil-modified urethane and water-based polyurethane. Within both categories there are many variations and other names used to describe the finish. Oil-modified urethane and water-based polyurethane also have very different refinishing and maintenance regimes.
  1. Natural shellacslacquers, and varnishes were used in the past, as were waxes, often blended with oils.
  2. Oil - Oiled floors have existed for several thousand years and is the most common floor finish used globally. Oil finished floors are made from naturally derived drying oils, and are not to be confused with petroleum based oils. Pre-finished oil floors can be UV cured. Most vegetable based oils are 100% natural and contain no VOCs.
    1. Brushed and oiled - Steel brushes are used in the direction of the grain which opens up the surface of the wood and removes splinters. The wood is then oiled.
  3. Polyurethane - Polyurethane floor finishes were first introduced around 1942. There are several types of polyurethane finishes that exist, but the two most common are oil-modified polyurethane and water-based polyurethane. A note to mention is water-base urethane is harder than OMU poly's and are much safer for the user.

Maintenance

With today’s advances in wood flooring stains and finishes, cleaning your wood floors has never been easier. Regular maintenance requires little more than sweeping with a soft bristle broom, and vacuuming with a soft floor attachment if your wood floor includes a beveled edge that could collect debris. Oil soaps should not be used to clean the floors. The best suggestion is to use the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products. Excessive grit and foot traffic may affect appearance. A properly finished and maintained wood floor does not accumulate hidden soil or odorous compounds. You also should clean your floors periodically with a professional wood floor cleaning product recommended by a wood flooring professional.
Tips:[5]
  • Do not use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
  • Use throw rugs both inside and outside doorways to help prevent grit, dirt and other debris from being tracked onto your wood floors. This will prevent scratching.
  • Do not wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
  • Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly dampened towel.
  • Do not over-wax a wood floor. If a wax floor dulls, try buffing instead. Avoid wax buildup under furniture and other light traffic areas by applying wax in these spots every other waxing session.
  • Put stick-on felt protectors under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching. Replace these often as dirt and debris can become imbedded on the pad and act like sand paper on the flooring surface.
  • Avoid walking on your wood floors with cleats, sports shoes and high heels. A 125-pound woman walking in high heels has an impact of 2,000 pounds per square inch. An exposed heel nail can exert up to 8,000 pounds per square inch. This kind of impact can dent any floor surface.
  • When moving heavy furniture, do not slide it on wood flooring. It is best to pick up the furniture completely to prevent scratches.
  • For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink.
  • Use a humidifier throughout the winter months to minimize gaps or cracks.

For more information do visit us at www.tezzakitchen.com.my

Enquirees at admin@tezzakitchen.com.my

Thursday 16 October 2014




Are you looking for a designer who is right for you? Or you want to know  what the process is really like? Today i will share with you my experience and insights based on the culture of Tezza.

What is an interior designer? The popular image of an interior designer screening around fabric swatches and building materials covers only a small part of what we do.. 
As a  decorator, interior designers can help you choose fabrics, furnishings and paint colors. Interior designers who are also certified are able to offer additional expertise in construction standards, project coordination and more. 

Here’s what i'd like you to know about what and interior designer can help you in Tezza..

1. We are be able to work with you even in a different city.
Do realize is that we work across Malaysia,
 “A lot of people often email us that they wished we were located in their city or state.I know Tezza is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, but we ever expanding and we’ve worked on homes and commercials in almost every state. This process surprisingly easy and similar to how we work with our local clients.Do read our 3rd note.

Do call us for enquiries.

2. Like other professionals or speciallst, we do go through a rigorous education and training process.
A good  way to qualify an interior designer is to look at their education and make sure it matches up with what they do for a living.Take into account both a design-related education and portfolio history to get the fullest picture of your interior designer’s qualifications for your project.




3. We use the latest technology to help you envision a new space.
AutoCad and other tools are often used for space planning, codes and so on. These tools are specialized to allow interior designers to look at your space in a way you might not have imagined. We can work up a digital rendering that is incredibly realistic, allowing you to visualize your space accurately even in other states before making a commitment,


4. We are expected to coordinate our project to safety standards and building codes. 
An interior designers are required to know current building codes and regulations so we can ensure the safety of your project.


Everyone at Tezza are always commited to work with your vision … and expand it.

Kenneth Lim
Founder of Tezza 

Wednesday 12 February 2014

Laquer Series.High Gloss PU Laquer For Interior Design.

Color is a true architectonic element which can define space perception and atmosphere, while contributing to creating a room’s emotional depth.                                                      
 Tezza's Laquer Series,a vibrant lacquer kitchen cabinet door, with a wide range of color options developed for you to choose from.

How to tell the quality of a Gloss Kitchen

To ensure you’re getting the best value for money when buying a gloss kitchen, it’s important to take into account the quality of the door on offer. Just like cars, gloss kitchens vary massively in quality & finish.
The purpose of this post is to help you understand the key differences between the main types of gloss kitchens available so you can make a more informed decision when buying your kitchen.

How does Tezza make its lacquer kitchen cabinet doors?

Six coats of high quality lacquer applied to an MDF base. This type of door is very high quality & again is favoured by the quality German & British kitchen brands found in specialist showrooms. In terms of cost, lacquered gloss kitchens are very similar to Acrylic.

High-Gloss Lacquer Finish

  • Step 1: The first layer of high-gloss lacquer varnish is laid out on the smoothed surface base.
  • Step 2: A second layer of the same varnish is applied through a process known as “wet on wet”. This ensures chromatic uniformity and enough thickness for the varnish to be exposed to the subsequent “brushing” treatment.
  • Step 3: The door is left to dry out for several days so that the varnish can harden perfectly.
  • Step 4: The surface is polished through abrasive papers with fine grains to remove any trace of dust.
  • Step 5: Cotton brushes and polishing waxes are used for the final brightening.
The end-result is  high-gloss, luminous, and uniform cabinet door with great surface resistance.

Matte Lacquer Finish


The starting base for this finish is the same used for high-gloss lacquer doors.
The matte lacquer varnish is applied in two surface layer, after which the doors dry out for a few days so that the paint can fully harden.
The end-result is a silky, scratch-resistant lacquered door, slightly embossed and with deep and solid opacity. 

Sunday 19 January 2014

Common mistakes consumer do before and during a renovation works

From ignoring prep work and safety to setting unrealistic budgets, find out how to avoid these mistakes and more when renovating.

                                                                                                  25. 
Buying Cheap Materials
Don't Sweat It host Steve Watson says, "One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to home renovation (is that) they try to be cheap when they buy materials. The bottom line is, you're going to get what you pay for."

His carpenter Jimmy Little adds his two cents: "If you're going to do it, do it. If you can't afford to do it, wait."


24. Gutting Everything
"Make sure you have a well-set plan before you start your renovations, because you don't want to go in there and just clear everything out, when you might be able to work around some areas," warns Carey Evans of Don't Sweat It.

"I see this time and time again where people just start, and they think they're going to pull a piece of wallpaper off, and by the time the process is over, they've completely gotten themselves into a deep, dark hole that's very difficult to get out of," adds Eric Stromer of Over Your Head.


23. Excessive Use of Duct Tape
"My esteemed colleagues, duct tape is not a permanent solution. It is merely a temporary fix," says Stromer.

"People use duct tape because it's cheap and it's quick and it's easy, but it's definitely a temporary solution. Don't leave it up for more than a couple hours ... ever," Little adds.

22. Inaccurate Measurements
Nancy Soriano, editor in chief of Country Living magazine says this about this common error: "I can't emphasize enough how an inch or even sometimes a half an inch can make a difference. And if your dimensions are off and it's not equal and symmetrical, you're not going to get the full impact and effect that you want. If you're not sure about how to measure or you can't follow the directions, don't hesitate at all to call somebody, ask them to come over and to take the measurement for you."

21. Not Doing the Prep Work
"Do it the right way, right away," says Evans. "You shouldn't avoid your prep work. You want to take the time to do it right and right from the beginning."

Adding to that wisdom is contractor Jim Collins: "It's a horrible, tedious process, and nobody likes it, but it saves so much time later on down the way. And that's what you're trying to do: save yourself money and time."

20. Using the Wrong Tools
"There're really three problems with using the wrong tool: You can wreck the tool, you can wreck the project you're working on, and you can wreck yourself," notes Spike Carelsen, executive editor of Family Handyman.


19. Building a Small Bathroom
"If you need a small bathroom, pick the right fixtures," says Little. "You can buy low-profile toilets and narrower sinks. Don't try to put full-size fixtures in a tiny, tiny bathroom. It's just going to be crowded."

"I'm a real believer in using bold colors and bold prints, because boldness in small spaces actually makes it feel better," Soriano adds.

18. Ignoring Lighting
Hammer Heads carpenter Carmen De La Paz says, "Another mistake that homeowners will often make is not taking into consideration the lighting in their home. The lighting in your home can completely change the colors, the feeling, the ambiance."

Designed to Sell's Lisa LaPorta adds, "There are really three main types of lighting: general lighting, task lighting and drama or accent lighting. You need a combination to have a really good end design."

17. Going Too Trendy
"People often make the mistake of wanting to be too hip and trendy in their new home by picking the latest, hottest, coolest things," says De La Paz. "What they don't take into consideration is that trendy means that it's short term."

Jim Collins says, "You want something that's going to stand the test of time, and you want something that's going to last for years and years."

16. Building Small Doorways
Evans issues this piece of advice on the subject: "Make sure you're looking at the entire floor plan of your home when you're planning your doorways. Look for, and make sure that every room has multiple exits. Or, if those doorways are in high-traffic areas, make sure thye're wide enough to let multiple people to pass through."

15. Failure to Anticipate Chaos
"I think it's really important to anticipate the time and the pacing of your renovation," notes Soriano. "You probably want to do that up front, get it over with, and then you can slowly start to piece your life and your home back together."

14. Incorrect Storage of Materials
Marc Bartolomeo of Save My Bath says, "You should always store materials in a cool, dry place."

Watson adds, "A roll of plastic will save you a lot of time and a lot of money, when it comes to wood and concrete. When it comes to tools and stuff like that, keep them inside."

13. Not Using Green Materials
De La Paz weighs in on this one, saying, "People will often make the mistake of not going green with their home project for two reasons: (A), They don't know how to, and (B), they think that it costs more money."

Not necessarily true, emphasizes Evans, "If you're doing your renovation green, you're really ahead of the market right now. So going green is a very smart investment."



12. Using the Wrong Paint
"People often make the mistake of picking the wrong paint for whatever particular project they may be working on," says De La Paz. "You don't realize that there is paint for just about every surface."


"Flat is basically for your ceilings and sometimes for your walls," adds carpenter Jeff Devlin of Spice Up My Kitchen. "Whereas your semigloss would basically be for trim in a bathroom or in maybe a dining room. The glossy will give it a more upscale look."

11. Building Narrow Halls and Staircases
"When you're renovating, bigger is always better when it comes to hallways and stairs," Collins says.

10. Choosing the Wrong Windows
Little says, "Windows are really expensive, and a lot of people try to (save) money on them, but that's not where you want to save your money."
Soriano adds, "You can always put more emphasis on the windows in the front of the house that face the street. That's one way to save on money, but do not skimp on quality."

9. Forgetting About Safety
"The most important things you can have on a job site for your own personal safety are goggles to protect your eyes; ear protection to protect your hearing; and gloves to protect your hands from splinters, nails and such," says Collins. "(Also) a good set of boots because there are nails and sharp objects everywhere. The last thing is, you must have a first-aid kit."

8. Not Doing Your Homework
"You have to know what you're getting into," says Evans. "Even if you're not doing the work yourself, know what to look for, what your contractor is doing. That way you can keep a close eye on the project and know when something's getting out of hand."

Soriano adds, "I think it's really important to do at least some preliminary work. You want to be able to have enough information to know what questions to ask."

7. Forgetting to Update the Electrical System
"I think people sometimes forget about electric when they've been renovating because it's expensive, it's costly and it's hidden," Soriano says. "You want to walk through the house with the electrician before you start to talk about outlets, where they are, where you want new outlets, three-prong outlets. You want to make sure everything's up to code."

6. Ignoring Your Home's Style
"You bought that Spanish home or that Craftsman home for a reason, because you liked that style. So keep your new design, your new build projects in that style," Watson insists.

5. Avoiding Permits

The bottom line is "if you do perform work without a permit and something serious happens, your homeowner's insurance will not cover it," says Bartolomeo.

4. Setting an Unrealistic Budget
"I think that people often underestimate what it's going to cost to do a big renovation, and part of that is because they don't realize the biggest cost in a renovation usually is, the labor," Soriano says.

Devlin adds, "You never know what's going to happen once you start the demolition process. As soon as you open up a wall, you never know what you're going to find behind that wall, so you need to pad your budget, and you need to be realistic."

3. Hiring the Wrong Contractor
"You need to make sure that the contractor is right for you, because he's going to be in your home, and you want to make sure it's the right contractor," Devlin says.

Stephen Drucker, editor in chief of House Beautiful adds, "When you interview contractors and you check references, the thing you want to find out is, how fast do they return phone calls? A contractor who returns phone calls fast has nothing to hide, and it's going to reduce your anxiety level."

2. Taking On More Than You Can Handle
"When people make the mistake of not knowing their limitations, they often take shortcuts," says De La Paz.

Stromer explains, "You really do have to know up front where you're going, and you can't jump into things without having a plan."

1. Overbuilding for Your Neighborhood
"The biggest mistake people make when they're trying to figure what the payback is going to be is they overbuild for their neighborhood," says Little. "They have a $100,000 house and they put a $100,000 addition on it, so now they have a $200,000 house in a $100,000 neighborhood."

Taking on Giants

What does an upstart need to take on a giant and win? Nothing but bravery, good people and a great idea. If you have a brilliant team around you, are determined to make it work and develop a concept that will genuinely have a positive impact upon people’s lives, then nothing can stop you. 

Whatever the sector, there are opportunities just waiting to be seized. The established giants can’t stop you – in fact, the only one who can hold you back is yourself.

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

As glamorous as diamonds are, the truth a diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure. Diamonds start out as something far less beautiful than what you see. They are formed when extreme heat (found 200 miles into earth’s ground) and extreme pressure leading to crystallization of carbon atom which then creates diamond. Just as lowly coal can become a lovely diamond, any small or new businesses has the potential to become something great.

Indeed, the rough diamond must be well polished for the true luster of the stone to ever appear. The process is definitely not easy. Just like a business, you must experience hardship before resurgence of drive that moves the business for a greater start.

Established companies will have got used to succeeding without reinventing or innovating. However, if a company fails to reinvent itself from time to time, it won’t be able to adapt to changing conditions. It and its products will eventually end up obsolete. The advantage of being a newcomer in an industry is that you can separate yourself from the best companies and embrace the necessity of change and find ways to profit from it. As long as you keep reinvent yourself, your business will shine and last for a longer lifespan.

When Tezza Kitchen was first established, no one knew who we were. Soon when the established guys wonders how a small company like us captures bigger clients compared to them, they then see us shine. Whichever industry you are in, if you stay focus with your team, there will be opportunities waiting to be seized. No one can stop you. The only one who holds you back is yourself.



You can have all the money in the world and you can have all the brilliant ideas but if you don’t have the people, forget it.  – Tony Fernandez

Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough. – Mary McLeod Bethune

Friday 17 January 2014

6 Most Popular Kitchen Designs

When you plan to build a kitchen, comfort, efficiency and functionality are qualities you want to factor in. Preparing food takes time and you want to cook the best meals in utmost comfort. That’s why a kitchen’s design is crucial for functionality.

Placement of the work stations at the right place improves workflow in the kitchen, giving you more space. Having food storage and food preparation next to or close to each other allows a better flow in cooking. It is important that these essential spots are not placed near cleaning agents and waste to avoid food poisoning. Ideally, pots and pans should be placed in between these places. You can choose to place your cutlery anywhere you want. For examples of kitchen designs and work station positions, here are some of the most popular designs: 





This design is typically found in small houses. It is a very basic design and ideal for long and narrow kitchens. It also adapts well to open plan arrangements. This style functions well by keeping all the appliances, cooking tools and ingredients within reach.



The L shape is simple, handy and efficient. It is great for corner space and efficient for small and medium kitchens. This layout is able to incorporate multiple work stations and no through traffic to disrupt work zones.


U shape is an efficient kitchen for one primary cook. It maintains a good workflow and versatile design for small, medium or large kitchens. With one end closed off, it allows traffic to pass in and out without disturbing the main work area. More counter space can be positioned in this design.

Island Kitchen is an excellent choice for those who like to interact and socialize with friends and family while cooking, etc. It also incorporates extra counter space; instead of making the kitchen look cramped. An island can be mixed with any other kitchen designs.


The Galley kitchen or known better as corridor kitchen is the most efficient design for a narrow kitchen space. This design is great for rectangular space and very efficient for small kitchen space. The most important is, this design can divide the kitchen into multiple work stations. 


G-shape kitchen is an enhanced version of the U-shape kitchen. It is perfect for those who like to have a lot of cabinets and storage space. It is ideal for larger families and multiple cooks can work together at the same time.