Frequently Asked Questions
Our Products
Where does the recycled plastic in the panels come from?
The recycled plastic comes from France.We use two types of waste to manufacture our panels:
- PIR (Post-Industrial Plastic), for example, material scraps used in cosmetics.
- PCR (Post-Consumer Plastic), for example bottle caps, yogurt pots, refrigerator doors, etc.
What colors are available?
SoftSurface™ is available in 3 color ranges:
- The Originals Range:
- Soft White 001: Refrigerator doors, transparent industrial production grinds (e.g., petri dishes).
- Soft Black 002: Electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE: printers, televisions, appliances), white scraps from industrial production, and our own production scraps.
- Soft White & Black 003: Refrigerator doors, WEEE grinds (black) and transparent industrial production grinds (e.g., petri dishes).
- Soft White & Multicolor 004: Refrigerator doors, mandrel grinds (mainly red and purple), and transparent industrial production grinds (e.g., petri dishes).
- The Colors Range:
- Soft Blue 011: Refrigerator doors, transparent industrial production grinds (e.g., petri dishes) + 3% blue pigment.
- Soft Beige 012: Refrigerator doors, WEEE grinds (black) and transparent industrial production grinds (e.g., petri dishes) + 2% beige pigment.
- Soft Grey 013: Refrigerator doors, WEEE grinds (black) and transparent industrial production grinds (e.g., petri dishes) + 2% gray pigment.
- Soft Green 014: Refrigerator doors, WEEE grinds (black) and transparent industrial production grinds (e.g., petri dishes) + 3% green pigment.
- The Collection Range:
- Quartz Blanc 021: White base sprinkled with chips that can be visually compared to quartz. Obviously, this is not real quartz, but rather polystyrene from recycled food trays.
- Quartz Noir 022: Similar to Quartz Blanc, but with a black base.
Can I customize my order?
Customizing an order is only possible for very large-scale projects. To see if your project fits within this scope, please contact us here.
How can I get some samples?
By clicking here. Delivery is possible in France and worldwide. NB: the cost of the sample kit will be deducted from your first order, regardless of the amount.
Can the color of the materials vary?
SoftSurface™ is made from waste materials, which means each batch of raw material is unique due to its variability. This is what makes our product so special. As a result, you may observe slight color variations between panels from different production runs. For example, white bases can range from slightly bluish or grayish to off-white or light beige.
We are committed to providing uniformly colored panels within the same batch.
The color of the panels remains stable over time.
*If extensively exposed to outdoor UV rays, slight fading may occur.
Characteristics
What are the sizes of your materials?
Le Pavé® materials are available in panel form. They come in two sizes: 140 x 90 cm and 244 x 135 cm (delivery of maxi panels starting from September 2023). Available thicknesses are 5, 8, 12, and 15 mm. The standard thickness is 8 mm for HDPE and 15 mm for PS.
How much does a panel weigh?
The weight of a panel varies depending on the chosen SoftSurface™ and its thickness. The density of a panel is 1.05 g/cm3 (for polystyrene panels). For the standard thickness (15 mm), a SoftSurface™ Originals panel weighs approximately 20.5 kg.
Does SoftSurface™ get scratched?
Our materials age over time and form a patina. However, if surface irregularities appear through use, the materials are easily repairable. As these are solid materials, sanding the surface will make them look as good as new.
Can SoftSurface™ withstand heat?
SoftSurface™ can withstand temperatures up to 90°C. Applying varnish can enhance heat resistance. We therefore advise that you do not place very hot dishes directly onto it.
Can the materials be used outdoors?
Some SoftSurface™ colors are not suitable for intensive outdoor use as they may slightly fade over time. However, the product will not deteriorate mechanically. Soft Grey 013 and Soft Green 014 from the Colors range are suitable for outdoor use without color change over time thanks to their enhanced UV resistance.
Is SoftSurface™ prone to staining?
SoftSurface™ is highly resistant to stains and chemical agents. Only acetone and other abrasive products should be avoided as they may damage the surface. Polishing the material or applying varnish can increase its stain resistance.
Care instructions
Standard cleaning products such as white vinegar or dish soap to clean SoftSurface™ are recommended. Use a microfiber cloth for best results.
What are the sanitary guarantees for the materials?
SoftSurface™ is A+ certified for VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions. It has been designed to limit the spread of micro-particles in our bodies and the environment.
Implementation
How is SoftSurface™ manipulated?
This material can be manipulated using standard fitting techniques and tools. SoftSurface™ panels can be cut, machined, glued, drilled, thermoformed, varnished, etc. Like for Plexiglas®, SolidSurface® or Corian, all you need to do is follow the settings and additional product references (blades, sandpapers, etc.).
Where do I get technical support and advice?
If you are a processor, simply log into your Le Pavé® Professional Account to access technical content to help you handle the material correctly. For direct technical assistance, contact assistance.technique@le-pave.com or call 01 89 71 10 57.
Can panels be manipulated with handheld tools?
Yes, but make sure you use the right additional products (blades, sandpapers, etc.) as specified in the technical manuals available in your Professional Account.
What are the possible uses?
SoftSurface™ can be used in many different ways: for furniture, countertops, wall coverings, objects, etc. Its high density makes it suitable for both vertical and horizontal applications: shelves, bookcases, table tops, flooring, etc.
How should panels be stored?
Panels should be stored flat in a place where there are minimal temperature fluctuations.
Can SoftSurface™ be glued?
Yes, SoftSurface™ can be easily glued using standard mastic-adhesives such as MS polymers or SolidSurface adhesives.
Can the material be shaped differently?
Le Pavé® materials behave like thermoplastics, allowing them to be thermoformed into curved shapes when heated.
How do I create a joint between two panels?
Le Pavé® materials can be joined using standard fitting tools like mechanical joints (grooves, dominos, clamex, etc.) or glued joints with adhesives, as specified in the SoftSurface™ technical manual.
Payment and Delivery
Is there a minimum order?
The minimum order is one pallet, equivalent to 20 to 40 panels depending on the thicknesses chosen. Retail orders are possible through our distributors.
How can individuals procure SoftSurface™?
Individuals cannot directly place an order. However, you can ask your tradesperson (or one of our approved tradespersons) to source directly from us or through our distributors.
Where can I find SoftSurface™?
SoftSurface™ is distributed all over France by La Plateforme du Bâtiment and Richardson.
Is mixing colors possible?
Color mixing is possible for small formats (140×900 mm) but not for larger formats.
What are the pricing policies?
Prices vary based on parameters like thickness, size, quantity, color, etc. For a quote, please contact us here, and we will get back to you within 2 business days.
How can I pay for my order?
We accept SEPA bank transfers and credit card payments.
What are the delivery lead times?
Delivery lead times from our production sites range from 4 to 12 weeks. You will receive email notifications for each stage of the process. If they are in stock at the distributors, the panels will be available immediately.
What are the delivery methods?
Panels are delivered on pallets. Delivery is available throughout France and internationally, with shipping costs based on the weight and size of your order. The price will be indicated on your quote.
Got a project or a question?
Feel free to fill out this contact form, and we will respond as soon as possible.