Cork Floating Floors Installation Instructions Guide

Conditioning

Cork floating floors must be stored unopened at room temperature for at least 48 hours before installation. Do not open packages before starting installation.

Sub-floor

The sub-floor must be perfectly dry, solid, even and clean. Unevenness in the sub-floor of 2 mm over a distance of 1 m is acceptable. On cement surfaces an ceramic tiles or on sub-floors where rising damp is possible, a 0.2 mm polyethylene sheet must be laid first. Overlap it 20 cm and pull it 3 cm up the walls. All soft-fitted carpets must be removed, but the planks can be laid on existing floor coverings like wood, linoleum, vinyl, etc.

Planning the layout

Before the installation, please control the planks. If you come across a defect in production please register the complaint at your supplier immediately and do not install! Cork is a natural product. Variations in color or structure are natural and give cork a special character. Therefore, mix the planks in order to obtain the most pleasing blend of shade. Ensure that, as far as possible, material from the same batch is used in the same area. The planks should preferably lie lengthwise in the room or in the same direction as the light falls. Avoid the use of sensitive patterns where there is a risk of fading from high temperatures or intense sunlight. In case of an old wooden floor, the new one should be laid across the old one. First measure the room. If the width of the last row is less than 5 cm saw the first and the last plank in equal length. For rooms with more than 100 m2 - longer than 12 m or wider than 8 m - an expansion gap must be kept.

Installation

• Installation should be carried out at normal room temperature (18ºC) and relative humidity between 50 to 60 %.
• Cork panels are installed floating. This means that the tongue and groove of the planks are glued together and not to the sub-floor.
• Start by laying the first row of planks with the groove side towards the wall. Use the wedges to ensure the proper space to the walls (1 cm).
• Lay the following planks and fit them in. When sawing a plank with a handsaw the decorative side of the plank should be up. If an electric saw is used, the decorative side should face downwards!
• The planks should run along the wall. If the wall is not straight then the line of the wall must be marked on the first (still unglued) panel row using a spacer. Saw the panels longitudinally according to the marking.
• When the first two rows are down precisely start with the gluing.
• Apply the glue (use waterproofed wood glue D3) always on the top of the tongue.
• Cut the last plank in the row. Wipe away any excess glue with t damp cloth immediately.
• Check carefully with a cord that the rows are completely straight and right-angled.
• Continue the new row with the piece left from the previous row. Ensure that the joints are staggered with at least 30 cm difference. Glue on the top of the tongue and tap the planks together using a hammer and a tapping block. Do not damage the tongue!
• Saw the last row of planks to the correct width (do not forget the 1 cm space) and press them into place with a crowbar or a pullbar, then put in the wedges.
• For laying around heating pipes drill holes (approx. 2 cm larger than the diameter of the pipes). Cut the plank, and then glue the piece back in place. Use pipe sleeves to cover the expansion gap.
• Do not walk on the floor for about 12 hours. Then remove the wedges. Finish by installing skirtings, fastened to the wall (never to the floor!).

Varnishing

Always varnish with a specially recommended cork varnish . It is essential to follow the varnishing instructions of the varnish supplier strictly. Clean the floor thoroughly, vacuum it and remove any glue stains, if necessary by sanding slightly. Apply 3 coats of varnish (when varnishing pre-varnished cork floor panels, 1 coat is enough). It is recommended to sand slightly between the varnish coats with fine sandpaper (grain 240), and then vacuum.

Room conditions

Cork floating floors may also be used in rooms with floor heating. In this case there are special laying guidelines. It is especially important to note that the surface temperature of the flooring may not exceed 28ºC. Please note that gaps may occur during the months of heating. A relative humidity between 40 % and 60 % is considered the ideal room condition, not just for your health and well-being, but also for your cork floor. When the rooms are heated during winter months, humidity is often below this range. This may lead to gaps. Please avoid dry air by installing humidifiers and putting in houseplants.