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Cork is a natural product. Just like wood, cork parquet tile and plank will vary in shade or pattern definition. Also, while not as prevalent as with wood, cork is subject to the normal behavior of minor expansion during periods of high humidity and minor contraction during periods of low humidity (usually the heating season). With cork, expansion and contraction can be kept to unnoticeable levels by stabilizing the building through temperature and humidity control, allowing for proper acclimatization of the product prior to installation, and providing the recommended expansion space mentioned below.

Installation of floating floor is not recommended in bathrooms or any areas with high moisture concentration.

INSTALLATION ON CONCRETE SUBSTRATE: Natural Cork Floating Floor can be installed over concrete that is above grade, on grade or below grade. Concrete substrates are required to be sound, smooth and level. Tolerance of level must be within 1/8" in 10'. Check concrete slab for moisture with Calcium Chloride moisture test. Moisture content cannot be more than 3 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. per 24 hours. Fill any low spots with Portland based leveler and scrape any high spots. Before installing Natural Cork Floating Floor, cover concrete floor with 6 mil polyethylene sheets, run up the wall 3”, overlap seams 8", and tape the sheets together. Install plank over this moisture barrier.

INSTALLATION ON UNDERLAYMENT-GRADE PLYWOOD AND MAN-MADE BOARD SUBSTRATES: Subfloor must be clean and level. Fill any low spots with appropriate filler and sand any high spots. Tolerance of level must be within 1/8" in 10'. Subfloor must not exceed 14% moisture content (electrical resistance method). Check basements and under floor crawl spaces to be sure they are dry and well ventilated to avoid damage to planks caused by moisture. For buildings with crawl spaces, Natural Cork recommends use of 6 mil polyethylene sheeting as ground cover over the earth.

IN-FLOOR RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM: With radiant heat, heat source is directly beneath the flooring, so flooring may gain moisture or dry out faster than in a home with conventional heating system. For this installation, once slab has cured, turn heat on, regardless of season, and leave it on for at least 5-6 days before installation. Maximum surface temperature should never be more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

NATURAL CORK FLOATING FLOOR MUST BE ACCLIMATED: Store cork flooring out of the box at job site for a minimum of 72 hours. During storage and installation, maintain temperature and relative humidity to level consistent to the conditions that will prevail when building is occupied. Heating or air conditioning should be used for an appropriate length of time prior and during installation. With improper acclimation, the floor could noticeably expand or contract after installation. Ideal conditions are 68 temperature and 50-60% humidity.

NOTE: A run of Natural Cork Floating Floor exceeding 30 feet in any direction will require installation of an expansion joint. The same will be true when transitioning from one space to another.