Installation Guide

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CaliFloors.com
CALI Cork Flooring Installation Guide
Pre-Installation
Prior to Installation of CALI Flooring
Job Site Preparation
Prior to installation, inspect planks in daylight for visible faults/damage. Check if subfloor/site conditions comply with the
specifications described in these instructions. If you are not satisfied do not install, and contact your supplier. CALI is not
responsible for flooring that is installed with visible defects.
Before laying: Measure the room at a right angle to the direction of the planks. Planks in the final row should be at least
1/3 the width of a plank. Due to this rule, planks in the first row can be cut to smaller size. Shuffle planks in order to obtain
a pleasant blend of shades. Lay planks preferably following the direction of the main source of light. Over wood subfloors,
we recommend laying the planks crossways to the existing joists. Planks must not be nailed or screwed to the subfloor.
Skirting boards must not be fixed in a way which restricts the movement of the floor.
Expansion gaps: Since cork can expand with any increase in moisture content, we require leaving at least 3/8” expansion
space between flooring and all vertical objects (walls, cabinets, pipes, etc.). If the installation area exceeds 30 feet, a
greater expansion space is required; approximately 1/16” for every additional ten (10) feet. If the floating installation flows
into other rooms, a T-molding must be used in doorways and openings between rooms (halls, archways, etc.) to allow
separate areas to move without interference. We consider a doorway or opening any area that is 3 feet in width or less.
• Note that proper expansion space depends not only on the size and flow of the installation, but also on expected
seasonal changes in temperature and humidity that may cause the flooring to gain or lose moisture content over
time. For example, if an installation takes place when humidity conditions are low, it’s likely that the cork flooring
will gain moisture and expand later during humid seasons. In those cases, incorporate additional expansion space
through use of spacers or transition moldings.
• If the installation area exceeds 30 feet, a greater expansion space is required; approximately 1/16” for every additional
ten (10) feet. If the floating installation flows into other rooms, a T-molding must be used in doorways and openings
between rooms (halls, archways, etc.) to allow separate areas to move without interference.
• Cork floors must be able to expand/contract without interference. NEVER install flooring against any vertical or fixed
object such as fireplace, columns, islands, door jambs, floor outlets, etc. Failure to follow this guideline may result in
tenting, separation or buckled floors. Do not install cabinets or other permanent fixtures on top of the floor. Never nail
or screw anything through a FLOATED floor. It is never recommended to put objects or furniture weighing over 500
lbs on top of a floating floor.
• Undercut door casings and jambs. Remove any existing base, shoe mold or doorway thresholds. These items can be
replaced after installation. When undercutting door casings the installer should confirm there is the recommended
expansion space. The floor must have 1/16” clearance under the door casing to be able to float freely without vertical
restriction. The installer should ensure that the plank can move freely under the door jamb.
• To cover your expansion space, CALI carries coordinating flooring moldings that include reducers, t-moldings,
quarter rounds and thresholds. Coordinating stair nosing are also available. CALI also provides all the adhesives you
will need to complete your project. Please visit CALI’s Marketplace webpage.
Subfloor Requirements
General:
• Floating floors can be laid on top of most hard surfaces (e.g. concrete, ceramics, wood)
• Soft subfloors (e.g. carpets) must be removed
• The subfloor must be level – Flat to 3/16” per 10-foot radius
• The subfloor must be clean - Thoroughly swept and free of all debris
• The subfloor must be dry
• The subfloor must be structurally sound
Acceptable subfloor types:
• CD Exposure 1 plywood (grade stamped US PS1-95)
• OSB Exposure 1subfloor panels (grade stamped US PS1-95)
• Underlayment grade particleboard
• Concrete slab
• Existing wood
• Ceramic tile
• Resilient tile or sheet vinyl