Swiss Leather Floating Floor Installation

Detailed instructions

General Notes

• Forna Swiss leather floors use the patented UNICLIC® system, allowing quick, glue-free installation.

• The planks are durable, slip-resistant, antistatic, and easy to clean.

• These floors are not suitable for wet rooms.

Subfloor Preparation

• Install only as a floating floor (do not glue fully to subfloor).

• Subfloor must be:

  • Clean, dry, flat, and stable (DIN 18365).

  • Level within 3 mm per meter (DIN 18202).

• Remove paint drops, plaster, or uneven spots.

• Carpeted subfloors are not acceptable.

• Perform and record moisture test:

  • Cement screed: max. 2.0 % CM (1.8 % CM with heating).

  • Calcium sulfate screed: max. 0.5 % CM (0.3 % CM with heating).

• Subfloor temperature must be at least 15 °C.

Storage and Acclimatization

• Store unopened packages flat in the installation room for at least 24 hours at 59°-77°F. (15–25 °C) and 40–60 % humidity.

Before Starting

• Inspect all planks for defects or transport damage in daylight.

• Mix planks from different boxes for a uniform look.

• Leave an expansion gap of 10 mm at all walls and fixed objects. For large rooms, allow at least 1 mm gap per meter of width.

Moisture Barrier

• On mineral subfloors, lay 0.2 mm PE film with 20 cm overlaps, taped joints, and edges pulled up 2–3 cm along walls.

• Recommended on all subfloors for smooth floating.

Impact Sound Insulation

• Already integrated cork underlay into Forna Leather flooring. Additional cork underlay is optional, we do not recommend foam underlay, or the underlay must be ≥200 kPa compression strength.

Maximum Room Size

• Without expansion joints: 15 m x 12 m (49 x39 Ft) maximum.

• Expansion joints in subfloor must also be carried into flooring.

Installation Steps

1. Layout Planning

   • Measure the room. Adjust the first row so the last row is at least 5 cm (2″) wide.

   • Lay planks parallel to incoming light.

2. First Row

   • Start in a right-hand corner, tongue side facing wall.

   • Use spacer wedges for expansion gap.

   • Connect planks end-to-end by inserting tongue into groove.

3. Subsequent Rows (choose one method):

   • Angle-to-Angle: Insert the plank’s long side at a 10° angle, then click down. Continue row by row.

   • Angle-Snap: Tap planks gently together with a tapping block and hammer.

4. Joint Offsetting

   • Stagger end joints at least 20 cm (8″), ideally 40 cm (16″).

5. Special Areas

   • Pipes & Door Stops: Leave 10 mm (4″) clearance. Cut planks to fit and reattach cut piece. Do not screw door stops through flooring.

   • Door Frames: Undercut frames so planks can slide beneath while maintaining free movement.

6. Heavy Objects

   • Avoid fixing flooring under immovable heavy objects (kitchen islands, stoves, heaters). Use expansion joints around them.

7. Underfloor Heating

   • Suitable if max. surface temperature is 29 °C. (84°F)

   • Use only systems embedded in screed (≥2 mm). Electric foil systems must cover the whole area.

   • Follow heating protocols from screed supplier.