Forna Swiss Cork Flooring Achieves Class 1 Fire Rating — A Safer Choice for Commercial & Residential Projects

When selecting flooring for commercial buildings, condos, offices, schools, or even residential homes, safety is one of the most important factors. One of the key fire safety tests used in North America for flooring products is the ASTM E648 Critical Radiant Flux test, also referenced under NFPA 253.

According to the latest independent laboratory testing report, Forna Swiss Cork Flooring achieved a Class 1 Fire Rating, exceeding the minimum requirement under NFPA Life Safety Code 101.

This result is a major advantage for architects, designers, builders, strata projects, and homeowners looking for a floor that combines comfort, sustainability, and fire safety.
Fire Testing Testing Forna Wiss Flooring

What Is ASTM E648 Critical Radiant Flux?

ASTM E648 measures how well a flooring product resists flame spread when exposed to radiant heat. The test simulates conditions similar to a real building fire where heat from an adjacent room could spread across a floor surface.

The test determines the Critical Radiant Flux (CRF) — the amount of heat energy required to sustain flame spread on the flooring surface.

According to NFPA standards:

  • Class 1: 0.45 watts/cm² or higher
  • Class 2: 0.22 – 0.44 watts/cm²

Forna Swiss Cork Flooring Tested ResultsChatgpt Image May 23 2026 10 52 02 Pm

The tested flooring construction included:

  • 10mm total thickness
  • 1mm cork underlay
  • 7mm HDF core
  • 2mm cork wear layer

Test Results

Specimen Critical Radiant Flux
Specimen 1 0.45 watts/cm²
Specimen 2 0.47 watts/cm²
Specimen 3 0.48 watts/cm²

Average Result:

0.47 watts/cm²

This means the flooring meets and exceeds the requirements for a Class 1 fire rating.

Why This Matters for Customers

1. Better Fire Safety Performance

Many building codes and commercial specifications require Class 1 rated flooring, especially for:

  • Condominiums
  • Apartment buildings
  • Hotels
  • Offices
  • Schools
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Hallways and corridors

Forna Swiss Cork Flooring provides peace of mind by meeting these higher safety standards.

2. A Rare Combination: Comfort + Safety

Traditional hard surface floors like tile or stone may feel cold and uncomfortable. Cork flooring offers:

  • Warm walking comfort
  • Natural sound insulation
  • Reduced impact noise
  • Softer feel underfoot
  • Thermal insulation

Now customers can enjoy these comfort benefits while still meeting strict fire safety requirements.

3. Excellent for Multi-Family & Strata Projects

Fire ratings are often critical in condo and apartment developments. Combined with cork’s natural acoustic performance, Forna Swiss Cork Flooring becomes an ideal choice for:

  • Multi-family housing
  • HOA/strata projects
  • Commercial renovations
  • High-rise developments

The tested Class 1 rating can help architects and contractors satisfy specification requirements more easily.

4. Sustainable & Environmentally Friendly

Unlike many synthetic flooring products, cork is a renewable natural material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without cutting the tree down.

Customers increasingly want products that are:

  • Sustainable
  • Low VOC
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Safer for indoor environments

Forna Swiss Cork Flooring delivers all of these advantages in one flooring system.

Real-World Advantage Over Typical Flooring

Many flooring products only achieve a Class 2 rating. Forna Swiss Cork Flooring tested at an average of 0.47 watts/cm², placing it into the higher Class 1 category.

That difference may be important when:

  • Meeting commercial specifications
  • Passing inspections
  • Reducing liability concerns
  • Choosing safer materials for families or tenants

Conclusion

Forna Swiss Cork Flooring is more than just a beautiful natural floor. Independent ASTM E648 testing confirms it delivers high-level fire performance with a certified Class 1 Critical Radiant Flux rating.

Combined with cork’s natural warmth, acoustic insulation, comfort, and sustainability, this makes Forna Swiss Cork Flooring an outstanding option for both residential and commercial applications.

For builders, designers, and homeowners looking for a premium flooring solution that balances performance, comfort, and safety — Forna Swiss Cork Flooring stands out as a smart long-term investment.

Need the Official Test Report?

If you require a copy of the ASTM E648 / NFPA 253 Class 1 fire rating test report for your project, specification package, HOA, architect, designer, or commercial approval process, please contact us and we will be happy to provide it.