Forna Natural Composite Floating Floor Installation and Care

Installation guide

Forna Natural Composite floating flooring needs the correct substrate, moisture barrier, expansion, acclimation, and maintenance plan.

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Use this page when

  • The product is a Swiss specialty floating floor.
  • You need installation and maintenance requirements for the exact product family.
  • You are preparing an installer, designer, contractor, or commercial project team.

Before you start

  • Confirm the product family and locking system before work starts.
  • Review subfloor flatness, moisture, underlayment, expansion, and acclimation requirements.
  • Discuss the guide with the installer before scheduling the job.

Important

  • Do not assume specialty Swiss floors install like ordinary laminate or vinyl.
  • Do not hire only on price if the installer does not understand the locking system.
  • Do not skip moisture and expansion checks.

Related resources

Detailed instructions

Forna Natural Composite Flooring
INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
SWISS-QUALITY FLOORING

GENERAL INFORMATION

Forna Natural Composite Flooring features Swiss precision and quality. Thanks to the patented UNICLIC® locking system, installation is quick, easy, and glue-free. Each plank is engineered to lock mechanically, offering a stable, antistatic, slip-resistant, and dirt-repellent surface. This flooring is ideal for renovations—ensure that chipboard or wood subfloors are sanded and vibration-free before installation.

Note: Only Hydrowood core Forna flooring is suitable for wet rooms and may be glued down. HDF-core flooring is not recommended for glued applications. Seal Hydrowood installations in bathrooms with Loba 2K Supra AT.

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

  • Subfloor must be clean, dry, level, and stable in accordance with DIN 18365.

  • Uneven areas exceeding 3mm per meter must be leveled.

  • Carpeted floors are not acceptable subfloors.

Acceptable Moisture Levels (CM Method):

  • Cement Screed: < 2.0% (or < 1.8% for heated screeds)

  • Calcium Sulfate Screed: < 0.5% (or < 0.3% for heated screeds)

STORAGE & ACCLIMATION

  • Store unopened packages flat for at least 24 hours in the installation room.

  • Maintain room temperature between 59°- 77°F (15–25°C) and 40–60% relative humidity.

PRE-INSTALLATION CHECK

  • Inspect planks in natural light for damage or defects.

  • Minor defects can be used for cuts.

  • Do not install flooring if environmental or product issues are present.

MOISTURE BARRIER (PE FOIL)

  • Use 0.2mm PE foil over mineral subfloors. Overlap seams by 20cm and tape.

  • Extend foil up walls by 2–3 cm.

Tip: Using PE foil promotes smooth floating behavior on any subfloor.

ACOUSTIC UNDERLAY

  • Cork or Green Sound underlayment is pre-attached. No additional underlay is needed.

  • If added, underlay must have a minimum CS value of 200 kPa.

EXPANSION GUIDELINES

  • Max area without expansion joints:100feet x 80feet.ft (30m x 24m).

  • Leave a 10mm expansion gap around walls and fixed objects.

  • Edge joints must not be filled with silicone—use appropriate trims.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

  • Open packages as needed and mix planks for pattern variation.

  • Start installation lengthwise toward natural light.

Two UNICLIC® Installation Methods:

1. Angle-to-Angle

  • Tilt at 10°, insert tongue into groove, and lower to lock.

  • Use tapping block (min. 20cm) for tight joints.

2. Angle & Snap

  • Snap short sides together first, then angle and tap long edge.

Offset end joints by minimum 20cm (ideally 40cm).

SPECIAL INSTALLATION NOTES

  • Do not screw, or nail planks.

  • For heavy fixtures (e.g., islands, stoves), install flooring around them or use expansion breaks.

  • Bathroom Use:Glue planks down, Seal all edges with silicone. Use PE round cord for edge joints.

AROUND OBSTACLES

  • Maintain 10mm clearance around pipes and door frames.

  • Use adhesive tape to refit cut pieces.

  • Do not fasten door stops through flooring.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

  • Max surface temp: 28°C

  • Must be embedded in filler. Click joints must be glued periodically.

Tip: Use a certified heating protocol from the screed supplier.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

  • Sweep, vacuum, or damp mop after installation.

  • Use PU cleaner for heavy soiling.

  • Avoid abrasive or solvent-based cleaners.

Initial Care: Apply a light protective coat after installation for added durability.

Protect Your Floor

  • Use dirt-trapping mats at entrances.

  • Use only soft furniture pads or wheels (Type W, EN 12529).

  • Avoid rubber-backed mats or caps.

For more detailed guidance or product-specific recommendations, visit our website or consult your Forna flooring specialist.