Installation Guidelines for Natural CORK Adhesive-Backed Parquet Tile

If the following instructions leave any unanswered questions or if you would like additional information, please call Natural Cork Inc., toll free at 800-404-2675 or 706-733-6120. You must read and understand these instructions completely before beginning installation. Responsibility for the suitability of cork Parquet tile or adhesive for each individual installation cannot be assumed by Natural Cork Inc., since Natural Cork Inc., has no influence on the installer's proper application. Should an individual cork Parquet tile be doubtful as to appearance or dimension the installer should not use this piece. Natural Cork will send replacement in a timely manner.

Cork is a natural product. Just like wood, cork parquet tiles and planks 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, using only approved adhesives and providing the recommended expansion space mentioned below.

INSTALLING ON CONCRETE SUBSTRATE: Cork Parquet can be installed over concrete on or above grade. Concrete substrates are required to be sound, smooth, level and flat with a maximum variation of 1/8 inch in 10 feet. Subfloor should be free of dust, dirt and soils. Any uncorrected irregularities will telegraph through cork parquet tiles. All cracks, holes and control joints must be patched with a Portland cement based compound. Follow compound manufacturer's instructions fully and make sure patches are completely dry and well adhered. Use of gypsum base compounds is not approved. Check concrete slab for moisture. Slab must be properly cured. Check slab with Calcium Chloride moisture test. Moisture content cannot be more than 3 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. per 24 hours.

INSTALLING ON UNDERLAYMENT-GRADE PLYWOOD & MAN-MADE BOARD SUBSTRATES: Subfloor must be inspected as only underlayment grade substrates are approved for installation of cork flooring. Install smooth ¼” underlayment grade hardboard. Fill cracks and sand uneven areas. Any uncorrected irregularities will telegraph through Cork Parquet tiles. Subfloor must not exceed 14% moisture content (electrical resistance method). To avoid damage to Cork Parquet caused by moisture check basements and under floor crawl spaces to be sure they are dry and well ventilated. For buildings with crawl spaces, install ground cover of 6 mil polyethylene sheets, overlap seams 8", and tape the sheets together.

Cork parquet tiles cannot be installed over any other surfaces than the ones above mentioned.

CORK PARQUETS MUST BE ACCLIMATED: Store cork parquet tiles must be stored out of the box at job site for a minimum of 72 hours prior to installation. During storage and installation, maintain temperature and relative humidity to level consistent with conditions that will prevail when building is occupied. Heating or air conditioning should be used for an appropriate length of time prior to and during installation. With improper acclimation, the floor could noticeably expand or contract after installation.

IN-FLOOR RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS: With radiant heat, heat source is directly beneath the flooring covering which may gain moisture or dry out faster than in a home with conventional heating system. Floating floors move as a unit as they respond to changes in heat and humidity. Therefore, Natural Cork highly recommends the use of Natural Cork Floating Floors to ensure a successful installation in conjunction with radiant heating. However, cork parquet tiles can be installed as long as customer understands that joints between parquet tiles could become more visible during heating season. 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). Gluing directly on low-density concrete slab (less than 3,000 psi) is not recommended.

APPLICATION OF SUBFLOOR PRIMER: Only use of Natural Cork water-based Subfloor Primer is approved. Subfloor Primer must be used regardless of type of subfloor. Pour Subfloor Primer into clean paint tray. Using short-nap roller provided in the kit, apply thin and even coat of Subfloor Primer. Cover subfloor completely. Coverage is 400 sq. ft. per gallon. Under normal temperature and humidity conditions Subfloor Primer will dry in 30 to 45 minutes. Subfloor Primer must be totally dry before application of adhesive.

APPLICATION OF ADHESIVE: Only use of Natural Cork water-based contact cement included in Propack kit is approved. Adhesive is formulated to bond to adhesive-backed cork parquet tiles. Pour some adhesive into clean paint roller tray. Using short-nap roller, apply a thin coat of adhesive on approximately 50 square feet at a time. Coverage is 400 sq. ft. per gallon. A uniform, glossy film indicates sufficient amount of adhesive. Stay off adhesive while it is drying. Adhesive will dry in 20 to 30 minutes under normal temperature and humidity conditions. Once adhesive is dry, that section of installation must be completed within one hour. Never lay tiles into wet adhesive. Always test for proper adhesion prior to proceeding with the installation. If the tiles do not seem to adhere properly over a very porous substrate, it will be necessary to apply a second coat of adhesive.

LAYING CORK PARQUET TILES: Use any standard laying pattern. For best installation, lay cork parquets with staggered joints. Shuffle cork parquets for best visual mix and identify possible manufacturing defects. Installer must accept liability for installing defective material. Mix cork parquets from various cartons to maintain natural color and pattern variation. Allow ¼” expansion space between finished floor and all walls, thresholds, water pipes and other vertical surfaces. Failure to provide adequate expansion space will result in installation failure. When moisture level in the environment is low, parquet tiles should not be positioned too tightly against one another. To the contrary, when moisture level is elevated, tiles should be installed tightly. When cork parquet tile is properly aligned in place, apply pressure on entire parquet surface. Pressure will cause parquet to stick firmly and further movement will not be possible.

ROLLING FLOOR: After the floor has been laid, it is very important to roll the surface using a three-part, 100-pound floor roller. Roll entire floor several times from several directions. Floor should be rolled again after sitting overnight before applying the polyurethane sealer when necessary.

AFTER INSTALLATION: Allow glue to set for at least 24 hours before walking on the floor. After 24 hours you may install molding, trim, transition pieces, and/or reducer strips as needed.
If dried adhesive is found on the surface of the floor, it can be removed with a rag dampened with water-diluted mineral spirits.

CLEANING THE FLOOR: The entire floor must then be cleaned using a hardwood floor cleaner according to manufacturer guidelines. Using too much liquid on your floor could provoke swelling at the joints due to absorption of moisture by the unsealed cork. WET MAINTENANCE IS ENTIRELY FORBIDDEN!

SEALING THE FLOOR: Moisture penetrating joints can eventually cause damage to the floor. Sealing your floor will prevent surface moisture penetration. This step is highly recommended for kitchens and other at risk areas. Natural Cork recommends using a high quality water base urethane applied by a flooring professional in accordance with finish manufacturer’s guidelines.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Natural Cork recommends using unfinished cork flooring coated on site with a high quality water base urethane suitable for a commercial installation.

Installation Material Checklist

			Material Received from Natural Cork
			To install Parquet tiles
					Glue Down Kit (400 sq. ft. coverage) to include:
							1 gallon Natural Cork Subfloor Primer – Red label
							1 gallon Natural Cork Contact cement – Blue label
							2 short nap rollers and a frame
					Parquet tile backed with contact cement
			Material to be provided by the Installer
					Paint trays
					100 lbs 3-part roller
					Cutting and measuring tools. A utility knife is sufficient to cut tiles.
					Cleaning supplies
					Mineral Spirits
					Molding/Trim
			The installer will find an envelope enclosed with this shipment to be given to the end user. This envelope contains:
					Maintenance Recommendations
					Warranty Information

Natural Cork would like to thank the installer for taking pride in this installation and striving to meet our mutual client’s expectations. We could not be successful without you.