Swiss Leather Floating Floor Installation

Detailed instructions

Important Information

Forna Swiss Leather Floating Floors feature the UNICLIC® locking system, making installation fast and adhesive-free.
These planks are designed for strength, slip resistance, antistatic performance, and easy maintenance.
Please note: this flooring is not intended for wet or damp environments.

Preparing the Subfloor

• Install only as a floating floor; do not glue directly to the subfloor.

• The subfloor must be:

  • Clean, dry, level, and structurally sound (per DIN 18365).

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

• Eliminate paint spots, plaster residue, or any raised imperfections.

• Carpeted surfaces are not acceptable.

• Record moisture content before installation:

  • Cement screeds: max 2.0 % CM, or 1.8 % CM with underfloor heating.

  • Calcium sulfate screeds: max 0.5 % CM, or 0.3 % CM with underfloor heating.

• Minimum subfloor temperature must be 15 °C (59 °F).

Acclimatization & Storage

• Leave sealed packages lying flat in the installation room for at least 24 hours before laying.

• Room conditions should remain between 15–25 °C (59–77 °F) with 40–60 % relative humidity.

Pre-Installation Checks

• Inspect all planks in natural light for any defects or shipping damage.

• Mix boards from multiple cartons to achieve a consistent appearance.

• Always leave a 10 mm expansion gap at walls and around fixed structures. In larger spaces, allow at least 1 mm per meter of width.

Moisture Protection

• On mineral-based subfloors, install a 0.2 mm PE film as a vapor barrier.

  • Overlap sheets by 20 cm, tape seams, and extend edges up the wall 2–3 cm.

• Using PE film is recommended on all subfloors to ensure proper floating movement.

Acoustic Underlay

• A cork underlayment is already attached to Forna Leather Flooring.

• No additional foam underlay is recommended. If an extra layer is desired, it must meet ≥200 kPa compression strength.

Room Size Limits

• Without expansion profiles, the maximum installation area is 15 m x 12 m (49 ft x 39 ft).

• Any expansion joints present in the subfloor must also be carried through the flooring.

Installation Process

Layout Planning

• Measure the room before beginning.

• Adjust the first row so the last row is no narrower than 5 cm (2″).

• Install planks parallel to the main light source for best visual results.

First Row

• Begin in the right-hand corner, with the tongue facing the wall.

• Use spacers to maintain expansion gaps.

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

Following Rows – Two Options

• Angle-to-Angle: Tilt the plank at approx. 10°, lock it into place, and press down.

• Angle-Snap: Align the plank and gently tap into position with a tapping block and hammer.

Joint Staggering

• Offset plank ends by at least 20 cm (8″), ideally 40 cm (16″), to create a stable pattern.

Special Situations

• Pipes & Door Stops: Maintain 10 mm (4″) clearance. Cut the plank and reinsert the cut piece securely. Do not fasten door stops through the floor.

• Door Frames: Trim frames so planks can slide underneath while preserving free movement.

Heavy Objects

• Do not anchor the flooring beneath heavy, immovable items such as kitchen islands, large stoves, or heaters.

• Instead, install expansion breaks around these objects.

Underfloor Heating

• Compatible with underfloor heating where the surface temperature does not exceed 29 °C (84 °F).

• Only suitable for systems embedded in screed (≥2 mm).

• Electric foil heating must cover the entire installation area.

• Always follow the heating and cooling cycle recommendations provided by the screed supplier.