Real Stone Floating Floor Installation and Maintenance

Detailed instructions

Real Stone Flooring Installation and Maintenance Instructions

General Information:
Real Stone flooring is designed for quick and easy installation, thanks to its patented UNICLIC® system. This click-lock mechanism connects the planks securely without the need for glue, offering a seamless and durable floating floor solution. It is scratch-resistant, non-slip, dirt-repellent, and antistatic, making it an excellent flooring choice for renovations and new builds alike.

Important Note: Real Stone flooring is not suitable for wet rooms or areas with standing water.

Subfloor Preparation

1. Requirements:
   • Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, level, and stable according to DIN 18365 standards for floor covering work.
   • Unevenness should not exceed 3 mm over 1 meter. If it does, level the subfloor using appropriate filling compounds.
2. Moisture Barrier:
   • For mineral subfloors, lay a moisture barrier with an Sd value ≥ 100 m (e.g., 0.2 mm PE foil). Overlap the film by 20 cm, tape the seams, and extend it 2-3 cm up the walls.
3. Moisture Testing:
   • Check moisture levels in the subfloor using the CM method. Acceptable limits are:
     • Cement screeds: < 2.0% CM (1.8% for heated screeds).
     • Calcium sulfate screeds: < 0.5% CM (0.3% for heated screeds).
4. Storage and Acclimatization:
   • Let the planks acclimate for 24 hours in their original packaging at 15-25°C and 40-60% relative humidity before installation.

Installation Process

Real Stone flooring offers two methods for installation: Angle-to-Angle and Angle Snap.

Angle-to-Angle Method:

1. Start the First Row:
   • Begin in the corner of the room with the tongue side facing the wall. Maintain a 10 mm expansion gap between the planks and the wall using spacers.
   • Click the planks together by aligning the tongue and groove at a 10° angle and pressing down gently.
2. Second Row and Beyond:
   • Start the second row using the leftover piece from the first row, ensuring it is at least 30-40 cm long.
   • Align the long side of the plank at a 10° angle and click into place. Secure the connection using a tapping block and hammer.

Angle Snap Method:

1. First Row:
   • Place the first plank in the corner with the tongue facing the wall. Align with spacers.
   • Position the second plank and click it into place by gently tapping the joint with a tapping block and hammer.
2. Second Row:
   • Insert the long side of the plank at a slight angle (10°), then click it into the first row.
   • On the short side, use a tapping block to ensure a tight fit.

Tips:

• Remove spacers after completing installation.
• Use a hand circular saw or utility knife to cut panels to fit around obstacles like pipes or doorframes.

Special Considerations

1. Heavy Objects:
   • For items like kitchen islands or large appliances, install them before laying the floor or add expansion joints around them to ensure proper floating floor performance.
2. Wet Areas:
   • For areas prone to moisture, seal the tongue and groove joints with a joint sealant like “Clic Seal” or “Seal & Click.”
3. Underfloor Heating:
   • Real Stone flooring is compatible with hot water and electric underfloor heating systems. Ensure the subfloor surface does not exceed 28°C.

Post-Installation Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Initial Cleaning:
   • After installation, sweep, vacuum, or damp mop the floor. Avoid using excessive water.
2. Routine Maintenance:
   • Use a PU cleaner for deep cleaning. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents or those containing glycerine or solvents.
   • Place dirt-trapping mats at entry points and use felt pads on furniture legs to protect the surface.
3. Refinishing:
   • For added durability, apply a surface refinish immediately after installation or after a few years to maintain the floor’s appearance.

Room Climate Recommendations

• Maintain a stable indoor climate:
  • Temperature: 20-22°C.
  • Humidity: 50-60%.
• Protect the floor from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent warping or discoloration.

Summary of Key Installation Tips

• Expansion Gaps: Maintain a 10 mm gap between the floor and all walls or fixed objects.
• Maximum Room Size: Up to 15m x 12m without additional expansion joints.
• Laying Direction: Install planks lengthwise to the main light source for the best appearance.
• Door Frames: Trim frames to allow the floor to fit underneath with enough space for movement.

By following these instructions, you can ensure a successful Real Stone flooring installation that’s durable, visually stunning, and long-lasting. For more detailed information or support, visit our website or contact our customer service team.