Da Vinci Floors Cork Planks are the simplest way of installing a cork floor. A hard and stable core board utilizes the precise UNICLIC tongue and groove joint guarantees rapid installation without overlaps. The high density cork used as a top wear layer as well as the cork backing provides insulation and other advantageous features to cork floors. Cork in the latest stylish colors sets a naturally fashionable note in your rooms.
 

Cork Glueless Floating Planks

Click here for an installation video

Composition of Da Vinci Cork Planks

Preferred Manufacturer

3mm wear layer is finished with 5 coats of Top Finish waterbased varnish with corrundum particles in nano dimension. This improved Nanotechnology maintains superior transparency and elasticity. The finish is "Solvent Free".

Uniclic Locking Mechanism - The Uniclic profile has been designed so that during installation the laminate flooring panels can be slotted together either angled or horizontally and without damage. This is very important in areas where angling is either difficult or impossible (i.e. under door frames or radiators).

Why select Cork Flooring?

Cork flooring products are made from all natural raw materials; offering the resilience and excellent performance of cork as an insulator, while providing amazing decorative possibilities. Cork Floors offer a very attractive range of designs, which are the result of marketing research and testing to obtain the highest quality construction and decorative appeal for floors in residential or light to medium commercial applications for the US market.
Our decorative styles create a warm environment, both contemporary and unique that achieves maximum comfort and insulation from noise. The glue less joint systems of the floating planks permits fast and efficient installation of the cork flooring on any level surface at all levels of the home. In addition, by applying a topcoat of urethane after the installation, Cork floors can be installed in kitchens with good performance and protection from moisture.
Cork is a widely applied construction material that has been used for centuries due to its unique natural technical characteristics and surprising decorative appeal. The raw material is obtained by harvesting the cork oak tree bark; with the tree never being cut down. This enables the bark to regenerate itself within a few years. Cork is an ecologically sound material allows for continual harvesting for centuries making it a renewable resource for generations to follow. During the production process of natural cork flooring products, we utilize 100% of the harvested materials with no waste produced.

The Cork Forest
• Cork Oaks grow very slowly.
• A cork Oak can grow to be 200-250 years old.
• The first Cork is peeled at age 20-30 yrs and subsequently every 9-10 yrs.
• Cork Forests cover worldwide an area of 2.5 million ha, of which 1 million is located in Portugal (1/3 of the country). Other countries cork grows include: Algeria, Spain, Morocco, France, Italy and Tunisia.
The Cork Tree (quercus suber)
• Harvest from the beginning of June to the end of August, possible only every 9 years, 20 times all together.
• The first peeling is called the maiden peeling.
• Peeling requires a lot of experience, only specialists are employed.
• Cork is peeled only from the trunk and from branches of a specified circumference down to the thin reddish parent layer, below which new cork is growing (approx. 1.5-4mm per year)
• 20 % of the bark is left intact to protect the tree from drying up.
• After peeling, the cork bark is stored in collecting areas to dry and stabilize for 6 months.

The Advantages of Cork Flooring

Environmentally Friendly- Cork Flooring is produced using all natural cork products which are harvested with no waste materials produced. This results in no damage to the tree or the environment in which it is harvested.
Durability- Cork is remarkably resistant to wear, as it is less affected by impact and friction than other hard surfaces because of it cellular composition. Cork flooring offers a 10 yr. Warranty on structure and finish.
Resiliency- When cork is subjected to pressure, the gas in the cells is compressed and volume reduces considerably. When released from pressure cork recovers quickly to its original shape. Cork floors are gentle on your joints and soft underfoot.
Insulation- Because 90% of the tissue consists of gaseous matter, the density of cork is extremely low giving the material wonderful insulating properties, thermal as well as acoustical. Cork floors are warm and quiet underfoot.
Impermeability- The presence of Suberin, an inherent waxy substance, renders cork impervious to both liquids and gases. As a result, it does not rot and may therefore be considered the best seal available. Cork floors are perfect for residential and light commercial applications.
Fire retardation- A natural fire retardant, cork does not spread flames and does not release toxic gases during combustion.
Hypoallergenic- Cork does not attract dust and consequently does not cause allergies.
Electrically Dissipative- Cork flooring does not produce static electricity making it suitable for rooms with electronic equipment and appliances.
Exact Milling- Cork floors have a UV finish prior to milling that guarantees a seamless varnish coat and a homogenous surface.
Easy to clean- Cork floors can be easily maintained by vacuuming and damp mopping with approved cleaners.
Easy Installation- Cork floating floor panels are easily installed without the use of special tools.
Suitable for Radiant Heating- Cork floating floors are suitable for installation over Hot water radiant heat systems, provided that the temperature does not exceed 81 degrees F.

Nature under your feet.

Cork plank is the simplest way of installing a cork floor. A hard and stable core board with a precise tongue and groove joint guarantees rapid installation without overlaps. The high density cork used as a top wear layer as well as the cork backing provides insulation and other advantageous features to cork floors. Cork in the latest stylish colors sets a naturally fashionable note in your rooms.

INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

for glueless, floating installation – Uniclic

Click here for an installation video

BEFORE YOU START

n Uniclic Cork Planks are only suitable for dry indoor applications. Installation and maintenance instructions must be followed strictly. Uniclic Cork Planks must be stored at normal room conditions (68-72 F) for at least 48 hours before installation. The material must get acclimatized properly.

n Install the floor at a room temperature of at least (68° F) and a relative humidity of 40 – 60%. Keep the room climate constantly close to these figures.
n Uniclic Cork Planks can be installed bye the glue-less and floating method. Uniclic Cork Planks stands out for its exceptional exact fitting. This must be considered during installation.

An unprofessional installation can result in damage to the locking ststem. A glued installation is possible - see the

instructions below.

n Check Uniclic Cork Planks for possible defects prior the installation. Complaints can only be accepted before installation.

n Cork is a natural product. Differences in color and structure are natural and typical. Prior to actual installation, dry-lay the floor, blending the planks from several cartons to determine optimum appearance.  Variances in color and structure are material/nature related. Color alterations can result, as is the case with any natural product.  Darker cork planks are subject to fading when exposed to direct sunlight.  This is a natural occurrence and not considered a defect.

THE SUBFLOOR

n The subfloor must be constructed properly – dry, sound and flat.

n Uniclic Cork Planks can be installed on existing firm floors (Linoleum, PVC,...), but all textile floors must be removed.

n Allowed moisture content according to CM-method:

Concrete slabs: < 2,0 % CM (radiant heated < 1,8 % CM)

Anhydrite slabs: < 0,3 % CM (radiant heated < 0,3 % CM)

n Do not install in rooms, where the flooring is exposed to excessive periods a high humidity or moisture, like bathrooms or showers.

n To prepare the slab grind off any high spots, fill low spots, clean up grease, oil and other contaminants, and sweep clean. Unevenness in the subfloor may not exceed 3 mm (1/9”) at a measure-distance of 1 m (3 ¼').

n To be certain normal slab moisture does not reach the finished floor a proper vapor retarder must be used on top of all mineral sub floors like ceramic tiles, concrete, plaster-boards and floors where moisture might arise Cover the entire slab with a 0,2 mm (6 mil) polyethylene film, overlapping edges at least 20 cm (8”). The overlap joint must be taped. Extend the film approx. 3 cm (1“) up the wall.

n No other foam or underlayment is needed because of the built in cork back layer. Additional measures to improve the soundproofing are scarcely possible and should therefore not be undertaken. If additional soundproofing is used, then please note that Uniclic is not suitable for use with soft soundproofing mats.

MEASUREMENTS

n Installation parallel to the longest wall or the main light-source is recommended for best visual effects.

n Laying over an old wood floor: drive down any raised nails, re-nail loose boards and replace any warped boards that can’t be made level, then install at a right angle or on a diagonal.

n Pre-plan the floor by measuring the room first. If the width of the last row is less than 5 cm (2”) saw the first and the last plank in equal width.

n In rooms with more than 100 m² (120 sq.yd) - longer than 12 m (39 ft) – or wider than 8 m (26 ft) – expansion space

must be kept.  (this space can be deleted when keeping a proper climate year round)  Expansion space from the building site always must be taken on. Otherwise place expansion space in room narrows or in the doorways. Cover the expansion space with suitable coverings.

INSTALLATION

First row:

(1) Start with the first plank in the right corner of the room, tongue-side facing the wall. Work from right to left. Use spacer shims on the long side and the front side of the plank to ensure the proper space to the wall – approx. 1 (1/2”).

(2) Position the second plank as an exact extension of the first plank. Lift the plank in an angle of approx. 20° and put tongue and groove of the front side together. Lower the planks when tongue and groove are tight. Slight pressure makes it easier to lever in extension.  To achieve a perfect joint, tap the front end of the already installed plank lightly with a tapping block

(3) Continue in the same manner up to the last plank. It is usually necessary to shorten the last plank.

n The expansion space for the wall always should be in parallel with the wall. If the wall is not straight, install the first 3 rows without wedges. Put the installed boards to the wall and mark the wall’s line with a spacer. Dismount the installation and saw the planks accordingly.

n If you use a hand-saw, always saw face up. If you use an electric saw, always saw face down.

Following rows:

(4) Begin the second row with the cut-off end of the first row. The front edge-offset of the planks should be approx. 12”.  Place spacer with front side to the wall. Angle the cut-off to be installed against the previously laid row. For levering in, raise the plank approx. 20°, insert the lengthways groove in the lengthways tongue and lower plank where there is a tight lengthways joint on to the  tapping block.

(5) Lever the next plank in place from the front side so that only a very short distance remains for it to be pushed into the lengthways connection.

(6) Push the still raised plank into the lengthways tongue. It is easier to insert when raised slightly. Do not undo the already firm front connection when pushing in. Push close to the front connection itself to ensure this is done.

(7) Remove the tapping block when lengthways and front joints are tight and lower the planks by careful tapping with the tapping block. Do not simply push the planks down! Your light tapping helps to ensure that the Uniclic fit is fully interlocking. This ensures that you get an optimal joint.  Continue the installation to the last row of planks, as described.

n Gluing - at your choice:

If you just want to use the glueless Uniclic-system as an efficient installation tool, apply  PVAc glue (waterproofed) in small doses but continuously to the special leaving blank in the profile. If any glue gets on the surface of the flooring, wipe off immediately with a damp cloth.

n Radiant heating pipes:

Drill a hole into the plank with a diameter that is 2 cm larger than the pipe’s diameter. Saw from the hole to the edge of the plank. Install the plank. Glue in the piece of the plank which you have sawn out. Cover with a special covering for radiant heating pipes.

n How to shorten doorframes.
Position a loose plank face down close to the doorframe and cut the doorframe along the plank.

n Installation in areas where leveraging is not possible.
Whenever the conditions for installation mean it is not possible to lever the planks (pushing under door frames, rails etc.), You can simply cut or chisel off the projecting lock pin on the groove side. The joint then corresponds with that of a tongue and groove system and it must be glued.

n You can walk on the flooring immediately after the installation. Remove the wedges. Trim off any projecting foil all around. Nail or screw mouldings to the wall, never to the floor.

INSTALLATION OVER RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOORS

Uniclic Cork Planks can also be installed on a radiant heated subfloors. Special installation instructions must be followed. The surface temperature must not exceed 78 ° F. During the heating period joints can emerge. To control this  contraction and possible gap at the short side of the plank you can glue the short joint of the planks.