Norsk Stor Installation Instructions

IMPORTANT: Floor tiles and trim pieces must be stored in a moist free environment at a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 48 hours prior to installation. The subfloor should be the same temperature as well.

PVC like all building materials expands and contracts. Depending on job conditions, exposure to UV light, job size and type of application some job site modifications may be necessary to minimize the effects of expansion and contraction. If you have a large project, a project with direct exposure to UV light on part or all of the floor, multiple large obstructions or other potential issues we suggest submitting job site drawings and photos prior to installation. Norsk Stor nor its distributors, retailers or contractors will be responsible for buckling or separation caused by consumers failing to allow for expansion and contraction.

While this may seem complicated, don't feel intimidated. These are just important considerations to take while designing and installing your flooring system to ensure that it will look great for a long time. One advantage with using PVC tile, especially with Norsk Stor’s patented mushroom tooth design locking system is there will be less waste and installation is similar to a traditional tile floor.

Depending on the size of the area to be installed we recommend leaving a 1/4" to 1/2" expansion gap between the last tile and any walls or fixed objects. By not leaving an expansion gap, you run the risk of your tiles buckling or separating. We also recommend against installing the tile under any permanent heavy fixtures and instead recommend that you install up to or around any such permanent items including but not limited to safes, cabinets, workbenches and shelving units. For the best appearance we recommend cutting the tile to each leg of any such object. When installing tile up to or around any permanent fixtures remember to leave a 1/4" to 1/2" expansion gap.

  1. NUMBER OF TILES NEEDED
    • Measure the length and width of the room. Measure any offsets separately.
    • Determine the number of 18.3” x 18.3” tiles needed for each area by using the tile calculator located on the back of the box. Make sure to allow approximately 5% extra tiles for trimming, mistakes, and future replacement due to possible damage.
  2. TOOLS REQUIRED
    • For standard area tile installations only a Rubber Mallet is needed.
    • For wall to wall installations or areas where cutting around objects is necessary the following tools may be needed: Good solid utility knife, scissors, large carpenter’s square, chalk line, and pencil.
  3. SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
    • Commercial Applications
      • The surface to be covered is defined as the “subfloor”. The subfloor condition will determine the ultimate outcome of the installation. Clean the subfloor so that it is free of moisture, dirt, grease, or other foreign materials. Remove all protrusions such as high spots, nails, bolts, sand, dirt, etc. Fill all voids or cracks that are greater than ¼” wide with an appropriate patching compound for subfloor surface.
      • Wood floors must be level, smooth and securely fastened.
      • This product can be installed on or above grade level. Any installations (i.e. basements) below grade level require the concrete to be tested for moisture. Concrete floors must be clean and free from any and all moisture and must remain so after the installation is complete. Leveling compounds may be used and sanded smooth prior to installation to eliminate uneven areas in the concrete floor. All newly poured concrete must cure properly prior to any installation.
      • To test below grade concrete for moisture, tape a thin plastic film approx. 18” x 18” in size and leave in place for 24 hours. If excessive moisture appears on the plastic film THE SUBFLOOR SHOULD BE SEALED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. SEALING SUBFLOOR PREVENTS MICROBIAL GROWTH PROBLEMS FROM OCURRING. USE A SEALER RATED AND WARRANTED TO SEAL BELOW GRADE LEVEL SLABS (AVAILABLE AT LOCAL HARDWARE STORE) TO PREVENT VOIDING WARRANTY.
      • Tile should be stored in a moist free environment at a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 48 hours prior to installation. The subfloor should be the same temperature as well.
    • Garage Applications
      • The surface to be covered is defined as the “subfloor”. The subfloor condition will determine the ultimate outcome of the installation. Clean the subfloor so that it is free of any loose dirt or particles and we recommend removing any wet oil or grease spots using an absorbent such as Pour-N-Restore. For best results, remove all protrusions such as high spots, nails, bolts, sand, dirt, etc. Fill all voids or cracks that are greater than ¼” wide with an appropriate patching compound for subfloor surface. The tile will follow your sub-floor. If you want a flat, professional installation then you need to start with a flat subfloor.
      • Wood floors must be level, smooth and securely fastened.
      • This product can be installed on or above grade level. Any installations (i.e. basements) below grade level require the concrete to be tested for moisture. Concrete floors must be clean and free from any and all moisture and must remain so after the installation is complete. Leveling compounds may be used and sanded smooth prior to installation to eliminate uneven areas in the concrete floor. All newly poured concrete must cure properly prior to any installation. Our Air-dry™ system will allow reasonable amounts of moisture to evaporate, however in any situation where moisture may be an issue it is always recommended to use a vented tile.
      • To test below grade concrete for moisture, tape a thin plastic film approx. 18” x 18” in size and leave in place for 24 hours. If excessive moisture appears on the plastic film THE SUBFLOOR SHOULD BE SEALED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. SEALING SUBFLOOR PREVENTS MICROBIAL GROWTH PROBLEMS FROM OCURRING. USE A SEALER RATED AND WARRANTED TO SEAL BELOW GRADE LEVEL SLABS (AVAILABLE AT LOCAL HARDWARE STORE) TO PREVENT VOIDING WARRANTY.
      • Tile should be stored in a moist free environment at a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 48 hours prior to installation. The subfloor should be the same temperature as well.
  4. MINIMUAL WASTE INSTALLATION
    • No matter which installation instructions you choose to use the garage door will be the front of the garage and left and right will be determined based on standing at the garage door and looking in.
      • Measure the front opening of your garage floor and mark the center.
      • Place a single tile centered on the center point of that line.
      • Working from the center of that line, place tiles to the left until you reach the last tile.
      • Cut the last tile to fit leaving a 1/4" to 1/2" gap for expansion and contraction. IMPORTANT: for areas up to 30 feet in width - leave a ¼” gap from the walls for expansion. For areas larger than 60 feet in width – leave a ½” gap from the walls for expansion.
      • If the remaining tile is greater than 9" wide you should be able to use this piece for the last tile on the right hand side.
      • Finish the first row of tiles by completing the tiles to the right of the center tile (Remember step D).
      • Attach the ramp edges to the first row of tiles at the front of your garage.
      • Adjust your front row ensuring it is straight and square.
      • Continue to the next row of tile working from left to right until you have finished.
  5. MINIMUAL CUT INSTALLATION
    • Install your first row of tiles working from left to right. Start with a full tile and cut the last tile to fit leaving room for expansion and contraction. Using this method you will have additional waste. Work your way from front to back, left to right insuring that adequate room is left for expansion and contraction on both edges.
  6. TILE INSTALLATION
    • To connect the tiles, align the teeth of the adjoining tile or border piece and lightly tap with a rubber mallet (DO NOT USE A REGULAR HAMMER OR OTHER METAL STRIKING TOOL), taking care to ensure that the teeth are aligned properly prior to lightly tapping to prevent damaging the tiles. IMPROPER ALIGNMENT COMBINED WITH HEAVY STRIKING WITH A RUBBER MALLET MAY DAMAGE THE INTERLOCKING TEETH. NOTE: IF A TOOTH DOES NOT SET ALL THE WAY TURN YOUR RUBBER MALLET OVER AND USE THE WOOD HANDLE END TO PUSH AND TURN THE TOOTH IN.
  7. BORDER TILE PLACEMENT
    • Place a loose tile over the top of the last tile in the row next to the wall. Place a second tile over it with one end butted against the wall and mark the tile underneath with a pencil. Cut the tile along this line with your utility knife and install tile.
  8. MAKING IRREGULAR CUTS AROUND OBJECTS
    • Using tracing paper, make a pattern around any irregular objects and trace it on the back of a loose tile. Cut along the line with your utility knife. Carefully lay tile in place and secure with rubber mallet.
  9. USING FINISHED BORDERS ON EXPOSED EDGES
    • Border pieces are sold separately. Store all unused border pieces in a safe place for potential future use.
  10. BASEBOARD WALL TRIM
    • If baseboard wall trim is desired, rest it on top of the tile so as to not inhibit the expansion/contraction of tiles with temperature fluctuation.
  11. ADHESIVES
    • Adhesives are not recommended for use with Norsk-Stor™or Norsk-Sport™ tiles – the are designed for installation without the use of adhesives.
    • Adhesives should only be used in applications where normal interlocking features do not work. Some potential applications are:
      • Sloped areas such as angled ramps, etc.
      • Areas where the tile will not conform irregular (curved or other) surfaces
      • Vertical wall spaces
    • The only adhesive recommended for use with Norsk-Stor™ flooring tiles in order to not void the warranty: Advanced Adhesive Technology, Inc/Interlocking Tile AD-Hesive #AAT-365. You can contact them at: www.aatglue.com.
  12. Care and Maintenance
    • Avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent color fading and warp-age. Applications which require constant exposure to the elements may require gluing. This product is not recommended for exterior installations or applications that are exposed to continuous moisture and or grease (commercial kitchens require grease-proof mats). This product should not be used in applications where constant or heavy amounts of moisture or grease create slippery conditions.
    • Cleaning:
      • Clean dirt and/or debris by sweeping, vacuuming, or using a wet mop.
      • Clean soiled surfaces by mopping or scrubbing with mild detergent.
      • For heavy cleaning, a rotary scrubber with soft pad or nylon brushes should be used.
    • The purchaser should pay special attention to all codes, laws, specifications and ratings for products specifically used in play areas, playgrounds, and other recreational uses where the safety of children and others are concerned.
    • Use Norsk-Stor™ trim for safety and a finished look.