The ALMA Collection was created to translate feelings and build a genuine connection between a space and the people who live in it. Each color, texture and finish reflects true emotion, revealing the natural beauty of wood in its purest form.
 
Inspired by the idea of slowing down and returning to what truly matters, ALMA invites you to transform your home into a refuge of comfort and authenticity. Its timeless tones and harmonious surfaces evoke serenity, balance and closeness to what is real.
 
More than flooring, ALMA creates spaces that feel enduring, elegant and ever-present.
A design with purpose, made to be felt, lived and lasting.

CASTRO WOOD FLOORS PRODUCT INSTALLATION

Thank you for choosing CASTRO WOOD FLOORS products for your home or commercial space.

With 40 years of experience producing solid and engineered wood flooring, we ensure you receive a high-quality product that will remain part of your environment for many years. Wood flooring is an intelligent choice: it combines natural advantages that make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Its hypoallergenic properties, easy cleaning and maintenance provide clear health benefits. Combined with its thermal and acoustic comfort, a wooden floor helps create a warm and pleasant atmosphere in nearly any space.

This manual aims to inform the consumer and installer of the best practices for using our products, based on years of experience using high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing procedures.

CASTRO WOOD FLOORS products are manufactured in accordance with the following standards:
EN 13226 – Solid T&G parquet
EN 13489 – Engineered parquet
EN 14354 – Veneer engineered parquet
EN 14342 – Conformity and CE marking

Product Verification

Check the received material to ensure that the quantity matches the order. Although CASTRO WOOD FLOORS products undergo strict quality control, each board must be inspected prior to installation. Castro & Filhos does not accept claims regarding defects or damage discovered after installation.

Wood is a natural material and may display variations in colour and appearance. It is photosensitive and will change colour when exposed to light, gradually becoming more uniform over time through natural oxidation.

Flooring installation must be carried out as the final phase of the construction work.

Required Tools

Moisture meter for concrete and wood, electric and hand saws, hammer, cutting knife, square, measuring tape, chalk line, chalk, eye protection and dust mask.

Subfloor Verification

The subfloor must be checked before installation. Installation should only occur at least 60 days after the screed has been poured.
The moisture level should be tested according to European standards. Using a Gann HT85T / MB35 or equivalent device, screed moisture should be between 2.0% and 2.5%.
The building must be closed, with doors and windows in place. Store the flooring in the installation site for 48 hours prior to installation to allow proper acclimatisation.
Room temperature should be between 18°C and 22°C (64°F – 72°F) and relative humidity between 40% and 60%. Until the space is in use, avoid direct sunlight exposure on the flooring.

Application Site Conditions

Maintain a stable temperature between 18°C and 22°C and relative humidity between 40% and 60%. If the environment is too dry, the wood may contract and small gaps can form. Use a humidifier if needed.
Do not install in outdoor areas or saunas.

Installation Over Heating or Cooling Subfloors

The heating system must only be used 6–7 weeks after screed application.
Gradually increase temperature to 45°C (113°F), maintain for 3–4 days, then gradually reduce to 20°C (68°F). After this phase, measure screed moisture again to confirm readiness.
Maximum surface temperature of the floor must not exceed 27°C (80.6°F).

Installation Methods

Installation with Nails or Screws

Use wooden substructures or suitable wood-based panels. A 0.2 mm polyethylene film must be installed beneath, overlapping joints by 20 cm and sealing completely.

Glue-Down Installation

The parquet can be glued directly to the concrete, provided the subfloor is firm, dry and level. Unevenness greater than 3 mm must be corrected. Do not use water-based adhesives.
We recommend single-component adhesives such as Bona R850, R850T, R580, or equivalent.
Leave an expansion gap of 5–10 mm between flooring and walls or fixed structures.

Floating Installation
Install a 2–3 mm polyethylene underlay with 20 cm overlapped joints, fully sealed. Stagger board end joints by at least 300 mm.

Site Preparation

If the flooring is pre-finished (varnished or oiled), installation should only take place at the final stage of construction.
Whenever possible, lay the floor parallel to the primary source of light. Leave a 15 mm expansion gap around the perimeter and where flooring exceeds 10 m in length or 6 m in width.

Floor Maintenance

Place mats at exterior entrances. Protect furniture legs using felt pads or soft wheels. Clean with a vacuum cleaner or lightly damp cloth. Avoid wax-based cleaning products mixed with water, as they may yellow the varnish.
For varnished floors: use Bona Care Floor Kit. For oiled floors: vacuum regularly and apply Oil Refresher 1–4 times per year.
Do not use ammonia, wax, abrasive cleaning products, furniture oils or excess water.

For detailed maintenance of oiled floors, visit: www.wocawoodcare.com