Installing
Bamboo flooring
• Vertical Plank or Laminated All-Bamboo Tongue & Groove
Plank should be installed as follows:
• General conditions: In area to be installed, temperature
and humidity must be brought to normal usage levels at least 72 hours before
installation and maintained at those levels after installation. Flooring should
be allowed to acclimatize on site at least 72 hours before installation. Be sure
to use your moisture meter to check moisture levels in both the sub-floor and
the bamboo flooring before installation.
• Applications: May be nailed or glued down over wood
sub-floors or glued directly to concrete sub-floors on, above, or below grade.
• Sub-floor Surfaces must be clean, dry, smooth and free
of dirt, wax, oil, paint, curing agents and other contaminants that would interfere
with adhesive bond. Old resilient floors can be installed over provided above
conditions apply. Wood sub-floors must be sanded level prior to new installation.
Concrete sub-floors must have all cracks and holes filled with a cementitious
patching material (Ardex or equal). Concrete sub-floors must be tested for moisture
and not exceed three pounds per 1,000 square feet using the calcium chloride
test.
• Work out of multiple (2-3) boxes. Bamboo is a natural
product and has natural color variations. Bamboo flooring is separated by shade
at the factory. There are no standards for this so the shade differences between
cartons may be noticeable. Mixing cartons creates a natural, random shade effect.
• Nail Down: Planks shall be started square with the room
and parallel to its longest dimension by positioning with a chalk line, leaving
1/4" expansion space from base plate or wall. Ensure starter rows are firmly
in place by wedging or face nailing. Once initial rows are secure, second and
further courses shall be blind nailed directly above tongue at a 45-50 degree
angle to the face. Fasteners shall be spaced at 10-12 inch intervals with a minimum
of 2 fasteners per piece. NOTE: There will not be a guarantee for Bamboo flooring
installed over or onto particleboard. (OSB is the exception)
• Glue Down: Use a moisture barrier wood flooring adhesive
like "Bostik's Bst" or Franklin’s 811 Plus. Follow the adhesive
manufacturers guidelines for safe use, storage and handling. Wear gloves and
long sleeves. Spread with a notched trowel as recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.
Planks shall be started square with the room and parallel to its longest dimension
by positioning with a chalk line, leaving 1/4" expansion space from base
plate or wall. Ensure starter rows are firmly in place by wedging or face nailing.
Once initial rows are secure, use adhesive in a Wet-Lay method of installation
as follows: Apply adhesive to substrate with suitable trowel. Immediately place
flooring onto "wet" adhesive. Spread no more adhesives than can be
worked with in a forty-minute period (100 to 200 sq. ft.). Clean any adhesive
that comes in contact with the face of the plank immediately.
• Moisture: While bamboo flooring is much more stable
than most woods, it is still subject to damage when in direct contact with a
constantly wet slab. The bamboo must be isolated from this type of slab by use
of a reverse vinyl or sleeper sub floor. Urethane adhesive will usually fail
when vapor pressure exceeds 3 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. in 24 hours. Bamboo flooring
cannot be glued down under those conditions.
Note: In extremely dry climates, care should be taken to avoid
shrinkage by allowing flooring to acclimatize under actual use conditions.
Remove the planks from the box and expose to local conditions for several days.
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