What is the Preferred Installation Method for Engineered 9/16 Bamboo Flooring?
- Proper preparation prior to installing bamboo flooring is the key to a long-lasting floor without squeaks and cupping. The underlying subfloor must be flat and smooth without any high areas or voids. Any debris from drywall mud or even thick globs of paint left on the subfloor could affect the performance and life of the new floor. Clean and scrape the subfloor, then vacuum or sweep thoroughly. Walk across the subfloor; if it feels soft or spongy, correct the cause before beginning installation of new flooring. Lay a straight 2x4 on the floor and check for low areas. The low areas will require filling with a leveling compound and sanding until the surface is smooth.
- Place the boxes of bamboo flooring in the area where the flooring is to be installed for a minimum of 48 hours for it to adjust to temperature and moisture conditions.
Engineered 9/16 bamboo flooring installed over a wood subfloor is fastened by using staples or nails every six to eight inches. The nails or staples are driven through the tongue section of the boards. Be careful to seat the nails or staples to avoid humps on the tongue. When using an air-driven stapler, be sure the air pressure is properly adjusted to drive the staples to the proper depth without splitting the tongue. The groove section of the next board must slide over the tongue and lie smoothly. Use a wooden block and a hammer to tap the boards into place. Do not nail or staple within two inches of the butt joints.
Engineered bamboo flooring that is less than 9/16 inches in depth can be installed as a floating floor. Use glue on the groove side of the bamboo boards and tap into place using a wood block and a hammer. Check with the supplier for the proper type of glue. Allow an expansion gap of ½ inch or more around the wall edges of a floating bamboo floor. Do not butt the floating floor up tightly against fireplaces or columns; this can cause the floor to buckle - A little time taken to keep dirt and grit off the bamboo floor avoids scratches and keeps the floor looking new. Use a good quality dust mop for everyday maintenance and only use recommended products for cleaning.