Installation

Cost

$1.70 per square feet for Solid Bamboo

HowTo.

1. Floating

The surface is said to be floating because it is not directly attached to the sub-floor. This is the easiest method of installing bamboo floors. This type of floor simply clicks together. An underlay is required. The advantage of installing floating bamboo floors using this method compared to the other two is that it is quick to finish and very easy to clean up. There is also a reduction in noise and moisture damage by incorporating the padding it makes the surface softer to walk on. This type of installation is suitable for multi level construction, basement level and especially condos. We have eco friendly underlayment with the highest sound proofing. Concrete sub-floors are prone to attracting moisture so it is necessary to lay a thin layer underlayment to act as a barrier between any dampness and your bamboo flooring.. Accurately calculate the width of the last row of bamboo to be laid down. If the measurement is less than 1.5" you will need to distribute this between all the rows. The last row usually always needs to be cut to fit. Choose an outside wall as your starting point. (An outside wall tends to be straighter and more square than an inside wall.) Measure two board widths from this wall and mark a line with some chalk the full length of the wall. Make sure to dap the ends with carpenters glue since they are T and G.

2. Nail Down

This method of fitting requires the boards to be secured with 2'' nails to a wooden sub-floor. Staples may be used in stead of nails - but a pneumatic staple gun is required. When stapling, try to staple boards from between 6''- 8'' on center and roughly 2'' from each end when fastening. Lay the tongue edges of the first row of boards on the marked out chalk line. They must be perfectly aligned! With a drill you then want to place pilot holes on the face of each board and secure them with nails / staples to the sub-floor. Once the initial row is secure, the following ones should be pre drilled and then secured with nails that are hammered in at a 45 degree angle. Just like with the other two methods to ensure a uniform surface, pay attention to the joints between boards and use a tapping block if needed to get them to fit snugly. Try to mix the lengths of the boards. By doing this you avoid joints clustering together. When stapling, try to staple boards from between 6''- 8'' on center and roughly 2'' from each end when fastening. Finally when it comes to the base moulding; remember to nail it to the wall and not to the floor and also try not to forget to leave room for expansion (1/4 inch).

3. Glue Down

Used when floating bamboo is not preferred on concrete subfloors. Cork or another underlay may be required. Choose an outside wall as your starting point. (An outside wall tends to be straighter and more square than an inside wall.) Measure two board widths from this wall and mark a chalk line. As previously stated not all walls are by default straight - so some boards may need to be shaved / sanded to fit. Make sure the sub-floor should is as dirt free as possible - you want the glue to stick to the sub floor not the dirt in between. Using a v-notched trowel spread the glue from the chalk markings out to the equivalent width of two boards. The glue will then have to be left to set for about half an hour. After this the first row of boards can be fitted - be sure that the tongues are facing the chosen starter wall. Getting the boards perfectly aligned is crucial. For a uniform surface you will need to pay attention to the tongue and grooves. You will benefit from using a wood block to tap them into place. Once the initial two rows are in place you will need to use the trowel to spread out more glue - 3 feet. The boards are then "tapped" into place. Try and use different lengths - this way joints will not be on top of each other (it is wise to have them no less than 6'' from each other.) Finally once you have got several rows under your belt you may want to keep them from shifting by using strips of tape placed at right angles to the boards. Remember on the last row, you will have to remove the tongue for it to fit - you might also have to utilize a pry bar to slip it in.

Before Installation, the bamboo should be delivered to the home or job site at least 72 hours before the planned installation.