Installation Instructions
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Verify that installation surface is level and structurally sound. Repair/level as
required. All subfloors must be clean and dry (less than 3% moisture on concrete,
10% or less on plywood subfloors). Remove all dirt, wax, oil, pain or any other
substances that would interfere with installation.
Big Mountain Bamboo is recommended for installation at or above grade.
Installation below grade is not recommended and will void your warranty.
Undercut all door casings and remove any existing moldings.
Wood Subfloors: Minimum 3/4" CDX grade plywood or structural grade OSB board
must be used. Subfloor should be well nailed or screwed down to avoid squeaking.
Subfloors should be sanded and cleaned prior to installation.
Concrete Subfloor: For floating installation, use 6mil polyethylene film or equivalent.
Make sure to overlap all edge seams and securely tape all seams. Use of a
moisture barrier is recommended on all concrete installations. New concrete must
cure for 60 days prior to installation. Do not install flooring in a room with a floor
drain or sump pump. BAMBOO FLOORING IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR
INSTALLATION IN BATHROOMS, LAUNDRY ROOMS, IN AREAS BELOW
GRADE LEVEL OR ANY OTHER AREAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO EXCESSIVE
MOISTURE.
Expansion Gap: Required gap width is 1/2” around perimeter of floor. Do not place
permanently mounted structures such as kitchen base cabinets over installed floor.
Installation Basics
Guidelines for installing bamboo floors are the same as those recommended for installing
hardwood flooring. It is generally recommended to follow NWFA standards for floor
installation. Floating installation is recommended. Prior to start of installation, planks from
different boxes should be blended to ensure good color and shade mixture.
Floating Installation
Install first row of flooring. Where possible, begin installation from straightest
section of wall.
Cut off tongue from first row planks.
Allow 1/2” expansion gap between plan and walls. Use of spacers recommended.