Installation Guide

Tongue-and-Groove Installation Guidelines
phone [phone] fax [phone] page 308/19/2009
Crawl Space Ventilation:
Proper air circulation is important to prevent moisture
build up, especially in homes with a crawl space. Vents
should be open year round. Check to make sure that
there is no standing water or moisture at the soil level.
If moisture is present, soil should be covered with 6 mil
polyethylene to prevent moisture from migrating into the
wood flooring.
Acceptable Sub-Floors:
The sub-floors must be on or above grade & structurally
sound. Bamboo flooring can be installed over the
following sub-floors:
- Existing wood floors
- Plywood (¾" thick)
- Sheathing grade
- Oriented Strand Board (OSB - at least ¾" thick
underlayment grade)
- Vinyl tile
- Concrete floors (2 in 1 adhesive and moisture
barrier recommended)
DO NOT INSTALL DIRECTLY OVER PARTICLE BOARD,
WAFERBOARD, PRESSED WOOD, OR FIBER BOARD,
except when installing with an adhesive system. Due
to differences in the many types of radiant heat
flooring, we do not recommend installing over
radiant heat floors.
Sub-Floor Preparation:
The sub-floor must be structurally sound and checked
for moisture content. Movement and squeaks should be
well fastened with ring nails or screws to the floor joists.
The sub-floor must be clean and free of paint, wax, oil,
and other debris. In addition it must be flat and level
within 3/16" inside a 10' radius. High spots must be
sanded flat and low spots must be filled with a leveling
compound recommended by your dealer. On old or
uneven wood floors, apply 1/4"- 5/8" plywood and ring
nail or screw every 6” to avoid squeaking (it is also a
good idea to glue the panels with a
construction adhesive).
For Creating A Random Effect:
To avoid creating a joint pattern in the floor, it is
necessary to begin installation using starter boards. To
create a starter board, cut the board at 2/3 the length.
Start with the 2/3 length, and then install the full lengths
and continue across the room. Use the 1/3 length to
start the next row and continue as above keeping at
least a 8” distance between the end joints. Cuts made at
the opposite wall should be used for starter boards, so
as to avoid a pattern. If necessary, use pull straps at 3
ft. intervals to hold the planks firmly together, or use blue
painters tape. Be sure to allow at least a 3/8” – 5/8”
expansion gap around perimeter.
Please keep in mind that tools left on the finished
floor during installation will more than likely scratch
the floor. It is also important that debris be removed
from the finished areas immediately, and that all
persons who might walk on the floor before it is
finished should clean the bottom of their shoes.
The more traffic you have on the floor before the
installation is completed, the more likely it can
be damaged.
For Adhesive Installation:
There are many suitable adhesives that may be used,
if you are not a professional installer, consult with
your local flooring dealer for recommendations for the
proper adhesive for hardwood installation. You will
need to use a urethane adhesive. Do not use water-
based adhesives. In addition to the adhesive, some
manufacturers offer moisture barriers that may be
used with their adhesive system, be sure to contact
manufacturer of the adhesive for proper use. Use a
chalk line and leave at least a 3/8” space (smaller
rooms) along the wall for expansion. Start with only
a few rows, be sure to align perfectly, and then allow
it to set until the planks will not move when adding
additional rows. Every now and then, check to see
if you are getting a good transfer of the adhesive to
the back of the planks. Roll the flooring with a 150 lb.
roller to ensure adhesive transfer to back of bamboo
planks, be sure there is not any debris on the roller
which may scratch your floor. You can also “walk” the
planks as you are installing. This will help insure that
the planks are not “bridging” across low spots in the
sub-floor. It is very important that the planks be firmly
attached to the sub-floor. Be sure to clean up any
adhesive on the surface immediately, as once it dries, it
may be very difficult to remove and damage the finish.
Always follow adhesive manufacturers’ instructions
using their suggested adhesive and installation
instructions for their adhesive warranty to be
in effect.