Installation Guide

Tongue-and-Groove Installation Guidelines
phone [phone] fax [phone] page 408/19/2009
For Nail/Staple Installation:
If you are not a professional flooring installer, you will
need to rent a special nailer for hardwood flooring.
This tool will allow you to nail/staple the floor so that
they will not show on the finished floor. Be sure to
learn how to adjust the nailer so as not to damage
the tongue. Also, be sure that the nailer is designed
for or can be adjusted or shimmed for the appropriate
flooring thickness. You will need to use 1 1/2" nails/
staples for this application. Nails/staples should be
placed about 6 – 8 inches apart, and not closer than 3
inches from the end of the plank. The first and last rows
will generally need to be nailed by hand next to the wall,
as the nailer will not work in these areas. Pre-drill for
6d finish nails, counter sink, and fill the nail holes with
matching putty. Be sure not to place nails too close to
the edge of planks so as to prevent splitting. Generally
it is not necessary to use a moisture barrier over wood
sub-floors. If you prefer, you can use roofing felt as with
any hardwood flooring. Remember to leave at least 3/8”
– 5/8" expansion gap around
the perimeter.
Splitting of the tongues is a problem normally related to
the nailer, not the flooring. If the pressure is adjusted
properly; and the nailer is designed or can be adjusted
(shimmed) for the right flooring thickness so that the
nail/staple is entering in the proper place, at the proper
angle; and you are still splitting the tongue, you may
need to go to a smaller gauge nail/staple.
Completing the Job:
Inspect your work, as it will cost you more if you have
to come back to do a repair later. Replace original
baseboards, or install matching bamboo baseboard.
Install matching transitions as needed or recommended
by your dealer or installer. It is not recommended or
necessary to seal this floor after installation. Protect
your floor from scratches by using felt pads on chair
legs or furniture feet. Plastic rollers/castors can
damage your flooring; if necessary, try to replace
with softer rubber wheels/castors. When moving
heavy items like refrigerators, use at least two sheets
of 1/4" masonite or plywood while moving (sliding
the appliance from one sheet to the next) to protect
the flooring against scratching and denting.
Congratulations! You have just installed an
environmentally friendly, beautiful, and elegant
Wellmade Performance Bamboo Floor!