Installation Guide

NOT A PROBLEM:
Bending or bowing of the boards in length direction: These boards might be a little harder to install, but will NOT be a
problem after they are installed, or in the future. They will lay flat like the others.
Color Variations will occur as bamboo is a natural product; you will need to work out of several boxes to ensure a pleasing
shading mix.
Caution: Wood Dust
Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products produces wood dust. While wood products are not hazardous under OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the State of California have
classified wood dust as a human carcinogen.
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products generates wood dust, a substance known to the
State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or otherwise determine what safeguards or personal protection equipment
may be necessary to prevent inhaling wood dust.
Precautionary Measures: Airborne wood dust can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation. Power tools should be equipped with a dust collector.
Use an appropriate NIOSH designated dust mask. Avoid dust contact with skin and eyes.
First Aid Measures in case of irritations: In case of irritation flush eyes with water. If needed seek medical attention. If dermatitis occurs, seek
medical attention.
PLEASE READ BEFORE INSTALLING
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OWNER / INSTALLER
If you take care to install this flooring correctly, taking all precautions suggested in this guideline, the flooring will give
you many years of satisfaction. Please note that it is always best to have your floor installed by a professional,
even though it is possible to install yourself. This is only guideline and cannot supply all the details you may
encounter regarding the installation of this flooring. Detailed preparation and installation procedures are outlined by the
National Wood Flooring Association’s Hardwood Flooring Manual (NWFA) 1-800-422-4556 or www.nwfa.org. We
cannot be responsible for the installation under any circumstances.
PRE- INSTALLATION PROCEDURES/ACCLIMATION
Please handle, transport, and unload the flooring with care. Flooring should be stored in a dry place, with at least a
four-inch air space under cartons. Flooring should not be delivered until the building has been closed in with windows
and doors in place, and until cement work, plastering, painting, and all other materials are thoroughly dry. It is best
that the material be stored in the area in which it will be installed. In addition, the heating or cooling system should be
operating and controlled at 60° – 80° for at least 72 hours before, during and maintained after installing. Do not
install in areas that are subject to extreme seasonal temperature/humidity changes where you cannot control
the environmental conditions. As with all hardwood flooring, it is best if the humidity is maintained year-round to
help prevent small gaps from appearing when humidity levels are very low. Precautions should be taken if you are
installing in very dry or very humid conditions. In some cases it will be necessary to use humidifiers or
dehumidifiers to maintain the best environment for wood flooring. Please consult a professional for guidance in your
area.
Moisture Test: Before installing over concrete or a wooden subfloor, check it for moisture in several areas using a
wood or concrete moisture meter. You may also test concrete floors using the calcium chloride test. Also test the
flooring materials. The moisture difference between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring must be no more than 4%.
Before installation, lay out the flooring where it is to be installed (that is, lay the boards down roughly as they will
appear after installation), taking care to mix it in a shading pattern pleasing to your eye. Installer should inspect each
plank at this time for finish and quality. Once installed, it becomes the responsibility of the
installer/homeowner. Normally you will want to start your installation along the longest outside wall, and it is best if
your flooring is installed perpendicular (across) to the floor joists. If possible, you will want to orientate the boards with
the major source of light (windows) so that light is shining down the length of the boards, rather than across the boards.
Remember that all natural flooring comes in a range of colors and shades. Our quality control procedures at the factory
ensure that very few, if any defective boards are delivered to the consumer. Remove baseboards and undercut door
jambs to insure a quality installation.
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