Installation Guide

RECOMMENDED AREAS
This flooring can be installed on, or above grade, not below grade. On grade is at soil level, above grade is above the
soil level, and below grade is lower than soil level (this includes all basements, including daylight basements). Wood
flooring should not be installed in wet areas such as bathrooms (with tub/shower) or mud rooms.
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 SUBFLOORS
The subfloors must be on or above grade & structurally sound. Strand bamboo flooring can be installed over the
following subfloors:
- Existing wood floors - Plywood (3/4” thick)
- Sheathing grade - Oriented Strand Board (OSB - at least 3/4” thick underlayment grade)
- Concrete floors (direct glue)
DO NOT INSTALL DIRECTLY OVER PARTICLE BOARD, WAFERBOARD, PRESSED WOOD, OR FIBER BOARD,
except when installing with an adhesive.
SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
The subfloor 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 subfloor 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
1/2”- 3/4” 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).
RADIANT HEAT FLOORING
Due to differences in the many types of radiant heat flooring, we do not recommend installing over radiant heat
flooring.
FOR CREATING A RANDOM EFFECT
To avoid creating a joint pattern in the floor, it is necessary to begin installation using starter boards. Start the first row
with a full plank, the second row with a 1/3 plank, and the third row with a 2/3 plank. You will then need to start the
following rows with different size boards being sure to keep the end joints at least 6 - 8 inches apart. Cuts made at the
opposite wall can then be used for starter boards, so as to avoid a pattern. Be sure to allow at least a minimal 1/2"
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, many manufacturers offer moisture barrier
products that should always be used over concrete, be sure to contact manufacturer of the adhesive for proper use.
Use a chalk line and leave at least a 1/2” space along the wall for expansion. Start with only a few rows, be sure to
align the boards perfectly, and then allow it to set until the boards 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 boards. Do not spread more
adhesive than can be covered within 30-45 minutes. Walk on each row as you are installing to ensure adhesive transfer
and adhesion to the back of hardwood boards. This will help insure that the boards are not “bridging” across low spots
in the subfloor. It is very important that the boards be firmly attached to the subfloor. Be sure to clean up any adhesive
on the surface immediately, then buff off any remaining residue with a soft
3