Bamboo Floating Floor Installation Guide

Download Bamboo Floating Floor Installation Guide (PDF)

INSTALLATION GUIDLINES

The following information provided by Cali Bamboo is intended to serve as a reference guide only. Please carefully read Cali Bamboo's installation, maintenance, and warranty documentation prior to installation. Follow the National Wood Flooring Association's Installation Guidelines and recommendations when installing your floor. Inspect the bamboo product for the correct shipment, grade, and for any visible defects prior to installation. Our Warranty does not cover bamboo products with visible defects that are installed.

Please note: Cali Bamboo offers free in house technical support as a courtesy to our customers. Consult with one of our bamboo flooring experts before, during or after you start your project. Contact help@calibamboo.com or (888.788.2254) to find answers to your specific installation questions that may be unique to your application.

• After receiving your order, Cali Bamboo recommends storing the Bamboo flooring at installation area, with boxes opened, for 72 hours before installation to allow flooring to adjust to room temperature and humidity.
• Since bamboo is a natural product visible color variations may occur. We recommend opening all cartons of flooring before beginning installation to check for shade and then mixing cartons to achieve a natural variation throughout the entire floor.
• Since wood expands with any increase in moisture content, we recommend leaving at least 1/2" expansion space between flooring and all walls and vertical objects (such as pipes and cabinets).
• Moisture difference between the floor and the sub-floor should not be more than 3 %
• Determine the installation method that best suits your application: Cali Bamboo floors may be Floated (not secured to the subfloor), Glued, or Nailed.

Floating Installation Method: The Floating method (not securing to the subfloor) offers a fast, convenient, and cost efficient way to install a Bamboo Floor. The floating method is also known to produce a very stable floor due to the fact that it is not secured to the subfloor. Cali Bamboo's Wide Plank Studio Series of Flooring (30-60% wider) has been designed with the floating install method in mind, however, all Cali Bamboo's flooring series may be installed using the floating method. Floating floors are also ideal for those applications that have multiple floor coverings that may be too troublesome to remove.

Floating bamboo floors need proper expansion areas as do other types of bamboo installations. Small layouts or square rooms may only need 3/8" expansion. If the installation flows into other rooms and runs in excess of 30 feet or thereabouts, a greater expansion area should be allowed. Do not install any floating floors against a fixed object such as fireplace, columns and the like. Failure to follow this advice may result in tenting or buckled floors.

Recommended Tools:

• Titebond® Tongue & Groove Flooring Glue
• Tape measure
• miter saw (chop-saw)
• Tapping block (trimmed piece of flooring)
• Pencil
• Flat bar or pull bar
• Hammer
• Wood or plastic spacers (1/2")
• Chalk line
• Underlayment

Visit our Bamboo Flooring Accessories page for more information about adhesives, underlayment and bamboo floor care products.

Installing over Concrete Slab:

• It must be flat, clean and dry.
• Moisture test is recommended.
• It is recommended to place a moisture barrier over the concrete, usually 6 mil polyurethane sheeting.

Installation Steps:

1. It is recommended to install the planks parallel to the longest wall.
2. Using spacers to maintain the expansion space, begin by laying the first plank in a corner with the long grooved side toward the long wall.
3. Apply a small continuous consistent bead of Titebond T&G flooring glue along the bottom side of the groove.
4. Connect the short side of the second plank together with the mating side of the first plank.
5. Cut the last plank and complete the row. Use the remaining plank to start the second row.
6. Be sure to offset the end joins of consecutive rows by a minimum of six inches for best appearance.
7. Continue the second row by connecting the short edges of the planks first with the long edges.
8. The last row may require rip cutting the planks to size.
9. Cut enough to create the expansion space.
10. As with the other rows, connect the short edges first and use a pull bar to tap the long edges together.
11. Please contact help@calibamboo.com.

• Cali bamboo recommends to Vacuum or sweep the floor on a regular basis or as needed to remove dirt, sand or grit. Soak up spills immediately using a dry towel or dry mop. Never wet-mop a hardwood floor. Protect floor from moving furniture by using “feet” or protective caps. Pick up heavy objects; do not slide furniture or appliances across the floor. Keep pets nails trimmed to avoid excess scratching. Avoid rubber backing, vinyl or non-ventilated rugs. Limit direct sunlight on floor by using curtains and blinds in areas that are exposed to high UV rays. Maintain humidity between 40% -60%. To remove hard-to-clean substances such as chewing gum, use Goof-Off or Goo-Gone. Floor wax and oil should not be used.

• In areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and spaces where food service occurs, top-coating the floor will help prevent against moisture damage. In heavy food service areas such as restaurants, two to three top-coats are recommended. Cali Bamboo recommends using Bona flooring finish products www.bona.com in these areas. Carefully read and follow all BonaKemi finish application instructions.