Bamboo Nail Down Floor Installation Guide

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Cali Bamboo Nail Down Floor Installation Instructions

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.

Prior to Installation of Bamboo Floor

  • 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 mixing cartons to give a natural variation shade.
  • Since wood expands with any increase in moisture content, leave at least a 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.

Nail-Down Installation Method:

Before you start we recommend that the subfloor is tested for moisture content first and is properly prepared. Prep the sub-floor using an asphalt, felt or rosin paper and install as recommended by the manufacturer. When nailing, the bamboo floor should be always laid perpendicular to the floor joist. Choose a nailer model that is specifically designed for tongue and groove applications so no damage is caused to the surface of the flooring. We recommend the Powernail Flex Pneumatic 18 Gage Flooring Nailer.

Recommended Tools:

  • Hammer
  • Tape measure
  • miter saw (chop-saw)
  • Tapping block (trimmed piece of flooring)
  • Pencil
  • Flat bar or pull bar
  • Wood or plastic spacers (1/2")
  • Chalk line
  • Carpenters square
  • Underlayment/moisture barrier(felt paper or rosin paper)
  • pneumatic tongue-and-groove flooring stapler or nailer
  • 1-1⁄2" to 2" long 15 1/2 gauge 1⁄2" crown staples(stapler)
  • or 1-1⁄2" to 2" 15 1/2 gauge cleats(nailer) ***Cali Bamboo recommends 18-20 gauge cleats for Fossilized

Installation Steps:

  1. Dry lay(do not nail) a couple rows before starting installation to confirm your layout plan.
  2. Test the pressure and angle of your pneumatic nailer with a test plank of flooring. If you note any dimpling, adjust the air pressure/angle accordingly. Test until dimpling no longer occurs and continue.
  3. Hold starter row in place by blind nailing (an alternative choice is to glue down the first row to avoid unsightly nail marks). Cali Bamboo recommends GREENChoice Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive.
  4. Begin installation next to an outside wall. This is the best reference for establishing a straight working line.
  5. After the first two rows are secured, start the next row by nailing directly above the tongue at a 45 degree angle.
  6. Recommended nail spacing is 10 to 12 inches apart along the length of each floorboard.
  7. Avoid nailing closer that 6”from the end of the plank.
  8. Connect the short side of the second plank together with the mating side of the first plank.
  9. Cut the last plank and complete the row. Use the remaining plank to start the second row.
  10. Be sure to offset the end joins of consecutive rows by a minimum of six inches for best appearance.
  11. Continue the second row by connecting the short edges of the planks first with the long edges.
  12. The last row may require rip cutting the planks to size.
  13. As with the other rows, connect the short edges first and use a pull bar to tap the long edges together.
  14. Remember to always allow ½" to ¾" space for expansion around the perimeter of the room
  15. Always check your working lines to be sure the floor is still aligned.
  16. The last two rows will need to be secured in the same manner as the first two rows.

Please contact help@calibamboo.com or speak to one of our experts (888.788.2254) to receive step by step instructions

Radiant Heat Systems:

Cali Bamboo flooring is recommended for use over radiant heat systems only if flooring surface temperature does not exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, check with the heating manufacture to successfully limit the max temperatures in order not to exceed recommended surface temp. Relative Humidity must be maintained between 40-60%. Sub floor moisture should never vary greater or less than 3% than that of the flooring moisture content. 5/8" Plywood or ¾" oriented strand (OSB)boards are recommended for subfloor materials in radiant installations. The floating installation method is the most suitable for use with radiant heat systems. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that the recommended environmental conditions are met and are suitable for installation of Cali Bamboo flooring products.

  • Radiant heat system must be turned on and in operation for at least 6 days before installation.
  • The system must be turned off for several hours just prior to installation.
  • Once the installation is complete the system must be turned back on and brought back up to normal operating temperature slowly(over a period 4-5 days).

Maintenance

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.

Top Coating

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.bonakemi.com) in these areas. Carefully read and follow all BonaKemi finish application instructions.