1. Floating
The surface is said to be
floating because it is not directly attached to the sub-floor. This is the easiest method of installing bamboo floors. Today's manufacturers are developing "click together" floors. This type of floor simply clicks together - no gluing required over a thin sheet of underlayment (foam, rubber or cork), that is laid down over 6mm of plastic sheeting.
The advantage of installing floating bamboo floors using this method compared to the other two is that it is quick to finish and very easy to clean up. There is also a reduction in noise and moisture damage by incorporating the padding and plastic and it makes the surface softer to walk on. This type of installation is suitable for multi level construction and basement level renovations.
Preparing a Bamboo Floor for a Floating Installation.
Concrete sub-floors are prone to attracting moisture so it is necessary to lay a thin layer of plastic and underlayment to act as a barrier between any dampness and your bamboo flooring. Be very careful to overlap the seams by 6 inches.
Accurately calculate the width of the last row of bamboo to be laid down. If the measurement is less than 1.5" you will need to distribute this between all the rows. The last row usually always needs to be cut to fit.
Choose an outside wall as your starting point. (An outside wall tends to be straighter and more square than an inside wall.) Measure two board widths from this wall and mark a line with some chalk the full length of the wall. As previously stated not all walls are by default straight - so some boards may need to be shaved / sanded to fit.
Installation of Bamboo Floors Using the Floating Method.
Start with the first row, placing glue on the ends of the boards you are joining, making sure to have the "groove" side facing the wall. You are then going to have to put a 1/4'' spacer between the edge end of the board and the wall - this will accommodate for any expansion that may occur.
From here on in you will need to apply a waterproof adhesive along the entire lower lip of the grooves and on the top surface of the tongues. On the second row of planks and all subsequent planks, apply a bead of quality moisture resistant wood glue along the entire length of the lower lip of the groove and along the top surface of the tongue, applying glue to all edges. You will want to stagger each board from the adjacent one - no less than 12 inches. Once two rows have been finished give the glue about 3 hours to dry before continuing.
The last board to be laid will more than likely need to be cut so that it fits - don't forget that the 1/4'' spacer still needs to be put down. Twelve hours drying time is recommended before any traffic is allowed. The spacers are then removed and you can start applying a base molding - nailing it to the wall and not the floor and not forgetting to leave room for expansion (1/4 inch).
2. Glue Down
As the name suggests the bamboo flooring is installed using adhesives to bond the wood to the sub-floor. This type of installation is good for concrete and wood floors.
Preparations for Glueing Down a Bamboo Floor
When installing bamboo floors over concrete using the glue down method, the moisture content in the concrete must be taken into consideration. Confirm with the manufacturer what the acceptable ratio is.
Accurately calculate the width of the last row of bamboo to be laid down. If the measurement is less than 1.5" you will need to distribute this between all the rows. The last row usually always needs to be cut to fit.
Choose an outside wall as your starting point. (An outside wall tends to be straighter and more square than an inside wall.) Measure two board widths from this wall and mark a chalk line. As previously stated not all walls are by default straight - so some boards may need to be shaved / sanded to fit.
Make sure the sub-floor should is as dirt free as possible - you want the glue to stick to the sub floor not the dirt in between.
Installing Bamboo Floors Using the Glue Down Method.
Using a v-notched trowel spread the glue from the chalk markings out to the equivalent width of two boards. The glue will then have to be left to set for about half an hour. After this the first row of boards can be fitted - be sure that the tongues are facing the chosen starter wall. Getting the boards perfectly aligned is crucial.
For a uniform surface you will need to pay attention to the tongue and grooves. You will benefit from using a wood block to tap them into place . Once the initial two rows are in place you will need to use the trowel to spread out more glue - 3 feet. The boards are then "tapped" into place. Try and use different lengths - this way joints will not be on top of each other (it is wise to have them no less than 6'' from each other.)
Finally once you have got several rows under your belt you may want to keep them from shifting by using strips of tape placed at right angles to the boards. Remember on the last row, you will have to remove the tongue for it to fit - you might also have to utilize a pry bar to slip it in.
3.Nail Down
Flooring nails are used, normally with 3/4'' boards. This method of fitting requires the boards to be secured with 2'' nails to a wooden sub-floor. Staples may be used in stead of nails - but a pneumatic staple gun is required. When stapling, try to staple boards from between 6''- 8'' on center and roughly 2'' from each end when fastening.
Preparations for a Nail Down Installation.
In order to protect your bamboo floors from moisture, a barrier must be laid down.
Decide on a starting wall - the straighter and squarer to the rest of the room the easier your job will be. Calculate as accurately as possible the width of the last row of boards. Widths that are less than 1.5 '' can be distributed between the first and last rows. Measure two board widths from this wall and mark a line with some chalk. As previously stated not all walls are by default straight - so some boards may need to be shaved / sanded to fit.
Installing Bamboo Floors Using a Nail Down Method.
Lay the tongue edges of the first row of boards on the marked out chalk line. They must be perfectly aligned! With a drill you then want to place pilot holes on the face of each board and secure them with nails / staples to the sub-floor.
Once the initial row is secure, the following ones should be pre drilled and then secured with nails that are hammered in at a 45 degree angle. Just like with the other two methods to ensure a uniform surface, pay attention to the joins between boards and use a tapping block if needed to get them to fit snugly. Try to mix the lengths of the boards. By doing this you avoid joints clustering together.
When stapling, try to staple boards from between 6''- 8'' on center and roughly 2'' from each end when fastening. Finally when it comes to the base molding; remember to nail it to the wall and not to the floor and also try not to forget to leave room for expansion (1/4 inch).
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