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[H1282]How To Install Bamboo Flooring

by Dean Caporella, Dea

Bamboo is such a versatile product that homeowners are discovering it's wonderful benefits in numbers and it presents an excellent flooring option to people who want to get away from traditional hardwood surfaces.

In fact, bamboo flooring is actually harder than most hardwood surfaces and in most cases, is less expensive. It can be installed using the exact same methods as traditional floors and requires no additional knowledge. Add to this, it's reputation as an environmentally-friendly product and it's hard to argue against it's benefits.

Buying Bamboo Flooring

When shopping, the same process needs to be followed when shopping for other types of hardwood. One important addition is you should allow for wastage such as mistakes and extra cuts and order up to 10% extra.

This is obviously going to cost you more but this can be offset through discounts retailers may be prepared to give for purchasing a certain amount. Even if you have your intended coverage area measured to the last square inch and know exactly the amount you require, chances are strong that accidents may still occur so the extra purchase is always great to have as a back up.

Besides, if you have purchased your product online then delays in laying the floor can be avoided if the extra product is there at your disposal.

More Buying Tips

Other considerations to be made include the length of your warranty and the style of grain you choose. Many manufacturers offer varying warranties but the 10 and 25 year models are common.

The difference between the two is simply the type of finish applied to it. If you don't intend to replace the surface in the immediate future then the 25 version is a good option.

The look of the floor, that is whether it has a vertical or horizontal appearance depends on how the bamboo flooring is put together. The wider flat side will give a horizontal appearance while a vertical appearance is achieved when the strips are put together turned on their side.

Where Can You Install Bamboo Floors?

Just about anywhere in your home except areas which are prone to get wet. For instance, it's not recommended it be laid in a bathroom or laundry. Even outside verandahs should be avoided. The problem with this natural surface in a wet area is it will be prone to warping if dampened. It's also a good idea to avoid cleaning the floor with a wet application on a regular basis.

Tools Required:

1. Chalk Line
2. Rubber Mallet
3. Hand Saw
4. Plastic or Wooden Spacers (1/4”)
5. Pneumatic Flooring Package (air compressor and hose, gun mallet and staples)

Note: This package can be rented at most rental centers. Make sure you get the correct staples for the gun. The staples may look alike, but it is important to get the proper gauge that fits the gun.

Preparation:

Remove shoe moldings and make sure the sub-floor is even, clean, dry and smooth. Sanding may be necessary in order to obtain smooth, even surface. If sanding is needed, make sure the floor is completely cleaned of dust and debris afterward. Also, if you notice any floor squeaks, correct them now by securing the sub-floor to the joists as needed. Door jambs may also need to be cut so planks will fit under them to create a finished look. Simply place a piece of flooring against the jamb, mark it and cut the jamb at the line.

Once you have received your flooring, it must first be allowed to acclimate itself in the room in which it will be installed. Flooring should be removed from its boxes and stored in the room it will be installed in for a minimum of two days, preferably three to five days before installation. This will let the floor adjust to the room's humidity and temperature. Because of natural variations in the flooring, it is recommended you layout the planks to get an idea of how you want them arranged before making any cuts or nailing any boards down.

Installation:

It is recommended that you install flooring parallel with the longest wall of the room for the best visual effect. Measure the width of a plank from this wall and add 1/4” to the measurement. Next, at this spot, snap a chalk line across the room to mark where you will begin flooring. This 1/4” is important to provide expansion/contraction room for the flooring.

Arrange the first row with the groove for the flooring facing the wall. Also, begin placing spacers between the flooring and the wall. Spacers should be inserted approximately every 12 inches and at each joist. This gives you a firm base to install against, but ensures you maintain your 1/4” gap. This starter row should be nailed to the flooring joists underneath the sub-floor. The edge of the flooring which faces the wall (groove edge) may be face nailed since it will be covered by shoe molding after installation. The other edge should be secured by blind nailing with the pneumatic gun approximately every ten inches, no closer than 6 inches. Also avoid nailing to close to the end of a board to avoid splitting the board.

As you begin your next row, make sure your board joints are staggered. In other words, no two ends of adjacent rows should meet. You can achieve this by cutting off 6-8 inches of the first board in your next row. This varying board length is not only for visual effect, but is also essential so as not to weaken the floor.

Tip: Make sure you match tongue to groove as you lay each row. Otherwise you will create very unsightly gaps and an uneven floor. Also, use a scrap piece of floor braced against the piece you are installing and tap against the scrap piece with the rubber mallet to work the flooring into place.

On the last row, blind nailing by hand will be necessary since the pneumatic gun will not fit. As a last resort, the last row can be face nailed in lieu of blind nailing.

Finishing Up:

Once all the flooring is has been laid, replace the shoe moldings and give the floor a final sweep up. Now it's time to bring back in furniture, rugs, etc. and your room remodel is complete.

Article Source : Pg. 6

About Author

Both Dean Caporella & Damion Rutherford are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Dean Caporella has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Golf Guide and Surveys. Want to know more about the benefits of ? Get the latest tips and tricks on shopping for bamboo products including shades and. Dean Caporella's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.

Damion Rutherford has sinced written about articles on various topics from Install Flooring, Environment and Kitchen Home Improvement. . Damion Rutherford's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.