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PRE-INSTALLATION PREPARATIONS
As part of the sub- floor preparation, remove all existing base molding, shoe molding or doorway thresholds. Use a
razor knife to score along the top edge of the base molding BEFORE removal to prevent tearing of paint, drywall, or
wall coverings. These items can be replaced after installation is complete to cover any cut edges or gaps between
vertical surfaces and flooring. All door casing should be undercut to avoid difficult scribe cuts. This can easily be done
with a jamb saw or by laying a piece of bamb
VENTILATION AND CRAWL SPACES
Proper air circulation is important to prevent moisture build up, especially in homes with a crawl space. Below grade
spaces or crawl spaces must be dry. A minimu
vents equaling at least 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space to provide cross ventilation. Vents should
be open year round. Check to make sure that there is no standing wat
black polyethylene must be used to cover 100% of the crawl space earth to prevent moisture from migrating into the
wood flooring. Crawl space clearance from ground to underside of joist should be no less
necessary, the local regulations will prevail.
LAYING OUT WORKING LINES
Snap a chalk line to length of the room at a point which is a multiple of the width of the flooring, plus 1
compensate for the variations in the wall and
a multiple of 3 3/4” plus 1
⁄2”. A good starting line would generally be 36 3⁄4” from the starting wall. This starting line
varies; depending upon the tool used when mechanically fast
working area with adhesive applications and will be filled after the balance of the floor has been installed. Other
adhesives may require different application procedures.
NOTE: Like any other wood flooring, bamboo flooring has natural color variations from piece to piece, it’s important to
lay out the flooring to assure an attractive blend of color across the room. Lay out ahead of the installer (also known
as “racking”). Begin laying out the flooring fr
ADHESIVE APPLICATIONS:
Adhesive:
premium quality hardwood flooring adhesives will accomplish the same results. 1/4” X 1/4” X 1/4” square notched is
the recommended flooring trowel.
Important instructions for creating a random effect
in the floor, it is necessary to begin installation using starter boards. To create a starter board, cut the board at 2/3 the
length. Start with a full board, then install the 2/3 length, and then install the 1/3 length as starter boards. This will
start the first three rows. Continue the process of cutting starter boards at various lengths intermingling with the full
length units to complete the installation of the flooring keeping joints at least 6” Apart. Cuts made at the opposite wall
may be used for starter boards.
After installing approximately 3 feet, use 3M blue tape at 3’ Intervals to hold the
planks firmly together.
INSTALLATION USING THE NAIL DOWN METHOD
should be at least 3/8” to 1/2"
from the wall, assuming that the wall is straight. Adjust the line as necessary to allow for clearance and for wall
deviation.
2. Place the groove side of the plank next to the wall with the edge of the tongue lined up with the chalk
line.
3. Use 1 !/4” or 1 1/2" cleat or appropriate adhesive to attach the planks to the floor. The nails should be placed
1
⁄2” from the edge and 6" to 8” apart, pre
by the clearance of the nailing machine. Pneumatic machines need no pre
necessary.
4. Glue and blind nail (nail every 6”
oo flooring on the sub-floor as depth guide for your handsaw.
m of two vents is necessary with the combined square footage of both
er or moisture at the soil moisture level. A 6 mil.
than 18”. Where it is
expansion allowance.. The bamboo flooring requires a starting line to be
ened. For example, the 36 3
⁄4” line will become the
om the end of the focal point.
Bostiks (B.E.S.T) or (BST) is the recommended adhesive, however other
: To avoid creating a pattern
:
1. Snap a chalk line parallel to the starter wall. This line
drilling may be necessary. The number that is to be blind nailed is controlled
-drilling. Countersink and fill as
- 8”) the first rows , pre-drilling may necessary.
⁄2” to
-
