Tuesday 21st May 2013

How to Install Bamboo Flooring

Title: How to Install Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is one of the more affordable types of hardwood flooring, and is the preferred option for many home owners. Other than being affordable, bamboo flooring is durable, versatile, and easy to install. While there are certain types of bamboo flooring require professional installation, most types of bamboo floors can be installed by the average home owner.

Before bamboo flooring is installed, it is important to acclimatize the bamboo boards to the conditions of the room where the flooring will be installed. This is to ensure the bamboo boards will not warp after installation.

Just leave the boards in the room for a few days to acclimatize them. Bamboo flooring can be installed on a number of sub-floors, including: plywood, wood, concrete, and vinyl, and the method of installation will depend on which type of sub-floor the bamboo floor boards will be laid on.

Bamboo flooring can be installed by nailing, gluing, and click-on, also known as “floating”. If the sub-floor is plywood or wood, nailing is the best option. Lay out the bamboo boards to form a row, and make sure the row is straight. At the end of the row, a partial board may be required to fill in the remaining space.

Measure the distance between the last full board and the wall, then cut a board to fit into the space. Install one row at a time, until the entire floor is properly laid with bamboo boards. Make sure the boards are perfectly fitted before nailing them to the sub-floor.

If the sub-floor is concrete or vinyl, the best way to install the bamboo boards is to glue or click them on. When gluing bamboo boards, make sure the sub-floor is clean, because adhesive works best on clean, dry surfaces.

Also, the sub-floor has to be completely dry before installation, so the bamboo flooring will not rot in the future. Good quality adhesive has to be used to ensure the best results, and a glue trowel is required to apply the glue. Make sure the glue is evenly spread before the bamboo boards are laid.

Click-on, or floating, installation is the most convenient and least messy way to install bamboo flooring. Click-on bamboo boards are made with grooves and tongues that can be locked together. These bamboo boards can expand after installation, and therefore, it is essential to leave a gap between the bamboo boards and the wall at the end of every row.