Before Installation of a Bamboo Floor

Installation of a bamboo floor is very similar to that of a pre-finished hardwood floor.

Here are several things to do and consider before, during, and after bamboo floors are installed in your home. Knowing what to expect will make things a lot less stressful on you, your family, and your home.

Hire A Pro.
Installing a bamboo floor is an exacting job, and your best bet is to hire an experienced installer, such as those with America's Floor Source, to do the job for you.

Even though we are recommending that you hire a professional, there are some aspects of the installation process that will be useful to you before, during, and after installation.

Installation
Bamboo floors can be either glued or nailed into place.

Nail-Down Installation
When a bamboo floor is to be nailed into place, the installers will start with planks square to the room and parallel to the longest dimension. Using a chalk line, the installer will start to lay the first few rows of planks, leaving expansion space near walls, columns, and other obstacles.

Glue-Down Installation
Most bamboo requires a moisture-cured urethane adhesive. Your installer will use the adhesive type recommended by the manufacturer of your bamboo floor. Like with a nail-down installation, the installers will start with planks square to the room and parallel to the longest dimension. Using a chalk line, the installer will lay the first few rows of planks into place, leaving expansion space near walls, columns, and other obstacles. Once the installer is confident the planks are correctly placed, he will apply the adhesive to the starter rows and move forward with glue-down installation of the rest of the floor. Any excessive adhesive must be wiped up while it still wet. It will be extremely difficult to remove once dry.

Before Installation

Move Furniture.
You can either remove your furniture yourself, or we can remove it for you at an additional cost. If we are moving your furniture, please empty all china cabinets, entertainment centers and other pieces of furniture.

Moisture Control.
Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air conditioned). Indoor humidity should be maintained between 45-65%.

Removal of Old Flooring
We can remove your old flooring. Please contact us for a breakdown of your options and charges, including disposal of the old flooring.

If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior to installation. Please remove any tack strips and pull the staples out of the floor from the original pad.

Trim
In most cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed for bamboo installation. Your installer can do this at an additional charge. America's Floor Source cannot be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.

Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility. Often, new trim is used.

Sub-Flooring Preparation.
Your existing sub-floor may need to be prepared to receive your new bamboo floor, or a new sub-floor may be required. If you think there's any chance that the sub-floor will need attention, please bring this to our attention, and we will inform you of your options and the associated costs.

Door Plan.
When bamboo flooring is installed, doors - especially closet doors and basement or bedroom doors - may not clear the new floor and swing free.

We will remove doors in order to install the bamboo and re-hang them if possible.

Clean Up.
Installing a bamboo floor will produce waste. Usually, these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection site. Please let us know before installation if you desire us to haul away the waste.

Installation Day
Be Home.
Please be at home the day of installation and be available to answer any questions that the installation crew may have. Your presence will ensure a number of details, such as in which room or rooms the bamboo is installed, which way the planks run, and other details.

Keep Your Family Safe.
Your installers will have and use tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation day.

Do A Walk-Thru.
We recommend that you walk through the job with the chief installer prior to the completion of the installation. This walk through will allow you to ask questions and receive clarification on any final details.

Breathe Easy.
Depending on the floor and installation type, there may be a a good deal of dust or fumes created during the installation of your new bamboo floors. Good ventilation can make life much better for you, your floors, your family, and the installation crew.

After Installation
Ventilate.
If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for 48 to 72 hours after installation.

Clean the Bottoms.
When returning furniture to your room, take a moment to clean the feet or rollers on the furniture. Over a period of time dirt and dust can accumulate and can damage your floor.