Mar 13 2010
Bamboo Floating Flooring
Do-it-yourselfers who like to tackle new projects will find that bamboo floating flooring is a perfect choice when trying to decide on new flooring. Bamboo flooring installations vary and include nailing, gluing and floating, with floating being the best option for non-professionals. Bamboo wood is difficult to nail through and can splinter if not done properly. This alone makes a floating installation the best option.
When picking out the bamboo flooring to be floated it is important to get the right type. Solid bamboo flooring cannot be installed as a floating floor. Engineered bamboo flooring is designed to be used in floating installations and the flooring shop should be able provide various shades and patterns to choose from.
Condo dining room with bamboo floors
With measurements of the room in hand and accounting for an added twenty percent to account for mistakes and waste, purchase the flooring ahead of time and allow it to acclimate to the room that it is going to be installed in. This is the time needed for the wood to become adjusted to the humidity and temperature of the room so that it doesn’t warp or buckle over time. This is also a good time to make sure the wood planks are not damaged. A floating floor is installed in a click and lock or tongue and groove type method which makes it important to check each piece to insure that the ends were not damaged during shipping.
The main step to any flooring installation and to a bamboo floating floor project is the preparation of the subfloor. If old flooring was removed the subfloor needs to be cleaned thoroughly of any glue residue that might cause the underlayment to not go down properly. If carpet was removed make sure there are no tack strips or nails remaining in the subfloor. Sweep thoroughly and make sure all debris is removed.
If using an underlayment, lay it out first and trim with a utility knife to make it fit. Duct tape can be used to make the underlayment material adhere to the subfloor. Next, start on a wall and put the spacers down that will help the bamboo when it expands and contracts according to the temperature. Lay one row, then the spacer, then the last prices of the flooring. If necessary, trim to fit. Keep following this pattern until the room is complete. Make sure to begin and end every row with spacers. The last row that is installed may be difficult to fit, if so, use a rubber mallet to make it fit.
Some bamboo floating floor requires glue to be put into the grooves for added strength. If this is the case, make sure to add the glue to the grooves as they are installed and to wipe any excess glue before it dries. If it is a glued floating installation the floor should be allowed to dry for at least twelve hours before walking.
Homeowners will appreciate the simplicity of installing a floating bamboo flooring installation. The most difficult part is likely to be cutting to fit around door areas or to make the last row fit properly. Enlist the help of a friend who is handy with a dovetail saw if this is the case. Bamboo floating flooring installations can typically be completed in one day.
-Sharon Chapman
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