Mar 13 2010
Floating Bamboo Flooring
Floating bamboo flooring is one of several methods of installing a bamboo floor. It is also the installation that is easiest for homeowners to do without using a professional installer. Nailing and gluing are the two other installation processes that are used. Do-it-yourselfers should not attempt the nailing process to install bamboo as the wood can splinter or crack if extreme care is not used.
A professional installer will most likely use floor staples as they tend to provide a firmer hold than nails or glue. Regardless of whether nails or staples or glue is used this type of installation is best left in the hands of professionals and a floating installation used by homeowners.
The gluing process can be used by homeowners provided the right adhesive is used. Water based adhesives should not be used and a urethane glue is the one that should be requested. A top quality glue is going to cost more but in the end the flooring will be properly installed and not have to be repaired. If a cheap flooring glue is used the flooring may cup in a short period of time
Modern Asian home with bamboo flooring
Installing a floating bamboo flooring requires that the bamboo flooring be engineered. Solid bamboo flooring will not work using a floating installation. When the flooring is ordered the sales person or company ordering from should be told that a floating process will be used to install the floor. This will insure that the correct type of flooring is picked out.
In addition to choosing the proper bamboo flooring, an appropriate underlayment should be chose. This provides a moisture barrier and a cushioned feel underneath the wood. The best underlayment material is a 3-1 type material that provides cushion and moisture protection, particularly when the subfloor is concrete.
Homeowners need to decide if they are going to use a quick lock installation or a glue installation when preparing to install a floating bamboo floor. Click or snap lock flooring has become a popular choice but should not be used in areas that have excess moisture. Glue floating floor installations use glue that goes into the joint areas as the planks are installed. Most installers agree that the glue floating installation is the preferred method.
When the bamboo flooring is installed using a floating process there needs to be expansion area worked into the layout. The planks should not be pushed too tightly up against stationary objects to prevent the wood from buckling over time.
Homeowners who are looking to save money on their bamboo flooring can opt to install it themselves using the floating bamboo flooring installation process. This is not a difficult installation and will bring beauty to the home in a matter of days.
-Sharon Chapman
Related posts: