Installation Guide

Installation Instructions
Engineered Bamboo HDF Flooring
For Assistance, Call: 1-800-956-8538
HomeDepot.com/HomeDecorators
Products Description
Engineered Bamboo HDF
Click-Lock joints
Grade Levels
Above Grade / On Grade
Below Grade
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Residential
Installation Method
Floating
Full Spread Glue
Covers 25.88 sq. ft./Case
Model: YY2017CD
Online: 742 251
HOMEDEPOT.COM/HOMEDECORATORS
Please contact 1-800-956-8538 for further assistance.
Floating Installation (continued)
2 INSTALLING THE SECOND AND REMAINING ROWS
a. Cut off a section of the rst plank lengthwise to ensure 6 in. joints staggering.
b. Hold the plank with the tongue facing the previous row. Keep it at about a 30° angle.
c. Insert the tongue into the groove.
d. Make sure the tongue is snuggly and securely engaged in the groove by exerting a
constant pressure in the direction of the groove.
e. Maintain the pressure while pressing the plank at to lock the edge joints.
f. If there is a slight along the edge joints, x it with the help of a tapping block and a
plastic mallet. Use caution to prevent impact damage.
3 INSTALLING THE LAST ROW
Use the pull bar to draw the last row to t tightly to the previous row (3a).
Glue Down Installation
IMPORTANT: ANY EXCESS GLUE WHICH SEEPS ONTO THE SURFACE OF THE FLOOR MUST BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY WITH MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED ADHESIVE REMOVER.
The steps used in the glue down method are very similar to the oating installation method. The only difference is the application of the glue to the suboor prior to installation. For more detailed instructions, see the oating
installation section.
1 SETTING UP 3 INSTALLING THE FIRST TWO ROWS
a. Cut off the tongue from the long edge of the boards
for the rst rows.
b. Ensure an expansion gap by marking off a starting
line 1/2 in. away from the starting wall. Use a
board or spacers if available during installation.
2 SPREADING THE GLUE
a. Spread the glue from the starting line out in the
direction of the center of the room, the width of
two planks. Or spread only enough glue to install
what can be set within 45 minutes (15 minutes
of OPEN TIME and an additional 30 minutes for
actual installation. Usually about two rows width
coverage). Different manufacturers may require
different open and set times.
b. Repeat with the next two rows, etc.
1/2 in.
1/2 in.
a. Install the rst row of starter planks.
b. The last plank of the rst row may have to be
cut to size. Discard remainder because the
tongue has been removed.
c. Install the second row. Make sure there is a
random staggering at the end joints of at least
6 in. apart.
d. Be attentive to staggering the ends of the
boards correctly in adjacent rows to avoid
clustering end joints.
e. Any glue that comes in contact with the face
of the board should be removed immediately
using adhesive remover formulated for the glue
being used. Follow adhesive manufacturer’s
instructions on adhesive removal.
3/8 in.
4 INSTALLING THE REMAINING ROWS
1/2 in.
a. Spread another section of glue. Never spread more that can be covered before the adhesive is set. If
adhesive is set and will not transfer to the back of the plank, scrape off the adhesive and apply fresh
adhesive.
b. Continue to install the next rows. Make sure there is a random staggering at the end joints of at least 6
in. apart.
c. Do not forget the 3/8 in. space for expansion between the oor and the walls.
d. Repeat the process for additional rows.
e. Make sure there is 100% contact between the wood oor and the adhesive.
Completing the Installation
□ Clean the oor.
□ Use matching putty where necessary.
□ Install or reinstall all wall trim pieces. Nail them through the wall, but not to the suboor to avoid restricting the expansion gap.
□ Install transition trim pieces. Nail them to the suboor, not the ooring.
□ At doorways, transitions should be used to protect the edges of the oor and to provide a decorative transition from one oor type to another.
□ If the oor is to be covered, use a breathable material such as cardboard. Do not cover with plastic.
T-Molding: Used to create a transition between oor coverings of
similar heights or to cover an expansion gap.
T-MOULDING
FLOORING
FLOORING
Stair Nose: Used in conjunction with ooring installed on stair steps or
nished edges of a higher level oor like in a sunken living room.
FLOORING STAIR NOSE
RISER
STAIR TREAD
Carpet Reducer (also called Baby Threshold or End Cap):
Used to transition oor coverings of differing heights. This reducer strip
is also commonly used to border a replace, sliding glass door and other
exterior door jambs.
CARPET REDUCER
FLOORING
CARPET
Hard Surface Reducer: Used to transition to another hard surface
ooring of different heights such as tile, vinyl, or concrete.
HARD SURFACE
REDUCER
RESILIENT
FLOOR
FLOORING
Wall Base: Used to give a nished look at the base of the walls. It can
be used with or without Quarter Round.
FLOORING
WALL BASE
WALL
Quarter Round: Used to cover the expansion space between the wall
base and your ooring. It can also be used to make smooth transitions
between the oor and cabinetry. It can be used with or without wall
base molding.
FLOORING
QUARTER ROUND
WALL
Care and Maintenance
DAILY MAINTENANCE
□ Sweep, dust, mop, or vacuum your oor regularly to remove any particles that could cause abrasion or scratch your oor.
CAUTION: Vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head can damage a oor and should never be used.
□ Use a damp mop to remove spots and soil. Apply appropriate cleaning solution to the cleaning cloth / mop. Do NOT apply directly to the oor.
□ For lightly soiled area, clean with distilled water.
□ For moderately soiled areas, use a mild solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and distilled water. Dilute the mixture by mixing one part alcohol and 2 parts distilled water. For tougher spots, use a higher concentration of
isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. For extreme cases, a solution of nail polish remover and distilled water can be used.
□ HINT: For best results, clean the oor in the same direction of the planks. When the cleaning cloth/mop becomes soiled, rinse or replace it with a clean one. Following up with a clean, dry cloth will remove residual streak marks
and spots.
□ Do NOT leave any amount of liquids (water, juice, soft drinks, spills, etc.) on the oor. Clean any wet spots immediately.
□ Do NOT use a steam cleaner.
□ Do NOT use a wet mop or douse the oor with water or liquid cleaners. Liquid can seep between the cracks and cause moisture damage.
□ Do NOT use any cleaning agents containing wax, oil or polish. Left over residue will form a dull lm.
□ Do NOT use steel wool or scouring powder which will scratch the oor.
BRANDED OR OFF-THE-SHELF FLOOR CARE PRODUCTS
If none of the above are effective and you choose to use a store bought product, test the product in a non-conspicuous area (i.e., closet, corner, or scrap pieces) for potential adverse side effects.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
□ Protect your oor when using a dolly for moving furniture or appliances. Protective sheets and/or plywood may be needed. Never slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the oor.
□ Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and other heavy objects.
□ Avoid excessive exposure to water from being tracked in during periods of inclement weather.
□ Minimize abrasive material and dirt by placing mats on both sides of exterior doors and by using area rugs in high-trafc areas
□ Rearrange furniture and rugs periodically to avoid uneven color and shade changes from light exposure.
□ Use protective mats beneath rolling chairs and keep furniture casters clean.
□ Keep pets’ nails trimmed.
□ Remove shoes with cleats, spikes or exceptionally pointy heels before walking on the oor.
CLIMATE MAINTENANCE
□ Care should be taken to control humidity levels within the 40% - 55% range. Flooring, especially hardwood and bamboo, dimensions will be affected by varying levels of humidity.
□ Dry Climates: A humidier is recommended to maintain humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions during the winter months this also will cause shrinkage in ooring.
□ Humid, Wet Climates: By using an air conditioner, heater, or dehumidier proper humidity levels can be maintained to prevent excessive expansion due to high moisture content.
FLOOR REPAIR
□ Very light and small surface scratches can be repaired with a staining “touch up” pen of the appropriate color.
□ Slightly deeper scratches can be repaired by means of colored putty and or stains. Fill the scratches with the putty. Level with putty knife. Wipe off excess putty.
□ Very deep scratches may require the replacement of the planks.