Installation Guide

Installation Instructions
Solid Bamboo Flooring
For Assistance, Call:
1-877-630-1800
Homedepot.com/homedecor
ators
Products Description
5/8 in., 9/16 in., 1/2 in., 3/8 in., Thick;
Solid; Tongue and Groove
Grade Levels
On Grade
Above Grade
Installation Methods
Full Spread Glue
HOMEDEPOT.COM/HOMEDECORATORS
Please contact 1-877-630-1800 for further assistance.
WARNING: This product can expose you to formaldehyde gas which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
CAUTION: ASBESTOS IN EXISTING FLOOR: Home Decorators Collections product does not contain asbestos. Existing installed resilient ooring and asphaltic adhesive may contain asbestos llers or crystalline silica. Do not
sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, bead-blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient ooring, backing, lining felt, asphaltic “cutback” adhesive or other adhesive. See “Recommended Work Practices for Removal
of Resilient Floor Coverings” (rfci.com) for detailed information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures.
CAUTION: BAMBOO DUST: Sawing, sanding and machining products can produce bamboo dust. It may induce respiratory, skin and eye irritation. Avoid prolonged exposure to bamboo dust. Power tools should be equipped
with a dust collector. If possible, perform bamboo dust generating activities outdoors. If high dust levels are encountered, use an appropriate NIOSH-designated dust mask.
Safety and Health Precautions
Power tools can be dangerous. Operate in strict accordance to manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions. Unsafe and improper use can cause serious injuries. Avoid inhalation and exposures to wood dust by
mechanical means and by wearing personal protective equipment. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes NIOSH or OSHA approve dust masks, safety goggles and work gloves.
Warranty
This flooring product comes with a manufacturer Limited Wear Warranty. The warranty applies to the original purchaser of the flooring. It warrants the original purchaser that the finish surface will not wear through for the duration
of the stated warranty from the date of purchase. Contact our Customer Service Team at 1-877-630-1800 to request a written copy which provides detailed terms of coverage and limitations.
Pre-Installation
OWNER/INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY
The owner is advised to be at home during the installation for consultation/direction. The owner and installer
should discuss installation and layout to maximize satisfaction. If this is not possible, consultation should be
done prior to installation. Installers should be familiar with installation guidelines from National Wood Flooring
Association (wood
oors.org). The owner/installer assumes all responsibility for product quality of completed
installation.
PERFORM PRE-INSTALL INSPECTION. FOR CLAIMS PURPOSES, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO OPEN UP TO 4 BOXES FOR
PRODUCT INSPECTION. DO NOT OPEN ALL THE BOXES. OPENING ALL THE BOXES CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE
OF THE PRODUCT. INSPECT ALL THE PLANKS IN THESE 4 BOXES CAREFULLY. EXAMINE FLOORING FOR COLOR,
FINISH AND QUALITY. IF YOU DISCOVER THAT PRODUCTS ARE DEFECTIVE, OR IF MATERIAL IS QUESTIONABLE, YOU
SHOULD CONTACT THE RETAILER. IF YOU ARE SATISFIED, PROCEED WITH INSTALLATION.
Prior to installation, rack up planks from several boxes to ensure uniform distribution of colors, shades and
characters in the installed ooring. Planks having similar widths should be placed together in the same row to
minimize gaps between boards.
Bamboo oors are natural products containing natural variations in color, tone, grain, streaks, nodal marks and
other characteristics. They are normal and it does not mean the product is defective.
Purchase ooring to be installed in one large area at the same time. Product purchased at a later time than the
rst purchase may vary beyond your expectations.
Accessories, trims and moldings are manufactured to coordinate with the varied appearances of the oor planks.
Any exact matches are coincidental. Non-matching accessories are not defective products.
This product is manufactured according to strict quality standards. In the event that defects are discovered in
the eld, the industry standards permit a defect tolerance not to exceed 5%. An additional 5% (10% for diagonal
installations) should be factored in for cutting wastage and grading allowances.
During installation, inspect the planks continuously. Defects that can be seen from a standing position should be
cut off or held out. Installing defective planks implies acceptance.
Squeaking and clicking noises are the result of interactions among ooring, joists and suboors when they
move. Limiting the movements of the ooring system usually eliminates most of these noises. Sometimes, it is
impossible to eliminate them completely and minor squeaking or clicking noises are to be accepted as normal
ooring phenomenon.
Minor scratches can generally be repaired with the use of putty, stain or ller. It is an industry standard practice
of ooring installation and it should be accepted as normal by the home owner.
To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any activity that is not covered in this
manual, please contact our Customer Support Team at 1-877-630-1800.
ACCLIMATION AND IN-SERVICE CONDITIONS
NOTE: To obtain accurate moisture content readings, one must use a moisture meter designed for use with
bamboo ooring.
Acclimation is the process of adjusting (conditioning) the moisture content of bamboo ooring to the environment
in which it is expected to perform. The bamboo ooring is fully acclimated when its moisture content and
dimensions (width and length) are stable. For example, the averaged dimensions and moisture content remain
constant for 3 consecutive days. Bamboo ooring must acclimate for as long as necessary to reach fully
acclimated stage. Acclimation time varies depending on geographical area, interior climate control and time of
the year. Minimum acclimation time is 72 hours. Open the box and plastic wrap.
Elevate cartons from the oor by placing them on 2x2 in. lumber or equivalent. Acclimation temperature range
is 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-55%. Conditions in which the oor was acclimated should be
maintained continuously thereafter.
CONCRETE SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
Concrete suboors must:
□ Have minimum rated strength of 3000 psi.
□ Be level to within 1/8 in. in a 6 ft. span or 3/16 in. in a 10 ft. span; no bumps or low spots. High spots can
be removed by grinding; depressions can be lled with patching compound formulated for use in oor
installation.
□ Be clean; no construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the oor; if necessary,
scrape and sweep away before the installation; no protrusions of nails, debris, metals should remain.
□ New concrete slab must cure for at least 60 days. It must have a minimum 10 mil polyethylene sheet
between the ground and the concrete.
□ Be free from moisture related conditions which can damage the installed ooring.
CONCRETE MOISTURE
Test all concrete suboors for moisture content and document the results. Visual checks are not reliable.
Perform tests at locations around exterior doorways, near walls containing plumbing, near foundation walls
and in the center of the room. Minimum sample size is 3 samples per 1000 sq. ft. of area and one test for every
additional 1000 sq. ft. thereafter.
Moisture content should meet one of the following criteria:
□ 4.5% when tested using Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter.
□ Less than 3 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. per 24 hours when using Calcium Chloride test (ASTM F 1869).
□ 75% when using Relative Humidity Testing (ASTM F-2170).
NOTE: Concrete moisture content may be acceptable the time of the test. These tests do not guarantee a
perpetual “dry” concrete slab. The concrete slab moisture content can vary at other times of the year. We are
not responsible for moisture-related damage to installed ooring.
LIGHT WEIGHT CONCRETE
Light weight concrete is concrete with a rated strength that is less than 3000 psi. Perform a quick check by
drawing a nail across the top; if it leaves an indentation, it is probably light concrete.
For glue-down applications, the concrete must possess shear strength greater than the glue. If concrete rated psi
is unknown, contact the adhesive manufacturer for guidance.
WOOD SUBFLOOR REQUIREMENTS
□ The suboor must be clean; no presence of construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or
adhering to the oor; no protrusions of nails, debris, or metals should remain. If necessary, scrape and
sweep the suboor before the installation.
□ The suboor must be structurally sound and stable; no movements or squeaks; no loose panels or loose
nails; no signs of ply de-lamination or other damages. Repair all shortcomings before installation.
□ The suboor must be at; no visible bumps or low spots; the suboor should be at to within 1/8 in. in 6
ft. span or 3/16 in. in 10 ft. Test for moisture using a reliable moisture meter. Perform tests at locations
around exterior doorways, near foundation walls, near walls containing plumbing lines and in the center of
the room. Measure 20 locations per 1000 sq. ft. Moisture content of the suboor should be less than 12%.
Moisture content difference between the suboor and ooring should be 2% or less.
PLYWOOD OR ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB) SPECIFICATIONS
On truss/joist spacing of 16 in. (406 mm) O/C or less, the industry standard for single-panel subooring is a
minimum 5/8 in. (19/32 in., 15.1 mm) CD Exposure 1 plywood suboor panels (CD Exposure 1) or 23/32 in. OSB
Exposure 1 suboor panels, 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets. Expansion gap between panels should be 1/8 in. (3 mm). If panels
are not tongued and grooved and there is not sufcient spacing or is inadequate, cut in the required spacing with
a circular saw. Do not cut in expansion space on tongue and groove panels.
PARTICLE BOARD OR FIBER BOARD
Do not use.
EXISTING FLOORS
Installation over existing oor requires the installer to consider potential issues related to moisture damage,
adhesive failure and fastener failure. Contact the adhesive and fastener manufacturers respectively for their
specic instructions, recommendations and requirements.
For nail down, acceptable ooring includes: solid hardwood or linoleum.
For glue down, acceptable ooring includes: ceramics, terrazzo, or solid hardwood.
RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOOR
This product cannot be installed on a radiant heated suboor.
MOISTURE BARRIER AND MOISTURE RETARDER
CONCRETE SUBFLOOR
If concrete moisture level exceeds the required limits, consult glue manufacturer for recommended glue which
can work with the moisture level of the concrete.
WOOD SUBFLOOR
If wood subfloor moisture level is out of range, consult glue manufacturer for the type of glue which will
work with the moisture level of the subfloor.
JOB SITE CONDITION
Prior to installation, the installer must ensure that at the time of installation, the job site conditions including
suboor/substrate, ambient temperature and relative humidity, and all impacting variables will not negatively
affect the oor. The manufacturer will decline responsibility for damages associated with improper installation
or poor site conditions.
STORAGE AND CONDITIONS
Do not store ooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For example, garages and exterior patios are
not acceptable areas to store ooring. Handle and unload bamboo ooring with care and store within the
environmentally controlled site in which it is expected to perform. Flooring stored on a concrete slab should be
elevated at least 4 in. to allow air circulation under cartons.
EXISTING HOME
An existing home should have a consistent room temperature of 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-
55%. Continual deviation from these conditions will affect the dimensions of ooring, especially bamboo. When
using a heater during winter months, humidity may be much lower than the acceptable range. A humidier is
recommended to prevent excess shrinkage in bamboo ooring due to low humidity levels. During the warmer
months, maintain humidity levels using an air conditioner, dehumidier, or by turning on your heating system
periodically.
NEW CONSTRUCTION OR REMODEL
All work involving water, such as pouring basement concrete oors, drywall and plasterwork, plumbing,
etc. must be completed well in advance of the oor delivery. Ensure that the building is enclosed. Where
building codes allow, permanent heating and/or air conditioning systems should be operating at least ve
days preceding installation and should be maintained during and after installation. If it is not possible for
the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system to be operating before, during and after installation,
a temporary heating and/or dehumidication system that simulates normal living (occupied) conditions
can enable the installation to proceed until the permanent heating and/or air conditioning system is fully
operational. Your job site should have a consistent temperature of 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-
55% which should be maintained continuously thereafter.
BASEMENTS AND CRAWL SPACES
Concrete slab or ground must be dry. The ground in the crawl spaces must be completely covered using 6 mil
black polyethylene. Crawl space clearance between the earth and underside of joists should be no less than
18 in. and the perimeter vent area should be equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space or as
mandated by code.
EXPANSION GAP
A 3/4 in. expansion gap is required around the perimeter of the oor and between the oor and all vertical
obstructions. Do not place permanently mounted structures such as kitchen counters/cabinets on the installed
oor. On oors wider than 20 ft., more or less spacing between rows may be needed depending on geographical
area, interior climate control and time of the year.
ADHESIVE
Use premium flooring adhesive which is non-water based, formulated for bamboo flooring installation.
The preferred type is moisture cure urethane floor glue.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS BASICS
Tape measure • Moisture meter (wood, concrete or both) • Chalk line & chalk • Hammer • Electric power saw •
Carbide tipped saw blade for ne cut • NIOSH-designated dust mask • Hand saw or jamb saw • Eye protection
• Straight edge or Spacers • Pry Bar • Mallet • Broom • Color matched wood putty • Tapping block • Pull bar
Additional Supplies for Glue-Down Method: Flooring adhesive • Trowels • Adhesive remover for selected
adhesive • Clean rags • Weight roller • Painters tape
FLOOR DAMAGE PREVENTION
NOTE: For 3/8 in. thick ooring, we recommend a nailer with 1 in. long 20 gauge cleats. Angle entry
at 55°.
It is extremely important to take precautionary actions to prevent damage to the oor during installation.
ALWAYS TEST FIRE THE NAILER TO ENSURE PROPER SETTINGS. Use proper nailer, oor thickness adapters, face
plates and cleats. Improper fasteners, machines and air pressure can cause severe damage to the ooring.
Forcing or pounding oor boards together with a rubber mallet during assembly may bruise or damage board
edges. The manufacturer is not responsible for installation damages. Tongue fracture and surface dimpling are
common installation damage. They are not product defects. Damage can be minimized by one or more of the
following actions:
□ Change the angle of nail entry.
□ Use thinner cleats or nails (18-20 gauge).
□ Use an over-size base or foot plate to distribute the nailing force.
□ Pre-drilling pilot holes and hand nailing may be required.
□ As a last resort, use glue-down method instead, especially on thinner oors (3/8 in. or 5/16 in.).
FASTENING FAILURE
Fastening failure is NOT a ooring product defect. Inappropriate fasteners may cause mechanical failure. It will
fail to hold the oor attached to the suboor. Do not mix fasteners of different length or gauge. Always check
with the fastener manufacturer to ensure the correct method and sizes fasteners are being used to install the
oor to the existing oor suboor.
BOND FAILURE
Bond failure is NOT a ooring product defect. Most installation failures, including bond failure, result from
jobsite moisture.
Do not unpack or deliver ooring to the jobsite until moisture problems are corrected. Read adhesive
manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Certain wood ooring adhesives may have special requirements and
limitations of use. Some existing oors may not be acceptable. Not following the adhesive manufacturer’s
recommendations can lead to installation failure or product damage and will void your warranty.
GLUE SPOTS ON FACE OF FINISHED FLOOR
Adhesive can damage the oor’s nish, especially when it has dried. It is extremely important to take
precautionary steps NOT to leave nger prints or footprints marks on the face of the board. If glue comes
in contact with the face of the board, remove immediately with the adhesive remover recommended by the
adhesive manufacturer. Use clean towels, changing frequently to prevent haze and adhesive residue. If the spot
removal damages the appearance of the boards, replace the board.
Helpful Pointers
GENERAL TIPS
□ Make sure your work area is well lit. Good visibility ensures that color is consistent and that visually defective planks are detected and removed.
□ The minimum length of the rst and last plank is 12 in. Using a shorter piece at undercut door jams will help when tting ooring in place.
NAIL-DOWN INSTALLATION TIPS
□ Make sure power cleats are approved for use in OSB if plywood is not used as a substrate.
□ First and last rows require hand nailing because the pneumatic or power-nailer cannot be used safely.
□ First and last rows require pre-drilling through the face; nailing with 8d nails; countersinking the nails and the use of matching color putty to ll holes.
□ Until the power nailer can be used safely, additional rows may require pre-drilling through the tongue; blind nailing it with 8d nails; countersinking the nails.
□ Use a spline or slip tongue whenever a change of board direction is needed. Splines should be glued to the groove and nailed into place.
□ If the last row is less than 1 in. wide, it should rst be glued at the joints to the previous uninstalled row and the joined unit should be face-nailed as one.
□ Occasionally, a piece may be slightly bowed. Nail one end rst, then use the pry bar to push the other end in place, nailing as you go.
GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION TIPS
□ ALWAYS REFER TO THE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FLOORING ADHESIVE LABEL. The information given here is for typical installations. Adjust it according to adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.
□ Dry-lay means the glue has to set before placing oor planks in it. Wet-lay means the glue does not need to set before placing ooring on it.
□ Use a trowel design specied by the adhesive manufacturer.
□ Continuously check the transfer of adhesive THROUGHOUT the installation process. If the adhesive no longer transfers to the back of the ooring material, it must be removed and new adhesive applied.
□ Work your way out of the room.
□ After the installation is completed, keep the oor free from daily foot trafc for a minimum of 24 hours to allow adhesive to properly cure.
CUTTING THE LAST ROW TO WIDTH
□ Most often the entire length of the last row will need to be cut so that it is narrow enough to t the remaining space.
□ Measure the distance between the oor face edge (exclude the tongue) to the wall. Subtract 1/2 in. from this measurement for expansion gap. Draw a line. Cut through the line. Discard the excess piece. Proceed with the
installation.
Preparing for Installation
□ Lay out the board from several cartons. Rack the boards to give you the appearance you want. Colors and shades should
be mixed up evenly. End joints should be staggered; minimum ends stager is 6 in. and varied.
□ Random pattern is most common, but it is a matter of personal preference.
□ Inspect plank quality and grading. If flooring is defective, contact the dealer or the store immediately and discontinue
installation.
□ Lay out trim moldings in advance and find planks whose shade closely matches. Set these aside for future use.
□ Remove the existing base, shoe molding or threshold carefully. They can be used to cover the 1/2 in. expansion gap left
around the edge of the room.
□ Clean subfloors.
□ Undercut doors and casings using a handsaw laid flat on a piece of scrap flooring. This eliminates difficult scribe cuts.
□ Always use a protective foot/pad and proper height adapter plate on the fastening machine to prevent face damage, mallet
damage, and edge bruising.