Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsIslander ManualsBamboo FlooringAuburn .625 in. Thick x 5 in. Wide x 39.375 in. Length Horizontal Bamboo Hardwood Flooring (27.34 sq. ft. / case)

SOLID STRAND BAMBOO INSTALLATION GUIDE

Please keep in mind that all hardwood flooring will scratch, dent, and change color over time. Therefore, you will

need to decide if hardwood is suitable for your home or lifestyle. Because hardwood is a product of nature, you

may experience shading variations. There will be shading variations within the cartons, and when installing, you

should work out of several cartons, and mix them in a natural random shading pattern that is pleasing to your

eye. If you find very dark or very light boards in the carton, that are not consistent with the other flooring, put

them aside. These should be used in areas like closets or other areas that are not readily visible. It is the

responsibility of the person installing the floor to inspect the flooring for defects and finish issues prior to

installation. Should an individual piece be doubtful as to quality, do not install. Installation of the boards

constitute acceptance. All wood flooring will expand and contract. Small gaps may appear between the boards

during low humidity conditions, and are considered normal (nail/glue only). The use of stains, fillers, and putty

sticks for touch-up is accepted as part of the normal installation procedure. Scratches, dents, shading, and color

changes due to oxidation or UV exposure are also considered normal for all hardwood flooring. They are not

covered by our Warranty, as we cannot control the conditions under which they can occur.

Tips for a successful installation

1. Read all instructions/warranty first: Get all your questions answered before you start installing the floor by calling 866-582-

0848

2. Amount of flooring needed: Buy enough flooring to equal at least 105% of the square footage of your room, for

waste allowance.

3. Acclimation is required for this product, it is always best to store the material in the area that it will be installed, under

normal living conditions for a minimum 7-10 days. Normal living conditions can be defined as having and maintaining a

temperature between 60° - 80° and relative humidity (air) between 40% - 55%. It is recommended that humidifier/de-

humidifier be used to maintain relative humidity. Our flooring is kiln dried and leaves the factory at 8% ± 2%. Always avoid

installing the floor under very dry or very humid conditions, it is best to install when conditions are about the same

as it will be most of the year. Also, when installing over radiant heat flooring, be sure to contact the system

manufacturer to determine that it is compatible with hardwood flooring, then carefully follow the guideline for

radiant heat and floating installation.

4. Be aware of moisture problems: Moisture can ruin any floor. Always look out for potential moisture problems,

especially in basements and crawl spaces. Dealing with moisture before installation: If you have or suspect moisture

problems, don’t install your floor yet. Contact a professional flooring installer to improve subfloor to an acceptable level

of moisture.

5. Checking for moisture: Use a Wagner MMC220 (or equivalent) moisture meter for wood, or a Tramex Concrete Moisture

Encounter meter (or equivalent) for concrete. You can also use a calcium chloride test for concrete. If the Tramex moisture

meter is more than 4.5, or the calcium chloride test is more than 3 pounds per 1000 square feet, you will need to consult

with a professional to correct the problem. Always check for moisture in at least several areas of the subfloor, as well as the

flooring. The wood substrate should not be more that 12% moisture content. The moisture difference between the subfloor

and the hardwood flooring must be no more than 4%.

6. To ensure a clean cut without any splintering, tape the area to be cut and/or use a fine-toothed circular saw with a

carbide blade. Generally this is not necessary as it will be covered.

7. Place all nails/staples at 6 – 8 inch intervals along the tongue of the boards, and not closer than 2” from the end.

8. Leave expansion gaps: Leave a minimal 1/2” space at each wall, beneath door jambs, and at transitions for expansion

of flooring. Base molding and transitions will cover this gap.

9. Protect your floor from scratches; use felt pads under chairs & tables. Also, if your chairs or other furniture have rolling

castors, you made need to replace with softer rubber castors. Never push/drag furniture or appliances across the floor as

they can damage the finish. Please remember that scratches and dents are not covered by warranty.

Summary of content (5 pages)

PAGE 1
SOLID STRAND BAMBOO INSTALLATION GUIDE Please keep in mind that all hardwood flooring will scratch, dent, and change color over time. Therefore, you will need to decide if hardwood is suitable for your home or lifestyle. Because hardwood is a product of nature, you may experience shading variations. There will be shading variations within the cartons, and when installing, you should work out of several cartons, and mix them in a natural random shading pattern that is pleasing to your eye.
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NOT A PROBLEM: Bending or bowing of the boards in length direction: These boards might be a little harder to install, but will NOT be a problem after they are installed, or in the future. They will lay flat like the others. Color Variations will occur as bamboo is a natural product; you will need to work out of several boxes to ensure a pleasing shading mix. Caution: Wood Dust Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products produces wood dust.
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RECOMMENDED AREAS This flooring can be installed on, or above grade, not below grade. On grade is at soil level, above grade is above the soil level, and below grade is lower than soil level (this includes all basements, including daylight basements). Wood flooring should not be installed in wet areas such as bathrooms (with tub/shower) or mud rooms. CRAWL SPACE VENTILATION Proper air circulation is important to prevent moisture build up, especially in homes with a crawl space.
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cloth. Once it dries, it may be very difficult to remove and damage the finish. Always follow adhesive manufacturers’ instructions using their suggested adhesive and installation instructions for their adhesive warranty to be in effect. NOTE: WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE USE OF A MOISTURE BARRIER WHICH IS MANUFACTURED BY THE ADHESIVE MANUFACTURER, OR IS PART OF THE ADHESIVE (2 in 1). PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER FOR RECOMMENDATIONS.
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FINISHING THE JOB Inspect your work, as it will cost you more if you have to come back to do a repair later. Replace original baseboards, or install matching hardwood baseboard. Install matching transitions as needed or recommended by your dealer or installer. It is not recommended or necessary to seal this floor after installation. Protect your floor from scratches by using felt pads on chair legs or furniture feet.