Installation Guide

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HVAC should be on, operational and maintained between 60 – 80 degrees with a relative humidity
of 35%- 55% range a minimum of 5 days prior to delivery, during and after installation of the
flooring.
Test wood sub floors and wood flooring for moisture content using moisture meter recommended
for bamboo flooring, such as Lignomat SDM or comparable. Take readings of the subfloor –
minimum of 20 readings per 1000 sq. ft. and average the results. In most regions, a “dry” subfloor t
hat is ready to work on has a moisture content of 12% or less and the wood should be within 2%
for planks greater than 3 in wide and 4% for planks less than 3 in wide of the subfloor’s moisture
content. Please refer to the NWFA moisture content by area map for specific requirements.
Test the concrete subfloors moisture content by calcium chloride testing or by using an appropriate
moisture meter. The moisture content for concrete subfloors registered after a calcium chloride test
should not be greater than 3 pounds per 1000 square feet of area. If it exceeds these limits, DO
NOT install the flooring. Before moisture testing begins, the slab must be cured for a minimum of
30 days. The moisture vapor emission rate for concrete subfloors must not exceed 75% RH using
ASTM 2170 or 3 pounds per 1000.sq ft per 24 hours using Calcium Chloride test ASTM 1869. If
using a moisture meter, please refer to the recommended guidelines set forth for by that moisture
meters’ manufacturer.
Basements and crawl spaces must be dry. Use of a 6 mil black polyethylene is required to cover
100% of the crawl space earth. Crawl space clearance from ground to underside of joist to be no
less than 18” and perimeter vent spacing should be equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of
the crawl space area to provide cross ventilation in accordance with local regulations.
ALWAYS CHECK MOISTURE LEVELS BEFORE INSTALLING
Preparing and leveling the sub-floor:
1. The subfloor needs to be structurally sound; do not install over particle board. Please refer to
NWFA guidelines for sound substrate qualifications.
2. The sub-floor should be free of any surface defect. If it is not, fill gaps with a Portland-based
leveling cement (for concrete floors only) or sand/grind down any uneven areas. For wood floors,
use a wood leveling patch or skim coat as needed.
3. The sub-floor must be level and flat to 3/16 in (5mm) per 10’ radius or 1/8 in (3.2mm) per 6- foot
radius.
4. Any gaps in the sub-floor should not exceed 3/16 in (5mm).
5. Use flooring screws into floor joists if necessary, to minimize squeaks in subfloor.
6. The surface must be clean and free of any contaminants such as wax, paint, grease, dust, oil,
nails, staples, old adhesive, etc. and thoroughly swept and free of all debris.
7. For concrete installation, ensure that the concrete is not low-density (below 3000 psi) or gypsum
based.
8. Plywood must be CDX-rated at least 3/4 in thick. OSB must be 3/4 in, PS2 rated, and installed
sealed-side down.
9. Moisture content should not exceed 12% .
ACCLIMATION
Store this flooring at the installation area before installation to allow the flooring to acclimate and
adjust to room temperature and humidity.
Do not install the flooring until the moisture content of the subfloor where the flooring will be
installed is within 2% for planks greater than 3 in wide and 4% for planks less than 3 in wide from
the moisture content of the flooring.
If you do not allow the flooring sufficient time to acclimate and the moisture content of the flooring
exceeds that of the subfloor, the flooring will continue to contract after installation and gaps may
develop between the flooring. Likewise, if the moisture content of the flooring is less than that of
the subfloor, the flooring may expand and/or cupping may develop.