Installation Guide

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
(woodfloors.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 flooring. Planks having similar widths should be placed together in the same row to minimize gaps
between boards.
Bamboo floors are natural products containing natural variations. Variations in color, tone, grain, mineral streaks, small
knots and other characters are found from plank to plank. Similar variations exist between samples, pictures and
purchased flooring. They are normal and it does not mean the product is defective.
Flooring to be installed in one large area should be purchased at the same time. Product purchased at a later time than the
first purchase may vary beyond your expectations.
Accessories, trims and moldings are manufactured to coordinate with the varied appearances of the floor 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 field, the
industry standards permit a defect tolerance not to exceed 5%. The defects may be of any type, whether manufactured or
natural. Order an additional 5% extra for cutting wastage and grading allowances (10% for diagonal installations).
During installation, inspect the planks continuously. Defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off or
the plank held out. Installing defective planks implies acceptance.
Squeaking and clicking noises are the result of interactions among flooring, joists and subfloors when they move. Limiting
the movements of the flooring 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 flooring phenomenon. Minor
scratches can generally be repaired with the use of putty, stain or filler. It is an industry standard practice of flooring
installation and it should be accepted as normal by the home owner.
If You Need More Information: To assure the warranty is not inadvertently voided, before proceeding with any
activity that is not covered in this manual, please contact our Technical Support Department.
Job Site Condition
P
rior to installation, the installer must ensure that at the time of installation, the job site conditions including
subfloor/substrate, ambient temperature and relative humidity, and all impacting variables will not negatively
affect floor. The manufacturer will decline responsibility for damages associated with improper installation or
poor site conditions.
Storage and Conditions
Do not store flooring in uncontrolled environmental conditions. For example, garages and exterior patios are not
acceptable areas to store flooring. Handle and unload bamboo flooring with care and store within the environmentally
controlled site in which it is expected to perform. Flooring stored on concrete slab should be elevated at least four
inches to allow air circulation under cartons.
Existing Home
Existing home should have a consistent room temperature of 60°F-80°F and relative humidity of 35%-55%. Continual
deviation from these conditions will affect the dimensions of flooring, especially bamboo. During heating season,
humidity may be much lower than the acceptable range. During the heating season, a humidifier is recommended to
prevent excess shrinkage in bamboo flooring due to low humidity levels. During the non-heating season, humidity
levels can be maintained by using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or by turning on your heating system periodically.
New Construction or Remodel
All work involving water, such as pouring basement concrete floors, drywall and plasterwork, plumbing, etc. must be
completed well in advance of the floor delivery. Ensure that the building is enclosed. Where building codes allow,
permanent heating and/or air conditioning systems should be operating at least five days preceding installation to
promote proper acclimation 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
dehumidification system that simulate 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 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 inches 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.
Concrete Subfloor Requirements.
It must have minimum rated strength of 3000 psi.
It must be level to within 1/8" in a 6 foot span or 3/16" in a 10 foot span; no bumps or low spots. High spots can be
removed by grinding; depressions can be filled with patching compound formulated for use in floor installation.
It must be clean; no construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the floor; 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.
It must meet concrete moisture requirement below.
It must be free from moisture related conditions which can damage the installed flooring.
Light Weight Concrete
It is concrete which rated strength is less than 3000 psi.
Perform a quick check by drawing a nail across the top; if it leaves indentation, it is probably light concrete.
For glue-down application, the concrete must possess shear strength greater than the glue. If concrete rated psi is
unknown, contact the adhesive manufacturer for guidance.
Concrete Moisture
All concrete subfloors should be tested for moisture content and the results documented. 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 square feet of area and one test for every additional
1000 square feet thereafter.
Its moisture content should meet one of the following criteria below:
• 4.5% when tested using Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter
• Less than 3 pounds per 1000 square feet per 24 hours when using Calcium Chloride test (ASTM F 1869)
• 75% when using Relative Humidity Testing (ASTM F-2170).
Please 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 the installed flooring.
Wood Subfloor Requirements.
It must be clean; no presence of construction debris, soil, mud and any other objects on or adhering to the floor; no
protrusions of nails, debris, metals should remain. If necessary, scrape and sweep the subfloor before the installation.
It 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.
It must be flat; no visible bumps or low spots; the subfloor should be flat to within 1/8" in 6 feet span or 3/16" in 10 feet.
Test for moisture using 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 square feet.
Moisture content of subfloor or flooring should be less than 12%.
Moisture content difference between subfloor and acclimated flooring should be 2% or less.
Plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Specifications
On truss/joist spacing of 16” (406mm) O/C or less, the industry standard for single-panel subflooring is minimum 5/8"
(19/32", 15.1 mm) CD Exposure 1 plywood subfloor panels (CD Exposure 1) or 23/32" OSB Exposure 1 subfloor panels,
4' x 8' sheets. Expansion gap between panels should be 1/8” (3 mm). If panels are not tongued and grooved and there
is not sufficient spacing or is inadequate, cut in the required spacing with a circular saw. Do not cut in expansion space
on tongue and groove panels.
WARNING: CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
This product contains formaldehyde of which is known to the State of California to cause cancer.
CAUTION: ASBESTOS IN EXISTING FLOOR
Home Decorators Collections product does not contain asbestos. Existing installed resilient flooring and asphaltic
adhesive may contain asbestos fillers or crystalline silica. Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw,
bead-blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient flooring, 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.
Acclimation and In-service Conditions
Acclimation is the process of adjusting (conditioning) the moisture content of bamboo flooring to the environment
in which it is expected to perform. The bamboo flooring 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 flooring 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. With open carton and open plastic wrap minimum acclimation time is 72 hours. In open box, open
plastic wrap. Elevate planks from the floor by placing them on 2"X 2" lumber or equivalence. Place spacers
(3/4" to 1" sticks) between each layer or cross stack the layers for maximum exposure to ambient conditions.
Acclimation temperature range is 60°F-80°F and relative humidity (RH) of 35%-55%. Conditions in which the
floor was acclimated should be maintained continuously thereafter. Document as much acclimation information
as possible below.
Products Included
5/8", 9/16", 1/2", 3/8” Thick;
Solid; Tongue and Groove
Installation Instructions
Solid Bamboo Flooring
For Assistance, Call: 1-877-630-1800
Homedepot.com/homedecorators
Grade Levels
On Grade
Above Grade
Installation Method
Nail/Cleat
Full Spread Glue
Date: ______________________________________________________________________
Relative Humidity (%)____________________________________________________________
Temperature (Fº):_____________________________________________________________
Subfloor Type:________________________________________________________________
Subfloor Avg. Moisture Content:_____________________________________________________
Acclimation Period:_____________________________________________________________
Pre-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture Content (%) _______________________________________
Pre-acclimation Flooring Width: ____________________________________________________
Pre-acclimation Flooring Length: ___________________________________________________
Post-acclimation Flooring Avg. Moisture Content (%): ______________________________________
Post-acclimation Flooring Width:____________________________________________________
Post-acclimation Flooring Length:___________________________________________________
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 of it can cause serious injuries.
Avoid inhalation and exposures to dust by mechanical means and by wearing personal protective equipment.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which include NIOSH or OSHA approve dust masks, safety
goggle and work gloves.
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 preferred minimum length of the plank is 12".
• Using a shorter piece at undercut door jams will help when fitting flooring 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 fill holes.
• Until 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" wide, it should first 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 first, 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 installation. Adjust it according to adhesive manufacturer’s instruction.
• Dry-lay means the glue has to set before placing floor planks in it. Wet-lay means the glue does not need to set before
placing floor on it.
• Use trowel design as specified by adhesive manufacturer.
• Continuously check the transfer of adhesive THROUGHOUT the installation process. If the adhesive no longer transfers
to the back of the flooring material, it must be removed and new adhesive applied.
• Work your way out of the room.
• After the installation is completed, keep the floor free from daily foot traffic 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 fit the remaining space.
• Measure the distance between the floor face edge (exclude the tongue) to the wall. Subtract 3/4" from this
measurement for expansion gap. Draw a line. Cut through the line. Discard the excess piece. Proceed with installation.
Floor Damage Prevention
Note: For 3/8” thick flooring, we recommend Powernail Model 2000 nailer with 1 inch long 20 gauge cleats. Angle entry at
55 degrees.
It is extremely important to take precautionary actions to prevent damage to the floor during installation. ALWAYS TEST
FIRE THE NAILER TO ENSURE PROPER SETTINGS. Use proper nailer, floor thickness adapters, face plates and cleats.
Improper fasteners, machines and air pressure can cause severe damage to the flooring. Forcing or pounding floor 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 followings:
• 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 floors (3/8" or 5/16").
Fastening Failure
Fastening failure is NOT a flooring product defect. Inappropriate fastener may cause mechanical failure. It will fail to hold
the floor attached to the subfloor. Do not mix fasteners of different length or gauge. Always check with fastener
manufacturer to ensure the correct method and size fastener are being used to install the floor to the existing floor subfloor.
Bond Failure
Bond failure is NOT flooring product defect. Most installation failures, including bond failure, result from jobsite moisture.
Do not unpack or deliver flooring to the jobsite until moisture problems are corrected. Read adhesive manufacturer’s
instruction carefully. Certain wood flooring adhesives may have special requirements and limitations of use. Some
existing floor 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 floor’s finish, especially when it has dried. It is extremely important to take precautionary steps
NOT to leave finger prints or footprints marks on the face of the board. Preventive actions include wearing gloves when
spreading glue and discarding the glove when finished. Use clean gloves before placing the floor planks in the adhesive
layer. 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.
Pre-install Activities
• 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" and varied.
• Inspect plank quality and grading. Do not mix lot numbers without checking for color match. If flooring is
defective, contact dealer or the store immediately and discontinue installation.
• Lay out trim moldings in advance and find planks or strips whose shade closely coordinates the floor. Set these
aside for future use.
• R
emove existing base, shoe molding or threshold carefully. They can be used to cover the 3/4" expansion gap left
around the edge of the room.
• Subfloors should be clean prior to the floor installation.
• Undercut doors and casings using a handsaw laid flat on a piece of scrap flooring. This will eliminate difficult
scribe cuts.
• Install the underlayment (if used) parallel to the flooring according to underlayment manufacture instructions. Any
overlap (top) should be on the same side as the groove of the flooring so that the floor planks will slide smoothly into
place. Tape all seams. Secure the underlayment material as necessary to prevent excessive movement.
• Always use protective foot/pad and proper height adapter plate on the fastening machine to prevent face damage,
mallet damage, and edge bruising.
• TEST FIRE THE POWER NAILER ON SACRIFICIAL FLOOR PLANK ONTO A BOARD. CHECK NAIL PENETRATION.
CHECK FOR IMPACT DAMAGE ON FLOOR FACE. CHECK FOR SPLITTING TONGUE.
Particle Board or Fiber Board Do not use.
Existing Floors
Installation over existing floor 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 specific
instructions, recommendations and requirements.
For nail down, acceptable flooring include: solid hardwood or linoleum.
For glue down, acceptable flooring include: ceramics, terrazzo, or solid hardwood.
Radiant Heated Subfloor
This product cannot be installed on radiant heated subfloor.
Moisture Barrier and Moisture Retarder
Concrete Subfloor: Use moisture barrier if concrete moisture level exceeds the required limits.
(see “Concrete Moisture” above)
Wood Subfloor: Use asphalt-saturated kraft paper or #15 or #30 felt that meets ASTM Standard D4869 or UU-B-790,
Grade D. Overlap along the edge seams 2"- 4" wide. This retards moisture movement from below. E xtend the moisture
retarder to about 1" from the walls. Secure to the subfloor as necessary.
Adhesive
Use premium flooring adhesive which is non-water based, formulated for bamboo flooring installation.
Preferred type: moisture cure urethane floor glue.
Fastener
5/8", 1/2" and 9/16" Floorings
Finish nail: 6d-8d
Nail / Cleat Length: 1-1/2" - 2" (4-5 cm);
Nail size gauge: 15 - 16 gauge or 18 - 20 gauge; higher gauge is needed if tongue is splitting upon impact.
Face nailing spacing: Every 10"- 12" (position first and last nail between 1"- 3" from ends and 1/2" from edge).
Blind nailing spacing: Every 6"- 8". (position first and last between 1"- 3" from ends)
3/8" Flooring.
We recommend Powernail tools: Model 2000 nailer; 1 inch long 20 gauge cleats. Angle entry at 55 degrees.
Finish nail: 6d.
Nail / Cleat Length: 1"- 1 1/2" (3-4cm).
Nail / Cleat size: 18-20 gauge. You may have to glue the floor if the tongue is splitting upon impact.
Face nailing spacing: Every 10"- 12" (position first and last nail between 1"- 3" from ends and 1/2" from edge).
Blind nailing spacing: Every 6"- 8". (position first and last between 1"- 3" from ends).
Tools and Materials
Basics:
Tape measure • Moisture meter (for wood and/or concrete) • Chalk line & chalk • Hammer • Power saw • Carbide
tipped saw blade for fine cut • NIOSH-designated dust mask • Hand saw or jamb saw • Eye protection • Straight edge
• Pry Bar • Mallet • Broom • Color matched putty • Tapping block • Pull bar
Additional Supplies for Nail-Down Method:
Electric drill and bits • Compressor and hose with in-line regulator for pneumatic tools • Power nailer for flooring with
height adapter to match floor thickness • Pneumatic finish nailer • Nail set
Additional Supplies for Glue-Down Method: Flooring adhesive • Trowels • Adhesive remover for selected adhesive
• Clean rags • Weight roller • 3M Blue tape
Nail Down Installation
Step 1 – Establish a Starting Line
• Lay out the direction of the floor. Install flooring perpendicular to joists. If it is to be in parallel to the joist,
reinforce subfloor with a layer of 1/2” CDX ply.
• Select a straight starter wall.
• Mark the starting line using a chalk line or a string between two nails. This distance between the wall and
the line should equal the face width of floor plank plus 1" (3/4" expansion gap plus 1/4" standard tongue
width = 1"). Do not include the width of the tongue. This will result in 3/4" expansion gap between flooring
and the wall.
Sound Control Underlayment
Check with sound control manufacturer for application guidelines. Generally, the less compressive underlayment is preferred.
Expansion Gap
Required gap width is 3/4". It is required around the perimeter of the floor and between floor and all vertical
obstructions. Do not place permanently mounted structures such as kitchen counter/cabinet on the installed floor. On
floors wider than 20 feet, more or less spacing between rows may be needed depending on geographical area, interior
climate control and time of the year.
8" X 20" - English Solid Bamboo Flooring - Front - 3/10/14 - A