Bamboo Flooring Installation Methods Explained

Here is a quick guide that explains the different installation methods you can use with bamboo flooring.  Before you start fitting your bamboo floor, you must make sure that your subfloor is of sound condition and is flat, level and dry. To find out how to check your subfloor, have a look at the following: Preparing your subfloor for bamboo flooring installation. Here are the most common ways to install your bamboo floor.

Floating the floor over an underlay – tongue and groove fitting

Lay your underlay throughout the entire room.  Start to lay your bamboo floor by gluing the tongues and groove joints together, with a WPVA glue.  There is no need to glue the floor to the underlay, it should be loose laid over the top. Stagger the planks in whatever pattern you want to achieve.  Remember to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room, including doorways and around pipes. [caption id="attachment_567" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Floating bamboo floor over an underlay[/caption]

Floating the floor over an underlay – click system fitting

Lay your chosen underlay throughout the whole room.  Remember to leave an expansion gap of at least 10mm around the edge of the room.  Start to lay your floor by simply clicking and locking the joints together.  There is no need for any glue or nails with this installation method.  

Secret Nailing the floor to a wooden subfloor

Make sure that your wooden subfloor is flat, level, dry and clean. Lay the first row of bamboo flooring.  Once you are happy with this, continue to add rows by secret nailing into the grooves.  You should aim to use at least 3 nails per plank, and do not go too close to the end of a plank as it could split. Stagger planks in whatever pattern you prefer and always remember to leave an expansion gap of at least 10mm. [caption id="attachment_246" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Secret nailing: installing bamboo flooring[/caption]

Gluing the floor to a concrete or a wooden subfloor

Start by preparing your subfloor and remove any traces of existing glue or chemicals.  Now apply some flexible flooring adhesive to a small area of your room.  Secure the first row of bamboo flooring to the subfloor. Once it is straight and secure, continue to add rows.  Remember to leave an expansion gap around the edge of the room. [caption id="attachment_895" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Applying Flexible Flooring Adhesive[/caption] Here is a checklist for your fitting bamboo floor:

• Prepare your subfloor properly.
• Allow your bamboo floor to acclimatise for the correct amount of time.
• Make sure there is no wet paintwork or plaster in the room.
• Ensure you have all the correct equipment (glue, saw, nails, underlay, etc)
• Always leave a 10mm expansion gap around the edge of the room.
• Finish your room with our matching bamboo flooring accessories.
• Remember to consult a professional floor fitter if you are in doubt about anything.

  If you have underfloor heating, please have a read through the following: Installation tips for fitting bamboo flooring over underfloor heating.