Bamboo flooring can be installed over chipboard easily by either gluing it directly to the chipboard of floating it over an underlay. Chipboard is not strong or secure enough for secret nailing or secret screwing.
The first thing you must do is to ensure that your subfloor is of a good quality and is flat, level, dry and clean. For more information about this see our article on preparing your subfloor. Once your chipboard subfloor is of a sound quality, you are ready to install your bamboo flooring. You now have the choice of either gluing it down directly to the chipboard or floating it over an underlay.
Gluing your bamboo floor onto chipboard
Ensure the chipboard has been swept and the surface is clean. To enable the bamboo flooring to expand and contract naturally, a 10mm expansion gap should be left around the perimeter of the room (including doorways). The first plank of flooring can be glued directly down to the chipboard with a flexible flooring adhesive (Sika MS Wood Floor). Check that the first row is straight and secure, then continue with the rest of the room. If you have bamboo flooring that has a tongue and grove profile then you fit the tongue and grooves together whilst gluing the planks to the chipboard. If your bamboo flooring has a click fitting system, then simply glue them to the subfloor as you click and lock them into place.
Floating your bamboo floor over an underlay
Lay your underlay throughout the whole room. An example of a underlay to use would be the underlay. If your bamboo flooring has a tongue and groove profile then glue the joints together with a WPVA that conforms to EN204: D3. Be careful not to glue the flooring to the underlay; it should be left to float over the top.
This information is for general advice and guidance, and we always recommend that you consult a professional floor fitting expert who has an understanding of the type of bamboo flooring that you want to install.
