All types and varieties of bamboo flooring can be installed onto plywood in a number of different ways. You could either secret nailing, secret screw or float your flooring over an underlay. You can also glue the bamboo down directly to the plywood.
Firstly you must ensure that your plywood subfloor is flat, level, dry, clean and of a good quality.
For more information please see our article: Preparing your subfloor for bamboo flooring.
Once you have prepared your plywood subfloor you are ready to install your bamboo flooring by gluing directly down, secret nailing, secret screwing, or floating over an underlay. Always ensure that you leave an expansion gap of 10mm is around the edge of the room. This allows the flooring to expand and contract naturally and will not cause any damage to your flooring
Gluing your bamboo floor onto floorboards
Use a flexible flooring adhesive to glue your bamboo flooring directly down to the plywood. Make sure the first row is straight and secure and then carry on with the rest of the room. If your bamboo flooring has a click fitting system then glue the planks to the plywood as you click and lock them into place. If your bamboo flooring has a tongue and groove profile, then simply fit the tongue and grooves together whilst gluing planks down to the plywood subfloor.
Secret screwing or secret nailing your bamboo flooring down
Secure your first row of bamboo flooring by either nailing or screwing into the groove part of the planks. Use at least three nails or screws per plank and do not go too close to the end of the plank as it may split. Once you are happy with your first row of flooring, continue using the same method until your room is complete.
Floating your bamboo floor over an underlay
Once you have laid your underlay (for example Silver Bam Underlay) you can simply click the planks flooring together over the underlay. Alternatively, if you have bamboo flooring with a tongue and groove profile, then you should use a WPVA glue to glue the tongue and groove joints together, whilst loosely laying it the underlay.
Please note that this information is for advice and guidance, and we always recommend that you consult a floor fitting expert who has an understanding of the specific type of bamboo flooring that you want to install.