How to Install Bamboo Flooring Over a Concrete Sub-Floor
Please note, because of the differences in installation methods,
this article covers installation over a concrete sub-floor
using the glue-down method. For installation over wood sub-floors,
please see our article “How
to Install Bamboo Flooring Over a Wood Sub-Floor.” This
article also assumes you have selected your grain and color
of flooring.
Tools Required
- Rubber Mallet
- Hand Saw
- High Quality Adhesive
Notes
- Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for adhesive so warranty isn’t voided.
- Because moisture can be a concern not only now but in the future, we recommend the use of a moisture barrier wood-flooring adhesive
Preparation:
Concrete floors bring special considerations to the project:
- Moisture is an important concern. A calcium chloride moisture test is recommended before beginning installation. A result of less than or equal to 3 lbs is desirable. Anything more than 3 lbs requires a vapor barrier over the concrete.
- It is very important that the concrete be smooth and level. If it is not, an appropriate material (i.e. floor patch, concrete floor leveler) must be utilized to obtain a smooth surface before installation begins.
Remove shoe moldings and make sure the sub-floor is even, clean, dry and smooth. Door jambs may also need to be cut so planks will fit under them to create a finished look. Simply place a piece of flooring against the jamb, mark it and cut the jamb at the line.
Once you have received your bamboo flooring, it must
first be allowed to acclimate itself in the room in which
it will be installed. Flooring should be removed from its
boxes and stored in the room it will be installed in for a
minimum of two days, preferably three to five days before
installation. This will let the floor adjust to the room’s
humidity and temperature. Also, the adhesive should be stored
in the room as well at least 24 hours before installation.
Because of natural variations in the flooring, it is recommended
you layout the planks to get an idea of how you want them
arranged before making any cuts or nailing any boards down.
Installation:
It is recommended that you install bamboo flooring
parallel with the longest wall of the room for the best visual
effect. Once again, we recommend a moisture barrier wood-flooring
adhesive, but if moisture is not and will not become a concern
any high grade adhesive can be used.
Using a 1/4” x 1/8” square notched trowel, spread the adhesive on the sub-floor. As you lay the starter row, be sure to leave a 1/4” gap between the floor and the wall to allow for expansion/contraction of the floor. Make sure the groove of the of the flooring is facing the starter wall.
As you begin your next row, make sure your board joints are staggered. In other words, no two ends of adjacent rows should meet. You can achieve this by cutting off 6-8 inches of the first board in your next row. This varying board length is not only for visual effect, but is also essential so as not to weaken the floor.
Tip: Make sure you match tongue to groove as you lay each row. Otherwise you will create very unsightly gaps and an uneven floor. Also, use a scrap piece of floor braced against the piece you are installing and tap against the scrap piece with the rubber mallet to work the flooring into place.
Finishing Up:
Follow adhesive and/or floor manufacturer’s instructions for
information on how long you must wait before walking on your
finished flooring. Once the adhesive has had time to completely
set, replace the shoe moldings and give the floor a final
sweep up. Bring back in any furniture, rugs, etc. and enjoy
your new floor!
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