INFORMATION AND INSTALLATION GUIDE
Congratulations on choosing Bamboo Flooring, our Bamboo Floors will continue to please you and grace your interiors for many years to come. Please find the following Installation Instructions, that when adhered to, will ensure a magnificent installation and many years of enjoyment and hassle free maintenance.
A number of installation scenarios are possible for the three types of boards available:
Products:
Hardness:
Bamboo has rated as follows on the Janka Test:
Strand Woven Bamboo – Moso Select. 11.0 +
Horizontal – Natural and Coffee 6.8
Vertical – Natural and Coffee. 6.8
Relative Terms :
The Moso Select can be described as an Extremely Hard Hardwood. With a rating well above Brushwood and compares in hardness to Iron Bark. It is well suited to all uses ranging from homes, investment properties, retail, cafes, bars and dance floors
Horizontal and Vertical Floors can be described as a Medium Hardwood suitable for Residential and Semi Commercial applications. Being approximately 10-20% harder than Tasmanian Oak and Victoria Ash, approximately 10% harder than Australian Cyprus and sits approximately 15% below the hardness of Jarrah. The Sand colours represent one of the harder blonde timbers, however stiletto heels will mark these floors as well as full laden fridges rolled across them.
Finishes :
The Bamboo Floors are finished with a UV Cured Waterborne Urethane. The boards are sanded then a number of filler and sealer coats are applied then sanded again. Each application of coat is applied by roller on a finishing line with boards passing under a series of UV Lamps that rapidly cure the finishes.
The final top coat has Aluminum Oxide suspended in the finish. This material is the same aggregate you find on white sand paper, it has excellent protective and anti abrasive properties, meaning that the finish coat is able to withstand wear and rub.
The finish is not scratch resistant, due to the rapid curing process the finish, although having excellent rub resistance is more brittle or less flexible as oil based and two part finishes. This results with scratches appearing with a white opaqueness, that contrasts more against the darker tones.
Like all timber floors we recommend that all items upon the floors have felt pads applied from day one
Re finishing :
Bamboo ca be refinished in the normal manner, when all of the factory finish has been sanded off any style of finish can be used.
It is possible for bamboo to receive numerous major sand and refinishes, within its lifetime.
Installation techniques in summary
Strandwoven Bamboo Floors
Moso Select Bamboo Flooring. Clic Lock. Only. FLOATED INSTALLATION
Moso Select Bamboo Flooring. Tongue and Groove. FLOATED INSTALLATION or DIRECT STICK with advice..
ECO-n Bamboo Flooring. Clic Lock. Only FLOATED INSTALLATION
Horizontal and Vertical Floors FLOATED INSTALLATION or DIRECT STICK with advice..
Installation technique common to all installation methods:
Please read the following as General Installation Instructions as to the recommended method of installation in conjunction with notes found within Installation applications summarized which apply to specific installation scenarios.
Getting Started
Ensure that all recommendations for sub floor preparation have been undertaken.
Ensure that a 10mm gap is left around all perimeter walls and fixed objects.
Gaps at door reveals can be filled with colour matched flexible corking compound, this is recommended in all instances where floor a joins or is within a potentially wet area.
Cut all door jams to the proper height to accommodate either flooring and adhesive or flooring and under lay.
Remove, and adjust doors that will be affected by new finished floor height.
Expansion of Bamboo Floor is it greatest across its width, when floor areas above eight meter are encountered in this orientation a propriety expansion strip is recommended. We recommend that the perimeter gap is increase when floors of eight meters [ across grain ] plus are encountered.
Use a circular saw to cut the floor to size, set a distance of 10mm around the wall by using wedge spacers which are later removed. Use a chalk line to make sure that all rows are straight, scribe first boards along wall to compensate if walls are not straight or square to your chalk line and intended orientation of boards.
Boards with Lock System require no glue, or clamping
When installing Tongue and Grooved boards as Floated Floors use Crosslink PVA to manufactures recommendations, this is a water proof PVA hybrid designed for engineered floor applications.
Apply to the top of the tongue and the bottom of the groove, ensure adequate amount is used, consume 500 ml / 7 – 8 sqm for 96mm wide boards. This ensures that moisture does not enter the boards via their unfinished or lightly sealed edges and holds the individual boards together. Boards must be “pulled up“ with clamps or wedges whilst glue cures.
For floating floors no fastening to the sub floor is required. Do not allow excess glue to remain on flooring, remove using recommended clean up.
For Direct Stuck installations, a 5mm notched trowel is used, with 100 % cover as recommended by Adhesive Manufacturers. Expanding adhesive systems are not recommended.
From the starting wall place the tongue side of the board to the wall, place each tongue firmly into the groove of the next board and so on, the tail or off cut of each run is used as the starting board of the next , and so on.
If the final boards requires cutting along the length to complete the installation do so with table saw.
The floor is trimmed out for completion.
Before you lay your floors:
Moisture
Common to all installation techniques consideration must be given to moisture content within the sub floor including whether the sub floor that on which the Bamboo Flooring is to be laid is adequately ventilated and protected from moisture vapors.
If should be noted that the Bamboo Flooring is sealed on all surfaces minimizing the ingress of moisture, and when delivered to site will have moisture content of 10% + – 2% .
Bamboo Floors are resistant to light spills; however it should be noted that the sealant used on all surfaces of boards is not vapor proof. When installing pre finished floors as a Floated Installation use Crosslink PVA this is a water proof PVA hybrid designed for floor applications. Apply as previously noted..
Where effective vapor proofing is not provided or adequate ventilation of sub floors is not achieved , water vapor may expand the flooring creating buckling of boards. It is the responsibility of the installer and or client, to ensure that the sub floor is suitable or vapor protection provided.
Unlike Hardwoods a long acclimatization period is not required; we however recommend that if you are concerned with the variations in moisture content between the sub-floor and bamboo that you take moisture readings of the sub floor, should you be in any doubt prior to installation. Please read on as further reference is made in relationship to potentially damp sub-floors.
All Direct Stick applications to on and above ground concrete substrate must be effectively sealed with epoxy vapor barrier system or better.
Visible defects
Bamboo is a natural product; with no two pieces of bamboo the same. As colours may differ you should mix boards from at least four packs at a time. The greatest possible care is taken to produce your floor, however, we advise to check the boards for visual defects such as damage, extreme differences in colour and deviations in shape or dimensions. No complaints regarding visible defects will be considered after boards have been laid.
Sub floor preparation:
The sub-floor should be permanently dry, hard and level with good load bearing properties.
Concrete floor surface preparation
The concrete floor is to be dry and free of all contaminants such as oil, paint, grease, dust, metal shavings, saw dust etc.
The concrete floor should be moisture tested in random locations to ensure the concrete is below 5.0% Moisture Content prior to installation of direct stuck, battened or floated floors that are to be installed without vapor barrier protection.
The concrete floor surface is to be scraped to remove all cement render spoil. Gyprock setting residue and mortar excess at the base of walls.
Deformations to the surface of the concrete and other sub floors greater than 3mm over 1200mm are to be filled with self leveling topping feathered to a smooth edge and allowed 48 hours before application of adhesives to the surface. Allow 72 hours if this process is repeated. All residue and droppings of leveling topping are to be removed.
All Direct Stick applications to on and above ground concrete substrate must be effectively sealed with an epoxy vapor barrier system or better. The sealer to be compatible with adhesive.
Similar preparation required when floating floor over existing tiles.
Timber, ply or particle board floor preparation.
Ensure the existing floor is firm and well fixed down to joists or battens. Loose or poorly fixed sheeting or boards should be re-nailed.
If there is peaking or cupping to existing timber at joints of sheeting, this should be removed by heavy cross cut sanding.
Previous floor coatings or finishes may affect adhesion and should be tested to ensure good adhesion or sanded off to provide a good key.
Standard Recommendations [ Not only Bamboo Floors ] :Moisture content of sub flooring should not exceed 15% for hardwoods or 18% for soft woods, Moisture content for ply or particle board should not exceed 12 %. Please refer to Technical Requirements of adhesive supplier.
The surface of the particle board should be free of any production waxes found on new particle board flooring.
Sub floor ventilation should be considered, moisture barriers suitable for either the direct stick or floated installations over these type of sub floors should be considered and used where potential risk is noted .
Installation applications summarized:
Bamboo Flooring can be installed in the following ways:
Please read the following as specific notes in addition to the General Installation Instructions for Bamboo Floors supplied on request.
- Directly Stuck to Slabs, Ply, Particle Board, or existing timber flooring.
All Direct Stick applications to on and above ground concrete substrate must be effectively sealed with epoxy vapor barrier system or better.
Adhesive to be compatible with barrier system, applied by 5 mm notch trowel.
Given that a floor installed by Direct Stick Method will only mirror the sub floor below , it is recommended that preparation of sub floors is discussed between client and installer to ensure deviations in level are identified and leveled to recommendations made in General Installation Instructions for Bamboo Floors or accepted by client prior to installation.
- Floated on slabs, ply, particle board or most existing floors including projects requiring acoustic installation.
It should be noted that the range of 1830mm long boards are the only type suited for a floating floor application. It is required that the recommended perimeter gap of 10mm is maintained and that a Crosslink PVA Glue is used for the Tongue and Groove jointing.
It is required for floated installations that are tongue and groove boards to be “ pulled up “ whilst the pva is curing.
Boards with Lock System require no glue, or clamping.
Bamboo Floors are compatible with all floating floor under lays, and the choice given the differing performance characteristic such as acoustic rating, materials, features such as integrated vapor proofing and cost, is left to the client.
All installation instructions provided with the under lays should be followed in conjunction with those of General Installation Instructions for Bamboo Floors.
If proper floor ventilation can not be achieved or moisture level of sub floors do not meet Ref. AS1884 5.5 %, installation can proceed given a Vapor Barrier is installed. This being builder’s polythene sheeting overlapped and securely taped to provide a continuous seal and that the sheeting is generous enough to return up the walls at all perimeter gaps. This excess is then trimmed when final skirting or finishing moldings are fitted off.
Warranty: Non Commercial.
The Supplier, being the Importer of the product agrees to replace any materially defective boards that are proved at time of delivery or within a period of seven years thereof to be defective through faulty materials or manufacture. For commercial applications the warranty period is for a two year period.
In order for the Purchaser to obtain protection of this guarantee the Company reserves the right to obtain or be allowed access to inspect flooring claimed to be faulty.
The sole remedy provided herein is limited to the repair, refinish or replacement of any proven defective boards and does not extend to Installation Costs.
Exclusions
The guarantee, provided by the Supplier / Importer excludes flooring that has not been laid in accordance with manufactures specific written installation instructions. This guarantee does not cover ,cupping as per the tolerances specified within Australian Standards, gapping at the joints of boards, breakdown of failure of Cross linked PVA glues used in the joining of individual boards, indentations, scratches or damages caused by negligence and or animals, water intrusion, lack of appropriate sub floor ventilation, appropriate expansion allowances, excessive humidity, excessive dryness and heat, mould, deterioration of finishes due to UV, erosion, insects ,pets or spiked heel shoes.
Terms and Conditions of sale.
- In these conditions
- “BF” is Bamboo Floors
- The “Customer” means the person, firm or corporation purchasing the Goods from BF
- “Goods” means any goods, including flooring, to be supplied by BF to the Customer.
- BF agrees to sell to the Customer the Goods on the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Attached Proposal/ Quotation.
- Full payment of the invoiced amount for the Goods, without any deduction whatsoever, must be made to BF as per the payment scheduled outlined in the Proposal/ Quotation.
- The Customer acknowledges and agrees that bamboo is a natural occurring or manufactured item which can be subject to variations such as colour, shading and growth patterns and that the Goods may vary to any samples previously provided.
- Risk in the Goods passes to the Customer upon delivery to the last address specified by the Customer.
- The Customer acknowledges and agrees that:
(a) The Customer must not return the Goods to BF unless BF consents in writing to the return of the Goods. No claims will be entered into after 7 days from dispatch date.
(b) If BF consents to the return of the Goods, then a handling fee of 20% of the total invoice cost of the Goods together with any freight costs may become due and payable by the Customer within 7 days from accepted return date of the goods
(c) BF’s decision to consent to the return of the Goods is at its sole and unfettered discretion.
7. The Customer acknowledges and agrees that, except in respect of the warranty provided in clause 8:
(a) No warranty, condition, description or representation in relation to the Goods is given by BF, expressly or implied by this Agreement or outside this Agreement.
(b) All warranties, terms and conditions in relation to the state, quality or fitness of the Goods and of every other kind whether expressed or implied by use, statute or otherwise is excluded.
(c) These Terms and Conditions and the attached Proposal/Quotation are the entire agreement between BF and the Customer and the Customer has not relied on any representations made by or on behalf of BF in respect of the Goods.
8. The method of installation and maintenance of the Goods is critical to the Goods’ wear and longevity. Provided the Goods are installed and maintained strictly in accordance with the Product’s Manufacturers – Installation Schedule” (a copy of which the Customer warrants that it has received, read and understood), BF will support the Customer in any warranty claim made directly to the Manufacturer of the Product only as to the terms and limitations imposed on the product by the Manufacturer and only for the replacement of Goods and Services supplied by BF in relation to the Goods purchased from BF and not for any other loss or damage.. This undertaking extends only to the Customer and cannot be transferred to any other party.
9. Title of the Goods remains with BF until full payment has been made to BF in respect of all outstanding monies owed to BF. In the event that full payment is not received in accordance with BF terms of trade then the Customer grants to BF and its agent’s irrevocable authority to enter the premises on which the Goods are for the express purpose of retaking possession of the Goods.
10. The person signing this agreement, or accepting official quote ,including for and on behalf of the Customer, hereby covenants with BF that he or she has the authority of the Customer to make this agreement on the Customer’s behalf and hereby indemnifies BF and its agents against all losses and costs incurred by BF arising out of the person signing this Agreement failing to have such power and /or authority.
11. In circumstances where the Customer is acting as a disclosed or undisclosed principal, the customer agrees that it is liable to BF to fulfill the Customer’s obligations under these Terms and Conditions regardless of whether or not it is acting as agent, contractor, subcontractor or in any other capacity.
Maintain bamboo floors by :
1. Vacuum or sweep floors regularly.
Ensure your Vacuum Cleaner Head has its bristles down so floor is not scratched. Purchase an Anti-Static Broom to help with your regular sweeping.
- Remove spills quickly.
Your bamboo floors should not be immersed in water, should not be cleaned with a wet mop or expected to remain stable if water is allowed to sit.
- Minimize Grit.
Locating mats at exterior doors will help greatly in trapping the grit that can be walk on to your floor.
4. Protection in High Traffic areas.
Placement of Rugs and Runner in high traffic areas is an excellent idea to protect your floor in the areas that see heaps of action or traffic. In office areas protection should provided under office chairs or any other heavy object on castors.
5. Install felt pads or similar on the feet of all furniture.
Be it a light chair or a heavy book case unit, take the time and fit felt pads to all feet and surfaces that come in contact with the floor.
Be aware of trolleys or heavy objects on castors
6. When moving furniture around – do not slide.
7. Pet Claws can be a problem, keep claws properly trimmed and reward your pet for moving slowly around your house.
There are a number of products around designed for pets needing better traction. Try – Anti Slip Spray by Biogroom or Paw Wax by Shaws , available from pet supply companies.
8. Cleaning your floor is best done by:
a. Vacuum or sweep to remove dust, dirt and grit.
b. Using a bucket of warm water with a gentle household detergent such as dishwashing liquid [ not dishwasher ]. Slightly dampen a sponge style mop. Work the mop back and forth in the direction of the boards.
Heavy build ups or scuff marks can be removed by dabbing methylated spirits on to an already dampened sponge, only a dab is needed. Too much may affect the hardness of your floors coating system cause.
c. Place dry cloth under the head of the mop and give floor a once over to remove excess water and buff surface of the floor.
9. Enjoy your floor, let it live.
Your Bamboo Floors is made from a natural material that will behave like all other hardwood floors, your floor has been pre finished with a tough euro thane coating system that will take many years to wear through.
Over time your floor will wear, be scratch and be marked by life’s traffic. The steps listed above will greatly assist in minimizing this impact on your floor.
Basically your Bamboo Floor will take on a warmth and character of its own and strangely enough in many ways mirror what happens upon it.
The things not to do!
1. Do not let grit and sand to build up .
2. Never use wet mop to clean floor, the drier the better.
3. High Heels will take their toll
NOTE : Use of waxes may result in creating difficulties if or when it is time to recoat your floor.