How to Install Bamboo Plank Flooring
Step 1: Establish a Reference Line
Start by marking a reference line parallel to the longest exterior wall in the room. Use the exterior wall because it's usually the longest and straightest run. If the longest exterior wall is less than half the length of an interior wall in the room use the longer interior wall. Measure the same distance away from the wall at several spots. Three feet should be enough. Mark a line with a pencil or chalk line.
Step 2: Nail Down a Batten Board
Nail the 1x4s down as a batten boards all the way down the line. These boards provide a guide to lay the first board in and a solid surface to nail to.
Step 3: Lay Down Flooring
Lay the first floor board in and secure it with an 18-gauge pin nailer driving the nail right into the shoulder of the tongue (image 1). The nail needs to go in at an angle so it isn't in the way of the next board (image 2). If the flooring abuts a different kind of wooden or tile flooring leave a gap of 1" between the bamboo flooring and the other flooring. Use a transition strip between the two flooring types to cover the gap.
Step 4: Lay the Next Row of Planks
Cut a short piece of flooring (1') to start another row to stagger the seams. Double check that the boards are running straight, lay in the next course, line it up with the seam and push it in and check to make sure the seams are straight.
Step 5: Vary the Length of the First Board
Vary the length of the first board installed in a new row so that seams do not line up on adjacent rows. If all the seams were in one straight line, the seams would be weak and the tongues would eventually break when walked on—and it would not look as good.
Step 6: Remove the Batten Board
Once a few rows are laid down remove the batten board and insert a spline so that flooring can be installed with the tongue points in the opposite direction. Make spline material twice the width, but the same height, of tongues on the planks. Squeeze a light amount of glue into the groove on the plank attached to the floor and gently tap the spline in place. Place the row of planks facing the opposite direction and lightly tap them in place using a block to protect the planks.
Step 7: Insert the Last Row
Insert the last row of planks having ripped them to the required width to fit between the last full-width board and the wall. Use a pry bar to pull the planks into place. Nail the boards down with finish nails through the face of the board near the wall. Use molding on the wall to cover the nail heads.
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Resources
- Signature Series kitchen cabinets (model: Rohe and Concord prepared for glass/color: Natural Cherry) from Mid Continent Cabinetry
- Granite countertop (model: Bianco Romano/color: Pastel White) from Stone Holding Co.
Guests
- Kevin Drontle and Al Braunworth
Granite Installers
Granite-Tops, Inc.
Website: www.granite-tops.com - Dawn-Marie Fildebrandt
President
Star Stainless Design
Website: www.starstainlessdesign.com
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