Installation Instructions For GreenFloors Click Bamboo Flooring

General condition

It is necessary that the heating or air conditioning system be operable and in service for at least two weeks prior to starting the installation. Humidity range for the job site should be 45%-55% and the temperature setting to within 59-68˚F.  Temperature and humidity should be in normal usage levels in the area of installtion and maintained at those levels after installation. Flooring should be at the job site at least 24 hours prior to installation area.  Cartons should be placed in the installation area.  Do not open until ready to install. 

NOTE: Do not install cabinets or wall on top of Click-on/ Glueless bamboo. 

General floor condition

Surfaces must be clean, dry smooth and free of dirt, wax, oil, paint, curing agents that would interfere with adhesive bond.  Oil resilient floors can be installed over provided above conditions apply.  Wood subfloors should be sanded level prior to new installation.  Concrete subfloor mush have all cracks and holes filled.

Sub-floor preparation

Concrete:

·         The moisture content of the concrete may not exceed 2.5% (CM method).  A freshly poured coating must dry out for at least 1 week per 13/32” thickness up to 1-5/8”, and 2 weeks per 13/32” thickness above 1-5/8”, with sufficient ventilation. 

·         In case of floor heating, the moisture content may not exceed 1.5% (CM method).

Wood:

·         The moisture content of the bamboo may not exceed 10%.

·         It is essential that the creeping space under the wooden floor be sufficiently ventilated : remove any obstacles and provide sufficient ventilation ( minimum 5/8 sq. inch total ventilation opening per yard of floor).

·         Install the new panels across the planks.

Subfloor flatness

Subfloor should be flat to 3/16” per 8’ radius.  If subfloor perp work is required, “ hills” should be sanded down and “valleys” filled with underlayment patch developed by a reputable manufacturer for use with hardwood flooring.  Do not sand sub-surface such as vinyl or synthetic tiles that may contan asbestors.

Floating

Use 6 or 8 mm foam underlayment.  Foam underlayment is recommended as a moisture barrier and also as a sound barrier for floating installation. Allow at least ½” room for expansion around the perimeter of the room. Increase this space proportionately in floors over 20’. Flooring should be at the job site at least 24 hours prior to installation.  Cartons should be placed in the installation area. DO NOT OPEN until ready to install.

Installation

Hints:

·         ½” expansion gap should be provided at all walls.

·         Select and install a plank from each of 4 cartons in sequence to maximize blending of color shades and patterns.

         Sequence of panels

 Steps:

 A.  Install the floor from left to right by clicking the boards together using the tongue into the groove.

 B.     Place your knees on panel 1 and push the tongue of panel 2 into the groove of panel 1.  Rotate panel 2 up and down ( while you hold panel 2 hard against panel 1) until both panels click togeher.  If panel 2 does not stay flat or if the joint is not perfectly tight, this is a sign that the joint has not been fully made.  If this is the case, rotate and press both panels again, using more force until they click in together.

C.  Now install the second panel of the first row.  Take panel 3 and hold it in your left hand.  Hold the panel slanted, so that the tongue ( on the short edge) can be fitted easily into the groove ( on the short edge) of panel 1.  If the tongue sticks in the groove, rotate panel 3 up and down and at the same time push against panel 1.  Make sure that panels 1 and 3 are perfectly aligned to one another.  This is very important for installing the next rows! Before you go any further, first place a weight (e.g. a full box of planks) on top of panels 1 and 2.

D.  Place both knees on panels 1 and 3.  The weight (box of planks) that is lying on panels 1 and 2, will ensure that the joints you made previously will not come apart.  Now take panel 4 in both hands, and fit it on the slant into the groove on the short edge of panel 2.  Ensure that -  on the long edge -  there is a space of  +/- 1 cm between panel 4 and the panels in the first row.  Rotate panel 4 gently downward and press it against panel 2 until you feel the tongue and groove click firmly together.  Now the panels lie flat on the ground. Slightly lift up panel 2 and 4 and use your left hand to tap panel 4 on the long edge side so that it moves in the direction of the first row so that the tongue of the long side of panel 4 comes into direct contact with the groove of the first row.

E.      Rotate panels 2 and 4 together up and down in order to make a joint between tongue and groove.    Always make sure when rotating that you press the tongue and groove together with sufficient force.  After a few rotations, the tongue-and-groove joint should have been made and you can now let the panels lie flat on the ground.  If there is no visible space left in the joint, then you have joined the panels together correctly.  If not, repeat the rotation movement ( and press harder) or you must check that the panels in the first row are in perfect alignment.  Now you have joined the first four panels and have got used to the technique.  Then use the same technique as with panels 3 and 4 so that the first two rows are fully installed.  Now push the whole unit against the wall and fill in the expansion joint (+/- 1 cm), using spacer blocks, so that you have a sturdy whole.

F.      From the third row on, finish off each row at a time, each time joining the panel along its short edge, then along its long edge.  You can use the left-over pieces that you have at the end of each row as the beginning panels of the next row.  That way, you make the best possible use of each panel.  Always place a weight (box of planks) on the joints that you have just made in order to stabilize them.

G.     Trim the last board to fit, leaving enough room to place a ½” spacer.  Expansion space is covered with an appropriate molding.  Always attach the trim to the wall of vertical object and never to the boards.

BAMBOO FLOORING IS A PRODUCT OF NATURE WHICH HAS NATURAL COLOR VARIATION.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE BOARDS OUT OF 4-5 CARTONS AT THE SAME TIME IN ORDER TO MIX AND BLEND IN THE SHADES OF FLOORING.