Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring: Installation & Care Guide

Professional-Grade Instructions for a Flawless, Long-Lasting Floor

Strand woven bamboo flooring installs just like traditional tongue-and-groove hardwood, making it familiar for experienced installers. Follow these steps for optimal performance and durability.

Pre-Installation Requirements

1. Acclimation (72 Hours Before Installation)

• Deliver flooring to the job site 72 hours prior.

• Unpack and stack boards in the installation room.

• Maintain room conditions: 21°C (70°F) | 30–50% humidity.

• Run HVAC systems normally to stabilize moisture levels.

2. Inspection & Color Blending

• Check for defects—do not install damaged boards.

• Mix planks from multiple boxes to distribute natural color variations.

• Why variations occur: Bamboo’s color depends on age (4yr vs. 6yr), sunlight exposure, and harvest position (darker at base).

• Each carton is labeled D (Dark), M (Medium), or L (Light) for consistency.

3. Subfloor Preparation

Concrete Slabs

• Must be flat, clean, and dry (test moisture with a meter).

• Max 3% moisture difference between slab and flooring.

• Use a 0.2mm polyethylene vapor barrier if needed.

Wood Subfloors

• Ensure stability and levelness (±3mm over 1m).

Installation Methods

Option 1: Nail-Down (Over Wood Subfloor)

✔ Best for: Plywood or OSB subfloors.
✔ Steps:

1. Secure 25mm x 35mm pine strips to concrete with spiral nails.

2. Nail flooring at 50° through the tongue every 140–220mm.

3. Maintain 15mm expansion gaps at walls.

4. Stagger end joints randomly (avoid "H" or stair-step patterns).

Option 2: Glue-Down (Direct to Concrete)

✔ Best for: Concrete slabs (must pass moisture test).
✔ Steps:

1. Use high-quality wood adhesive (Franklin, Bostik, Bruce).

2. Apply adhesive evenly with a trowel.

3. Press planks firmly into place.

Expansion & Trim

• Expansion gaps: 10–16mm at walls (for rooms ≤7.6m wide).

• Large rooms (>7.6m): Add T-moldings as expansion joints.

• Recommended trims: Skirting boards, T-moldings, reducers.

Care & Maintenance

✅ Do:

• Sweep/vacuum daily to prevent grit scratches.

• Clean spills immediately with a damp (not wet!) cloth.

• Use hardwood/bamboo-specific cleaners (no wax or oil).

• Place felt pads under furniture legs.

• Rotate rugs to prevent UV fading.

• Recoat with urethane finish every 3–5 years (high-traffic areas).

❌ Don’t:

• Use steam mops, excessive water, or harsh chemicals.

• Wear stilettos or cleats on the floor.

• Drag heavy furniture (use sliders or rugs).

• Allow prolonged sun exposure (use curtains/blinds).

Why Choose Strand Woven Bamboo?

• 2x harder than oak (1110 kg/m³ density).

• Eco-friendly – Grows to maturity in 4–6 years.

• Stable – 3-ply cross-grain construction resists warping.

• 3 Color Options: Natural (light), Carbonized (caramel), Tiger (streaked).

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