About Author: Jerry is a home decor enthusiast and currently working with Canadian Appliance Source in Mississauga. He has done research on various kitchen appliances and home appliances.

Bamboo flooring is similar to any type of  hardwood flooring as far as the look and finish are concerned, but it is one of the best cost saving alternatives for your flooring needs. At less than half the cost of other exquisite hardwood floors, you can have a glossy, wooden floor space by applying bamboo. The boards are composed of bamboo shoots, a grass that grows on its own, and even after it is cut it can be harvested over and over again. It only takes 4-5 years to grow rather than 20 years for a tree, and it requires no irrigation, pesticides, or fertilizer. This makes bamboo a great, environmentally friendly material for flooring.

Manufacturers today produce floor boards with both strip bamboo and strand bamboo. Strand bamboo boards produce a harder floor than the strip variety.

Bamboo floor can be quick and easy to install. The entire installation task can be completed within a weekend, but before you begin there are a few requirements that you must meet.  

Here are 5 steps to take to prepare to Install bamboo flooring.

1. Know your bamboo

There are many varieties of bamboo flooring made. Strips of bamboo engineered in a manufacturing plant make up the material for bamboo flooring in most cases. Solid pieces of bamboo glued together or strand woven bamboo floor boards are gaining popularity thanks to their durability. The harder floor boards make for better durability and appearance. When deciding on a bamboo floor and purchasing the floor boards, check on the material.

• •    Check on different bamboo flooring materials and their respective durability.
• •    Know the installation procedure corresponding to different types of bamboo floor boards.
• •    Have the proper installation tools for your specific type, like adhesives, nails, etc., ready to be utilized.
• •    When applying on a cement floor, gluing is best. You can connect the pieces of bamboo floor boards in small sections.
• •    On other subfloors, you can nail down the planks to the existing floor boards.
• •    You can also set up a floating floor by snapping the floor strips together over a layer of padding.

2. Acclimate the bamboo

After purchasing bamboo boards they need to adjust to the climatic conditions for a few days before they can be used for flooring.

• •    Spread them in small piles over the floor.
• •    Make sure that the floor is dry and without moisture.
• •    Let the bamboo floor boards adjust to the room’s temperature for a few days prior to installation.
• •    Install the flooring preferably in the dry season.

3. Keep it clean

Before installation, the floor must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid damage to the floor boards. Any lump or dent on the floor surface may lead to squeaking..

• •    Clear all debris and repair any uneven surfaces before installing the floor boards.
• •    After installation, clean off any dirt and scratching substances from the floor.
• •    Clear the flooring with a soft broom and mop it regularly with natural cleaners.

4. Purchase a repair kit

Most bamboo floor board suppliers today offer you a lifelong structural guarantee along with a set number of years guaranteed to the finish. Irrespective of these guarantees, buying scratch repair kit from the supplier is recommended. Any scratch on the floor can lead to permanent damage.

• •    Purchase the repair kit and practice how to repair bumps and scratches on the floor with your scrap materials.
• •    Know the guarantee commitment for the repair product and keep it stored in a safe spot.
• •    Do not let the scratches go unnoticed for too long. Repair them as soon as you find any of them.

5. Furniture pads and other protection

Bamboo floors are vulnerable to scratches from moving heavy furniture. Padding the furniture is recommended to avoid this. Pads can be purchased at any retail or hardware store. Walking on the bamboo floor with high heeled shoes can cause dents or scratches to the floor as well. Direct sunlight on the floor can cause the bamboo surface to lose its luster and shine early.

• •    Pad all your furniture legs to prevent them from scratching the floor while moving around.
• •    Place rugs in high traffic places where you need to walk.
• •    To avoid direct sunlight on the floor use appropriate screens, curtains, and shades.
• •    Never walk on the floor in high heels.

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