Tools For Bamboo Flooring Installation

When preparing for a bamboo flooring installation, or any type of flooring installation for that matter, make sure to have your tools on hand to help facilitate installation. The basic materials that you should have when conducting a bamboo flooring installation are:

• measuring tape
• a handsaw or a power saw
• tapping block (a trimmed piece installationof flooring, used to pull planks together)
• 1/4" wood or plastic spacers
• a crow bar or pull bar (used to close end joints near a wall)
• hammer
• chalk line
• pencil

Depending on the method that you will use to install your bamboo flooring, you will also need the following:

• For a nail-down bamboo flooring installation
  • hardwood-appropriate nail gun
  • nail application chart
• For a glue-down bamboo flooring installation
  • approved flooring adhesive
  • adhesive trowel
• For a floating bamboo flooring Installation
  • 6-mil polyfilm foam underlayment PVAC glue
  • polytape or duct tape

Remember to put a 1/4" expansion space between flooring and the walls or vertical objects to allow for expansion of the floor planks with variations in moisture level. Wood or plastic spacers can be used to maintain this space. To get the straightest line possible, lay your bamboo floors parallel to the longest wall. The layout of the room and locations of entrances and windows should be considered when doing your layout. Don't forget to lay them out first without nails or glue to determine placing and to see if it is aligned correctly. Make sure that all tools and materials are present to make the installation easier.