- 1). Prepare your subfloor. Use a concrete mix to patch any holes in the surface, then allow them to dry before proceeding. If the floor is in very poor condition, cover it with a layer of plywood, fastened in place using a wood stapler.
- 2). Cover the floor with a felt vapor barrier. This material comes in rolls and can be stapled to the subfloor. It acts as a moisture barrier to protect the bamboo flooring.
- 3). Start laying your bamboo planks at the longest wall. Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the wall and the wood to allow for expansion. Staple the wood in place using a hammer. Nails should be placed every 6 inches on center, and should be no closer than 2 inches to the end of each plank.
- 4). Continue laying your wood planks in tight rows. Stagger the joints on each row to produce a more secure installation.
- 5). Use a circular saw as needed to cut the planks. If the remaining pieces are long enough, you can use them to start the next row. If they are shorter than 12 inches however, it's best to discard them. Shorter pieces tend to disrupt the look of the floor.
- 6). Leave another 1/4-inch expansion gap as you reach the opposite wall. It may be necessary to cut the planks width-wise to make them fit.
- 7). Cover any visible nail holes with wood putty and sand them after you have finished installing all of your material.
- 8). Install baseboards or trim pieces around the perimeter of the room to cover the expansion joints and complete the project.
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