INSTALLATION QUESTIONS
Can Bamboo flooring be installed over a hardwood floor?
Can Bamboo Flooring be installed over tiles?
How long does it take to install Bamboo Flooring?
How do you install Bamboo Flooring?
Can I install Bamboo Flooring myself?
Who installs your Bamboo Flooring?
If we want tile and carpet stripped, do you do that?
Do you really need to apply a moisture barrier before installation?
Can Bamboo flooring be installed over a hardwood floor?
Yes! Bamboo can be installed over hardwood timber, both using the direct stick method and also the floating method.
The direct stick method involves sanding the hardwood floor back to the raw timber, before the installation of the bamboo. This procedure will allow the glue to bond to the surface of the hardwood, more effectively.
Please note: Both methods will cause a significant raise in floor level, which can cause a few issues.
Can Bamboo Flooring be installed over tiles?
It is possible using the floating floor method. However, it is also recommended using the direct stick method and the installation depends on the original tiles condition. We have no issues installing bamboo onto tiles if the customer requests, however the finish on the tile needs to be ground back first to allow the MB to be applied.
Please note: Both options can significantly raise the floor level, which can cause a few issues.
Also, we strongly recommend that if you choose the direct stick method, the removal of the tiles is preferred, so we can install on to the concrete sub floor. This technique will ensure you are covered by the full warranty. The removal of the tiles is an extra cost.
How long does it take to install Bamboo Flooring?
It depends on the application, whether it is the direct stick or floating flooring, the layout of the design and if there are any obstructions (such as a staircase) will all factor into the time involved to execute the installation.
The floating floor method uses a click & lock system which is quicker to install because no glue, moisture barrier or clamping is required.
An average 100m2 home can take approximately 3-4 days for direct stick. The click & lock systems used for the floating floors can take 2-3 days from start to finish. It depends on each individual installation, and it is worth saying that each installation is not rushed and we will take more time, if needed.
How do you install Bamboo Flooring?
There are 2 main installation applications:
1. Click and Lock Bamboo, which is a floating floor. Click & Lock Bamboo flooring sits on an underlay and does not require glue. The underlay has a moisture protection layer incorporated within it.
2. Tongue & Groove Bamboo, which is direct stick floor. Solid or Engineered Compressed Bamboo Flooring is a direct stick board that requires gluing to the sub-floor. However, the sub-floor must be sealed with a moisture barrier, prior to the boards being installed.
Can I install Bamboo Flooring myself?
Yes! Though, it depends on the skill level of the DIY enthusiast. If you have never attempted a direct stick floor before maybe it not such a good idea, and better left to the professional. DIY can be a good option for you, if you are familiar with direct stick or floating applications from previous flooring experiences. The Click & Lock system is a lot easier & quicker to install than direct stick.
Please note: some DIY enthusiasts may come into trouble when cutting around door frames.
We can offer a free service, for DIY customers, to come onsite and spend some time with our installers. Our installers will give you a better understanding and confidence in the techniques used for the installation.
This service is only provided if you have purchased your bamboo flooring from Simply Bamboo.
Who installs your Bamboo Flooring?
At Simply Bamboo we DO NOT use sub-contractors. We prefer all installing to be done in house in order to keep a high standard of quality and service. All our installers are fully trained on site by Marcus Staples (owner), who has over 25 years experience in the cabinet making industry and over 10 years in bamboo flooring installations.
Simply Bamboo Installers are full time employees of our company. When our employees are not installing floors, we are making Custom Made Furniture.
If we want tile and carpet stripped, do you do that?
Yes we do, but it comes at an additional cost. Normally this charge would be quoted accordingly to your removal needs.
Do you really need to apply a moisture barrier before installation?
Normally SIKA Moisture Barrier is applied on a new or recently laid concrete surface. Existing slabs, 5 years and under, must be applied with the barrier.
We recommend all surfaces, regardless of age, are to be applied with moisture barrier. There is no guarantee that all moisture in the concrete has dried, even when using a moisture tester because it is impossible for the device to test every patch of the concrete surface.
For the minimal cost of the moisture barrier used, it is great insurance and peace of mind that no moisture will enter from underneath. However, this will not protect the bamboo flooring from water which has either spilt or leaked onto the floor. For example, some water may have leaked from a dishwasher and been left for a long period of time on the bamboo floor.
Moisture Barrier is a solvent free 2-component epoxy primer of low viscosity. It is excellent for penetration on cement base surfaces which prevents any moisture entering your floor, and also acting as a primer which makes a much better bonding for adhesion.