Installing Bamboo Flooring - Comments

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I plan on installing bamboo flooring, my sub-floor is MDF. Would you recommend nailing or glueing?

John Fresno at August 17, 2009 12:06 PM

Posted by: John Fresno at August 17, 2009 12:06 PM

John,

I do mention that in the article. Take a look as there are several other tips that are a must-read for installation as well!

The Flooring Lady at August 17, 2009 03:00 PM

Posted by: The Flooring Lady at August 17, 2009 03:00 PM

Does anyone have any suggestions for getting the glue smudges off of bamboo flooring after it is installed?

Melissa Hurst at September 14, 2009 04:32 PM

Posted by: Melissa Hurst at September 14, 2009 04:32 PM

Melissa,

You can try using a vinegar/water mixture and see if that takes care of it. If it doesn't, then it's time for a delicate operation -- cleaning up the glue. With great care, gently dab mineral spirits onto the glue until it comes up. Be careful to not get too much on the flooring surface so you don't damage the finish. Be sure to wash the spots with clear water when you are done to remove all remnants of the mineral spirits.

I've also heard of a more unconventional approach for adhesive residue - don't know if it works on other problems, like those from body oil, etc. Use a small amount of "Goo Gone" and "Bon Ami" on a paper towel and gently rub with the grain over any traces of adhesive. Quickly wipe off the mixture with a slightly damp towel and then thoroughly dry. Bon Ami is a mild abrasive that mixed with the Goo gone is just enough to do the trick. You may notice a slightly less shiny appearance after using this, however it is not enough that anyone but you would notice. Certainly much better than the smudged adhesive look.

If the glue was latex based, you might try using a SOS pad - not the steel wool ones, but the kind made of plastic fibers. There's two kinds, the kind for tougher scrubbing and delicate. Use the delicate. Sometimes this works. Don't scrub hard though and be sure to take a damp rag to clean up afterwards or microfiber cloth. You can also use a dry microfiber cloth to kind of 'buff' it afterwards.

You can also call the manufacturer - I'm sure they've heard of this numerous times and can also make recommendations.

The Flooring Lady at September 15, 2009 09:01 PM

Posted by: The Flooring Lady at September 15, 2009 09:01 PM

We're having bamboo professionally installed in our home (2200 sqft). Morning Star Bamboo Dark Silk Road in the Master, Horizontal Natural in the other bedrooms and the Tiger Strand in the high traffic areas downstairs. It's all beautiful and easy to maintain so far. However, in the Tiger Strand we can see 'dimples' where each nail is. Our installer has not seen this before and has installed strand but not the this brand. Does anyone else have this and how did you take care of this? Any help would be greatly appreciated as we are on hold to installing anymore Tiger Strand.

Frankie at September 19, 2009 12:09 PM

Posted by: Frankie at September 19, 2009 12:09 PM

Frankie,

Hi. No, I don't have experience with that product.

If you have hired a professional to install the floor, and they have not seen that happen before, I would contact the manufacturer and explain it to them. They may be able to let you know what would have caused this problem.

The Flooring Lady at September 22, 2009 07:41 AM

Posted by: The Flooring Lady at September 22, 2009 07:41 AM

I am considering bamboo flooring for my kitchen that currently has vinyl tile. I am thinking of floating the floor for quicker installation. Is this recommended or should I go with a more traditional method of gluing or nailing? We have a golden retriever that has scratched up our vinyl and I need a strong floor to replace in the kitchen. I've read that bamboo is a great floor for pets, do you agree?

Wendy at October 24, 2009 06:14 PM

Posted by: Wendy at October 24, 2009 06:14 PM

Wendy,

Bamboo is a strong type of wood flooring to use, and may be better than other choices for a home with pets. Floating the floor for quicker installation is fine, just be sure to check the manufacturer's suggestions for your warranty protection. Another article you may be interested in reading is Bamboo Flooring.

The Flooring Lady at October 28, 2009 12:22 PM

Posted by: The Flooring Lady at October 28, 2009 12:22 PM

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