Hi Steve,

I know somebody who has bamboo flooring, I'm hoping she'll be a long in a bit to chime in on this one.

I'm thinking it has to do with the nail gun and the nails being used, so I did some google-ing to see if I could find an answer. You can do the same as well. ;o)

Look at this thread by clicking here. Some folks have really done their homework there.

Hi, great site! I am installing Morning Star Horizontal carbonized in my walk-in closet and bathroom sink area (separate from shower area). Well the floor I did first is in the walk-in closet and it is perfect. The floor I just installed yesterday in the sink/hallway area snaps like an old house! No squeeking, snapping or popping. In the walk-in I used a staple gun from H.Depot, but I hand nailed the rest of the floor in the sink area. I spaced the nails 2" apart. Should I have used a staple gun to secure the boards? Thanks for advice!

Hi John,

Most likely. Another thing to think about: how level was the area that you installed yesterday before you put down the Morning Star flooring?

hello, what type or kind of nail do I use? exactly where does the nail go on the tongue part? do you have any ideas for the baseboard to use with the bamboo?

Hi Cannon,

Sounds like you need to visit the manufacturer's website or a DIY (do-it-yourself) website for detailed instructions. You can call the manufacturer too. Most installers use nail guns. A lot of people hire a professional for bamboo flooring installation because it tends to split, chip, splinter, etc. during installation. You can do it yourself, so long as you take the time to learn about it first.

Remember, it is vital to follow the manufacturer's instructions because they vary from company to company, and variances from these instructions may void the warranty.

Hi Cannon, I checked with a friend of mine who had bamboo flooring installed, and the installers used a staples (with a staple gun) for the T&G and something akin to finish nails where they couldn't access the T&G. She also made the comment that installing bamboo flooring is best left to professionals, in her opinion, due to the reasons I mentioned in the post above. At least that way, if it gets screwed up, it's not your fault but the installers.

Oh, forgot to address your question about baseboard. Any baseboard that's thick enough to cover the expansion gap will work, and choose something that fits your home decor. I know, not much help, but you didn't include information on what kind of colors you're using, or if you want the baseboard to coordinate with the walls or the floor. ;~)

Hi, We had a guy install bamboo flooring in a small bedroom by glueing to concrete floor. Gorgeous result, beautiful hardwood floor. BUT--the bamboo apparently got permanently stained on its surface, by his hands during the process. (fingerprint marks, etc.) I don't know how to get them off. Plus, the stains are not glue but I think they are a glue by-product like oil, sweat, dirt, glue vapors, etc. Even if he wore gloves (which he should have), how to prevent glue vapors from imprinting the bamboo when installing in the future? He has to touch the bamboo surfaces during install. DIY folks say 'wipe down' during install to prevent all this; but I am not sure plain water will do it, if it is glue vapors...what to use during install to wipe down?!?!? HELP!! Thanks

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.

When the glue in removed you may have to buff the fingerprints with a soft cloth-- if they are just body oil and not glue smudges -- to get the clean surface you want.

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.

How do you fill in gaps in a pre finished bamboo floor? Two weeks after installation I noticed a 1/4 inch gap running the length of my floor and ther minor gaps. The floor was installed in the cold weather. Now that it is warm the gap has closed a little, but is still noticable as it is in the middle of my living room. The inspector said it is not the floor, but the installers liability. They suggest filling it in with putty, but I am concerned about the putty cracking and needing replacement over time. I am wondering if the best thing to do is to have the floor replaced even though it will be difficult?

Hi ksmith,

I would suggest giving the installers a call, and perhaps even the manufacturer. What brand did you use (just out of curiosity).

I agree with the inspector, it should be the liability of the installer - the size of the gap in unacceptable. I wouldn't do anything yourself yet. The floor would still be under warranty from the manufacturer, what kind of warranty (if any) did you get from the installer on their work?