Installation Questions

1.  Can Bamboo Flooring be installed over Hardwood Flooring?

2.  Can Bamboo Flooring be installed over Tiles?

3.  How long does it take to install a Bamboo Floor?

4.  How do you install Bamboo Flooring?

5.  Can I install Bamboo Flooring myself?

6.  Who Installs your Bamboo Flooring?

7.  If we want tiles and Carpet taken up do you do that?

8.  Do I need a moisture barrier before installation?

1. Can Bamboo flooring be installed over a hardwood fl oor?

Yes bamboo can be installed over hardwood timber, both using the direct stick method and also the floating method.  With direct stick the hardwood floor must be sanded back to the raw timber before the installation of the bamboo, this will allow the glue to stick better to the surface of the hardwood.  Using the floating method is better as the underlay simply goes on top of the existing floor (which doesn`t need sanding) and then the floating boards go on top, therefore there is no direct contact with the original underlying flooring.  However for both methods there will be a significant raise in floor level which can cause a few issues.

2. Can Bamboo Flooring be installed over tiles?

Though it is not recommended, with direct stick bamboo it is definitely possible with the floating applications.  As far as the direct stick is concerned, it really depends on the original tiles condition. We have no issues installing bamboo onto tiles if the customer request however you void your warranty with this application.  In our professional opinion floating is better as the underlay simply goes ontop of the tiles and the floating bamboo boards sits on the underlay, there is not direct contact with the original underlying tiles.  However keep in mind both options can significantly raise the floor level which can cause a few issues.  Also in our professional opinion we strongly recommed that if it is direct stick you want, removal of the tiles is preferred so we can install on to the concrete sub floor, covering you by the full warranty.  The removal of the tiles is an extra cost.

3. How long does it take to install Bamboo Flooring?

It really depends on the applications wheather it is direct stick, floating and the layout of the home or office.  Obviously the more obscure the design or wheather there are stairs the more cutting that is required and therefore more time involved.  However floating click & lock floors are quicker to install as no glue , moisture barrier or clamping is required as opposed to direct stick applications.  An average 100m2 home can take approximately 3-4 days for direct stick whereas click & lock floating can possibly takes 2-3 from start to finish.  It really depends on each individual installations, and it is worth saying that each installation is not rushed and if it needs to take longer more time will be taken.

4. How do you install Bamboo Flooring?

There are 2 main different installation applications:

1. Click and Lock Bamboo which is a floating floor;

2.  Tongue & Groove Bamboo which is direct stick floor.

Click & Lock Bamboo flooring is a floating floor that sits on an underlay and does not require glue.  The underlay also has a moisture protection layer incoperated within it.  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.

5. Can I install Bamboo Flooring myself?

Of course you can.  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.  However if you are familiar with direct stick or floating applications from previous flooring experiences DIY can be a good option for you.  Though Click & Lock is a lot easier & quicker to install than direct stick some DIY may come into trouble when cutting around door frames.  We can offer a free service for DIY customers to come to site and spend some time with our installers to give them a better understanding and confidence installing their own floor.  This service is only provided if you have purchased your bamboo floor from Simply Bamboo. 

 6. Who installs your Bamboo Flooring?

At Simply Bamboo we DO NOT use sub-contractors.  I am sure that there are very skilled & competent sub-contactors out there, however we prefer all installing to be done in house.  All our installers are fully trained on site by Marcus Staples (owner) who has over 20 years experience in the cabinet making industry and over 6 years in bamboo flooring installations.  Simply Bamboo Installers are full time employees of our company and when we are not installing floors we are making Custom Made Furniture.

7. If we want tile and carpet taken up do you do that ?

Sure, not a problem but this comes at an additional cost.  Normally this charge would be quoted accordingly to your removal needs.

8. Do Really need 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, although at Simply Bamboo we recommend all surfaces regardless of age are to be applied with moisture barrier.  As there is no guarantee that all moisture in the concrete has dried, even when a moisture tester has been used, 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 from water which has either split or leaked i.e. from a dishwasher and been left for a long period of time on top of the bamboo floor.  Moisture Barrier is a solvent free 2-component epoxy primer of low viscosity and has excellent penetration on cement base surfaces preventing any moisture entering your floor and creates a much better bonding for adhesion.