Bamboo Flooring Installation Question(Help Please) - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Twust1285 · 09-29-2008, 05:45 PM

Hey guys,
I know kinda strange as most on here is furniture, but I figured it was worth a shot.

I have a client that is really pushing me hard to get some bamboo flooring down in their new home. It is a new home yes, but the A/C is on already. They waited until last minute to buy the wood (despite my contstant reminders), so now it will be delivered tomorrow. They want it installed tomorrow. I said there is no way, how long does it need to aclimate in the A/C....just round about, I know it should be at least 72hrs, but with the A/C on I figured it may be a bit quicker? Thanks fellas

P.S. This is 3/4" bamboo that is going to be glued down

JonM · 09-29-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twust1285

Hey guys,
I know kinda strange as most on here is furniture, but I figured it was worth a shot.

I have a client that is really pushing me hard to get some bamboo flooring down in their new home. It is a new home yes, but the A/C is on already. They waited until last minute to buy the wood (despite my contstant reminders), so now it will be delivered tomorrow. They want it installed tomorrow. I said there is no way, how long does it need to aclimate in the A/C....just round about, I know it should be at least 72hrs, but with the A/C on I figured it may be a bit quicker? Thanks fellas

P.S. This is 3/4" bamboo that is going to be glued down

This is a question that should be brought up with the manufacture or the instructions that come with the product. Remember, its your responsibly if something goes wrong...do you want that burden? ...I would also get a waver from the homeowner if they insist.

floorinstall · 09-29-2008, 06:38 PM

Do you have a moisture meter? The only way to be sure if your floor is fully acclimated to the room is by comparing the moisture in the wood and the moisture structure or sub floor if it is a plywood construction. If it is concrete then you must do a moisture check of the floor and see if it is with manufacturers specification and check the moisture in the wood to see if it comply with the manufacturers specifications. The average moisture content for wood floors fluctuates with different regions of the country. But the bottom line is DON'T LET THEM RUSH YOU NO MATTER WHAT THEY SIGN!!!!. Once you install it you own it.

SM1 · 09-29-2008, 11:21 PM

As long as the moisture level of the subfloor ( if its wood) and the material being installed are within 2 points your good to go....nwfa says within four but it never hurts to be safe.

SM1 · 09-29-2008, 11:25 PM

oh and is the bamboo horizontal or vertical grain? if vertical its going to expand/contract up and down not side to side. While floorinstall is right about being pushed your not likely to run into problems if those two criteria are met

SeanJohn · 10-03-2008, 06:16 PM

Better be safe that sorry. Stick to the minimum of 72 hours.
Good luck!

**Floorwizard** · 10-04-2008, 03:41 PM

Big time trouble going as fast as homeowners want you to.
Your the pro....so you gotta act like it.

PrecisionFloors · 10-05-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florcraft

Big time trouble going as fast as homeowners want you to.
Your the pro....so you gotta act like it.

Yup. In a court of law whom do you think will be held to the higher standard, you, the supposed professional, or a homeowner

TopFloor · 05-29-2009, 06:13 PM

Hold yourSELF to the HIGHEST standards. I always follow manufacturer and NWFA guidelines and I have never had a customer expect me to do otherwise. Of course, I explain the whys and the wherefores every step along the way so there is little chance for them to expect anything else. As soon as the customer says they need it done immediately, just laugh gently and assure them that it is well worth the wait. Like Precision and FloorWizard said, there is only one pro in the mix and that is you. If the customer knew what to do, they wouldn't be hiring you. Tell it like it is and stand firm.

Floordude · 05-29-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SM1

oh and is the bamboo horizontal or vertical grain? if vertical its going to expand/contract up and down not side to side. While floorinstall is right about being pushed your not likely to run into problems if those two criteria are met

This is incorrect!

Bamboo has equal shrink and swell in both directions, no matter how it is constructed. It even has almost the same in the length, too

Floordude · 05-29-2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanJohn

Better be safe that sorry. Stick to the minimum of 72 hours.
Good luck!

Ya, a wrist watch acclimation is better then none at all.

You need a pin type moisture meter, in a real bad way. I recommend a Tramex, or a Delmhorst.