Outdoor heavy bamboo flooring, as a new type of outdoor paving material, is increasingly favored by consumers. However, due to the high installation requirements and the specific application environment of outdoor heavy bamboo flooring, there are often after-sales disputes due to minor installation details not being handled properly. It's not cost-effective at all if the incorrect installation affects its use.

Here's a rundown of a few things to be cautious of when laying outdoor heavy bamboo flooring, to give you a heads-up!

1. Strong keel, flat ground

Uneven ground and suspended joists can cause the floor to squeak when walked on. If the joists are not properly secured, a similar issue may arise, so it's crucial to inspect them after installation. You can test the stability by stepping on the joists and rocking your feet; if it feels unstable, reinforcement is needed. Additionally, the spacing between joists should be adjusted according to the site conditions, usually ranging from 40 to 60 cm.

2. Floor anchoring must be noted.

The installation of flooring and joists requires using outdoor heavy-duty bamboo flooring screws. First, pre-drill with a power drill, and then secure them. The diameter of the screws must be larger than the diameter of the pilot holes.

3. The frame requires drying or rust-proof treatment.

Typical outdoor heavy bamboo flooring has a moisture content of around 6-12%. Therefore, when installing with wooden joists, the joists must be dried to prevent the outdoor heavy bamboo flooring from absorbing moisture too quickly due to excessive humidity differences, which can cause the floor to buckle and the paint to crack. If steel joists are used, rust-proofing treatment is required at the welding points.

4. Pre-communicate about color differences.

Due to the fact that outdoor heavy bamboo flooring is made from natural bamboo strips, there will be some color variations. After the products are finished, each piece of outdoor heavy bamboo flooring will have its own unique color. Therefore, it is essential to communicate with the client prior to installation. Once the client confirms, start by selecting and laying flooring with similar colors, and then adjust the pieces with color differences to ensure the overall installation looks consistent. Color variations can be subjective to individual perceptions.

Don't forget to level the floor measurements.

After laying out the subfloor, installers should use a straight edge to establish a parallel baseline. If it's not level, adjustments must be made immediately, as it will affect the subsequent flooring, potentially resulting in excessively large gaps or triangular seams.

6. Ensure reasonable gaps are left for floor laying.

Outdoor heavy bamboo flooring, retaining the original characteristics of bamboo, is susceptible to environmental humidity and dryness. Therefore, when installing outdoor heavy bamboo flooring in different regions, it is necessary to leave appropriate gaps based on the local average moisture content. The moisture content of outdoor heavy bamboo flooring is generally around 6-12%, and if the annual average moisture content in the local area exceeds this rate, gaps should be left. The greater the deviation, the larger the gap should be.

7. On-site safety assured

Before installation, solid wood flooring should be transported to the construction site 24 hours in advance during the plum rain season. After quality inspection and confirmation, unpack the flooring and lay it flat. This allows the flooring to acclimate to the site environment, reducing the variables of expansion and contraction after installation.

Maintainance work must be conducted properly.

Outdoor bamboo flooring should be maintained after three months of installation, and then based on actual conditions, a maintenance should be performed annually or every two years. The maintenance process is relatively simple, involving sanding, cleaning, and varnishing. This not only extends the lifespan of the flooring but also keeps the installation looking beautiful.