Bamboo flooring is an extremely beautiful and durable alternative to hardwood flooring. It is an ecological flooring option that offers resistance, resistance and profitability. Bamboo flooring planks are similar in appearance to other wood planks such as oak and maple and are installed in basically the same way. If bamboo floorboards are damaged, they can be repaired in many of the same ways as other traditional hardwood floors. So if your bamboo boards need more than touch-ups or cleaning, you can follow some simple but helpful tips to replace bamboo flooring boards.
First of all, you need to determine the installation method of your bamboo flooring. If your floor is secured to the subfloor using a gluing, nailing, or stapling method, and you have to replace even one board, then the job becomes very complex. You will need special attention to replace the board, as a small mistake can ruin your floor. In this case, it would be better if you seek the services of a professional to replace the damaged boards. This article will give you an idea of what major stapled or nailed plank repairs entail, and why hiring a professional to do the repairs is highly recommended.
For the nailed floor method, your boards can be installed using the “Blind Nailing” or “Face Nailing” technique. The “blind nailing” technique will have nails spaced approximately 5-8 inches apart and the nails will need to be driven further down to remove the boards. However, the nails will not be easy to see as they are slanted towards the tongue side of the boards. On the other hand, the “Face Nailing” technique will drive the nails straight down through the top of the boards and you will have to look for the small stains of wood putty to locate these nails.
The next thing you need to do is mark the size and location of the boards that need to be replaced. You may want to remove the section of the board from the damaged area to the closest end, or you may have to remove only the affected area between the two ends of the board. After marking the location of the board to be replaced, the next step is to draw a reference line through the board and punch a row of small holes along the side of the line, in the bamboo board to be replaced. . It is important to drill carefully so as not to pierce the subfloor.
After drilling, chisel the board by chiselling between the drilled holes until you can split the bamboo board. If you have to remove the entire board, it would be best to cut it in half first and then separate the two pieces. The next step is to clean the edges or remaining pieces with a hammer, a sharp wood chisel, and a steady hand. Also, clean up any debris or chips that may have remained in the subfloor. You should also find exposed nails and remove or drive them completely into the subfloor.
The next step is to cut the replacement part to a precise length. It is necessary to remove one side of the groove and the tab to accurately insert into the void space. Before making any cuts, be sure to align the board. Now apply a floor adhesive or glue to the underside of the board, or a “face nail” board to the subfloor. Tilt the remaining groove and tongue edge into the existing board and gently snap into place. For the “face nailing” method, you would also need to sand, wood putty, and countersink the nails to match the rest of the floor. If your bamboo flooring is not permanently affixed to the subfloor or is a floating installation, you can easily handle the repairs on your own. Simply remove the round molding from a room or base on the side of the room closest to the affected area and begin disconnecting the boards.
