GOLDEN SELECT™ 'CLICK' Bamboo Flooring & attached backer

Total thickness: 12 mm or 15/32" • Bamboo: 10 mm • Foam underlayment: 2 mm

4-sided click system flooring.

The standard operation for installation.

1. Before installation, make sure that the area to cover is dry, level, and clean, free from dirt, old adhesives, oil or grease.
2. Lay out the flooring in the area in which it will be installed for at least 72 hours, to allow the floor to acclimatize to the surrounding environment and humidity. Avoid (opening) boxes of flooring if a high humidity condition exists. The heating and/or air conditioning systems should be functioning and on for at least 72 hours prior.
3. Our bamboo flooring is designed with a 4-sided click system and can be installed on a wood sub flooring (plywood) or directly on concrete. Never use nails or glue when installing the flooring.
4. An anti-moisture barrier is required before installation to protect the flooring from any underlying moisture. For an installation over concrete, we recommend a surface cover polyethylene film (6 ml). For an installation over wood sub flooring proceed directly with the flooring.
5. Bamboo flooring can be installed successfully over a concrete slab, which is on-grade, or above grade. You must not proceed with the installation on a below grade concrete. The slab must be constructed properly (dry and flat with a trowel finish). New concrete is heavy with moisture, an inherent enemy of wood. Verify dryness, even if the slab has been in place over two years. Slabs should have less than 15% moisture.
6. To start your first row, snap a chalk line parallel to your starting wall (usually the longest run). If the wall is not parallel, adjust the chalk-line to compensate at this time. Layout your first row of flooring along this line. (See picture #1-2) The tongue on the first row should be cut off to allow an expansion gap. 1/2" spacing is required on the perimeter of the room. Base board and quarter round can be installed to fill out the gap. Between 2 separate rooms, or in a case of a sill doorstep, a molding is required as well. In extremely dry environments, the gap should be decreased to allow for shrinkage. The opposite should be done for very wet environments.
7. After installing the first row, starting from the left hand side lay out the second row, tongue facing the grove of the first row, making sure that all seams are at least 6 inches apart. To install the second row, lift the board at a 45° angle to row one. Be sure tongue and groove is secured tightly against one another. (See picture #3) Tongue side against groove side, use a hammer with a wood tapping block and punch it lightly until the flooring closes tightly. To click the ends of the planks, use a hammer and tapping block as indicated on (See picture #4). In this order put together one row after another (See picture #5).
8. The long grooved part of the floor, which is the last row next to the wall, should also be cut off to keep a space at the edge of the wall, as recommended above (See picture #7). The threshold between two adjacent rooms should be kept spaced as well, or with an expansion joint.
9. When met with obstacles such as a post, wall or counter, keep at least 1/2" spacing between the flooring and the object. Make sure to follow this instruction carefully.
10. Finish off your floor by installing base board molding and quarter round that covers the gap left along the walls. It is very important to nail the quarter round on the base board and not on the floor, as this will stop the normal movement of the floor.
11. The floor will float as it is connected together by the 4 sided click system.

USAGE AND PROTECTION

• Keep your flooring dry and clean, avoid using large quantities of water to clean your floor. Do not clean flooring with acid or any other caustic solvents, or ammonia. This will cause damage to the floor's coating. Clean the flooring with a soft cotton mop or cloth that contains a small amount of water and cleaner. Use a slightly dampened cloth/mop to remove any dirt or debris, never a fully wet cloth/mop. If water is spilled on the flooring, dry the flooring with a soft cloth as soon as possible.
• Vacuum your floor often using the hard surface setting only.
• Use rugs at entrance areas to help trap dust and dirt and also absorb moisture that would otherwise damage your floor.
• Before furniture is placed on your new floor, felt protector pads should be installed on the bottom of all furniture legs.
• Avoid placing heavy objects on the floor without protective padding. If you are moving heavy or coarse objects, place a protective padding under the bottom of the object.
• Please do not have the flooring covered by papers or plastic sheets/rugs if the house is being left vacant for long periods of time. You may notice color changes in the flooring.
• When installing the flooring, be sure to keep the environment at constant temperature/humidity. DO NOT TURN OFF THE HVAC. SYSTEM!
• Do not let any furniture sit flush against the floor, as air cannot circulate under the object. This will cause the floor to warp and/or cup.

Here are some "Do" and "Don't" pointers:

Do:

• Do use floor protectors
• Do vacuum often
• Do use walk-off mats
• Do use dust mops

Don't:

• Don't use a wet mop
• Don't use ammonia
• Don't use dust cleaner
• Don't track in dirt

If the proper care is taken, you will enjoy your hardwood floor for years to come!

25 year Residential wear layer warranty

"The Manufacturer" warrants to the original purchaser that, under normal residential conditions, the wear layer or overlay of the pre-finished flooring product in the original manufactured/purchased condition will not wear through, crack, flake or peel from the wood for a period of twenty five (25) years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. Warranty applies only to the original purchaser on products installed and used strictly for residential purposes. In addition, the installer and or buyer must inspect every board. Any board or panel (installed) shall be considered as accepted. Regular maintenance as specified by "The Manufacturer" must be followed in order to validate this warranty. This warranty does not cover labor costs or any incidental expenses incurred as a result of a covered defect. The responsibility of "The Manufacturer" is limited, at their discretion, to replacing defective products or refunding the portion of the floor in question as covered under the warranty. Any attempt to repair, refinish or replace the defective product prior to inspection by "The Manufacturer" will invalidate this warranty. This warranty is not transferable. When making a claim, proof of purchase or a receipt is required.

Warranty Exclusions

"The Manufacturer" warranties do not extend or cover scratches, dents or any noticeable markings or damage caused by improper handling, installation, water damage, flooding, fire, natural disaster, furniture, shoes of all types, pets, and insects, et cetera. "The Manufacturer" will not warrant any product that is faulty from incorrect installation, neglect, environmental extremes, or improper storage of product. The sub floor is the responsibility of the installer. Failure of a pre-finished flooring product relating to the sub floor, in any manner, is not the responsibility of "The Manufacturer" and is not covered under the warranty. The use of tape on the surface of any product will void the warranty. A defect in the finish wear surface must be easily noticeable and cover at least 15% of the total floor area for a claim to be considered. Any variation or reduction in gloss level will not be considered under this warranty. Flooring is made from natural products which have cells running parallel with the grain, therefore, all wood floors will expand and contract with the change of the seasons. The expanding and contracting is not covered under this warranty. It is recommended that the customer maintains a relative humidity of 45% in his home by using a humidifier and/or a dehumidifier to minimize movement of the floor. Color variations are natural occurrence in flooring due to age, species and exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. For this reason, the customer may encounter mild color variations from board to board, or when replacing damaged boards with new product. Also, normal sunlight will cause fading/darkening, depending on the species of your floor. Area rugs should be moved occasionally as they block sunlight and may give the appearance the floor is discoloring under the rug; this discoloring is not covered under the warranty.

Warranty Inclusions

Warranty shall include and be limited to, only defects arising from defective manufacturing, premature surface wear or defects in wood fiber. Should a valid claim arise all reimbursements, repairs or compensation is the sole discretion of The Manufacturer. Claims will only be administered if the above criteria have been met. Authorization of a claim without "The Manufacturer's" approval is the sole discretion of the author. The Manufacturer will not compensate the author without prior approval.

Care and maintenance

To help keep your product looking its best for years, follow these few tips. Never clean your floor with water. Do not use any cleaner that must be mixed with water. Never use ammonia based products. Keep your floors and mats clean of sand and dirt. Place area mats at all entrance ways to reduce moisture and dirt being tracked onto the floor. Exposure to sunlight will bring about minor changes in color variations in your floor. It is advisable to move your area rugs occasionally as to minimize discoloration. Discoloration from sunlight is not considered a defect. Vacuum and sweep your floors regularly to eliminate debris from your floor. Wipe up any spills immediately. Use only soft furniture feet protectors under all your furniture. Casters and some plastic/glass protectors may damage floors. When moving large heavy furniture or appliances, put a large heavy blanket or towel underneath to prevent scratches and dents. The use of a wood stove, fireplace, and electric heat will create a very dry environment in your home. Maintaining an average relative humidity level of 45% will decrease the expansion and contraction of your floor.