Robina Floors Botanicals Bamboo Installation Instructions

Pre-Installation Notes
Please read Robina Floors Inc.’s warranty, floor care guidelines, and ALL of the following guidelines before opening any packaging or beginning your flooring installation. All information within this document is provided as a courtesy to our customers and is meant to be understood as an installation guideline only. The customer and/or the installer is solely responsible for any and all decisions regarding how, where, and when to install any Robina product.
Robina Floors Inc. recommends using the services of a professional hardwood flooring installer. For more information and for guidelines on the installation of hardwood flooring, please contact the National Wood Flooring Association (800-422-4556) or review their website http://www.woodfloors.org.
Robina Floor’s Strand Bamboo Flooring should be delivered to the job site no less than 72 hours prior to installation. Distribute unopened boxes evenly to ensure all boxes can acclimate to job site temperature. DO NOT OPEN BOXES PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. Floor packaging should only be opened once installation is ready to begin.
Robina’s warranty does not cover variations in color either in individual planks, between the planks, or the variations in color between our product samples and the installed flooring. An industry standard of 5% material overage should be added to the actual square footage required for cutting and grading allowances.
Prior to installation, all material must be inspected to ensure the material received matches the work order. Any visible defects or discrepancies should immediately be reported to your distributor or dealer. It is considered the installer/owner’s responsibility not to install flooring having finish, manufacturing, or unacceptable material variations. Individual planks with defects should not be installed or the defect should be cut-out prior to installation. Filler or putty stick may be used to correct minor flooring defects during installation. The Robina Floors Inc. warranty does not cover materials with visible defects once they are installed. Installation of any Robina product serves as acceptance of that material.
It is the sole responsibility of the installer/owner to determine if the job site’s sub-floor and environmental conditions are suitable for the installation of Robina flooring and accessories.
NOTE: Do not install cabinets or walls on top of the floating floor.
NOTE: Unexpected changes to subfloor moisture content or changes to Relative Humidity outside of the approved range of 35-55% may cause Bamboo Flooring to cup, buckle, or otherwise dimensionally change. Bamboo Flooring must be installed over a vapor retarder (see Sub-Floors section below).
Robina Floors Inc. makes no warranty or guarantee of the quality of the chosen installer’s work or of a particular installation performed by the installer. Robina FLoors Inc. disclaims all liability for any errors or improprieties in the installation of its products.
Radiant Heat Systems:

Robina Floor’s Inc. Strand Woven Bamboo flooring is not recommended for use over radiant heat systems.

Product Acclimation

Acclimation should occur at the room temperature expected to be present before, during, and after installation. Robina Floor’s Bamboo Flooring should be allowed to acclimate (inside of its unopened box) on the job site for a minimum of three (3) days. For maximum material stability, Bamboo Flooring should be installed into environments with relative humidity (RH) and temperature controls capable of maintaining the delivered moisture content of 7-9%.

It is important to note that gaps in the floor may come and go seasonally due to temperature and relative humidity changes. The amount of movement depends upon the temperature and relative humidity (bamboo, like all hardwoods, expands and contracts as its moisture content rises and falls).
Floating Installation:
Tools recommended
Tape measure, chalk line, pencil, carpenter square, scribing block, flat bar, 1/2” (13mm) wedges, saw, chop saw, moisture barrier (for crawl spaces), moisture barrier or vapor retarder (depending on subfloor material), underlayment (floating floor approved underlayment or cork not exceeding 5/64” (2mm) in thickness may be used).

• Moisture barriers must be used over concrete (or similar material) subfloors

Sub-floors

A moisture barrier such as 6 mil polyethylene film should be placed in crawl spaces. Wood sub- flooring surfaces must have no flex and must be smooth, level, clean, dry, and free of contaminants. Fix any squeaks or movement in the sub-floor prior to installation. High spots should be sanded flat. Any low spots equal to or greater than 5/64” (2mm) over 78” (1.98 meter) should be filled (brought to level) using a non-compressible material. Suitable surfaces may include concrete, particleboard, wood floors, and both ceramic and vinyl tiles, among others. Please consult with your professional flooring installer to determine suitability of sub-floor surface. Note: the use of particleboard may result in a substandard subfloor due to the lack of rigidity.
Concrete sub-floors must be tested for moisture in more than one place for consistent readings. Robina recommends using the Calcium Chloride Test Method to quantify the volume of moisture vapor radiating from a concrete slab surface over time and if vapor pressure exceeds 3 lbs. (1.36kg) per 1000 square feet (93 square meters) in 24 hours to not install the floor. Concrete should be checked for flatness prior to installation and any low spots or voids should be filled to a minimum of 3/16”(5mm) within a 10’ (3 meter) radius or 1/8” (3.2mm) in a 6' (1.8 meter) radius, and high spots ground to surface. Surface must be smooth and free of debris, oils, grease and solvents.
Install a vapor barrier over the entire subfloor surface following closely the manufacturer’s recommendations. Next, roll out 5/64” (2mm) padding (underlayment) one roll at a time over the vapor barrier, being careful not to poke holes through or damage either material during installation. Run padding up walls 1” to 1-1/2” (25.4 to 38.1mm) and secure in place with tape. Join padding sections to one-another with tape. Make sure to tape down all loose edges. Other approved floating floor underlayment materials such as cork may be used. Follow underlayment manufacturer’s installation instructions. Note: flexible underlayment should not exceed 5/64” (2mm) in thickness.
Note: The use on an underlayment or padding thicker than 5/64” (2mm) may result in plank movement causing damage to the flooring and/or friction induced noise such as “creaking” or “squeaking”.

Installation

Measure the room so that the quantity of flooring required is known (length x width = square feet). If the last board required is too narrow in width, it may be necessary to install length-wise cut boards on both sides of the room to give it an overall balanced look. Ensure that the floor will fit under doors and skirting strips. Existing skirting strips may have to be removed during installation to allow for the expansion perimeter. Ideally, the flooring should be installed parallel to the longest dimension of the room. In a square room, the long joints should (preferably), follow the path of the incoming light. Allow for a minimum expansion space of 1/2” (13mm) around the perimeter of the installed flooring. For floors larger than 16’ (4.87 meter) in any one direction, leave an additional expansion space of 1/8” (3.2mm) on the edges for each 48” (1.2meter) of installed flooring. For example, a 24’ (7.3 meter) square room would require about 3/4” (19mm) expansion on all sides. Rooms larger than 40’ (12.2 meters) wide (boards running length of room) require an expansion joint in the middle of the room such as could be provided by leaving an intentional gap covered by a t-mold (or other flat molding) or other accessory piece. Any rooms that are not square (such as a T, L, F, or U shaped room) must have non-parallel areas separated by an expansion joint. All door opening must have an expansion joint between rooms. Under no circumstances should the floor’s ability to move freely be restricted.
First Row: Start in a corner of the room with the locking strip (lower edge of the lock) facing into the room. Using spacer wedges, maintain a 1/2” (13mm) gap between the wall and the edges of the planks being installed. Install the first plank. Install the second plank, pressing the short end of the second plank against the leading edge of the first plank and then, in one movement, laying it down flat to engage the locking mechanism. Ensure that the edges of all planks being installed are parallel and even. Continue with this method until you are ready to install the last plank of the first row.
Carefully measure the required length of the last plank in the row, allowing for a minimum of a 1⁄2” (13mm) gap at the end of the row. Cut the last plank of the first row to size using a saw with a carbide blade, then install as done for the previous planks, leaving a 1⁄2” (13mm) gap at the end. After the first row is complete, ensure that all edges are perfectly even and parallel. Note: It is practical to fine-tune the gap between the long sides and the wall later, after the first three rows have been laid.
Second Row: Start the second row beginning with (if available) the piece left over (cut off) from the first row. If the piece is too short (or if there is no leftover piece), start with a new board, cut in half. Always ensure that the end joints (between planks in adjacent rows) are staggered at least 10" (25.4cm) apart.
Maintaining a 1⁄2” (13mm) gap between the end of the plank (row 2 plank 1) and the wall using a 1⁄2” (13mm) spacer, begin the second row by inserting the long edge of the locking mechanism of the first plank (row 2 plank 1) into the long edge of the locking mechanism of the adjacent plank of the first row. Push the plank forward and press down at the same time to fully engage the locking mechanism. With the plank resting flat on the floor, ensure there is no gapping at the joint between it and a first row. If necessary, use a tapping block to ensure that the plank’s locking mechanism is fully engaged and that there is no gap between it and the adjacent plank. To install the second plank (row 2 plank 2), place the long edge of the plank into the adjacent plank of the first row. Slide this plank to the left until the short end of the second plank is flush against the leading edge of the first plank (row 2 plank 1). Then, in one movement, lay the plank down flat, ensuring that there is no gapping on either the short end or the long side of the plank. Note: If gapping cannot be corrected, ensure that there are no splinters or other obstructions keeping the locking mechanism from fully engaging.

Installation around Pipes or Columns

Drill holes and saw out flooring as required to make room for any exposed structure or pipe. Note: holes around pipes or other items must be at least 3/4” (19mm) greater in diameter than the pipe or structure.

Installation with Transition Pieces

Flooring must be allowed to float freely underneath the overlap portion of the transition piece. To ensure freedom of movement, cut or chisel off tongue as required allowing unrestricted movement of the flooring under the transition piece.
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of these instructions at the time of printing, however, this document is subject to change. Please consult our retailer for the most up to date information.

Robina Floors Bamboo Warranty
Limited Warranty for Bamboo Flooring
This warranty applies to Robina Floors Inc. bamboo flooring brands installed in buildings.  We want you to be happy and confident in your investment.  Since its inception, Robina Floors Inc. has been committed to providing only the finest flooring products in the market.  Our superior design, production technologies and style allow us to provide one of the best warranties in the industry subject only to a few common sense exclusions.
Warranties
For all of our bamboo flooring, Robina Floors Inc. makes the following Structural Warranty.

Structural Warranty;
This Warranty extends to the first owner of the structure in which the Flooring is installed. Robina Floors Inc. warrants that the bamboo flooring sold under this Warranty (the "Flooring") is, at the time of sale, free from defects in material and manufacture and that it conforms to Robina Floors Inc.’s standard specifications for the flooring model. Under the Limited Structural Warranty, Robina Floors Inc. further warrants that when maintained according to Robina Floors Inc. guidelines and used for its intended purpose, the Flooring will not delaminate, separate, buckle or cup as a result of manufacturing defect during this Warranty period (see chart below).

Finish Warranty;
This Warranty extends to the first owner of the structure in which the Flooring is installed. Robina Floors Inc. warrants that the factory-installed finish on the Flooring is, at the time of sale, free of defects in material and manufacture and that it conforms to Robina Floors Inc.’s standard specifications for the finish. Robina Floors Inc. further warrants that when the Flooring is maintained according to Robina Floors Inc. instructions and used for its intended purpose, the finish will not wear through to the underlying Flooring or separate from the Flooring as a result of a manufacturing defect for set number of years (see chart below) from the date of sale (the “Finish Warranty Period”). This warranty does not cover scratches, reduction in the shine of the finish, minor imperfections and irregularities (up to 5%) or damage to the finish caused by damage to the underlying Flooring.
The Robina Floors Inc. maintenance instructions MUST be followed as a condition for these Warranties to have effect. You may obtain these instructions from your local dealer. This Warranty does not cover damage or defects resulting from or in any way attributable to:
1. Improper storage, handling or installation of the Flooring (including improper installation of joists and subflooring or improper surface preparation);
2. Abuse, lack of maintenance, neglect, abnormal use or misuse, negligence, application of solvents, corrosives or other chemicals to the Flooring, color change, fading or damage due to exposure to the sun, crazing, excessive pivot and point-loads, spike-heeled shoes, unpadded furniture feet, water, damage from sand, pebbles or other abrasives or other unintended uses;
3. Insect infestation after shipment from the point of origin;
4. Stains and finishes;
5. Improper alterations of original manufactured product;
6. Moisture problems (including subfloor moisture, leaks, rain, wet mopping, etc.) or excessive dryness or heat;
7. Settlement or movement of the structure to which the Flooring is attached;
8. Natural events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods;
9. Variations in color, grain and markings that exist in the Flooring when new (such variation in bamboo is a natural occurrence, so that Flooring may not match display samples) or that develop over time because of varying exposure to sunlight or UV light;
10. Installation over radiant floor heating with a surface temperature in excess of 85°F (or temperatures per installation guidelines for specific product); or
11. Installation of Flooring with visible defects.

Disclaimer of Implied Warranties
THE ABOVE WARRANTIES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE AND SOLE WARRANTIES GIVEN BY ROBINA FLOORS INC. FOR THE FLOORING. THEY SUPERSEDE ANY PRIOR, CONTRARY OR ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE WARRANTY PERIODS FOR THE CORRESPONDING EXPRESS WARRANTIES, ABOVE.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
What we’ll provide if the Flooring is Non-Conforming.
If during the applicable Warranty Period, the Flooring does not conform to the preceding Warranties, the owner of the Flooring shall notify Robina Floors Inc. as provided below, and within a reasonable time Robina Floors Inc. will provide, at its option, one of the following: (1) repair of any nonconforming or defective Flooring (for defects in finish, this means refinishing the affected planks), (2) provision of conforming planks to replace any nonconforming planks, including a reasonable allowance for associated costs of removal and reinstallation, but this allowance shall be included only during the first two years of use and it does not include the cost of removal of fixtures installed on the Flooring, (3) refund of the purchase price for any nonconforming planks that have not been installed, or (4) refund of the percentage of the purchase price for the non-conforming planks equal to the percentage of the Warranty Period remaining when Robina Floors Inc. is notified of the nonconformity.
THESE REMEDIES SHALL BE THE EXCLUSIVE AND SOLE REMEDIES FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
If the Flooring does not conform to the Warranty, the owner of the Flooring must notify Robina Floors Inc. in writing at the address below within thirty (30) days after discovering the nonconformity. The notice must describe the location and nature of the nonconformity. The owner must give Robina Floors Inc. a reasonable opportunity to examine the claimed nonconformity before undertaking any repairs, removal or replacement. The owner must present the original invoice, bill or other proof of the date of purchase. Compliance with the requirements of this paragraph is a condition to coverage under the Warranty: if these requirements are not complied with, Robina Floors Inc. will have no obligation to remedy any nonconformity.

Exclusion of Incidental and Consequential Damages.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ROBINA FLOORS INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM NONDELIVERY OR FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT OR FROM ROBINA FLOORS INC.’S OWN NEGLIGENCE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State.
Robina Floors Inc.
825 Great Southwest Parkway SW
Atlanta, GA 30336
P. (888)862-9898
F. (678)626-0520
www.robinalloors.com

Robina Floors Floor Care Guidelines
Robina Floors is among the easiest to keep clean and with proper care their beauty will endure for decades. The tips below are intended to help you care for and prevent damage to your Robina Floors floor.

Don’t Damp Mop–Water and our floors don’t mix! Use only the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products, such as Bona Kemi hardsurface cleaner on your Robina Floors. Our floors require a relative humidity similar to your personal comfort levels to limit cracking and swelling over time. Limiting excessive heat and moisture will ensure that your floors perform as they should.

Dust Mop–Use a good dust mop–one with a 12 to 18 inch cotton head–and a special dust mop treatment. Spray the treatment onto the mop head, not the floor.

Sweep–Brooms with fine, exploded ends trap dust and grit effectively.

Vacuum Regularly–Small stones, mud and gritty dirt tracked in from outside can damage our floor’s finish. To help combat this, use long bristle welcome mats placed at all outside entrances for people to wipe their feet before stepping on the floor. Also, when vacuuming use a bristle brush attachment. Don’t use vacuums with beater bars. Canister vacuums with special bare floor attachments are the best way to get rid of dirt and dust.

Use the Proper Chair Glides–Narrow wheels, sharp furniture legs and metal furniture legs can scratch and dent Robina Floors. Any furniture that rests directly on top of a Robina Floors floor should have felt protectors under all its feet.

Don’t Use Oil Soaps–There are many over the counter oil-based soaps and wax-based cleaning products that may damage or dull the finish of your floor. The best suggestion is to only use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products on your Robina Floors flooring.

Wipe Spills Immediately–When accidents happen and liquid is spilled on your Robina Floors floor, you should use a paper towel to immediately clean up and dry the affected area.

Furniture–Lift the furniture to move it, avoid dragging. The legs of furniture should have felt on the bases to prevent scratching as the furniture moves with use. Take caution when moving heavy objects across Robina Floors; it is preferable not to drag things on the floor, but if one must then lay down a blanket or other item that will slide easily for the item to rest on.

Shoe Marks–The biggest cause of floor damage is what is on one’s feet; make sure your shoes are not exceedingly dirty, be cautious of walking in high heels or cleats across Robina Floors, and black rubber soles can leave marks which will require friction to remove.

Pets–The previous statement also applies to your household pets! Keep your pets’ nails trimmed so they do not scratch up the Robina Floors, and your pets’ dishes should sit on a nonslip rubber mat to keep the food and water off the floor.

Sunlight–Robina Floors are natural products that are affected by light. Both artificial and natural light can change the color of your Robina Floors over time. Window coverings can help prevent or retard this color change

Further Information – Please visit the NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) website at www.nwfa.org.