A gap needs to be left on all 4 sides. I believe he was trying to avoid coming back out. The majority of expansion will be on the walls running parallel to the floor, but their will be some expansion on the other walls.

I would think strand has the same expansion properties on all four sides. Anyone else?

I think your correct Ken. But the stuff does not move much at all. Taking apart a piece of raw bamboo and gluing it back together making is very dense and like 150 harder than red oak makes me think it has alot of resisitance to moisture and movement. I'd still follow the mans requirements for space though. The fact that it has been basically ground up and glued back together takes away alot of it's natural shrink and swell properties.

I'm guessing, but I don't think it does. My theory is that all the "strands' are running the same direction. Hard for me to imagine much, if any, expansion at the ends. Could be off base. Just because the manuf. stated to leave expansion all around....that's a generic answer. Like Sp, I don't believe it moves much period.

I thought the same guys. It's almost like a block of plastic with the resin in it.

The walls are not going to expand, putting pressure on the floor.

If the manufacturer ever decides to void your warranty, they will choose a number of rediculous reasons. I find it very hard to believe that a strand bamboo needs expansion space at the ends. That being said, the installer is suppose to follow manufacturer specs. Although, I question their spec for this particular product. I feel it's a generic response, covering their a_s, on all products. Do you think you talked to someone over there that knew what they were talking about? Or were they reading it.

Did you hire a professional that will warranty their work? IMO cutting the ends for expansion is not necessary, and a huge PITA.

If you don't mind..... Who's the manufacturer?

I'm sorry that one is still making me laugh. Best one liner I ever heard from an installer.

Not sure what type of jamb saw he is talking about but it could be a toe kick saw. I'd like to see him cut the ends off with a jamg saw. Makes sure your standing far away from him. Actually what he needs is a multi-function oscilliating tool or the toe kick saw.

Dangerous. I hope he doesn't try this and has more sense. I vote toekick saw,( very slowly, with a new blade). A multi-function would take forever and a day, and a pile of blades ( strand is a rock ). My final vote....don't worry about the ends being tight fit.

Geez, won't it look funny with quarter round at one location? Not a big fan of that stuff