Important Advice on Bamboo Flooring

Do you want environmentally sustainable, high-quality flooring? Bamboo is a popular choice for many individuals. Bamboo is a grass that grows in 5–6 years, as opposed to 25–30 years, like hardwoods. Utilizing bamboo conserves trees because it is harvested. Read details guide on how to get scratches out of bamboo floors.

If you make smart decisions, bamboo is a terrific option. You can purchase low- or high-quality flooring, just as you can get low- or high-quality carpeting. Not all bamboo flooring is created equal. You can locate flooring that will make you happy for years by following these seven advices, which will help you avoid blunders.

1. Which type of flooring are you interested in?

Traditional and strand-woven bamboo floorboards are both available. There are two basic grain directions available for traditional bamboo flooring: horizontal and vertical. In addition to being solid (but still bamboo), traditional bamboo can also be manufactured (thin veneer layer on top with compressed particle board). Traditional bamboo flooring can still be readily scratched or gouged despite being roughly 25% harder than oak and maple floors. For these reasons, traditional bamboo floor boards are the subject of numerous complaints from homeowners and business owners.

Strand-woven bamboo flooring is a considerably superior choice. Strand-woven boards are squeezed under high pressure in the same direction with glue. Eco-friendly businesses utilize adhesives that are safe for the environment. The bamboo strands are fused together during this procedure to produce a solid plank that is almost twice as dense as conventional bamboo flooring. Because of this, strand-woven bamboo flooring is extremely sturdy and long-lasting. Compared to typical bamboo, strand-woven flooring is substantially tougher, making it resistant to damage from high heels, small animals, and moving furniture.

2. How resilient is the floor?

The Janka Hardness Scale is a method of determining hardness. White oak flooring rates at 1360 on this scale, whereas maple flooring rates at 1490. Where on this scale does the flooring you are contemplating fall? Look for bamboo flooring with a Janka Hardness rating of above 2300 if you have children, a lot of traffic, or pets. Request samples. Test the samples as soon as you receive them. Try to scratch them, drop stuff on them, and bang on them. Which product fares the best over time?

3. How environmentally friendly is the production process?

If the flooring is strand-woven or engineered, it has undergone processing to make it harder. Look for bamboo flooring that is created with non-off-gassing adhesives and is formaldehyde-free. Verify that the flooring satisfies the LEED Submittal Criteria if your project is intended to be LEED-certified.

4. Do you like floating or nailed-down flooring?

Nail-down flooring is not necessary for every project. Floating flooring can be effective in some circumstances. It can be used over concrete and for radiant heating, and it snaps together. It can be utilized for applications when adhesives or nails are inappropriate. Additionally, floating flooring is simple to remove and transport when you move. Make sure the floating flooring is self-locking when shopping. It is preferable to order samples and give them a try before making a decision. Do they hold together or do they fall apart easily?

5. Can you utilize the flooring in your specific circumstance?

Is it intended for personal or professional use? Can it be used in a situation with a lot of traffic? Can you use it in areas where moisture is a problem? Is it designed for installations below grade?

6. Do coordinating accoutrements exist?

A superb finish will have bamboo accents that match. Are baseboards, base shoes, thresholds, stairs, stair nosing, and flooring vents available in a matching style?

How reliable is the warranty?

The manufacturer's faith in their goods is shown in the warranty. A 30-year structural warranty, a 25-year residential finish warranty, and a 10-year commercial finish warranty are all desirable.

By keeping in mind these seven crucial pointers, you can steer clear of many of the blunders that first-time bamboo buyers make. You'll enjoy working on your bamboo flooring project for many years to come.