I'd like some feedback concerning bamboo flooring?

Please let me know your experiences with bamboo flooring.

I'd like some feedback concerning bamboo flooring?
Most flooring store oversell bamboo floors as one of the hardest flooring available, truth be told they are NOT. It is similar with any natural hardwood flooring, and based on the Janka hardness rating (This is the measure of a wood floors density. Denser floors have a higher rating and are harder to gouge and indent from daily wear) Bamboo is tougher than Oak and almost as hard as Maple which is around 1380 psi. This puts it in the average rating in terms of hardness.



The finish that is applied to the floors however determines the overall wear. It does scratch and any wood floor finish will scratch, aluminum oxide is however the most scratch resistant finish available for a floor today, and there are many versions of aluminum oxide as well. It is important to use a branded version, Treffic aluminum oxide from Germany is an example.



Anyhow, there are now different types of bamboo available, Strand Woven Bamboo for one comes with a Janka hardness rating that is the same as Brazilian Walnut which is about 3000 PSI and is hard to dent, is responsible green building, and looks amazing.



Installation should not be an issue either since Bamboo floors can either be nailed/stapled, glued or floated (same as a laminate floor installation) which can go practically anywhere, except heavily wet areas of course :) Aesthetically speaking, bamboo flooring spans all design themes from traditional to ultra contemporary and certainly provides a distinct look to your home.



And the best part of it all, bamboo is affordable!



I answer the live chat for simplefloors.com so if you need any additional information on this stop by and chat with me, flooring is what I specialize in and I am happy to help out, no strings attached.



Goodluck on your project :)
Reply:Hi. I am a Project Manager for a flooring company for a living. I have sold several bamboo floors. They are VERY problematic with regards to water. If you live in a very wet (humid) climate, steer clear. Also, bamboo floors with a gloss finish scratch VERY easily.



Flooring made out of grass is generally a scary idea in my opinion. I also expect that bamboo will be a very dated look in ten years or so (like avocado green, or brick paver floors, or shag carpet).



To the plus side, bamboo is very hard and resists dents and is kind of cool looking.



DO NOT USE IN ANY WET AREAS LIKE KITCHENS OR BATHROOMS. MAKE SURE YOU INSTALL A TILE LANDING AT ALL DOORWAYS. ***VERY IMPORTANT***



Make sure that your flooring contractor properly acclimates your bamboo flooring by bringing it into the house and OPENING THE CARTONS at least 48 hours (preferably 72) before installation.



Good luck on your new flooring!!
Reply:I have found that bamboo flooring is excellant if you have no pets or kids running on it. It is very sofy and scratches very easy
Reply:We just installed a multil color bamboo floor. Colors very from med oak to mohagany. It looks and feels fantastic. The wood is very thick and durable. Ours can be sanded up to three times. We are really happy.