Buying Checklist: Questions to Ask when Buying Bamboo Flooring

In addition to deciding on the color, style, and type of bamboo, there are several other considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase.

What is the level of off-gassing?

The level of off-gassing attributes to the emission of potentially dangerous chemicals (for example, formaldehyde used in the adhesive). The lower the level of off-gassing, the higher quality and more eco-friendly the bamboo flooring is.

What standard of formaldehyde emissions does the flooring adhere to?

We present you a two-minute video summary to give you an overview of bamboo flooring standards when it comes to formaldehyde emissions.

It is well known that formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance which is found in both indoor and outdoor air quality, but there is still a problem over its emissions as it relates to the safety and health of the people in the home, the quality, and the eco-friendliness of the flooring. You need to find out the standard of formaldehyde emissions before choosing your bamboo floor.

What species of bamboo is used?

Moso is the most commonly species of bamboo used, because it is durable and does not infringe on any creature’s food supply. The best part is that moso bamboo can be harvested repeatedly without putting any other part of the ecosystem in danger.

When is the bamboo harvested?

Bamboo is a renewable resource, and does not require replanting to continue growing. Some providers of bamboo flooring harvest it when it is only three years old. Since it takes five to six years for the bamboo to reach full maturity, anything harvested before or after this time will not be as strong. When purchasing bamboo flooring, it is important to know the age to get a better grasp on the durability of the flooring.

How hard is the bamboo?

The Janka Hardness Scale measures the hardness of wood flooring and it is based on the amount of force required to push a steel ball into a plank of wood half its diameter. This scale helps people to determine how strong a flooring option is. Natural bamboo is typically harder than carbonized bamboo.

Natural bamboo is harder than Red Oak. Carbonized bamboo is closer to Black Walnut, which is a soft hardwood. Strand-woven bamboo is the hardest type of bamboo, ranking 250% harder than Red Oak on the Janka Hardness Scale. Strand-woven bamboo is similar in hardness to Brazilian Cherry.

Check out this following video that puts the question of bamboo flooring hardness into context:

It is very important to also consider the age of the bamboo. This also affects the hardness of the material. Bamboo harvested within five to six years will be harder than bamboo harvested before or after this period.

What grade is the bamboo?

There is no specifically identified grading system for bamboo but most sellers categorize their bamboo flooring as either “A” or “B” grade. The difference in quality makes a difference in the price, as well as the durability. Grade A bamboo is fully matured at harvest, consistent in color, and has no mold or fungus while grade B bamboo is usually harvested before the bamboo is mature. This means it may not be consistent in color, and may carry fungus. Even under proper maintenance conditions, grade B bamboo may be weaker and require repair or replacement in the future.

To what standard is the flooring milled?

High quality bamboo floors are milled to the strictest tolerance. Floor width is within +-0.15mm and floor thickness within +-0.5mm. The standard the floor is milled to is one of the factors which determines the grade of the flooring.

Is the bamboo flooring made in a certified factory?

The bamboo flooring made in the factory was likely made of bamboo harvested properly if the factory is ISO 9002 certified. This ensures it was done at the optimum point in its development. If not, the bamboo may not have been properly harvested.

How much color variation will there be in the product?

The highest quality bamboo will have little to no color variation. The lower quality options will present slight to visible color variation. There may be some boxes of flooring available by color or shade. Even not all sellers will package the flooring this way, when the flooring is boxed and sold this way, each plank is closely matched to ensure the least possible color variation.

How many coats and what type of finish is used on the floor?

Cheaper brands are finished using three coats of a locally-made finish. Better quality floors are finished with six to seven coats, one or more coats can include aluminum oxide. This is considered the most tough finish on the market. Flooring sealed on all six sides will prevent against moisture damage.

Keep in mind that to round out the buying process consider finding out more about the type of installation.