Bamboo Flooring Dos and Don’ts

Stunning, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly bamboo flooring can be the best practical choice for you. Apart from being aesthetically appealing, bamboo flooring is also strong and very easy to maintain. We put together two lists of things to need to take into account when shopping for a bamboo floor.

Do:

• Make sure that the area chosen for the installation isn’t prone to excessive moisture. Even if bamboo flooring is moisture resistant, keep in mind that excessive moisture can cause damage.
• Consult the terms and conditions of your bamboo flooring purchase.
• Ensure that your sub-floor is clean, dry, and level before installing your bamboo floor.
• Before starting the installation of your new floor, inspect all boxes of bamboo flooring for any damaged planks.
• Allow your bamboo to “acclimate” in the area where the installation will take place. This means that you need to open all boxes and allow the bamboo to expand and contract accordingly to the interior humidity levels.
• Minimize any fracturing during installation by using tapping block.
• Expect an average 7-9% wastage factor when placing an order for bamboo flooring.
• Use dry or damp (not doused) mops, brooms and vacuums to keep your bamboo flooring clear of dirt and grit.
• Use runners and mats at strategic points to guard against dirt and moisture.
• Be aware of spills and clean them up as soon as the incident happens.

Don’t:

• Overwet your bamboo floor because it can lead to long term damage.
• Use detergent, steel wool or other abrasives to clean your flooring.
• Install your bamboo flooring in a bathroom, sauna or enclosed veranda because these areas are prone to high levels of moisture.
• Install your bamboo floor in an area prone to intense sunlight since the color can fade when exposed, despite its UV protection.
• Walk on your bamboo floor with athletic spikes or high heels.

It is important to talk directly with professionals for even more information. Valuable resources include contractors with experience installing bamboo floors, and BuildDirect’s knowledgeable product experts.