Bamboo FAQs

So carbonized bamboo is softer than natural bamboo?

Yes, approximately 30 % of the product is softened in the process that changes the bamboo to the stunning carbonized color.

What is the difference between “horizontal” and “vertical” bamboo flooring?

A natural bamboo stock is hollow and the walls of the plant are fairly thin while the strips of bamboo are therefore laminated together to make our 5/8″ flooring. The indications “horizontal” and “vertical” attribute to the manner in which bamboo strips are laminated together. While in the horizontal style, the strips are laid flat so the top surface shows the bamboo’s natural growth rings, or “knuckles”, in the vertical style, the strips are turned on their sides and laminated together in long, slender rows.

Can a bamboo floor be floated?

Yes, there are two types of floating bamboo floors: Glue-Seam and Gluless-Click. The first kind, Glue-Seam requires that a bead of adhesive to be applied to the edge before joining the planks together. They cannot be pulled apart once glued. This installation requires neither nails nor adhesive. The planks are just clicked together.

How does bamboo flooring hold up to high humidity?

High humidity should not affect the floor, if you let the flooring acclimate for no less than 72 hours, with boxes opened and laid flat in the room where it is to be installed.

Is strand-woven bamboo the same product as traditional bamboo flooring?

No, strand-woven bamboo is manufactured in a different way than traditional bamboo flooring. In the strand-woven process, strips of bamboo are coated with resins and then compressed with heat to form timbers which are milled into flooring. This process generates bamboo flooring which is twice as hard as traditional bamboo flooring.

Can I clean my bamboo floor with a mop?

Yes, bamboo flooring cleans easily with a Swiffer or similar type dry mop.

When ordering bamboo flooring how much extra should I order to allow for waste?

Add 7% to 9% for waste and cuts depending on your skill level and the layout of the area.

What are the different moldings and how are they applied?

• To hide the expansion gap left during installation, the Quarter Round molding is used.
• The T-molding is used as a threshold in doorways or as a transition strip where the bamboo flooring meets tile or carpet of similar height.
• As a transition from the height of the sub-floor to the height of the bamboo, The Reducer molding is used .
• To cover the front edge of a stair tread or step, The Stair Nose molding is used.
• To entirely cover the structural stair tread, The Stair Tread molding is a one-piece molding used.

Can I install bamboo flooring in a bathroom?

If installed in a bathroom, bamboo floors are typically not covered by warranty because bamboo could swell if excessive water is left to stand.

What is the difference between bamboo flooring and hardwood flooring?

Bamboo is considered a type of grass. There are several assets to using bamboo flooring compared to hardwood flooring. For example, bamboo flooring is an environmentally friendly product. The great news is that it takes only a few years for a bamboo plant to grow to maturity, while it takes decades for hardwood trees. When bamboo is harvested, the root continues to live and produces new stock. Bamboo plants are quickly replenished following a harvest. Furthermore, bamboo is a more durable flooring, harder than many hardwoods, including red oak. Also, bamboo is less expensive than hardwood while installation costs are the same. Hardwood installers and contractors need no additional training to install bamboo flooring.

How do I maintain my bamboo flooring?

To maximize the persistence and good looks of your bamboo flooring, we recommend the following practices:

• Place doormats or rugs at entrances to collect moister, sand, grit and other potentially damaging substances.
• Use a soft accessory for dusting in order to keep your bamboo floor clean from dust, dirt or grit.
• Bamboo flooring cleans easily with a Swiffer or similar type dry mop.
• For sticky spots, use a soft damp cloth to gently scrub the floor.
• If necessary, use a generic hardwood floor cleaner but do not use steel wool or other abrasive scouring pads.
• Remember never to use harsh detergents, abrasive cleansers, or corrosive chemicals to clean your bamboo floor.
• Use mats in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room to protect against spills. Blot up immediately any spill with a dry cloth or slightly damp mop.
• Use only colorfast and non-scratch carpeting or pads.
• Do not walk on the floor with high-heeled shoes.
• It is recommended that the floor should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.

Where can I install bamboo flooring?

Bamboo flooring is an extremely versatile flooring product because it can be installed in virtually any room of your home, above or below ground, over wood, OSB, or existing vinyl flooring. Since bamboo flooring is a natural flooring product, it is not recommended that bamboo be installed in wet locations (bathrooms, washrooms, saunas, enclosed porches or verandas, or anywhere that may require wet-mopping). Swelling occurs when the floor is exposed to moisture.

How do I install bamboo flooring?

Consider the following steps before beginning the installation of your bamboo floor.

• Ensure that your sub-floor is flat and smooth.
• Ensure that you read both the bamboo flooring and radiant heat system instructions carefully before beginning when installing bamboo flooring over radiant heating.
• Read your bamboo flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
• Allow your bamboo flooring to acclimate in the room where it will be installed for a minimum of 72 hours.
• Before installing it, inspect each bamboo flooring panel carefully for defects or damage.
• Always use a tapping block and never hit bamboo flooring directly to avoid fracturing the flooring edge.
• Add at least 5% to your square footage when ordering to allow for waste and cuts.

What are the benefits of bamboo flooring?

Here is a list of a few reasons why you should choose a bamboo floor:

• Bamboo floors are easy to clean.
• As they do not promote dust or harbor dust mites., bamboo floors are ideal for allergy sufferers.
• Bamboo flooring is an inexpensive alternative to hardwood flooring.
• Bamboo flooring is long-lasting.
• Bamboo flooring can be installed over numerous types of sub-floors such as: wood, sheathing grade plywood, vinyl tile, concrete, or Oriented Strand Board.
• Bamboo floors are environmentally friendly because they use a quickly renewable crop and make perfect floors for healthy homes.