Q I need an unbiased opinion as to the durability of bamboo flooring. I have fallen in love with one that is strand carbonized. I've been told bamboo will not last and that it cannot be sanded and refinished. I've also been told it scratches easily (by someone who works with oak), but when I ran a nail across a sample piece, it did not leave a dent. I don't want to spend money only to find out the product is substandard. Help.
A Bamboo flooring certainly has grown in popularity in recent years, as more and more consumers are pushing for environmentally friendly flooring products. Bamboo can regenerate in a few years, whereas some trees used for hardwood flooring must be cut down and replanted, often taking more than 100 years to reach maturity.
Because the demand for bamboo has increased so much in recent years, the supply on the market has also increased. Also increased is the range of quality that's available. Bamboo durability suffers most commonly if it is harvested too quickly. The more mature the bamboo, the harder it is. Look for bamboo that grew at least five years before being harvested.
Flooring hardness is measured on the Janka Scale. Strand woven bamboo, in which the fibers are woven together with a resin, is rated the hardest of the bamboo products, with a Janka rating of about 3,000, while solid and engineered bamboo checks in around 1,600.
Carbonized bamboo is very popular because of its rich, amber color. However, the heating process to achieve that carbonized look does soften the bamboo -- some industry experts say by as much as 30 percent -- leaving it more susceptible to scratching.
My advice is to do your research on these products before you buy. Talk to qualified flooring specialists and ask to see manufacturers' specifications for different products so you can compare apples to apples. Some bamboo floors can be sanded and refinished, others cannot. Learn about the harvesting process. Ask about the adhesives used. Check Janka ratings and look for products made with high-quality, formaldehyde-free adhesives.
Like any hardwood, bamboo can have its own problems, including warping as a result of humidity. This is especially true if it's not properly installed. Look for a reputable flooring installer who will follow the manufacturer's recommended guidelines.
Angie Hicks compiles advice from the most highly rated service pros on Angie's List to answer your questions. www.angieslist.com
