Not just panda food or cheap picnic mat stuff, bamboo is now processed with modern techniques into beautiful “hardwood” floors that outperform standard hardwood floors in durability, toughness, and dimensional stability.
An added bonus of these beautiful floors is the knowledge that bamboo, unlike wood, grows rapidly and abundantly, reaching maturity in five years or less. Red oak and maple, by comparison, can take decades to mature and then need to be replanted. Forest clearing also has a negative environmental impact and threatens the planet’s biodiversity.
After harvesting, cutting, processing and finishing, the bamboo flooring installation is not much different from the standard wooden flooring installation. Important steps in installation occur before laying the bamboo flooring. First, make sure you buy from a reputable manufacturer who is willing to back their product with a warranty.
The next step in installing bamboo flooring is to make sure the subfloor is dry, clean, and level. Dirty underlays do not adhere well to the adhesive and underlays that are not dry will eventually cause rot. If it is not level, the bamboo floor will squeak when stepped on. If you are proficient in home repair and good hand handling, you may be able to complete the bamboo flooring installation on your own. In some cases, with certain types of bamboo flooring, a professional will be needed.
Bamboo floors can be glued with a moisture barrier flooring adhesive. After applying the adhesive to the subfloor with a trowel, the bamboo floorboards should be laid immediately. You can also install bamboo flooring with a nail gun on plywood or particle board. Once the starting rows are secured, the next boards should be nailed directly over the tongue at a 45 degree angle to the face.
After installing the bamboo flooring, you will care for it in a similar way to wooden floors; Frequent dusting / sweeping, occasional scrubbing, and wood cleaners. With regular care, bamboo flooring will add a stylish and beautiful component to your home for years to come.