If you are concerned with the environmental impact of the lumber or wood substitute that you will be using for your flooring, be sure to ask for its environmental profile provided by the distributor. All providers should be able to give you a reasonably detailed report about the greenness of the material they sell. Reclaimed wood floor lumber is an option for those concerned with reducing their environmental footprint. It is made from other recycled wood and can have a smaller environmental impact than other sources of flooring wood.
Care and maintenance is important when dealing with real wood flooring. Care should be exercised in avoiding moisture and accidental scratching. Both solid and engineered wood can be repaired through sanding and refinishing but since engineered wood has only a top layer of real wood, it can only be sanded and refinished a few times. Solid wood has far more leeway in this regard. A properly refinished wood floor is indistinguishable from a new one giving real hardwood floors a lifespan up to 100 years for solid wood and 30-40 for most engineered woods. Nevertheless, engineered wood is superior to solid wood in its strength, resiliency, and resistance to warping due to moisture levels. For floors that will handle significant traffic, children, moisture, or other damaging elements, engineered wood can provide a less expensive and often just as attractive option as solid wood floors.
If the cost of solid and engineered wood flooring and the expense of installing them are beyond your budget, you should consider laminate wood flooring. Although a wood laminate floor will not really fool too many people into believing you have a real wood floor, the benefits of a virtually maintenance free, easily replaceable, water resistant, and wear resistant flooring with a decently attractive wood design often outweigh its artificial wood-like appearance
I also live in arid Colorado and have had both cork and bamboo flooring. I love them both. The cork, a defective batch, taught me a lot about flooring issues in Colorado. Let me share my bamboo lessons with you here.
We have bamboo (we had cork at one time) throughout our home. You are right in wondering if it's warm enough: even with in-floor radiant heat, the floor can feel cool at times, especially compared to a carpeted floor. But it cleans up so much more easily than carpet does.
If you go with bamboo, my suggestion is to go with an unfinished product and finish it in place. That will let the T&G grooves that happen naturally between each plank be filled in and covered with the sealant. That keeps dirt and food particles from lodging between your floor planks.
My bamboo floor has an aluminum-oxide UV cured finish that isn't as durable as I would like. I can see all the marks left by the dining room chairs where they roll around -- not my favorite look. I don't think I'd have that issue with a finish put on in place after installation. I would use Diamond Coat Varathane polyurethane to finish my floors.
The most important thing you can do for your wood is to let it acclimate to your house and climate before installation. It's inconvenient, but open the boxes and plastic wrap so air can circulate around the boards, spread the packages about the areas to be floored, and let them dry out for several weeks. Bamboo is grown and manufactured into flooring in humid climates, so it's that much more critical for the wood to dry out before being installed. The shrinkage that happens as it dries won't impact your floor; shrinking in place (after installation) could cause cracks in the planks and separation between planks.
Once the wood is dry, your flooring installer can check the moisture content, you should be able to proceed with your installation.
Area rugs used on the bamboo floors will look great and give you the comfort you want, where you need it. The bamboo floor is so wonderfully easy to take care of and keep clean!
And your friends and company will love the look of the bamboo flooring in your home.
The Flooring Lady at November 30, 2007 01:52 PM
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We just bought bamboo flooring for our kitchen and I plan to install it this week. Can it be done without a nail gun? Or is it simply too hard to be done with a manual hammer?
Arlene at August 5, 2007 04:55 PM
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To answer your "asked" question, I highly recommend a nail gun because it's faster and easier than a hammer. It's been a long time since I've seen wood floors laid with a hammer instead of a nail gun.
An issue you didn't ask about relates to letting the flooring acclimate before installing it. You didn't mention where you live, but if you are in a dry climate, as I am, you'll want more than a few days for the bamboo to dry out to match your climate. If you don't, the wood will shrink in place as it dries, and that could cause cracking and splitting.
Good luck. You'll *love* your bamboo flooring.
The Flooring Lady at August 5, 2007 05:06 PM
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Are some brands of engineered floating bamboo better than others? Do you have a recommendation? Thanks!
RG at August 29, 2007 09:59 PM
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A designer in my area who's chemically sensitive promotes Plyboo products to her clients. Her Plyboo floors are beautiful.
I have Natural Cork bamboo floors. They installed nicely and look good. I don't like the pre-finished surface though. If I had it to do again I'd go with an unfinished bamboo flooring material and finish it in place.
The Flooring Lady at August 30, 2007 02:40 PM
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I live in a waterfront condo with concrete floors. Would bamboo be suitable and if so what type of installation would be recommended ?
Thank you
H G at November 23, 2007 01:30 PM
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As long as you acclimate the bamboo to your home then it would be a fine flooring for your condo. Be sure with the concrete floors to have a good vapor barrier to protect the bamboo from any moisture the concrete would want to wick.
A vapor barrier can be provided through a film you lay on the concrete before installing the bamboo or the glue you use to glue it down. I am partial to the glue-down method.
The vapor barrier company I like is a href="http://www.ravenind.com/RavenCorporate/films/VB/vaporblock." rel="nofollow" target="new">Raven Industries
The glue I like is a href="http://www.bostik-us.com/products/index.asp?fa=subCategoryPages&divisionId=2&categoryId=2&subCategoryId=49&subCategoryPageId=31" rel="nofollow" target="new">Bostik's Best flexible urethane adhesive .
Enjoy that bamboo!
The Flooring Lady at November 23, 2007 02:36 PM
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Will bamboo hold up in a summer home where there is no heat on during the winter. (New Jersey where the temperature can drop to the freezing area) I have been told that it is not a good because of this.
Kmg at January 19, 2008 05:06 PM
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I haven't ever experienced freezing my bamboo flooring, other than my bamboo flooring scraps being in an unheated shed. I don't know why bamboo wouldn't hold up any differently than wood. Temperature extremes are hard on any natural material like bamboo and wood. But we use wood all the time outdoors -- in fencing, decking, benches and steps.
Bamboo flooring is engineered which adds dimensional stability to it. Before it's made into flooring lots of the moisture of the bamboo stalks is dried out of it, but you still need to acclimate it to your location before installing it.
Check with the manufacturer to see what they say about it, though they probably don't know anything about freezing temperatures and their bamboo flooring. And then proceed according to your wishes and knowledge of what your warranty covers.
The Flooring Lady at January 19, 2008 10:22 PM
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My wife likes the bamboo, but everyone at the flooring store today told us that it scratches easily. True or false?
Chad at February 9, 2008 06:59 PM
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:~) There is no black and white answer here. There are many variables impacting the situation you are talking about. To start, all natural materials can be damaged and some easily.
The age of the bamboo when it's harvested makes a difference as to strength and scratch/dent resistance; the older it is the sturdier it is. The way it's processed will impact the sturdiness as well -- too much carbonizing weakens the cells. Vertical and horizontal cuts also impact the hardness of the floor; horizontal cut is stronger than vertical cut. The hardest bamboo floor you can buy is a horizontal and un-carbonized (natural) that's made from 7 year old grasses.
After experiencing bamboo flooring that was pre-finished I would not go that route again. I'd finish my flooring in place so the gaps, nail holes and imperfections arising from installation can be filled and sealed. I believe that will make the most durable and easy to care for bamboo floor.
Now it's up to you to decide if the bamboo is for you. It receives compliments from everyone who sees it. It's easy to care for. I love mine.
The Flooring Lady at February 10, 2008 07:46 AM
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We had carbonized bamboo installed and finished by a professional in October, by November the boards begain to separate from one another. They same installer removed the flooring in Janauary and installed new bamboo two weeks ago and again a few baords have sepearted from each other. The isntaller had installed brazillian cherry throughout our home a few years ago without issue. Is this typciall of bamboo?
Rob at February 12, 2008 08:09 AM
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I'm guessing you didn't acclimate the bamboo to your home first. Given the humid climate bamboo is grown and manufactured in you can imagine how much moisture it holds. Even if you live in a humid area of the U.S. it's not as humid as where bamboo came from. And your home is even drier than the general climate of your area.
I harp on how important it is to acclimate bamboo flooring (cork too) before installing it. I live in an arid region and it took months for my floor to get dry enough to install -- and I had it stacked outside the packaging indoors during most of that time.
If you want to try it again be sure to open the bamboo packaging and let it sit in the areas you'll be installing it until the hygrometer reads something like 10-11% (or see what your installer recommends as a reasonable moisture content for your area). Then you can have it installed with no problem. My bamboo floor has been installed for two years now and I'm not having any separation or buckling.
The Flooring Lady at February 12, 2008 08:43 AM
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Thank you for the note the installer delivered the unfinished bamboo to our home 21 days befreo install. The bamboo was removed from any packaging and straps at delivery.
Rob at February 12, 2008 09:25 AM
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Then a few other ideas include the bamboo may not have old enough when it was harvested. Or the flooring is defective from a manufacturing perspective. Or, 21 days wasn't enough time for your bamboo to acclimate.
Who is the flooring manufacturer? Have you contacted them about this problem?
The Flooring Lady at February 12, 2008 09:46 AM
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Bamboo flooring doesn't seem to have the natural temperature warmth of wood flooring. Is there any truth in that?
Allen at April 3, 2008 11:01 AM
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I don't even know what that means. Can you tell me more?
The Flooring Lady at April 3, 2008 11:08 AM
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Your original comment was under a href="http://www.theflooringlady.com/best_kitchen_flooring." rel="nofollowBest Kitchen Flooringa. Read this comment thread to find what I like best for my suggestions on sealants.
Maple is a beautiful wood for flooring (and cabinets), but it's not as sustainable a product as bamboo. Your environmental position and preference for which looks better in your home will be the determining factor. And the same sealant recommendation applies to maple as bamboo.
The Flooring Lady at April 10, 2008 08:41 AM
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I was thinking of using Bamboo in a remodeling job of my family room. I live in Florida and have been told that the humidity may cause a problem. What do you think?
Cindy at May 18, 2008 10:02 AM
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The only reason I can think of as to why somebody would tell you that is because sunlight does bleach it, but that doesn't have anything to do with humidity. Anybody ever give you an actual reason *why* it's not suitable for humid areas? Is it possible that a salesman was trying to steer you towards a more expensive flooring?
The Flooring Lady at May 18, 2008 10:54 AM
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I had to laugh when I read your post: I was told I bamboo was better in humid areas and I shouldn't put it in my arid-region home.
My thought is that bamboo grows and is generally processed in humid climates and would be great in similar climates. Mold could be an issue, but then it would be with almost anything!
I love my bamboo floor (but I'd get unfinished flooring if I had to do it again so I could have a smoother finish without the seams between boards). My one suggestion is to be sure to let it breathe outside the packaging -- inside the rooms it's going to be installed in -- for several days, if not weeks, before putting it on the floor so that it's had time to adjust to your living space.
at May 19, 2008 07:35 AM
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I live in a very dry, desert climate, and have been told that bamboo flooring will crack over time because of the humidity difference? Should I stay away from it?
Jen at August 22, 2008 10:49 PM
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Hi Jen,
Bamboo flooring has only been around for a rather short time (since 1993), so who really knows what will happen in the long run in a desert climate? I haven't personally heard of complaints like this. I would think it should be fine. Chances are, you're buying somewhat locally, so it's already going to be in this 'desert area' for a while before you bring it home...then of course, you should acclimate it to your home before laying it. This is something you should do with any wood flooring before it's laid, just to prevent issues associated with shrinkage/expansion due to temperature and humidity.
The Flooring Lady at August 23, 2008 12:27 PM
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Jen,
My wife and I live in a high desert climate and have bamboo floors, going on three years now. We were told the same thing but proceeded anyway. Our approach was to acclimate the bamboo flooring for several months to make sure it had dried out throughly before laying it on our radiant heat floors. It was a bit inconvenient going through that process but has been worthwhile.
We have liked the floors enough that I'm going to install them in my office this winter, after they have acclimated to the office space.
Randy -- Colorado at August 23, 2008 03:55 PM
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I'm researching bamboo flooring these days, which is how I found this site. But also I found on a manufacturer's site that they recommend applying a coat or two of water-based polyurethane on their pre-finished floors. Their logic is that it adds a bit more protection than their finish coats and fills in the gaps caused by the beveled edges of each plank.
They say that at the very least high traffic areas should get extra coats. And watch out for high heels!
I see several people have wondered about that on this thread so wanted to let you know it's a recommended practice, at least by one flooring company.
Chris at August 25, 2008 04:06 PM
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Thank you Chris, and yes, I agree with the info you've found. The bottom line too, is to make sure that this isn't going to void your warranty. Most manufacturers have certain products (or types of products) they recommend for this, which is why it's important to give the flooring manufacturer a call or email to find out what's recommended.
The Flooring Lady at August 25, 2008 10:28 PM
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I was told not to use bamboo because in my humid area (Houston) the humidity would cause the floor to warp and buckle. Specifically if I didn't keep my house temperature controlled and windows shut. Is this true?
Kathy at January 31, 2009 08:49 AM
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Hi Kathy,
"Who" told you this? How are you planning to install it? I would cerainly think floating it would work just fine as this method allows more for contraction/expansion due to humidty and temperature variances. I would suggest calling the manufacturer(s) of the product(s) you like and getting info straight from them. Always be sure to check out the warranty info thoroughly too.
The Flooring Lady at February 1, 2009 05:16 PM
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Can bamboo flooring be glued down to concrete?
Would this application be less noisey? Also would it be OK to install it this way in the humid Southeastern US?One more question Have you ever seen a bamboo floor that has been refinished?
debbie at March 15, 2009 12:25 PM
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Hi Debbie,
Yes, some can be glued down -- I'm pretty sure this has been covered in this thread. There is also a great, environmentally-safe(-ish) glue listed too.
I don't think that the glue down method would be any quieter. Most of the noise comes from walking
on the floor, though of course not all. I do recommend putting cork under it for insulation. If you have the headroom, one of those moisture-barrier floating floors would be a good first layer because you could insulate then. Many floor companies recommend humid over dry climates. I haven't seen a bamboo floor that has been refinished, but most of them can stand several refinishes before you are through the first layer.
The Flooring Lady at March 16, 2009 08:46 PM
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I would like to install bamboo flooring in my sunroom. When I am away, the temperature can rise to 140 degrees and below 0 degrees. Can a bamboo floor take these extreme temperatures? Thank you
Charlene at August 21, 2009 09:12 AM
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I do mention heat and durability in my article. I would contact the manufacturer of your flooring to discuss the specific details of your floor.
The Flooring Lady at August 24, 2009 09:53 AM
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I would like to install bamboo flooring in my bedroom. My contractor is recommending unfinished versus finished, claiming that unfinished will provide a tighter fit resulting in less problems. Do you have any thoughts on this?
I'm in Colorado where it's very dry, will I have issues with shrinking? We had a very humid summer, which is rare.
Also, my downstairs kitchen and hallway flooring is red oak. Is it a faux pas to install a different wood and color upstairs? The paint in the bedroom is the same as downstairs (green). The natural bamboo (light) would really go well with my paint and furniture in my bedroom.
Thanks for your thoughts!
David at October 11, 2009 09:40 AM
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David,
I would use what looks best to you, regardless of what is downstairs. You could also stain the bamboo to be a color you'd prefer. I do usually recommend using finished products, or sealing the floor after staining because it will offer better protection for the floor, and will last longer.
The Flooring Lady at October 15, 2009 01:44 PM
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A contractor is trying to sell me a little different variety of horizontal bamboo flooring. Instead of the full 5/8" thickness, it has a much thinner top layer (about 1/4") on top of other wood material similar to many types of engineered wood flooring. This would be installed in a high humidity beach environment. Do you have any comments on this type of flooring?
Bill at October 14, 2009 07:56 PM
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Bill,
Bamboo is an engineered floor, with the processed grass strips layered and glued to make a dimensionally stable flooring product. Given its native climate where moisture ranges widely during the growing season, it can be used in places wood floors are usually avoided, like the in bathroom and kitchen and on radiant floors, because it is used to moisture fluctuations. If you are unsure about the choice, make sure to ask you contractor questions, and have it covered in your warranty or contract.
The Flooring Lady at October 19, 2009 08:50 AM
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Don't do it!! We were very excited about installing bamboo and hate it, hate it, hate it! No, you can't dent it...but it scratches from the slightest sideways movement! It scratched while being installed, it scratches from sliding any furniture, floor lamp, rug, etc. It looks and sounds like we are walking on formica, lacking the warm look of a wooden floor. The product we used is Ambient.
Hoskins at November 19, 2009 08:02 PM
However, there are many less expensive options, such as home laminate flooring which simulates the look of more expensive real wood flooring by means of a photographic layer. Laminate flooring provides a cost-effective and easy to maintain floor solution that resists wear, moisture, and warping and is relatively easy to replace if damaged.
Another option that often gets overlooked is home rubber flooring. Although not particularly popular, there are certain rooms where rubber flooring is well suited. Children's bedrooms, home gyms, home offices, and other areas where heavy equipment, furniture or significant traffic can cause damage to regular flooring are good examples.
Before committing to any type of flooring, it is essential that you assess the needs and conditions of the room or rooms that you intend to have floored. Key factors to know about the rooms are:
Understanding the limitations of the flooring purchased is just as important as being aware of the conditions prior to installation. It can comes as quite a rude shock to have a beautiful new oak floor installed, and then discover after you roll your piano back into place that the casters have carved a groove right through your lovely new floor. Even high heel shoes can wreck havoc with many types of wood flooring.
When pricing flooring, be sure to calculate the installation costs. If you plan on having engineered or solid hardwood floors installed, be sure to employ a professional installer that guarantees the quality of their work. Laminate and vinyl flooring, however, are generally simple enough for a do-it-yourselfer to finish over a weekend.
With any flooring, do your research. Know your wood. Go to the lumber/hardware store and look at the wood directly. If possible, compare samples and ask questions. Never trust photos or Internet images alone for making decisions about new floors or replacement planks or tiles. By planning and taking the time to prepare for flooring, you'll end up saving yourself many a headache and ease the pain on your wallet
]]>For cheaper yet still durable flooring, bamboo laminate flooring offers the option of long lasting, easy-to-maintain and resistant floors. It can work well for moisture-prone rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms and can be easily replaced if irreparably damaged. Installation is quick and easy enough for the non-professional, which can save significantly on expenses. For some people, bamboo laminate flooring may not provide the quality and feel of a natural wood floor. For others, the ease of installation, cost, and relatively low maintenance needed for bamboo laminate flooring makes it an excellent choice for flooring.
As for its environmental profile, bamboo is a grass that grows rapidly. Typically it is about 3 years from planting to harvesting. Bamboo does not require replanting to re-grow, and uses a minimum of fertilizers and pesticides. For these reasons, it is considered an environmentally friendly wood substitute, a "green material" as specified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
However, in many instances bamboo is planted on land where forests have been cleared for these plantations and where other practices have been employed including the clearing of undergrowth, weeds and pests with the use of weed killers and pesticides. Although bamboo does not need fertilizers to grow rapidly, fertilizer is still used on many plantations in order to speed growth even more. Biodiversity in these areas has therefore been negatively affected by these practices and by the general conversion of these lands over to bamboo production.
Bamboo flooring is a popular option for those looking to install inexpensive and attractive flooring that resists moisture and insects. Although its environmental friendliness is still up for debate, bamboo has the potential to be an ecological alternative to real wood flooring.
]]>When I had my laminate flooring installed in my kitchen the installer chose to add a layer of wood glue between planks. The glue helped keep the moisture from getting down into the planks. So, I would suggest to have the floors glued to prevent the moisture damage if you feel accidents are probable. I would also recommend a rug in water prone areas.
The Flooring Lady at September 24, 2009 01:49 PM
I know by reputation and advertising Pergo has taken care the off-gassing at the factory. And it makes a great flooring product.
I don't know of the other laminate companies for sure. Read Pergo's information about their off-gassing and then look at other companies that claim to off-gas their laminate products to compare descriptions of what and how they do that. Maybe you'll be able to decide for yourself which products to buy.
Let us know what you buy.
The Flooring Lady at October 15, 2007 05:02 PM
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Your question/comment have gotten me to thinking. It was years ago Pergo had a good reputation for having off-gassed their products. Maybe they have changed their approach and don't off-gas their flooring products, or at least as much. But maybe your friend has such sensitivities that even a careful approach isn't good enough for him. It's really hard to say.
I don't know who you can believe. There may be a site that has scientific evaluation of different products that can guide us all, but I don't know about it. It's really hard to wade through the fact, fiction and hype that's out there. I try to, but I can miss the boat too.
The Flooring Lady at November 14, 2007 09:28 PM
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You can call most of the companies, they will tell you the VOC content. I found a Pergo floor I liked and then found out that the VOC content of Pergo floors in the U.S. are higher than I am willing to bring into my home. Armstrong, Wilsonart, and a few others have better stuff.
Clare at December 9, 2007 08:48 PM
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I recently installed Shaw Key West Laminate flooring. I love the way it looks, but have been waking up at night with headaches. Do you think there could be a connection? I've tried to find the VOC rating, but have been unsuccessful.
Doug at June 2, 2008 02:14 AM
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Hi Doug,
I doubt that the laminate flooring a high VOC. Key West is a laminate that does not require glue, so I would assume that none was used.
Shaw does a very good job of being eco-friendly and now most their products (and glues!) have NO VOC or at least fall into the recommended guidelines as safe. You can contact them at 800-257-7429 to find more info about your particular flooring's VOC rating. Their website is a href="http://www.shawfloors.com" rel="nofollowhttp://www.shawfloors.coma
Just to be fair, it should also be noted that most of the laminate flooring manufactures have gone 'green', it's going to be tough to find products with a high VOC.
If nothing else, at least until you find out the VOC rating for your particular laminate, you could leave the windows open as much as possible to help with off-gassing. It is also said that cut an onion and place it cut-side up in a bowl of water in each room will help remove odors.
The Flooring Lady at June 2, 2008 11:24 AM
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FYI: I did check the Shaw website, clicked on the link at the very bottom of page entitled "Shaw Environmental", from there I clicked on Laminate and chose "Hickory", since I knew that was a choice in the Key West line. Yep, Key West showed up, so it must be one of their environmentally friendly laminates.....but then again, I suspect they all are. :~)
The Flooring Lady at June 2, 2008 04:30 PM
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Hello Flooring Lady,
I just installed a low priced laminate floor
in my apartment. I have not moved in yet, because last Sunday I spent about 6 hours there arranging furniture etc and became very ill. Lung pain, low grade fever...could this be an allergic reaction to the flooring? I have been airing out the apt every chance I get...will the fumes eventually go away?
Thanks Cindy
Cindy at January 5, 2009 04:59 PM
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Hi Cindy,
I doubt it's an allergic reaction to the flooring, but you never know. Most flooring products are trying to be as 'friendly' as possible now and manufactures are making more and more products with low or no VOCs. I don't know what flooring product you bought or what kind of adhesive, so I can't tell you if both are low/no VOC. The odor should dissipate before too long.
The Flooring Lady at January 7, 2009 10:42 AM
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How to find out which of the laminates are manufactured with high VOC ingredients and which are safer ones? Could you please recommend a brand that is safe to use in bedrooms?
Thanks.
Santosh at April 8, 2009 10:32 AM
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Hi Santosh,
I don't make it a practice to recommend one manufacturer over another simply because flooring products change so quickly. Most are low VOC now though - it's very easy to find manufacturer's websites too and look at the products they offer. I have noticed that most flooring manufacturers (whether it be laminates or even carpeting) have something on their homepage about being more environmentally friendly and go into detail as to why their products are so much better now! ;~)
The Flooring Lady at April 14, 2009 12:08 AM
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Dear Sir or Madam, if a laminate floor has a high VOC what are some effects, and how will you know if the product you brought has a high VOC? Thank you.
Greg March
Greg March at November 18, 2009 07:10 PM
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Greg,
VOCs damage air quality and the animals using that space. Humans, and animals too, can experience lung damage, breathing problems like asthma and allergies, when exposed to VOCs, especially over time and while sleeping.
You can learn more about air quality by visiting The Good Air Lady, as well as reading comments provided by readers in this article. Reputable flooring companies share technical information about their laminate flooring, including information about off-gassing.
The Flooring Lady at December 21, 2009 12:30 PM
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You may not find an AC (Abrasion Class) on all laminate flooring, but most will be rated. My understanding is it's printed on the packaging, not on the flooring itself. Most of the laminate flooring you find in stores has an AC3 rating, but you know you can't count on that. It is important to pay attention to it to make sure you get the right durability where you need it.
The rooms that have the most traffic and action should have an AC3 rating while little used rooms, like maybe a bedroom, can get by with an AC1 rating. Ratings over 3 should be reserved for commercial usage where people aren't walking shoe-free or spending time on the floor.
The Flooring Lady at February 25, 2008 01:44 PM
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Laminate durability?. I see the indentations in the finish created by the high heel marks of womens shoes. In a condo what sort of flooring will resist this?
Thanks
Dennis at April 23, 2008 10:36 PM
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I cannot tell for sure in your post if you mean you can imagine this problem happening or if you are already literally seeing this problem on your flooring.
So long as it has an AC3 rating you shouldn't find the high heels factor to be a problem; if you already have laminate flooring and you see these problems already..... really hard to say since I would have no idea what the AC (Abrasion Class) rating is. AC3 is very strong and durable, a rating higher than this is considered industrial.
Hardwood flooring is another good option depending upon your preferences and budget.
The Flooring Lady at April 24, 2008 07:19 AM
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Looking to purchase laminate flooring for the first time for cabin and will use in living area and bathroom and kitchen. We have a standard poodle and kids. I'm worried about scratches and water in the bathroom area... any suggestions on one manufacturer over another? We are looking at mannington and shaw.
Lisa at May 18, 2008 08:47 AM
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Hi Lisa,
I'd recommend using your favorite search engine (mine is Google!) to see what others have to say about the two flooring choices you're considering. I don't have experience with either particular one myself, so I can't really guide you in your choice.
As always, make sure to read up on what the manufacturer recommends for rooms such as the bathroom. I think you'll be pleased with how versatile the flooring is. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations so that you don't void your warranty when you lay your new floor. Good luck!
The Flooring Lady at May 18, 2008 12:21 PM
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I trying to decide what type of flooring to put into a dining/living room area (great room type). I've been told that you can't but heavy things like piano's on laminate. Is this true? Do I just need to look at a high AC rating? Is wood better for this? I also have two small dogs. Which type of flooring holds up better for wear, dog toe nails, etc?
Bonnie at June 13, 2008 01:13 PM
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I put heavy-ish furniture on my Pergo laminate flooring, and I put furniture coasters under the feet of the furniture. I have a friend who did that for cork, carpet and now bamboo too.
I highly recommend Pergo. A friend of mine still has the same floor that was put down 15 years ago, and he's had roommates with dogs, his hiking boots get gravel in the treads and he wears them into the house -- and it seems to hold up well. I can't speak for other laminates, but that is one experience that has really been good. He even bought more recently for another room, so that speaks well for it too.
I have laminate in two rooms, we installed it a little over a year ago. I haven't noticed any problems at all with furniture marks, and I have this 'thing' about rearranging the furniture fairly often. While I don't have a piano in either of the rooms, there are some heavy wood pieces. Granted, nothing as heavy as a piano, but a very heavy antique wardrobe and a large heavy bookcase that's filled with books. I would think that the only problem with a piano on the laminate would be from the smallish rollers that pianos sometimes have leaving a dent in the laminate. This could most likely be avoided by placing a little square of carpeting under them or an area rug beneath the piano.
Hope that helps some!
The Flooring Lady at June 13, 2008 11:22 PM
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We are looking into the laminated wood look flooring for our bathroom. Is there a special kind just for the bath or will any kind do?
Jan Waller at July 7, 2008 08:24 PM
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Make sure that you carefully caulk around all
exposed edges of the flooring -- under baseboards, around the toilet, etc. You don't want any water to be able to get under the flooring.
The Flooring Lady at July 7, 2008 11:51 PM
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Durability is one reason to not choose a laminate floor. Laminate flooring is tough, but by its nature of being made of thin layers it's not as durable as wood, tile or stone flooring.
What is the durability factor mentioned here? In terms of dent resistance and longevity, this seems to contradictory to info. from other sources including wikipedia (that states that "Laminate....is durable (about 20 times stronger than a kitchen countertop[1]) and is water-resistant, offering use in bathrooms and kitchens in addition to high traffic areas. Unlike most hardwoods, laminates are quite dent-resistant.")
Please clarify which is true?
sasha at July 17, 2009 08:43 PM
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Hi Sasha, I still stand by what I say in this article: "It can't be refinished when it gets scratched and the scratches can't be easily camouflaged. When a laminate plank is damaged it's challenging to repair it, though with the repair kits you can get from the manufacturer it can be patched. In some cases, you can take the floor up and replace the damaged plank." In addition, it does not have the hardness factor of some of your hardwood flooring choices.
Laminate flooring has pros and cons, as does any flooring surface. As long as you understand the pros and cons, and how they impact you, you'll be able to make a good decision.
The Flooring Lady at July 20, 2009 09:45 AM
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Hi Flooring Lady,
I'm in a bind. I have about 600 sf to cover in a open design living room/dining room and I am on a tight budget. I was considering laminate flooring but I only have about $500 to spend. Am I being unreasonable? Are there other options? Carpet is out of the question with my cats and kids.
Thanks
Melissa Blackson at September 30, 2008 09:51 AM
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Hi Melissa,
It's going to be difficult to cover a floor as large as yours for $500 or under, but might not be impossible.
What kind of flooring do you have now?
If you're planning on taking out the old flooring, then what kind of subfloor will you be dealing with?
Keep in mind, you're thinking less than $1 per square foot. Depending on what you want to cover your floor with there may be other materials to consider - adhesive if you're tiling, grouts, sealers, etc.
You can actually get self-stick vinyl tiles in this price range - look for clearance items. Shoot, I've even seen these at dollar stores!
The Flooring Lady at October 1, 2008 06:52 AM
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Thanks for the response. I have seen some laminate planks for around $1/sf. How do I know if they are a good quality for a living room and dining room with kids and cats? What types of quality measures are used to tell one laminate plank from another?
Melissa Blackson at October 7, 2008 10:36 PM
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Hi Melissa,
In general, you need to look at how many years the product is under warranty for; the more the better (usually), of course.
Cats aren't generally much of a problem, dogs are more of a problem if their toenails aren't kept clipped short. Cats don't usually sharpen their claws on a floor - they prefer something more upright or rougher textured (think tree bark).
As far as types of quality measures used to tell one laminate plank from another - I'm not really sure what you're getting at - I don't understand what you meant by 'tell one laminate plank from another'. Best thing to do is when you're shopping, write down the products you're interested in -- manufacturers, line, color, etc. and look up the detailed specs at the manufacturer's websites.
The Flooring Lady at October 9, 2008 07:22 AM
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Do you know where to find laminate flooring that looks like old brick. Not the red fake kind with white mortar? Thanks
Cydney at January 5, 2009 09:01 PM
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Hi Cydney,
Not being familiar with what would be offered in your area, no.......... You could always go to your favorite search engine (mine's Google) and search for vinyl or laminate brick flooring - you should get lots of hits. Laminate would be a much better choice.
The Flooring Lady at January 7, 2009 10:44 AM
The contractor who installed it as part of the kitchen remodel has gone out of business (big surprise with this kind of shoddy work!). The planks run under my counter cabinets, which are not open to the floor. I can slide the planks back together, but they will separate again. I have a box of the laminate left, to replace planks with, but would need help on how to do that.
My home improvement store suggested using some laminate glue to see if I can jury rig a solution, but I am thinking I may just need to bite the bullet and put another type of floor in, like tile.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Tia at May 6, 2008 01:50 PM
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Hi Tia,
Do you know what kind of flooring was installed - does it show the brand, style or some kind of a product number on the box? Do you know if it's the kind that just snaps together or is it the kind that glues together?
Actually, even if it's the snap together kind, using some laminate flooring glue to make them stay together sounds like a pretty good idea. If the laminate is the snap together kind, and it's obviously not staying interlocked, I would think that using some glue is a very good option and I wouldn't consider it 'jury rigging' at all.
The Flooring Lady at May 6, 2008 09:26 PM
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Hi, my wife and I have recently put down laminate flooring in our basement. The only thing we are disappointed in is that when we walk on it, it seems to flex slightly in places. Is this common with laminate flooring or is there a design flaw during installation. Thanks for your input.
Nick at July 24, 2008 11:47 PM
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Hi Nick,
I would be my guess that the original floor wasn't perfectly level as this is not a common flaw with laminate flooring.
The Flooring Lady at July 25, 2008 10:35 AM
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I am currently looking at putting laminate flooring over top of my vinyl flooring in my kitchen. I went to Lowes and they told me it was not good to put it in the kitchen due to it not being able to withstand water. I have read up, and there seems to be no real answer on this. Do you know if this is true?
Jerry at February 12, 2009 06:53 AM
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It can be done, you just have to be digilent about cleaning up water messes quickly. There are vinyl or linoleum flooring choices that are designed to look like wood that have a very realistic wood 'look'. A friend of mine has flooring like this and it really does look like a wood floor - even has grain.
The Flooring Lady at February 19, 2009 08:57 AM
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This comment is for Jerry: We have been installing laminate flooring in our house.In the first room, we put down a moisture barrier and used the laminate with the attached underlay. Room had an echo, and sounded like plastic when walking across it.We recently put the same laminate in the kitchen over the existing square vinyl tiles. We love it! The tiles act as added cushion, thereby cutting out the "echo" and adding a firmness to the sound of the floor! You can definitely tell the difference in the two rooms. As far as the water thing, we are just being more careful to clean up spills! Hope this has helped you.
Pat at March 26, 2009 07:24 PM
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I love the laminate floors we have installed, but they really aren't as shiny as I would have liked. I was wondering if it was possible to seal a laminate floor? If so, what product to I use?
Pat at March 26, 2009 07:34 PM
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Hi Pat,
It depends on what kind of flooring you have. Much of it these days have an aluminimum oxide finish (factory done of course). Your regular ol' polyurethanes aren't going to work with the factory finish. Best thing to do is to call the manufacturer to see what can be used.
The Flooring Lady at March 27, 2009 07:01 PM
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I would like to install laminate floors in my entry hall, great room, dining room, and kitchen. I currently have a small section of laminate by the front door and the echo is terrible. Is there any way to pick a laminate floor that will not have an echo?
Audrey at April 7, 2009 04:52 AM
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Hi Audrey,
Did you install anything under the laminate? Many people use cork tiles first to muffle sound.
The Flooring Lady at April 7, 2009 04:50 PM
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What is your opinion about installing laminate floor in the kitchen. I spend a lot of time in my kitchen and is concern about water spills.
Thank you for your response.
B. Brown at April 13, 2009 06:39 AM
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Hello B. Brown,
Yes, this can work in a kitchen, though you do have to be diligent about cleaning up spills - but then again, you should be doing that with any type of flooring. Keep in mind too, that some manufacturers do not consider laminate a good choice for the kitchen.
The Flooring Lady at April 14, 2009 12:10 AM
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i installed a new aluminun oxide real hardwood floor 1 and a half years ago.now i have several pieces of finish coming up is there a way to replace in the middle of floor,or do i have to peplace the whole floor. floor still under warranty. they said they would put in a claim but u know how that is . help
help at April 13, 2009 10:23 AM
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Dear help,
It's difficult to say - it depends on how big of an area it is, how many areas, etc. You can find detailed instructions on the internet by doing a search thru google.com. There are different methods for different situations. Hmmm..... sounds like a good subject for a series of articles at this site, doesn't it?
So long as you haven't done anything to void the flooring's warranty, I believe that you'll be pleasantly surprised by the inspector's verdict.
The Flooring Lady at April 14, 2009 12:18 AM
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exactly how loud is laminated floors
i can not make up my mind laminated or hardwood floors. please help me to make the right choice
evelyn at June 13, 2009 10:13 PM
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HI
i forgot to mention this is new construction.
and is there different quality of laminated floors. if there is can i use the highend of laminated floors and it still be cheaper than hardwood flooring
help
evelyn
evelyn at June 14, 2009 06:03 AM
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Hi Evelyn,
How "loud" laminate flooring is would be rather subjective. There are different qualities of laminate flooring. Keep in mind the old adage "you get what you pay for" and that should serve you well when picking out your flooring. Laminate flooring is 25% cheaper than hardwood so you could afford the higher end laminate and still be paying less than if you purchased hardwood.
The Flooring Lady at June 17, 2009 11:58 AM
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We bought laminate with an underlay and we have been told by family members that we need to glue the laminate if using it in the kitchen. Is this true? And if so, do we use the underlay or what do we do???
Erika at September 6, 2009 06:24 PM
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Erika,
With underlay you don't need to glue to the floor but glue each piece of wood to the next. When I had my laminate flooring installed in my kitchen the installer chose to add a layer of wood glue between planks. The glue helped keep the moisture from getting down into the planks. I would also recommend a rug in water prone areas.
The Flooring Lady at September 9, 2009 11:19 AM
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Hi, we purchased laminate flooring and it has been stored in our garage through winter and summer on the concrete floor in the original packaging. We are planning to use this flooring in the next week or so. Should I be concerned about warping due to temperature changes? I'm not sure how durable this stuff is with regard to temperature change. Wouldn't you know; we had 3 feet of snow during winter and temps over 100 this summer! Today I brought the flooring into the house per advise from an expert to acclimate before installation. Please advise.
Tammy at September 8, 2009 09:57 PM
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Tammy,
The advice to bring in the laminate to acclimate it is correct. This really will be an issue of wait and see. I hope it goes well and it seems like you have been given excellent advice so far.
The Flooring Lady at September 11, 2009 11:36 AM
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Erika,
With underlay you don't need to glue to the floor but glue each piece of wood to the next. When I had my laminate flooring installed in my kitchen the installer chose to add a layer of wood glue between planks. The glue helped keep the moisture from getting down into the planks. I would also recommend a rug in water prone areas.
The Flooring Lady at September 9, 2009 11:19 AM
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Must you always use underlayment? We'll install on smooth tile and subfloor. Also, as you progress from room ro room, we are doing the entire house, must you use thresholds at each doorway?
thanks
Dona
Dona at September 10, 2009 05:57 AM
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Erika and Dona,
I'm not sure if you "must" use underlay with laminate flooring, but I did when I installed Pergo back in '93. My understanding is that it helped muffle sounds for rooms below and maybe acted as cushioning and "grease to help the floor move as a unit".
I was a novice back then and used the recommended styrofoam underlay Pergo suggested. Today I'd use a cork underlayment because I find it to be more environmentally friendly, and better for indoor air quality. Another reason I'd go that route is because I could hear the foam squeaking each time I stepped on the floor. I got used to it after awhile, but it wasn't comfortable for me for several months. (your mileage may vary)
Lizzie Ann at September 11, 2009 07:28 AM
Thanks,
Lisa
Lisa at July 11, 2008 12:41 PM
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Lisa, white spots on "wood" surfaces can be challenging. You might try putting mayonnaise on the spot, letting it sit for awhile, and then gently wiping/washing it off to see how it changed the spot. It may just be a matter of letting the area dry out so the natural color can return.
Good luck. Let me know what worked for you.
The Flooring Lady at July 11, 2008 01:09 PM
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Can I place another protective covering over my Trafficmaster laminate floor? If so what type would you recommend.
Thanks
Tony
tony at August 17, 2008 11:38 AM
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Hi Tony,
I think Varathane would make a good product for your needs, however, I would recommend giving the manufacturer a call to see what they would recommend so that your choice of products doesn't void Mowhawk's warranty.
The Flooring Lady at August 17, 2008 09:19 PM
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I want to put a small rug on my new Mannington Laminate flooring in our bedroom. What kind of backing can I use so the rug doesn't slide?
Gena
Gena at August 31, 2008 11:10 PM
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Hi Gena,
You might want to wander over to the website of a href="http://www.naturalarearugs.com/rugpads.php/r.cfm?b=110216&u=289043&m=15927" rel="nofollowNatural Area Rugsa and look at the padding they carry for area rugs - they have many good choices. Even if you don't buy from there, it will give you an idea of what kind of a selection to make. I suggest their Premium Lock for hard floors.
The Flooring Lady at September 1, 2008 09:03 PM
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Hello Flooring Lady,
We recently installed laminate flooring and cannot get an answer to a question, even from the laminate manufacturer. Can rubber backed rugs be used or will they, over time, hurt the flooring? Also, it it necessary to have a rug pad under an area rug? Thanks so much for your help.
Georgie at November 10, 2008 04:49 PM
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Hi Georgie,
I wouldn't hurt the flooring per se, but you do have to be careful - not all rubber backing is the same! Some of them can get stuck to floor and then you have the nightmare of trying to remove what is stuck on without damaging your laminate's finish!
The Flooring Lady at November 12, 2008 08:13 AM
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Help! I need to know what happens if my cat throws up on a laminate floor and I don't find it till morning?
Dona at July 28, 2009 06:12 AM
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Dona,
Clean your flooring and if your floor did stain most laminate flooring comes with a warranty which guards against staining.
The Flooring Lady at July 28, 2009 08:39 AM
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Not worried about staining with cat barf, worried about the moisture sitting on the laminate for 8 hours. Also, If we buy laminate one room at a time, will the next boxes "match" the first boxes? In other words, is there a "dye run" like carpet? Also (sorry) what will a 6 foot grand do to laminate? Thanks so much!
Dona
Dona at August 26, 2009 11:11 AM ------------------
Dona,
Well the acid could eat away at the veneer are you noticing a difference on the floor? I have animals and have missed an accident over night and had not had a problem with stains or deterioration of the floor.
I also have had heavy furniture on my laminate flooring which I used pads to displace the weight. I did not however have a beautiful 6 foot baby grand. I would think the wheels might be an issue although if you place a small piece of carpet or even cork the weight would be dispersed enough to forgo a dent.
The Flooring Lady at August 27, 2009 10:17 AM
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When laminate flooring has buckled soon after installation do I need to remedy this? Or can I ignore w/o negative consequences?
elfie at August 6, 2009 08:05 PM
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Elfie,
There are a variety of issues that would cause buckling. One is moisture, if that is the reason for the buckling you would want to deal with the excess moisture.
Another cause could be the expansion gap is incorrect which would also cause the floor to buckle.
I would contact your installer as it might fall under your warranty.
The Flooring Lady at August 7, 2009 07:54 AM
Wood laminate flooring can be a cost-effective alternative to higher priced engineered wood or solid hardwood flooring. Discount laminate flooring can save you more than 25 percent over real hardwood floors. Prices can range from $1.50 per square foot to $3 per square foot with even better prices from wholesalers and other distributors.
Although laminate hardwood flooring looks pretty much the same as real hardwood flooring, its care is significantly different. Since the wood is simulated photographically, there are no real aging effects such as those experienced by real wood. With laminate tile flooring, if a section is badly damaged, the affected tile(s) can be easily removed and replaced and, unlike real wood a new section of wood laminate floor maintains the same color and look as the significantly older sections surrounding it. With real hardwood flooring, the wood ages and changes in color and size making it difficult to replace damaged sections with new flooring. Laminate floors don't require the amount of effort that real hardwood flooring requires to stay beautiful since they don't need periodic sanding or varnishing.
Laminate flooring offers its customers an inexpensive and fairly simple to install alternative to real hardwood flooring. It provides customers with a durable and easily repairable flooring solution that can installed without the need for professionals and that can even be installed on top of existing flooring.
]]>Engineered wood floors can be sanded and refinished to repair scratches, gouges and other types of damage. Depending on the thickness of the top layer, which can vary from 0.6 mm to 6 mm, the flooring can be sanded and refinished up to 4-5 times. This type of flooring lasts 30-40 years on average, or up to 60-100 years if you choose to install the thickest top layer varieties.
Unlike solid wood flooring that tends to shrink and expand depending on moisture and heat levels, engineered floors resist such changes. Although not designed to withstand the rigors of basements and bathrooms, engineered flooring can withstand moisture levels that would damage solid wood.
Engineered hardwood flooring provides all the benefits of sold hardwood flooring with few of the drawbacks. It does not need to be installed by professionals and provides superior resistance to warping. However, like with solid hardwood flooring, it is important to realize that an engineered hardwood floor can vary dramatically in color and texture from one manufacturer to another and even between the same species and style of wood. This difference is accentuated by aging and wear.
It is essential when replacing sections of engineered hardwood to have actual samples of replacement wood on hand to compare to the floors installed. Never base replacement decisions on photos from the Internet or catalogs as there is no guarantee that the woods will match. If possible, research the origin of the engineered flooring that needs replacement so that product from the original manufacturer can be used. Even then it is important to compare samples, as color change due to aging is always a factor.
With all of the benefits that engineered flooring brings, it is a great choice to consider when installing or replacing existing flooring.
]]>Engineered hardwood flooring:
This type of man-made flooring combines strips of real wood with those of other materials such as less expensive wood, plastic laminate veneer, or wood chip composite. These layers are glued together, usually with the grains of each layer perpendicular to each other to provide strength and resistance to warping due to moisture.
Wood flooring is measured for hardness on the Janka scale. Softer woods will have lower hardness ratings while harder woods will have higher hardness ratings.
Oak hardwood flooring
(Janka rating for Red Oak: 1290, for White Oak: 1360):
Red oak is more popular but is not as durable as white oak. Red oak has a warmer color while white has more burls and swirls. Oak resists moisture absorption and finishes well.
Cherry hardwood flooring (Janka rating: 950 - 3190):
This light brown wood has varieties that span the Janka scale. American and African Cherry varieties are too soft for an entire floor and are more appropriate for decorative and low-traffic areas. Brazilian Cherry flooring, however, has a Janka rating of 2350. This wood varies in color from light to reddish brown, appearing more red when exposed to sunlight. Brazilian cherry flooring resists warping and shrinking and ages well.
Mesquite flooring (Janka rating: 2345):
This hard, dense and strong flooring has dark reddish brown to light brown coloring that is characterized by bark and mineral streaking. Mesquite tends to split easily but otherwise it is quite workable.
Bamboo flooring (Janka rating: Engineered: 1690, Strand: 3014):
Bamboo flooring comes in two main colors: natural, which is similar to beech, and carbonized, which is similar to oak. It is often considered the more eco-friendly of the woods due to its rapid maturation and for being a renewable resource. However, the use of certain glues in the lamination process and deforestation involved in planting some bamboo plantations offsets these claims.
Mahogany flooring (Janka rating: 2200):
The beautiful dark reddish brown coloring and resiliency of mahogany flooring make it one of the more desirable wood floorings available. However, it is somewhat difficult to cut due to its hardness but it resists shrinking, warping and swelling. Mahogany is often used for high quality furniture and boating.
Teak flooring (Janka rating: 1155):
Although fairly soft, teak is easy to work with, has a beautiful grain with mellow gold to brownish-red hues, and resists fungus and insects. However, its long maturation and the limited places in the world where it can grow make it scarce and thus very expensive.
Knowing about the different benefits each type of hardwood flooring has to offer makes it much easier to pick the right type of wood for your home.
]]>When looking at wood flooring to update your older home or add to a new home, you want to consider pine flooring. While it is classified a soft wood, it offers many of the same benefits as a hard wood flooring and has some special characteristics that make it appealing for any home. Pine flooring comes in many different widths and even types that will allow you to make it a special part of your home.]]> Pine flooring planks comes in all different widths from wide to thin. Wider pine flooring planks offer a more traditional, country look to a home and can work to make a room look larger and wider. They also offer additional character to your home, simply because most homes do not have the wider planks. These planks can give your home or room a new look and feel that will delight you.
Pine flooring planks are a long-standing tradition for flooring. Though pine is a soft wood pine floors are durable, and look good too.
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