Bamboo Flooring - Comments
(Read the article that everyone's commenting on.)
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
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at May 18, 2008 10:54 AMI 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
Posted by: Anonymous at May 19, 2008 07:35 AMI 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
Posted by: Jen at August 22, 2008 10:49 PMHi 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
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at August 23, 2008 12:27 PMJen,
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
Posted by: Randy -- Colorado at August 23, 2008 03:55 PMI'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
Posted by: Chris at August 25, 2008 04:06 PMThank 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
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at August 25, 2008 10:28 PMI 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
Posted by: Kathy at January 31, 2009 08:49 AMHi 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
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at February 1, 2009 05:16 PM
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
Posted by: debbie at March 15, 2009 12:25 PM(Read the article that everyone's commenting on.)
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