Installing Bamboo Flooring - Comments
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Hi Eric, Bamboo flooring is very hard and because of this hardness, it's not known for it's flexibility. Some installers are even known to have special nail guns that they use just for bamboo - well, not really *special*, just that apparently certain brands/models work better than others for bamboo floors. Many nail guns have problems with chipping/splitting/splintering the boards just because bamboo is so dense (and thereby hard and brittle). This may sound like a bad thing, but it's not - bamboo is so durable because of it's hardness!
Anyhoo, back to your question about drilling up through the subfloor and injecting PL Premium........ Honestly, I haven't the faintest idea if this will work, but I suppose it's worth a shot. Have you voiced your dissatisfaction to the installer? Seems to me he should have to replace the floor since he screwed it up so royally, which could very well mean purchasing new flooring and hiring somebody who is experienced at installing bamboo flooring. He'd be the loser (in terms of money), but if he cares about his reputation he should be willing to say that "Hey, I screwed up, but I'll make it right, no matter what it takes".
The Flooring Lady at October 7, 2008 06:37 AM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at October 7, 2008 06:37 AMIn the article, it is mentioned that bamboo can be installed over existing vinyl/linoleum flooring if it is in good condition and not peeling. Is there any special consideration in getting the sub-floor ready? The linoleum in the house I just bought looks shiny as if it is coated with some kind of finish. I suppose it would be the glue-down method. Is there a special glue you need to glue onto vinyl?
Binhder at October 22, 2008 06:51 AM
Posted by: Binhder at October 22, 2008 06:51 AMThere's not really a "special" glue, just make sure that the product you use will adhere to vinyl - be sure to ask for recommendations where you're shopping. Roughing up the surface of the vinyl really well with very rough sandpaper will help to insure adhesion. If it doesn't look like it's getting roughed up very well because of the finish, you may need to strip the finish first. Some products recommend stripping the finish first to begin with.
The Flooring Lady at October 23, 2008 05:57 AM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at October 23, 2008 05:57 AMWe had a Morning Star farms Natural Strand Bamboo floor installed this summer. We live in a ground-level ranch house in Sarasota Fl. Our house was built in the 70's so the floor has been there a while. We tore up the existig tile floor, had it "preped" and somewhat leveled. We used the recommended glue (Bostik best)but did not use the moisture barrier because we were told by several installers that if the floor was wet (which we do not think it was - I did a test in several areas taping plastic down and waiting a week) then the moisure barrier would not help. Since it was very expensive, we decided agains it. Anyway, after about a month I started noticing boards here and there that were "splintering" or showing signs of damage on the surface which ran several inches long (with the grain of the boards). These boards are random across the entire floor. I wish I could post a picture so you could see what I mean. The "damage" is totally unaceptable and will need to be replaced (meaning that eventually we will replace the floor - with tile). To me this seems like a defect of the wood, not really due to the installation process or anything we have done since. Do you have and suggestions as to what may have gone wrong? I could understand if it was certain areas but it is so random. Are there things that go wrong with this type of flooring that may have made it defective? It is such a shame because I LOVE this floor and it does not scratch easily at all. Thanks for your help.
psarno at November 17, 2008 01:40 PM
Posted by: psarno at November 17, 2008 01:40 PMIf I had to guess, I'd say it was because the floor underneath was only 'somewhat leveled'. This will cause stress on the bamboo. Was the bamboo acclimated before installation? If not, this can also cause problems.
While you might not have a moisture problem, you still might have widely varying humidity which can also cause bamboo to crack due to expansion and contraction. This doesn't happen very often though.
There is always the possibility that the wood was defective, I know I have read lots of complaints about this type of problem (as well as scratching and gouging easily).
A moisture barrier, depending on what kind was used, may have helped to level your under floor further and might have prevented at least some of this.
I don't know what to tell you, I don't know if you'll get any results from the manufacturer or installer. I'd start off with a 'vague' call to the manufacturer. You may have to get forensic tests run on the flooring. Good luck!
The Flooring Lady at November 17, 2008 10:17 PM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at November 17, 2008 10:17 PMThanks for your comments. We will see where we get with Lumber Liquidators. I feel sick knowing how difficult the floor will be to remove and replace. We just survived our kitchen remodel (this was part of the whole project). I have another question: Should a small amount of water, say 1/4 c spilled on the floor cause ALOT of damage? Just today the cats knocked over a plant in one of the rooms with this bamboo flooring in it and about 1/4 to 1/3 c of water spilled and sat for what I assume was a few hours. Now 3 or 4 more boards are ruined. I had hardwood floors for years up north and I never remember so much trouble with water. We obviously cannot be trusted with a wood floor! If this is normal, ok, but it just seem so excessive for the amount of water - almost like there is no protection at all on the wood.
psarno at November 18, 2008 04:44 PM
Posted by: psarno at November 18, 2008 04:44 PMI don't know if this is normal or not for this brand of flooring. I would certainly hope not! If you have this floor replaced (and I sincerely do wish you luck!) I would recommend asking the manufacturer what kind of finish they would recommend in addition to what is already on it.
Either this is a really poor quality flooring product or a bad batch. *sigh* I really feel for you, what a nightmare!
The Flooring Lady at November 19, 2008 08:21 AM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at November 19, 2008 08:21 AMI am thinking about using bamboo flooring 5/8 thick solid flooring I am wanting to naii it wright to the old oak floor my house is on piers in south texas, by the sea I have central air and heat should I put a vaper barrier down and what else do I need to know also do you khow anything about homeledgend bamboo brand flooring
tim beitzel at December 12, 2008 08:04 AM
Posted by: tim beitzel at December 12, 2008 08:04 AMHi Tim, If you've taken the time to read the article and look through all the comments then you should be pretty well armed. As far as home legend brand, I recommend that you do some homework by searching the internet for info.
The Flooring Lady at December 13, 2008 10:42 PM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at December 13, 2008 10:42 PM
Hi - I just purchased about 500 sq ft of pre-finished bamboo. I have a second floor condo with a concrete subfloor. I ripped up all of the carpet and am finishing up the preparation. Since I'm on the second level, we have no moisture present at all. However, I think in order for the warranty to be good, I need to use the moisture barrier. There are a couple of spots I think I need to fill with leveling compound in order to make the floor perfectly level. I do not plan on using any underlayment such as cork. Is taht ok? Also, what is so tricky about the glue down method as opposed to nail down? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Matt at February 18, 2009 12:28 PM
Posted by: Matt at February 18, 2009 12:28 PMComment Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
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