Comments on: Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons

By: Sheree

Sheree — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 19:31:24 +0000

Your reply to John on March 6 of 2017. You said that Houston was too dry to put bamboo flooring down. Just curious do you even have a clue where Houston Texas is? It’s one of the most Humid places in the United States. And FYI it’s called the air conditioning capital.

By: Shuang Tan

Shuang Tan — Sat, 13 May 2017 13:34:51 +0000

I leave in Albany, NY. Is it to dry to install bamboo flooring here?

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Fri, 12 May 2017 21:48:50 +0000

In reply to JUAN RIOS. Hi Juan, You will need to check the installation instructions for the specific floor you are installing to ensure the subfloor material and preparation is correct. Usually warranties are only valid if you are installing over a concrete or plywood subfloor. If you are floating the floor you will need an underlay that offers cushioning and moisture barrier. One thing to note is that bamboo is very susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature. If you live in an area that gets quite dry bamboo may not be the best option for you as there will be excessive contraction and expansion. A solid domestic species of wood may be a better option. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Wed, 03 May 2017 18:09:00 +0000

In reply to Emmanuelle Barone. Hi Emmanuelle, Unfortunately you will not be able to use bamboo in your area. The humidity must be within 35 to 50 per cent and even then you cannot have large swings in humidity. If you use bamboo it is very likely the planks will come apart when the seasons change. You can look into cork which is another environmentally friendly option or if there are some hardwood options that are GreenGuard Certified. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:27:23 +0000

In reply to Danielle. Hi Danielle, Thank you for getting in touch! Bamboo may not be the best option for you if there will be moisture around the floor. You will need to clean up any spills or wet spots right away. Bamboo is a natural product and is very susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity as well so the dry climate and the ocean air may cause expansion and contraction problems. I would suggest going with a luxury vinyl plank to avoid any moisture issues or if you are set on real wood I would suggest going with a domestic species of wood like hickory or oak to keep the expansion and contraction to a minimum. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

By: Taryn

Taryn — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:20:47 +0000

I’m looking to install floating click lock bamboo over tile in Florida throughout the first floor. Is this a good option or am I better off with engineered wood? Thanks

By: JUAN RIOS

JUAN RIOS — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 21:12:34 +0000

i live in Von Ormy Tx , i want to install stranded woven bamboo flooring over plywood subfloor, patched and then luan over plywood, is that satisfactoty for this floor in this area? do i put underlayment?

By: Emmanuelle Barone

Emmanuelle Barone — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 19:38:23 +0000

Hi! We would like to install bamboo in a couple of rooms in the house but some people told us that our climate is too dry for it… We live in Pierre, South Dakota.. Winters can be quite dry and we usually have around 25% humidity in the house. What is the lowest limit of humidity so the bamboo does not contract too much?
We do our best to be environmental friendly and we really like the bamboo! I hope we can use this material instead of wood.. We plan to install floating board so there is room for movement.
What do you advise?

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 18:17:57 +0000

In reply to Regina. Hi Regina, I haven't come across this type of mat but anything that is vinyl and PVC will probably restrict breathing as well. You will want to use something made of breathable material that can be washed. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

By: Regina

Regina — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:48:57 +0000

What a great resource your site is for newbies. I have newly installed horizontal bamboo and need a kitchen mat. I’ve seen not to use rubber-backed as they could cause discoloration if the floor cannot breathe. What about something described as “100% PVC Vinyl construction?”