Green Shoots Blog
If you’re considering bamboo flooring, chances are you’ve heard tons of conflicting info about the benefits of drawbacks of using bamboo material in your home or commercial space. A quick Google search will present you with an overwhelming amount of claims that will probably leave you scratching your head in confusion. The fact of the matter is that bamboo flooring has evolved a lot over the years, and even today not all bamboo flooring is created equally. This has led to a great deal of outdated or misinformation floating around that is simply inaccurate. There is no one-size-fits-all guide to bamboo flooring; manufacturing quality control, the bamboo’s maturity, and the quality of binders and adhesives used all affect a floor’s durability, VOC off-gassing, and overall consumer value.
Bamboo Flooring Facts
With everything you’ve heard about bamboo flooring, how can you be sure what is fact and what is fallacy? We’ve heard it all at Cali Bamboo, so today we’re presenting some bamboo flooring facts to debunk the top 10 bamboo flooring myths.
Myth #1: Bamboo flooring is soft.
The Truth: The first generation of bamboo floors to hit the market in the mid-1990s gave bamboo a bad reputation for being soft and susceptible to scratching and denting, but advances in manufacturing techniques over the years have actually made certain types of bamboo flooring far more durable than even the hardest traditional hardwoods. Strand-woven bamboo flooring debuted in 2007 and is over 3x more durable than vertical or horizontal bamboo flooring. An evolution in the manufacturing process from simply gluing bamboo strips together to utilizing steel hydraulic presses capable of applying intense heat and tens of thousands of pounds of force forming a dense block from which the flooring planks are then milled. Cali Bamboo’s Fossilized® strand woven process takes this one step further, compressing 30% more bamboo into each plank achieving 5x greater density.
The easiest way to determine a floor’s hardness and durability is to check its Janka Hardness rating. The Janka Hardness test works by measuring the force required to embed a 11.28mm steel ball halfway into a material. The higher the amount of force needed, the higher the Janka score and the more durable the wood. Cali Bamboo Fossilized® bamboo flooring has earned the title of The World’s Hardest Floors™ with a Janka Hardness rating of 5,000+ lbs. Learn more.
Buyer Beware!
Don’t just take a company’s word for it. Due to a lack of regulatory requirements, it’s quite common for companies to publish high Janka scores without providing any proof. When in doubt, assume all Janka information is unreliable without test results from an accredited testing facility.
Sample Janka Test
Myth #2: Bamboo flooring scratches easily.
The Truth: This might be true for low-cost bamboo flooring with a poor finish, but floors with several layers of an aluminum oxide finish are extremely scratch-resistant. Cali Bamboo floors in particular are made with an industry leading 10-layer, water-based, topcoat system that helps them stand up to, well… life. Learn more.
Myth #3: Bamboo flooring contains formaldehyde.
The Truth: Formaldehyde is a naturally-occurring chemical found in just about everything- apples, shampoo, even the air we breathe. Recently there has been a great deal of concern over high levels of formaldehyde emissions coming from low-cost laminate flooring, which has been known to cause serious health problems. Unfortunately some manufacturers have gotten really good at cutting corners that don’t necessarily affect a floor’s appearance; two floors can look very similar while one can contain a host of mystery materials loaded with harmful chemicals in an effort to “save” costs. Generally, the lower the price point, the lower the product quality, and the higher chance for indoor air quality concerns. When shopping for new flooring for your home, always do your research and check third-party formaldehyde test results to protect your family’s health.
Buyer Beware!
Again, don’t just take a company’s word for it. Due to recent lawsuits filed against major flooring manufacturers regarding high levels of formaldehyde emissions, it’s quite common for companies to publish “Low VOC” or “Formaldehyde Free” labels without providing any proof. When in doubt, assume all emissions data is unreliable without test results from an accredited testing facility.
Sample Emissions Test
For years, Cali Bamboo has worked with the leading emissions detection laboratory Benchmark International (BMH), maintaining transparency by posting our results online. Test results show that several of our floors register formaldehyde concentration levels as “Not Detectable”, with less than 0.000 parts per million (PPM). The floors with detectable levels are still 50 times lower than the strictest California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 standards 0.05 PPM. In fact, all Cali Bamboo flooring formaldehyde emission levels are at least half the levels found in the typical air we breathe. Learn more.
Myth #4: Bamboo flooring is unstable- it expands/contracts more than other natural hardwoods and doesn’t do well in dry or humid climates.
The Truth: Bamboo flooring behaves no differently than other hardwoods. Because it is a natural product, it will expand as it absorbs humidity and shrink as the air grows drier. But before you rule out bamboo for your extremely dry or humid climate (like Colorado or Florida), keep in mind that gaps and distortion can be avoided simply by properly acclimating the flooring prior to installation. We recommend acclimating your flooring for a minimum of 5 days, but locations with extremely low or high humidity will require a longer acclimation period. Learn more about acclimating bamboo flooring in extreme climates.
Myth #5: Bamboo flooring is not eco-friendly because it has to be shipped from outside the United States.
The Truth: Bamboo flooring is typically harvested in the indigenous mountains of China, so it does need to be shipped overseas. However, it is important to note that most hardwood comes from all corners of the world- Deciduous hardwoods such as Oak typically come from Europe, Japan, New Zealand or Chile, and Evergreen hardwoods such as Mahogany or Walnut can come from places as far as Africa, Burma, or India, to name a few. Very little hardwood is actually harvested in the United States, so no matter what type of wood flooring you choose- bamboo or otherwise- it will most likely need to be shipped from overseas. That being said, you can counterbalance the carbon externalities incurred from shipping overseas by choosing a floor made from a rapidly-renewable material such as bamboo, instead of old-growth hardwood.
What makes bamboo green?
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth, regenerating to full mass in just 6 months! Bamboo also yields 15x more material than traditional trees, and can be continually re-harvested every 3 years without damaging the plant system or surrounding environment. Learn more about what makes bamboo green. Additionally, Cali Bamboo has greened our manufacturing processes by capturing the emissions generated from treating/drying our products instead of releasing them into the atmosphere, creating our own dedicated waste water treatment plants for our manufacturing facilities, and utilizing boxes and bags made from 100% recycled materials.
Need more reasons to go bamboo? Traditional hardwood prices have been on a rapid incline over the past few years and the proliferation of the poaching of wood from protected lands, particularly in eastern Russia, further clouds an already dark industry. Even for domestic hardwoods that do not need to be shipped from overseas, logging has destructive effects on the environment. When weighing the environmental costs of shipping a product overseas vs. deforestation, the carbon equation leans more favorably towards shipping. In fact, using any material other than traditional old-growth hardwood is a step in the right direction that decreases our planet’s dependency on deforestation.
Myth #6: Bamboo flooring is not suitable for commercial applications.
The Truth: Depending on the quality, Janka Hardness rating, and finish, bamboo flooring can be an excellent choice for commercial applications. With a Janka Hardness rating of over 5000+ lbs., Cali Bamboo Fossilized® bamboo flooring effectively holds up to high-traffic areas. Sony put our Natural Fossilized® flooring to the test by installing it in over 30 stores across the country, where it remains in amazing shape even after years of heavy foot traffic. One manager in San Diego said “The floors look great and are holding up very well. There is a noticeable difference in the durability between this bamboo and the other bamboo that was installed previously.”
Myth #7: Bamboo flooring cannot be installed over concrete.
The Truth: Bamboo flooring can absolutely be installed over concrete, just be sure to apply a concrete vapor barrier first to prevent mold, mildew, and other moisture-related issues. Cali Bamboo recommends Titebond 531+, which minimizes moisture transferred from the slab to your floor by 75-90%. Learn more about concrete vapor barriers.
Myth #8: Bamboo flooring cannot be glued down.
The Truth: Bamboo flooring can be installed using a number of methods, including glue down, floating, and nailing. The Glue Down method is commonly used when installing over concrete that is on or above grade. Learn how to install bamboo flooring using any method.
Myth #9: Bamboo flooring cannot be refinished.
The Truth: If performed by an experienced flooring refinisher, Cali Bamboo’s engineered and solid bamboo flooring should be able to be refinished several times should you ever need to. As long as a floor is kept clean and free of debris, the floor’s scratch resistance and hardness swill keep it looking great for decades.
Myth #10: There are not many color options for bamboo flooring.
The Truth: There are endless color options for bamboo flooring! Cali Bamboo alone has over 30 different colors and styles to choose from. Browse the selection here and find a floor to fit your style!
We hope these bamboo flooring facts clear up some of the confusion you may have had about bamboo flooring. If you have additional questions, feel free to give our Green Building Experts a call at 1(888) 788-2254.
Hello,
Greetings.
Finally we made decision on floors. We ordered Mocha Fossilized® Click Bamboo Flooring T&G, Model number: 7003006500 (thickness . Can you please advise which stair nosing I should pick? On product SPEC data sheet, I see 2.875″ (Module # : 7104006526) and at local Lowe’s store, staff told me to order this stair nosing. However, I also talked to one of the Cali Bamboo Specialist over the phone, I was told to order 3.25″ (Module Number: 7103006514). I am confused.
Please advise.
Thank you so very much.
Tim
Tim
Hi Tim,
The Cali rep has it right, 7103006514 is the right one.
Best,
Thanks for your reply.
I am even confused. I though I already got answer from you. but few minutes ago, a Cali Bamboo Rep called me to follow up my order. I asked the same question, but I got different answer. He told me to order 2.875″ (Module # : 7104006526).
He actually told me both stair noses will work with my flooring planks.
I already received 17 stair noses(Module # : 7104006526). should I return? order different ones?
Thank you
Ok Tim,
I got this straight from the source, and I’m going to make sure Jacob is also aware. While 7104006526 and 7103006514 are dimensionally exactly the same, 7103006514 is specifically designed for the T&G milled flooring and will match better in color.
Hello. We just ordered the Vintage Moonlight 3.75” solid planks. I live in Tampa, Florida and I was originally going to float the floors but I do not want to use transitions on long runs. I am considering gluing or nailing it down now. I am concerned about moisture but we keep the A/C comfortable all year. Which do you think would be the best option? Installing around 1300 sqft on first level. No dogs, one toddler. Thanks in advance! I love the sample we got and the sample box we purchased!
Hi Mike,
I would nail or glue it too. Is your subfloor plywood or concrete? If plywood, nail down. If concrete, seal the slab and glue down or use an adhesive that’s also a moisture barrier. Also, make sure to stack the wood in your home and acclimate for 10 days prior to installing. Take lots of pictures and send them to us, we love seeing your progress!
Cheers!
Hello,
For 5 1/8 inch size T&G floor, I already plan to put underpayment under the floor, do I need to glue each plank ? If yes, which size I need to glue, T&G side or the cutting side?
FYI, downstairs floor will be on concert, and upstairs will be on sub-floor.
Thank you
Hi Zach,
Yes, if you’re floating T&G flooring you’ll need to glue the edges using T&G glue. You apply the glue to the grooved edge of the plank so the tongues should be oriented outward. As long as your starter row has the groove agaist the wall you should be good. It’s explained a bit better in our T&G Floating installation instructions.
I am thinking to install cali Bamboo floor. I am located in northern California. Do you think its too dry to install bamboo floor?
Thank you.
Hi Zach,
As long as you follow these recommendations, you’re good. Here’s another video that goes into a few other good points.
I live in a rental with a large dog that has worn off all of the finish on the bamboo block floor. I think it was installed around 2002 or 3, Can I refinish a block floor? It is in a pattern of blocks.
Thanks,
Kara
Do you know if it’s Cali Bamboo? All of our bamboo floors (except the new GeoWood) can be refinished.
We just bought the vintage moonshine color floor and installed it, the floor looks fantastic and we couldn’t be happier with the final look and we’ll definitely be using cali bamboo floors as we remodel the upstairs of our house.
One error we made though was installing the cork underlay with the film side down instead of up on our plywood subfloor – hoping this isn’t a major issue!
Hi Alex,
That’s fantastic, send photos of the new floors to [email protected], we’d love to see you work! As for the upside down underlayment, it shouldn’t cause any issue as long as you don’t have a moisture incident (pipe rupture, etc.).
I understand that most bamboos are from China. But when the bamboos are shipped into the US, is there any inspection on the chemical emission? Also, I learned that the formaldehyde concern is often from the adhesive used in the manufacture process of bamboo floors. What kind of adhesive do you use? Does this process of using adhesive happen in China or America? Thank you!
Hi Lenka,
All of our bamboo products are manufactured in China with Cali Bamboo employees overseeing production. We only use the highest quality adhesives and finishes which is why our product may cost a bit more than what you’ll find at big box and discount flooring franchises. Before we debut any new product, we send sample material out to third-party certified testing facilities for performance and emissions. In addition, we perform emissions retesting every 6 months to ensure our product stays safe. You can find information and actual test results on this page and on every product page in the specs. To learn more about the Fossilized manufacturing process, check out this video.
I’ve ordered some your standard T&G Fossilized 3-in Java Bamboo flooring from Lowe’s and I had planned to install this myself. I have never done flooring before but I am a skilled DIYer. Upon reading all the replies here by Mr. Hicks and then speaking with an in store Lowe’s associate, I’m concerned about installation. I wanted to simply nail down the flooring to my second story 3/4″ plywood subfloor. I was planning on purchasing a more affordable 18 ga flooring nailer such as the Freeman PF18GLCN and then using the cleats recommended here by Mr. Hicks, the Powernail 18g 1 ½” HD cleats (I don’t even know if I can rent an 18 ga flooring nailer because most seem to be staplers or 16 ga nailers).
Installation looked straight forward enough but then my local Lowe’s store tells me their installers refuse to nail this flooring down because it is too hard and the nails won’t go through it. They recommended I glue it down. I asked about laying 1/4″ plywood first to protect my subfloor in case of removal in the future. The claimed that this was fine and that glue is the best option for our area too. The flooring associate also claimed she had witnessed massive expansion and contraction issues with your click together flooring with our local seasonal changes. I live outside Rochester NY but according to your installation guide and Optimum Flooring Moisture Content (%) by U.S. Region it doesn’t seem like its really that extreme and most hardwood floors look fine in our area. We have a humidifier built into our forced air furnace and run the central AC in the summer if it gets too hot or humid. We do like to keep the windows open most of the time though unless it gets unbearably hot, but the indoor temp doesn’t fluctuate much more than the shaded area on the chart in the installation instructions.
Mr. Hicks does say in these comments: “It is not recommended to glue down to a plywood subfloor”. I’d really prefer not to float the floor or exchange it for the click together. I’m confused as to the best installation method and if I will regret trying to nail it down. I played around with some sample pieces of your product compared to some 3/4″ maple flooring samples. I drove some 18 ga brad nails through these pieces with mixed results. Usually they went through but sometimes it acted like driving a nail into steel. I don’t mind gluing this floor down (is Titebond® 821 Premium Floor Adhesive the preferred choice over the 811 and 801?) but any help would be great. Thank you
Hi Lucas,
I’m flattered you have taken the time to read all my comments, sometimes I feel like they are going off into outer space. I think your situation comes down to just getting the right tool for the job which is the Powernail 50P. You should be able to rent this nailer from your local home improvement store. If they can’t help you I believe there are also websites that will rent and ship you the nailer. Get the 50P and you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you for your reply. When real questions are asked by real people, and then well addressed with detailed answers, its always very helpful and I read as much as I can.
I did find a couple online 50P rentals and one locally, but 90 minutes away. I’ll call around to a few other places but as I mentioned most rental stores seem to only have the 16 gauge nailers. Powernail’s website does have a rental locator and specifies which gauge nailer is available at each location.
Also you did address a previous question by Paul Renshaw about not needing an underlayment of roofing felt (I’ve even seen Tyvek house wrap used) and to nail directly to the plywood subfloor. However the very first step in the nail down instructions say to use a moisture barrier and references the moisture barrier requirements section: “Wood Subfloors: For best results, use a moisture barrier with a perm rating between 0.7 and 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E-96 Method A. Install as recommended by the manufacturer. Examples of acceptable moisture barriers for wood subfloors include: Asphalt laminated paper (UU-B-790a, Grade B, Type I, Style 1a.) and: Asphalt-saturated kraft paper.”
And from the Moisture Testing Subfloor sections it says: “Regardless of subfloor moisture content, the use of a moisture barrier is required for all installations”.
Is this really only necessary if the moisture content of the flooring and subfloor varies too much, or should I use something just to be sure? When researching online about installation techniques of hardwood floors in general, some kind of underlayment often seems recommended.
There may be lots of good reasons to choose a bamboo floor, but eco-friendly is not one of them. It may be true that lots of other hardwoods come from overseas, but in fact the hardwoods that are by far most commonly used for flooring , i.e. red oak and white oak, are sourced almost exclusively from the American Southeast and East. These two species have been produced commercially in large quantity since the early 1900’s from established tree farms and do not contribute to deforestation. On the other hand I have understood–and i admit that this part is anecdotal–that China continues to clear-cut forests to plant bamboo to meet the demand.
Either way it seems to me that from an environmental point of view the best wood flooring choice is a no-brainer: domestic red or white oak.
Hi Bruce,
We agree, transporting bamboo does take a bit away from its eco-benefits and domestic farms would be a more eco-freindly source by that measure, but there simply isn’t enough supply domestically. We built Cali around bamboo because it is, in our opinion, the best alternative to satisfy the global hardwood demand. Our production facilities operate under very high ethical and environmental ISO standards and our employees in those facilities are continually monitoring all areas of production to ensure best practices are being followed throughout the process. Each time we visit China we’re astonished at how expansive the bamboo forests actually are, mountain range after mountain range of nothing but naturally thriving bamboo. Farming bamboo occurs within these bamboo forests, since it’s here that bamboo grows best. Unlike traditional lumber, bamboo can be harvested every 5 to 7 years without cutting down the entire plant — thereby maintaining habitat and constant carbon sequestration. There may always be those who doubt the eco-benefits of bamboo, but when done right, it simply can’t be ignored. Even if you were to take eco-benefits out of the equation, it’s a superior building material in so many other ways, strength and durability that’s five times greater than oak means refinishing and all the inconvenience and chemicals required to keep oak looking good become unnecessary. I checked out your website, and I can see you are a talented floor installer that goes back generations! While many traditions hold true in the flooring industry and bamboo may seem like another hokey fad, I hope to continue a rich discussion on this topic with you. Admittedly we don’t know everything about flooring, but I believe we are where we are as a company because we listen to and work with experienced installers like you to develop the best products available. I’m going to send you some samples so you can feel the Cali Bamboo difference first hand. We value any feedback you can give us.
Best,
Walker
I want to purchase a home with bamboo floors, will my dogs running around ruin the floors? The house was built in 2014 and has impeccable solid construction.
Hi Sue,
Most of our customers are large pet owners and swear by Cali Bamboo flooring. Watch their stories here. If you are still unsure, I would recommend calling us at 1(888) 788-2254 and getting some free samples so you can feel how dense and durable our flooring is compared to other flooring options.
We have had Vali bamboo flooring for about 20 months. I have always used Bona floor cleaner and microfiber mop. I am having issues with fullness in high traffic areas and water spotting from doggie drool even though I try to keep it wiped up. Any other cleaning ideas to help?
Hi Teresa,
We recommend working in small 5’x5′ areas lightly spraying Bona Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaner (The ‘Pro’ version is slightly better at preventing haze) and quickly going over it with a damp microfiber pad. Rinse and wring the pad out often. The damp mop is the key to avoid product build-up. As a general rule, if it takes more than 30 seconds to evaporate off the surface, it’s too wet. We made this short video for our vinyl flooring, but the technique still applies the same to bamboo. Hope this helps, it may take a few cycles with this technique to get rid of the hazy spots, but it will go away.
I live in Massachusetts and do not have central A/C. Is solid wide plank bamboo going to a be problem for me? I would be doing a nail down install over OSB on the first floor of the home.
Hi Kevin,
While maintaining a consistent temperature is ideal, more than temperature, humidity actually plays a bigger role in expansion and contraction of solid hardwood flooring. Would you say your humidity levels remain fairly constant year-round? Keep in mind, thorough acclimation can also minimize the effects of humidity fluctuations so solid hardwood may not be completely out. If you’re still unsure, we may offer the color in our engineered line which is generally more resistant to moisture fluctuations.
The humidity levels would certainly rise in the summer when the AC is not on. It would certainly exceed the 60% RH figure in the summer and go down in the winter months. Of course many a new englanders have traditional hardwood floors without AC (humidity control) during the summer months without issue. Maybe I am over thinking it.
I do have samples of the Engineered line, but do not care for the hand scrapped wavyness of the planks compared to the solid version.
If your heart is set on solid then just make sure you acclimate for 10 days and make sure you have a full 1/2″ expansion gap around all fixed objects. You may also consider installing in between humidity extremes (fall or spring).
We recently had Cali Bamboo flooring installed throughout the main floor of our house. We have been considering some area rugs for our living room. I am wondering about the type of rug to get. I believe the jute backing would be okay but then we probably also need some slip resistant mat of some kind under the rug? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I want to make sure the flooring is not harmed.
Hi Susan,
Good thinking as we have seen certain rubber-backed rugs react with the flooring finish and damage the flooring. We only recommend fabric-backed rugs. If you are unsure about a particular rug or slip mat, maybe try laying it in an inconspicuous area such as a closet first?
I am looking to install bamboo flooring in my great room , hall ways and bedrooms. I have an OSB substrate . I have heard it is not advisable to nail bamboo to an OSB substrate because the nails will not stay put/grip like they will with a plywood substrate. What is the best installation technique with OSB substrate, glue or floating?
Nailing is fine, assuming you are talking about T&G milled flooring, but you could also float over an OSB subfloor. A floated floor has several benefits, it’s DIY friendly and requires no glue (click-lock) and can be walked on immediately after installation. Floated floors will expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity as long as they have been given proper expansion space near walls and fixed objects. Lastly, you can use underlayments with floated floors making them more sound and temperature insulating and comfortable to live on.
You do realize that your nail down instructions list OSB as being an acceptable subfloor right? Then you list use special fossilized cleats. Well nobody makes that. Can you just use standard 18G cleats? Seems like too much grey area when installing these floors or any bamboo. It seems like a safer bet to just do standard hardwood where you can find experienced installers and there is no grey area on installation instructions.
Hi Keith,
Plywood and OSB such as Advantech are acceptable subfloors for nail down application. I’m not sure what you mean by ‘special fossilized cleats’? What we are stating is that you should specifically be using 18 gauge cleats. 16 gauge cleats, as well as staples, will not work. I do recommend using the new Powernail 18g 1 ½” HD cleats. They have a new design with a slimmer head that helps the cleat seat better when dealing with dense material such as exotic wood and Strand Bamboo.
Best,
We just purchased a house with bamboo floors throughout (not sure of the brand). The house was built in 2002. The floors are in excellent condition, but have faded badly around where the area rugs were placed. What would you recommend we do in order to bring the floors back to a uniform color?
Hi Jill,
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do for sun damage aside from replacement. Refinishing could be an option, but if you’re going to spend the kind of money to do it right, you could probably just replace it. All hardwood floors are susceptible to sun damage especially those in direct sunlight. Older floors seem to suffer from this more than newer ones, as manufacturers are continually improving the UV inhibitors added to a floors finish.
What about water absorption? I have heard that even mopping can damage bamboo flooring. Is that true?
Wet mopping/standing water on a bamboo floor can cause cupping and lead to permanent damage. We recommend working in small 5’x5′ areas lightly spraying Bona Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaner and quickly going over it with a damp microfiber pad. Rinse and wring the pad out often. As a general rule, if it takes more than 30 seconds to evaporate off the surface, it’s too wet. We made this short video for our vinyl flooring, but the technique still applies the same to bamboo. Also, never use any type of steam cleaning equipment.
I just purchased 600 sqft from Lowe’s to install in our new log cabin. There is 3/4 plywood sub floor on 2×10 joists. with 1/4″ underlayment on top of that. What do I need to put under the flooring when I install? What is best method on this, glue, nail, float?
Hi Paul,
Since a cabin can experience large fluctuations in temperature and humidity, you’re going to want to make sure that you acclimate the flooring for the full 10 days (watch video, see instructions). If you choose to float the floor, you can use an underlayment such as Cali Complete, Premium+ Cork or Recycled Felt to add comfort and insulation to the floor. If you choose to nail down the flooring, you’ll want to do so directly to the plywood subfloor. It is not recommended to glue down to a plywood subfloor. Here’s a cabin in Tahoe we visited a few years back, they loved the way the Java flooring turned out. Take lots of pictures and send them to [email protected] and we’ll enter you in our monthly Facebook contest.
The guy in Lowe’s said I could use felt paper like when doing hardwood flooring I just wanted to make sure that was acceptable. It will be pretty climate controlled, I have a Mitsubishi ductless split system installed and keep the temp and humidity regulated. Plus I have an ERV and a wood-stove, with humidifier when stove is used. I was planning on 7-8 days of acclamation due to my time constraints. Does that sound feasible? Thanks
I have heard of people putting down felt or red rosin paper, but it doesn’t really have any benefit. It’s so thin it doesn’t have any moisture blocking or insulating properties, and over time it just kinda breaks down and disintegrates. Short answer: it won’t hurt anything, but it won’t really help either. 7-8 days acclimation should be just right. Take pictures and document your work.
Is it better to nail it or float it? I am picking it up Friday and starting the install the following weekend.
I’m assuming you bought solid T&G? It’s totally your preference, if you nail it, you’ll need to rent a Powerflex nailer that shoots 18 gauge nails, you’ll want to play with the pressure on scrap pieces to reduce dimpling. The nice thing about nailing is you can walk on it and move furniture back right away. Nailed floors also feel more ‘solid’ and tend to squeak less. Floating is a little easier overall for DIYers, you’ll just apply the T&G glue and slap it together. You’ll want to wait 24 hours before walking on it and returning furniture. I hope you’re not in an extremely humid or dry area, 5 days of acclimation prior to installation is the bare minimum. Take pictures along the way, and send them to [email protected]. We love to experience new floors with our fans.
Best,
Sorry meant to say it is the click lock flooring so it will have to be installed in a floating matter. Does it have to be glued in between the joints ?
Sorry, it is click lock so it will have to be floating. It says not to install under fixedcabinets, what issues would that cause because I will most likely have that situation. If they are just screwed to the wall and not down to the floor, what difference would it make?
Yes, then you’ll be floating. We recommend installing the flooring last after all cabinets are installed. Run the flooring up to the cabinets and cover the 1/2″ expansion gap with quarter round.
How do your floors hold up to wheelchairs?
Hi Cheryl,
I honestly haven’t heard any feedback about wheelchairs specifically, but I would assume they perform well as they are designed to be scratch and dent resistant. Does anyone reading this have a related experience to share with Cheryl?
Hi. I’m getting ready to install over 1200 sq ft of flooring in a rancher. I absolutely love the Antique Java 5″ bamboo but after talking to a rep at the local home improvement store, I’m very concerned because this is a big investment and I don’t want any issues. First, the rep told me that all hardwood will scratch and we will absolutely not be able to ever refinish bamboo (even the solid hardwood). Second, he said Cali Bamboo customer services is horrible and they most likely will not stand behind the warranty for any installs done by a DIY’er home owner. He said I’d have to pay for someone to come out and the first thing they do is a moisture test—if it’s not 3% or less, it’s not covered under warranty. Let me state, we’re not a typical DIY’er–we’ve renovated 2 houses and have a license carpenter/floor installer working with us but essentially we’re installing it ourselves . So, I wanted to ask some questions: 1) Is there a location chart showing acclimation timeframes (by state)? 2) Acclimating for 15 days isn’t an issue but since it’s summer in Maryland right now and the AC is on full time, will issues arise when fall comes and the windows are open or winter when the fireplace/heat is on? 3) Will the 5″ wide planks cup? 4) With an above grade install—should a vapor barrier like resin paper be used and can the planks be nailed every 4-6 inches to keep the floor from cupping? and 5) Is the warranty honored when DIY’ers install this floor or is it only honored if a company installs the floor. Thanks very much for your help.
Hi Sharon,
Our solid flooring Pre-installation checklist covers most of your concerns. All of our bamboo and eucalyptus flooring can be refinished even our engineered flooring, but honestly, it should never need to be. We have an excellent customer service team that works very hard to rectify any issues that can arise, even cases of improper installation. Moisture is a valid concern, especially for Maryland. If you do end up choosing a solid product, I’d acclimate for 10 or more days. Since you mentioned nailing down the floor, you’ll want to get the T&G milling and you wouldn’t use any underlayment. Cupping can be caused by wet mopping the floor, so make sure to only lightly spray Bona Professional hardwood floor cleaner and quickly go over it with a damp microfiber pad. As a general rule, if it takes more than 30 seconds to evaporate off the surface, it’s too wet. Since you really like the Antique Java, and you sound very concerned with moisture, I would actually go with the engineered product as it is specifically designed to be extremely moisture tolerant and it only requires 1-2 days of acclimation (see instructions) and you don’t have to build the acclimation stack. Our warranty covers flooring defects regardless of who installs it. It is, however, a good idea to take plenty of pictures as you install so you can show how it was acclimated, how it was installed, with what nail gun and nails, was there sufficient expansion space allowed around fixed objects such as walls and doorways, was the subfloor moisture tested, etc. All these photos and documentation would be super useful to have should you ever have an issue with your floor.
OK. We are putting down new flooring on around 1000 sq ft in our home. We love the look of the fossilized eucalyptus but after reading reviews,I am concerned.Our installer has us on a 2 week acclimation period.I am in a very humid climate.I am also concerned with scratches
This is a VERY BIG investment for my wife and I.I want to be confident in my decision,and right now I am not. Please help.
Hi William,
Understandably a common concern, many of our customers get samples of the flooring and put them thru their own scratch tests. While no hardwood floor is scratch proof, our floors almost always outperform the competition. I’ll add that prevention is a big part of keeping your floors scratch free, keep the floors swept, don’t drag heavy things across the floor, use felt pads, etc. Should you happen to get a scratch, it’s usually just a superficial surface scratch (fine white line) that can be easily fixed with one of our color-matched finish markers. Also, as a general rule, lighter floors tend to hide scratches better than dark colors.
For humid climates, 2 weeks sounds about right for that acclimation stack. When they do install it, make sure they are allowing 1/2″ expansion space around all fixed objects, walls, pillars, etc. If you are installing over concrete subfloors be sure to seal the slab with 531+ or use a moisture barrier if you end up floating the floor.
Does the click flooring need acclimatization? (I live in south Florida.) Also, does click flooring require 531+ if being installed over a concrete subfloor? I don’t want to use a moisure barrier because those emit toxic fumes.
Hi Judy,
Yes, all solid hardwood flooring should be acclimated 5-10 days prior to installation, and since you’re in South Florida, I’d go 10+ days if possible. You’ll also need to use a moisture barrier to protect the wood flooring from the moisture in the concrete subfloor. Fortunately, Titebond 531+ and our Cali Complete moisture barriers are both ultra-low voc making them safe for even the most sensitive homeowners.
Considering buying the Rustic Beachwood Fossilized Wide T&G hardwood. It feels like the superficial grey colored texture was artificially made. That is, it has distinct ridges that feel like distressed wood. If in the future I were to send this bamboo floor down will I still have that same texture /ridges or would it be more of a flat surface after sanding?
Hi John,
The Beachwood is an oil finish floor, while it has a beautiful natural matte finish, it does require a bit more upkeep than the aluminum oxide. The whitewash is a pigment stain and will come off if sanded, as will the saw mark distressing. I would avoid sanding it, and stick with applying maintenance oil in heavy traffic areas every few years. For gouges in the floor, the Bostik Fil Stiks do an amazing job of concealing scratches. Watch this video on how to keep oil finish floors looking great for years to come:
I installed the Rustic Beachwood product throughout my house. Ut acclimated for 2.5 weeks before installation and looked great for the first couple of months. Despite only cleaning with microfiber and Bona or Bruce hardwood cleaners, there are a number.of pkaces where the finish is coming off and revealing black spots.
Is this a problem you have encountered before or should look to replace the boards involved?
Hi Chris,
Your cleaner needs to be specifically for Oil Finishes, Hardwood cleaners will remove the oil finish. This page has all the information about oil finish care & maintenance. The good news is oil finish floors are very easy to touch up. Watch the second video to learn how to bring the color back to Barnwood flooring.
I am thinking about buying Cali bamboo through a home improvement store, and have chosen the 5″ wide Mocha solid bamboo. How can I be sure that they know how to install the bamboo properly? The bamboo will be installed over concrete and they told me that they will level the floor using some sort of concrete and than an underlayment. Also, they didn’t seem to know much about the required acclimation period. I’m glad that I did some research before purchasing. Another thing, I couldn’t locate a list of your approved dealers on your website. Please reply ASAP.
While most Lowe’s installers are great, you are smart to question their attention to detail regarding the unique requirements of Cali Bamboo solid Fossilized™ flooring. I absolutely encourage you to download and print out our flooring installation instructions and our PACE pre-installation guide. Proper acclimation is one of the most important steps to installing a new hardwood floor, make sure you allow enough time before they show up ready to install.
If they are talking about using an underlayment, then they are planning to float the floor. It is common to use quickset concrete to help level a concrete subfloor. It is very important that they either seal the slab with Titebond 531+ or they use CaliComplete™ underlayment in conjunction with the metalized tape. Only these two products will adequately protect your new flooring from subfloor moisture, especially concrete.
We don’t list dealers online, feel free to give us a call at 1(888) 788-2254 and we can find one in your area we recommend.
What kind of finish is recommended to make bamboo flooring water and stain resistant? We are moving to a new house and want to install bamboo, but we also have a puppy that we are working (mighty unsuccessfully) at house training and a cat that loves to splash his water bowl. Any guidance is appreciated.
We don’t recommend putting anything on our hardwood floors. With hardwood, you just need to try and clean it up as soon as you are able. If you feel your pets are just too wet and wild for hardwood, but you want the wood look, I’d recommend our vinyl flooring, it’s 100% waterproof and still gorgeous as all get-out.
I am considering using Calibamboo throughout our home. I live in Tampa, FL. I have differing opinions on whether to glue down the floor or go with a floating floor. In the past I have been against floating floors due to the squeak and feeling of it not being solid under your feet. I am also questioning whether we need solid or engineered wood?
Thank you in advance for your input.
Hi Rachel,
Glue down and nail down installations definitely have that “solid” feeling which is nice. If you float the floor you’ll get that unsatisfying hollow feeling, but you have the ability to use underlayments to give the floor a bit more cushion and comfort. If you’re guilty of wearing an uncomfortable but gorgeous pair of high heels from time to time you should glue down or nail down. If you always choose comfort over looks, float on. Ha! That’s the first time I’ve used that analogy, but it’s spot on. As for engineered vs solid, I would go engineered since it tends to be more stable in extremely humid environments like Tampa.
Best,
I had a customer come in concerned with lead being in the flooring because of it coming from China. I explained that your bamboo is held to a high and strict standard and test to make sure harmfuls are not introduced. Also, we are in Colorado and our installer will not install bamboo unless there is a whole house humidifier for warranty reasons. If you can give me feedback on these two things I have mentioned, that would great.
Hi Krista,
Correct, we perform extensive testing on all of our products and post those tests to our website. This page discusses emissions and has test results. Humidifiers and de-humidifiers are only needed if proper acclimation is not followed. In extremely moist or extremely dry environments 14 days is the minimum for solid bamboo or eucalyptus. Acclimate properly, use an approved moisture barrier and give yourself a 1/2″ expansion space around all fixed objects and you are good to go. Unfortunately, many installers are not aware of or skip these important pre-installation steps and the homeowner ends up paying the price.
I’m curious about expansion… you say to leave a 1/2″ expansion space all around, but if the planks are nailed down, how could they possibly move that much? I know what your saying is most likely correct as any installation videos I’ve watched have ALL emphasised the need for the expansion space. I’m not trying to imply you are wrong, rather I just want to understand this issue better 🙂 Thanks.
I work at a retail location that sells CaliBamboo. I have many customers asking if it’s waterproof and, if not, can they make it waterproof somehow. Do you recommend using Cali Bamboo in bathrooms or kitchen areas?
Hi Jennifer,
Hardwood flooring is not waterproof and aside from an extra heavy layer of additional finish, I am unaware of anyway to make it waterproof. We do not recommend hardwood flooring in bathrooms where one toilet overflow could ruin it all. Kitchens can have hardwood, but you still need to be cautious since a simple dishwasher leak can cause irreparable damage too. Both locations have risk, and we recommend using cork flooring for these areas of the home instead of hardwood.
What is the sound rating of your flooring? My condo association requires a min sound rating.
Thanks!
Cork Sound Rating: STC Class ASTM E413-87 = dB 54
Bamboo Sound Rating with Cork Underlayment over wood subfloor: STC Class ASTM E90-09 = dB 53
Bamboo Sound Rating with Cork Underlayment over cement subfloor: STC Class ASTM E90-09 = dB 58
Hello- we are replacing high VOC flooring in our bedrooms and because of past experience did not want to purchase flooring that was manufactured in China.
Can you advise how often you test your bamboo/eucalyptus flooring coming out of China to make sure the VOC’s continue to remain low?
Hi Frank,
We have our flooring on a 6 month testing cycle, however it may take longer for the test results to be updated on our website. Be sure and ask your rep or let me know if you notice a test date more than 6 months old. Beware of other flooring companies that “lump” categories of floors together for their VOC testing, we’ve found some surprising variation among floors that we expected to test exactly the same. Chinese hardwood flooring does have that stigma of being cheap and unsafe. Bamboo however is unique in that China is where most of the planet’s bamboo grows naturally therefore ALL bamboo flooring is manufactured from Chinese bamboo. The problem isn’t necessarily where it’s made, it’s how it’s made and with what quality level of materials. We aren’t quite done with this blog post but I’ve published it for you and it explains the corners low cost flooring manufacturers cut in order to sell flooring under $3/sqft. Hope this info helps Frank, feel free to ask me or your rep anything else.
Walker
Hi Walker
We have chosen the Natural Fossilized® Eucalyptus Flooring (wide click lock) to replace the product currently in our bedrooms, however I noticed the VOC test results on the website are from 4/30/2015.
Do you have updated test results you can provide me?
Thanks
Hi Frank,
Yes, I found newer test results for Natural Eucalyptus from 02/2016. I updated the website but you may need to clear your browser history to see the update. Happy Friday or should I say feliz Viernes?
I plan on installing bamboo flooring in my billiard room under a 9ft, 500lb table. Can bamboo withstand the weight? The subfloor is concrete.
It can handle it but you’re going to want to fix it to the subfloor by gluing it down, don’t float it. Heavy objects hinder natural expansion and contraction which is one of the benefits of floating a floor. Is this above, at or below grade? Stick to the solid bamboo or eucalyptus floors at and above grade. If we are talking about a basement pool table, then our Hybrid™ flooring is your best bet.
Hi,
One of your reps told me it was near impossible to refinish the hardwood flooring and would recommend to not attempt to refinish it.
Myth #9 according to your article states it can be sanded and refinished multiple times. This is a contradiction to what I have been told over the phone and makes the refinishing of bamboo sound easy.
Can you let me know how to refinish and what the process is in terms of traditional refinishing?
And is refinishing easily accessible to normal consumers like myself? or do I need to call in someone specializing in Bamboo refinishing?
Thanks,
Huy
Hi Huy,
Owners of traditional wood floors are initially really concerned whether bamboo can be re-finished, probably because traditional woods are prone to denting and scratching from things like high heels and dog’s claws. Because our bamboo flooring is solid bamboo (unlike engineered) technically yes, they can be refinished several times in fact. Refinishing bamboo flooring is probably no more difficult than refinishing traditional wood flooring which is actually a difficult and extremely messy task and should be done by professionals. The reason our reps don’t like to spend time talking about refinishing, and what people who have these concerns come to realize is you don’t need a floor that is refinish-able if you don’t have denting and scratching in the first place. Once people get the floors installed and see how much better it is than their old wood flooring they forget all about refinishing. It’s actually a very freeing experience for a homeowner. Hope this helps Huy.
Can bamboo flooring be installed under cabinets?
If you are glueing down or nailing down to the subfloor no problem, but if you are floating the floor we don’t recommend installing under cabinets because the weight of the cabinets could inhibit natural floor movement.
I am having major issues with Renewal Sustainable Environments located in Wayne, Pa. Cali Bamboo referred me to them because after doing homework I wanted to the purchase and install to be by a company that sold Cali bamboo and had their own trained installers to install the bamboo. Cali sent me to Renewal with a promise that they sell and do their own installation. I have had nothing but a nightmare with this company whom still hasn’t contacted me directly to see what the issues are. I have emailed the actual photos to Renewal and the only answer I received was when I went there in person to find out why know one was getting back to me. Lynn bluntly stated that…Your story isn’t matching the installers story! I stood there stunned by the lack of professionalism and behavior. She never contacted me to find out what any of the problems were. I was thinking what story I sent photos, I knew at that moment this was going to be a problem. I asked for a on site meeting, I was told that following Monday. No-one showed up and I receive NO phone calls! I even asked the man who looked at the floor what is it going to take to get this floor installed right. He gave me a number after I paid Renewal already for install. I am just shocked!
It has been 3 months and this floor is not properly installed. I asked Cali for help because Ben assured me they would be there if I needed help since they stand behind their referrals. Truly, once the Cali product was sold they didn’t care. No professionalism. A man has come to my home intermittently who looks sighs and sends someone who filled the incorrectly cut edges with wood filler or glue and double-sided tape. I have seams separating and uneven bowed thresholds and in areas when you step on the floor it sinks. I was told that is normal because it is a floating floor. I have never seen any floor laid like this and I have had many other wood floors installed in my other homes. I am blogging to all bloggers maybe the attention will get this floor issues resolved. I know that the guy that has come in to look at my floor is not the person to fix it. He doesn’t know what he is doing when it comes to the bamboo. One of his reasons was he didn’t have time.
Rafaela,
We are very disappointed in the experience Renewal Sustainable Environments has given you. We rely on feedback exactly like this for us to determine if a company is worth recommending. I have forwarded your comments and link to one of our Account Managers and they will use this information to re-evaluate their status. Thank you for your assistance as we try to rectify this situation.
Walker
🙁 Too bad I just got your email now, directing me to this link. I really wanted Cali bamboo, I even got samples, but then heard about bamboo expanding/contracting more so than other woods due to humidity levels and that you shouldn’t float over concrete. I already installed another floor, so will have to wait for my next house. (Was also told by lumber liquidators that you can’t refinish bamboo (not that this was a factor in my choice.)
Sad but true David. Tell you what, how about we talk in March when you start dreaming of a beautiful new composite deck for the backyard? 🙂
Why can’t I have a price per square foot list for you products? I was speaking with a sales person and it was like a secret !
Hi Douglas,
Looks like you and your wife were interested in a light colored floor? I just emailed you all the pricing for our Natural floors. Also, if you need help visualizing the new floors in your home we have a free DreamFloor program where we photoshop the new floors into photos of your home. Happy Holidays!
How do I access the DreamFloor program? I would love to be able to see how my kitchen might look with the bamboo flooring!
Hi Len,
Just call us at 1(888) 788-2254 and talk to one of our Green Building Experts about your project. Mention the DreamFloor program and you’ll need to send the rep some good photos of your home.
I got $ per sq ft at Lowe’s. However, they varied based on which finish, color, and TIG vs click. The range I saw was $4.99 up to $5.79 (there may also be others). What’s quoted even then isn’t the end all. Hiring someone to install TIG costs more than click, which is less work. Click can even be DIY. Theoretically you could buy the most expensive bamboo in click, and pay less net than a TIG in the less expensive version.
If you’re talking about floating the floor and paying someone to install it, then yes you could end up paying more for T&G even though the click product costs more.
Just received your box of samples you sent. I really like the marbled bamboo. I was suprized at how heavy the sample was!! Its probably as dense as ironwood. I haven’t tried hitting it with a hammer, but it feels strong enough to take it.
I’m impressed, and if I choose to use bamboo, you’ll have my business.
Thanks for the samples!
Gents, I am considering buying your flooring for a new ranch home to be built. I am very impressed with the toughness and potential lasting durability of bamboo. I am a Marine and Army Vietnam Era Veteran. My Marine “Boot Camp” time was in San Diego, where you are headquartered. I’m sure you are aware of this and all the Military presence in your town. So, are your Owners and Cali Flooring Military/Veteran friendly and offer special discounts for us? I’m likely looking at needing 1500 sq ft.
Hi Joe,
I don’t think we have a military discount but I think it’s a great idea! I’m going to see what we can do for you and all who have served our country. I see you have been working with Samantha? I’ll let her know what we’re up to. Thanks for the shout out!
I have heared most of the concerns you mentioned in your myth-article. I do like very much the appearance of your Java flooring sample! NOW,just recently i visited your new SanDiego show-room. Guess what i saw entering your facility! Your bamboo flooring was awful!!! bulged up on the snap on lines all over the huge entrance show-room!!! Question: are you doing this that you can argue later on that your customer have seen what your product does after a while?!
AGAIN the bamboo flooring remains my favorite floor in appearance, but gives me great concern questioning if my investment would goe bad as in your own showroom!
What warrenty/guaranty do you provide re your products?
Peter you busted us! Truth be told we were in a such rush to get into our new building and didn’t follow our own rules on acclimation. We learned this lesson the hard way too. In addition, some of our runs of flooring are hundreds of feet long which will compound hardwood expansion and contraction so yeah, there’s a few spots that need some love. That said we’ve been on these floors for almost 2 years now and I am really impressed with how its held up to office life, especially with all the big dogs we have running around here (real dogs, not pompous Marketing Directors :). In short Peter, unfortunately our showroom is an example of the importance of proper acclimation. We offer 25 and 50 year residential warranties on our bamboo flooring and stand behind our products wholeheartedly.
Can my Cali Bamboo floor be steam cleaned ??
Thank You!
Absolutely not! I read an article somewhere that said if you wanted to make a device that could instantly destroy a hardwood floor it would be a floor steamer. Steam and hardwood are mortal enemies. We recommend vacuuming or sweeping often and cleaning using a light misting of Bona® Hardwood Floor Cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
I need a quote for 2200 sq. feet of bamboo flooring that resembles Brazilian Walnut. I will also need (2) sets of 14 risers and runs for two sets of stairs in my home.
Thank you,
Jeff Breedlove
Fossilized® Cognac is a perfect match! Watch this video and see how it looks just like Brazilian Walnut or Cherry wood!
I am a Cali Bamboo supporter. I installed decking and distressed bamboo flooring last summer at our lake home North of Spokane, Wa.
The bamboo flooring was allowed acclimate for at least two weeks. There were no installation problems.
I won’t know how the decking and flooring will accomodate the etreme weather shifts until I return in the Spring.
I have several comments, they are:
1. Customer service – It was great never a bad experience and my rep was always accommodating
2. Shipping was no problem because I had the product drooped ship to my local lumber company.
3. I suggested to a Claims adjuster for Cali that you packaging of your flooring product should be looked into because almost every piece was damaged. The cause might be the result that the weight of the package was not easily manageable and that you should use reinforced plastic end caps to protect against damaged corners.
I am planning a new project now to replace my existing carpet in my home with your bamboo flooring, but after reviewing individual reviews of your product, I now have serious doubt. Why? Cost and durability. The cost I can accept, but the issues of scratching and etc. makes me apprehensive to do so. Anyway, I will study some more.
Thank you
Thank you Stephen for taking the time to write us and for choosing our products in the past. I have forwarded your suggestions on to our operations dept. We don’t have a lot of control over how the freight carriers handle our product but improving the packaging could eliminate these issues. It sounds like you are doing a good deal of research, that’s great. If I were you I’d get samples of the different products you are considering and put them thru some real world tests. Drop things on them, put some dirt on them and walk and stomp on them, I’ve even heard of people putting the sample in a bucket of water overnight! Look at what this homeowner did to his samples.
What do you recommend for everyday cleaning?
We recommend vacuuming or sweeping often and cleaning using a light misting of Bona® Hardwood Floor Cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
How do I refinish bamboo floor. my finsish is scratched and has one dent?
Hi Heidi,
Good question, I’m trying to find out what floor you purchased and I’m not seeing your order in our system. First off, refinishing a floor is a huge undertaking. You’re going to want to make sure the floor is solid bamboo and not an engineered product, engineered floors can’t be refinished. Most bamboo floors have an Aluminum oxide finish that should be pretty resistant to deep scratches. I have seen those really thin white scratches and those can usually be fixed with matched furniture markers, or a product called Tibet Almond stick is supposed to work really well. If those don’t work, Bona® makes some polishes designed to fix light scratches, check those out. Remember to test these products in an inconspicuous spot of the floor first just in case. Only after testing several different quick fixes would I even consider a refinish. And if you do end up refinishing go with a Pro that specializes in refinishing, it’s an art form in and of itself.