Green Shoots Blog
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN DIEGO: March 15, 2017 Cali Bamboo, known for making world class bamboo floors, is branching out with an all-new line of luxury vinyl flooring — merging the beauty of traditional hardwood with the durability demands of today’s commercial spaces and busy homes.
Unrivaled Beauty & Durability
Cali Vinyl™ features stunning HiFi Imaging™ technology, to capture the natural look and texture of wood grain, while offering twice as many unique planks as other vinyl floors.
Tough enough to outperform in even the most demanding industrial environments, every Cali Vinyl™ floor boasts an extra thick 20 mil commercial wear layer. A 100% waterproof construction makes it ideal for every climate region, as well as moisture-prone areas like kitchens, baths, basements, and gyms.
Quiet & Colorful
A built-in 100% recycled insulating cork underlayment accounts for 1.5 millimeters of the 7 millimeter plank thickness, and suppresses in-room and between-level step sound well beyond the strictest urban multi-level dwelling codes.
The Cali Vinyl™ line offers seven colors most sought by today’s customer, from elegantly neutral hues like White Aspen, Gray Ash, Natural Elm, and Aged Hickory, to the more vibrant colors featured in the original Cali Bamboo flooring line — Natural, Java, and the top-selling Antique Java. To ensure continuity throughout a space, Cali Vinyl™ — like all Cali Bamboo flooring products — offers a wide variety of matching accessories and trim for each hue.
Installation That’s a Snap
A click-lock groove system makes DIY installation quick and easy. Cali Vinyl™ planks score and snap with a simple utility knife, guaranteeing fast, floating installations without all the sawdust and mess.
The new vinyl line comes backed by a 50-year residential warranty, a 15-year commercial warranty, and the expert customer support Cali Bamboo was built upon.
To view the full Cali Vinyl™ line, visit https://www.calibamboo.com/vinyl-flooring.html
Related Products
Where can I read the MSDS sheets for all of your products? I have asthma, so VOCs are a concern as well as other possible materials. Thanks.
Hi Amy,
I sent you all of our flooring MSDS documents directly, let me know if there is anything else I can provide.
Walker
My floor that I bought your vinyl for, is an old plywood that was under carpet. My installer wants to add plywood on top of the current plywood. Is that really necessary? It will cost me another $15,000 in plywood and labor when all is said and done.
The current plywood is not perfect in some spots and there are nails of course holding it down. My question is, is the padding that I bought from you sufficient to protect the flooring and is it ok to istall over that old plywood?
Hi Erin,
Since we’re not there, we can’t see what state the plywood is in to make the call. But as long as it’s relatively clean and flat without any holes or rot, it should be fine to install over.
Are all of your products made in the U. S. A.?
Hi Amy,
Our products come from all over. The bamboo and vinyl come from China, the cork from Portugal and reclaimed oak from the USA.
Hello…are your vinyl planks still made in China? I was hoping to find US made. Thank you n
All of our vinyl products are made in Asia, some in China, some in neighboring countries.
Hello…are your vinyl planks still made in China? I was hoping to find US made. Thank you.
Yes, our vinyl is still made in Asia.
I’m having a new house built. Are there any considerations when installing over bare, new cement floors?
This applies more to solid bamboo and eucalyptus: Concrete subfloors must be fully cured and at least 60 days old, preferably 90 days old.
Hi, I was very surprised to see Cali Bamboo came out with a Vinyl flooring do to all of the worries about it being toxic. What separates your product from other products that offgas dangerous chemicals. Do you have any comparisons to other company’s to show that your flooring is safer? How much does your product offhand and what does it offgas? I have a small child that crawls on the floor I do not want him breathing I’m toxic gas all day. Thanks
Hi Jay,
This is precisely why we decided to develop a vinyl product, there weren’t many quality options with certification or testing results to prove that it was safe.
As you begin to compare products, at a bare minimum you’ll want to look for FloorScore® or GreenGuard® certifications. This is the baseline I would require before I would consider putting my child on it. The next best thing is actual testing results from a third-party accredited testing facility for emissions of formaldehyde and phthalates. These are often two separate tests and the phthalates one is important for vinyl products. I’d be willing to trust a manufacturer that will provide you with these test results like these:
formaldehyde testing
phthalate testing
FloorScore Certificate
What are the thoughts on using the glue down method of installation on sheetrock walls?
I don’t think glue will stick to sheetrock. You’re going to want to get some thin plywood and screw it to the studs. Glue and nail it to the plywood and you’re good. Legal disclaimer: I should mention putting flooring on the wall can be dangerous if done improperly and should be looked at by a licensed contractor. Also, we do not warranty flooring used for any purpose other than flooring. That said, please send us photos once completed to [email protected] 😉
Can Cali Vinyl be installed over ceramic tile?Tile is on concrete flooring in Fl.
That’s fine but keep in mind, if you have large grout lines that dip down between tiles, you may be putting the click mechanism at risk of failure over time.
What country is the Cali Vinyl manufactured in?
Hi Elaine,
Cali Vinyl is manufactured in China.
Do you have a showroom or retailer in South Orange county where we can walk on installed floor? Just seen a competitor product that was laid on a foam underlay and it was much too bouncy when walked on and am concerned about the “feel”.
Here’s a list of dealers in South OC they may have an install you could visit:
Hardwood Floor Specialists – Costa Mesa
Sterling Carpet & Flooring
VLR Ventures / OC By Design
Hardwood Flooring Depot – Irvine
Otherwise, we’re in San Diego and have one of our offices with the vinyl flooring installed we could show you.
Can the Cali vinyl be installed over existing hardwood floors and then later removed? We have three big dogs that we need something like this, but are likely going to sell the house in a few years, and is it available at Lowes yet? Thank you-
Yes it can. Our Plus line of Cali Vinyl is currently available at Lowe’s, and our Pro line will be available very soon. Since you want to install over an existing wood floor, I’d recommend the Plus line as it has an integrated cork underlayment that will keep the flooring underneath from getting damaged should the floors rub as you walk over them over time.
When you say the vinyl plank flooring is made of “80% vinyl plastic”, do you mean PVC? And where can I find what is in the “1% resins and adhesives”?
Hi Claire,
Sorry for the delayed response. Here’s the MSDS sheet for Cali Vinyl.
Can this product be installed over a glued down carpet floor in a basement or would the the carpet have to be taken up first?
Carpet should be removed.
Are there phthalates in the vinyl plus?
Absolutely not, check out our phthalate test results here.
Hi, Kitchen fire. Need to replace. Like this flooring. It is resistant to my big lab’s nails, and if we drop a can of soup, will it dent.? I have vinyl now. They said it would not dent. But it did.
Thank you
Hi Rita,
Big dogs no problem, soup cans not sure, so I gave it a go with some green beans: https://youtu.be/72ybeQlzaTU
We really like Cali Vinyl Pro – Vinyl Plank Flooring Mesquite color, We have been looking everywhere for something that has 3 colors from dark, medium to light to look like an Acacia wood! We have 2 medium size dogs so durability is key. We live in MN is this possible to still order from you. I just requested a sample!
Hi Mandy,
Sure can! I see you in the system and it looks like Mark Szikla (don’t worry I can’t pronounce it either) is your rep and will be contacting you shortly. I like the mesquite color too, I actually came up with the name for that one! Lots of beautiful variation, definitely a floor for the bold. Talk with Mark tomorrow and he’ll get that sample on its way asap.
Best,
I have a carpeted family room that needs to be replaced. The room has beautiful wood panelling, possibly Brazilian rosewood, very beautiful and I would not paint it. Would it be a huge mistake to consider vinyl flooring? Would this be way too much wood look?
Hi Liz,
It depends. I’d recommend contrasting the color of the paneling or going with a neutral gray. If you try to match it, it’d probably be too much, plus exact matching is probably too difficult to achieve. Contrasting colors look nice since they are obviously intentional and neutral grays can be safe too as they won’t detract attention from the beautiful wood walls.
We are thinking about having Lowes install the Antique Java Cali Bamboo to replace carpet and vinyl flooring on the same level. Do we have to remove the vinyl as well as the carpet ? Is there any sort of leveling agent that can be used along the edge of the vinyl to even the surface?
Thank you.
Hi Rita,
You can use self-leveler to even out the vinyl edge. If you’re floating the floor, an underlayment like Cali Complete and help this too.
We live on the beach and have strong sunlight all the time. Does Cali Vinyl fade?
Hi Dorothy,
First off, in direct sunlight, everything fades. While there is fade resistant UV materials built-in to protect the color of Cali Vinyl, over several years of exposure you may see slight discoloration. Keep in mind lighter colors tend to show fading less than darker colors, and even just a thin sheer curtain will diffuse sunlight enough to significantly reduce fading. If you’re still concerned, I’ve heard that bleach can be used to simulate sun damage.Try getting a few flooring samples and dip them partially in a little bit of bleach for a few days, that should give you a better idea of how it will hold up to years of direct sun.
I have a screened porch that needs flooring. Would this product work? It would get rained on occasionally. ET
I’m not so much worried about the flooring as I am about moisture trapped under the flooring damaging the porch.
Do you have a suggestion?
It’s always best to have a pro take a look at it, they will be able to tell you if it is a good idea or not.
I recently had Cali Vinyl installed in about 900 sq feet of my house. I went with the Natural Elm and it is lovely! Being a lighter shade, my question is about staining. If something like spaghetti sauce or red wine spilled on the flooring would it permanently stain. Thank you for any assistance. I would like to keep these floors looking nice.
It shouldn’t as long as it was cleaned up within a reasonable amount of time. Cali Vinyl has a ultra-durable commercial grade wear layer that will resist staining and fading.
We are wanting to use the Cali Vinyl floor for a bathroom floor. The underlayment is an older well cured concrete slab, in clean and excellent condition, and we are planning on using RedGuard on the concrete as a vapor barrier. New Mexico – high desert environment. Three questions.
Is the RedGuard, which we already have purchased, an acceptable moisture barrier under the floor?
2. Would you suggest the floor float, or be glued down?
3. If glued, is there a product you recommend?
We haven’t had a chance to use RedGuard, but it seems very similar to Titebond’s 531+. Cali Vinyl is designed to be floated, but if you can find a flooring adhesive that is designed to be used in conjunction with the RedGuard, you could glue it down as well.
Is the vinyl textured or smooth?
It has a subtle wood grain texture.
I Live in Daytona Beach Fl area code 32118. Is the bamboo vinyl carried in my area.
Thanks
We can find a reseller in your area or you can buy directly from us, shipping to Florida is fast 2-3 days usually.
Will this product work well in a concrete slab home? The moisture level of the slab might fluctuate and I wonder if the subflooring product would provide adequate protection for the Cali vinyl floor.
Cali Vinyl does not require any additional underlayment, even over concrete subfloors
What is the difference between the pro and plus lines and is one better for basements that get moisture? Wondering if cork underly is ok in basement with potential moisture?
Plus is a bit thicker, lightweight and has that cork backing for added comfort.
They are both waterproof and well suited for basements, but keep in mind, you’ll still need a moisture barrier for installations over concrete. You’ll want to seal the slab with Titebond 531+ or use an underlayment that has the words “moisture barrier” like our Cali Complete.
How does it compare in cost compared to Bamboo flooring?
$2.99 for vinyl vs $4-$5 for bamboo.
Compared to antique Java Bamboo, how does the Vinyl version compare price wise? Looking at both options around 875 sq feet
Hi T Hassel,
The vinyl will give you a similar look for much less. I believe the vinyl is currently on sale for $2.99/sqft vs $4-$5 for the solid or engineered bamboo. If you’re more concerned about upgrading the look of your home and not necessarily the resale value, vinyl is a very cost effective option.
I would like to install it in the reception area and bathrooms in my Pilates studio. It is a high traffic area , do you think this will be good?
Absolutely! In fact a local pilates studio did just that. Watch the Video.
Hi!
I am looking into buying the Cali Vinyl flooring for my apartment. I was wondering if you could tell me what the dimensions of the vinyl samples are.
Thank you!
Hi Olivia,
The samples are small, 7.5″ x 6″. They’re good for getting a feel for the material, but if you want to get a sense for what it will look like in your home you need to get the floor posters.
How much traction do your vinyl planks have…or how slick are they?
I have pets who have difficulty walking on the current vinyl plank flooring so I’m looking for something with the popular “scraped” finish to make sure they don’t damage their hips jumping up and down.
Also what are the dimensions of each plank? I haven’t yet found the detailed specs on your site.
Thanks.
Hi Sharonne,
They are definitely less slick than the hardwood flooring and also have an integrated cork underlayment that adds some cushion. The planks are 48″ long and 7-1/8″ wide. From a comfort and slip resistant perspective the vinyl is right in the middle, our cork flooring is the comfiest flooring option we offer for pets with trouble on slick floors.
I’ve received the vinyl samples and will eventually be putting CaliBamboo in my “new” home. Any idea when the vinyl will be available in the Mocha color?
Hi Karin,
I believe we are planning on releasing some new vinyl colors in the Fall? Not sure if Mocha made the list but I’ll find out for you.
Thank you! I’ll pretty much be ready to go with it once it’s available.
I understand that vinyl is not the most green product but what about the voc given off the product ?
Hi Lloyd,
Our vinyl flooring is tested for VOCs such as formaldehyde and additionally for phthalates. Both results are well below even the strictest U.S. and European standards making them well suited for even the most sensitive homeowners:
Emissions Test Rusts
Phthalate Analysis
Please address how environmentally friendly your vinyl flooring is?……Thanks!
Hi Karen,
Aside from not using trees, I’m afraid it’s our least environmentally friendly flooring option. It’s 80% vinyl plastic, 18% cork (underlayment), 1% bamboo (BPC core), and 1% resins and adhesives. While it’s probably one of the greenest vinyl options on the market, it’s not quite where we’d like it to be and we’re currently trying to incorporate more recycled content in future generations to bring up the eco factor.
Hope this helps you in your hunt Karen,
Walker
Can you tell me if the vinyl meets California’s CARB2 requirements? Or FloorScore CDPH, or Greenguard Gold?
I am trying to understand the levels of VOC emitted and formaldehyde; I could not interpret the information sheets listed in posts here and trying to match to the articles I’m reading about these standards. I can’t use the bamboo because of a damp basement. Thanks.
Yes, it’s FloorScore® Certified
Hi i am looking for a floor for my bar /dancing room do you think i could use your vinyl bamboo floors since i am very concerned about scratches and if not what would you suggest? thanks
Hi Velia,
Yes, the vinyl is a great option and will hold up nicely. We actually had a pilates studio use the vinyl and they love it, watch her story.
I have a project in a modular home that is not flat. There are some noticeable shifts in parts of the floor from one sheet of substrate to the next. Not drastic but noticeable when you walk through. Will this flooring conform to the existing floor or creak when it’s walked on? Do you have any reccomendations?
Use the Cali Complete underlayment, it will help level out minor imperfections in subfloors. The vinyl is not super rigid and will contour to high and low spots, you just want to make sure they are not too extreme, in that case you may want to pour some self-leveling concrete or epoxy.
It’s incredibly nice to find this quality product with thorough detailed specs available for review such as wear layer information. Just a few weeks into learning about quality vinyl alternatives (and removing carpeting due to notable health issues,) your products have proved a bit of floor-hunters manna. Thank you for providing such an informative site (some sites need to have less “gloss” and more substance, just like some floors) and hopeful products for health/eco minded customers.
LC
Portland, OR
Thanks LC!
Hi Walker. We keep our small pets in the kitchen area for an hour or two at a time. Are these vinyl floors pet friendly? Thanks. Dean
Hi Dean,
Being 100% waterproof, they’re probably the most pet-friendly option we offer.
Yes, this flooring is great for pets. Totally waterproof.
Is the product scratch resistant?
Very, and its wear layer is rated “Heavy Commercial” which is overkill from what I hear.
Hi!
Do you know when this will be available at Lowe’s? Also, while I understand that the warranty doesn’t cover for flooding, when Cali says 100% waterproof is it reasonable to expect that if a flood did happen the product would/could dry out without having to be completely replaced?
Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
I don’t know specific dates, but it should be very soon. Couple weeks? As for the flooding, you are correct the warranty wouldn’t cover it, but I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to salvage most if it. We’ve had samples in water for days and they seem unaffected.
Can you use the web heating elements under the vinyl floor used in a bathroom?
Yes, vinyl flooring is warranted with radiant heat systems up to 85F.
I don’t know if 85 d is warm enough for a floor in the winter. I was told at Lowes not to use it you are going to heat the floor. I also would love to us it in the bathroom but am not positive water would not seep into the cracks and cause mold. Any thoughts on that? Would the 50 year warranty be honored?
The vinyl flooring can go up to 85°F with a radiant heat system. Bathrooms are all good, even if your kids are splashers, just wipe it up after the bath and you’re back to life. The entire plank is 100% waterproof from top to bottom and guaranteed for 50 years as such. Still not convinced? Get some free samples from us and do your worst!
Cheers,
Hello! My apartment is on the first floor (ground level), and I have a glass enclosed balcony with glass sliding doors and I will like to know if I can use the Cali Vinyl product for flooring it. Thanks
Hello,
As long as you would consider it “indoors”, the subfloor stays dry and it is not exposed to rain, vinyl would be a great option. Send us photos if you are still undecided.
What is an average price per square foot for the Cali Vinyl flooring?
$3.99/sqft
Do you sell molding in the same colors? Where can I purchase your Cali Vinyl product in the Athens, Georgia area?
Sure do Bill. These are the profiles we have for vinyl. Lowe’s doesn’t yet carry the vinyl, but they will shortly. We sell direct and ship nationwide, or you could call one of our Green Building Specialists and they can get you a list of dealers in your area. Call 1(888) 788-2254
Do you sell Your Cali Bamboo hardwood or vynal flooring thru representatives in the Damariscotta, mid-coast Maine area or just at Lowe’s?
Hi Roz,
We have authorized resellers and verified installers in most every area if you’re looking for an alternative to Lowe’s. Give us a call at 1(888) 788-2254 and we can point you in the right direction.