Strand woven bamboo flooring is an engineered product made from highly processed strips of bamboo. After boiling to remove insects and sugars which attract insects, the material is pressed into the shape we find on store shelves with resins as a binding agent. This pressing takes place under a combination of high heat and extreme pressure.
There is some concern in the marketplace because most bamboo flooring is manufactured in China, where bamboo grows as naturally as do forests in the United States. Anyone who has paid attention to the news in recent years is aware that the Chinese often cut corners in their manufacturing processes. This results in significant unevenness in quality among the various bamboo flooring products out there.
One particular concern with regard to bamboo flooring is that some samples have been found to contain formaldehyde in the resins used to bind the bamboo strips. Many people fear that fumes from the formaldehyde can leach out of the final product and contaminate the air in the living space.
There being no internationally enforced standards for the manufacture of bamboo flooring, one can find a broad range of quality among the available offerings. At this stage in the development of the market for this material, it might be wise to deal with large retailers who might be expected to conduct their own testing, and who have the clout to ensure that the products that end up on their shelves are not only ecologically safe, but durable as well.
Bamboo flooring is a remarkably tough product. This is particularly so in light of the fact that bamboo is actually a form of grass rather than a tree, although it routinely grows to a height of twenty feet or even more. However, its woody composition has made it a building material of choice for centuries in parts of the world where it grows. It will stand up to years of exposure to the elements.
For those readers who claim a place on the green bandwagon, take heart. Bamboo is extremely ecologically friendly. It grows very rapidly and has a very favorable ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide production, so it isn’t destructive of the ozone layer. In fact, people who have planted bamboo as a decoration have often found that it is hard to contain in any given area, and will take over an entire yard and the neighbors’ yards if not carefully managed.
Returning to the theme of the lack of standards for the manufacture of bamboo flooring, these products may be installed in a variety of ways. Give careful consideration to this aspect of the product if you intend to install it yourself.
Some kinds of bamboo flooring are meant for installation using staples driven by an air tool. Others are meant for gluing, and it’s critical that the recommended adhesive be used. Some brands of bamboo flooring are intended for floating installation as is common with the laminate flooring products most common in the United States. Among these products, there are variations in the underlayment required and the connections between the boards.
If you are considering installing a strand woven bamboo floor it’s incumbent upon you to research the products available. The best means of doing this is to consult with a knowledgeable sales person. Don’t be afraid to question them fully, and if you have any doubt about what they say, request documentation.
