All about bamboo flooring

considering buying from them..better selection than home depot/lowes and better prices than local flooring places. wondering about the quality/durability

Cali Bamboo is amazing. They have good floors. PLUS, I love bamboo:
Here are some good links about Cali Bamboo etc. Check it out:
Cali Bamboo offers strong, durable, and eco–friendly bamboo flooring and lumber products.

Bamboo Strength and Durability

Bamboo is a fascinating material due to its incredible strength, suistanability, and its natural aesthetic beauty. In structural engineering tests, bamboo has a higher tensile strength than many alloys of steel, and a higher compressive strength than many mixtures of concrete.

Bamboo has been used as a building material for the majority of the world for thousands of years. There are many examples of buildings constructed entirely of bamboo, which are now several hundred years old. Due to their strength, these bamboo structures have even withstood 9.0 magnitude earthquakes

Sustainability

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth. Some species have actually been measured to grow over 4 feet in 24 hours. A pole of bamboo can regenerate to its full mass in just six months! Bamboo can be continuously re-harvested every 3 years, without causing damage to the plant or the environment.

Here's a link:
http://www.findanyfloor.com/OnlineFloorStores/CaliBamboo.xhtml

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i have a 3rd floor condo and want to replace the carpet with a hardwood floor of some sort. I've been leaning towards bamboo but am open to suggestions. is there trouble with bamboo installation on concrete? will it hold up? i have no pets or kids.
above ground will i need to put something between the concrete and bamboo?

You only have a couple options going over concrete and each one will work fine since your on a 3 rd floor and moisture won t be a problem.
It may or may not be a true concrete. You may have litcrete or similar product that is used in apartments, hotels and condos for noise reduction. But its the same situation.
It won t be the traditions 3/4" solid hard wood since this cannot be glued directly to the concrete.
You must go to a glue direct 3/8 to 1/2 " engineered flooring system. These are very good floors. Or go to a laminate, floating floor or a engineered locking floating floor.
These floors will hold up excellent as long as they are maintained and cleaned properly.
The only way to do a true nailed down hard wood in your situation it to attach sleepers to the concrete and then a 3/4" ply to them and then the hard wood which raises your whole floor up a total 2 1/4".
Not practical in your situation.
Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar.. GL

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Installing wood floors can increase the value of a house and are therefore an investment. There are many different types of wood floors, engineered, solid, impregnated, pre finished and unfinished floors. Wood floors are also relatively easy to maintain. Engineered wood floors are made from layers of wood that are pressed and glued together. Everyone loves antique wood floors and the popularity has lead manufactures to recreated them, manufactures do such a great job recreating the floors they are able to retain their color and charm of the floors. New floors can also be made to look like antiques. Laminate floors are available in planks or tiles. Wood floors have a warm, inviting, exotic look. The new and upcoming wood floors are bamboo, they are tough and they look fantastic in your home. Not so long ago one would expect to pay a small fortune to have wood floors installed. Wood floors have steadily increased in popularity over the last five years.

One particular choice that is increasing in popularity in North America is laminate flooring. Floating laminate installation can be used on any hard, flat surface and is easy enough to be a do-it-yourself application. A water-resistant glue is recommended by most laminate flooring brands. Laminate floors are fantastic they have many qualities which make them better than real wood, one of the qualities is that they are scratch resistance they are more durable and much more water resistant, but the laminate floors today emulate wood floors and many people have a tough time distinguishing between them. Laminate wood flooring is very easy to install, you do not need to higher a contractor, most floors are floating floors and do not need glue. Laminate flooring is great because it is resistant to stains, sunlight and many time scratches and they are very easy to maintain. Laminate wood flooring is environment-friendly as it makes use of more fiber material than wood.

There are many different categories that hardwood flooring fits into, pre-finished, unfinished, engineered, solid and unfinished. Laminate wood floors originated in Europe and are becoming very popular for substitute for hardwood floors in the USA. Wooden floors date back hundreds of years, the hardwood floors first came into the publics eye around the seventeenth century and have been popular ever since.

Wood flooring has also become very easy to obtain, install and maintain with advancements in technology. You could install one of the many different kinds of natural wood flooring, cork flooring, bamboo flooring, or Pergo or other laminates.

Bamboo forests are mostly found in the Hunan province of China. Bamboo is very similar to wood in color and form. Europeans have been using bamboo flooring for many years now, but it is just becoming more popular in the United States. If you are looking at getting wood floors for your home, you should take a look at bamboo flooring.

For hardwood flooring of course, high levels of humidity or moisture of any kind can really work against their natural beauty.

David Fishman
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/which-will-last-long-wood-or-laminate-floors-96803.html

As the popularity of hardwood flooring grows, some people are looking for new and different alternatives. One of these alternatives is bamboo flooring. It is gaining in popularity for a number of reasons: it is environmentally friendly, very strong and very beautiful. The major flooring manufacturers such as Armstrong, Columbia and Mohawk have recognized its potential and now offer bamboo flooring.

Bamboo is probably the strongest flooring material used for home purposes. Because of this, it is very durable, more so than most wood floors and almost as strong as stone, while being much more comfortable than stone. In terms of weight, feel and density, bamboo acts just like a hardwood floor.

Bamboo floors can be solid bamboo, or they can be “engineered” floors, where the bamboo is mixed with other woods. The usual way of manufacturing an engineered floor is to have a bamboo surface over a plywood substrata. Bamboo, just like other hardwood floors, can be stained and urethaned for protection.

Bamboo floors are also installed in the same way that hardwood floors are installed. In most cases they are nailed to the sub floor, (they may also be glued), and some newer techniques have been developed whereby the boards are locked together and no nails or glue are required. This is known as a “floating floor”.

As with any floor, you want to make sure you have a level sub solo before you install your flooring material. There are methods to level out an unlevel floor, such as using shingles as shims to bring levels together. Proper preparation is critical, so make sure the sub floor is completely dry.

One of the attractions of bamboo floors, to many people, is the fact that they are environmentally friendly. Hardwood forests are being depleted, not enough new plantings are being made, and some hardwoods such as walnut or oak take generations to grow. Bamboo, on the other hand, grows much faster than hardwoods; a bamboo plant can mature in as few as five years. In addition, bamboo self generates since shoots from bamboos that are cut down sprout to create new bamboo plants.

For routine cleaning, if you remove surface dust and dirt from your bamboo floors, you will extend its life considerably. A simple solution of water and vinegar (four parts water to one part vinegar) on a slightly damp mop will be all that is needed. Dry the floor with a rag or towel, since you do not want to let water stand on it.

If you have an occasional stain or spill, wipe it up right away with a damp cloth, then dry it immediately. If your bamboo floor starts to look dull, just buff it lightly with a sander. Given this kind of care, your bamboo floor will last and look good for years and years.

Vince J. Paxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/consider-bamboo-as-a-flooring-choice-103797.html

Hale Manu is a unique, one of a kind, exotic estate. Lovingly designed over a 17 year period, by master flower artist Mr. William Dodge. This exotic estate features over $1,000,000. in tropical landscaping and fruit trees. Landscaped with over 108 species of palms, 45 types of orchids, countless water gardens in varying shapes and sizes, several species of bananas, papayas, mangos, avocado, grapefruit, limes, lemons, oranges, tangerines, tangelos, mandarin oranges, breadfruit, cinnamon, coffee, clove, pineapples and much, much more.

This hidden oasis has been used for weddings, fashion shoots, a chrysler ad and music videos. It has been featured on The Home and Garden TV Show ‘Star Gardens’ and on ‘The Victory Garden’ on PBS. The sale of this property includes the Halemanu.com website. View this website for more photos of this property.

Hale Manu is 3.45 acres in size and is located near the pristine white sand beaches of Kauai’s north shore. The Princeville resort is located just five minutes away. On a gently sloping hill within Hale Manu sits a 4bedroom/3bath plantation style home.

Picture windows and sky lights bring all of the beauty and natural light into this wonderfully designed home. Large, spacious, open rooms, vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan kitchen, a cozy sitting room that leads to a large lanai that invites you for outdoor dining. Downstairs is a 1 bedroom/1 bath attached apartment tastefully furnished. Out side of your front porch, in the garden sits a spa. To view this amazing property we will need 24hrs. notice.

Replaced all exterior doors & windows with new Hawaiian made corrosion-resistant models;
Replaced all interior doors with two-panel solid doors and new hardware;
Kitchen redone with all new appliances, cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures;
Both bathrooms redone with new floors, cabinets, countertops, shower tile, plumbing fixtures;
Oak floor refinished;
All new ceiling fans;
New low voltage lighting fixtures;
New window coverings;
Bamboo floors in lofts;
New Ipe decks;
Solar hot water system;
Interior and exterior paint;
Landscaping with bed/driveway liner, new bedding plants, trees, pond improvements, irrigation system, low voltage lighting, new rock wall, etc.
Call 800-404-5200 for more information

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For more information, contact:
Rotta Real Estate
208-870-7909
Rotta Real Estate

Custom Built Home! Office/Den, Bonus Room, Great Room. Granite and Tile Counters, Bamboo Hardwood Floors, Stainless Steel Appliances, Dual Vanities, Soaker Tub, Large Walk-in Closet, RV Parking, Great Access to Gateway Shopping and Freeway. No CC&R’s.

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We are currently looking to buy this wonderfully crappy home around the corner from us for around $60,000. It is a 3 bed, 2 bath ranch style house that is a total of 1100 sq. ft. Prior to purchasing we are trying to figure out what a gut and redo of this place will cost. We know the following has to be done:

- Gut of all walls
- New plumbing
- Update wiring
- New kitchen
- New baths
- New floors (hardwood)
- Some carpet
- New roof
- Redo siding & front fascia

Here are some items that we are trying to figure out that I have not found a ton of reliable data on:

- Tank less water heater cost & install
- Bamboo hardwood cost and install
- Foam/blue jean insulation cost
- Green shingles
- Solar install
- Gray water system install

Has anyone done something similar in their area? We are looking to budget about $50,000 for all of the items needed, and need to know if this is reasonable or just plain crazy.

Thanks for anyone's help. We are in the burbs of Chicago if anyone has good contacts as well.

I would estimate at least $80,000-100,000 to have it all done. I think it will be the higher, judging by my previous experience. It could be more if you are installing solar…solar alone will run you minimum $20,000 for an average family of four usage and all the panels, batteries, inverter..etc needed. I would skip this part or add it on top of the hundred thousand.

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Hard wood floors are a beautiful addition to any home of any style, and besides adding beauty to a home, they add value. There is a wide choice of colors and types of woods to choose from to suit any style of decorating.

Here are just a few of the many types of hardwood flooring that are available today:

- Plank. This is a wide strip of wood, between 3 to 6 inches wide. It easier and faster to install than other types, and suits a certain look like colonial.

- Strips. Smaller strips of wood (about 3 inches wide) serve to make a room appear larger.

- Solid. This is one large piece of wood to cover the entire floor. Usually custom made and very durable.

- Parquet. These are squares of wood about the size of tiles. They can be either glued down or nailed down and are laid in different patterns to create interesting designs.

Hardwood floors are available finished or unfinished. Finished floors have the finish put on at the factory. This makes them easier to install, but it also makes them more expensive. Many people, however, feel the time saved on staining and sanding may be well worth the extra cost.

An unfinished floor is laid down and then the wood is stained, sanded and varnished. Since a number of coatings are required, and each coating must be dried and sanded by floor sander, this takes at least a few days.

IF you are ordering wood flooring for your home, one of the most critical steps is to measure properly. You must make sure the sub floor is perfectly level, or you must place asphalt tiles to level it sufficiently. For a finished, professional look, remove the moldings and baseboards before installation. The boards should be installed starting from the center and working your way out. Using a saw, cut the planks or strips to fit corners. Seams should be staggered as each piece is laid. Whether you are laying hardwood, bamboo, cork or pergo flooring, these steps should be taken.

Hardwood floors should be nailed to the dub floor and into the joists so prevent he floor from moving. This will prevent the floor from squeaking.

The floor has to be sanded after it has been laid. You can rent a floor sander at a rental center or a home improvement store. Be careful to sand evenly by keeping the sander moving; otherwise you may have unevenness.

Take proper care of you hardwood floors by following the manufacturer’s directions. If the floor has a urethane finish, sweep it frequently to remove dust and debris that can cause scratches. Spills should be wiped with a damp towel, not soaked with a mop since excess water can damage the floor.

If your floors are waxed, you will have to wax and buff the floor periodically to maintain the shine. Use area rugs and mats to protect your floors. Also consider putting pads on the feet of your furniture to prevent scratches to the wood.

Leroy K. Calstard
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/hard-wood-flooring-is-a-beautiful-addition-to-your-home-104458.html

Bamboo floors are gaining popularity with each year, becoming a high quality alternative to the traditional hardwood floors. It has become a wide choice in the Southeast and west cost due to its appearance and durability.

What is bamboo?

Bamboo is a type of grass (very strong grass) that grows mainly in tropical countries found mainly in Asia and China. Bamboo stalks mature very quickly in approximately five years reaching heights of about 50 feet unlike wood which may take from 50 to100 years to mature.

Bamboo renews itself naturally and is environmentally friendly. Bamboo grows quickly from a type of grass into a material which is hard and durable. Even after harvesting bamboo grows at an impressive rate which makes it a great choice for flooring material and of course cost effective due to its quick overturn.

Bamboo variety and the techniques used to color it:

Bamboo comes in different colors like lightwood, honey, dark wood and amber. All colors have great success on the market being able to adapt to almost any interior and design. The techniques used to bring out different colors in bamboo flooring are carbonization and pressure steaming.

Flooring patterns used for bamboo floors

Bamboo flooring panels can be done in many different flooring types. Patterns mostly used are vertical or flat grain which are normally nailed down or floated.

There are many advantages of having a bamboo floor. Besides the great exotic look it also offers durability, stability, environmental friendly as well as it is very cost effective.

Bamboo flooring maintenance

Bamboo flooring promise low maintenance which makes it even a greater deal. You will never need to stain or re-stain your bamboo floors ever as the coloring of the floor is determined by the amount of time it was processed.

It is suggested to consider the replacement of your bamboo flooring periodically and not installing it in places like the bathroom just like the hardwood it will warp the surface.

Conclusion

A fashionable and modern trend bamboo flooring is a must consider substitute for your hardwood flooring. With all the advantages that is has to offer the disadvantages simply are not even worth mentioning.

Cost effective easy to maintain and in style combined with durability, stability and environmentally friendly – this is what the bamboo floors offer; how can you resist?

To find the best deal for you make sure to check on line as well as real stores. There are many sites and choices available to match every house and budget.

Christopher Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/bamboo-floors-a-healthy-choice-67812.html

Today, almost 1 million acres of forest disappear each week. This alarming rate of deforestation is forcing many world economies to rethink their business and manufacturing practices. A seventy-foot tree cut for its lumber takes 65 years to replace. A seventy-foot bamboo cut for market can be replaced in less than 3 months, as bamboo is officially recognized as the world’s fastest growing plant. Some species can grow 3 feet per day!

Driven by the constantly-growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products, many bamboo-related companies are gaining momentum as a reliable source for high quality and durable green building materials. Consumers are choosing high quality alternative building materials over traditional non-sustainable products. Hybrid cars, recycled materials, reusable energy sources, bamboo flooring; use of these products is exploding as consumers are recognizing the need to choose products of a sustainable and regenerative nature.

The general population is becoming weary of ever-decreasing hardwood forests and the threat that this deforestation poses to an already fragile global environment. Bamboo flooring is the logical and ethical choice. Since bamboo is termite, moisture and rot resistant, it functions extremely well as a prime flooring material.

There are multiple types of bamboo floors sold that cater to unique tastes. Strand woven bamboo flooring is twice as resilient as regular wood flooring and has a hybrid grain that is between wood and bamboo. Distressed bamboo floors look antique as if they were pulled out of an old barn. Engineered/laminate bamboo floors are highly stable and great for basements and in areas of varying humidity.

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth. It is known to produce 30% more oxygen than a hardwood forest of comparable size, while preventing erosion, restoring soil, providing sweet edible shoots and removing toxins from contaminated soil. Ecologists tout bamboo as a logical, renewable source of building materials. Many promote bamboo planting for erosion prevention, and even to reverse the effects of global warming.

Bamboo helps reduce carbon dioxide gases blamed for global warming. Bamboo removes significant quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which makes it a highly efficient plant, and conducive to fresh air. Being a grass, bamboo regenerates without replanting after harvesting.

Bamboo is a natural water control barrier. Because of its widespread root system and large canopy, bamboo greatly reduces rain run off, preventing soil erosion. Bamboo can keep up to twice as much water in a watershed. Due to its high nitrogen consumption, bamboo helps mitigate water pollution, making it a solution for excess nutrient uptake of wastewater from manufacturing, livestock farming and sewage treatment.

Bamboo can restore degraded lands. It is a remarkable plant and can be grown in soil damaged by overgrazing and poor agriculture practices. Proper harvesting does not kill the bamboo plant, therefore topsoil is held in place. Because of its dense litter on the forest floor, it feeds topsoil creation, restoring healthy agricultural lands for generations to come.

Traditional hardwood lumber trees, such as oak, maple, and birch, take 40-50 years to regenerate. In the meantime, there is less oxygen produced, less carbon dioxide consumed, and more soil runoff in the spot where those trees were harvested – all producing negative environmental effects. Our planet is suffering from resource depletion, habitat loss, species extinction, and ecosystem pollution. The choice of bamboo flooring will greatly help reverse those negative trends.

Greg Roy
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/why-bamboo-flooring-is-so-ecologically-friendly-53313.html