need advice...solid vs engineered bamboo

sandyhoyt · February 21, 2010, 08:03 AM

My husband and I are trying to be smart, informed consumers, and have decided on bamboo for our new floor. Next decision is solid vs engineered. I do not like the hollow sound of a floated floor, but do like the easier installation, less glue, and the possible less slab prep. We are installing over the concrete slab, and have been told that the hardwood flooring assoc. does not recommend gluing solid to concrete( I have an e-mail out to them). Thoughts or recommendations? Can anyone offer advice on the pros and cons of solid vs engineered and the floor muffler brand of under lamient? Does it work to decrease the hollow sound? Is there another product you feel is better? Thank you so much for any advice. Sandy

Peter Kodner · February 21, 2010, 10:58 AM

Although I would not classify myself as an expert on bamboo, a few point should be made:

All bamboo floorings are engineered due to the size limitations of the raw material. You can have a vertical where it will be made from strip glued side to side but solid top to bottom; horizontal where the wider dimension is glued top and bottom to achieve the desired thickness or strand where bamboo fibers are pressed with non organic substances in the thickness and widths of the finished product.

What hardwood flooring assoc are you referring to? NWFA or another one? I am presuming yo know bamboo is not a wood product. What is your geographic location? Bamboo may not be the best choice in certain areas. I see many problems in my area which is termed a cold region.

Although not too germane, what are the reasons you have chosen bamboo. I am not asking to pass judgment on your choice, but to verify if oyu have received factual advice.

I have only anecdotal and the manufacturer's printed information on the underlayment you ask about and can't help there.

getoverit · February 21, 2010, 05:01 PM

I'm in what's termed a warm region (south Florida) and we have a lot of problems with bamboo. Not a product I like to see installed. It seems like you need the perfect environment for it. We've had problems with it cupping due to too much humidity or too little. Don't get me wrong....Some installs have come out fine but it seems to have more problems then other engineered products. We almost always glue our installs. Use the manufacturers recomended adhesive if you go that way. BTW...I'm not an expert either. I've just supervised a lot of installations and seen the end results.

sandyhoyt · February 23, 2010, 05:14 AM

Yes, i know bamboo is a grass, i have researched how it is manufactured and understand the differences is verical, horizonal, strand, natual and carbonized, etc. I chose bamboo for the green factor. I hate carpet and tile/stone is too hard and cold. We live in Tulsa Oklahoma, have four seasons with summer being the worst for heat and humidity, although nothing llike south florida. I would like to float engineered flooring, but again wont tolerate the hollow sound. What do you think the best products are to muffel the sound? Do they work? Can we glue solid or engineered to the concrete? Thanks to all,

sandy

Peter Kodner · February 23, 2010, 08:25 AM

Sandy, if "green" is your main concern, I would suggest domestic hardwood from managed forests is far more environmentally friendly. Virtually all forestry in this country has been managed for the last 40-50 years and very little virgin growth is cut. Conversely, the vast majority of bamboo is grown in a monoculture which is very harmful. Add in the energy sources utilized for manufacture and the fuel consumed in transportation and the scale shifts even more to the side of domestic product.

The bamboo folks have done a masterful job in their marketing but the facts simply do not bear out their assertions.

Heritage Hardwood · March 7, 2010, 10:01 AM

Sandy,
floor muffler is decent underlayment but don't expect miracles if you choose to float it. In my opinion 1/4" cork glued to the slab is the best sound dampener. One thing to consider with bamboo is the fact that it will scratch easy. Someone else mentioned how the manufacturers are very good at marketing. technically its harder than oak but the finish used on bamboo because it is a grass and is "strandy and fibrous" contains aluminum silicate. the bamboo may not scratch easily but the finish will. I hate installing this as we have to be SOOO careful. Something to keep in mind. A native hardwood thats FSC certified is every bit as "green" as bamboo, if not more.

Dan Schultz · March 7, 2010, 06:36 PM

Heritage Hardwood said

the finish used on bamboo because it is a grass and is "strandy and fibrous" contains aluminum silicate. the bamboo may not scratch easily but the finish will.

Please elaborate on the finish being "strandy and fibrous."