In horizontal bamboo floors, the slats are arranged in a horizontal direction, on their widest edge, and then joined side by side with adjacent pieces using a high-pressure laminate system. The effect is a lined, almost uniform look to the surface of the finished floor plank. In vertical bamboo floors, the component pieces are stood vertically on their narrowest edge and then press laminated side to side. Manufactured bamboo floors are typically made available in planks with either vertical- or horizontal-grain orientation. Finally an ultraviolet curing lacquer is applied to the boards. The cured boards are then planed, sanded, and milled. The panels are then heat pressed to cure the adhesive. Bamboo flooring products that avoid formaldehyde use are available, including some listed in the GreenSpec Directory. Though the use of UF resins, which emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is harmful to indoor air quality, bamboo flooring uses a relatively small amount compared with other materials, such as particleboards. Most bamboo flooring uses a urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive in the lamination process. The carbonizing process can reduce the floor's final hardness significantly compared to non-carbonized bamboo, rendering it softer than some pines and softer than more common red oak. If a darker color similar to oak is desired, the bamboo goes through a carbonizing process of steaming under controlled pressure and heat. Natural bamboo color is similar to beech wood. To remove starch and sugars the strips of bamboo are boiled in a solution of boric acid or lime. These culms are crosscut to length and then sliced into strips depending on the width desired. A Bamboo flooring is typically made by slicing mature bamboo poles or culms into strips. The manufactured bamboo flooring commonly found in North American markets is very highly processed. This technique is usually used on stilted houses, resulting in better air circulation especially during the warmer summer months. This form results in more space between each bamboo stem flatness and tightness is not emphasized. They are then nailed down to wooden beams or bigger pieces of bamboo stems. They are cut to similar lengths and can be stained, varnished, or simply used as is. The most common form, particularly in southeast Asia, uses thin bamboo stems that are cut as flat as possible. Each varies in its manufacturing process and differs largely based on economic viability and local preferences. Other flooring materials have comparable Janka ratings, with a higher number indicating a harder material: red oak (1290) white oak (1360) rock maple (1450) hickory (1820) and Brazilian Cherry / Jatoba (2350).ĭifferent forms of bamboo flooring exist. The hardness of traditional bamboo flooring ranges from 1180 (carbonized horizontal) to around 1380 (natural), while newer manufacturing techniques including strand woven bamboo flooring range from 3000 to over 5000 using the Janka hardness test. Bamboo floor manufacturers and sellers promote its strength and durability as well as its resistance to insects and moisture, and they say the material is also "eco friendly". Moso bamboo is the species most commonly used for flooring.īamboo has been used as an alternative for flooring because of its physical similarities to true hardwoods. The majority of today's bamboo flooring products originate in China and other portions of Asia. Bamboo florring is often considered a form of wood flooring, although it is made from a grass (bamboo) rather than a timber.
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