Anyone here have experience installing bamboo flooring? Any advice?

[helderheid]

We're thinking of getting the stuff from Costco. I'd love to hear your experience.

[trof]

1. A flooring guy told us tile was actually cheaper.

I was surprised at that.

[helderheid]

2. huh! Go figure. I really love the look of bamboo though. I heard I could get it at costco for under

$2 per sq. ft.

[trof]

8. Yeah, I like the look of it too.

We've been thinking about replacing our 10 year old carpeting with a hard surface something.
Down here in the subtropics, tile is popular.
And waterproof for hurricanes and such.

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. No experience, but here's some info

http://www.hardwoodinstaller.com/hardwoodinstaller/bamboo-installing.htm

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/bamboosolidinstall

http://flooring.builddirect.com/Bamboo-Flooring/bamboofloors-strandwoven-Natural/Additional_8749_25005_10000304.aspx


http://www.askthebuilder.com/580_Bamboo_Flooring.shtml
(Really good article...be sure to read it through!)

Excerpt from above link...
Tim the Builder sez:
Summary: Bamboo flooring is a wonderful hard surface that resembles traditional oak hardwood flooring. People like bamboo hardwood flooring because bamboo floors have a light grain and are very durable. Bamboo flooring installation is not that easy. You need to be an experienced carpenter as much of it installs just like traditional tongue and groove hardwood flooring.

<snip>
It is possible to make mistakes when installing bamboo flooring. Perhaps the biggest mistake is to ignore the mandatory acclimatization requirement. Since bamboo is a hygroscopic material that expands and contracts with changes in moisture content, it needs to become equalized with the moisture content of the room where it will be installed. This means the flooring must be brought into the space where it will be installed and allowed to sit for a minimum of three days. Often you must open the boxes and spread out the material so the bamboo flooring can get comfortable.

Be sure to check the moisture content of wood subfloors and slabs before you start the installation. Follow the manufacturers recommendations to the letter. Delay installation until you meet the minimum moisture requirements.

[helderheid]

4. thanks so much!I'm thinking we may need to hire someone to install it.

Too much of a headache!

[Whoa_Nelly]

6. Interesting re; the acclimatizing of the wood before install

Excellent point!

Learn something new everyday! :hi:

[trof]

9. Yep, unless you're really handy. My tiling experience:

Several years ago we decided to replace the indoor-outdoor carpet in the kitchen (yuck) that came with the house.
I got good deal at a local discount 'surplus' building products place.
12" tile.
And I thought "How hard could it be?".
After 2 days of screwing around with it, trying to cut a corner to fit with 'nibblers' I had one of them epiphanies.

"What was I thinking? I'm trying to take somebody else's job away from them. How would I feel if some tile layer showed up for my flight and said "That's OK, captain. I'll just fly it myself."

I called a tile guy.

[helderheid]

11. Good point!!

:D

[MonkeyFunk]

5. I had it years ago

but it just attracted too many pandas. I had to have the whole house sprayed for 'em.

[helderheid]

7. !!!

:spray: :rofl:

[tanyev]

10. We got bamboo floors a couple years ago, but we paid to have them installed.

Love them. And yes, we did have to pick them up in advance and let them sit in the house for a few days before they did the installation.

[helderheid]

12. did you get it from Costco?

[tanyev]

13. No, went to some floor store.

They had contractors available to come out and do the job. Sorry, I can't help you much with your specific problem, but I just wanted to let you know the floor is beautiful and we're very happy with it.

:)

[helderheid]

14. thanks! I appreciate it!

:hi: