Apr 11 2010
Bamboo Floating Floor
Installing a bamboo floating floor can sometimes be the only installation method that will work with some types of subfloors. A floating installation does not require that the bamboo adhere to the subfloor as it is basically going to float slightly above it.
An example of this would be concrete. Concrete sub-floorings are not uncommon and yet can cause problems with the flooring installation years down the road due to the moisture of the concrete seeping through and damaging the glue that is holding the flooring down or even the flooring itself.
In the case of concrete, a floating bamboo flooring installation would be the best route to go. The bamboo doesn’t come in direct contact with the concrete and moisture damage is avoided. The planks in a floating floor are coated to prevent moisture damage even though they won’t be touching the concrete.
Modern Asian home with bamboo flooring
A bamboo floating floor installation is installed much like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. The pieces interlock and are laid end to end with just enough space to allow for expansion over time. Typically there is an underlayment material between the subfloor and the bamboo flooring but it is not a necessity. The underlayment provides a softer cushioning to the flooring than if it were floated without one. A cork type material made from recycled tires is often used underneath the floated floor.
Floating installations have an advantage over solid bamboo flooring in that there is room for the flooring to expand over time due to building in extra space during the installation. With solid flooring there is not room for the expansion and contraction that comes with humidity and temperature changes and so it can buckle if not installed properly. Floating flooring does not buckle and warp as easily as solid flooring because it is engineered to move with the contracting of the wood.
Homeowners are particularly fond of bamboo floating floors because of their ease of installation. Floating floors are click-n-lock type installations where the pieces fit together like jigsaw puzzle pieces. Because nailing is not necessary there is little chance of damaging the wooden planks and homeowners can usually perform the installation on their own.
Some floating bamboo flooring installations do suggest that glue be applied to the interlocking joints as they are pieced together. If this is the case, top quality glue should be used. Skimping and purchasing water based glue will cause the flooring to be ruined in a short period of time. Although the glue will be somewhat expensive, the end result will be a flooring installation that will last for many years to come.
Bamboo floating floor installations allow homeowners the option of installing their bamboo floor without having to hire a professional to perform the install. This saves money while at the same time bringing beauty into the home. Floating bamboo flooring installations can be installed over any subflooring and is perfect for any home wanting bamboo floors.
-Sharon V. Chapman
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