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Bamboo flooring originates from the bamboo stalk itself.
After harvest, which takes approximately six years for more
mature bamboos, logs are sliced into individual long strips and ready for further processing. Following
the slicing process, strips are cut near the approximate width of what we see
in the stacked horizontal bamboo appearance.
In most cases the next step is the darkening process
that brings out the color of carbonized bamboo. Strips
are often steamed under pressure (shown right). Natural colored bamboo keeps it's
original appearance after being boiled to eliminate sugars and insects.
The carbonization process reduces the overall hardness
of the bamboo; one reason why we don't advocate the darker bamboos in high
traffic areas. They will show more damage given the right amount of punishment
or use.
In most cases? Yea, we know it's a broad
generalization. Unfortunately with bamboo there are no governing organizations
such as what we have in the states with hardwood flooring. This is one reason
we see very cheap priced bamboo being sold. Whether or not they follow
practices to insure a quality product is in doubt. It's a real wild card when
appealing low priced bamboo floors look attractive.
Following the purifying process inspection takes place
to grade bamboo. There's always a market for good or marginal bamboos.
Grades A or B are sorted. B grades are often sold to discounters who inevitably use
it for their two dollar bamboo lines.
At this point, bamboo strips are often kiln dried to
assure an acceptable moisture content. Final milling of strips take place. The
final phase before finishing is gluing. During the production process, glued
strips are assembled face up for horizontal flooring and side by side for the
vertical construction. This is followed by hot pressing, where heat and
pressure of up to 1,200 tons PSI binds the strips together.
Formaldehyde Glues?
Lower grade bamboos often use more formaldehyde resins in the
gluing process. How much is not known, as once again, there are no governing
organizations in China overseeing production. More quality, better known
brands sold in the USA exceed indoor air quality requirements for formaldehyde
emission.
Final Milling & Finishing
Once blanks (strips glued into boards) are completed milling takes
place. Bamboo flooring is constructed the same
as ordinary hardwood flooring with a tongue and groove system. However, common
thickness can be found at 5/8" for solid 3 ply and vertical bamboo. Unlike
traditional solid hardwood flooring that comprises one full piece of wood,
each common 3 5/8" bamboo board consists of 15 strips for horizontal
construction and 19 for vertical.
Finish quality will vary with all bamboo flooring. The
same can be said with lower priced hardwood flooring, but we've run across several bamboos that lack anything resembling quality. To sum it up, it's like
anything being bought or sold today; you get what you pay for. Our suggestion;
choose proven brands or brand lines that are sold in retail showrooms. |
