Bamboo Flooring Frequent Asked Questions

Yes bamboo can be installed over hardwood timber, both using the direct stick method and also the floating method. With direct stick the hardwood floor must be sanded back to the raw timber before the installation of the bamboo, this will allow the glue to stick better to the surface of the hardwood. Using the floating method is better as the underlay simply goes on top of the existing floor (which doesn`t need sanding) and then the floating boards go on top, therefore there is no direct contact with the original underlying flooring. However for both methods there will be a significant raise in floor level which can cause a few issues.

Though it is not recommended, with direct stick bamboo it is definitely possible with the floating applications. As far as the direct stick is concerned, it really depends on the original tiles condition. We have no issues installing bamboo onto tiles if the customer request however you void your warranty with this application. In our professional opinion floating is better as the underlay simply goes ontop of the tiles and the floating bamboo boards sits on the underlay, there is not direct contact with the original underlying tiles. However keep in mind both options can significantly raise the floor level which can cause a few issues. Also in our professional opinion we strongly recommed that if it is direct stick you want, removal of the tiles is preferred so we can install on to the concrete sub floor, covering you by the full warranty. The removal of the tiles is an extra cost.

It really depends on the applications wheather it is direct stick, floating and the layout of the home or office. Obviously the more obscure the design or wheather there are stairs the more cutting that is required and therefore more time involved. However floating click & lock floors are quicker to install as no glue , moisture barrier or clamping is required as opposed to direct stick applications. An average 100m2 home can take approximately 3-4 days for direct stick whereas click & lock floating can possibly takes 2-3 from start to finish. It really depends on each individual installations, and it is worth saying that each installation is not rushed and if it needs to take longer more time will be taken.

There are 2 main different installation applications:
1. Click and Lock Bamboo which is a floating floor;
2. Tongue & Groove Bamboo which is direct stick floor.
Click & Lock Bamboo flooring is a floating floor that sits on an underlay and does not require glue. The underlay also has a moisture protection layer incoperated within it. Solid or Engineered Compressed Bamboo Flooring is a direct stick board that requires gluing to the sub-floor, however the sub-floor must be sealed with a moisture barrier prior to the boards being installed.

Of course you can. Though it depends on the skill level of the DIY enthusiast. If you have never attempted a direct stick floor before maybe it not such a good idea and better left to the professional. However if you are familiar with direct stick or floating applications from previous flooring experiences DIY can be a good option for you. Though Click & Lock is a lot easier & quicker to install than direct stick some DIY may come into trouble when cutting around door frames. We can offer a free service for DIY customers to come to site and spend some time with our installers to give them a better understanding and confidence installing their own floor. This service is only provided if you have purchased your bamboo floor from Simply Bamboo.

At Simply Bamboo we DO NOT use sub-contractors. I am sure that there are very skilled & competent sub-contactors out there, however we prefer all installing to be done in house. All our installers are fully trained on site by Marcus Staples (owner) who has over 20 years experience in the cabinet making industry and over 6 years in bamboo flooring installations. Simply Bamboo Installers are full time employees of our company and when we are not installing floors we are making Custom Made Furniture.

Sure, not a problem but this comes at an additional cost. Normally this charge would be quoted accordingly to your removal needs.

Normally SIKA Moisture Barrier is applied on a new or recently laid concrete surface. Existing slabs 5 years and under must be applied with the barrier, although at Simply Bamboo we recommend all surfaces regardless of age are to be applied with moisture barrier. As there is no guarantee that all moisture in the concrete has dried, even when a moisture tester has been used, it is impossible for the device to test every patch of the concrete surface. For the minimal cost of the moisture barrier used, it is great insurance and peace of mind that no moisture will enter from underneath. However this will not protect from water which has either split or leaked i.e. from a dishwasher and been left for a long period of time on top of the bamboo floor. Moisture Barrier is a solvent free 2-component epoxy primer of low viscosity and has excellent penetration on cement base surfaces preventing any moisture entering your floor and creates a much better bonding for adhesion.

Yes , your pre-finished bamboo floor can be sanded and refinished up to 3-4 times throughout its life. The average period that this may be required is every 10-15 years, however it really depends on how you look after your floor. Obviously the more fastidious you are in caring for your floor the later you will have to re-finish it.

All Simply Bamboo pre-finished bamboo flooring is finished with the German brand "KLUMP" and "TREFFERT" UV finish that performs excellent in high friction and scratch resistance. Our Vertical, Horizontal and Compressed flooring has a 10-coat Floor water based Polyurethane finishing system:

1) UV Water-Based Primer Klumpp
2) UV Water-Based Solvent-Free Klumpp Filler
3) UV Water-Based Solvent-Free Klumpp Filler
4) Aluminum Oxide Klumpp Anti-Abrasive
5) Aluminum Oxide Klumpp Anti-Abrasive
6) UV Duro-Sealer
7) UV Duro-Sealer
8) Treffert Acrylic Polyurethane UV Face Coat
9) Treffert Acrylic Polyurethane UV Anti-Scratch Top Coat
10) Treffert Acrylic Polyurethane UV Anti-Scratch Final Coat

The back of the board and all sides and edges are sealed.

Basically, bamboo is not a wood and is from the grass family containing cellulose fibres which don`t absorb a lot of moisture unlike traditional timbers. The soft, non-structural, inner portions of bamboo culms might attract termites or other insects but the outer/harder portions will remain intact. It is these outer harder portions that our flooring is actually made from. Bamboo is 99% termite safe due to the fact that it doesn`t rot because it has a high resistance to moisture. Bamboo doesn`t harbour the conditions for termites as well as other wood eating insects that normally thrive in these conditions. Our Bamboo products that we import are treated with a mineral called Boron at time of manufacture to prevent any insect infestation, so this gives the bamboo flooring an increase in protection against white ants.

The pros for deciding to choose bamboo over hardwood definitely outweigh the cons. The top 10 are:- 1. Bamboo is considerably harder and more durable than traditional hardwoods. Compressed bamboo is one of the hardest flooring timbers in the world today 2. Hardwoods take decades to grow whereas bamboo used for flooring only takes 5- 7 years to reach maturity for manufacturing. 3. Cost can be exceptionally less than hardwood floors. 4. Sustainable in its cultivation, bamboo demands less area for growth than hardwood. 5. Non allergenic, great for those with allergies. 6. Easy to clean and maintain. 7. Pre-finished and easy to install. 8. Ranges in colours, grain appearance and installation applications. 9. Renewable resource, once cut regenerates itself and restarts the growth process all over again. 10. More bamboo can be grown in higher volume in the same area as hardwood therefore absorbing more CO2.

Yes you can but really depends on the hardness of your bamboo. I definitely wouldn`t recommend it on the vertical and horizontal bamboo floors, but the compressed is a lot harder and depending on the condition of the spiked heel will determine whether you damage your finish or not also not to offend anyone it depends on the load pressure of the stiletto heel on the floor can cause dents, or scratching. The best way to avoid any of this is kindly tell your guests to leave the stilettos at the door. However regular shoes and heals providing they are maintained and wiped at points of entry in your home are quite okay.

Bamboo Flooring installed in the kitchen is perfectly fine. In the event you get everyday spills or cooking gone wrong that has ended on the floor for that nights dinner party...don`t panic as long as spills are promptly wiped or removed there is not a real danger in harming your floor. However like hardwood in the event of a flood or rain damage bamboo or any timber for that matter is not indestructible.

All our beading is made from bamboo that your floor is made from not MDF moulding. Also if you are having a compressed floor installed only compressed beading will be used not the softer horizontal type as this should only be used on Horizontal or vertical flooring.

Raw boards are availble through some companies in Perth, however we specialise and stock Pre-finished bamboo flooring only. However if requested raw bamboo is definitely what you want a special order can be made to import this especially for you, but a waiting period will apply.

The main physical difference between Horizontal and Vertical Bamboo is the way the strips have been place throughout the board. Horizontal refers to the strips being placed horizontally with the appearance throughout the board showing large notches in the bamboo whereas in the Vertical the strips have been placed vertically giving the appearance of smaller notches throughout the board.

Whether you are a DIY or a professional installer, wastage can be vary depending on the individuals skill level. To play it safe DIY should cater for around 7-9% depending on your cutting skills, and the room layout, whereas the bamboo professional installing your floor should only need to add 5% wastage. Anymore than this is simply extravagant and possibly they are trying to make some money on the side!

All reputable bamboo flooring should come from China, and our product is manufactured using machinery, finishes and glues that are imported from quality European Countries. All the bamboo flooring is manufactured to a very high standard in a factory that is ISO 9001 accredited. The main reason why we have our bamboo flooring is manufactured in China is because there are vast quanities of bamboo growing there.

It really depends on what style of bamboo floor you go for......as bamboo like hardwood it also has different hardnesss and this will normally determine how badly it gets damaged from small scratches to unsightly gouges etc. But keep in mind, the harder the bamboo, the harder it is to damage. As you have probably read our bamboo comes finished with seven coats, unlike your hardwood traditional floors that are only finished with 3 coats, so sometimes the small scratches from everyday living dont even get noticed. However if you have been very naughty and moved furniture without protective pads or capping and left an unsightly gouge in your bamboo flooring, dont panic help is at hand! Like boards that have been damaged by water, these affected boards can be routed, removed and replaced with new boards.

Yes it can, in extreme conditions when exposed to the sun can alter the shade of the colour in that area of the floor. For example, if you put a mat down that gets a lot of sun without any protection and you lift that mat up months later where the mat has been, it will look different to the area around the mat that has been exposed to the sun. However as this is extreme circumstance your flooring throughout the home may slightly darken or lighten, but the difference will not be enough to be noticed by the naked eye.

The natural bamboo colour is basically the original colour of the bamboo when it is in its raw form; however the coffee colours are achieved during carbonisation in the manufacturing process of the bamboo product. Carbonisation involves placing the bamboo strips into a large heating machine where it is steamed and treated altering the appearance of the colour to that of light or dark brown shades.

Yes, it is true that the carbonisation process that darkens the bamboo can also soften the product to some extent; however comparing the hardness from the natural colour is almost insignificant.

Simply Bamboo has been in the flooring and timber trade since 2004, we officially opened our Malaga showroom in 2005. We are now entering our 7th year in the industry.

All flooring supplied and installed by Simply Bamboo comes with a 10 year structual warranty, not a factory warranty and a 5 year installation warranty. Factory warranties from China aren`t worth the paper they are written on and you are far better covered when the flooring company warrants there product direct with you.

To be honest no company can guarantee that they will be in business in 10 years time, however as we are coming up to our 7th year in the industry, we are still going strong having survived the global financial crisis unlike some organisations, is wholly credited to our stability and reputation in the industry. Just because another company may be bigger or have a flashier showroom than us does not mean they will be around longer than us. keep in mind they probably have higher overheads and need to make bigger margins which means in the end paying more in the long run.

Most bamboo used for the product of flooring is harvested at 6-7 years of age, as at this time it reaches a point of maturity with enough hardness and density to be used in the finishing application. The bamboo we use to produce our flooring is Mao bamboo purely for its structure, density and durability.

The Moa bamboo used in our floors is approximately 6-7 years of age. At this age the bamboo is at its optimal level to be used for the production of our bamboo timber. Taking into consideration 6-7 years us quite a short period of time compared to that of the traditional hardwood that takes decades to grow.

The Glue used in the manufacturing of bamboo flooring does vary. The horizontal and vertical flooring they use Dyneal glue from Finland, whereas the compressed bamboo has Phenol glue and the formaldehyde emissions meet a very strict European Emission standard of 2mg per 100g.

It really depends on the style and grain you go for. Vertical and Horizontal bamboo is significantly softer than the Compressed Bamboo and I wouldn`t recommend putting it in high traffic areas. Vertical & Horizontal is closely compared to that of Tassie Oak hardness whereas the Compressed bamboo is very durable being 73% harder than your traditional jarrah making it an excellent choice for high traffic areas of your home or office.

We suggest caring for your new bamboo floor in the same manner you would on a regular hardwood floor.
BAMBOO FLOORING CARE INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT TO DO
Sweep your floor regularly with a soft broom or enjo mop. General cleaning once or twice a week is recommended. Use a clean sponge mop with warm water & methylated spirits (approx 20ml in 4 litres of water). Ensure excess water is removed from the sponge before applying as you dont want to saturate your floor, however a steam mop is also highly recommended as cleaning products are NOT necessary with this option. Remove spills promptly. Place mats at exterior doors to trap sand and grit. Use rugs or mats in high traffic areas, at the end of the steps and near doorways. Try and avoid rubber backing or non-ventilated rugs. Use protective caps or pads on the feet of your furniture. Try to maintain humidity in your home, an excessive humidity over 55% can sometimes cause floors (hardwood & bamboo) to swell and can create cracks in the boards.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Dont let sand, dirt or grit build up. They act as sandpaper and can be very abrasive, damage or dull your floor finish. Dont use vacuum cleaners or brushes with wheels or bristles that may scratch your floor surface. The Simply Bamboo warranty does not cover misuse of your own cleaning products and methods. Dont wet mop your floor as too much water can cause any bamboo or timber floor to swell or warp. Dont let your pets claws go untrimmed as proper trimmings help avoid unnecessary scratched or gouges particularly on larger animals. Dont walk on your bamboo floor in heels that are in poor condition, try and keep your heels in good repair to prevent any marking as such. Dont use floor polish, oil soaps, vinegar or any other household cleaners on our polyurethane finished floors as they can dull the finish and make re-finishing difficult. Dont slide furniture on the bamboo flooring, it must be picked up and placed.

It is important that our products are tested regularly for moisture content and the final finish. Also not to mention in the fact the tougue and groove in the direct stick board and the interlocking click & lock board go together ensuring a smooth and easy installation. We have also taken steps employing a full time quality controller in China who gives us regular updates on the manufacturing of our boards and has been working with us now for over 5 years. Being a family owned business, we do not want to spend our hard earned money on a product that is not up to Australian standards, putting our business at risk and not to mention the hard earned money of our customer buying the products and services from us. Ensuring quality of products is very important and it separates us from the vast majority of companies who are just selling inferior bamboo flooring at ridiculously cheap prices, just for the sake of making a sale and clearly not really caring what they are selling to their customers.