Re: [GBlist] bamboo flooring

[LISAPAUL@aol.com]

Robert:

I have used Bamboo flooring from Smith & Fong for a number of projects and have been very happy with its hardness and dimensional stability. On the Janka hardness test, it scores at about the same hardness as red oak. I do question the quality of the finish that some suppliers use on their prefinished bamboo floors and would recommend the installation of the unfinished variety.

Handling the unfinished planks is not much fun due to the nasty (and nearly invisible) splinters that the edges tend to release. Also, due to the high silica (?) content, bamboo wears tool blades impressively fast.
 
BTW, I recently saw samples from a Palm wood floor from Smith & Fong. Its hardness was rated at 1600 psi (harder than rock maple) and excellent dimensional stability. All that w/ knock-out looks...

Good Luck

Paul Brown
Compass Construction