This is the newest look to hit the Bamboo Flooring industry!
Strand bamboo is made using a unique manufacturing process that is different from all other bamboo flooring types - by heating long strips of bamboo, weaving them together, then laminating them under extreme pressure. This produces a floor that is even harder and denser than traditional bamboo flooring, with a grain more similar to exotic hardwood flooring. Strand bamboo flooring can take a lot more punishment than your average wood flooring. Compared with the traditional bamboo flooring it is higher in density and rigidity and the hardness is twice that of traditional bamboo or solid oak. (janka hardness rating = 2820 for strand bamboo vs. 1260 for traditional bamboo or oak)
Bamboo is harvested and cut to the required sizes, and the large pieces were removed for traditional bamboo flooring. By utilizing all of the bamboo from the stock, (100% of the harvested bamboo), we do not throw away any waste, "this process is extremely environmentally friendly".
The next step is to dry the strands to certain moisture content. The strands are then glued with EU1 Rated glue and processed into bales which creates the woven effect. The bales are then placed under extreme pressure. They are then baked in an oven until hardened and dry. When they are removed from the press the solid logs of bamboo are then sliced into blanks and milled like traditional hardwood. The processing methods used in this production results in the strand woven bamboo becoming twice as hard as any traditional bamboo flooring.
This is a true environmentally friendly floor since nothing is wasted in this manufacturing process. Another benefit of the strand woven bamboo flooring is the fact that the coloration runs completely through the entire floor. It’s one solid piece of bamboo so if it were to chip, you would most likely no notice it as much as another type of flooring.
The end result is a beautiful bamboo floor that has a wood flooring appearance and is also extremely durable. A lot of new looks come and go but this one is sure to be a winner with builders, decorators and homeowners alike.
Pictures of Strand Woven Bamboo being installed link
Floating Installation Proceedure
Our recommended first choice method for installing strand woven bamboo over cement, radiant heating systems, or a plywood sub floor is the floating method. If you have a cement slab or old wood flooring and want to install new flooring on top floating is the way to go. The floor is installed on a pad that sits on the subfloor and is glued together in the tongue and groove with a wood workers glue such as "Tite Bond II " This is available at most home improvement centers. Here are pictures of the installation process link
Glue Down Installation Proceedure
Gluing down your bamboo floor is only advised if your subfloor has been properly tested for moisture, prepared, and or moisture sealed. A minimum of 1/4" expansion from each wall in room is required. We recommend the use of Bostik's Best Wood Flooring Adhesive for glue down application. Follow Bostik's directions for trowel size etc. Be certain that wood flooring glue, and if used, the moisture barrier/sealant are compatible with each other. Bostik's Best Glue and the MVP system for moisture protection.
