FYI - despite the sales hype, bamboo flooring is MUCH softer than oak. And especially the "carbonized" horizontal grain flooring (the kind that looks like strips of bamboo). The carmelized color is created by "cooking" the bamboo, which further softens it. Want to see for your self? Next time you're in the flooring showroom, try dropping a key ring from waist height and look at the deep dings it causes.

If you're concerned with durability, vertical grain, natural finish is much harder than carbonized horizontal. And like most everything, you get what you pay for. The lower priced bamboos come from softer, fast-growing low-land bamboo, while the more expensive (and better warranteed) flooring is typically made of harder, slower-growing mountain bamboo.

We've got horizontal carbonized in all our bedrooms and bathrooms, and we love it. But be aware that every time you drop something hard, it's going to leave a mark. If you can see those dents and dings as part of the character of the floor, you'll love it too. But if you'll see them as flaws in your "perfect floor", stick with laminate.

Bamboo Flooring in Bathroom is very problematic, but i have heard that there are some paints which recover Bamboo Flooring in a Bathroom from water. Also, there is special Bamboo wainscoting which is water resistant. So you should use these waterproof materials for your Bathroom. Good Luck

1. INSTALLATION These installation instructions intend to make a trouble-free floor. Under normal conditions, balance the material over 48 hours before installation. Flooring can either be nailed or glued onto the sub floor or floating method or others. The sub floor must be flat clean, dry and sturdy enough to support nails and glue. Nail method: With this method each individual plank is firmly fixed in place by screws. While installing pre-finished bamboo flooring, you should nail it at a 45 or 50 degree angle; you should make a hole beforehand. Glue method (one of the glue methods): You should use a oil based glue or a glue with low water content to glue the floor. If you use high water based glue, it may make the flooring swell because the floor absorbs the water from the glue. Floating method: Floating is a method where the planks are glued together along the tongue and groove, but are not in anyway attached to the sub floor. An underlayment padding is needed between the flooring planks and the sub floor to create better floatation and to reduce the walking noise. When choosing the lacquered flooring, determine the suitable level of space between the boards to accommodate local weather conditions. For example, in humid regions, the floor will need to be installed more loose to leave space for possible expansion. And if the place is near to toilet, kitchen, etc., the floor also need to be installed more loose to leave space for possible expansion. For un-lacquered flooring, first, thoroughly clean the surface, tongues and grooves. Apply at least three coats of PU paint with an oily cloth. The thickness and shininess of the lacquer should be determined according to the cost and lacquering effect. NOTICE: 1-1.5CM SPACE SHOULD LEAVE BETWEEN ALL WALLS AND THE EDGE OF THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR EXPANSION, AND COVER THE SPACE WITH THE BAMBOO BASE BOARD. WOOD SUB FLOORS SHOULD BE INSTALLED OVER CONCRETE FOR BEST RESULTS. SELECTION AND PLACEMENT OF EACH PIECE COLOR WILL ENHANCE THE VISUAL EFFECT. 2. MAINTENANCE a. Flooring should not be soaked with water. If it is exposed to large amounts of water, dry it immediately to avoid swelling and open the window to let fresh air in. b. Use a vacuum cleaner and a dry mop to clean. Use floor wax to protect it. c. Heavy items such as furniture, piano, etc. must not be dragged across the floor, use protective cloth on their standings. d. Avoid degrading materials to reach the floor, like sand and shoe nails. e. The floor should not be exposed directly to sunlight or some electric heaters. Company Name: Anji Qichen Bamboo Industry Co.,Ltd. Contact Person: shelia Email: info@bamboo-flooring-manufacturer.com WebSite: http://www.bamboo-flooring-manufacturer.com