Bamboo floor question regarding durability

[Cassidy]

Hi
I'm looking at purchasing bamboo flooring and would like to ask if anyone can comment on the durability of this product as its fairly new in the flooring market compared to solid timber floors.
I recently read some articles based in the US, and that a large number of unhappy customers are considering class action against certain manufacturers due to the product not living up to what's been advertised i.e. apparently scratches and mark very easily compared to other timbers.
I must admit they look fantastic when you see them but when do you ever trust a salesmen when he says "trust me"
These products seem to use a aluminium oxide urethane finish.
here are some URL's regarding these complaints but there is a lot more.
http://www.finishing.com/260/96.shtml
http://bamboo-floors.blog-city.com/bamboo_floor_complaints_from_lumber_liquidators.htm
Any advise would be great

[celeste]

Hi Cassidy

I checked it out a few months ago - they seem to have rectified any problems with it.

I then purchased 100 odd sqm at aution 19mm T & G horizontal. I intend on floating it over tiles and ply (for the kitchen that is lower than the tiled area.

I read it is harder than hard woods. I got a DVD from bunnings for $9.95 on laying floating floors, I watched it this morning its really good, only thing wrong with it is it does not go into replacing skirting boards or attaching trims.

Celeste

[bitingmidge]

My research comes from a few years ago when it was as dear as poison, and it was a very good product. Cheaper versions may not be.

Among other things I left one end of a sample in a bucket of water for a month without measurable expansion, and it is very hard and durable.

I am quite prejudiced against pre-finished flooring however. If you think about it, the slightest misalignment means that an unfinished piece of floor is exposed to water, dirt, fat and all those other things, and that must lead to an early breakdown of the finish.

Lay it raw, have it sanded and finished in one go.

Cheers,

P

[celeste]

My research comes from a few years ago when it was as dear as poison, and it was a very good product. Cheaper versions may not be.

Among other things I left one end of a sample in a bucket of water for a month without measurable expansion, and it is very hard and durable.

I am quite prejudiced against pre-finished flooring however. If you think about it, the slightest misalignment means that an unfinished piece of floor is exposed to water, dirt, fat and all those other things, and that must lead to an early breakdown of the finish.

Lay it raw, have it sanded and finished in one go.

Cheers,

Hi all

My Tassie Oak floors are 2 years old - done the traditional way and I can tell you its not totally elements proof. I have a craft room, my 5 yr paints, glue, cuts etc in there. The paint gets into those cracks and some paints actually stain the finish.:oo: tho its still better tha tiles ans carpet.

The Bamboo I purchsed is pre-finished and the finish extends down the sides not just sitting on top.:2tsup:

Celeste



P