Archive for June, 2009
What's the best way to install bamboo flooring over a concrete sub floor?
Many of the DIY sites state using a moisture barrier but suggest gluing the boards to the concrete…this doesn't make sense to me. Anyone with experience out there?
Bamboo Flooring is unique and well suited for installation directly over concrete floors. There are two different methods available for installation directly over the concrete floor. I have personally installed using both methods both types were Premium Green bamboo. Before you start, if you suspect a moisture problem with concrete, you will want to perform a calcium chloride moisture test before installation. If the calcium chloride moisture test result is less than or equal to 3 lbs then the concrete floor is considered dry.
The first method is the direct glue down method for the bamboo floors that are made of solid bamboo. Direct glue down works well but can be a bit messy so keep a sponge and water bucket handy to wipe up excess. Using only a urethane based wood flooring adhesive (I prefer bosticks best) trowel the adhesive directly on to the concrete flooring. You will use no extra underlayment or moisture barrier in this case. The glue goes directly on the concrete and then you place the solid bamboo planks into the glue.
The second method is the floating method. This is for Bamboo Flooring that is engineered in format or the solid type that is atleast 6" in width (Premium Green Bamboo is the only brand I know of that has 6" width planks that can be floated). Engineered means the center core is made of wood. The engineered bamboo will often have a click mechanism which requires no glue to attached the planks together at the tongue and groove, while the solid is glued together at the tongue and groove. Install the floating floor underlayment with a moisture barrier pre-attached. It is important to make sure the underlayment has a built in moisture barrier. Floating floors will sound a bit more hollow when walked on than soid floors that are directly glued to concrete, but are easier and less messy to install.
If you have a choice would you put a cork flooring in your kitchen?
Does it stain very easy?
Hi, I would definitely put it in my kitchen if I had a choice. Cork is extremely durable, Chicago’s First Congregational Church has had their floor since 1890.
My sister-in-law had tile in her first kitchen and hated how her feet and back ached when standing on it for long periods of time so her next house she put cork and loves it. It has a finish on it so it does not stain.
Friends also ripped up their carpet and put it in their bedroom as they were having sinus troubles. Cork is hypoallergenic as has a natural substance in it that makes it resistant to mold and insects.
Cork is a sustainable environmentally friendly product and has a great appearance.I would phone a reputable flooring store and talk to them about it standing up to dogs.Hope this helps.
http://www.hardwoodlaminateflooringguide.com/cork-flooring.html
http://www.hardwoodlaminateFlooringguide.com/pro-s-and-cons-of-natural-cork-flooring.html
sofa color for cherry flooring?
cherry wood i presume?
Hm, cream with some sort of pattern would be pretty. Or beige. with that Cherry FlooFlooring you can get away with a boring color.