BAMBOO

Phyllostachys spp.

Shown with water'based finish (top), and oil-based finish (bottom)

APPEARANCE

COLOR: Typically available in light (manila/yellow
tones) or dark (tannish brown) shades. Colors vary
between manufacturers.
GRAIN: Distinctive grain pattern shows nodes from
the bamboo stalks.
VARIATIONS WITHIN GRADES: Available either horizontally
or vertically laminated. Horizontal construction
tends to show nodes more prominently.

PROPERTIES

HARDNESS (JANKA): Bamboo is a grass. Janka values
vary widely between various manufacturers and
between horizontal and vertical construction.
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY: Engineered construction.

WORKABILITY

SAWING/MACHINING: Cuts easily with most tools.
NAILING: No known problems.
SANDING: Due to its unique, fibrous structure,
bamboo should not be sanded across the grain or at
a 45-degree angle to the grain. Its light color tends to
show swirl marks, other sanding marks and finish
imperfections, much as a light maple floor can.
Suggested Sequence
First Cut: 60 at a 7-15 degree angle with the grain
Second Cut: 80 straight with the grain
Third Cut: 100 or 120
Hard Plate: Not recommended
First Screen: 100 or 120
Second Screen: 150
FINISHING: All surface-type finishes have been used
successfully with bamboo. Darker colors may tend to
show lap marks—moving quickly during application
and applying finish quickly around cut-in areas can
minimize this effect. Filling is recommended.
COMMENTS: Mostly available factory-finished.
Because the product is rigid, installers should pay
careful attention to the flatness of the subfloor.
Origin
Asia. The majority is made in China from the Phyllostachys
pubescens (common name: Moso) species;
however, some bamboo flooring is made from different
bamboo species grown in countries such as Vietnam.

AVAILABILITY

Readily available.