F03C1 - MATERIAL GUIDES - BAMBOO FLOORING
F03C1-1 General Comments
F03C1-2 Preparation materials
F03C1-3 Underlayments for bamboo flooring
F03C1-4 Adhesives
F03C1-5 Bamboo flooring
F03C1-6 Bamboo flooring performance
F03C1-2 Preparation materials
F03C1-3 Underlayments for bamboo flooring
F03C1-4 Adhesives
F03C1-5 Bamboo flooring
F03C1-6 Bamboo flooring performance
Preface:
This study guide covers bamboo flooring and related materials. The information given is a guide only and cannot fully cover all aspects of such flooring and its installation. Specifiers and/or persons selecting such products should verify all facts relative to the particular project requirements.
To fully understand how to choose an appropriate bamboo flooring material and installation method for a residential, commercial, or institutional project, a thorough knowledge of the materials and installation requirements is essential. The following information will hopefully assist Designers, Suppliers, Installers, Owners, and others in becoming more aware of bamboo flooring issues and aid in choosing a bamboo flooring material and an installation method to suit a project's requirements.
1 • GENERAL COMMENTS
.01 Bamboo flooring must meet Code requirements in regard to flame spread and smoke developed ratings with the ratings dependent on the type of occupancy. For information on flammability refer to Part A08A - Flammability Issues.
.02 For specific information of reference standards noted herein refer to F02B - Reference Guide - Standards.
This study guide covers bamboo flooring and related materials. The information given is a guide only and cannot fully cover all aspects of such flooring and its installation. Specifiers and/or persons selecting such products should verify all facts relative to the particular project requirements.
To fully understand how to choose an appropriate bamboo flooring material and installation method for a residential, commercial, or institutional project, a thorough knowledge of the materials and installation requirements is essential. The following information will hopefully assist Designers, Suppliers, Installers, Owners, and others in becoming more aware of bamboo flooring issues and aid in choosing a bamboo flooring material and an installation method to suit a project's requirements.
1 • GENERAL COMMENTS
.01 Bamboo flooring must meet Code requirements in regard to flame spread and smoke developed ratings with the ratings dependent on the type of occupancy. For information on flammability refer to Part A08A - Flammability Issues.
.02 For specific information of reference standards noted herein refer to F02B - Reference Guide - Standards.
2 • PREPARATION MATERIALS
.01 Patching, Filling, and Levelling Compounds: Refer to Part A13 - Patching and Filling for information and requirements.
.02 Primers: Refer to Part A12 - Substrate Preparation for requirements of primers over patching and filling compounds.
.01 Patching, Filling, and Levelling Compounds: Refer to Part A13 - Patching and Filling for information and requirements.
.02 Primers: Refer to Part A12 - Substrate Preparation for requirements of primers over patching and filling compounds.
- Primers are no longer required for most installations. Consult with bamboo flooring and adhesive manufacturers for applicability and requirements.
- Primers are not designed to act as waterproofing agents, and should only be specified for a specific purpose or installation system.
3 • UNDERLAYMENTS FOR BAMBOO FLOORING
.01 Panel Type Underlayment: This type of underlayment is an acceptable sheathing material used over unacceptable wood substrates to provide an acceptable surface for the installation of bamboo flooring. Refer to Part A10 - Acceptable Conditions for information and requirements. Refer also to ASTM F1482, Standard Guide to Wood Underlayment Products Available for Use Under Resilient Flooring.
.02 Acoustical / Isolation Underlayment: This type of underlayment refers to any product designed for installation over an acceptable substrate / sub-floor surface and under bamboo flooring for acoustical and/or isolation purposes. The characteristics of the underlayment should be as recommended by the bamboo flooring manufacturer to meet the specific project.
.01 Panel Type Underlayment: This type of underlayment is an acceptable sheathing material used over unacceptable wood substrates to provide an acceptable surface for the installation of bamboo flooring. Refer to Part A10 - Acceptable Conditions for information and requirements. Refer also to ASTM F1482, Standard Guide to Wood Underlayment Products Available for Use Under Resilient Flooring.
.02 Acoustical / Isolation Underlayment: This type of underlayment refers to any product designed for installation over an acceptable substrate / sub-floor surface and under bamboo flooring for acoustical and/or isolation purposes. The characteristics of the underlayment should be as recommended by the bamboo flooring manufacturer to meet the specific project.
- Purpose: The purpose of an acoustical / isolation underlayment may be one or a combination of the following:
- Smooth out minor substrate imperfections.
- Improve acoustical and/or thermal insulation properties.
- Reduce walking fatigue.
- Protect bamboo flooring from sub-floor moisture.
- Composition: Acoustical / isolation underlayments may consist of one or a combination of the following materials:
- Polyethylene film.
- Cork.
- Frothed foam.
- Granulated rubber.
- Natural fibre.
- Polyethylene foam.
- Polypropylene foam.
- Polystyrene granulate.
- Polyurethane foam.
- Rebonded urethane foam.
- Sponge rubber.
- Synthetic fibre.
- Vinyl foam.
- Properties: Acoustical / isolation underlayments must meet a number of characteristics:
- Acoustical Properties: The underlayment may have to provide sound attenuation for impact sound (vibrations generated by footfalls or objects coming in contact with the flooring surface that are transmitted to an adjacent room), for airborne sound (any airborne vibration such as voices, sound systems, etc., that travels through the flooring system and into an adjacent room), and/or for resonating sound (that portion of impact or airborne sound that reverberates or echoes within the room). For a thorough explanation of these requirements refer to A08C - Acoustical Issues.
- Note: Where the underlayment is required to have an acoustical rating care must be taken in the type and density of underlayment used and to manufacturers claims in regard to noise reduction properties.
- Compression Resistance: This is the measurement of the force necessary to produce a specified percentage of compression over the entire top area of a given sample. The accepted percentage compression for test methods used to compare flooring underlayment products is 25%. Various ASTM methods may be used to test for compression resistance with results expressed in either kPa or psi. The specific method selected should be noted when reporting results.
- Compression Set: This is the effect on the thickness of an underlayment after releasing a compressive force that was applied under specified conditions of time and temperature. The results are reported as a percentage of the original thickness. Test methods for measuring compression set must require deflection for a period of 22 hrs and release for a period of 24 hrs. The two ASTM tests differ in the thickness of deflection (25% and 50%). The thickness of the test deflection should be noted along with the specific method selected when reporting results.
- Density: This is the ratio of the mass weight of the underlayment to its volume. Density is calculated from thickness and weight determinations and is expressed in pounds per cubic foot or kilograms per cubic meter.
- Water Vapour Transmission Rate: This is the evaluation of moisture resistance properties to determine the rate of water vapour transmission through a given barrier material. The resultant water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) is the rate of water vapour flow to the surface over a specific time period under steady-state conditions per a unit area (square metre or foot).
- Tensile Strength: This is the measurement of the force needed to separate or tear the underlayment. Tensile strength measurements may help compare underlayment materials for ease of installation and long-term wear-ability. Standard methods for evaluation of tensile strength are conducted for both the length and width of the test material and are reported in lbs or kgs of force.
- Thermal Resistance (R-value): This is the reciprocal of thermal conductance (C-value). C-value is calculated from the thermal conductivity (k) of a material. Thermal conductivity (k) is the measure of the amount of heat that will be transmitted through a one inch thick piece of homogenous material, one square foot in size, in one hour, when there is a one degree Fahrenheit temperature change. The equation for "k" is: BTU * inch/sq.ft. * hr * deg F. C = k/thickness in inches. R = 1/C.
- Thickness: normally measured in inches, mils, or millimetres, thickness is important when evaluating the finished flooring profile height as it relates to adjacent flooring material, doorway clearance and laminate accessory use.
- Weight: This is usually expressed in lbs (or ounces) per square foot, or grams (or kgs) per square meter. Weight comparison may be an important characteristic when considering job site material management, ease of installation and freight costs.
- .03 Underlayment Tape: 50 mm (2") wide polyethylene or other type of tape pre-approved by the underlayment manufacturer. Such tape shall be used only as directed by the bamboo flooring manufacturer.
4 • ADHESIVES
.01 The type and application of adhesives shall be as recommended by both the bamboo flooring and adhesive manufacturers to suit the substrate type, the type of bamboo flooring, and the type of application required.
.02 Refer to Part A14 - Adhesives and Fasteners for adhesive types.
.03 Caution: The design authority / specification writer is cautioned against specifying a particular type or manufacturer of adhesive as each bamboo flooring manufacturer may have specific recommendations in regard to the type and usage of adhesives for their particular products and installations. The National Floor Covering Association (NFCA) therefore recommends that the Design Authority specify adhesives "as recommended by the flooring material manufacturer to suit installation requirements". The grade (standard or premium) and the type (based on VOC content) as well as use of water resistant or water proof types should however be specified.
.04 LEED Requirements: Where the flooring installation must conform to LEED requirements, the type of adhesives used throughout (i.e. for installation of underlayment panels, flooring, bases, and accessories) shall be governed by those requirements.
.01 The type and application of adhesives shall be as recommended by both the bamboo flooring and adhesive manufacturers to suit the substrate type, the type of bamboo flooring, and the type of application required.
.02 Refer to Part A14 - Adhesives and Fasteners for adhesive types.
.03 Caution: The design authority / specification writer is cautioned against specifying a particular type or manufacturer of adhesive as each bamboo flooring manufacturer may have specific recommendations in regard to the type and usage of adhesives for their particular products and installations. The National Floor Covering Association (NFCA) therefore recommends that the Design Authority specify adhesives "as recommended by the flooring material manufacturer to suit installation requirements". The grade (standard or premium) and the type (based on VOC content) as well as use of water resistant or water proof types should however be specified.
.04 LEED Requirements: Where the flooring installation must conform to LEED requirements, the type of adhesives used throughout (i.e. for installation of underlayment panels, flooring, bases, and accessories) shall be governed by those requirements.
5 • BAMBOO FLOORING
.01 Fabrication: Bamboo canes are harvested after they mature and harden (in about four years) and are set out to dry in the sun. The canes are then cut into thin uniform strips, which are then shaped and planed on all sides. This is the basic building block that all bamboo flooring is made from.
.02 Chemical Treatment: Bamboo strips must be treated with a natural borate solution and hydrogen peroxide, or other appropriate treatment to eliminate pests and mildew.
.03 Bamboo Flooring Types:
.01 Fabrication: Bamboo canes are harvested after they mature and harden (in about four years) and are set out to dry in the sun. The canes are then cut into thin uniform strips, which are then shaped and planed on all sides. This is the basic building block that all bamboo flooring is made from.
.02 Chemical Treatment: Bamboo strips must be treated with a natural borate solution and hydrogen peroxide, or other appropriate treatment to eliminate pests and mildew.
.03 Bamboo Flooring Types:
- In choosing bamboo flooring there are basically four different types to choose from:
- Vertical Grain Bamboo Plank Flooring: fillet strips are laid on edge (vertically) and are laminated to each other to form a solid bamboo plank without internal voids.
- Vertical grain bamboo flooring
- Horizontal or Flat Grain Bamboo Plank Flooring: fillet strips are laid flat (horizontally) and are laminated to each other and to a two-ply core/base material to form a three ply solid bamboo plank without internal voids.
- Horizontal of flat grain bamboo flooring
Note: Growth rings or nodes are visible in the grain of some horizontal strips.- Bamboo Strand Plank Flooring: consists of oriented strands / fibres of bamboo and post industrial bamboo waste from vertical and horizontal plank flooring coated / mixed with a resin binder and laminated under pressure to provide solid material without internal voids that is then milled into planks complete with tongue and groove edges.
- Bamboo Parquet Tile Flooring: fillet strips are laid flat (horizontally) and are laminated to each other and to a two-ply core/base material to form a three ply solid bamboo tile without internal voids.
- Eased Edges: Bamboo plank side edges (and ends depending on manufacturer) are lightly sanded to remove the sharp corners to provide a rounded or "eased" edge in lieu of square / smooth edges for tile.
- Plank Joints: Bamboo plank side edges are tongue and grooved for assembly. Planks can be mechanically fastened to substrate using approved fasteners through tongue or in the case of floating floors may be friction connected. Some manufacturers may also require the application of glue to the tongue-and-groove joints of individual planks and in some cases panel end-to-end joints. This may be a requirement to prevent the ingress of moisture through the joints. Where this is required the application must comply with the instructions provided by the flooring manufacturer. It is important that glue released along the top of the joint when two boards are firmly pushed together under force is immediately wiped off with a damp cloth.
- Plank Backs: Channelled for stability and ventilation.
.04 Bamboo Flooring Dimensions: Consult bamboo flooring manufacturer and local distributor for product thickness, widths, lengths, and availability. Some sizes (thickness and widths) are more suitable for glue-down installations. Common sizes are as follows:
.05 Bamboo Flooring Colours:
- Solid Bamboo Plank sizes: 13 mm (1/2"), 11 mm (7/16"), and 16 mm (5/8') thick x 75 mm (3"), 95 mm (3-3/4"), 190 mm (7 1/2"), 300 mm (12") wide x 600 mm (24"), 915 mm (36"), and 1830 mm (72") long.
- Engineered Bamboo Plank Flooring sizes: 16 mm (5/8") thick x 137 mm (5-3/8") and 190 mm (7 1/2") wide x 1830 mm (72") long.
- Strand Bamboo Plank sizes: 10 mm (3/8") and 16 mm (5/8") thick x 95 mm (3-3/4") and 190 mm (7 1/2") wide x 915 mm (36") and 1830 mm (72") long.
- Solid / Engineered / Strand Bamboo Tile sizes: 13 mm (1/2"), 11 mm (7/16"), and 16 mm (5/8') thick (depending on type) x 305 mm (12") square and 305 mm x 610 mm (12" x 24").
.05 Bamboo Flooring Colours:
- Natural Flooring: This "blond" colour is the result of sun-drying bamboo canes and may be lighter or darker depending on how long they have been exposed (the longer the bamboo sits in the sun to dry, the lighter it becomes).
- Carbonized or Caramelized Flooring: This light brown or amber colour is the result of heat-treating / steaming bamboo to remove its starch.
- Note: The colour of bamboo, whether natural or carbonized, has a distinct affect on the product's overall hardness. "Natural" bamboo is approximately 10% harder than "carbonized" bamboo. In addition, horizontal grain bamboo is about 15% harder than vertical grain Bamboo.
- Stained Flooring: Natural or carbonized bamboo can also be stained. The choice of a stain / colour finish is a very subjective matter and one of personal choice. As one of the two main decorative elements within a space (the other being walls) the choice of a bamboo stain becomes very important in setting the "tone" and in contributing to the ambiance of the space that it is in. A bamboo stain or colour can be a low gloss light natural one, or it can be a vibrant high gloss dark one becoming the focal point of the area or room, making a statement.
.06 Bamboo Flooring Finishes:
- Natural, carbonized, or stained bamboo flooring may be pre-finished at the place of manufacture or be site finished after installation using a number of finishes. Each process and finish has it advantages and disadvantages.
- Unfinished Flooring: The top (exposed) face of bamboo flooring is lightly sanded and left ready for site applied finishes (such as polyurethane, acrylic, or wax). For on-site finishing contact the manufacturer for the recommended type of finish and method of finishing.
- Pre-Finished Flooring: The top (exposed) face of bamboo flooring is lightly sanded and factory finished with clear polyurethane or unfilled acrylic vinyl top coats that may also have aluminum oxide or ceramic granules added for wear resistance and durability.
- Bamboo flooring is sensitive to light and/or oxygen, and over time, will change colour, developing a unique patina. Bamboo flooring must be finished not only to protect it but also to maintain a consistent colour.
- Minimum harvest cycle: 5 years.
- Manufacturer certification: ISO-certified for product consistency.
- LEED® Qualification: MR6 (Rapidly Renewable Materials)
6 • BAMBOO FLOORING PERFORMANCE
.01 The following are minimum requirements for bamboo flooring:
.01 The following are minimum requirements for bamboo flooring:
- Hardness: (to ASTM D1037, Janka Ball) minimum 2075 lbs (natural horizontal), 1898 lbs (carbonized horizontal), 1798 lbs (natural vertical), and 1392 lbs (carbonized vertical).
- Dimensional Stability: (to ASTM D1037) dimensional change coefficient of 0.00144.
- Flammability: (to ASTM E648) Class I Interior Floor Finish rating per NFPA 101.
- Smoke Density: (to ASTM E622) maximum 270 in flaming mode; 330 in non-flaming mode.
- Compressive Strength: (to ASTM D3501) minimum 7,600 psi (52 MPa) parallel to grain; 2,624 psi (18 MPa) perpendicular to grain.
- Tensile Strength: (to ASTM D3500) minimum 15,300 psi (105 MPa) parallel to grain.
- Slip Resistance: (to ASTM F1679, English XL test) average dry slip index of 0.630.
- Abrasion Resistance: (to ASTM D4060, CS-17 Taber abrasive wheels) minimum 12,600 cycles for final wear through.
- Moisture Content: (to ASTM D4442, Oven Dry Method) average 7.25%.
- Formaldehyde Emission: (to ASTM E1333) 0.0127 ppm average.