What is the difference between solid and engineered Bamboo flooring?

What is the difference between solid and engineered Bamboo flooring?

This entry was posted on June 6, 2014 by chris elliott

Bamboo flooring is available in both solid and engineered structures. The main difference between the two different structures is the way that the planks of flooring are constructed. Once they have been installed, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the two as they both look the same from the surface.

What is the difference between solid and engineered Bamboo flooring

 

How the planks are constructed

Solid bamboo flooring is made from strips of bamboo that have been dried and glued together either horizontally or vertically and then compressed to form a plank of flooring. This form of construction means that the boards of flooring are extremely stable making it a universal product that is durable and versatile. Solid bamboo flooring planks are usually a fixed size in width and length (approximately 142mm x 1850mm). Engineered bamboo flooring is made in a slightly different way. It consists of a base layer of plywood running perpendicular to a top layer of bamboo. This method of constructing the boards of flooring gives dimensional stability meaning that it can be installed over all types of subfloors. Due to the nature of engineered bamboo flooring, wider planks can be made (up to 190mm).

What is the difference between solid and engineered Bamboo flooring - solid and engineered

 

How the different types of Bamboo flooring can be used

Both solid bamboo flooring and engineered bamboo flooring are dimensionally stable due to the way in which the planks of flooring are constructed. This means that they can be used in areas where humidity and temperature fluctuates, including: kitchens, utility rooms, conservatories, rooms with large amounts of glazing and rooms with log burners.

The only room that bamboo flooring should not be used in is a bathroom because of the excessive water and moisture. Solid bamboo flooring and engineered bamboo flooring can be installed over any type of subfloor and can either be fixed into position or loose laid over a soundproofing or thermal underlay. Both types of flooring can also be used with underfloor heating, although it is advisable to check with your flooring supplier that the type of bamboo flooring you are purchasing has been tested and is compatible with underfloor heating.

 

The cost of solid and engineered bamboo flooring

Engineered bamboo flooring is slightly more expensive than solid bamboo flooring. This is because the manufacturing process is more complicated and takes longer. Another reason for the price difference is that engineered bamboo flooring includes wood for the base layer which is a more expensive material than bamboo.

 

Life expectancy of solid and engineered bamboo flooring

The life expectancy of solid bamboo flooring and engineered bamboo flooring is exactly the same because the same product is on the surface of the flooring and being walked on. 

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