FAQ

Products
Enviornment
Installation
Care and Maintenance
Warranty
General

PRODUCT

Are both horizontal and vertical floorboards available?
Yes, BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring is available in horizontal, vertical and strand laminations.
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What colors are available?
A variety (light, medium and dark) of natural and caramelized colors are available for both the horizontal and vertical flooring.
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Is the caarmelized color stained?
No, the caramelized color is actually achieved by a carbonization process. Carbonization is the pressure heated treatment that changes the natural color to the coffee color. The length of the treatment darkens the sugar compound within the fibers of the bamboo. The color is impregnated into the bamboo and thus refinishing would not affect the original color.
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Are unfinished floorboards available for ordering?
Yes, BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring can be ordered unfinished.
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Can the unfinished floorboards be stained?
Yes, the unfinished floorboards can be stained during the installation process.
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What are the different types of finishes available?
Three types of finishes provide options for residential and commercial use:

 1. Matte
 2. High Gloss
 3. Commercial

The most common finish for residential is Matte, and the more durable commercial finish which leaves the top surface rough, is used for high traffic areas.
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Is there a finish for commercial use?
Yes, we have an industrial finish for high traffic areas called "commercial". The top surface is left rough for additional traction and scratch resistance.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of a pre-finished floor?

Benefits:
 o Pre-finished floors are typically less expensive because you don't have to pay for the labor to sand, and apply a finish to your floor.
 o The floor will be ready for use as soon as it is finished being installed compared to waiting for the multiple site applied finishes to dry / cure.
 o There is no smell from the finish being applied.

Disadvantages:
 o Pre-finished flooring is so perfect that scratches or dents may be more obvious than in a site-finished floor. Site finished floors have bubbles and streaks from the hand applied finish that actually help to hide surface scratches.
 o During the process of building or remodeling a home the floor is installed prior to having all the work completed which means other trades people will be working on a finished product. The result is that accidents happen and tools will be dropped, dirt will more readily be introduced to the surface of the floor and scratches and dents will occur even with the best of intentions to prevent them.
 o Additionally, prefinished floors have "microbeveled edges" which may not be ideal for areas such as kitchens where food and liquids may end up.
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What size floorboards are available?
A variety of lengths and widths are available and shown in our General Specifications:
Typical Lengths: 36 inches & 72 inches
Widths: 3.5 inches & 6 inches
Thickness: 3/8, ½ and 5/8 inches (5/8" is standard)
Note: the most common size is 36 inches x 3.5 inches x 5/8 inches
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What types of accessories are available?
We provide a complete line of accessories, including stair nosing, reducers, transition pieces (in various dimensions) baseboards, endcaps, T-moldings, stair treads and risers.
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Does the product expand and contract?
Bamboo flooring is as stable as other hardwoods partially due to the manufacturing and lamination process. Similar to other hardwoods, bamboo products do move as a result of changes in temperature and humidity and similar precautions should be taken as if installing any other solid hardwood species. Refer to our Installation and Care Instructions for more specific information.
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How does BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring prevent delamination or cupping?
Bamboo Advantage flooring follows "Best Manufacturing Processes" to ensure that the flooring will not delaminate. For example the 3-layered, staggered design of the horizontal floorboards or method used to laminate the vertical floorboards provide additional support to prevent delamination.

By providing a product that is finished on all sides cupping is less likely to occur. This does not eliminate or lessen the need to do proper moisture testing prior to installation and does not reduce the need to use a moisture barrier when conditions suggest it might be needed.
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ENVIRONMENT

Why select bamboo over other hardwood flooring?
 o Protection of hardwood forests from further deforestation
 o Dimensional stability is superior to most traditional hardwoods
 o Durable finish applied during the manufacturing process
 o Unique, elegant and distinguished flooring

Protection of hardwood forests from further deforestation Bamboo is an environmentally friendly, renewable resource that has been used as construction material for thousands of years. Ecologically, the harvesting of bamboo does not affect the world's already dwindling timber resources. Technically considered a grass, bamboo has the ability to grow to maturity in 4-6 years. The intricate root system remains unharmed upon harvesting and allows for sustainable future growth. Using bamboo is a natural alternative to traditional hardwood flooring while at the same time doing something good for the environment.

Dimensional stability is superior to most traditional hardwoods Bamboo flooring has equal to or greater dimensional stability and therefore less expansion and contraction than most traditional wood floors. Adding to its natural strength is a lamination process that prevents expansion and contraction. The end result is a beautiful floor to enjoy for a lifetime.

Durable finish applied during the manufacturing process An aluminum oxide finish applied during the manufacturing process makes pre-finished bamboo flooring very durable, resistant to indentation and abrasion.

Unique, elegant and distinguished flooring Designing a room with bamboo flooring will add an element of elegance. Its unique characteristics add distinction while adding warmth and versatility to any room in your home, office or commercial environment.
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What makes premium bamboo flooring?
Premium bamboo flooring is made when consistent, safe business and manufacturing practices and only the highest quality raw materials are integrated with experience and modern technology.

Many bamboo importers source their flooring from a variety of smaller mills that use outdated milling and laminating equipment. This can lead to an end product that has gaps or can easily split. BAMBOOADVANTAGE and it's partners invests in every step of manufacturing by being a leader in the industry with over 50 years experience in bamboo processing and 16 years experience in manufacturing bamboo flooring. The results of all this experience is flooring, paneling, and other products manufactured using industry best practices.

Bamboo stalks must be grown to maturity prior to harvesting to ensure the strength and quality of the product. Many new or less experienced companies may be buying bamboo stalks that are not mature and therefore not as hard and as durable. In addition, quality adhesives must be used to avoid delamination or high levels of urea-formaldehyde.

Consistency in manufacturing processes is critical in order to produce a quality product. For example, color consistency can only be obtained if the manufacturing processes are precise and repeatable. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer of standards. ISO standards contribute to making the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more efficient, consistent, safer and cleaner. BAMBOOADVANTAGE's manufacturing partner is an ISO 9000:2000 certified company.
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What is the product lead-time?
While most products are in stock items, please contact a sales representative to ensure that your specific requirements are available when you need them.
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Why select BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring over our competitors?
 o Monitored bamboo harvesting
 o Meets ISO9000: 2000, certification
 o Staggered design of horizontal flooring
 o 3 types of finishes available
 o Finished product on all sides
 o 6 colors available in natural or carbonezed
 o Best in class warranty
 o Leader in the manufacturing of bamboo
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Monitored bamboo harvesting
BAMBOOADVANTAGE uses only mature Chinese Mao bamboo for our flooring. The bamboo poles are selected and harvested from bamboo forests carefully monitored by the Chinese Department of Forestry. This ensures the bamboo forests are able to self-regenerate and maintain a natural ecosystem for future harvesting.
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Meets ISO9000:2000 certification
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer of standards. ISO standards contribute to making the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more efficient, consistent, safer and cleaner. By being ISO9000:2000 certified, one can trust that BAMBOOADVANTAGE's preferred manufacturing partner provides a quality product, with consistent coloring and quality manufacturing that will stand-up over time.
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Staggered design of horizontal flooring
BAMBOOADVANTAGE horizontal flooring is a three layered laminated staggered design. This design makes the product more stable and less likely to delaminate or crack. Our horizontal flooring is manufactured such that each layer is staggered similar to how bricks or cinderblocks are laid when constructing a building.
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3 types of finishes available
BAMBOOADVANTAGE pre-finished flooring is available in three different finishes: high-gloss, matte and super-matte. A high-quality ceramic finish that contains aluminum oxide (ceramic particles) is used on all of our floorboards. Super-matte was developed for use in very high traffic areas such as bars and clubs but is also popular residentially. Our super-matte finish has two additional coatings of aluminum oxide and has a slightly textured surface that makes it more slip resistant.
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Finished product on all sides
BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring has an all-around finish, which makes each floorboard less likely to be affected by moisture and humidity. By having a product finished on all sides, it is safe to install in any type of room including kitchens and bathrooms where moisture is typically a concern. As a result our bamboo flooring will make for increased versatility in designing a home or office.
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6 colors available in natural or coffee
Colors can enhance and add warmth to a room. BAMBOOADVANTAGE offers a variety of natural and coffee colors in a range of hues from light to dark.
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Best in class warranty
BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring has a 50 year warranty against delamination to the original purchaser.
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Leader in the manufacturing of bamboo
BAMBOOADVANTAGE's preferred partner has more than 50 years of knowledge and experience in bamboo processing and more than 16 years in manufacturing bamboo flooring.
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INSTALLATION

Where can BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring be installed?
BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring is adaptable to a variety of environments. Our flooring is suitable for all areas of a home and also gives special character to commercial projects. Offices, retail stores and sports centers have all used BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring to great effect.
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How is BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring installed?
Installation of bamboo flooring is similar to that of most solid hardwood flooring. For Installation Instructions please click here.
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Does Bamboo Advantage Inc. install BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring?
No, Bamboo Advantage Inc. does not provide installation services.
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Can BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring be installed over radiant heat systems?
Yes, BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring can be installed over radiant heat systems.
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Can BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring be installed in bathrooms and kitchens?
With all-around coating and bamboo's natural resistance against moisture, BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring is suitable for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. However, like any wood flooring, precautions need to be taken to prevent puddles of water on the flooring or constant splashing from children. Lifelstyle should help to determine whether finished or unfinished flooring is the correct choice.
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CARE & MAINTENANCE

What is the best method for maintaining and caring for BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring?
Caring for BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring is the same as for any hardwood flooring. For care instructions please click here or go to http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/maintReg.aspx. After the installation is complete, vacuum and then damp mop your floor to remove any dirt or abrasive material.
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What should be avoided when cleaning BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring?
A wet -mop should not be used to clean your floor. Excessive amounts of water can cause your floorboards to cup or swell.
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What is the process for refinishing BAMBOOADVANTAGE pre-finished flooring?
BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring can be refinished or repaired with any polyurethane or compatible coating. For more details on installation and care please click here or go to http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/maintReg.aspx.
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WARRANTY

What is the BAMBOOADVANTAGE product warranty?
BAMBOOADVANTAGE provides warranties against manufacturing defects, delamination, residential and commercial finish. To view a copy of the warranty, please click here.
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Can you provide test certificates?
Yes, test certificates can be obtained through any Bamboo Advantage sales representative or office. The test results can also be viewed on-line by clicking here.
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GENERAL

Where can I purchase BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring and other products?
BAMBOOADVANTAGE flooring can be obtained either through Bamboo Advantage Inc. or a designated sales representative.

Please let us know how we can help by going to our Contact Us section of the web site, or call us at:

Phone: (866) 257-9652
Fax: (866) 207-5811
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