A. Can bamboo flooring be repaired?
Want to know whether bamboo flooring can be repaired? Don’t worry, this is a question often asked by many people. The answer is yes, bamboo flooring can definitely be refinished.
If you are looking for an in-depth analysis of this process, then you have come to the right place. Next, we’ll present you with a complete guide covering all the essential information about refinishing bamboo flooring.
Bamboo Flooring Basics
Bamboo is sometimes viewed as a type of manufactured wood flooring. This is because bamboo is not technically made of wood (in fact, it belongs to a type of grass). Even so, bamboo’s properties are similar to any other type of wood, so we prefer to think of it as an alternative to hardwood flooring.
Bamboo flooring is made entirely of bamboo stalks, but the way it is constructed can greatly affect its appearance. There are three different types of bamboo flooring to consider:
Horizontal bamboo flooring;
Vertical bamboo flooring;
Strand woven bamboo flooring.
While each of these types has its own characteristics, they can all be refinished to restore their original beauty and extend their service life.
Third, can you refinish engineered bamboo flooring?
In short, sometimes it can. As with wood, engineered bamboo flooring can only be refinished if the veneer is thick enough. Generally, the veneer needs to be thicker than 2mm, but it may only be possible to refinish it once or twice. If your veneer layer is not that thick, it may not be possible to refinish it.
Cost of refinishing bamboo flooring
The cost of refinishing bamboo flooring varies depending on a number of factors. If you hire someone to refinish it, it usually costs about $3 per square foot. If you do it yourself, it will cost about $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on tool rental and the product you choose. It’s important to note, however, that these are only rough estimates and the actual cost will vary depending on location, room size, and a host of other factors.
V. Should I hire a professional?
Now let’s be clear: unless you are an experienced DIY enthusiast, we recommend hiring a professional. Refinishing a super hard floor like bamboo is more difficult than refinishing a soft wood like Douglas fir or pine. If you’ve ever refinished softwood, you’ll know that the softness of the wood makes it slightly easier to refinish.
VI. Detailed DIY process
(I) Preparation
If you know about low VOC flooring, you may be aware of some of the chemicals commonly used in flooring. Some bamboo floors even contain formaldehyde, a substance you certainly don’t want to inhale. While bamboo is one of the more sustainable wood flooring options, it’s not guaranteed to be completely VOC-free, so wear plenty of personal protective equipment (PPE) and keep the dust under control while you’re cleaning up.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s move on to the actual refinishing process.
(ii) Required items
Personal protective equipment (PPE): goggles, dust mask, ear protection, gloves.
Tools: drum sander, orbital sander, putty knife, paintbrush or applicator, cleaning rags, vacuum cleaner.
Materials: coarse sandpaper (60 grit), medium grit sandpaper (80 – 100 grit), fine grit sandpaper (120 – 150 grit, 220 grit), wood filler, wood stain (optional), polyurethane finish.
Miscellaneous: plastic sheeting to cover vents and doorways.
(iii) Specific Steps
Preparation:
First, remove all furniture, carpeting, and other items from the room to ensure a clean workspace.
Cover vents, doorways, and other openings with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from spreading throughout your home.
After cleaning the room, thoroughly sweep and vacuum the floor to remove dust and debris. For a more thorough cleaning, mop the floor with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely.
Check the floor for protruding nails or staples and hammer them down or remove them to avoid damaging sanding equipment.
Sand the floor:
Start by using a drum sander to treat large areas of the floor. Attach coarse sandpaper (approximately 60 grit) to the drum sander to remove the old surface and any surface imperfections. Move the sander slowly and steadily in the direction of the bamboo grain to avoid uneven patches.
Use an orbital sander for edges, corners and tight spaces that cannot be reached by the drum sander. Follow the same sanding direction and technique.
After the initial sanding, switch to medium grit sandpaper (80 – 100 grit) and sand the entire floor again. This step further smooths the surface and removes any residual finish. Finish the sanding process with fine grit sandpaper (120 – 150 grit) for a smooth, even finish. Be sure to sand the floor evenly and thoroughly for best results.
Fill gaps and cracks:
Inspect the sanded floor for gaps or cracks. Use a high-quality wood filler to fill these imperfections. Apply the filler wood with a putty knife, pressing it firmly into the gaps or cracks to ensure complete filling. Allow the filler to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding to the next step.
Stain the floor (optional):
If you want to change the color of your bamboo flooring, you can apply a wood stain at this time. Apply the stain with a brush or cloth, working in small sections and following the direction of the bamboo grain. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time. Allow the stain to dry completely before proceeding to the final treatment step.
Applying the Finish:
Once the floor has been sanded and stained (if desired), it’s time to apply a protective finish. Polyurethane is a popular choice due to its durability and ease of use. Begin by gently stirring the polyurethane to avoid air bubbles. Using a quality brush or applicator, apply a thin, even coat of polyurethane to the floor. Work in small sections and follow the direction of the bamboo grain to ensure a smooth finish.
Allow the first coat of polyurethane to dry completely, this usually takes a few hours or overnight depending on the product used. Once dry, lightly sand the floor with fine sandpaper (220 grit) to remove any imperfections or air bubbles. Before applying the next coat, wipe the floor with a clean, damp cloth to remove dust.
Repeat the application and sanding of at least two to three coats of urethane, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This multi-coat method ensures a durable, long-lasting finish.
Final Touch-Up:
After the final coat of polyurethane dries, clean the floor to remove any dust or debris. Replace any removed furniture and enjoy your newly refinished bamboo floor.