I. Can bamboo flooring be repaired?
Bamboo flooring is extremely popular because it is versatile, environmentally friendly, durable, quick to install and low maintenance.
In addition, it is waterproof, mold and mildew resistant (e.g. termites) if sealed properly. If you’re worried that bamboo scratches easily, don’t be. Strand-woven bamboo planks are tougher than all flooring, even stronger than Ipe wood. Some bamboo floors can even withstand high heels and can handle messes caused by children or pets (like your dog).
But we can’t assert that bamboo is completely scratch-proof. It can be scratched when the protective coating wears off or when a sharp object comes into contact with it. For example, if a chair is dragged and a felt pad is not used, or if a sharp object rubs against it, it can cause scratches.
Bamboo flooring is relatively new and professionals have yet to agree on how to refinish it, so doing it yourself can be risky. However, you still have a good chance of getting good results, especially if your floor is made of bamboo strips.
Second, the main varieties of bamboo flooring
Horizontal Bamboo Flooring: Probably the most common of the three options is horizontal bamboo flooring. It is made of horizontally arranged bamboo culms glued together. When you think of bamboo flooring, this is likely what comes to mind.
Flooring made of vertical bamboo: vertical bamboo flooring consists of thin bamboo strips. The strips are glued together vertically. Due to this combination, this type has more rows and a more modern, clean look.
Woven Bamboo Flooring: Strands of woven bamboo are not made of thin bamboo strips. Instead, it is made from stems that are cut into fine fibers and glued together, then pressed into blocks under heat and pressure. This is the reason why strand woven bamboo flooring lasts so long – longer than even the most durable wood flooring and almost twice as hard as ash wood flooring.
Because strand woven bamboo flooring is difficult to dent and scratch, it doesn’t have to be refinished as often. However, when refinishing is performed, it may be more difficult to smooth out, though the difference is small.
See also: how long it takes to sand hardwood floors.
Comparison with other types of flooring
Solid vs. engineered bamboo flooring: just like hardwood, bamboo comes in both solid and engineered forms. Engineered planks feature a thin layer of bamboo on top of plywood or fiberboard. Engineered bamboo flooring has the same advantages and disadvantages as engineered wood and both can be viewed in the same way.
Can engineered bamboo flooring be refinished? In short, “sometimes” engineered bamboo has the same advantages and disadvantages as engineered wood and both can be viewed in the same way. Generally speaking, bamboo flooring with veneer thicknesses over 2 mm can be refinished, but probably only once. If the veneer layer is not that thick, it may not be possible to refinish it at all. If you are concerned about this, you should speak to an expert at a nearby flooring store who can inform you of the number of times their customized items can be refinished.
Carbonized vs. natural (non-carbonized) bamboo flooring: when refinishing bamboo flooring, you need to consider the difference between carbonized and non-carbonized. Uncarbonized bamboo is lighter in color, which helps hide dents and scratches. Carbonized bamboo flooring, on the other hand, has been treated to a darker amber color, but is more prone to denting. Carbonized bamboo scratches more easily than natural bamboo, which means it’s easier to sand and finish. However, some people who want a darker and very hard wood flooring alternative can consider vinyl planks versus laminate flooring.
Can I refinish carbonized bamboo flooring? The answer is yes you can. Moreover, each part of carbonized bamboo flooring is the same color, and the beautiful color will remain the same even if it is sanded and refinished.
Fourth, is bamboo flooring easy to scratch?
Carbide products scratch more easily than bamboo (especially in horizontal or vertical planks). Keep in mind that floating floors that snap together may require more frequent refinishing because floating floors wear out faster than regular floors.
How do I remove scratches from my bamboo flooring? The only way to remove scratches from your floor is to sand and refinish it. Like other hardwoods, bamboo floors can get stained, and even the original color of bamboo floors can be changed with stains. Want the dark, temperamental look of ebony flooring? Simply refinish your bamboo flooring with ebony stain. Want the look of hickory flooring, but don’t want to deal with the pros and cons of hickory flooring? Color your bamboo! The natural grain of bamboo is just as interesting as hickory. Keep in mind, however, that strand-woven bamboo is difficult to stain, and strand-woven bamboo is the only bamboo that is difficult to stain, so you should stay away from it. On the other hand, both vertical and horizontal bamboo stain well. Professional tip: It is recommended to test a small part of the floor before staining the whole floor.
V. Why Refurbish Bamboo Flooring?
Bamboo is a great alternative to wood flooring because it can be refurbished to look like other types of wood. In addition, bamboo is very durable and is a great alternative to non-wet flooring such as vinyl planks. Since it’s hard to get vinyl flooring with low VOCs, bamboo is a great alternative. Plus, you can change the finish to make it look like any type of luxury vinyl flooring you want.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Refinishing Bamboo Flooring
If you’re a DIY pro and are ready to refinish your bamboo floor, here are some ideas and tools to help you score.
Tools and equipment you’ll need: cleaning products, fine sandpaper, sander, rags or brushes, masks, gloves and safety glasses, stain sealer.
Step 1: Prepare your room: It’s important to start with a clean work area. Make sure to tape off the room so that dust doesn’t get into the rest of your home. Renting a store vacuum is recommended for the same reason. Even floors that are good for the environment can produce dust that you don’t want to inhale.
Step 2: Smooth it out: just sand off the top layer without having to put too much pressure on the sander. If the sawdust is white, all is well. If it is darker in color, the pressure should drop.
Step 3: Vacuum the floor and check for debris: after sanding, it is important to clean the area again. Look for debris and make sure the area is free of it. The best way to remove all dust from the floor is to vacuum it.
Step 4: Fill any holes: once the area is clean, look for any scratches that need more work. Wood filler is used to fill deep holes.
Step 5: Apply the stain: The next step is staining. Before applying the stain to the entire floor, test it on a small area. Use two coats and let it dry for several hours between each coat. Some people use a rag to remove the stain while others use a paintbrush.
Step 6: Finish the Layer: after applying the stain and letting it dry, you can seal it with a polyurethane finish. Just like the stain, two coats should be applied, allowing each coat to dry in between. This final process will make the floor look brand new, even in a high-traffic area like a mudroom.