Underlayment For Bamboo Floors
When bamboo flooring is installed, it requires some form of underlayment for several reasons. One bamboo floor fact is that the grass needs to be as dry as possible before the final coating is applied. The underlayment for bamboo floors is usually made to act as a barrier between the bamboo and moisture. It also acts as a cushion between the planks and the subfloor underneath, which helps remove any squeaking that may result from walking on a floor without an underlayment. Most bamboo flooring information sites suggest certain kinds of underlayment, but usually they simply need to be moisture resistant and smooth. A smooth subflooring means that the floor will be much smoother and last longer.
Bamboo is a material that reacts to water in a certain way that is not beneficent at all. Therefore a properly made underlayment must be used for a bamboo floor. It must be able to act as a barrier between the moisture of the subflooring underneath and the bamboo planks on top. This helps increase the life span of the bamboo flooring by keeping it dry.
Another reason why using underlayment is useful is because it acts as a cushion. A non-smooth floor will squeak when walked on and will not last nearly as long. Therefore the material under the bamboo flooring provides cushion and prevents squeaking. It also helps keep the floor smooth, as a non-smooth floor will look horrible or even fail in a short time.
Many bamboo floor facts state that a certain type of underlayment must be used, however, any kind of smooth and moisture barring underlayment is good. By keeping the floor stable, it helps prolong the lifespan of the bamboo flooring by several years, or even decades if properly maintained. One of the best subfloor products is the gypsum fiber panel, which is high water resistant, can withstand impacts well, and is very smooth. It is a relatively new material, but it works very well.
Keeping the floor smooth and quiet is important to any home. This is especially true of bamboo flooring, as it is more expensive to repair or replace than traditional wood floors. Some types of underlayment are better than others, but for bamboo flooring it should be smooth and very water resistant.