Bamboo Construction
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Solid Bamboo
All bamboo flooring is the result of an engineered product. Bamboo floors referred to as "Solid Bamboo" are created in a lamination process similar to engineered hardwoods. Bamboo grows in high, narrow stalks that are cut into individual strips, glued together in many layers and made into flooring planks by applying heat and pressure. This method produces a structurally strong and solid bamboo floor. Solid bamboo floors are typically 5/8 of an inch thick.
Strand Woven Bamboo Strand Woven is yet another style available in the bamboo market. This bamboo is literally shredded, glued together, and cured to get it to stick together again. This technique produces a very heavy floor in sheer weight. The floor itself is capable of moderate to high traffic. However, due to the quantity of glue required to put the floor together, many manufacturers use inexpensive glue containing high levels of formaldehyde. At present A&R does not carry strand woven bamboo until it can meet appropriate formaldehyde emission levels.