What is Bamboo?

Bamboo grows in many regions of the world especially in warm climates where the earth is kept moist with frequent monsoons. Twenty percent of the world’s bamboo grows in China, much of that in the wild. Today, due to increasing demand, it is being cultivated more and more in managed forests. In this region, bamboo is emerging as an important agricultural crop of increasing significance to struggling economies.

Bamboo is a member of the grass family. This fact goes a long way toward explaining several of bamboo’s unique characteristics. Like grass, cutting bamboo does not kill the plant. An extensive root system remains intact, allowing for rapid regeneration. There are many species of bamboo.

Natural CORK Bamboo uses only bamboo with 5 years of maturity, selecting the base of the stalk for its superior strength and hardness. Nothing is wasted in processing bamboo. When it comes to the environment, cork and bamboo are a perfect combination. Both are renewable, are harvested with no harm to their natural habitat, and produce materials that promote a healthy human environment.

Manufacturing Process

After harvesting, bamboo is cut into strips. These strips go through a sterilization process before being placed in large drying ovens to hasten their curing time. Selected strips are stacked in layers and glued with an environmentally safe adhesive prior to being put through a press to form panels from which flooring planks are milled.

For convenience and durability Natural CORK Bamboo flooring is pre-finished. Our aluminum oxide finish is unsurpassed in the industry. Six coats of finish ensure superior wear resistance.

Natural CORK Bamboo Flooring is ecologically friendly, a healthy alternative to off-gassing surface flooring products, extremely durable, naturally beautiful, suitable to most any decor, and of the highest premium quality.

Natural CORK Bamboo Technical Specifications 

Protection and Maintenance of Natural CORK Bamboo Floors

Natural CORK Bamboo
Lasting beauty can be achieved through purchasing a quality floor covering and providing proper on-going maintenance.

Natural Properties
Fading: Bamboo contains organic pigments. Just like other wood products, bamboo will fade and should never be exposed directly to sunlight. Where possible, use drapes or other systems to protect your floor from excessive light.
Joints: Wood floor systems expand and contract in response to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Controlling the environment, maintaining an adequate temperature and relative humidity around 50%, will minimize the visible effects of normal contraction and expansion.

Protection
You may protect your bamboo floor by taking the following precautions:

				To help eliminate fine particles of dirt/grit that act like sandpaper and will scratch any floor, vacuum or sweep as needed.
				Spills should be wiped up immediately.
				Use walk-off mats at entrance doors and in front of kitchen sink. Avoid rubber backed or other non-ventilated mats or rugs.
				In the kitchen, use a rug in front of the working areas such as in front of the stove and sink to prevent local premature wear.
Install proper protectors under “feet” of furniture. Caster wheeled chairs should have wide casters. A protective mat should be used under office chairs. Maintain a minimum humidity of 50% in the room. If necessary, use a humidifier. Periodically check floor for signs of wear. Weight distribution is a key factor in preventing indentation.

Maintenance
Sweep or vacuum floor frequently in order to avoid build up of abrasive particles. Use only cleaners specified for use on pre-finished hardwood available from your local retailer or home center.

The longevity of the finish is relative to traffic intensity and quality of floor care. When the floor starts to show a traffic pattern and signs of wear it is time to renew the finish. It is the responsibility of the owner to judge when the floor needs recoating. Bamboo floors surfaced with aluminum oxide finish may be refinished with a compatible product to make the floor look new again and prolong its lifespan. It is recommended that a flooring professional be employed for this process and that strict adherence to the finish manufacturer’s guidelines be observed.
 

Twenty-five Year Limited Residential Wear Warranty

Natural CORK Bamboo is warranted to be free from manufacturing and material defects for a period of 25 years. The finish is warranted not to wear through for a period of 25 years. Should a defect occur, Natural CORK will arrange a credit based on the original purchase of the product. This warranty is not transferable by the purchaser of the floor.

Warranty Coverage: Upon determination of a valid manufacturing defect, credit will be issued to the dealer and will be good toward the purchase of a replacement. Credit applies to material only and does not include labor since it is the responsibility of the installer to determine suitability of material prior to installation.

Should a problem attributable as a manufacturing defect develop after flooring is installed, the cost of labor for repair will be covered by this warranty.

Natural CORK Limited Residential Wear Warranty does not cover: