Article Number : 4492 |
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| Date | 5/19/2009 9:44:57 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4492 |
| Abstract | By Philippe Erramuzpe, COO, USFloors Cork and bamboo floors are among the environmentally responsible flooring alternatives. The raw material resources for cork and bamboo are rapidly renewable and the harvesting process does not... |
| Article | By Philippe Erramuzpe, COO, USFloors Cork and bamboo floors are among the environmentally responsible flooring alternatives. The raw material resources for cork and bamboo are rapidly renewable and the harvesting process does not disturb the ecosystem. By recycling the post-industrial byproducts from cork bottle stopper production, the manufacturing of cork floors further contributes to environmental preservation. Cork floating floors represent more than 95% of residential applications. Gluedown cork tiles general use is for commercial applications. This is what you need to know: Fiberboard: Some manufacturers use low-grade MDF (medium density fiberboard) versus HDF (high density fiberboard) while the highest quality HDF panels, rated for exterior use, offer superior resistance to moisture. Research formaldehyde content, primarily for products sourced outside of Europe or the U.S. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that continues to off-gas for a period of time after production. Quality of the wearlayer: Again, binders and adhesives sourced outside of Europe or the U.S. could be questionable and contain high levels of urea formaldehyde. Density of the wearlayer can vary. Obviously, higher density means higher price, but it also means improved wearability. Mediterranean cork bark has better insulating properties than cork grown in Asia. Quality of finish: Look for technologically advanced finishes that offer a much greater resistance to wear, scratches and abrasions. Gluedown tiles: It is important to differentiate between the “massive” styles made of a homogeneous construction and the veneered tiles where a thin decorative layer is pressed over a homogeneous base. These bases can sometimes be of low quality with the blend of granules containing dirt, pieces of wood and stone. As a rule of thumb, the darker the base, the lower the quality. How about bamboo lines? Bamboo has surged in popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, however, there have been many quality issues related to low-price materials. Reputable suppliers use harvested bamboo from managed forests and plantations, use adhesives and finishes in compliance with environmental standards and adhere to a strict quality control process. Be aware of the risk when purchasing material sourced from traders. Generally traders buy from smaller Chinese mills where equipment and manufacturing processes are substandard. Traders will typically mix product from several different Chinese mills resulting in inconsistencies. Hardness of the material: Because of high demand and pricing competitiveness, some of the bamboo raw material is cut after only three years of maturity. The young bamboo is still quite soft at this stage and will indent easily. A bamboo stalk cut at six years maturity is suitable for the production of flooring. Mature bamboo is typically harder than red and white oak based upon the Janka scale of hardness. Strand woven bamboo is becoming increasingly popular due to its more traditional grain and superior hardness. Strand woven bamboo’s hardness rating is nearly double that of red and white oak. Formaldehyde content: In the manufacturing process, bamboo strips are glued together. You should require a specification sheet from your supplier to prove the adhesive meets either the E1 norm or requirements set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). With cork and bamboo, the old adage, “You get what you pay for” always applies. Armed with proper knowledge, you too can have the discerning eye. |