Hello everyone,
We are in the planning stages of updated the kitchen in our antique cape. My wife is an antiques dealer and uses the kitchen extensively for her business cleaning and polishing all sort of what we call “smalls” in the business.
We like the look of bamboo but have heard it doesn’t do well in kitchen or bathrooms. Just about any material is on the table at the moment (I work for a living so cost is a consideration…)
Thoughts would be appreciated.
thanks.
Trustydog
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Replies
and what have you heard is the reason it "doesn't do well"?
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
A friend of mine works for a large lumber yard and home center business. He stated that a lot of people have put it in kitchens and baths and then replaced it because of swelling. I've seen the product and to be honest I have a hard time believing it - but he works in the industry and I do not. My wife and I like the look a lot and like the "green" aspect of it. What is your opinion?Thanks for replying.T-dog
Well, installed it in two kitchens and the only problem experienced was that it is not Hard As A Rock. One woman pulled her fridge out to clean behind (a rarity) and the wheels made marks where it rolled out-slight crushing of the surface. No swelling, but the product was acclimated to the house and both installed in the summer months. Very slight shrinkage in the dry winter heated home.
Follow the guidelines for expansion around the perimeter and I would think you would have the same track record as any wood floor.
Be wary of cheap companies and their quickly produced product. Some finish problems too on the low cost spread.
I find it hard to believe that a large number of people would have a problem and even more unusual that they would tear it out (unless of course it was ruined or blew up like a poisonous toad).A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I found it hard to believe too. I've known this guy for quite a while and was surprised by his reaction when I inquired about it. You mentioned a quality grade -- any suggestions on that for example what company, etc. and what would one expect to pay per square foot for good bamboo?Thanks again for responding..T-dog
dog, terragren for a couple, and surprisingly something from Lumber Liquidators.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Bamboo is a fine choice, just use a decent supplier that controls the manufacturing. Teragren is my favorite.
As far as the compression issue goes for cleaning the refrigerator, I have seen similar damage to oak and maple floors. Most refrigerators have very small diameter hard plastic wheels that do not distribute the weight very well. Always put down a thin piece of plywood, luan, or even sturdy cardboard before sliding or rolling anything heavy over a hardwood floor.
Tile is always the durability leader for kitchens and is waterproof (seal the grout), but can be hard on the feet for extended periods. Of course, a few well-placed rugs can mitigate that issue.
I hate it when they forget the 1/8'' masonite I leave in the garage for just that purpose.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
If your wife is into the green options, maybe consider cork or Marmoleum.
best?
the old stand by ...
good quality cushion backed vinyl.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
We chose maple floor for the remodel in out 1890s house. We have been happy with it.
We have 5 kids and a dog, so the floor gets a lot of use. We have a few scratches in the floor, but they are not easily seen. Becuase the maple is finished with clear ploy and no stain I think it masks scratches better than other wood floors. I would imagine it would be possible to sand and refinish easier because there is not stain to match.
The maple is historically accurate in an older home. In fact after removing all the layers of vinyl and linoleum we found what appear to be the original maple floors. Unfortunately after 120 years they were not salvagable.
Linoleum is another historically accurate floor, soft to walk on and wears very well. We looked into it, but it seemed to be very expensive and it is difficult to find a certified installer.
Lino would be my second "best"
if cost wasn't an issue.
btw ... cork ... third.
and all this ... coming from a tile setter!
Jeff
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Sheet rubber...easy on the legs when standing for long hours and if you drop something there's a good chance of it not breaking. Plus, it's easy to clean and doesn't stain.
I second the rubber floor. http://www.flexcofloors.com