I want to install bamboo flooring over a concrete floor with radiant heat. Does anyone have any recomendations on installation? Should we use glue down or install a plywood under lament first. One bamboo flooring manufacturer did not recommend their product over radiant heating. Are other types of wood flooring better over radiant heat.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

Mike Guertin explains how Pella Steady Set windows are revolutionizing the glazing game and provides a helpful installation tutorial.
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
One of our regular posters (Cloud?) has had good success with bamboo over radiant - no gaps. I can easily imagine a manufacturer not recommending it because 1) they have no control over how hot you'll get it (people have discolored vinyl flooring from leaving out the tempering valve in a radiant system), and 2) to reduce any possibility of a warranty claim.
But grass grows in the desert right? So it gets to 130F all the time, 150-160F in the sun. Everything I've seen and heard is that bamboo is as good as wood, especially over radiant.
"Grass - it's not just for lawns anymore."
As you've diiscovered, bamboo manfacturers represent how their products can be used diffferently, since many of the products are manufactured to different standards. Thickness, ply structure, wood used in the pies, etc, etc.
My favorite bamboo is from TimberGrass. Their product can be applied over RFH.
Call and speak to their tech department. Don't be intimidated. Tell them what you have...above, at, or below-grade. A slab. What you want to do. Glue, float, nail, staple, etc. They'll tell you how you can use thier product to reach your goal. They have a lot of information on their website, though some of it is dated, which is why I advise you to get in touch with their tech department.
You can also do it via email, which will give you a hard copy of their instructions for documentation purposes.
There is a bamboo out there that will fit your appplication. Still, out of all the samples and flooring that I've seen, to me TimberGrass is the best. A bullet-ptoof aluminum oxide finish. Plus, the 6' strips make the floor go down quickly and minimize waste.
If the slab is in good shape (structurally sound with a level surface) you can float over it. If not, you may want to do a double layer of ply wiith staggered seams.