Browse Forums Flooring & Floor Covering 1 Mar 22, 2013 8:29 am We're trying to decide between a floating bamboo floor (strand-woven), polished concrete or Marmoleum. Here's one bamboo floor that my partner likes: http://www.genesisfloors.com.au/BalineseTeak.html We're on a slab (newly built), and although we put termimesh in all the penetrations, we're concerned that the termites will still find a way through and eat through the bamboo floor, if that's the way we go. I've read online that bamboo is supposed to be termite resistant (white ants), but in reality how true is that? Do any of you know anyone who's had termite damage in their bamboo floor? We also have an indoor dog (border-kelpie cross), and like most dogs she will sometimes jump & run in excitement. I know bamboo is supposed to be hard, but will having a dog cause significant scratching? I know all these floors scratch, so I'm not bothered if there are tiny scratches, but if we get a lot of clearly visible scratches within a few years I'm not keen on this option. Polished concrete seems like the hardest-wearing option, but my partner is not keen on it as it doesn't feel cosy and is hard on her body. Re: Strand woven bamboo, termites and dogs 2Mar 22, 2013 10:50 am Hi planck_length We have strand woven bamboo floors (Harvey Norman's) laid on top of a concrete slab. We have 2 indoor staffies, who have plenty of hyper moments. We moved in in September and so far no scratches on the bamboo from them. We do try to 'tip' their nails regularly so they aren't too sharp. (better not only for the floor, but for our skin too) Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Settlement 1/2/12 New Shed 23/3/12 Slab poured 27/3/12 Frame complete 4/5/12 Roof complete 1/6/12 LOCKUP 29/6/12 Our new build blog http://kareenhillsownerbuild.blogspot.com/ Re: Strand woven bamboo, termites and dogs 3Mar 22, 2013 12:37 pm Hi delatite13, Thank you for your reply and posting the pic of your kitchen - looks beautiful! Do you remember what brand bamboo you got from Harvey Norman? Presumably you weren't too worried about the possibility of white ants? Edit: Do you get many days of high humidity? Re: Strand woven bamboo, termites and dogs 4Mar 22, 2013 2:56 pm Hi planck_length The Bamboo was Harvey Norman's 'Naturally Bamboo' Using a blend of 3 of their colours - Natural, Carbonized and Antique. No we are not particularly worried about termites. Our house frame is blue frame (treated for termite resistance) plus our slab had the necessary treatments. Yes we do get days of high humidity. (But no we are not worried about 'cupping' that others mention on other topics...Bamboo is no more prone to cup than any other wood type floor). On that note..... Having had evaporative airconditioning in our previous house, with porcelain floor tiles. On extremely humid days we found the tiles got a bit damp underfoot sometimes. Therefore, if we were to have the same aircon (with this likelihood of moisture) we most likely would not have chosen a wooden floor of any sort. Our new home has ducted reverse cycle airconditioning installed. Hope this helps Settlement 1/2/12 New Shed 23/3/12 Slab poured 27/3/12 Frame complete 4/5/12 Roof complete 1/6/12 LOCKUP 29/6/12 Our new build blog http://kareenhillsownerbuild.blogspot.com/ Re: Strand woven bamboo, termites and dogs 5Mar 23, 2013 6:20 am Thanks delatite13. I emailed the company that distributes the Genesis boards we're interested in yesterday. He said the boards are termite-resistant, but not termite proof (they don't warrant against termite damage). I get the impression termites wouldn't "want" to eat bamboo but if they had no choice they might tuck into it. Our house has a steel frame, and it's on a new slab so I don't know how likely they'll find or eat it (over the lifetime of the boards). As to humidity, we live in the northern rivers NSW where it gets humid quite a lot. The Genesis sales rep said it's best to keep humidity below 55% which isn't realistic where we live (we don't want aircon or dehumidifiers). I'm also wondering whether expansion/contraction might also be a problem in some places (e.g. if we place a very heavy piece of furniture over part of the floor, which would stop boards from moving). It's good to hear that your floors haven't given you any problems. I recently went through a similar renovation and move scenario when updating our family home. We also swapped some rooms around and tackled a major… 2 10032 Unless the room is for storage then it's non compliant BCA V2 2019 S3 P3.8 You have 2 options 1. The builder deconstructs the section and rebuilds as per plan /… 7 10683 The HIA contract, in the term & conditions section states that "Commencment" is deemed when the drainage is started or the piers are dug or the slab is formed up (incase… 2 6177 |