Lumber Liquidators

What's the Difference? Choosing the Right Floor

New flooring is a big investment. Hardwood, bamboo, cork, laminate, vinyl…what’s the difference? Finding the right product can be tough, so here is a basic guide to help you choose the right floor for you and your family!

Hardwood

Solid Hardwood- milled from solid wood and comes unfinished (apply your own stain) or prefinished (one less step, easier installation).

Engineered Hardwood- real hardwood layers with a plywood fiberboard backing. Extremely stable, which means it can take on wood’s natural movement in high-moisture areas.

"Hardwood flooring is renowned for its natural beauty and durability. Its classic good looks harmonize with any architectural theme or interior design, and it’s an especially good choice to create visual room-to-room continuity for homes with open floor plans." (HGTV Flooring Guide)

Bamboo

"Bamboo is tough and durable. Because it comes from plants that are easy to grow and regenerate quickly, bamboo is considered a sustainable material and an environmentally friendly flooring choice." (HGTV Flooring Guide) 

Bamboo produces new shoots without the need for replanting, and gives you a stunning, unique look. For increase durability, try strand bamboo. It’s twice as hard as oak, making it an optimal choice for busy homes. It stands up to the wear and tear of foot traffic, active kids and even pets.  

Cork

Cork is produced by peeling away bark without destroying the tree.

"Cork has a warm, natural appearance and is comfortable underfoot." (HGTV Flooring Guide)

Plus, the benefits are awesome! Cork is resilient which relieves stress in the back and legs when standing. Spend a lot of time in the kitchen? Cork might be right for you! It also takes on the temperature of the room, so it’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is great for sound deadening, reducing sound between rooms and floors. Maintenance is simple. Just sweep and spot clean!

Laminate

Laminate is a fiber core board with a photo on top. It’s easy to install, comes in array of colors and varies in thickness. You can even get that handscraped, rustic look. It’s very scratch resistant, which is great for those who are tough on floors.

"Low-maintenance laminate flooring offers an enormous variety of styles, colors and patterns." (HGTV Flooring Guide) 

Vinyl

Vinyl has a natural looking grain, is extremely water-resistant, and easy to install! Simply peel and stick or click-together and you’re done.

"Vinyl tiles…are called resilient flooring – they’re flexible and slightly soft underfoot. They’re tough, durable and virtually maintenance-free. Vinyl comes in an array of colors and patterns at relatively modest cost." (HGTV Flooring Guide) 

Keep your style and preferences in mind when choosing flooring. Some other things to consider are color, width, texture, species and grade. What do you like?

Color: light, medium, dark

Width: 2¼”, 3 ¼”, 5”

For larger rooms, some advise that you use a wider plank, and for a smaller room, a narrower plank. Another consideration is fixed-width or variable plank width for a more dramatic appearance. It’s all about what you like!

Texture: smooth, handscraped

Handscraped or distressed selections are available for almost every type of floor (except cork).

Species: tree type

Pattern, lines, swirls, overall character and grain…everyone’s taste varies. Australian Cypress Hardwood has a variety of tones with exquisite dark knots for a rustic feel. Qing Spyder Strand Bamboo is simple and dark. What’s your style?

Grade: Select, Natural, Rustic

Select- most uniform plank, smallest knots, longest average length

Natural- some color variation, mineral coloring, small pin knots

Rustic- large knots, most color variation

 

For more assistance picking out your floor, visit your local store or call Sales at 800-476-0007 and a representative can help!

 

 

Morning Star Bamboo: An Eco-Friendly Choice!

Bamboo is a popular flooring option that has minimal environmental impact. It’s highly renewable thanks to its extensive root system which allows it to re-grow spontaneously after mature stalks are harvested. It reaches full maturity after only four to six years!

Why choose Morning Star Bamboo at Lumber Liquidators?

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth!

It's more durable than many traditional hardwoods and can actually cost less.

Only “old-growth” stalks are harvested, thereby increasing hardness to last in your home.

Bamboo generates more oxygen for the atmosphere than a growth of trees the same size.

No pesticides or chemicals are needed; bamboo thrives naturally.

 

Morning Star cares about the environment as much as Lumber Liquidators! 

"We're at an age where consumers are becoming more concerned about what they put in their bodies, and in their homes. At Lumber Liquidators we've recognized this and have strived to make eco-friendly products like bamboo and cork floors readily available to our consumers at a great price." -Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators

Will we see you using your coupon for 10% off all Morning Star Bamboo? Get here by Monday, April 15!

Morning Star Bamboo: Nail-Down Installation Instructions

If you’re planning to nail down your new Morning Star Bamboo floor, this guide will assist you with tips, directions and helpful hints. Remember, this isn’t all-inclusive and we highly recommend consulting a professional flooring installer on your specific installation. You can always call your local Lumber Liquidators and our Tech & Installation team at (800) 366-4204 with additional questions.  

Preparing to Install 

Natural Variations
Bamboo is a product of nature, characterized by distinct variations in grain, pattern and color which should be expected. They aren’t flaws or defects! Instead, it is the natural beauty and uniqueness of bamboo.
Stained products will have the most uniform color or shade. 

Inspection
The customer/installer is responsible for final inspection of quality and moisture testing of the subfloor and bamboo.
Boards deemed unacceptable can be used in closets, near walls or simply not used at all. Inspect the flooring often. Pieces with defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off. Order 5%-10% extra for board selection.
If more than 5% of the material is unusable, contact your local store or Customer Care (800-366-4204) immediately.

Acclimation
Size and shape of bamboo changes with the absorption or release of moisture. The amount of change varies with each species, cut and type of flooring.
Check the installation instructions of the product for proper temperature and humidity settings, and maintain those levels. For most products, the room should be conditioned to between 60 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a 30%-50% humidity level.
To speed up acclimation, open the ends of the boxes.
Remove any plastic around the outside of the boxes.
Do not cut the plastic support bindings or remove from packaging until ready to install.
Cartons should be placed as close to the center of the installation area as possible.
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Keep away from heat/air vents.
Not following these instructions can impact the board performance and cause excessive movement, squeaks, gapping, cupping, and other related issues which aren’t manufacturer related, and therefore are not covered by warranty.

Moisture Testing
Most installation failures result from jobsite moisture!! Complete proper moisture tests.
Wet trade involving water or moisture (plumbing, ceramic tiles, drywall finish, painting, etc.) should be finished with ample time allowed for complete drying prior to bamboo installation.
Do not store in buildings without climate controls (garage, shed, outside, etc.)
Heating, Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning systems should be fully operating and running at least 7 days before delivery.

Subfloor Preparation
A flat surface is very important when gluing down flooring. To minimize squeaks and gaps the final surface must be flat to within ¼” in 10’ radius or 3/16” in 6’ radius (using mechanical fasteners 1½” and longer). Sand or grind down high spots. Allow extra drying time for the leveling compounds

Nailers, Staplers and Fasteners
(for board sizes 3/8”, ½”, 5/8”, 9/16”)

Pneumatic Nailer
Norge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler, 16 gage cleats, 1½” to 2” L
Power Nailer 445
Bostich MIIIFN

Pneumatic Stapler
Norge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler, 15.5 gage staples, 1½” to 2” L
Bostich MIIIFS
Power Nailer 445FS

Cleat Nailer
Powernail Flex 50m, 50p or M200, M250
Primatech Q500, Q550, 18-20 gage cleat nails ½” long

Cleat Stapler
Powernail 445FS, Bostich MIIIFS 15 gage staples ½” wide, 1½” long 

For the best nailing results, use an 18 or 20 gage Powercleat nail that is at least 1½” in length. Powercleats will perform the best as they do not fold or bend and won’t damage the tongue. The biggest benefit to using a cleat nail is that they will allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the floor as it goes through changes of seasons. Staples have too much holding power and will restrict the necessary movement of the flooring as it goes through these same changes.
Place fasteners every 10” – 12” within 3” – 4” of board ends. Use a minimum of two fasteners in every board.

Approved Underlayments

15 lb Felt Paper- do not overlap seems
White Silicon Vapor Shield 
Bellawood Premium- film side up (flooring minimum >3/8” thickness)
Eco Silent Sound HD- film side down (flooring minimum >3/8” thickness”
Dream Home Insulayment- smooth side up (flooring minimum >3/8” thickness)
Dream Home Cork- smooth side up (between 3/8” and ¼” max thickness)

 

Pre-Installation

Inspection

1. The installer is the final quality inspector.
2. Lay out each piece to visually inspect for imperfections that can be cut out, or adjustments that should be made.
3. Set aside defective boards. These can be used in hidden places such as a closet. If the defect is unacceptable, the installer should cut it out or set it aside completely.
4. Using stain, touch-up pens or filler sticks for correction during installation is normal.
5. Lumber Liquidators recommends moisture testing and the use of moisture barriers.

Test the Nailer
Tongue fracture and surface dimpling during installation is common and can be minimized by (1) Installing the flooring in proper lighting (2) using the correct nail thickness, (3) using the recommended shoe adaptor, or (4) changing the angle of nail entry. Many installers will sometimes temporarily adjust the nailer angle by applying layers of duct tape to the bottom foot plate of the nailer.
To further reduce the occurrence of surface dimpling and tongue fracture the use of flooring nailers with a thinner 18-20 gage cleat nail may be needed for the Bamboo. In addition, the use of an over-size base or foot plate to distribute the nailing force is encouraged.
If surface dimpling or tongue fracture occurs when nailing the harder Strand Bamboo, drilling pilot holes and hand nailing may be required. Gluing down bamboo is also an option to avoid board damage.
Use caution when fastening the harder exotics with Staplers. The drive bar in Staplers are wider and if fasteners are overdriven can act like a wood chisel, splitting tongues. Do not mix fasteners when nailing. Staples and cleats hold differently when mixed can result in irregular seasonal gapping and or movement. When face or top nailing, pick areas of the grain or pattern that would best hide touch-up fillers.
Forcing or pounding floor boards together with a rubber mallet during assembly may burse or damage unprotected board edges.

 

Tips
Install flooring in normal proper lighting.
Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry.
Avoid board grouping, board sizes should be intermingled.
Use breathable materials like paper when covering a newly installed floor.
The customer is advised to be home during the installation for consultation/direction.
Customer and installer should discuss installation and layout to maximize satisfaction.
Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time.
Save the item number found on the packaging box ends for future questions.
Use caution when using staples on bamboo. Staples may increase the risk for tongue fracture and surface dimples.
Do not mix fasteners when nailing. Staples and cleats hold differently and when mixed can result in irregular fastening and/or may allow excessive movement.
When face or top nailing, pre-drilling is recommended. Pick areas of the grain or pattern that would best hide touch-up fillers.
Do not use significantly bowed, crooked or twisted boards. Use a wood spline or slip tongue whenever a change in board direction is needed. Splines should be glued with PVA wood glue and nailed into place. Forcing or pounding floor boards together with a rubber mallet during assembly can bruise or damage board edges.

 

Installation Instructions

Grade:

Bamboo flooring can be glued:
Above grade
On grade

Subfloor:

Bamboo flooring can be glued to:
OSB (2/4” min)
Plywood (5/8” min)
Firm linoleum
Firm kitchen vinyl

We do not recommend bamboo for use over radiant heat flooring. For greater thermal insulation and sound isolation, the floor can be glued over an approved underlayment (see Approved Underlayments above).

Proper Board Placement
Boards with similar widths should be placed together in the same row to minimize gaps between boards.

Steps:

1. The first three rows MUST BE STRAIGHT.
2. Determine the starting wall, usually the longest or outside foundation wall. At the two opposite ends of this wall, measure out and mark on the subfloor the width of the new floor plus an expansion gap. An Expansion gap or space must be left around the perimeter and at all vertical obstructions. This space is normally the same as the thickness of the new flooring, for example; 1/2” flooring requires 1/2” expansion.
3. Keep the flooring straight, snap a chalk line on the floor connecting the two floor marks. Align the tongue side of the first row of boards on the chalk line with the groove side towards the starting wall, maintain the expansion space.
4. Pre-drill and top nail the first row of boards only. Hand nail the following rows until nailing machines can be used. Ensure that the nailing machines do not damage the pre-finished edges or surface. Nail into the tongue side not the groove side, refer to picture.
5. Complete the floor.
6. Rip-cut final row of boards to fit. If the final board row is less than 1˝ in width it should be edge-glued with PVA wood glue and fastened to the last secure row.

For best matching of sheen or milling save a box of flooring for future repairs.

 

Have more questions? Call our Tech & Installation team at 800-366-4204 for additional assistance!

Featured Floor: Morning Star Strand Carbonized Bamboo

Morning Star Bamboo is one of the best bamboo floors on the market today. The reeds used to make it are at least four years old, giving it increased hardness and durability. Plus, they are ecologically friendly floors because bamboo is a grass that re-grows spontaneously after harvest. Morning Star Strand Carbonzied is one of the top selling, highest rated bamboo floors at Lumber Liquidators!

So, what’s in a name? You can tell a lot about a floor based on what it’s called.

Strand- Twice as hard as oak, strand bamboo is an optimal choice for busy homes. To make strand bamboo, shredded bamboo fibers are woven together and compressed under extreme heat and pressure which yields a harder and denser floor. In addition, the color permeates the entire plank, so scratches aren’t as visible.

Carbonized- This refers to the color of the floor. The bamboo is steamed or boiled, caramelizing the sugar within it. This causes the starch to become darker and richer in color that permeates the entire board.

 

Why do people love it?
- Real bamboo
- Eco-friendly
- Low emission adhesive
-Glue down or nail down
-30 year warranty

Hear from the experts about bamboo:

  

94% of those who reviewed this product on our website would recommend it to a friend. What have reviewers said about it?

Pros:

Attractive finish, durable, beautiful color, easy to clean, easy to install

Best Uses:

Dining room, living room, family room, bedroom, office

 
“The flooring contractor recommended by Lumber Liquidators installed the floor. The bamboo is very beautiful and has great variation in color. Not sure how they will hold up with scratches since they were just installed but they look great!”

“The product was excellent.”

 

“My son and I installed this floor last November and absolutely love it. You need a very strong Nailer though, or you will get dimpling on the next board. Just love the look, I have a German Shepherd and two cats. They haven't scratched it yet, Very durable.”

“Very nice product, little to no waste. Very hard material, make sure to predrill when face nailing. Boxes were very uniform in color. The floor looks great. Glad we went with this flooring and the guys at our LL store where great to work with.”

 

Get 10% off ALL Morning Star Bamboo with the coupon found on www.lumberliquidators.com until April 15, 2013!!

Morning Star Bamboo: Glue-Down Installation Instructions

This is a guide for the glue-down installation of Morning Star Bamboo. We’ll give you tips, directions and helpful hints, but this is not all inclusive! We highly recommend you consult with a professional flooring installer on your specific installation. You can always call your local Lumber Liquidators or our Tech & Installation team at (800) 366-4204 with additional questions. We want you to love your floor forever, beginning with a proper installation! 

Preparing to Install

Natural Variations
Bamboo is a product of nature, characterized by distinct variations in grain, pattern and color which should be expected. They aren’t flaws or defects! Instead, it’s the natural beauty and uniqueness of bamboo. Stained products will have the most uniform color or shade.

 Inspection
The customer/installer is responsible for final inspection of quality and moisture testing of the subfloor and bamboo.
Boards deemed unacceptable can be used in closets, near walls or simply not used at all. Inspect the flooring often. Pieces with defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off. Order 5%-10% extra for board selection.
If more than 5% of the material is unusable, contact your local store or Customer Care (800-366-4204) immediately.

 Acclimation
Size and shape of bamboo changes with the absorption or release of moisture.
Check the installation instructions of your specific product for proper temperature and humidity settings, and maintain those levels. For most products, the room should be conditioned to between 60 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a 30%-50% humidity level.
To speed up acclimation, open the ends of the boxes.
Remove any plastic around the outside of the boxes.
Do not cut the plastic support bindings or remove from packaging until ready to install.
Cartons should be placed as close to the center of the installation area as possible.
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Keep away from heat/air vents.
Not following these instructions can impact the board performance and cause excessive movement, squeaks, gapping, cupping, and other related issues which aren’t manufacturer related, and therefore are not covered by warranty.

 Moisture
Most installation failures result from jobsite moisture!! Complete proper moisture tests.
Wet trade involving water or moisture (plumbing, ceramic tiles, drywall finish, painting, etc.) should be finished with ample time allowed for complete drying prior to bamboo installation.
Do not store in buildings without climate controls (garage, shed, outside, etc.)
Heating, Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning systems should be fully operating and running at least 7 days before delivery.

Subfloor Preparation
Concrete must be between 60 to 90 days old prior to installation and free of surface sealers or contaminates.
A flat surface is very important when gluing down flooring. To minimize squeaks and gaps the final surface must be flat to within 1/8" in 6’ radius or within 3/16” in 10’ radius. Sand or grind down high spots. Fill valleys or low areas with cement based leveling compounds compatible with the flooring adhesives. Allow extra drying time for the leveling compounds.

Recommended Adhesives

Mapei
Mapei 2-in-1 Moisture Control & Adhesive 
Mapei ECO 980 Adhesive

Bostik
Bostik Seal-n-Grip 
Bostik DuraGrip 
Bostik’s Best Adhesive 
Bostik Moisture Barrier   

CAUTION
Cured adhesive may cloud, chemically damage, or etch the floor’s finish. Clean wet adhesive from the surface of the floor frequently using the manufacturer’s recommended remover. Use clean towels, changing frequently to prevent haze and residue. Contact the adhesive manufacturer for dried adhesive removal remedies.

Approved Underlayments
Bellawood Premium- film side up 
Eco Silent Sound HD- film side down 
Dream Home Insulayment- smooth side up
Dream Home Cork- smooth side up 

Allow underlayment to fully cure before gluing bamboo to the underlayment.

 

Pre-Installation

Inspection

1. The installer is the final quality inspector.
2. Lay out each piece to visually inspect for imperfections that can be cut out, or adjustments that should be made.
3. Set aside defective boards. These can be used in hidden places such as a closet. If the defect is unacceptable, the installer should cut it out or set it aside completely.
4. Using stain, touch-up pens or filler sticks for correction during installation is normal.
5. Lumber Liquidators recommends moisture testing, the use of moisture barriers and the use of approved wood flooring adhesives listed above (see Recommended Adhesives).
6. Do not mix adhesive products. Use moisture barriers and adhesives from the same manufacturer.
7. Use the trowel size recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. Use a new trowel with each new container of adhesive (trowel teeth will wear down with constant use).
8. Follow glue manufacturer’s instructions for set time.

 

Tips

 Install flooring in normal proper lighting.
Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry.
Avoid board grouping. Board sizes should be intermingled.
Use breathable materials like paper when covering a newly installed floor.
The customer is advised to be home during the installation for consultation/direction.
Customer and installer should discuss installation and layout to maximize satisfaction.
Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time.
Save the item number found on the packaging box ends for future questions.
Use Blue Painter’s Tape to keep installed rows or sections together until the adhesive has cured. Tape together 4 or 5 rows at 18” intervals. (Incorrect tape can harm the finish).

 

Installation Instructions

Grade:

Bamboo flooring can be glued:
Above grade
On grade 

Subfloor:

Bamboo flooring can be glued to:
Concrete
Plywood
Firm linoleum
Firm kitchen vinyl
Steel
Ceramic/Marble

We do not recommend bamboo for use over radiant heat flooring. For greater thermal insulation and sound isolation, the floor can be glued over an approved underlayment (see Approved Underlayments above).

Proper Board Placement

Boards with similar widths should be placed together in the same row to minimize gaps between boards.

Steps:

1. Determine the starting wall, usually the longest foundation wall. At the two opposite ends of this wall, measure out and mark on the floor the width of several rows of boards, (this could be 12”to 24”) including the expansion gap.
2. The expansion gap is normally the same as the thickness of the new flooring, for example, ½” flooring requires ½” expansions.
3.  Next, use a chalk line to connect the two marks. Follow this chalked line when applying both the adhesive and boards. THE FIRST ROWS MUST BE STRAIGHT.
4. Using an approved trowel and wood flooring adhesive, glue the first few rows between the wall and chalk line.
5. First row only. Using a table saw remove the tongue part, then place the tongue side towards the wall with groove side facing outwards. Lay flooring into the adhesive following the straight line. Stay off the new floor while working.
6. Progressively lay-in the next boards by engaging the tongue and groove then drop board into adhesive. Avoid dragging or sliding boards together as this can trap or squeeze glue up in between the boards creating gaps. Continue working 4 or 5 rows together, then measure and cut the last boards as needed to complete the rows.
7. The balance of a board cut is used to start a new row, discard lengths under 6”. Avoid clustering of end joints. Stagger the ends of the boards correctly. Smaller boards should be intermixed throughout the installed floor. A tapping block can be used to gently tap the boards into proper position. During installation, end gaps between boards can be minimized by temporarily locking a completed row in place by using spacers placed between the wall and the last board of each row, remove when glue has dried.
8. Repeat the process. Chalk new lines, spread adhesive and continue working 4 or 5 rows together until completed.

The last rows:

1. Most often, the entire length of the last row will need to be trimmed so that it is narrow enough to fit the remaining space. It should be glued and wedged into place. Leave all spacers in the expansion space until the adhesive has cured, then remove. Keep the floor free from foot traffic, until adhesive has cured.
2. Do not to spread adhesive too far ahead of your work area. If the adhesive skins over and fails to transfer, remove and spread new adhesive to achieve proper bonding to the subfloor.
3. Occasionally lift a board and check for adhesive transfer. Adequate adhesive transfer is necessary to ensure sufficient holding strength.
4. When not in use, keep the adhesive container tightly closed to prevent drying and difficulty in spreading the adhesive. Proper ventilation within the room should be provided. Follow the recommendations on the adhesive container.
5. After installation, allow glue to fully cure for 24 hrs before replacing furniture and foot traffic.
6. For best matching of sheen or milling save a box of flooring for future repairs.

 

Have more questions? Call our Tech & Installation team at 800-366-4204 for additional assistance!

Feel Like a Pro with Click-Together Floors

Combine beauty with easy click installation. We offer a variety of floors with a simple click-together design so whether you’re a seasoned pro or a do-it-yourselfer, you’ll have a new floor in no time. Choose from vinyl, handscraped hardwood, engineered hardwood and even bamboo!

Vinyl Wood Plank Click Flooring

These planks offer a natural looking grain and are extremely water-resistant. Better yet, installation is a breeze. All you do is peel-and-stick or click them together and you’re done!

Tranquility Click Vinyl is produced from recycled materials. These highly durable flooring planks come in realistic wood and tile looks, are water-resistant, and install with ease.

Shenandoah Mountain American Cherry Resilient Vinyl

 
This customer listed easy click together installation as a pro, and said: “We love the look and feel of this floor. We installed in an un- heated Cabin and the floor is "cozy" under bare feet!”

  “We used this product on our porch and so far it looks great. Easy to install if the sub floor is prepped correctly.”

 

Handscraped Easy Click Hardwood 

The cherished, time-honored tradition of handcrafting is joined with the benefits of modern engineering and prefinishing, creating a floor without peer. Each plank of flooring is sculpted to create a rustic, antique appeal along with old-world charm.

Virginia Mill Works Richmond Plank Easy Click Handscraped Hardwood

“It was really easy to install...”

 

“This product was easy to install with barely any waste. My husband and I did it ourselves. The color is absolutely beautiful. We love the wide plank and the distressed look!”

 

Engineered Quick Clic Hardwood

SCHÖN Quick Clic Engineered Flooring is an excellent way to get the beauty and sophistication of hardwood floors with ease and simplicity. This Quick Click floor requires no nailing or gluing - just click it together and enjoy.

Schon Quick Clic Engineered Acacia

“I read all the reviews on this floor before I bought it. The pictures are what really convinced me. The floor is nothing short of gorgeous. It goes down beautifully. We've had so many people comment on how much they love it. We love it too!”

 

Strand Bamboo Click Flooring

Morning Star Strand Bamboo is one of the best bamboo floors on the market today. Strand bamboo is twice as hard as oak, making it optimal for busy homes. In addition, bamboo is an ecologically friendly product. Plus there’s the easy floating click-together installation; just click it together and you’re done!

Morning Star Clic Strand Carbonized Bamboo

“Our house is on a concrete slab, therefore we floated this floor and used the Eco Silent Sound Underlayment for our vapor barrier. This bamboo is beautiful, great quality, and easy to install. When I say easy, I've never installed any type of floor ever and I found this so simple to do. I layed 600 sq. ft in 2 days.”

You can have Vinyl, Handscraped Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood and Bamboo products with a simple, click-together design that will make you feel like an installation pro! ALL click floors are on sale until Monday, 3/18!

What's on Sale February 7-19?

There’s no better time than now to get rid of your carpet and replace it with a new and unique floor! Get incredibly low prices on select floors between February 7 and 19.  Wondering which floor is for you? Here are some customer testimonials.   

Patrick in Iowa is a huge fan of his unique Bellawood Brazilian Koa floor. If you got our 2013 catalog, you’ll get $100 off any Bellawood Prefinished Hardwood!

 

 

This customer found Mount Craig Cherry Resilient Vinyl easy to install! Get it for $0.79/sqft starting this Thursday, 2/7 until 2/19!

“I have previously installed click-and-lock laminate flooring. I chose these adhesive vinyl planks for application in a basement because of the possible water exposure. Installation is very easy, once the floor was prepped (removing dirt, burrs, anything that would be incompatible with adhesive). Just peel away the backing and push into place. The nice thing about this flooring versus click-laminate is that you can easily cut the plank with a razor and test-fit into place before exposing the adhesive. Once installed the planks have a nice, wood floor appearance. The only cons (not really the fault of the planks) are that sometimes the edges can come up slightly, but that's more due to an uneven floor or bad prep. Even if the edge does come up, one can just reclean and reapply extra glue. Also, sometimes the wax paper backing would tear prematurely, which meant me having to use a razor to remove the left over backing.”

 

Like Antique Strand as much as this customer? Get all Morning Star Handscraped Bamboo on SALE February 7-19!!

“These floors are beautiful. Their handscraped texture gives them a rustic feel which is perfect for our Mediterranean style home. They seem very durable as I have dropped a few things on them and not left any mark at all. Holy reccomend, they're gorgeous.”

 

This customer's remodel makes home feel more like a vacation with Morning Star Horizontal Natural Bamboo! Get all Morning Star Bamboo for $100 off with the coupon in your 2013 catalog!

 "This is our 2nd LL purchase as well as our 2nd time purchasing the Morning star brand of bamboo floors. We love it. We installed the first floor since it was on the 2nd floor and this one we had installed by LL installation crew since we were unfamiliar with glue down. The floor is gorgeous, opened up an already large room. Feels like we live in a beautiful tropical hotel! Its a stunner!"

 

Judy and Jerry installed Americas Mission Olive Laminate in their Tennessee home. Here what they have to say, and if you love it as much as them, get it for $1.89/sqft between February 7 and 19!

 

 

 

More Than Floors

Step into a new year with some customers who updated more than just the floor of a room. Spiced up stairs and redone hallways can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. See the spaces you can redo for a total transformation! 

Stairs:

“I LOVE my new floors! I replaced the carpeting throughout my home with the Spyder Strand Bamboo. I am very pleased with the size and color selection that I made. It adds such an elegant, rich feel to my home. It is like having a new house!”
(Qing Spyder Strand Bamboo)

 

 (Qing Scorpion Strand Bamboo)

 

“I wanted a real wood look for my basement floor. I was reluctant so I started with the stairwell into the basement. I can't believe how beautiful it turned out. I have received only the best compliments on the floor and I can't wait to finish the rest of the basement!”
(North Perry Pine Resilient Vinyl)

 

(Golden Zebra Strand Bamboo)

 

(Golden Zebra Strand Bamboo)

 

"...When you are going to be in the kitchen for hours you can almost forget how sore your feet used to be with tile or laminate. Also, I have cathedral ceilings, but experience no echoes when walking across the floor. With vinyl flooring that was not the case. I keep my thermostat low throughout the year, but the floors stay relatively warm..." (Lisbon Cork Castelo)

 

(Morning Star Strand Carbonized Bamboo)

 

(Tanzanian Wenge Laminate)

 

Hall/Entryways

“We put the floor in our entryway and dining room. It makes such a grand entrance. Installation was very easy.” (Tobacco Road Acacia Handscraped)

 

(Tobacco Road Acacia Handscraped)

 

(Schon Quick Clic Honey Red Oak)

 

Ceilings

“I bought this product to use on the ceiling of our Great Room and it was a fantastic idea! My ceiling has gone from very drab and un-noticable to being the room's show piece! It's really helped us give our home the "ski lodge" style we were looking for! It looks even better than I had hoped and was easy to install." (Matterhorn Birch Handscraped)

 

(R.L. Colston Utility Oak)

 

Walls

(Utility Oak)

 

Cabinets

 

"I used this pine to reface kitchen cabinets. Good quality #2 pine. 3 coats of clear semi gloss polycrilic were applied and made them look great." (New England White Pine)

 

Tree Houses!

(R.L. Colston Utility Oak)

 

Where have you uniquely used our floors? Let us know!

Top 3: Strand Bamboo

Strand bamboo is twice as hard as oak, making it a favorable choice for busy homes with high foot traffic, active children and even pets. As your learned in Wednesday’s post, strand bamboo is created by compressing pieces of bamboo into boards under extreme heat and pressure, greatly increasing the strength of the material.

Morning Star Bamboo is one of the best bamboo floors available today. All Morning Star strand bamboos are finished with a premium coating, supported by a 30 year warranty, made with real bamboo, and are a beautiful and ecologically friendly choice to make your home a luxurious place!

Here are our three highest customer-rated and most popular strand bamboos!

Morning Star Golden Zebra Strand Bamboo
4.8 stars
100% would recommend to a friend

 

Pros: beautiful color, attractive finish, durable, easy to clean, easy to install

Customer Photos

“This floor turned out gorgeous! ...The pieces come together with ease and our large dog and 3 kids have yet to leave a single mark in it. It is different than any other strand bamboo i could find with regards to shading and i have absolutely no regrets with this product!”

 

“...Great colors. Out of 36 cases I had only 4-6 boards that had minor defects. All sizes are precise.”

“It looks great !! Beautiful....”

More Reviews of Golden Zebra Strand

 

Morning Star Strand Natural Bamboo
4.7 stars
99% would recommend to a friend

Pros: attractive finish, durable, easy to clean, beautiful color, easy to install

Customer Photos

“My husband and father installed 500 sq feet of this flooring in our living room and kitchen. Not one bad board in the whole bunch. We had LL come out to do the measuring, well worth it. Only ended up with 2 extra boxes.”

 

“Extremly durable flooring...Out of 43 boxes of flooring purchased only one bad board! Absolutely no warpage whatsoever. Good stuff.”

 

“...The floor looks great. The picture of the flooring on the website does not do it justice. The variation in the color and the grain adds a warmth to our rooms that was never there with the old carpet. Definitely go with the strand bamboo. It may be more expensive than regular bamboo but it is worth it..." 

 

“Love the Floor -- easy to install”

 

More reviews of Strand Natural 

 

Morning Star Strand Carbonized Bamboo
4.4 stars
96% would recommend to a friend

Pros: attractive finish, durable, beautiful color, easy to clean, easy to install

Customer Photos

“The bamboo is very beautiful and has great variation in color...”

 

“The product was excellent."

 

“I liked the product on the first floor so I went ahead and did the stairs and second floor as well...”

 

“We purchased 850 ft^2 for our Foyer, Dining room & Living room. We found exactly what we wanted at LL in this product...”

More reviews of Strand Carbonized

All About Bamboo: Style, Color and Maintenance

Bamboo is a grass, making it an environmentally sustainable flooring choice. When it is cut down, more grows back! Bamboo reaches full hardness after three to six years, and Lumber Liquidators’ Morning Star is aged around 4 years. There are so many style and color options, making a decision can be confusing. This post will give you some things to consider, show you different style options, and teach you the difference between types of bamboo so when you’re ready to purchase you’ll know exactly what you’re getting!

Things to Consider

 1. Technically bamboo is a grass, not a wood.

2. Radiant flooring can be used under bamboo if surface temperatures do not exceed 85 degrees.

3. Many manufacturers bind planks with glue containing urea formaldehyde (UF) which contains chemicals. Carefully research the chemicals used in any flooring product to determine what is best for your home. With that said, our Morning Star bamboo is constructed using the best European glues available, creating a beautiful AND safe floor!

4. It is twice as hard as oak!

 

 Bamboo, like all wood floorings, can show signs of denting and surface scratching which is not covered by any manufacturer’s warranty. Like a new car, floor maintenance and the prevention of surface scratching and denting is an ongoing process!

 

Styles

Three common constructions of bamboo are horizontal, vertical and strand woven.

Horizontal- Pieces are arranged and laminated side by side flatways.

 

Vertical- Pieces are stood upright on edge and then laminated.

 

Strand/Woven- Created from waste strips of horizontal or vertical cuts, coated with resinous glues and compressed into boards with heat. This process significantly increases the overall strength of the material compared to other bamboo styles.

 

 

Colors

Bamboo flooring was originally available in only natural and carbonized colors. These colors come from the manufacturing process.

Carbonized bamboo is boiled for long periods of time until the material darkens.

Morning Star Strand Carbonized Bamboo

Natural (non-carbonized) bamboo is boiled just enough to remove the starch and sugar, so it keeps its blonde color.

Morning Star Strand Natural Bamboo

 Now, there are other color options, such as black or red. 

 

Maintenance

Sweep or vacuum regularly. Dust and dirt can scratch the finish of the floor.

Place mats with non-rubber backs at every entrance of your home to keep dirt out.

Clean up spills immediately to keep liquid from permanently staining the floor.

Check your warranty to see if a specific cleaner needs to be used.

Use chair and furniture pads to protect the floor. We recommend fabric or felt.

Rotate furniture and rugs periodically to produce a more even color and keep bamboo from fading in sunlight.

High heeled shoes and dragging heavy furniture can permanently damage bamboo with dents.

 

Have a question about bamboo that wasn't answered? Ask us here! Save up to 40% on select bamboos until January 7!