Question from Joy
I am looking at flooring for an under grade basement floor. I have been warned not to use solid wood as it will warp.
I am looking at engineered wood (Eco Timber), strand bamboo (Prefinished Solid Locking Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring) or Cork (Wicanders).
I am told they all use no VOC adhesives.
I want to be sure they are safe?
Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
Here’s a past post about Eco Timber Engineered Flooring.
Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring does emit formaldehyde. It’s made by cutting the bamboo into strips, shredding it, intertwining the shreads with a “bonding agent” and heating it or not heating it depending on the color. You can ask for a formaldehyde emissions report. Here’s one I got quite easily over the phone that shows 0.05 formaldehyde emissions from this particular brand: bamboo formaldehyde emissions test results.
Cork, I understand from a previous post today is adhered to a layer of fiberboard, which may emit formaldehyde (see Cork Floor).
Is there a reason why you can’t install ceramic tile, or natural linoleum, or paint the floor. I honestly would install any of these in my house.
