Why strand bamboo
CALI's Fossilized process shreds bamboo into fibers and compresses them into a dense block, which the company says roughly doubles the density of other hardwood floors. On the engineered collections that strand bamboo becomes the wear layer, bonded to a multi-ply core that resists seasonal movement better than a solid plank. The result is a floor with a bamboo surface that stands up to dogs, kids and dining chairs.
Emissions and adhesives
A bamboo floor is held together by binders and adhesives, so they matter as much as the plant. CALI states its floors are FloorScore certified for indoor emissions and compliant with CARB Phase 2 and TSCA Title VI formaldehyde limits. We attach the current certificate for your collection to the quote.
Installation in DMV homes
CALI engineered bamboo can be floated, glued or nailed depending on the collection, which covers most subfloors we see, from plywood in Arlington colonials to slabs in Germantown townhouses. Over radiant heat, CALI calls for a floating installation and for the system to run for at least six days before the floor goes in. Bamboo is not waterproof, so we steer clients to waterproof flooring for full bathrooms and laundry rooms.
See hardwood and bamboo installation or browse all bamboo flooring.
Common questions
Does CALI bamboo need to acclimate?
Yes. CALI publishes acclimation instructions for its Fossilized floors, including extra steps over radiant heat. We follow the instructions for your collection.
Where these facts come from
- CALI Floors (califloors.com), engineered bamboo product pages, installation and warranty pages: construction, certifications, installation, radiant heat, warranty, colors
- Authorized retailer listings: plank dimensions
Specifications can change. We confirm them against the current manufacturer data sheet on every order.
