Bamboo has been used for flooring for thousands of years. It still remains a popular option in the flooring market today. It is known for it’s modern clean, contemporary look. Bamboo is strongly recognized for its eco-friendly qualities. It is easily degradable and Bamboo flooring’s renew-ability is much higher than most hardwoods, such as maple, where it can take over 100 years for a hardwood tree to mature to the point where it can be used for flooring. Today, we will discuss the best underlayment for bamboo flooring.
Dekorman Blue Foam
Dekorman Blue Foam is a lower grade underlayment, but it is also cheaper in price. It is a two-in-one underlayment providing moisture protection and sound reduction. Dekorman Blue Foam is 2 mm thick and made of the material polystyrene. Because of its dense, closed cell structure that offers mositure, mold, and mildew resistance. Polystyrene is a man made material and is not enviromentally friendly like some other products out there, but Dekorman Blue Foam is a great option if saving money is your top priority.
Sound Ratings:
- IIC: 68
- STC: 65
QuietWalk
Bamboo is strongly recognized for its eco-friendly qualities. Bamboo flooring is easily degradable. It is renew-ability is much higher than most hardwoods, such as maple, where it can take over 100 years for a hardwood tree to mature to the point where it can be used for flooring.
QuietWalk is a three-in-one underlayment that goes green along with bamboo. A three-in-one underlayment has a moisture barrier, provides sound insulation, and provides cushioning that makes up for minor imperfections in the subfloor. QuietWalk is also made from recycled post-post industrial and pre and post consumer materials creating a high performance underlayment. These fibers are antimicrobial treated to inhibit mold and mildew growth. In addition, it comes with pre attached adhesive tape on the edges to make installation simple and easy. QuietWalk is manufactured to be installed with floating floors. So, if you plan on gluing or nailing down your bamboo floor QuietWalk has a plus version. This version has a advanced moisture barrier that still works with glued and nailed down floors.
Sound Ratings:
- IIC: 71
- STC: 66
Eco Cork Foam
Eco cork foam is the highest priced underlayment on the list. It is made of out two main materials. It consists of polyethylene foam and granulated cork. Since Eco Cork has a 6 mil moisture barrier with an overlap, it has a class 1 vapor impermeable rating. Therefore, making Eco Cork Foam a great choice if you’re installing over a concrete sub-floor. Eco Cork comes with an included 40 lin. ft. non-dehydrating contractor grade moisture and sound sealing roll of tape in each Eco Cork Foam roll, saving you the time and money from needing to go out and purchase your own. In addition, it also treated with anti-microbial defense ultra-fresh to help ensure everlasting mold and mildew protection. Eco Cork foam is great option if you don’t mind spending a little bit more money for some extra benefits.
Sound ratings:
- IIC 73
- STC 66
Conclusion
All of the underlayments we have covered are great for bamboo flooring. Your decision should be based on your budget and your needs. For instance, If your budget is tight, you might want to consider saving the extra money for Dekorman Blue Foam. Do you desire a well rounded eco-friendly underlayment for a reasonable price? If so, QuietWalk may be for you. If you don’t mind spending some extra money for a few added benefits Eco Cork Foam could be the answer. To sum it up, having underlayment for your bamboo floors is better than having none at all.
