Bamboo or Vinyl flooring for kitchen/hallway

[Systine]

Hi,

We are going to build an extension in 2 weeks, but I still haven't decided which floor to use in the hallway, kitchen/diner.

Having been on MN for some days and finally narrowed down to bamboo flooring or vinyl tiles (amtico/polyflor sort of thing).

Can anyone help me out this one? Which is more practical (easy to keep clean, warm and soft, so kids-friendly, good-looking)?

Many thanks!

I think it comes down to preference. I have bamboo, it has been down in the hall for 5 years and I think it looks lovely. It has so far survived 3 children, countless workmen, liked it so much we now have it in kitchen diner.

When these threads come up, people generally like what they have - it comes down to personal preference. My parents have Karndean, they love it, hardwearing, easy to clean etc. But its just posh lino in my view, and looks like lino. I think solid wood is much nicer but just my preference.

bamboo will last longer. Vinyl marks from heels, table legs, dropped knives, dragged furniture, gritty boots.

We were going to get bamboo until we heard that it would take longer for the underfloor heating to warm up as it's wood. In the end we went for Karndean and it's brilliant. It certainly wasn't the cheap option but it looks great and it's not cold, it's nice underfoot and the children happily play on it. We have a lovely warm colour. I'm so pleased with it.

We have bamboo and I really like it. What appealed to me was the idea that if/when it gets trashed we can sand it down and re-varnish.

Thanks all for the input. We are not putting down underfloor heating. So i will probably go for the bamboo.

Which make/model do you use? Where to source the planks?

Thanks again!

Another question:

What's bamboo like as far as waterproof qualities compared to solid hardwood floors?

Is it a bit better water resistant, which might be ok for the kitchen? I read that the X-year guarantee does not stand if it is fitted in a bathroom. Kitchen will be less wet than a bathroom. But still a bit worried about this.

Thanks!

bamboo is considered more water-resistant than hardwood.

If you have pets, put their waterbowls on trays. It is a common source of persistent wet and raised joints.

For some reason Homebase is often a good source, but there will be DIY sheds and possibly a local flooring retailer. Get it all from one batch as there may be differences in shade or thickness. For best results take the skirting off first.

I have Bamboo in my kitchen, dining room, utility room, hall and all bathrooms.
It is 7 years old and takes an absolute pasting (50 drunken teens spilling drinks was high on the list)
And I still love it.

I bought it online - it came in one big batch direct from China and is glued straight down to the concrete and wooden floor

Thanks again!

Talking, will you share with me the online retailer?

I've seen discussion on how to install the bamboo planks.
Floating (like quickstep laminate) and glue down (like solid wood)

Does it depend on the type of bamboo planks, or both can be done on any types. If the latter, then which is more recommended?

Thanks once again! :)

Hi systine
This simplybamboo.co.uk/collections/classic-series/products/medium-coffee-horizontal-bamboo-flooring
is what I have
its glued down

I have mat wells in each doorway (3' x 3' mats) which have the access points to under the old wooden floor hidden beneath them

That's really pretty! Thanks a lot Talking!!