Cork VS Bamboo Floor & Radiant Heat Efficiency
Which type of floor would work better with Radiant Heat? Bamboo or Cork? I was told by a contractor yesterday cork. Any thoughts/experience would be appreciative.
We installed cork in our Eichler in 1999. It works great with radiant head. It is glued directly onto of the concrete slab. My only problem with it is that it fades in areas with the floor to ceiling windows.
I don't know anything about bamboo but I saw a bamboo floor in an Eichler that had buckled. I don't know the reason but imagine it is because of moisture in the slab. There is probably a way to avoid this with proper installation.
If you are looking at any wood or bamboo flooring, you should consider the engineered variety since its more suitable for radiant heat and generally has better wear characsteristics.
We utilized engineer bamboo and it has worked well with our radiant heat. You can see pics of our engineered bamboo on the picture/snapshot board.
I think both are equally good for both radiant heating and maintaining an Eichler "look". One thing to keep in mind is sun damage. I have seen cork and noticed it fades from the sun. Bamboo is slightly less tempermental especially if you choose the blonde color vs. the amber.
