Oh, Shoot: The Trouble With Bamboo

I've been hearing warnings from acquaintances about potential problems with bamboo flooring and there was an article from the weekend Wall Street Journal that alluded to some obervations one homeowner in Maryland experienced after only one month of installation.

Apparently this particular bamboo floor ($5,000 cost) was susceptible to noticeable scratching which means to me that constant sweeping and indoor slippers would be the solution.

The WSJ article recommends you should know several items before you decide to install a bamboo floor:
1. What part of the plant does the bamboo come from (preferably the middle of the plant)?
2. How old was the plant (the plant can take up to six years to harden)?
3. Is the color natural (the smoking process that darkens bamboo makes it soft)?
4. Where did the bamboo come from (most likely imported from China)?
5. What is the bamboo moisture content (should be between 2%-4% of the subfloor)?

Lowe's and Home Depot stock bamboo in some of their stores and incllude it in their special-order inventories. You can also locate bamboo flooring online in the U.S. for anywhere from $3 to $8 per foot before installation. But ask the questions before you buy whether you make the purchase or contract with a flooring contractor to provide the bamboo flooring and complete the job.