Morning Star Strand Bamboo Flooring Reviews: A Comprehensive Overview
Morning Star is a brand of flooring primarily sold through Lumber Liquidators (now LL Flooring). It is often recognized for its strand woven bamboo flooring options, which offer a balance of affordability and durability. This article provides a detailed analysis of Morning Star strand bamboo flooring, examining its characteristics, performance, and suitability for various applications, compiled from independent reviews and available specifications.
Bamboo flooring, particularly strand woven, has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. Its appeal stems from bamboo's rapid renewability as a resource, offering a potentially more sustainable option compared to slow-growing hardwoods. Strand woven bamboo, specifically, achieves its strength and density through a manufacturing process where bamboo fibers are shredded, compressed with resins, and baked under high pressure, resulting in a very hard and durable product.
Evaluating any flooring option requires considering various factors, including durability, aesthetics, installation, maintenance, and cost. This review delves into these aspects for Morning Star strand bamboo flooring, referencing user experiences and expert opinions to provide a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.
Durability and Performance
One of the primary reasons consumers choose strand woven bamboo flooring is its reputation for durability. The Janka hardness scale is a common measure of a wood's resistance to denting and wear. Strand woven bamboo generally scores very high on the Janka scale, often exceeding the hardness of many popular hardwood species like oak and maple. Morning Star strand bamboo flooring typically exhibits a Janka hardness rating in line with industry standards for strand woven varieties. This inherent hardness makes it resistant to scratches and dents from everyday use, including foot traffic, pet claws, and dropped objects. However, it's important to note that no flooring is entirely impervious to damage. Sharp objects or significant impacts can still cause dents or scratches.
User reviews often highlight the durability of Morning Star strand bamboo flooring, particularly in high-traffic areas. Many homeowners report that the flooring holds up well to the demands of busy households with children and pets. Nonetheless, proper care and maintenance, such as using floor protectors under furniture and promptly cleaning spills, are still crucial to maintaining the floor's appearance and longevity. While it's often marketed as scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof, some customers have reported experiencing minor scratches with heavy furniture movement without proper protection.
Another aspect of durability is the floor's resistance to moisture. While strand woven bamboo is generally more moisture-resistant than some hardwoods, it is still susceptible to damage from excessive moisture exposure. It is not recommended for use in areas with high humidity or frequent water spills, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms without proper ventilation and precautions. Reviews consistently advise against using wet mops for cleaning and emphasize the importance of quickly addressing any spills to prevent water damage. Water damage can lead to swelling, warping, or discoloration of the flooring.
The finish applied to the Morning Star strand bamboo flooring also plays a significant role in its overall durability. The finish protects the bamboo from wear and tear, scratches, and stains. Different finishes offer varying levels of protection, and some are more resistant to scratches and scuffs than others. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to preserve the finish and extend the life of the flooring. Over time, the finish may wear down, requiring refinishing to restore its original luster and protection.
Aesthetics and Design Options
Morning Star strand bamboo flooring is available in a range of colors and styles, offering homeowners a variety of design options to complement their home décor. The natural variations in the bamboo fibers create a unique and visually appealing texture, adding character and warmth to any room. The colors range from light, natural tones to darker, more contemporary shades. This allows it to be paired well with various style preferences.
Strand woven bamboo often has a distinctive pattern due to the way the bamboo fibers are compressed. This pattern can be more or less pronounced depending on the specific product. Some homeowners appreciate the unique texture and visual interest that the strand woven pattern provides, while others may prefer a more uniform appearance. It is important to carefully consider the pattern and color options when selecting Morning Star strand bamboo flooring to ensure it aligns with the desired aesthetic.
The finish applied to the flooring also affects its appearance. Different finishes can create different levels of sheen, from matte to high gloss. Matte finishes tend to be more forgiving of scratches and dents, while high-gloss finishes can add a touch of elegance but may show imperfections more easily. Choices about finish are often dictated by personal preference and the amount of maintenance needed.
Installation methods for Morning Star strand bamboo flooring are often similar to those used for hardwood flooring. Many options feature a tongue-and-groove system for easy installation, which may include floating, gluing, or nailing the floor to the subfloor. The best approach depends on the specific product and the subfloor conditions. It is generally recommended to have the flooring professionally installed to ensure proper installation and avoid potential issues such as unevenness or gaps. Improper installation can negatively impact the flooring's durability and appearance.
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Proper installation is critical to the long-term performance and appearance of any flooring, including Morning Star strand bamboo flooring. Incorrect installation can lead to a variety of problems, such as squeaking, buckling, and gapping. While some homeowners may choose to install the flooring themselves, professional installation is generally recommended, especially for those inexperienced with flooring installation.
Before installation, it is essential to ensure that the subfloor is level, clean, and dry. Any imperfections in the subfloor can affect the stability and appearance of the finished floor. The flooring should also be acclimatized to the room's temperature and humidity for several days before installation to prevent expansion or contraction after installation. Failure to acclimatize the flooring can result in warping or gapping.
The installation method will depend on the specific product and the subfloor conditions. Some Morning Star strand bamboo flooring options are designed for floating installation, where the planks are interlocked and "float" above the subfloor without being directly attached. Other options require gluing or nailing the planks to the subfloor. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure proper installation. Many reviews mention that adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations is key to avoiding future flooring issues.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep Morning Star strand bamboo flooring looking its best and to extend its lifespan. The flooring should be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and debris. Spills should be cleaned up immediately with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish. A pH-neutral floor cleaner specifically designed for bamboo flooring is recommended.
Over time, the finish on the flooring may wear down, requiring refinishing. Refinishing involves sanding down the existing finish and applying a new coat of finish. This process can restore the flooring's original luster and protection. Depending on the level of wear and tear, refinishing may be required every few years or every decade. The frequency of refinishing will depend on factors such as the amount of foot traffic, the presence of pets, and the type of finish applied.
In addition to regular cleaning and refinishing, several other measures can be taken to protect Morning Star strand bamboo flooring. Using floor protectors under furniture legs can prevent scratches and dents. Area rugs can also help to protect the flooring in high-traffic areas. Controlling humidity levels in the home can prevent warping and swelling. By taking these precautions, homeowners can maximize the lifespan and beauty of their Morning Star strand bamboo flooring.
While Morning Star strand bamboo flooring is known for its durability, it's still important to practice preventative measures to ensure longevity. Use of mats at entryways to trap dirt and debris can help significantly. Avoid wearing shoes with pointy heels or cleats on the flooring, as these can easily cause dents or scratches. Regular inspections for any signs of damage, such as cracks or warping, can allow for early intervention and prevent further problems.
When considering Morning Star strand bamboo flooring, it is important to compare prices and read reviews from other customers. While the flooring is often marketed as an affordable option, prices can vary depending on the retailer and the specific product. Reading reviews from other customers can provide valuable insights into the flooring's performance and durability in real-world conditions. Look for reviews that discuss the flooring's resistance to scratches, dents, and moisture, as well as the ease of installation and maintenance. Be wary of excessively positive or negative reviews, and focus on reviews that provide specific details and examples.
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