I have had bamboo flooring in my kitchen and bath for three or more years. I enter my house directly from the outdoors into my kitchen. I have been very happy with it. Probably some scratches which I do not see. My daughter visits with two dogs often-little frisky ones which tear up the carpets! M refrigerator leaked and there is one dark stain other than that nothing. Have kept plants in the kitchen which were over watered and left dark and dirty stains, but they disappeared! Lumber Liquidators and had an independent lay the flooring. Kitchen 15 X 16 and bathroom small and narrow. No where near 8K! Sorry do not know the brand. Good luck.

You're likely to have some problems gettintg a clear answer to your question, Afigure. This is because there is wide variation in the quality of bamboo. Some of the variation is due to the maturity of the plant at harvest. Unscrupulous companies harvest bamboo after 2 years. At that point, the plant is at full height, but the plant matter hasn't had a chance to harden (which takes 4-6 years). Another variable, as you mentioned, is the type of bamboo. The woven is the hardest on the Janka scale. The natural is still right up there with hardwoods. The carbonized type is not as hard. So, unless people give you both the name and the type of bamboo, I don't think you can compare one person's experience with another's.

As for names, we have been told that Eco-Timber makes a good, reliable product. But, we are in the same confused boat that you are in so we haven't made our purchase yet (and our time is running out - our remodel job starts next week!).

I meant to add some more name info. I've read of people having problems with Lumber Liquidators; you should wait and get first-hand responses on that. I've also read that Teragren is a decent quality floor, but that it is far more expensive than other brands. Anyone out there with experience with these companies?