We just finished installing about 1500 sq.ft. of Yanchi's carbonized strand (from Builddirect) in our house. The quality of the product was excellent. Other than a couple of boards that were dinged a bit during shipping, we didn't have to waste any boards. We ordered about 10% extra to account for warped or poorly milled boards, but we have just about all that left over. As far as scratching goes, I haven't found that to be a problem at all. We have a VERY active dog and even with all his running and sliding around he hasn't made any noticable marks. Installation was pretty simple, although time consuming, using the Porter Cable flooring nailer. The flooring is very hard and dense, so it'll do a number on your saw blades. Here is a link that might be useful:

Hello Twix6, I do have some experience with Home Depot and other 'big box' stores. These stores unfortunately get what is considered by most in the industry as 'scraps' which is why the pricing is so competitive. The product may look and feel great but the durability is just not there in the long run. Just like hardwoods there are many different grades of bamboo, and the stuff at the big stores is very low. You are correct that strand woven in general is harder than most hardwoods, if you have some time check out www.shopgrf.com there is an option for you called strand woven rosewood. This is the color and the durability you are looking for. Yes, it can be a little more money, but it will be a much better product in the long run and will last a lifetime if installed and taken care of properly. Here is a link that might be useful: strand woven bamboo

Hi, I found your message in a search and I'm curious if you ended up using this floor and if so, how you like it? I found this brand at a local flooring store and it looks really nice. The hardness seems great. Thanks!

I have been using my Eureka steam mop. I really like it! I either sweep OR I use my Hoover Linx first, then use the steam mop. I like not having any chemicals or smells when I clean (well, that's not true, I love the smell of bleach but I can't use that on the floor!) hoover linx (I REALLY love this thing! Only has 15 minutes of battery life, then battery takes 3 hours to charge. It is only for small little clean ups, but if I go quickly I can do almost my entire 2000 sq ft house!) http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-LINX-Cordless-Stick-Vacuum/dp/B001PB8EJ2 Here is a link that might be useful: Eureka