Q: One visitor asked, "Having bought a townhouse, we are planning on laying hardwood floors in the living room- have 2 questions on the subject:
1. We're quite enamoured by bamboo hardwood, apparently new material in hardwood. The vendor assures us that it is sturdier than oak and we have no way of verifying this. Would like your opinion on the same.
2. The same living room currently has 30 year old parquet that is slightly uneven in patches. We are plan on not removing the parquet layer (mainly budgetary and time considerations). We will be laying plywood over the parquet to even it out before laying the hardwood. We are aware that this will increase the floor height but besides this, are there any major disadvantages to this option? "

A: First, I am enamored with bamboo also. I have never installed one of these floors, but I lie the properties of the product and the fact that it is very good for the environment. Indeed, bamboo is much harder and more stable than oak. I have no doubt about that. As to installing ply wood over parquet? I have never heard of that being done, but I don't like the possible outcome. All these slats becoming loose eventually. I am not a fan of multiple layers of flooring. I believe it is well worth the effort to remove the parquet and install plywood on the existing sub floor with screws into the joists.