I think there is a big difference between bamboo sources. Some companies use new growth bamboo and others use bamboo that is between 5 to 7 years old. From what I have researched, carbonized bamboo is weaker...I can't remember why. But you combine that with bamboo that isn't quite mature and you may end up with a poor product.

LL has some pretty large samples but I don't know how you would be able to tell that it stands up to pets even with the sample they give you. However, there are 2 bamboo companies that I think are worth looking at and that is Calibamboo and Teregren(sp). They both seem to manufacture quality bamboo.

I really liked Cali, not the strand carbonized but their other samples. I decided bamboo looked too modern for my Spanish style home. If I had a loft or a more modern home, I would definitely go bamboo. I think Cali has excellent if not superior products either way.

I actually bought a case of the Morningstar and put it on the floor where the dogs run. No deep scratches that have significantly affected it; just some hairline stuff you can very barely see.

The calibamboo samples are quite a bit harder and much more difficult to scratch. The aluminum oxide doesn't show through as a white scratch unless I literally put all my weight onto a screw driver.

That being said, the Morningstar is more brilliant and unique. I may order a box of calibamboo to see if as a whole it is nearly as brilliant.

I have several samples of Cali. I tried to take a knife to it and the stuff does not scratch. Even pounded it with the butt end of a butcher knife. Nothing.

Maybe I didn't look hard enough but I couldn't find anything on how Morningstar harvested their bamboo. I would worry that they harvest it too soon. I have a friend who installed Morningstar. I can ask him how his floor is holding up. I know he doesn't have kids but I will ask him if he has pets.

Hopefully someone else on the board has experience with Morningstar will speak up?

Their website said 4-6years, which I would assume is 4 years. Calibamboo is 5-7.

I am going to call the, and see if I can purchase an odd lot or something instead of a whole box to see if it is as brilliant. All of their carbonized samples are actually different hues.

I have a sample from ambient on its way.

Did you decide on Calibamboo or find other resources discussing how it is surviving post-installation in real-life (dog, kids, etc.) homes? I am looking for Calibamboo experiences also. I just received some samples and I am impressed, but I want to hear how it is working out in homes.

I bought 1000 sq ft of the java wide click and the product won't even click together. I acclimated it just like their video and let it sit for 5 weeks and it still won't go together. It is a beautiful product and I wish it would go down (seems like the joints swell or too much wax) but even worse is the customer service experience I had with Cali Bamboo. If you read the complaints about them online I can say from experience say that it's true. If you do decide to go with this company pray that you don't receive a defective product because thy will leave you to hang and dry. I wish there were more reviews online and i had believed the negative reports about them when I was researching so I could have avoided this nightmare. I just thought that only the angry people will post things on the Internet, but it's true in the way they handle the customer. I would not wish this on anyone.