Buying Bamboo Flooring

Whenever people think of bamboo being used in their home, the image they see is a small tree or a caned chair in use, however recently a new way to use bamboo has become popular.

Bamboo flooring is perfect for the home, with a bit of give to it, its ability to stand up to damp climates and the fact that it is in most cases nearly two times as sturdy as a regular hardwood floor.

Greenwood Bamboo flooring is both beautiful and durable

Bamboo is not a traditional wood product, but by its structure it is still very durable and strong.

As a substitute for wood flooring it is in fact very often superior to the traditional oak or pine plank flooring, and its far more environmentally friendly.

But there’s more to bamboo that makes it a greener way to go than wood.

It grows so rapidly that it will reach its full height in just one season, meaning that its far more sustainable, provides a wind break and prevents erosion while it grows, and once harvested is used for many things, such as food (bamboo shoots) to fabric. In essence then, it’s one of the planets most renewable and functional plants.

Done horizontally it makes the perfect kitchen flooring

To create the flooring that is so durable, one China manufacturer boils the bamboo to remove the starch, dries them and then using strips, layer it with glue and pressure that is very much the same as other flooring types, stains and laminates it.

Once completed its a bit more costly than regular hard wood flooring but lasts far longer and is a greener option for those who are concerned with the environment.

It’s also an ideal floor for people who live in a humid region or where there tend to be various household pests. The flexible nature of bamboo allows it to adjust to humidity and it’s naturally insect repellent. Better still, this type of floor is likely to increase the resale value of your home.

To care for it, is the work of just a moment, with the bamboo not requiring the waxing and buffing of the normal hardwood flooring.

The only real issue is that it is a little softer than hardwood of course and high heeled shoes can cause damage to it when worn on this type flooring.

Many people with bamboo floors ask that guests and family alike leave off shoes at the door to avoid some of this potential damage.

The manufacturer states these ideas as additional care:

Add some felt protective pieces to any bit of exposed wood or metal that could harm your bamboo’s finish. Third, just as you do with carpets, move around the furniture regularly so that the floor fades evenly and to decrease the potential for pressure marks. Finally, pay attention to any instructions provided by the flooring manufacturer. This will not only help you take care of your floor, but also make sure you don’t void your warranty.

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