Sep 29 2009
Bamboo Floors
With the explosion of the ‘going green’ campaign, more and more people are looking for ways to incorporate natural materials into their home building and remodeling. This is just one of the reasons bamboo flooring has become a popular option that is green, affordable and beautiful.
When it comes to hardwood flooring bamboo is and it isn’t. It is like a hardwood but is not really wood. Bamboo is a type of grass that is hollow in the middle. When it goes through the production process the outcome is very hard, durable wood flooring.
Environmentally, nothing could be more perfect than bamboo. Bamboo reaches maturity in 5-6 years, making it a rapidly replenishing source of wood flooring. There’s not another wood flooring source that is able to replenish anywhere near as fast.
Bamboo as a flooring option is saving many forests from being destroyed and at the same time replenishes itself fast enough so as not to leave barren land that sits for years waiting to grow new trees.
Practically Speaking
Because bamboo goes through a manufacturing process before it is used as flooring, it is as hard as many other wood floorings. This process makes a finished product that is hard enough to be made into wood floorings that are practical, economical and beautiful.
Bamboo flooring is similar to other wood flooring in many ways. It will still scratch, just like other wood floorings. It is important when looking for bamboo floorings to make sure that the finish is solid to make it more durable.
Bamboo flooring can be stained any color, just like other wood floorings. Some people like the natural, lighter color of bamboo and choose to only have a clear finish to prevent scratching.
When staining bamboo it should be kept in mind that due to the variations in the planks, the stain may have variations in colorings, just as with other types of hardwood flooring.
When purchasing bamboo flooring there are two types of planks to consider, horizontal and vertical. Compare the two looks to make sure you choose the one that matches your style.
Vertically cut planks have a grain that is less visible; these offer cleaner, finer lines than horizontally cut planks. Vertically cut planks might be desired in a more formal room.
On the other hand, horizontal planks have a rougher, hardy appearance than other cuts. Horizontally cut planks can make a dramatic statement in any room.
Bamboo wood floors are very durable and very resistant to dents. Although it will still scratch, it won’t dent easily. Avoiding scratches is simply a matter of making sure the floor has a quality finish.
Bamboo floors are as attractive as they are economical, durable, and good for the environment. Homebuilders and current homeowners looking to remodel who want a wood floor that doesn’t add to the current deforestation problem should look into bamboo floors.
The Internet has a vast repository of articles and manufacturers who sell bamboo floors along with installation and care instructions.
-Sharon Chapman
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