Bamboo flooring is not a new idea. The most common type and probably the oldest type as well are typically found in Southeast Asia. There, thin bamboo strips are cut to be as flat as they can get them. They are then stained or left in their natural coloring. These strips are then either attached to wooden beams or to larger pieces of bamboo. The resulting flooring has more spacing between the bamboo pieces which results in better air circulation. This type of flooring is often found in houses that are built on stilts and during the summer months the air circulation is a welcome addition.

In North America, bamboo flooring is totally different. It is manufactured flooring that is considered laminate. Unlike other laminate flooring however, bamboo flooring is solid bamboo. Bamboo strips are cut and flattened then kiln dried to add strength. These pieces are then laid closely together and glued under high pressure. They are sold as either straight edge or as snap-lock for easier installation.

Horizontal or Vertical

Bamboo flooring is either listed as horizontal or vertical. Vertical bamboo floors are made with the bamboo component pieces stood vertically on their thinnest side. These pieces are then hard press laminated in a side by side fashion. The resulting plank is a very consistent, lined look to the flooring.

In contrast to vertical bamboo floors, horizontal bamboo flooring has the individual bamboo pieces arranged horizontally on their wide edge. These are then hard press laminated, just like the vertical edge planks. Horizontal bamboo flooring planks have randomly visible bamboo characteristics.

Bamboo flooring, like other hardwood flooring is available in locking planks that join together for a simple installation. They are also available in straight edge planks that are glued, nailed or stapled down for installation.

The coloring of bamboo flooring varies. It can be purchased in its natural color or in various shades created using stains during the process. Bamboo flooring is also available that has a slightly brown color due to a process called carbonization.

Carbonization is a process where the bamboo is steamed under pressure and high heat to remove any micro-organisms. This process also breaks down the sugar in the plant and changes the coloring of the wood.

Bamboo flooring is becoming a popular choice for flooring among people who are concerned about sustaining the Earth and using products are considered eco-friendly. Bamboo can typically be harvested from four to six years after being planted. Some companies purchase bamboo for flooring from bamboo plantations, farms that grow bamboo specifically for manufacturing purposes. These plantations keep wild bamboo from being harvested and add to the eco-friendly aspect.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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A major area where bamboo has almost replaced wood is floors. A bamboo floor is visually appealing because of its excellent texture and it feels just like wood when installed. The price of a bamboo floor is considerably less than wood floor. The only issue that prevented large scale utilization of bamboo floor was the lack of durability of the material but, with the advent of laminated forms, even this hurdle has been removed. Now, bamboo floor is being used in place of wooden floors wherever possible.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo floor, if installed properly gives a superior feel as compared to wooden floor. There are various methods of installation on the floor.

Stapling – The bamboo floor may be stapled to the wooden sub-floor.

Nailing – The bamboo floor may be nailed to the wooden sub-floor.

Gluing – The bamboo floor may be glued to the wooden sub-floor.

Snap lock – This is a new method in which snap locks are used to fix the floor.

Bamboo floor should be installed properly or else it squeaks and might loosen up with use. Bamboo floor can be finished up to desirable degree of smoothness. Natural bamboo floor is a little rough and it needs to be rubbed with sand paper to smoothen it. The smoothness can be varied by rubbing it with required pressure and for required time. This is an attractive feature of bamboo but care should be taken that smooth floor can cause accidents.

It is also necessary to note that proper care should be taken of the bamboo floor after installation. Moisture is an important factor that can affect the life of the floor. The floor should be kept clean and any liquids falling on it should be cleaned immediately. Also regular cleaning with a particular cloth suitable to this material is required. The maintenance is moderate for bamboo floor but, the results are worth the effort. Well maintained bamboo floor has very good life and the texture and feel is maintained for quite a long time, thus giving it a long life.

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