Mar 10 2010
Woven Bamboo Flooring
Deciding to install bamboo flooring isn’t the only decision; it’s actually only the beginning. In addition to colors and patterns a decision has to be made on what type of bamboo flooring. There are laminate bamboo floors, plank bamboo floors and strand woven bamboo floors. Each one is an excellent choice in its own right and homeowners have to decide based on their tastes and budgets.
Strand woven bamboo flooring is different from the other bamboo floors in several different ways, including the way it is created and the types of processing involved to get it to the flooring stage. These are strikingly different from typical bamboo flooring.
Strand Woven Bamboo Floor available at EcoTimber.com
Typically, bamboo floors are made using a plank process in which the bamboo is cut into long, thin strips that are laid out beside each other and then pressed tightly together to form a strong bond. Strand woven bamboo, on the other hand, is created using shredded bamboo fibers that are made into a strong, dense material using a weaving type method. The woven bamboo is then processed using adhesives, high heat and pressure to create very strong and durable flooring.
Everyone is aware of the positive environmental impact that bamboo flooring has, it is quite simply amazing in its ability to mature into a usable material in a short five years. However, what might not be realized by many people is that woven bamboo flooring adds another eco-friendly aspect to the flooring. When the planks are cut after the weaving process, any leftover pieces are put back into the hopper to be woven in with the next batch. This insures that even the waste remnants are used and not trashed.
Strand woven bamboo flooring comes with a few installation considerations that need to be kept in mind. When installing it, nails can be very difficult and sometimes even impossible to use. Forcing nails can cause damage or cracks to the tongues of the wood. For this reason, a glue installation is recommended to prevent damage.
The only drawback that woven bamboo flooring has is that it is more vulnerable to damage from water and moisture. Mopping should be done with a damp mop and not a mop bucket. There are products today that are made specifically for dust and damp mopping that do not drench the floor and help protect it from water damage.
As with any wood floor, damage may be incurred should substantially heavy objects be dropped on it such as a cast iron pan or something as heavy as that. No wood floor is absolutely dent and scratch proof although some are more resistant to them than others.
Strand woven bamboo flooring is strong, eco-friendly and beautiful and an excellent choice for any home.
-Sharon Chapman
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