Bamboo flooring is made from the stalks of the bamboo plant. Currently, it is a hit with interior designers who want to give a chic and modern look to the house. Bamboo is most common in the Asia-Pacific region. Some species also grow in the American continent, both north and south.
Bamboo flooring is not suitable for rooms that regularly interact with water. These include bathrooms and kitchens.
Advantages Of Investing In Bamboo Flooring For Your Home 1. Eco-friendly
Bamboo is an environment-friendly substance and is an ecological alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. Bamboo is a highly renewable material. It grows fast, taking only five years to mature. Once a year, only 20% of the forest is harvested, so within five years they grow back. On the other hand, hardwoods can take 20 to 120 years to reach maturity. Also, re-plantation is not necessary because the stalks are left intact when harvesting bamboo.2. Durability
Bamboo's durability is comparable to that of most hardwoods making it the most sought-after flooring material.3. Appearance
It has a sleek and stylish appearance. Individuals who want something different for their homes can opt for this. These floors can act as a statement piece in any home with a modern aesthetic.4. Maintenance
Bamboo floors are relatively easy to maintain. It is not a problem to use vacuum cleaners or sweep them regularly.5. Water-resistant
These floors are resistant to water so you can use water and mop to clean them regularly without destroying the flooring.
There Are Different Types Of Bamboo Flooring Available
Vertical variety - The thin stalks of the bamboo plants are stacked vertically to create a vertical pattern. Each stalk piece is visible from above.
Horizontal variety - Broad stalks are stacked horizontally, one above the other. Only the uppermost stalk is visible in this variety. Because of the wide area, the bamboo grain pattern is distinguishable giving it an eye-catching look. These are available in the form of nail-down planks and floating planks.
Strand woven variety - First, the stalks are shredded and dried. The fibres are then compressed under extreme heat and pressure to get a solid block of bamboo. It ends up being the strongest and more versatile than the other two. This variety has an irregular grain pattern. It is also available as nail-down planks and floating planks.
Engineered variety - Here, bamboo is placed along with a plywood core. The bamboo acts as a veneer on top of the core. From the outside, it looks like a solid bamboo floor. But, it lacks the strength of one. It is the least expensive one of all the varieties.
Disadvantages Of Bamboo Flooring
Scratches - For all their benefits, they tend to get easily scratched. Furniture pads can be attached to the ends of furniture. This will prevent scratching if the chairs and sofas are pulled or pushed across the floor.
Humidity - Although bamboo is water-resistant, it is not immune to water damage. The floor can crack or swell when damaged. It is advised not to keep outdoor footwear on the floor.
Shine- After a few years, bamboo floors will lose their lustre. The shine can be regained by sanding it thoroughly.
Standard - There is no global standard that a manufacturer has to uphold. Every piece of bamboo flooring is unique. Some certifications do give a guarantee of quality. For example, a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate will certify that the bamboo purchased is an eco-friendly choice.
Conclusion
Before finalizing bamboo flooring for your home, one should consider the transport costs. Generally, it gets shipped out of China through boats. Furthermore, trucks need to be hired for transporting it across the land. Seek assistance from experts to learn about this topic.
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