How does bamboo flooring compare to tile flooring in terms of maintenance and durability?

 Bamboo flooring

Bamboo Flooring  is no longer just a novelty; it’s grown and harvested responsibly and available in a wide range of styles that match or even exceed those of traditional hardwood floors. Manufacturers have also developed a number of innovations that have increased the strength and performance of these eco-friendly floorboards. The most dramatic change is the advent of strand-woven flooring, which is made from strips of bamboo fiber that are woven together and milled into floorboards that are two to three times denser than other types of bamboo.

Bamboo requires routine care and maintenance to keep it looking beautiful

Like other wood-look floors, bamboo requires routine care and maintenance to keep it looking beautiful and preserving its structural integrity. Sweep regularly with a soft broom, using a damp cloth to wipe away smudges and spots as needed. It is not recommended that you use a steam mop, as this can damage the floor and create irreparable warping.

Moisture is a major enemy of bamboo

As with any floor, moisture is a major enemy of bamboo. It is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and retains moisture at different rates depending on the surrounding environment. If bamboo is exposed to too much humidity, the boards will expand and split. Conversely, if bamboo is exposed to very dry conditions the planks will shrink and crack. For this reason, it’s important that you choose a floor that is appropriate for your climate and home.

Bamboo products that are suitable for different environments and budgets

Most manufacturers offer a choice of bamboo products that are suitable for different environments and budgets. For example, some companies offer solid or engineered bamboo flooring, with the latter typically consisting of a bamboo veneer on top of a plywood or other substrate for stability and sanded down to 3/8 inch thick. It is also common to find bamboo floors that are prefinished, and in some cases, the floorboards can be glued down or stapled down.

Type of bamboo flooring

In addition to the type of Bamboo Flooring , you will want to consider how the floor is going to be installed and the subfloor. It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines exactly in order to not void your warranty. Reputable flooring retailers and manufacturers will provide you with detailed instructions and product notes for the installation process, but it is vital to take the time to understand and follow these directions to prevent voiding your warranty.

Conclusion

The most common types of bamboo flooring are horizontal, vertical and strand woven. Horizontal bamboo is adhered in a horizontal pattern that showcases the wider surface of the stalk and shows off the nodes (called “knuckles”) for a classic bamboo look. Vertical bamboo is sliced and glued into narrow strips that are parallel with each other for a more linear, streamlined appearance. And strand woven, which consists of strips of bamboo fiber that are effectively woven together before being adhered, is the strongest and most durable of all the types. It is typically stained and can be distressed for a rustic look. This type of flooring is often used in commercial settings because it withstands heavy traffic.