How to Compare Bamboo Flooring with Other Types of Hardwood Flooring

 Bamboo Flooring  is an excellent alternative to traditional hardwood floors and comes in a wide variety of colors, styles, grain patterns, finishes and plank sizes. It is highly versatile and can be installed in almost any room of the home. It is also extremely durable and is a great choice for high-traffic areas of the house such as hallways, living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens. It is a beautiful, green product that is also very eco friendly. It is made from a fast-growing grass and can be harvested every 3 to 6 years, as opposed to hardwood trees that take 20 years to mature. As a result, it is much more environmentally conscious and is an excellent alternative to traditional hardwood.

Stalks of the bamboo plant 

The stalks of the bamboo plant are sliced into thin strips, bound with specialized adhesives and milled into three different kinds of bamboo flooring; Horizontal, Vertical or Strand Woven. The process of turning the bamboo into flooring is very energy intensive, requiring a great deal of fuel and producing a lot of carbon dioxide.

Good quality bamboo flooring 

Most bamboo floor manufacturers are able to provide a certificate of environmental sustainability with their products. This certification ensures that the manufacturer meets minimum environmental standards and uses a lower amount of chemicals. This is important for homeowners to look for when choosing a flooring product. A good quality bamboo flooring will also have a low emission of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) from the adhesives used to bind the strips together. This is usually indicated with a Greenguard or FloorScore certification.

Types of flooring

Many manufacturers of Bamboo Flooring also offer a urea-formaldehyde-free adhesive and finish. This is becoming more and more popular with homeowners who are trying to reduce their exposure to chemicals in the home. These types of flooring are also very easy to keep clean. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will eliminate most dust and debris. A mild soap and water solution can be used to remove stains as they occur. These floors are great for people with allergies because they will not harbor dust and pet hair.

Conclusion

Like most hardwood floors, bamboo flooring can be nailed or stapled down or it can be glued to the subfloor. The installation method will affect the overall durability of the floor. It is best to have a professional install the floor in order to avoid mistakes and to make sure that it is done correctly. Prior to installation, the flooring should be acclimated for a few days in the room it will be installed in. This will help it adjust to the temperature and moisture in the room, which will then allow for a better bond between the floor and subfloor.