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Think you want a new Bamboo floor?

Bamboo floor is HOT! and becoming a popular alternative to the traditional hardwood-type floors. But before you buy a bamboo floor be aware that the market is being flooded with new sources/brands almost daily and this often can make which product to purchase very Confusing for the consumer.

Relax, We are here to make the process simple and pain free. It is what we do after all and we are very good at it. Remember flooring is our business and we are here to help you make your flooring purchase as well as ownership a pleasant experience.  First lets give you a basic understanding of the product and it's origin.

About Bamboo floor

Bamboo floors are manufactured from the bamboo plant. The majority of today's bamboo flooring products originate in China and other portions of Asia.

The bamboo is split and flattened, before being laminated together with glue under high pressure. bamboo floors are typically made available in planks approximately 3 1/2" wide.

Known for its resistance to insects and moisture, bamboo flooring has made a considerable impact in the North American marketplace. Its popularity is also rising in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world with increasing awareness.

Occasionally some will refer to these products as exotic bamboo flooring, or bamboo wood flooring. Bamboo floor care and cleaning is similar to that of most pre finished hardwood floors. But it is not a wood floor. It actually is a grass, But do not be misled by that fact. bamboo flooring durability is every bit as high as many wood floors.

Is there more than one bamboo floor color option?

The two major colors are natural (light and blonde with a yellowish tint) Natural is the product in it's natural state. The second is called carbonized (a brownish copper tone). This is achieved through the process of steaming the material under a controlled pressure and temperature (known as carbonization) in which bio-organisms and sugar breaks down, and the color of the material changes into the warm brownish tone. The natural and carbonized bamboo floors are often  referred to as solid. However, the fact is that the structures are layered, similar to a plywood. There is also an engineered and floating floor version of bamboo available today.

It is available in two standard variations: vertical and horizontal-grain, providing two very distinct looks. In the vertical grain, the individual joints in a bamboo cane are hard to discern, resulting in a consistent coloration and even grain. (showing a lineal or narrow lined pattern) In the horizontal-grain orientation, each individual joint is clearly visible. Though these two options differ in appearance and offer customers more visual choices, they offer the same strength characteristics.

There is also a newer type of structures of bamboo floors. This is commonly known as strand woven bamboo, which aims to achieve superior strength and stability and offers a somewhat more interesting look.

Bamboo floor is ecologically friendly

As a grass plant, bamboo grows at rate much higher than trees, it reaches maturity in just 5-6 years. It is therefore considered eco-friendly highly renewable source of material. Recently this product has gained popularity with the green building council and others. Typically each plant or tree can reach maturity in five to six years whereas other more common hardwoods used for flooring can take upwards of 50 years and more. Many people are looking at bamboo floor just for it's renew ability, but what has happened is as more people own new bamboo floors they are finding it a low maintenance, and durable choice for flooring today!

How does bamboo rate against other flooring types?

Bamboo flooring has the following features and advantages or disadvantages over other flooring types:

Bamboo floor vs hardwood

• Similar in durability and care and cleaning ease.

• Similar installation ease and technique

• Verdict not in yet on overall longevity, but initial feeling is favorable

• Harder than many species, softer than some. overall hardness factor seems favorable

Bamboo vs tile (ceramic)

• Tile will offer proven long term overall durability advantages.

• Easier cleaning and care on bamboo when compared to tile (because of grout maintenance)

• Bamboo flooring offers a big advantage for ease of installation

• Warmer underfoot than tile (unless you buy floor heating under your tile)

• Bamboo has lower moisture resistance than tile (for exceptionally wet areas)

Bamboo vs vinyl flooring

• Similar care and cleaning to vinyl (however vinyl is more resistance to excessive moisture)

• Similar wear resistance (to HIGH END PREMIUM vinyl only!)

• Similar warmth under foot

• Bamboo offers advantage in ease of installation (most cases a homeowner will not tackle vinyl especially if there will be seams)

• Bamboo offer what we feel at this  point is better overall long term durability.

• Bamboo offers ability to re -coat with new finish, vinyl does not

Bamboo floor vs laminate flooring

• Similar care and cleaning to laminate floors

• Laminate has superior impact resistance to bamboo floors

• Similar scratch resistance although laminate carries a slight advantage here

• Laminate has an advantage in installation ease

• Bamboo has advantage in long term overall durability

• Bamboo has ability to re-coat finish laminate does not

Related bamboo flooring Articles:

Bamboo flooring...the new hardwood floor?
Bamboo flooring has been called by some "the new hardwood floor." I do not believe that is the case, however it sure is taking a chunk out of hardwood flooring market share. We find ourselves asking the question why...

Bamboo flooring durability...is it all it's cracked up to be?
Bamboo flooring durability is the concern of nearly every shopper since it is a relatively new product. We have several installations in place and performing, and we have a pretty good assessment of...

Bamboo wood flooring... is it really wood?
Bamboo wood flooring used often by consumers, but is it really wood? The answer to this may surprise you...

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