Bamboo flooring why use

Overall, most types of bamboo flooring are pet resistant. In addition, bamboo is inhospitable to dust mites and repels dust and pollen, and it makes an excellent choice for allergy-prone homeowners. On the downside, bamboo flooring shares many disadvantages with hardwood floors. Both are susceptible to scratches and require special sealants to protect against water. For anyone considering bamboo flooring options, these are some cons to consider.

While bamboo is highly durable, its surface can easily scratch, just like most wood floors. Carbonized bamboo flooring, which has a darker tone, is remarkably more susceptible to scratching too. Placing felt pads on furniture and refinishing the bamboo floor from time to time can extend the life of this flooring and reduce the appearance of scratches.

Despite bamboo being trendy flooring material, it has many style limitations. Most bamboo floorings only have vertical and horizontal grains, in limited finishes and tones that might not suit all interior decor settings.

Since bamboo is grass, humidity affects it more severely than it does hardwood flooring. If the flooring is used in a very humid climate or rooms with drastic climate changes, the moisture in there is likely to cause the floor planks to swell and buckle.

In dry environments, the planks can shrink significantly, making them more likely to crack under extremely low humidity. A humidity monitor can help maintain air moisture levels when seasonal temperatures shift. Low-quality bamboo can contain traces of urea-formaldehyde. Levels of toxins will vary on the resin adhesive used and how the bamboo planks are manufactured. Cheaper products may have higher levels, while more expensive options may use alternative materials for their resins.

Still, the amount of formaldehyde found in bamboo flooring is very similar to that found in engineering hardwood flooring and it only tends to be problematic for sensitive individuals. Retailers usually sort them into grade A and grade B, but this is an arbitrary system that means different things to different retailers and has little to do with the quality of the bamboo. For the most part, bamboo is a non-allergenic, pest-resistant and sustainable flooring material that offers many advantages.

Working with reliable and reputable flooring dealers can help you find bamboo flooring products that work around the various disadvantages and guarantee top-quality material.

The amount of formaldehyde used in bamboo flooring is similar to that found in engineered hardwood flooring or MDF sheathing, and it tends to be a problem only for sensitive individuals. This material is priced at about the same level as most hardwood floors. Installation costs for bamboo flooring are much the same as for hardwood flooring.

If you are a DIYer, be aware that there is no independent system for rating the quality of bamboo materials in the same way that hardwood is graded.

Retailers will often sort lots into grade A and grade B materials, but that is an arbitrary system that means different things to different retailers. This makes it important to find a quality, reputable flooring dealer to ensure that you are getting top-quality material. Bamboo is relatively easy to maintain.

Just sweep or vacuum it regularly to remove small particle debris. You can also occasionally damp mop it or clean it with a non-wax, non-alkaline, hardwood or bamboo floor cleanser. When compared to hardwood, bamboo is slightly more resistant to water damage. And bamboo is slightly harder than many hardwoods, giving it somewhat better resistance to scratches and dents. But this is not a water-proof or scratch-proof material.

Take care to protect the floor against standing water and from scratches. Because it is an organic material, bamboo can be affected by mold if water is present.

Bamboo can be discolored if it gets too much direct sunlight, so it is best to use shades or blinds in rooms that get direct sunlight. Over time, bamboo floors may become discolored, scratched, or marred.

Luckily, the surface of this material can usually be refinished by sanding it down and then reapplying sealing coats. Engineered bamboo flooring, however, usually cannot be refinished. Humidity affects bamboo somewhat more severely than it does hardwood flooring. If the flooring is installed in a very humid climate, the moisture in the air can cause the floor planks to swell and buckle, while in a dry environment, the planks can shrink.

In conditions of extremely high or extremely low humidity, bamboo flooring is more likely to crack than is hardwood flooring.

Bamboo is a trendy flooring material that can elevate the elegance of a space almost instantly. It has an appearance and a feel that is similar to hardwood and yet is still distinct and different. Like cork flooring , bamboo is a good material for consumers who like something different, or who want to make a statement by using a renewable resource. Aesthetically, bamboo can work with almost any home style, though it is best suited for contemporary settings. Bamboo flooring comes in several different types of products:.

Solid bamboo planks are installed much the same was as solid hardwood. It is also resistant to bug infestations. As previously stated, bamboo is a great choice among flooring options because it is a natural material. This makes it eco-friendly immediately. Also, there have been innovations when it comes to installing bamboo flooring. For instance, some bamboo floors even click together.

Known as click lock bamboo flooring, this process avoids harmful adhesives and makes them green building products. Using locking bamboo floors is a great choice since they install very easily, and the process is done without any fumes or chemicals related to refinishing a floor. Clearly, there are many flooring options if you are getting involved in a project with your floors. You can loose lay the flooring on a subfloor or use an adhesive to glue it down.

You can only find click fitting bamboo in strand woven bamboo. Floor finishing options are some of the things that we consider when choosing a flooring option. Many homeowners want a timeless finish yet one that suits their individual style. Staining or carbonizing the bamboo planks during manufacturing determines their color.

Finishing also protects the bamboo from wear and tear. Below are some of the finishes you can find when choosing bamboo flooring. This type of finish gives the bamboo planks a textured surface. The manufacturers brush the planks by hand using a wire brush, creating a distressed and rustic appearance. After brushing, they apply a matt lacquer which offers protection against potential surface damage. You can order unfinished bamboo wood flooring from factories. These are unstained or textured.

You can refinish these types of wood. However, finishing on-site may fail to offer the necessary longevity as factory-finished planks. This type of plank means it has been protected while retaining its natural appearance. It can, however, contain UV protection and anti-slip properties.

Bamboo flooring with this finish contains a slight sheen on the surface. It retains the natural color and beauty of the bamboo, which is enhanced with this satin look. As a result, the flooring has increased durability and protection. When choosing a flooring method, it is good to evaluate its pros and cons. Below are the advantages and disadvantages. Now that we have looked at the various benefits of installing bamboo flooring, some of the cons are:.

You need to prepare the surface before installing bamboo flooring. First, you need to ensure the subfloor is dry, clean, and level. If you are lying the flooring on newly made concrete underlay, ensure you check the moisture. Since bamboo is a natural product, it needs to acclimatize before installation. Ensure you place the planks in the rooms for 48 hours.

In recent years, the cost of the material has come down, which has seen it become a choice for many homeowners. If you are comfortable doing the work, you can undertake a DIY bamboo flooring project. However, to prevent damage, you hire a professional installer. You can install this type of flooring anywhere you can use wood. However, excess moisture or dryness can damage the wood.

There are many reasons why you can choose bamboo floors. They are much more durable than hardwoods, affordable, eco-friendly, natural, and beautiful. The material feels warm underfoot. Franchise Opportunity. Flooring Types. Product Categories. Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin. Commonly, it is thought of as a hardwood type because: It resembles hardwood.

The flooring can be made into either engineered or solid product It comes in the same sized planks Staining it can achieve different aesthetics Though there are differences, bamboo floor functions the same way as wood flooring , and we will look at these similarities and differences later. These are: Classic horizontal or flat grain Vertical, also known as end grain and Strand-woven, also known as stranded or strand Classic Horizontal or Flat Grain Manufacturers make this type of grain by laminating and layering strips of bamboo canes with the skin side facing up, forming a plank.

Vertical Bamboo Floors It is a commonly fitted tongue-and-groove where the bamboo strips are soaked in adhesive. Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring This type of grain does not look like natural bamboo. Types of Bamboo Flooring If you are thinking of investing in bamboo flooring, you also need to know the various types you find in the market.