Bamboo is hard-wearing, durable, affordable, stylish and harvested from a plant that regrows quickly. But is this all there is to know about this flooring option?
Here are 4 things you need to know about bamboo flooring.
It's not wood
Bamboo feels like wood, looks like wood and cuts like wood. Oftentimes, it is categorized with wood floors. But the truth is, bamboo is a grass. Don't let that fool you. Bamboo is a tree-like grass that is mainly found in China and other parts of Asia.
It is eco-friendly
Unlike traditional timbers, bamboo is a rapidly growing renewable source. In fact, it can be harvested every 4 to 6 years and is sold as a green flooring product. This is one of the main reasons why more and more homeowners are choosing to install bamboo floor in their homes.
It is durable
Aside from the fact that it is an eco-friendly material, its durability is one of its main selling points. According to the Janka Hardness Test, bamboo flooring has a hardness level of 1762. This is significantly higher compared to maple or red oak floors. Meanwhile, strand-woven bamboo scored 3014, which makes it a great choice for high traffic areas. Plus, it is a great alternative to hardwood flooring.
It needs to be acclimated
Although bamboo flooring is a durable flooring material, it has the tendency to expand, contract, and warp. As such, it is important to give it enough time to acclimate before installing. Solid bamboo flooring only takes 3 to 7 days to acclimate. Strand-woven bamboo, on the other hand, tends to acclimate very slowly. In some cases, it may take as much as 30 days.
Environmental considerations
You may have heard that bamboo is the greener choice, but is it really? Since bamboo is mainly found in Asia, a lot of people are worried about the enormous amounts of energy that are required to transport this flooring material. And with the growing demand for bamboo flooring, some forests had to be cleared away to make way for bamboo plantations.
