Bamboo flooring is actually a developing and popular trend. As an imported staple from Japan, North American consumers happen to be opting for bamboo an increasing number of in recent years. Bamboo is actually a grass, not a wood, and it is a well-known alternative to hardwood or wood laminate floors. Why pick out bamboo, and what would be the rewards of bamboo flooring? With bamboo, for essentially the most portion, a homeowner can get just as stunning of a look, plus less complicated installation, reduce the cost for materials, and environmentally-friendly benefits.
First, bamboo is known for its strength and durability, allowing it to support many times its weight. It is stronger than many hardwood floors. It is nearly unbreakable, and buyers are often able to get a 25-year warranty on a bamboo floor. Plus, because it’s a plant, it is resistant to moisture and is less likely to develop water stains from spills. The type of processing can influence the strength, such as strand-woven bamboo, whose processing tends to make it stronger than regular bamboo. The finish also makes a distinction. Bamboo having a Klumpp-brand finish and bamboo using a semi-gloss finish is stronger than bamboo with aluminum oxide or satin coat finish.
The attractive and special look of bamboo is because of its uniformity of color. Bamboo is obtainable inside a substantial array of colors, from pretty much white to quite dark, as well as the finish is obtainable in high-gloss, semi-gloss, and matte.
Bamboo is relatively easy to install; it can be glued, nailed, or left as a so-called “floating floor.” It doesn’t require the same cutting tools as harder woods like oak and mahogany; mostly hand tools. The potential for a homeowner to install it themselves can be a big money saver. Bamboo doesn’t need to be installed over any particular type of sub-floor; inexpensive plywood is sufficient. Some can even be installed directly onto a concrete sub-floor.
Maintenance and cleaning of a bamboo floor are pretty simple. Particles of dirt and grit can scratch the bamboo finish, so they need to be swept with a soft broom or dust mop. It’s recommended to have a mat inside or outside all entry doors, and have everyone wipe their feet before their shoes touch the floor, to absorb water and catch debris. Despite its overall great strength, on certain floors the load pressure from high-heeled shoes on a small surface area can make dents in the bamboo, so high heels should be avoided. If you use throw rugs, make sure they don’t have a rubber non-slip backing, as the rubber can discolor the floor, and make sure the rug itself is colorfast. Use small pieces of felt or other material under chair and table legs and other furniture legs, and don’t drag furniture across the floor. Spot clean with a damp cloth; you can use a wood floor cleaner if needed. Wipe up spills as soon as possible with a soft cloth.
An awesome advantage of bamboo flooring is the fact that it may be half the cost of standard hardwood floors, according to the grade, finish, and the processing applied.
Another appealing quality is that it is an eco-friendly, renewable resource. Once bamboo is cut, it can be re-grown from the same plant again and again. Unlike trees, bamboo completely re-grows within a few years. Moreover, remaining bamboo leaves and bamboo shoots are fed to livestock.
Allergy sufferers appreciate that bamboo doesn’t attract dust or dust mites. There are actually particular allergen concerns with materials used in some bamboo laminate materials and floor adhesives. Lower-quality bamboo from some makers may have troubles with resins and outgassing of chemical substances which include formaldehyde. Having said that, if a customer researches and asks queries, they can come across a high-quality manufacturer to alleviate these issues.
Bamboo floors have natural beauty and durability. Unlike laminate, bamboo is a completely natural material. It’s an eco-friendly, sustainable resource. Despite its potential vulnerability to high-heeled shoes, bamboo is still more durable than pine and many vinyl floors. Ask for flooring samples to take home, and subject them to your own tests against scratches and dents. Bamboo flooring is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, easy to install, and easily cleaned and maintained. It’s advised for the consumer to do their homework and choose their manufacturer carefully, to avoid the allergy and durability concerns with certain manufacturers.
