Why Bamboo Floors Are Becoming a Preferred Choice
Bamboo floors have recently become increasingly famous as a flooring option. And even though bamboo flooring is not made of wood, bamboo has tremendous potential as a flooring resource. It is durable, tough and environmentally friendly, and thus has become an alternative to other types of wood floors. Here are the answers to the six most important questions about why bamboo floors are becoming the choice of homeowners.
Bamboo flooring is not a type of wood flooring?
Yes, bamboo flooring is not actually a wood product, even though it looks like one. Bamboo is a grass, grown in Asia in abundance, and found in almost every continent. Bamboo is a grass that can re-grow after it has been harvested.
But how come it is a valid wood replacement?
Bamboo floors are a valid replacement for standard hardwood floors. They are a great alternative due to their unique and stunning appearance similar to wood flooring. It is also believed to be one of the hardest 'woods' in existence, being harder than oak and even maple. One important reason for bamboo's impeccable durability is its moisture resistance. This resistance makes it exceptionally stable and tough wearing.
How come bamboo is so tough?
Bamboo flooring is not made up of solid bamboo. It is manufactured from strips of bamboo. These strips (stalks of bamboo) are split and flattened, before being laminated together with glue under high pressure, to make solid bamboo flooring planks. Being a coated (laminated) product, it displays tremendous strength and hardness. It is obviously understandable why and how bamboo floors resist abrasion and indentation twice than that of many wood floors.
How does bamboo floor look?
Bamboo flooring looks exactly like wood flooring, however, it has color variations because it is a natural product. Horizontal bamboo style floors also features a unique "knuckle" pattern.
Is it subjected to fading?
Yes, bamboo floors are subjected to fading, and that's why they are kiln dried. After drying, the bamboo is planed and sanded, then treated with a special UV coating to cut down on fading. If it still experiences some fading, than this is because bamboo remains to be a natural product.
Why is it called the 'Green' alternative?
Bamboo floors are an excellent flooring material and are recognized for their environmentally friendly nature. It is called the 'Green' alternative because it needs fewer chemicals to clean and maintain it. That is why it is the preferred choice for the environmentally conscious homeowners. It can be installed at home as an alternative to hardwood floors.