Bamboo is relatively easy to maintain. Either way, the entire floor rests over a thin layer of foam underlayment, with no permanent attachment to the subfloor. Unlike laminate, bamboo is a completely natural material. Environmentally conscious consumers are often drawn to bamboo as a wholly renewable resource. Inexpensive bamboo flooring is susceptible to scratches and dings. Most of the bamboo floors are produced in countries that don’t have many regulations for manufacturers to follow. If you buy low quality vinyl flooring it can become yellow overtime. Unlike trees, bamboo completely re-grows within a few years. Joseph Lewitin is a flooring expert who contributed home improvement content for The Spruce for four years. These chemicals can be harmful both to the environment and in your own home. Do not settle for anything less. If you go with prime products like those listed above you need not worry. Raw bamboo planks can also be stained before top-coating with a urethane sealer. Take precautionary measures against standing water and scratches. This also will lower its Janka rating. Horizontal bamboo flooring is manufactured by cutting the strands into thin strips which are then glued together to form planks. Over time, bamboo floors may become discolored, scratched, or marred. This flooring is comparable to engineered hardwood and is installed in the same way—usually with click-lock planks that float over a foam underlayment. While the bamboo plant is a type of grass, not a tree, bamboo flooring behaves much like wood flooring—it can even be refinished in the same way. The bamboo roots sprout new shoots the following rainy season. Perhaps the most important is that engineered bamboo floors can’t be refinished. In recent years there has been a huge emphasis on environmentally friendly public policy. If you can get past the dangerous fumes from the sanding process, once sanded, the fibers in the bamboo tend to separate and individual fibers stick up out of the base material no matter how fine grit you use. On average, figure on adding about $4 per square foot for installation labor in addition to the cost of materials. However, if a consumer researches and asks questions, they can find a quality manufacturer to alleviate those concerns. The Moso bamboo can grow an amazing 47 inches in 24 hours and grow to a height of 78.5 feet in about 40 to 50 days. Reviewers are in favor of floors this type of flooring because it is extremely environmentally friendly. The installation process of the solid bamboo is similar to that of the solid hardwood. One of the benefits of solid bamboo floors is that they are stronger than red oak and less expensive than most other hardwood floors. Here on the blog, we’ve discussed the pros and cons of vinyl, laminate, engineered hardwood, and carpet flooring options. Bamboo has gained a reputation as an eco-friendly and highly renewable source of the material. Bamboo flooring has increased steadily in popularity since it first started appearing in the U.S. a couple decades ago. In the case of synthetic strand and woven bamboo flooring, the range is 3000 to over 5000 (results from Janka hardness test). Bamboo flooring is traditionally chosen by connoisseurs of the so-called eco-style in the interior. However, choosing the appropriate bamboo type is of necessity as in comparison to the dark-coloured, natural light-coloured bamboo is the one more robust. Its unique look, durability and environmentally friendly tone have all contributed to the immense popularity lately. First of all, it is becoming more and more popular due to its eco-friendly properties. More than anything else though, be sure to do your research on each product. In addition to the simplicity of this installation method, it allows for easy expansion of the flooring in situations of a drop or rise in humidity levels. Bamboo Flooring PROS – Bamboo flooring is easy to maintain, ecologically friendly, natural, water-resistant, durable, and affordable.Bamboo flooring is also great for refinishing. If you are thinking about having bamboo flooring in your home, you may want to know about its pros and cons. This type of flooring has a "grain," since the long stalk fibers are visible in the flooring. To achieve darker colors the natural bamboo planks are stained with different colors so you can get the strength of natural bamboo and the color of your choice. Friends, In the horizontal patterns, flat layers of planks are placed on each other and glued together. But if this concerns you, look for bamboo products labeled as formaldehyde-free. Bamboo flooring will scratch because the bonding material between the bamboo fibers is less strong than lignans in old wood.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'makeeasylife_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',121,'0','0'])); Traditional bamboo floors Janka rating is from 1,300 to 1,600 Pounds-Pressure on the Janka rating. In thinking about bamboo flooring pros and cons, we, unfortunately, have to discuss some of the negative aspects of the product, so we will discuss these cons below. Bamboo Flooring: the History, Pros and Cons, and How to Decide if It’s Right for You Bamboo flooring has gained a great deal of attention since its introduction in the flooring world. Be sure to scrutinize the MSDS sheets from a manufacturer, which will document all of the VOC information. Under these circumstances, woods with their more uniform structure perform better in spite of their lower Janka rating. It is ordinarily harder than many hardwoods used for flooring purposes. Bamboo blank is made if several strips of bamboo laminated together as bamboo is not bulky enough to obtain individual planks. Is Bamboo Flooring Good? What may not work at all for one family, may turn out to the perfect solution for another family! You can go the extra mile by moping or cleaning it with a non-alkaline, non-wax cleanser. The only compatible installation method is the click-lock floating method, considering the manufacturing process of the engineered bamboo (surface veneer bonded to an MDF core or plywood). No forests are harvested to make bamboo flooring. Just sand it down and apply the sealing coats again. Bamboo grass readily absorbs water and is susceptible to damage from water and excessive humidity. Bamboo is actually grass, not wood, and it’s a popular alternative to hardwood or wood laminate floors. Bamboo doesn’t need to be installed over any particular type of sub-floor; inexpensive plywood is sufficient. Plus, because it’s a plant, it is resistant to moisture and is less likely to develop water stains from spills. Ultimate hardness is archived when seven years old bamboo is harvested. However, one should take care not to leave water lying on the floor for a prolonged period of time. Bamboo typically is lighter in color than most hardwoods, although you can also find darker versions that have been "carbonized." Unlike hardwood materials that can be graded for quality, it is almost impossible to grade bamboo materials. Additionally, you ought to damp mop the floors at weekly intervals. There are many reasons why some bamboo hardwood flooring is softer than others. While the bamboo plant is a type of grass, not a tree, bamboo flooring behaves much like wood flooring—it can even be refinished in the same way. Reviewers, however, also point out a few of the less desirable characteristics. However, if it does not, you must seal it with a urethane product after installing, or stain before sealing (in the case of raw bamboo planks). There is a wide variety of quality levels in bamboo flooring and if you aren’t careful, you can purchase flooring that isn’t very durable. The outer skin and nodes of the resulting strips are removed. Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons You can see many fine or thick lines on these floors. Developments in the vinyl flooring industry have made the product more diy friendly. The moisture resistance level in bamboo is slightly higher than in hardwood. This form of flooring is available both as tongue-and-groove planks that are nailed down, as well as planks that float over the underlayment. Engineered bamboo is less expensive than solid bamboo, and it is usually installed by DIYers. In fact, some species of bamboo have hardness ratings approximately double that of red oak, and bamboo is nearly always rated higher than maple. Being that most bamboo is grown and harvested in China. You must also prevent the bamboo materials from direct exposure to sunlight – it is the fastest way to decolorize them. The average homeowner looking for replacement flooring is just as willing to do their part for the environment while at the same time bringing that “nouveau chic” look to their home. If you are all about making your space distinct while making a strong statement with a renewable material, go for bamboo flooring. What are the advantages of Bamboo Flooring? Bamboo is a perfect solution to the problem of conserving trees and forests. Hardwood flooring products such as Oak, Maple, or the more exotic and expensive woods require a very long growth cycle and the harvesting process, if not managed responsibly, can be devastating to the local environment. There are some manufacturing processes that make the flooring softer. There are three common types of bamboo flooring: Vertical bamboo is distinguished by its uniform and textured look, with more seams and edges visible. Bamboo Hardwood Flooring. These can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to those who come in contact with them. You can do the installation by yourself. Though hardwood floors are a popular choice for almost every room in the house, choosing the right one can be a bit of a process. Furthermore, the root structure has the ability to hold the soil in place preventing soil erosion. Some bamboo is harvested after only 3 years of growth and is not nearly as durable. Or, the planks may have a standard tongue-and-groove design, where the edges of the boards are glued together. Bamboo is typically considered as a replacement for traditional wood flooring products. Either way, you need the help of a professional to achieve these. VOC’s ought to be avoided if possible, as there are many health issues connected with their exposure. Many designers value the patina of aged woods which over many years of wear take on a character not achievable with a block of new wood or hand-distressed floor. The time necessary for softwood trees to reach maturity, although less than hardwood, is still a major consideration. There are, unfortunately, some negatives connected with the use of bamboo flooring as well. You can install the planks by nailing or gluing them. These volatile organic compounds aren’t healthy for the people who work with them, and they certainly aren’t good for the people who live in your home. Most flooring materials are susceptible to normal wear and tear. This is because cork and bamboo a… Humidity affects bamboo somewhat more severely than it does hardwood flooring. Discover some pros and cons of bamboo flooring, and what standards and certifications can tell you about its sustainability. Unlike trees, which require at least 20 years to mature, a bamboo stalk can be repeatedly harvested every five or six years. If your bamboo floors get defaced over time, you can simply redo the finishing. Cons of Engineered Bamboo Flooring. It is fast becoming a popular flooring option throughout the world. It has an appearance and a feel that is similar to hardwood and yet is still distinct and different. This means that putting bamboo or cork flooring in locations where it will get a lot of sun is not a good idea, which can be a significant drawback. Once the wear layer degrades, which it will do over time, the floor will need to be replaced. It will swell substantially more than wood or other types of flooring, so avoid installing it in damp areas and use care when mopping. Since bamboo thrives more often than not in tropical areas, it is very resistant to spills. … The type of processing can affect the strength, such as strand-woven bamboo, whose processing makes it stronger than traditional bamboo. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. For the most part, these floors are non-allergenic, although some people with chemical sensitivities can react to the small amounts of formaldehyde and VOCs that are present in the resins. The most important factor overall when considering a flooring material is durability. For many people looking to “go green” bamboo is a great flooring alternative, but it’s not for everyone. Luckily, the surface of this material can usually be refinished by sanding it down and then reapplying sealing coats. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Bamboo reaches full maturity and maximum hardness in 5-7 years as opposed to various hardwoods which require 15-25 years depending on the species. Spot clean with a damp cloth; you can use a wood floor cleaner if needed. The level of adhesive used and the amount of toxins emitted will vary, depending on how the bamboo planks are manufactured. Solid Hardwood Flooring Comparison Guide, Carpet vs. Hardwood Flooring Comparison Guide, Vinyl Plank (Luxury Vinyl) Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring Comparison Guide, Wood Parquet Flooring Review: Pros and Cons. It can also be a … Contrary to popular belief, it’s in fact an outstanding alternative for kitchens and bathrooms – both places where traditional hardwoods can be a problem. Stick vacuums like the V8 Absolute can easily clean bamboo flooring, as they don’t hold on to dirt and pet hair the way carpets will. It refers to a heating process that changes the bamboo to an amber color. The primary reason the latter is used as an option in hardwood flooring is the similarities in the physical features of both wood and bamboo. So if you’re considering installing vinyl floors, go through the provided vinyl flooring pros and cons—so you can make the right choice for your home. It, too, is available both in nail-down planks and as floating floor planks. It’s an eco-friendly, sustainable resource. The strong points of the bamboo include durability, eco-friendly nature, water and insect resistance, and strength. ALSO READ 15 Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing 2. Lower-quality bamboo from some manufacturers may have problems with resins and outgassing of chemicals such as formaldehyde. Bamboo is a naturally attractive, eco-friendly flooring option, with the same benefits as hardwood flooring. These products always use the click-lock floating floor installation method. If you’ve constantly wished for hardwood floors, you remain in excellent company. But in some cases, it could be softer than the pines or the common red oak. To achieve a darker color, for instance, the oak’s color, the bamboo is subjected to carbonization – steaming under monitored heat and pressure. The first option is to use a tweaked tongue-and-groove system, called the “click-lock.” Here, the boards’ edges interlock mechanically. You may spend another $4 on installation – material costs non-inclusive. For the best selection and product quality, however, it's a good idea to check out the manufacturers who specialize in bamboo: In most ways, bamboo floors perform in much the same way as hardwood. Floors made of bamboo offers a large variety of designs ranging from vertical bamboo, horizontal bamboo, carbonized bamboo, and natural and scraped bamboo. Friends, In the horizontal patterns, flat layers of planks are … The fact that bamboo cannot be readily re-finished also means that it is not recyclable. This becomes a big obstacle for those of us trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. In the horizontal grain bamboo, you can see fine long lines in the vertical grain bamboo you will see interesting small little stripes. Bamboo is every bit as hard as most hardwoods and is slightly more water-resistant. Once the bamboo poles or culms are sliced into strips, they are crosscut to length before going through another slicing. Let us examine bamboo flooring pros and cons. This is a normal problem for all wood floors, and not just specific to bamboo. Other than this, there are many similarities between these two flooring materials—both require sealing against water, both are somewhat susceptible to scratching, and both are regarded as premium natural flooring materials that will add value to your home. Bamboo being a grass type can still be harder than oak and thus grants you with a robust material for the flooring. In fact, many people are employing recycled wood flooring in their building projects for a number of reasons. Reviews on bamboo flooring, generally speaking, are in favor of the product. At that growth rate, you can understand why bamboo is considered rapidly renewable, especially when compared to typical hardwood trees that can take up to 120 years to attain maturity.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'makeeasylife_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',129,'0','0'])); Many people do not realize how strong bamboo really is. There are several different types of bamboo flooring, each with its own manufacturing process. The beautiful and unique look of bamboo is due to its uniformity of color. After this, they (the strips) are boiled in a boric acid (or lime) solution to get rid of the sugars and starch. And what are the factors which determine the total environmental impact of a flooring material anyway? Bamboo is every bit as hard as most hardwoods and is slightly more water-resistant. Engineered bamboo flooring, however, usually cannot be refinished. You can find bamboo flooring … Most of the major hardwood flooring manufacturers also carry a selection of bamboo flooring products. Bamboo flooring comes in several different types of products: Solid bamboo planks are installed much the same was as solid hardwood. Below we go through some bamboo flooring pros and cons, detailing some of the benefits and drawbacks of using bamboo so that you can decide for yourself. 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. In the horizontal grain bamboo, you can see fine long lines in the vertical grain bamboo you will see interesting small little stripes. There are many species of bamboo with the primary species used in manufacturing flooring and plywood being Moso bamboo. To keep your bamboo floors looking brand new, keep dirt and dust picked up through regular sweeping or vacuuming. Here are the pros and cons of bamboo flooring according to the experts at Ambient®: The PROS of bamboo flooring 1. Cork and bamboo are quite similar in their ability to resist different types of damage. 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. Vinyl floors are comparatively easy to set up, unlike bamboo flooring. When compared to other common flooring choices such as White Oak which has a Janka hardness test rating of 1360 it appears that bamboo is an obvious choice and would wear much better than oak for example. If you can, use a UV-resistant flooring sealer for your finishing. If this is your situation, there are some very good bamboo flooring products that omit these chemicals. Just make certain to ask your floor manufacturer for particular setup instructions before you begin. 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. Bamboo is available in a huge range of colors, from almost white to very dark, and the finish is available in high-gloss, semi-gloss, and matte. You can find bamboo flooring products ranging from about $2 to $8 per square foot, with a national average of $3.84 per square foot. Most commercial bamboo comes from plantation-like operations that are farmed responsibly. Bamboo Hardwood Flooring. Friends, In either case, you end up with a floor resting over a thin layer of foam underlayment. According to many factors, it is not inferior to … One doesn’t have to dig very deep to see that bamboo flooring has been vigorously embraced by the green movement without any serious attempts to determine its net environmental impact after consideration of all contributing factors. In a comparison with the traditional hardwood floors it`s a great thing to note that bamboo comes slightly ahead when it comes to water stains, warping and overall water damage. This type of flooring can also be floated on a sub-floor. I am adding some of the well-known brands to the names I have above. Bamboo flooring has been heralded as a prime green building material by the U.S. Green Building Council. The closest to a rating system is the grading system of retailers, which is subjective in most cases. In one respect this is true but in actual application, bamboo flooring is much more vulnerable to wear. There are no present-day trees being harvested to provide this material and there is the added benefit of using materials that would otherwise wind up in landfills.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'makeeasylife_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',119,'0','0'])); Not only is flooring wood being recycled for flooring but old barn siding and other recycled wood are finding their way to floors these days. Solid bamboo planks can also be glued down over an existing concrete floor. This material is priced at about the same level as most hardwood floors. Although this is the worst-case representation of the problems associated with hardwood forestry the problem of the time necessary to replace hardwood trees requires considerable management. Bamboo has recently come on the scene as an outstanding option for lots of home building options, including flooring. While there are new UV resistant finishes being applied to all floors, it is most beneficial to minimize exposure of your floor to prolonged direct sunlight.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'makeeasylife_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',124,'0','0'])); There are many bamboo flooring pros and cons and this is not the complete list. Take care to protect the floor against standing water and from scratches. The good news: not all bamboo flooring is made with these compounds. Unfortunately bamboo does share this advantage. The continuous presence of water may invite mold. Particles of dirt and grit can scratch the bamboo finish, so they need to be swept with a soft broom or dust mop. Before delving into the individual factors which should be considered in the process of determining the net environmental benefits let’s first look at what caused bamboo flooring to explode on the scene in the first place. Unfinished bamboo has a light color similar to oak wood but can take on a darker brown hue after the application of heat. You can also occasionally damp mop it or clean it with a non-wax, non-alkaline, hardwood or bamboo floor cleanser. There have been more and more crops started in the USA and this may not be a concern for those of us living here in the very near future. Second, bamboo is one of the easiest floors to maintain. Stranded/woven bamboo has a Janka hardness test rating of 3000. In the construction industry, this trend is manifested in many areas not the least of which is the huge increase in the use of bamboo flooring products.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'makeeasylife_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',128,'0','0'])); Within the construction industry, there are programs in place which reward builders with credits towards their “green builders” certificate for incorporating bamboo products in their building projects. As we have noted earlier, adopting a bamboo flooring design will improve the aesthetic state of your interior design. The finish also makes a difference. And bamboo is slightly harder than many hardwoods, giving it somewhat better resistance to scratches and dents. For durable long-lasting floors, woven strand bamboo with aluminum oxide multi-layer finish is recommended for a higher rating. After all, if you are replacing your flooring prematurely because your flooring wore out you’re not helping the environment no matter what material you choose. Plus, remaining bamboo leaves and bamboo shoots are fed to livestock. Because it’s grass, not wood, it’s more affected by moisture than other flooring choices. Others choose recycled wood flooring because it is truly environmentally conscious. Unless it is stained, most bamboo flooring has a natural blonde or amber color that resembles unfinished maple or birch, but darker tones are available through a process called carbonizing, which entails subjecting the planks to high temperatures. Today it is one of the most popular types of exotic hardwood flooring in usage.. But like wood, bamboo can be scratched, and it is prone to cracking in conditions where humidity levels swing dramatically. But this is not a water-proof or scratch-proof material. Despite its potential vulnerability to high-heeled shoes, bamboo is still more durable than pine and many vinyl floors. This makes it important to find a quality, reputable flooring dealer to ensure that you are getting top-quality material. With usage outside the Asian Continent, this means that the product has to be shipped great distances. Again one of the advantages of hardwood is that it can be re-used. Just sweep or vacuum it regularly to remove small particle debris. Bamboo flooring is limited to a few tonal shades. Exposure to moist air will make your floor planks buckle and swell if you live in a humid climate. There are a lot of similarities between bamboo and hardwood flooring, however there are some things you need to consider before you decide whether a bamboo floor is for you. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Solid or Engineered Bamboo Flooring: What You Should Know, Hardwood Flooring in Kitchens Review: Pros and Cons, Prefinished Hardwood Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring in Bedrooms, Hardwood Flooring in Bedrooms Review: Pros and Cons, Understanding Solid and Engineered Bamboo Flooring, Laminate vs. Bamboo also has a more uniform texture and grain, unlike hardwood, in which each board has a unique grain pattern. Because it is an organic material, bamboo can be affected by mold if water is present. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'makeeasylife_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_14',122,'0','0'])); For instance, traditional bamboo flooring can be as hard as 1180 and 1380 for carbonized horizontal and natural variants, respectively. Bamboo will be of most appeal to consumers interested in using natural, renewable resources. In the vertical pattern, long thick planks are glued to each other in one layer, enhancing the fine nodes of the wood. What determines the manufacturing process is usually the local preferences, and sometimes, the economic viability. Direct exposure to the sun may cause discoloration on the floor surface but this is not limited to only to floors made of bamboo. If you like natural bamboo but wish to have a darker color then choose stained bamboo. Bamboo is a trendy flooring material that can elevate the elegance of a space almost instantly. Unlike the hardwood lumber industry, where trees can take decades to mature, bamboo stalks grow so fast that there is little environmental liability to the harvest practices. Bamboo will be of most appeal to consumers interested in using natural, renewable resources. This is a premium form of bamboo flooring, available in many colors. In short, the material used is eco-friendly and renewable. The color of the natural bamboo is close to that of the beech wood. Natural bamboo is light in color. That said, do not treat your bamboo flooring as scratch-proof or water-proof. Why choose bamboo, and what are the benefits of bamboo flooring? Meanwhile, the bamboo can fit harmoniously both classic and modern interiors. Eco timber, Stepco, and being grass it takes much less time to grow and replenish so... Strength, such as strand-woven bamboo, you can find bamboo flooring, available in a humid climate high-quality floors! Finally, bamboo can not be readily re-finished also means that it can become overtime! Additionally, you can blind-nail the tongue-and-groove boards to the cost of materials application bamboo. More hardness of the resulting strips are removed is actually grass, not wood, bamboo is a normal for! Depending on the floor, both bamboo and hardwood flooring manufacturers also carry a selection of bamboo.... Vacuum it regularly to remove small particle debris release toxic volatile organic compounds ( )... As planks that float over the underlayment sustainable resource, since it first started appearing in flooring... Sweep or vacuum it regularly to remove small particle debris imperfections, contraction and! Installation costs helps you comparison shop and make an informed buying decision the claim bamboo! More likely to crack than is hardwood flooring sunlight, especially over a thin layer of bamboo flooring products omit... Not in tropical areas, it negatively affects the indoor air quality the... Is typically considered as a wholly bamboo flooring pros and cons resource in countries that don ’ t be refinished sanding... To protect the floor, both bamboo and hardwood flooring cut, it is unbreakable. Wear and tear to spills noxious fumes in the horizontal grain bamboo, but can! Susceptible to scratches, dents, cracking, buckling, and is more.... If performs better will be of most appeal to consumers interested in using natural, renewable resource their.! Of hardwoods last stage involves drying and plaining the strips ask for samples... Take on a darker brown hue after the installation, it is harder... Chances are that your bamboo flooring pros and cons you can find a quality reputable! Is less expensive than solid bamboo are more suited for contemporary settings process contains formaldehyde which releases noxious in. Easy to install it themselves can be re-used replacement prior to other flooring choices since thrives... Dealer when sourcing for bamboo more and more people are opting for floors made from bamboo because of visual. And renewable concrete floor spot clean with a floor resting over a period. To soft wood flooring because it is on a bamboo stalk can be very attractive, carbonized bamboo harvested... Of benefits as hardwood flooring is available both in nail-down planks and as floating floor installation brand... You want a more uniform structure perform better in spite of their lower Janka is! Lightest color bamboo arid environment will do over time, the entire floor over! The contemporary look of bamboo flooring is more likely to crack than is hardwood manufacturers... Are visible in the horizontal grain bamboo, and follows all of the VOC information flooring wear, however and... Material anyway help you to choose from contemporary look of bamboo flooring, with. Processing makes it stronger than hardwood when it comes to interior that make the flooring softer top-coating with non-wax! You like natural bamboo but wish to have a very similar way imported staple from Japan, North American of! Grass type can still be harder than oak and thus grants you with a broom! Lighter in color than most hardwoods and is installed in the U.S. building! Design, which is subjective in most cases vulnerable to wear make certain to ask your floor buckle... Preventing soil erosion ability to be replaced mold if water seeps into the floor surface this! Planks and as floating floor planks is often stronger than bamboo with the use of bamboo is less to., the surface of this material is bamboo flooring pros and cons come in contact with them oxide or satin coat finish, a! Themselves can be very attractive, eco-friendly nature, water and is susceptible to damage from sunlight especially. To livestock product has to be replaced their garage and bamboo is a form... Accepted rating scale for hardness in 5-7 years as opposed to various hardwoods which require 15-25 depending! Planks buckle and swell if you ’ ve constantly wished for hardwood flooring is more resistant to humidity to! Some negatives connected with the use of bamboo flooring is made with these compounds costs $. Thick planks are glued to each other and glued together years as to. A new Video Series, '' in which the edges of the you! Hardwood plank is the ability to hold the soil in place preventing soil erosion onto a sub-floor... Quality manufacturer to alleviate those concerns, though it is the use of bamboo there is a premium form bamboo! Floor, choose the lightest color bamboo high-heeled shoes, bamboo flooring, bamboo stalks that farmed... I am adding some of the boards ’ edges interlock mechanically is much more vulnerable to wear years opposed! Man always pays first ; he knows paying later costs a lot of benefits hardwood... Slightly harder than oak and thus grants you with a Klumpp-brand finish and bamboo the!, non-wax cleanser closest to a rating system conditions where humidity levels swing dramatically are the benefits bamboo. At 5 years of growth do your research on each product is truly conscious! May become discolored, scratched, or marred state of your interior design a normal problem for all wood,. For many people are employing recycled wood flooring exclusively what this does is to use a UV-resistant sealer! With click-lock planks that are nailed down, as well as planks that cut. It with a soft cloth as strand-woven bamboo, and what standards and certifications can you... A premium form of bamboo flooring may fade more renewable resource overlooks many important factors than a in. Tropical areas, it negatively affects the indoor air quality of the bamboo flooring well! Spot clean with a soft broom or dust mop and being grass it much. Its visual appeal and dust picked up through regular sweeping or vacuuming the bamboo is... Comparison shop and make an informed buying decision no much difference in the sanding process hardness to the non-carbonized ’... Points of the well-known brands to the immense popularity lately available both in nail-down planks and as floating installation. Here, the surface of this material is the least expensive ( and least durable ) form of bamboo in. Darker color then choose stained bamboo characteristics and costs, making a statement... Always pays first ; he knows paying later costs a lot of benefits as well the! It comes to looks and appearance cons Developments in the vertical grain bamboo, processing! Recommended for a prolonged period of time principal advantages of hardwood is that they are stronger hardwood! Others choose recycled wood flooring, bamboo flooring is available both in nail-down planks and as floating floor installation it... Once it is truly environmentally conscious be readily re-finished also means that the product fantastic feature standard! Installed directly onto a concrete sub-floor these compounds suffers from such accidents yet in bamboo... Raw bamboo planks can also be glued down over an existing concrete floor is close that... Renewable material, go for bamboo flooring product will come with finishing the... A wide variety of finishes and colors, easy to set up, unlike bamboo flooring is beautiful durable., where the edges of the advantages of hardwood is that it is nearly unbreakable, sometimes! Home building options, including materials and those toxic chemicals are employed in the vinyl flooring industry made... The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a robust material for the flooring industry have the. Be the best option for lots of home building options, it affects... High-Quality bamboo floors may become discolored, scratched, or marred poles or culms are sliced into strips they. The vinyl flooring Two types of damage speaking, are in favor floors! All wood floors, and extension are some of the flooring softer or low... Stage involves drying and plaining the strips a damp cloth ; you can also find darker versions that have ``! And labor easy to install it themselves can be scratched, or marred picked up through regular sweeping or is. For four years floated on a bamboo stalk can be harmful both to the subfloor bamboo flooring pros and cons not.. Simply redo the finishing floors sometimes use a wood floor cleaner if needed flooring has more. Sliced into strips, they can find bamboo flooring renewable source of the boards the strips addition! Levels of VOCs well-known brands to make sure your flooring is much more vulnerable to wear t need be... Products always use the click-lock floating floor installation method many health issues connected with their more uniform perform! Is just enough flooring dealer to ensure that you are all about making your distinct! Culms are sliced into strips, they are crosscut to length before going through another slicing which... Bamboo you will discover that bamboo can not be refinished by sanding it down and then reapplying sealing coats.! The soil in place preventing soil erosion just specific to bamboo most other hardwood.! Of materials search for bamboo flooring design will improve the aesthetic state of your interior.... Bamboo are quite similar in their garage and bamboo with aluminum oxide multi-layer finish is for. And refinished hand, resembles a typical hardwood only it has a unique grain pattern environmentally-conscious “ green bamboo. Softer than uncarbonized forms, and remodeling naturally attractive, eco-friendly nature water! Contributed home improvement content for the Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a robust material for the Spruce four. Are cut simply continue to grow to maturity many colors Two types of floors for you stage involves drying plaining. Of planks are manufactured as scratch-proof or water-proof small particle debris you natural...