Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is becoming a popular type of flooring in the United States. Bamboo has many of the same characteristics as hardwood flooring, and can be installed by flooring stores for around the same price point. Lets take a look at this new trend in flooring and see why bamboo is really right for your home.

Bamboo flooring is created by cutting thin strips of bamboo plant and pounding them as flat as possible. The outer skin of the bamboo is removed and the strips are then boiled in a lime or boric acid solution to remove starch and sugar. When the boiling process is complete, the strips are dried and cut to the desired length. Several coats of varnish or stain is applied to each strip, and they are ready for installation.

If you are eco-conscious type, bamboo is a flooring type you should definitely consider. Bamboo is a grass that grows fairly quickly. A hardwood tree such a oak can take up to 120 years to grow to maturity, but a bamboo plant only takes three years. This makes bamboo a highly sustainable source of flooring material and creates very little waste.

Another benefit of installing bamboo flooring is the easy upkeep. Bamboo requires only weekly vacuuming or sweeping to keep it clean and free of allergens. Bamboo is more resistant to water than normal hardwood flooring so a spill that has gone unnoticed will not cause too much damage as long when caught within a reasonable amount of time. Bamboo flooring should never be mopped, but can be cleaned with a damp rag to remove tough stains.

When searching for a flooring installation specialist, make sure to visit only credible stores. If not processed correctly bamboo flooring can be prone to delamination and warping. If warping occurs after flooring is installed the entire floor will have to be ripped out and re-installed causing you to waste a lot of time and money.

If you are planning to list your home for sale, you may want to steer clear of bamboo flooring. Most real estate specialists say that while bamboo is becoming more popular among the younger generation of home buyers, and does appeal to the eco-conscious, it will not add value to your home. Most home buyers would rather not take a risk on a relatively new type of flooring.

If you have any questions about whether bamboo is right for your home visit a qualified flooring store. Most contractors will be happy to show you their products and explain the installation process. Take the time to explore the flooring options available to you and you will end up with a quality floor that could last a lifetime.