Bamboo wood flooring provides another avenue for those looking for something other than hardwood for thier residential flooring system. Growing in popularity as an alternative, bamboo flooring has many features that make it stand out when compared to hardwood. Although harvested mostly in China, bamboo flooring can now be found easily in both European and North American markets. Many of those that adopted bamboo flooring early on point out its environmental friendliness. The bamboo plant regrows within a few seasons and can be harvested repeatedly without permanent damage. In fact, the bamboo plant is considered a grass, as it grows much quicker than any tree. When done responsibly, bamboo plant harvesting can be accomplished in a environmentally friendly manner.
How does bamboo wood flooring compare with traditional hardwoods? High quality bamboo flooring is harder and more durable than even the most expensive hardwood flooring. Moisture is also less of a problem for bamboo flooring. Where traditional hardwood may cup and crown due to water exposure, bamboo flooring can absorb the moisture without a problem. Bamboo flooring is engineered like a laminate and treated under extremely high pressure with a high quality adhesive. This makes bamboo flooring very resistant to abrasions and scratches, where a hardwood floor would end up showing scratches. Bamboo flooring has become significantly more affordable in the past few years as well.
Best of all, bamboo flooring can typically be installed at home without any professional assistance. Like many of the newer hardwoods, bamboo flooring is made with a groove that allows the planks to interlock, making them considerably easier to install. Prior to laying down a bamboo floor, let the planks sit in their new environment for no less than 72 hours. Although bamboo flooring is very resistant to moisture, they do need some time to adjust to the new environment before installation.
What steps need to be taken in order to provide upkeep for a bamboo floor? Maintenance requirements are fairly easy for bamboo flooring. Make certain to sweep and mop the floor after it is laid down. Regular dusting and sweeping should be done after installation. This will prevent dust and dirt from collecting on the finish. A mat used at the entrance way will keep out a great deal of dust and dirt. Dirt and small rocks can easily scratch the finish, and a mat can go a long way in preventing this problem.
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