Bamboo flooring is somewhat different than typical wood flooring. It is sometimes classified as exotic wood flooring, but it is becoming more and more popular, and more and more commonplace. Technically, bamboo is manufactured flooring. It is almost, but not quite the same as engineered flooring. A bamboo tree is not harvested, and then cut up into bamboo planks. You cannot get a long, flat plank from a bamboo tree. Instead, the bamboo is pulled off in strips, which are either solidly glued together, fused together under high pressure, or some combination of both, after which it is formed into planks.
Being a Sustainable Resource adds to Its Appeal
Bamboo is a fast-growing tree. The trees used to produce this natural flooring typically take between 3 and 7 years from planting until they are ready to harvest. When a tree is cut down the root is left behind, and a new tree will begin to grow almost immediately.
Light and Modern – Perhaps Too Modern for Some
Depending on the direction of the grain, a bamboo floor can have a very clean, somewhat modern look, especially if it is left unstained, or it can have an appearance featuring a bit more character. This type of flooring is well suited for use with lighter, modern furnishings. Bamboo flooring is available in a variety of colors and patterns. It is not as rich and warm looking as some other hardwoods however. It is not difficult to install, and except for specially prepared types, bamboo flooring compares favorably with other hardwood flooring in terms of cost.
Tough, Durable, Stable, and Easy to Clean
Bamboo is a very hard wood, it is not quite as hard as hickory, but it is slightly harder than oak and ash. A bamboo floor is easier to clean than some types of wood flooring although it somewhat depends upon the finish of the surface. Bamboo is more moisture resistant than many other types of hardwood, and more stain resistant as well. It can be expected to hold up anywhere from 20 to 50 years, although it is no match for oak flooring in terms of longevity. If you install an oak floor, it will probably outlast you; your bamboo floor may or may not.
The Two Most Popular Major Brands
The two most popular brands in the United States are Plybo and Cali. Many consumers consider Plybo to be the leading provider of high-quality bamboo flooring. The special soy-based adhesive Plybo uses tends to drive up the price of its products somewhat, but you definitely get what you pay for.
Cali is known for the variety of different patterns it produces. Cali also manufacturers bamboo decking, constructed from reclaimed bamboo fibers and recycled plastics. Cali’s real claim to fame however lies in one of its special products: Cali Fossilized bamboo. This particular flooring material is manufactured by kiln-heating bamboo strips, treating them with adhesive material, and putting them under tremendous pressure. The result is flooring material that is roughly 50% harder than the hardest of natural woods used in flooring, Brazilian Walnut Ipe.
Should You Purchase Bamboo Flooring?
Yes, if you like the looks of it. Definitely yes if you have contemporary furnishings and are looking for flooring that has a sense of spaciousness about it.