Monday 9 February 2009

Bamboo Flooring And It's Many Qualities

Bamboo flooring is rapidly becoming the first choice for consumers given it's environmental qualities. In an age when environmentally friendly materials are sought more and more, bamboo flooring has several qualities which make it an attractive alternative to traditional hardwood flooring.

As a member of the grass family, bamboo can regenerate without the need for replanting, requiring minimal fertilization and general maintenance. Bamboo flooring can be used in most residential applications where other flooring types such as carpet, tile and wood are used. It's a good idea to check with your supplier about your particular area as bamboo flooring may not be appropriate in some areas.

Life Of Bamboo Flooting

In most cases, bamboo flooring should last a lifetime and when compared with less durable materials which require more maintenance and regular replacing, cost savings over the long term make bamboo flooring an attractive decision over other materials. Environmentalists will tell you in no uncertain manner that regular replacing of unsustainable materials increases waste generation so as an alternative, bamboo flooring's durability and environment friendly nature give it a resounding edge in this department.

Bamboo Flooring Hardness

Amazingly, bamboo is harder than most hardwoods. This sounds surprising given that it is a member of the grass family but it's hardness and durability factors are swaying consumers to it in large numbers. In fact, on the hardness scale, some bamboo species have received a higher hardness rating than maple and almost double the hardness of red oak.

Bamboo flooring has strong resilient qualities and because of it's moisture resistant abilities, it is now a favored choice of consumers in the wet areas of the home. Problems such as warping or gapping are reduced because of this.

Again, the environmental aspect of bamboo flooring keeps hitting home. Capable of reaching maturity in less than five years, bamboo can be harvested many times over. Other hardwood species normally reach maturity from anywhere to 30-100 years so that is a long time between harvests. By using bamboo as your flooring choice you will be doing your part in saving a tree.

For attractiveness, bamboo flooring has a distinctive appearance with a uniform color and tight grain. It's attractive look is one of the most impressionable aspects of a consumers decision to purchase. It's kind of a lasting first impression and combined with it's environmental qualities, bamboo flooring is almost a "no brainer" as a flooring alternative.

While we have lauded the many qualities offered with bamboo flooring it's always a good idea to perform some due diligence before purchasing. Compare bamboo flooring from different manufacturers as your decision to install a bamboo floor will virtually be a lifelong decision.

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