Anyone considering renovations to their home or office may be at a crossroad when it comes to deciding what type of flooring to use. Bamboo has become increasingly popular over the last few years because it is highly renewable and relatively inexpensive. Two terms that are used to describe bamboo flooring are "solid" and "engineered." It is important for anyone choosing between the two to understand the pros and cons of each and the features that make them unique from one another. While it is difficult to say that one is definitely better than the other, they both have unique aspects that may make one more preferable.
The biggest difference between engineered and solid bamboo flooring lies in their construction processes. Solid bamboo is exactly what the name implies. Solid pieces of bamboo are glued together to form the flooring. Every part of solid bamboo flooring is made up of bamboo. Solid bamboo usually comes in one of two varieties, vertical or horizontal. These two types are constructed in much the same manner, the difference being the way that the bamboo pieces are placed before they are glued together. The look of the flooring is the defining difference between vertical and horizontal bamboo flooring.
Solid bamboo flooring may also be made by taking small strips of bamboo and, after mixing them together with a very powerful adhesive, pressing the mixture together under heat that is extremely high. This method provides consumers with an incredibly strong bamboo floor. Engineered bamboo, on the other hand, is produced in a very different way altogether. This type of flooring involves taking thin strips of bamboo and gluing them together to form a top layer. The top layer is then adhered to a wood core. This wood core is made up of different types of wood that is comprised of layers.
Each layer of the wood core is turned in a different direction to create a very strong cross ply core. The core of engineered bamboo is made in a way that is not unlike plywood. Engineered bamboo and solid bamboo are indistinguishable once the floor has been laid. The biggest difference for consumers between the two is the price. Engineered bamboo also is likely to have a longer life because the way that it is constructed prevents it from expanding and contracting as much as solid bamboo. Engineered bamboo is also somewhat easier to install because it can be simply glued down to a concrete floor.
Showing posts with label bamboo flooring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bamboo flooring. Show all posts
Saturday, 2 April 2011
7 Bamboo Flooring Install Tips
Installing a bamboo floor yourself is not as complicated as it may seem, but there are some basic rules that should be followed to ensure a trouble-free set up. You can generally separate the whole process in two stages -- pre-installation and actual installation.
1. Invest on book. It is a good idea to get a book on general Do-It-Yourself floor installation, especially if you're new to this. It will teach you basic knowledge and techniques that are used and give you more confidence that you're capable of doing the job yourself.
2. Read the factory manual. Trivial indeed, but there are many cases of people rushing to do the job without reading the guide book, especially those who are experienced and have done such work before. It's important to understand that although similar in construction and demands, bamboo floor packages differ from brand to brand and from type to type. There are many subtle details that might impact the overall quality of the finished floor. Very often mistakes won't become evident until months and years of exploitation. This may prove very costly to fix and replace. Some warranties also have a clause that demand you follow the manual or they become invalid.
3. Acclimatize the bamboo planks. Something that is a general rule for installing any type of floor cover. It is an essential step before attending the installation itself. Since humidity plays a big role to the structural unity of the floor planks, it is important you let all of them stay for at least 72 hours in the room they're going to be used. The room itself has to be set to the temperature and humidity levels it's going to have in the majority of time later during normal use. If it's a new built or renewed room, make sure any construction plaster, coating and paint have dried out completely before leaving the bamboo floor elements inside. That includes work done on the ceiling, walls and sub-floor.
4. Smooth, dry and clean the sub-floor. Speaking of sub-floors, this is very important indeed. Although tiny height differences are allowed, aim for as smooth surface as possible, whether it's concrete, cement, plywood or vinyl. Make sure no dirt or other particles are left over as that would compromise the uniform protection to moisture and cause damage to the underside of the bamboo planks over time.
5. Decide on nails, glue or floating floor. This is mostly down to the type of bamboo floor you've bought and the manual should specify which is best. With some you have the freedom in choosing the way it's laid onto the sub-floor. Nailing is easier to do and is suitable for solid and engineered bamboo floors, while gluing is can be used for any type, but takes more effort.
6. Below grade, on grade or above grade? Grade is the virtual horizontal line that refers to the Earth's surface around your house. Below grade is generally not suitable for natural material flooring like bamboo as it consistently exposes it to moisture. Still, if you are putting on a floating floor, this is a possible solution. On grade on the other hand is not as bad, but there is still some risk, especially with glued floors. Above grade is the best option so go with that if your house allows it.
7. Have proper equipment. Not only tools, but also proper clothing is essential, especially when dealing with glue. Protective overalls and gloves are necessary to ensure your own safety as well as making it easier to carry instruments around.
1. Invest on book. It is a good idea to get a book on general Do-It-Yourself floor installation, especially if you're new to this. It will teach you basic knowledge and techniques that are used and give you more confidence that you're capable of doing the job yourself.
2. Read the factory manual. Trivial indeed, but there are many cases of people rushing to do the job without reading the guide book, especially those who are experienced and have done such work before. It's important to understand that although similar in construction and demands, bamboo floor packages differ from brand to brand and from type to type. There are many subtle details that might impact the overall quality of the finished floor. Very often mistakes won't become evident until months and years of exploitation. This may prove very costly to fix and replace. Some warranties also have a clause that demand you follow the manual or they become invalid.
3. Acclimatize the bamboo planks. Something that is a general rule for installing any type of floor cover. It is an essential step before attending the installation itself. Since humidity plays a big role to the structural unity of the floor planks, it is important you let all of them stay for at least 72 hours in the room they're going to be used. The room itself has to be set to the temperature and humidity levels it's going to have in the majority of time later during normal use. If it's a new built or renewed room, make sure any construction plaster, coating and paint have dried out completely before leaving the bamboo floor elements inside. That includes work done on the ceiling, walls and sub-floor.
4. Smooth, dry and clean the sub-floor. Speaking of sub-floors, this is very important indeed. Although tiny height differences are allowed, aim for as smooth surface as possible, whether it's concrete, cement, plywood or vinyl. Make sure no dirt or other particles are left over as that would compromise the uniform protection to moisture and cause damage to the underside of the bamboo planks over time.
5. Decide on nails, glue or floating floor. This is mostly down to the type of bamboo floor you've bought and the manual should specify which is best. With some you have the freedom in choosing the way it's laid onto the sub-floor. Nailing is easier to do and is suitable for solid and engineered bamboo floors, while gluing is can be used for any type, but takes more effort.
6. Below grade, on grade or above grade? Grade is the virtual horizontal line that refers to the Earth's surface around your house. Below grade is generally not suitable for natural material flooring like bamboo as it consistently exposes it to moisture. Still, if you are putting on a floating floor, this is a possible solution. On grade on the other hand is not as bad, but there is still some risk, especially with glued floors. Above grade is the best option so go with that if your house allows it.
7. Have proper equipment. Not only tools, but also proper clothing is essential, especially when dealing with glue. Protective overalls and gloves are necessary to ensure your own safety as well as making it easier to carry instruments around.
Monday, 31 January 2011
Bamboo Flooring a Brief Overview of Uses and Expectations
Bamboo: An Alternative Choice to Hardwood and Laminate
Bamboo is one of the newest and most exciting products to come into the flooring industry. Though initially passed off by some flooring professionals as a trendy product, bamboo has emerged as a proven flooring choice that is beautiful, durable, versatile, inexpensive, and very environmentally friendly. Because of these attributes the popularity of bamboo has grown tremendously in recent years. After understanding how bamboo is made, the different styles available, durability, and the environmental factor, you can decide for yourself if bamboo will be your latest flooring choice.
What Exactly is Bamboo Anyway?
Bamboo is actually a grass that can be found in almost all parts of the earth. The bamboo that is used for flooring however is primarily grown in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. In these regions bamboo can grow up to three feet a day and can be harvested every five to six years. This harvesting does not kill the bamboo and in fact the bamboo will grow new stalks without the need for replanting. The end result is a product that has a Janka hardness rating of up to 25% greater than red oak and about equivalent to North American maple. And because bamboo is a grass, it is much more resistant to moisture than any hardwood, resulting in a product that expands much less than other hardwoods. Ultimately bamboo flooring is strong, durable, and can be sanded and refinished just like most hardwood floors, but is unrivaled in its positive environmental impact.
The Manufacturing Process
After the stalks have been cut down they are cut to prescribed lengths and then pushed against knives to product splits. These splits are then flattened and put through a four sided mill. Some of these splits are steamed to produce the carbonized color. Bamboo has natural sugars within it that when steamed will turn the bamboo to a rich brown color. Then the bamboo is kiln dried to remove most of the moisture. The kiln dried splits have glue applied to them and are hot pressed to form the planks. These planks are then fed into a planer that also cuts the tongue and grooves. From here they are sanded, finished, and boxed.
Horizontal, Vertical, and Strand Woven
Bamboo flooring comes in horizontal grain, vertical grain, and strand woven. Each of these styles features its own unique look and performance. Horizontal grain is made by laying the splits horizontally, stacked three high, and then gluing them together. The finished product gives an appearance of bamboo stalks where one can see the knuckles of the bamboo. Vertical grain is made by laying the splits vertically and gluing them together. This gives a unique appearance of long narrow strips where the knuckles are mostly hidden. Strand woven bamboo is made by mixing various scraps of bamboo with glue and compressing it. The final appearance is one that is very unique and random where one can see the knuckles occasionally. Vertical grain is typically about 2-5% softer than the horizontal grain. In the flooring world this is really a minute amount and should not be considered when choosing a style. The strand woven however can have a Janka rating as high as 4000 because of the compression that takes place during the manufacturing process. No wood's hardness can compare to strand woven bamboo.
Natural, Carbonized, Stained, and Handscraped
When bamboo flooring first was launched into the flooring world it was very limited in style and color. This has changed dramatically recently. Traditionally bamboo is sold as natural or carbonized. Natural bamboo is very light and has a blonde look to it. Carbonized bamboo is much darker and has a rich brown color to it. The carbonization process does make the bamboo about 5% softer than the natural product. One of the great things about natural and carbonized bamboo is that typically there is a little color variation between boards and also within the board itself. This adds to the unique character of bamboo flooring. In recent years there has been a few manufacturers providing stained bamboo in a wide assortment of colors. This has really opened up the door for customers who like the environmental aspects of bamboo but want more color options. One of the hottest trends today is handscraped flooring. Though primarily done on hardwood floors, a few manufacturers now have started doing this with bamboo. This gives a distressed look and can be found in a wide variety of colors as well.
Solid, Engineered, Longstrip, and Installation Methods
One of the best characteristics of bamboo is versatility in installation methods. Bamboo can essentially be installed in nearly all locations and is manufactured in many forms. Most of the bamboo sold today is a solid bamboo plank that is typically a three foot or six foot board, about 3 ¾ inches wide, and 5/8th's of an inch thick. The unique thing about solid bamboo is that it can be glued directly onto a concrete slab unlike a solid ¾ inch hardwood. This is because bamboo is a grass and is a lot more resistant to moisture than hardwoods. Solid bamboo can also be glued or nailed onto a plywood subfloor. It is not recommended to do a floating installation with any bamboo flooring that is less than four inches wide. A few manufacturers also make a solid longstrip product that is typically about six feet long and about 6 ½ inches wide. This can be glued, nailed, or floated. Another fairly popular option is a longstrip engineered bamboo. Nearly all engineered bamboo clicks together like a laminate floor and is designed to be floated. They could also be glued onto concrete if desired. These boards are typically about 7 ½ inches wide, six feet long, and about ½ inch thick. Typically the engineered bamboo products have a square edge which will give the look of a sand and finish on-site floor. All of the solid bamboo floors have a micro-beveled edge.
All of these options in styles and colors have increased the popularity of bamboo. Bamboo flooring can be found in some of the trendiest restaurants and hotels, as well as comfortable, casual homes. It is important to note though that bamboo is not for everybody. Many flooring sales representatives tend to talk about bamboo being as hard as a rock, when really it is just above average when compared to other hardwoods. Also, bamboo does not have a lot of grain so dents and scratches tend to be a little more noticeable. Most of us realize, all natural wood flooring products will dent and scratch. Expectations of a floor's performance should be set accordingly; floors are an integral part of everyday life, and will reflect their use and care. As a whole, when one considers its durability, versatility of installation, affordability, variety of style and color, and environmentally friendliness, bamboo is hard to beat as a flooring choice.
Bamboo is one of the newest and most exciting products to come into the flooring industry. Though initially passed off by some flooring professionals as a trendy product, bamboo has emerged as a proven flooring choice that is beautiful, durable, versatile, inexpensive, and very environmentally friendly. Because of these attributes the popularity of bamboo has grown tremendously in recent years. After understanding how bamboo is made, the different styles available, durability, and the environmental factor, you can decide for yourself if bamboo will be your latest flooring choice.
What Exactly is Bamboo Anyway?
Bamboo is actually a grass that can be found in almost all parts of the earth. The bamboo that is used for flooring however is primarily grown in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. In these regions bamboo can grow up to three feet a day and can be harvested every five to six years. This harvesting does not kill the bamboo and in fact the bamboo will grow new stalks without the need for replanting. The end result is a product that has a Janka hardness rating of up to 25% greater than red oak and about equivalent to North American maple. And because bamboo is a grass, it is much more resistant to moisture than any hardwood, resulting in a product that expands much less than other hardwoods. Ultimately bamboo flooring is strong, durable, and can be sanded and refinished just like most hardwood floors, but is unrivaled in its positive environmental impact.
The Manufacturing Process
After the stalks have been cut down they are cut to prescribed lengths and then pushed against knives to product splits. These splits are then flattened and put through a four sided mill. Some of these splits are steamed to produce the carbonized color. Bamboo has natural sugars within it that when steamed will turn the bamboo to a rich brown color. Then the bamboo is kiln dried to remove most of the moisture. The kiln dried splits have glue applied to them and are hot pressed to form the planks. These planks are then fed into a planer that also cuts the tongue and grooves. From here they are sanded, finished, and boxed.
Horizontal, Vertical, and Strand Woven
Bamboo flooring comes in horizontal grain, vertical grain, and strand woven. Each of these styles features its own unique look and performance. Horizontal grain is made by laying the splits horizontally, stacked three high, and then gluing them together. The finished product gives an appearance of bamboo stalks where one can see the knuckles of the bamboo. Vertical grain is made by laying the splits vertically and gluing them together. This gives a unique appearance of long narrow strips where the knuckles are mostly hidden. Strand woven bamboo is made by mixing various scraps of bamboo with glue and compressing it. The final appearance is one that is very unique and random where one can see the knuckles occasionally. Vertical grain is typically about 2-5% softer than the horizontal grain. In the flooring world this is really a minute amount and should not be considered when choosing a style. The strand woven however can have a Janka rating as high as 4000 because of the compression that takes place during the manufacturing process. No wood's hardness can compare to strand woven bamboo.
Natural, Carbonized, Stained, and Handscraped
When bamboo flooring first was launched into the flooring world it was very limited in style and color. This has changed dramatically recently. Traditionally bamboo is sold as natural or carbonized. Natural bamboo is very light and has a blonde look to it. Carbonized bamboo is much darker and has a rich brown color to it. The carbonization process does make the bamboo about 5% softer than the natural product. One of the great things about natural and carbonized bamboo is that typically there is a little color variation between boards and also within the board itself. This adds to the unique character of bamboo flooring. In recent years there has been a few manufacturers providing stained bamboo in a wide assortment of colors. This has really opened up the door for customers who like the environmental aspects of bamboo but want more color options. One of the hottest trends today is handscraped flooring. Though primarily done on hardwood floors, a few manufacturers now have started doing this with bamboo. This gives a distressed look and can be found in a wide variety of colors as well.
Solid, Engineered, Longstrip, and Installation Methods
One of the best characteristics of bamboo is versatility in installation methods. Bamboo can essentially be installed in nearly all locations and is manufactured in many forms. Most of the bamboo sold today is a solid bamboo plank that is typically a three foot or six foot board, about 3 ¾ inches wide, and 5/8th's of an inch thick. The unique thing about solid bamboo is that it can be glued directly onto a concrete slab unlike a solid ¾ inch hardwood. This is because bamboo is a grass and is a lot more resistant to moisture than hardwoods. Solid bamboo can also be glued or nailed onto a plywood subfloor. It is not recommended to do a floating installation with any bamboo flooring that is less than four inches wide. A few manufacturers also make a solid longstrip product that is typically about six feet long and about 6 ½ inches wide. This can be glued, nailed, or floated. Another fairly popular option is a longstrip engineered bamboo. Nearly all engineered bamboo clicks together like a laminate floor and is designed to be floated. They could also be glued onto concrete if desired. These boards are typically about 7 ½ inches wide, six feet long, and about ½ inch thick. Typically the engineered bamboo products have a square edge which will give the look of a sand and finish on-site floor. All of the solid bamboo floors have a micro-beveled edge.
All of these options in styles and colors have increased the popularity of bamboo. Bamboo flooring can be found in some of the trendiest restaurants and hotels, as well as comfortable, casual homes. It is important to note though that bamboo is not for everybody. Many flooring sales representatives tend to talk about bamboo being as hard as a rock, when really it is just above average when compared to other hardwoods. Also, bamboo does not have a lot of grain so dents and scratches tend to be a little more noticeable. Most of us realize, all natural wood flooring products will dent and scratch. Expectations of a floor's performance should be set accordingly; floors are an integral part of everyday life, and will reflect their use and care. As a whole, when one considers its durability, versatility of installation, affordability, variety of style and color, and environmentally friendliness, bamboo is hard to beat as a flooring choice.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Bamboo Flooring - An Eco Friendly Flooring Alternative To Hardwood
There is no denying the beauty and durability of traditional hardwood flooring, especially ones with nice grain patterns and stained in warm colors. However, with the increased interest in conservation and concern for the environment, more and more people are looking for alternatives to hardwood flooring for their homes. There are many different natural and man-made flooring materials available today but none as unique as bamboo.
Bamboo is an ideal material to make into eco friendly flooring: It grows extremely fast; it is sturdy and stable; it is beautiful to look at; and it is cost effective.
Bamboo flooring is made from bamboo, which is a grass. Bamboo is considered a renewable resource because it is a fast growing plant that can be harvested again and again. Bamboo is the fasting growing plant on Earth. Some species of bamboo can grow up to three feet in a single day. Because of its rapid growth, bamboo can be harvested every 3 to 5 years, as opposed to oak trees which can take up to 10 to 20 years to grow to useful size. Quality bamboo flooring is usually made with bamboo that is harvested in its 7th year.
While bamboo is not wood, bamboo flooring is comparable to hardwood floors in sturdiness and durability. It is almost as hard as oak and maple, and tougher than many of the traditional hardwood flooring materials used in the average homes. However, bear in mind that the durability of bamboo flooring depends on the species of bamboo, the age of the plant when it was harvested, and the process used to make the flooring.
Bamboo can be stained and finished just like regular hardwood and thus, bamboo flooring comes in a variety of colors and grains, just like hardwood flooring. Some people appreciate the more subtle grain patterns of bamboo as compared to the more pronounced ring like patterns of hardwood.
Another great benefit of bamboo flooring is price. Time was when bamboo flooring was hard to find and expensive. However, thanks to its growing popularity and increased production, bamboo flooring prices have come down. The average cost of bamboo flooring is between $2 and $4 per square foot, which is comparable to the price of oak flooring. And bamboo floor planks are no longer difficult to find as they are commonly sold alongside traditional hardwood flooring at all the hardware stores.
Installing bamboo flooring is easy too. Bamboo floors can be installed using any of the usual hardwood floor installation methods, which include free floating floor where the planks are simply glued together to form a single piece and float freely over the sub-floor, straight gluing a new floor to an existing floor, and a basic nailing method of nailing each plank to the sub-floor.
Bamboo flooring is proving to be a versatile and attractive alternative to hardwood flooring. It is unique in appearance, available in many different colors and grain patterns, and competitively priced.
If you're looking for a uniquely beautiful flooring material that will provide years of character and warmth to your home, you can’t go wrong with installing a high quality bamboo floor.
Bamboo is an ideal material to make into eco friendly flooring: It grows extremely fast; it is sturdy and stable; it is beautiful to look at; and it is cost effective.
Bamboo flooring is made from bamboo, which is a grass. Bamboo is considered a renewable resource because it is a fast growing plant that can be harvested again and again. Bamboo is the fasting growing plant on Earth. Some species of bamboo can grow up to three feet in a single day. Because of its rapid growth, bamboo can be harvested every 3 to 5 years, as opposed to oak trees which can take up to 10 to 20 years to grow to useful size. Quality bamboo flooring is usually made with bamboo that is harvested in its 7th year.
While bamboo is not wood, bamboo flooring is comparable to hardwood floors in sturdiness and durability. It is almost as hard as oak and maple, and tougher than many of the traditional hardwood flooring materials used in the average homes. However, bear in mind that the durability of bamboo flooring depends on the species of bamboo, the age of the plant when it was harvested, and the process used to make the flooring.
Bamboo can be stained and finished just like regular hardwood and thus, bamboo flooring comes in a variety of colors and grains, just like hardwood flooring. Some people appreciate the more subtle grain patterns of bamboo as compared to the more pronounced ring like patterns of hardwood.
Another great benefit of bamboo flooring is price. Time was when bamboo flooring was hard to find and expensive. However, thanks to its growing popularity and increased production, bamboo flooring prices have come down. The average cost of bamboo flooring is between $2 and $4 per square foot, which is comparable to the price of oak flooring. And bamboo floor planks are no longer difficult to find as they are commonly sold alongside traditional hardwood flooring at all the hardware stores.
Installing bamboo flooring is easy too. Bamboo floors can be installed using any of the usual hardwood floor installation methods, which include free floating floor where the planks are simply glued together to form a single piece and float freely over the sub-floor, straight gluing a new floor to an existing floor, and a basic nailing method of nailing each plank to the sub-floor.
Bamboo flooring is proving to be a versatile and attractive alternative to hardwood flooring. It is unique in appearance, available in many different colors and grain patterns, and competitively priced.
If you're looking for a uniquely beautiful flooring material that will provide years of character and warmth to your home, you can’t go wrong with installing a high quality bamboo floor.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
5 Reasons To Use Bamboo Flooring In Your Home
Are you considering replacing your old, worn-out flooring? Or are you building a new home and going through the process of choosing your flooring options? If so, here are our top five reasons for choosing Bamboo Flooring over types of wood flooring.
#1. Environmental Friendliness.
Because it is technically a grass and a highly renewable source of material, bamboo flooring is an exceptionally eco-friendly product. If you see the benefit in trying to reduce the number of trees cut annually for building materials and other uses, you'll quickly appreciate the environmental value that bamboo flooring provides.
#2. Durability.
While scientifically classified as a grass, Bamboo has been laboratory tested to be 6% harder than oak flooring. Because of its hardness, it does not wear out easily. Bamboo flooring will out-last oak flooring. Many manufacturers of bamboo flooring even provide a lifetime guarantee. Because it will last for so long, the cost per year of use is extremely low.
Bamboo flooring is stronger and harder than any other type of wood flooring. Bamboo is actually used as rebar for reinforced concrete beams, due to the fact that it has a tensile strength of 28,000 lbs per square inch compared to 23,000 for steel. There is not a more durable wood floor than bamboo.
#3. Beauty.
While bamboo is a grass and not a tree, once manufactured into flooring it has the same appeal that traditional wood flooring has. There is a natural beauty of the product. Like wood, bamboo can be finished with a clear protective coating, or can be stained to provide some color. The beauty of bamboo matches that of many select grades of lumber.
#4. Moisture Resistance.
Being a grass, bamboo is highly resistant to rot and decay from moisture. It naturally thrives in moist areas, and it doesn't lose its affinity for moisture once harvested and manufactured into flooring. You can use bamboo flooring in very moist areas where traditional hardwood floors would not be recommended.
#5. Ease of Maintenance and Cleaning.
Like the hardwood floors that are its competitors, bamboo flooring is very easy to maintain and keep clean, unlike carpet. There is no vacuum required. A simple dust mop is the preferred cleaning tool. Occasionally, you'll want to mop with soap and water. All in all, the upkeep and maintenance for bamboo flooring is among the lowest of all the flooring types. Even tile floors have grout issues that raise the maintenance levels. That is not so with bamboo.
Considering these solid reasons for a bamboo floor as your top choice for flooring selections, it is no wonder that the popularity of bamboo flooring rises steadily with each passing year.
#1. Environmental Friendliness.
Because it is technically a grass and a highly renewable source of material, bamboo flooring is an exceptionally eco-friendly product. If you see the benefit in trying to reduce the number of trees cut annually for building materials and other uses, you'll quickly appreciate the environmental value that bamboo flooring provides.
#2. Durability.
While scientifically classified as a grass, Bamboo has been laboratory tested to be 6% harder than oak flooring. Because of its hardness, it does not wear out easily. Bamboo flooring will out-last oak flooring. Many manufacturers of bamboo flooring even provide a lifetime guarantee. Because it will last for so long, the cost per year of use is extremely low.
Bamboo flooring is stronger and harder than any other type of wood flooring. Bamboo is actually used as rebar for reinforced concrete beams, due to the fact that it has a tensile strength of 28,000 lbs per square inch compared to 23,000 for steel. There is not a more durable wood floor than bamboo.
#3. Beauty.
While bamboo is a grass and not a tree, once manufactured into flooring it has the same appeal that traditional wood flooring has. There is a natural beauty of the product. Like wood, bamboo can be finished with a clear protective coating, or can be stained to provide some color. The beauty of bamboo matches that of many select grades of lumber.
#4. Moisture Resistance.
Being a grass, bamboo is highly resistant to rot and decay from moisture. It naturally thrives in moist areas, and it doesn't lose its affinity for moisture once harvested and manufactured into flooring. You can use bamboo flooring in very moist areas where traditional hardwood floors would not be recommended.
#5. Ease of Maintenance and Cleaning.
Like the hardwood floors that are its competitors, bamboo flooring is very easy to maintain and keep clean, unlike carpet. There is no vacuum required. A simple dust mop is the preferred cleaning tool. Occasionally, you'll want to mop with soap and water. All in all, the upkeep and maintenance for bamboo flooring is among the lowest of all the flooring types. Even tile floors have grout issues that raise the maintenance levels. That is not so with bamboo.
Considering these solid reasons for a bamboo floor as your top choice for flooring selections, it is no wonder that the popularity of bamboo flooring rises steadily with each passing year.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Bamboo Flooring Information
Bamboo flooring is an ecological alternative to hardwood, and is often very desirable for its aesthetic appearance, coupled with its natural water resistance. Contrary to beliefs, this type of flooring is often smooth, even and extremely similar in appearance to laminated flooring or other woods which may not offer the same kindness to the environment. It is a popular choice for many homeowners today.
Much like its mass-produced alternatives, bamboo flooring can last a long time if properly installed and maintained. It is often sold in plank-form, meaning installation is fairly straightforward and therefore labor costs should be relatively low. This is another beauty of this type of flooring and is responsible for the increase in homeowners utilizing it in their own homes. It also caters for all tastes, with manufacturers supplying flooring in many colors and styles.
Two hot topics in the media are how to conserve money in times of a recession, and how to stay green without impacting the costs of the individual, and bamboo flooring takes care of both. Often, the wood is farmed from sustainable forests and uses environmentally friendly processes to harvest it. The wood regenerates at a much faster rate than regular hardwood and is much more stable than maple. The wood also offers highly dent-resistant qualities whilst qualifying, in some cases, for green credits, saving you more money for the other things that matter.
Not many flooring choices offer the consumer as many benefits as bamboo flooring. Not only is is environmentally beneficial, but it is also fiscally sound. Many of the processes used after harvesting have been tweaked to make sure they have minimum impact on the green reputation of bamboo, and there are many manufacturers who offer alternatively processed or untreated wood which is ready to be fitted and still has many of the benefits that treated wood has. Manufacturers have put thought into the entire process of bringing bamboo to the consumer. Even the dyes used are applied in an environmentally-friendly way. Pesticides and harmful chemicals are not used in the forests that grow bamboo, and the surrounding landscape is left unharmed by the treatment of the forests and the harvesting process.
Bamboo flooring is useful in many situations, such as the home and the office. It is cheap, flexible and easy to fit, meaning consumers really get the most out of their budget and time without compromising a comfortable and beautifully constructed home.
Much like its mass-produced alternatives, bamboo flooring can last a long time if properly installed and maintained. It is often sold in plank-form, meaning installation is fairly straightforward and therefore labor costs should be relatively low. This is another beauty of this type of flooring and is responsible for the increase in homeowners utilizing it in their own homes. It also caters for all tastes, with manufacturers supplying flooring in many colors and styles.
Two hot topics in the media are how to conserve money in times of a recession, and how to stay green without impacting the costs of the individual, and bamboo flooring takes care of both. Often, the wood is farmed from sustainable forests and uses environmentally friendly processes to harvest it. The wood regenerates at a much faster rate than regular hardwood and is much more stable than maple. The wood also offers highly dent-resistant qualities whilst qualifying, in some cases, for green credits, saving you more money for the other things that matter.
Not many flooring choices offer the consumer as many benefits as bamboo flooring. Not only is is environmentally beneficial, but it is also fiscally sound. Many of the processes used after harvesting have been tweaked to make sure they have minimum impact on the green reputation of bamboo, and there are many manufacturers who offer alternatively processed or untreated wood which is ready to be fitted and still has many of the benefits that treated wood has. Manufacturers have put thought into the entire process of bringing bamboo to the consumer. Even the dyes used are applied in an environmentally-friendly way. Pesticides and harmful chemicals are not used in the forests that grow bamboo, and the surrounding landscape is left unharmed by the treatment of the forests and the harvesting process.
Bamboo flooring is useful in many situations, such as the home and the office. It is cheap, flexible and easy to fit, meaning consumers really get the most out of their budget and time without compromising a comfortable and beautifully constructed home.
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Benefits of Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is a growing and popular trend. As an imported staple from Japan, North American consumers have been opting for bamboo more and more in recent years. Bamboo is actually a grass, not a wood, and it's a popular alternative to hardwood or wood laminate floors. Why choose bamboo, and what are the benefits of bamboo flooring? With bamboo, for the most part, a homeowner can get just as beautiful of a look, plus easier installation, lower cost for materials, and environmentally-friendly benefits.
First, bamboo is known for it's strength and durability, allowing it to support many times it's weight. It is stronger than many hardwood floors. It is nearly unbreakable, and buyers are often able to get a 25-year warranty on a bamboo floor. Plus, because it's a plant, it is resistant to moisture and is less likely to develop water stains from spills. The type of processing can affect the strength, such as strand-woven bamboo, whose processing makes it stronger than traditional bamboo. The finish also makes a difference. Bamboo with a Klumpp-brand finish and bamboo with a semi-gloss finish is stronger than bamboo with an aluminum oxide or satin coat finish.
The beautiful and unique look of bamboo is due to its uniformity of color. 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.
Bamboo is relatively easy to install; it can be glued, nailed, or left as a so-called "floating floor." It doesn't require the same cutting tools as harder woods like oak and mahogany; mostly hand tools. The potential for a homeowner to install it themselves can be a big money saver. Bamboo doesn't need to be installed over any particular type of sub-floor; an inexpensive plywood is sufficient. Some can even be installed directly onto a concrete sub-floor.
Maintenance and cleaning of a bamboo floor is pretty simple. Particles of dirt and grit can scratch the bamboo finish, so they need to be swept with a soft broom or dust mop. It's recommended to have a mat inside or outside all entry doors, and have everyone wipe their feet before their shoes touch the floor, to absorb water and catch debris. Despite its overall great strength, on certain floors the load pressure from high-heeled shoes on a small surface area can make dents in the bamboo, so high heels should be avoided. If you use throw rugs, make sure they don't have a rubber no-slip backing, as the rubber can discolor the floor, and make sure the rug itself is colorfast. Use small pieces of felt or other material under chair and table legs and other furniture legs, and don't drag furniture across the floor. Spot clean with a damp cloth; you can use a wood floor cleaner if needed. Wipe up spills as soon as possible with a soft cloth.
A great benefit of bamboo flooring is that it can be half the cost of traditional hardwood floors, depending on the grade, finish, and the processing applied.
Another appealing quality is that it is an eco-friendly, renewable resource. Once bamboo is cut, it can be re-grown from the same plant again and again. Unlike trees, bamboo completely re-grows within a few years. Plus, remaining bamboo leaves and bamboo shoots are fed to livestock.
Allergy sufferers appreciate that bamboo doesn't attract dust or dust mites. There are certain allergen concerns with materials used in some bamboo laminate materials and floor adhesives. Lower-quality bamboo from some manufacturers may have problems with resins and outgassing of chemicals such as formaldehyde. However, if a consumer researches and asks questions, they can find a quality manufacturer to alleviate those concerns.
Bamboo floors have a natural beauty and durability. Unlike laminate, bamboo is a completely natural material. It's an eco-friendly, sustainable resource. Despite its potential vulnerability to high-heeled shoes, bamboo is still more durable than pine and many vinyl floors. Ask for flooring samples to take home, and subject them to your own tests against scratches and dents. Bamboo flooring is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, easy to install, and easily cleaned and maintained. It's advised for the consumer to do their homework and choose their manufacturer carefully, to avoid the allergy and durability concerns with certain manufacturers.
First, bamboo is known for it's strength and durability, allowing it to support many times it's weight. It is stronger than many hardwood floors. It is nearly unbreakable, and buyers are often able to get a 25-year warranty on a bamboo floor. Plus, because it's a plant, it is resistant to moisture and is less likely to develop water stains from spills. The type of processing can affect the strength, such as strand-woven bamboo, whose processing makes it stronger than traditional bamboo. The finish also makes a difference. Bamboo with a Klumpp-brand finish and bamboo with a semi-gloss finish is stronger than bamboo with an aluminum oxide or satin coat finish.
The beautiful and unique look of bamboo is due to its uniformity of color. 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.
Bamboo is relatively easy to install; it can be glued, nailed, or left as a so-called "floating floor." It doesn't require the same cutting tools as harder woods like oak and mahogany; mostly hand tools. The potential for a homeowner to install it themselves can be a big money saver. Bamboo doesn't need to be installed over any particular type of sub-floor; an inexpensive plywood is sufficient. Some can even be installed directly onto a concrete sub-floor.
Maintenance and cleaning of a bamboo floor is pretty simple. Particles of dirt and grit can scratch the bamboo finish, so they need to be swept with a soft broom or dust mop. It's recommended to have a mat inside or outside all entry doors, and have everyone wipe their feet before their shoes touch the floor, to absorb water and catch debris. Despite its overall great strength, on certain floors the load pressure from high-heeled shoes on a small surface area can make dents in the bamboo, so high heels should be avoided. If you use throw rugs, make sure they don't have a rubber no-slip backing, as the rubber can discolor the floor, and make sure the rug itself is colorfast. Use small pieces of felt or other material under chair and table legs and other furniture legs, and don't drag furniture across the floor. Spot clean with a damp cloth; you can use a wood floor cleaner if needed. Wipe up spills as soon as possible with a soft cloth.
A great benefit of bamboo flooring is that it can be half the cost of traditional hardwood floors, depending on the grade, finish, and the processing applied.
Another appealing quality is that it is an eco-friendly, renewable resource. Once bamboo is cut, it can be re-grown from the same plant again and again. Unlike trees, bamboo completely re-grows within a few years. Plus, remaining bamboo leaves and bamboo shoots are fed to livestock.
Allergy sufferers appreciate that bamboo doesn't attract dust or dust mites. There are certain allergen concerns with materials used in some bamboo laminate materials and floor adhesives. Lower-quality bamboo from some manufacturers may have problems with resins and outgassing of chemicals such as formaldehyde. However, if a consumer researches and asks questions, they can find a quality manufacturer to alleviate those concerns.
Bamboo floors have a natural beauty and durability. Unlike laminate, bamboo is a completely natural material. It's an eco-friendly, sustainable resource. Despite its potential vulnerability to high-heeled shoes, bamboo is still more durable than pine and many vinyl floors. Ask for flooring samples to take home, and subject them to your own tests against scratches and dents. Bamboo flooring is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, easy to install, and easily cleaned and maintained. It's advised for the consumer to do their homework and choose their manufacturer carefully, to avoid the allergy and durability concerns with certain manufacturers.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Bamboo Flooring and Its Many Benefits
Bamboo flooring has indeed flourished as one of the better options for using hardwood flooring in residential homes and even commercial establishments. This may be attributed to the fact that it is actually more beneficial using the bamboo flooring than its counterparts.
It is originally made from a renewable source and what is more, it is truly very easy to set up, not to mention that it is very stylish. Definitely, installing such bamboo flooring provides not only durability but also some attractive and options that are environmentally friendly. In fact, you may use bamboo in your dining room and you will be assured to never experience warping like how many people experienced with their hardwood. Likewise, there is guaranteed no cracking on your floors, or incidences of getting splinters on your dining tables. Truly, there can be no more resilient a type of flooring than the bamboo. Here are some more tips to help you make up your mind on what is the best type of flooring to use for your home.
Environmental Benefits of Bamboo Flooring
It is definitely eco-friendly. Bamboos reach maturity much faster than the other hardwood trees which take decades to mature. What is more, roots of the bamboos never stop producing new trees even if they have just been recently harvested.
Bamboo Flooring Installation and Affordability
Another popular benefit of this is that you can expect that the prices are somewhat more stable than the other hardwood trees used for home renovations. Bamboo is less expensive compared to hardwood flooring and installation is so simple and easy as 1,2,3.
What is more, it will cost you less for the bamboo materials than setting up hardwood flooring; and to think installation charges of professional installers are just the same. Although, you will definitely save more if you install it all by yourself. You may do so over other types of materials like vinyl tiles, wood, or plywood.
The Many Varieties of Bamboo Floors
There is a wide assortment of bamboo types, finishes as well as the grades of bamboo flooring which are truly stylish and beautiful. While there may be some that are horizontal or vertical grains, there are also the naturally looking and those that have darker shades. Such options can be especially ordered and guaranteed to perfectly fit any style of home therefore, creating a genuinely unique look.
Durability
Bamboo flooring is usually laminated and blemished that makes it a point it fights off moisture. This is actually what makes it so ideal for the flooring of your bathrooms, dining rooms and kitchen areas, your family rooms, the laundry area and many other areas that might get too much moisture.
Quality Bamboo Floor
Most of all, it would be best to get some research on the different companies that offer bamboo flooring before finally plunging into any purchase. Definitely, you will want to purchase flooring which has been harvested for about five years or else they will be weaker. Make sure you get the warranty you deserve when buying your bamboo flooring to get the best buy ever.
It is originally made from a renewable source and what is more, it is truly very easy to set up, not to mention that it is very stylish. Definitely, installing such bamboo flooring provides not only durability but also some attractive and options that are environmentally friendly. In fact, you may use bamboo in your dining room and you will be assured to never experience warping like how many people experienced with their hardwood. Likewise, there is guaranteed no cracking on your floors, or incidences of getting splinters on your dining tables. Truly, there can be no more resilient a type of flooring than the bamboo. Here are some more tips to help you make up your mind on what is the best type of flooring to use for your home.
Environmental Benefits of Bamboo Flooring
It is definitely eco-friendly. Bamboos reach maturity much faster than the other hardwood trees which take decades to mature. What is more, roots of the bamboos never stop producing new trees even if they have just been recently harvested.
Bamboo Flooring Installation and Affordability
Another popular benefit of this is that you can expect that the prices are somewhat more stable than the other hardwood trees used for home renovations. Bamboo is less expensive compared to hardwood flooring and installation is so simple and easy as 1,2,3.
What is more, it will cost you less for the bamboo materials than setting up hardwood flooring; and to think installation charges of professional installers are just the same. Although, you will definitely save more if you install it all by yourself. You may do so over other types of materials like vinyl tiles, wood, or plywood.
The Many Varieties of Bamboo Floors
There is a wide assortment of bamboo types, finishes as well as the grades of bamboo flooring which are truly stylish and beautiful. While there may be some that are horizontal or vertical grains, there are also the naturally looking and those that have darker shades. Such options can be especially ordered and guaranteed to perfectly fit any style of home therefore, creating a genuinely unique look.
Durability
Bamboo flooring is usually laminated and blemished that makes it a point it fights off moisture. This is actually what makes it so ideal for the flooring of your bathrooms, dining rooms and kitchen areas, your family rooms, the laundry area and many other areas that might get too much moisture.
Quality Bamboo Floor
Most of all, it would be best to get some research on the different companies that offer bamboo flooring before finally plunging into any purchase. Definitely, you will want to purchase flooring which has been harvested for about five years or else they will be weaker. Make sure you get the warranty you deserve when buying your bamboo flooring to get the best buy ever.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Is Bamboo Flooring Worth The Effort?
If you've noticed an increase in the prevalence of bamboo flooring advertisements then it's for very good reason. You see, bamboo flooring hasn't emerged as a popular alternative to other forms of floor coverings by accident. Consumers are being swayed to this natural and beautiful flooring type because it offers so many advantages over traditional types of floors.
Bamboo's Many Advantages
One of the biggest advantages of course is it's environmentally friendly and sustainable nature. Bamboo is a hardy plant and it's ability to regenerate in less than a year has earnt it a lot of "brownie points" with consumers. It provides the strength of a hardwood floor and it's added durable nature almost makes it a "no brainer" in today's day and age as the first choice for floor shoppers.
Bamboo flooring has gained momentum because of it's low maintainance requirements and this has a lot to do with it's natural qualities. Staining becomes a thing of the past particularly when you take into account that bamboo color is basically dependent on the length of time it spends in the "processing barn." Depending on how much traffic it has to endure, if the finish becomes worn and tired then a good sanding and re-finish is usually all that's required but again, this all depends on the level of use the floor is subjected to. In a normal situation, this won't be necessary for quite a few years.
Where To Shop
Shopping for bamboo flooring today becomes easier and easier. Once upon a time, consumers were usually required to rely on long distance browsing but today, more and more outlets have "jumped on the bamboo flooring bandwagon" and are offering consumers the opportunity to inspect this eco-friendly surface first hand. However, the internet still offers a great alternative to shoppers who haven't got access to first hand inspection and browsing online offers a multitude of sites ready to fulfil your needs.
Concentrating on the higher ranked sites should provide less cause for concern but one of the golden rules for shopping online in this instance is to make sure you can contact the seller directly. Phone would definitely be preferable. In many instances, online outlets are able to point you towards some reference points such as consumers who have bought from them previously and are willing to act as referees.
The Cost Factor
The cost of bamboo flooring is usually well within the budgets of most. While some offers of as low as $2 per square are available from some wholesalers make sure you ask for a written warranty with clear details written into it. Ready to install bamboo floors can cost up to $10 per square with installation an extra cost. Depending on your handyman skills, then the latter may not be a factor with a pre-finished floor but might require the services of a qualified installer if unfinished.
If you follow some well laid guidelines on shopping for bamboo flooring then there is no reason why it shouldn't provide you with many years of loyal service.
Bamboo's Many Advantages
One of the biggest advantages of course is it's environmentally friendly and sustainable nature. Bamboo is a hardy plant and it's ability to regenerate in less than a year has earnt it a lot of "brownie points" with consumers. It provides the strength of a hardwood floor and it's added durable nature almost makes it a "no brainer" in today's day and age as the first choice for floor shoppers.
Bamboo flooring has gained momentum because of it's low maintainance requirements and this has a lot to do with it's natural qualities. Staining becomes a thing of the past particularly when you take into account that bamboo color is basically dependent on the length of time it spends in the "processing barn." Depending on how much traffic it has to endure, if the finish becomes worn and tired then a good sanding and re-finish is usually all that's required but again, this all depends on the level of use the floor is subjected to. In a normal situation, this won't be necessary for quite a few years.
Where To Shop
Shopping for bamboo flooring today becomes easier and easier. Once upon a time, consumers were usually required to rely on long distance browsing but today, more and more outlets have "jumped on the bamboo flooring bandwagon" and are offering consumers the opportunity to inspect this eco-friendly surface first hand. However, the internet still offers a great alternative to shoppers who haven't got access to first hand inspection and browsing online offers a multitude of sites ready to fulfil your needs.
Concentrating on the higher ranked sites should provide less cause for concern but one of the golden rules for shopping online in this instance is to make sure you can contact the seller directly. Phone would definitely be preferable. In many instances, online outlets are able to point you towards some reference points such as consumers who have bought from them previously and are willing to act as referees.
The Cost Factor
The cost of bamboo flooring is usually well within the budgets of most. While some offers of as low as $2 per square are available from some wholesalers make sure you ask for a written warranty with clear details written into it. Ready to install bamboo floors can cost up to $10 per square with installation an extra cost. Depending on your handyman skills, then the latter may not be a factor with a pre-finished floor but might require the services of a qualified installer if unfinished.
If you follow some well laid guidelines on shopping for bamboo flooring then there is no reason why it shouldn't provide you with many years of loyal service.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
International Green Standards Solution Leans Toward Bamboo Flooring
On the wake of the International Green Standards meeting that recently took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, consumers are encouraged to go green. Environment and ecology is a buying factor and more and more home builders are turning to solar energy panels as well as bamboo flooring as part of the solution. Bamboo is the most ecologically friendly natural hard wood choice in flooring since bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world. An entire bamboo forest can replace itself in the span of just five short years whereas a maple or oak forest may take decade upon decade to show signs of replenishment.
Even though people often mistakenly refer to a towering bamboo as a bamboo tree, bamboo is actually from the grass family. Regardless of its growth family, when people put bamboo in their home, the focus is on the sustainability and on the splendor. Bamboo flooring carries a beauty of its own. It has the appearance of a lovely hard wood (and a durability to match), but it also has an elegance unique to its makeup. For the ecologically and environmentally centered consumer, it is a bonus that bamboo is the fastest growing annually renewable resource. The Eastern world has known the magic of bamboo for a long time. As resources diminish and the apparent beauty of bamboo is experienced, more home owners in the western world will learn of and desire bamboo on their floor.
Bamboo is a hardy plant that exhibits seemingly supernatural growth spurts. Bamboo typically experiences a 60 day growing period during the year. During this growing period, the underground stems (or roots, also called the rhizomes) may grow as much as five feet; but the above ground, stems (known as the culms) can grow as much as an impressive full foot or more per day. Yes, that's per day!
As stated earlier, bamboo may look like a tree, but it is actually grass. There exists an assortment of species of bamboo that vary greatly in size. The variety of heights is represented by a huge range; there is the minuscule one-foot tall bamboo and there is also its towering one-hundred foot tall lofty cousin. It is not only ecologically and aesthetically used as a source for highly durable bamboo, but bamboo is also used in various avenues of construction, furniture, tableware, and even for the creation of musical instruments. The lovely appearance of the natural material combined with the hardy strength of bamboo makes it an extremely reliable material that can be used for structural elements as well as decorative pieces.
Bamboo is not only a fast growing plant; it is also a robust plant. It can be the farmer's favorite grass in the field since it does not require a lot of hard work and maintenance to cultivate. Because it is not labor intensive, bamboo flooring is an affordable choice for home builders; the process in growing the grass is simple. Bamboo will tolerate most soil choices. It doesn't mind being planted on a slope; it likes sun, but will accept shade too; and it is an easy to get along with product which builders can rely upon.
With the new appreciation and availability of bamboo flooring in the United States, the people in Copenhagen and around the world can be satisfied that one green standard is currently being enjoyed. We are just at the advent of the bamboo flooring. This extremely attractive construction choice seems like one of the easy no brainer methods for helping the environment. If alternatives in fuel could come as easily and affordably as alternatives in construction materials, our environment and our pocketbooks could both celebrate.
Even though people often mistakenly refer to a towering bamboo as a bamboo tree, bamboo is actually from the grass family. Regardless of its growth family, when people put bamboo in their home, the focus is on the sustainability and on the splendor. Bamboo flooring carries a beauty of its own. It has the appearance of a lovely hard wood (and a durability to match), but it also has an elegance unique to its makeup. For the ecologically and environmentally centered consumer, it is a bonus that bamboo is the fastest growing annually renewable resource. The Eastern world has known the magic of bamboo for a long time. As resources diminish and the apparent beauty of bamboo is experienced, more home owners in the western world will learn of and desire bamboo on their floor.
Bamboo is a hardy plant that exhibits seemingly supernatural growth spurts. Bamboo typically experiences a 60 day growing period during the year. During this growing period, the underground stems (or roots, also called the rhizomes) may grow as much as five feet; but the above ground, stems (known as the culms) can grow as much as an impressive full foot or more per day. Yes, that's per day!
As stated earlier, bamboo may look like a tree, but it is actually grass. There exists an assortment of species of bamboo that vary greatly in size. The variety of heights is represented by a huge range; there is the minuscule one-foot tall bamboo and there is also its towering one-hundred foot tall lofty cousin. It is not only ecologically and aesthetically used as a source for highly durable bamboo, but bamboo is also used in various avenues of construction, furniture, tableware, and even for the creation of musical instruments. The lovely appearance of the natural material combined with the hardy strength of bamboo makes it an extremely reliable material that can be used for structural elements as well as decorative pieces.
Bamboo is not only a fast growing plant; it is also a robust plant. It can be the farmer's favorite grass in the field since it does not require a lot of hard work and maintenance to cultivate. Because it is not labor intensive, bamboo flooring is an affordable choice for home builders; the process in growing the grass is simple. Bamboo will tolerate most soil choices. It doesn't mind being planted on a slope; it likes sun, but will accept shade too; and it is an easy to get along with product which builders can rely upon.
With the new appreciation and availability of bamboo flooring in the United States, the people in Copenhagen and around the world can be satisfied that one green standard is currently being enjoyed. We are just at the advent of the bamboo flooring. This extremely attractive construction choice seems like one of the easy no brainer methods for helping the environment. If alternatives in fuel could come as easily and affordably as alternatives in construction materials, our environment and our pocketbooks could both celebrate.
Monday, 18 January 2010
The Latest Trend in Flooring - Bamboo Flooring
Real wood floor can look beautiful and charming and is used widely all over the world as a preferred flooring material. While it can be very chic and beautiful, it is also much common. The latest trend in flooring options is using bamboo as a flooring material.
Bamboo is actually not a wood, but a type of grass. Bamboo is known for growing at a very high speed which means that it is replaced much faster in comparison to the other types of wood. Using bamboo for flooring ensures that there are no negative effects on the environment, which is why plenty of people choose to go green with bamboo floorings. With bamboo floors, homeowners have a choice or vertical or flat grains.
Generally, bamboo flooring is available in its natural honey shade or in a darker shade. The darker amber shade however is achieved through steaming, which makes it softer and less sturdy than the natural bamboo. There can also be dyed or stained flooring options available with some manufacturers.
Bamboo floor manufacturing
For turning bamboo into flooring materials, the bamboo canes are first cut into long strips and are then boiled and steamed for a long time to make them soft and flat. A resin is used to turn them into the laminated boards that are then used for flooring.
Though bamboo seems to be very soft and light weight it is actually as hard as oak or maple wood. It can also be used in homes where spills are very common since bamboo is actually water and stain resistant.
Finishes
Bamboo floors are available in basically two finishes, finished and unfinished. The unfinished bamboo floors have squared edges which fit together perfectly and if chosen, homeowners can then finish them on their own to give it a desired effect and to save cost.
The finished floors are sealed with the help of polyurethane which makes them sturdy and make it look more polished. However, once they are finished it would not be possible to give them a stain.
Things to consider
Because of the various benefits of bamboo flooring and its natural look, bamboo floors can be quite expensive. Depending on whether they are finished or not the cost would vary. It is essential to ask a few questions before considering getting bamboo floors for the house. It is advisable to ask for a dent resistant bamboo floor since it would ensure that the floor lasts longer and does not get damaged.
Processed bamboo can be very hard and sturdy like oak so those who are looking for a sturdy material should choose bamboo planks which are not made from the base or the tip of the stalks. Another important thing to consider is whether or not to purchase a finished floor. Homeowners should also ask the store about the moisture content of the flooring. A good bamboo floor should not have a moisture content of more than four percent of the sub-flooring.
Bamboo is actually not a wood, but a type of grass. Bamboo is known for growing at a very high speed which means that it is replaced much faster in comparison to the other types of wood. Using bamboo for flooring ensures that there are no negative effects on the environment, which is why plenty of people choose to go green with bamboo floorings. With bamboo floors, homeowners have a choice or vertical or flat grains.
Generally, bamboo flooring is available in its natural honey shade or in a darker shade. The darker amber shade however is achieved through steaming, which makes it softer and less sturdy than the natural bamboo. There can also be dyed or stained flooring options available with some manufacturers.
Bamboo floor manufacturing
For turning bamboo into flooring materials, the bamboo canes are first cut into long strips and are then boiled and steamed for a long time to make them soft and flat. A resin is used to turn them into the laminated boards that are then used for flooring.
Though bamboo seems to be very soft and light weight it is actually as hard as oak or maple wood. It can also be used in homes where spills are very common since bamboo is actually water and stain resistant.
Finishes
Bamboo floors are available in basically two finishes, finished and unfinished. The unfinished bamboo floors have squared edges which fit together perfectly and if chosen, homeowners can then finish them on their own to give it a desired effect and to save cost.
The finished floors are sealed with the help of polyurethane which makes them sturdy and make it look more polished. However, once they are finished it would not be possible to give them a stain.
Things to consider
Because of the various benefits of bamboo flooring and its natural look, bamboo floors can be quite expensive. Depending on whether they are finished or not the cost would vary. It is essential to ask a few questions before considering getting bamboo floors for the house. It is advisable to ask for a dent resistant bamboo floor since it would ensure that the floor lasts longer and does not get damaged.
Processed bamboo can be very hard and sturdy like oak so those who are looking for a sturdy material should choose bamboo planks which are not made from the base or the tip of the stalks. Another important thing to consider is whether or not to purchase a finished floor. Homeowners should also ask the store about the moisture content of the flooring. A good bamboo floor should not have a moisture content of more than four percent of the sub-flooring.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Bamboo Flooring For Your Home
While bamboo has been used for centuries in other parts of the world, it is just starting to gain popularity in the US as a flooring material. In the US, we associate bamboo with furniture, window treatments, mats, food, toothpicks, toys, wall coverings and a host of other things. Only recently, has bamboo been used as floor covering in the US.
Most of the bamboo flooring sold in the US comes from China and is of the Moso bamboo species. This species matures in three to five years. Bamboo is actually a grass and as such does not have to be replanted, but comes back from the root systems. It is used by a large part of the world as a main source of building materials. It generates more oxygen than a comparable stand of trees and can grow in many different climates. Because of the environmental aspects of bamboo, many people consider using bamboo a way of helping preserve our planet. However, there are issues to be considered when choosing bamboo flooring.
The softness of the flooring can be a drawback. If the bamboo is harvested too soon, the flooring produced will be soft and more easily marred. Most producers of bamboo flooring are overseas and do not necessarily have the types of quality standards and inspections that US manufacturers must adhere to. Most of the companies selling bamboo flooring in the US today import their material from manufacturers in China and the Far East. US companies carrying these types of flooring must scrutinize the quality of the product and manufacturing procedures. Some bamboo flooring is made with formaldehyde resins in the gluing process and do not meet the standards for indoor emissions of formaldehyde.
It is said that bamboo flooring can be made into any color. The darker material has to be carbonized and the darker the color the more carbonization has occurred. Carbonization occurs when heat is applied to the strips of bamboo. The more heat that is applied the softer the flooring material is. The closer to the light natural bamboo color, the harder the flooring material. If you are considering purchasing bamboo flooring, use the fingernail test on a sample to see how much of a mark is made when pushing the nail into the wood. You might want to compare bamboo to other flooring woods you may be considering.
There are several classes of engineered bamboo flooring including Horizontal and vertical flooring which indicates how the strips are glued and laminated together. The flooring planks of the vertical and horizontal method look different but are alike in installation. Both types can be glued, nailed or stapled but floating is not recommended. There is also a strand woven flooring which is harder but can present more installation challenges.
Most of the bamboo flooring sold in the US comes from China and is of the Moso bamboo species. This species matures in three to five years. Bamboo is actually a grass and as such does not have to be replanted, but comes back from the root systems. It is used by a large part of the world as a main source of building materials. It generates more oxygen than a comparable stand of trees and can grow in many different climates. Because of the environmental aspects of bamboo, many people consider using bamboo a way of helping preserve our planet. However, there are issues to be considered when choosing bamboo flooring.
The softness of the flooring can be a drawback. If the bamboo is harvested too soon, the flooring produced will be soft and more easily marred. Most producers of bamboo flooring are overseas and do not necessarily have the types of quality standards and inspections that US manufacturers must adhere to. Most of the companies selling bamboo flooring in the US today import their material from manufacturers in China and the Far East. US companies carrying these types of flooring must scrutinize the quality of the product and manufacturing procedures. Some bamboo flooring is made with formaldehyde resins in the gluing process and do not meet the standards for indoor emissions of formaldehyde.
It is said that bamboo flooring can be made into any color. The darker material has to be carbonized and the darker the color the more carbonization has occurred. Carbonization occurs when heat is applied to the strips of bamboo. The more heat that is applied the softer the flooring material is. The closer to the light natural bamboo color, the harder the flooring material. If you are considering purchasing bamboo flooring, use the fingernail test on a sample to see how much of a mark is made when pushing the nail into the wood. You might want to compare bamboo to other flooring woods you may be considering.
There are several classes of engineered bamboo flooring including Horizontal and vertical flooring which indicates how the strips are glued and laminated together. The flooring planks of the vertical and horizontal method look different but are alike in installation. Both types can be glued, nailed or stapled but floating is not recommended. There is also a strand woven flooring which is harder but can present more installation challenges.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
The Latest Trend in Flooring - Bamboo Flooring
Real wood floor can look beautiful and charming and is used widely all over the world as a preferred flooring material. While it can be very chic and beautiful, it is also much common. The latest trend in flooring options is using bamboo as a flooring material.
Bamboo is actually not a wood, but a type of grass. Bamboo is known for growing at a very high speed which means that it is replaced much faster in comparison to the other types of wood. Using bamboo for flooring ensures that there are no negative effects on the environment, which is why plenty of people choose to go green with bamboo floorings. With bamboo floors, homeowners have a choice or vertical or flat grains.
Generally, bamboo flooring is available in its natural honey shade or in a darker shade. The darker amber shade however is achieved through steaming, which makes it softer and less sturdy than the natural bamboo. There can also be dyed or stained flooring options available with some manufacturers.
Bamboo floor manufacturing
For turning bamboo into flooring materials, the bamboo canes are first cut into long strips and are then boiled and steamed for a long time to make them soft and flat. A resin is used to turn them into the laminated boards that are then used for flooring.
Though bamboo seems to be very soft and light weight it is actually as hard as oak or maple wood. It can also be used in homes where spills are very common since bamboo is actually water and stain resistant.
Finishes
Bamboo floors are available in basically two finishes, finished and unfinished. The unfinished bamboo floors have squared edges which fit together perfectly and if chosen, homeowners can then finish them on their own to give it a desired effect and to save cost.
The finished floors are sealed with the help of polyurethane which makes them sturdy and make it look more polished. However, once they are finished it would not be possible to give them a stain.
Things to consider
Because of the various benefits of bamboo flooring and its natural look, bamboo floors can be quite expensive. Depending on whether they are finished or not the cost would vary. It is essential to ask a few questions before considering getting bamboo floors for the house. It is advisable to ask for a dent resistant bamboo floor since it would ensure that the floor lasts longer and does not get damaged.
Processed bamboo can be very hard and sturdy like oak so those who are looking for a sturdy material should choose bamboo planks which are not made from the base or the tip of the stalks. Another important thing to consider is whether or not to purchase a finished floor. Homeowners should also ask the store about the moisture content of the flooring. A good bamboo floor should not have a moisture content of more than four percent of the sub-flooring.
Bamboo is actually not a wood, but a type of grass. Bamboo is known for growing at a very high speed which means that it is replaced much faster in comparison to the other types of wood. Using bamboo for flooring ensures that there are no negative effects on the environment, which is why plenty of people choose to go green with bamboo floorings. With bamboo floors, homeowners have a choice or vertical or flat grains.
Generally, bamboo flooring is available in its natural honey shade or in a darker shade. The darker amber shade however is achieved through steaming, which makes it softer and less sturdy than the natural bamboo. There can also be dyed or stained flooring options available with some manufacturers.
Bamboo floor manufacturing
For turning bamboo into flooring materials, the bamboo canes are first cut into long strips and are then boiled and steamed for a long time to make them soft and flat. A resin is used to turn them into the laminated boards that are then used for flooring.
Though bamboo seems to be very soft and light weight it is actually as hard as oak or maple wood. It can also be used in homes where spills are very common since bamboo is actually water and stain resistant.
Finishes
Bamboo floors are available in basically two finishes, finished and unfinished. The unfinished bamboo floors have squared edges which fit together perfectly and if chosen, homeowners can then finish them on their own to give it a desired effect and to save cost.
The finished floors are sealed with the help of polyurethane which makes them sturdy and make it look more polished. However, once they are finished it would not be possible to give them a stain.
Things to consider
Because of the various benefits of bamboo flooring and its natural look, bamboo floors can be quite expensive. Depending on whether they are finished or not the cost would vary. It is essential to ask a few questions before considering getting bamboo floors for the house. It is advisable to ask for a dent resistant bamboo floor since it would ensure that the floor lasts longer and does not get damaged.
Processed bamboo can be very hard and sturdy like oak so those who are looking for a sturdy material should choose bamboo planks which are not made from the base or the tip of the stalks. Another important thing to consider is whether or not to purchase a finished floor. Homeowners should also ask the store about the moisture content of the flooring. A good bamboo floor should not have a moisture content of more than four percent of the sub-flooring.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Bamboo Flooring Prices - Is Bamboo Flooring Really Worth the Money You'll Spend?
If you've been shopping around for new flooring, you've probably come across bamboo floors. Bamboo flooring is one of the hottest trends in flooring styles, and has become extremely popular with homeowners. But are bamboo flooring prices worth it, or is bamboo just another flash-in-the-pan design fad? Keep reading to discover why bamboo is not only well worth the investment, but a good long-term flooring solution for your home.
Easy Installation
If you love the click-lock ease of laminate floating floors but aren't crazy about the look, you'll be happy to hear that bamboo can be installed the same way. With no adhesive or nailing, you can lay a bamboo floor in a weekend. Installing it yourself brings a considerable cost savings, especially over hardwoods.
Bamboo is also very easy to cut, unlike hardwoods such as oak or mahogany. You can use a regular saw to trim pieces...no need to go out and get a specialty hardwood saw.
Long Lasting
Bamboo flooring is very strong, so unlike pine can handle high traffic areas with no worry. Bamboo actually comes close to concrete when it comes to weight-to-strength ratio...it can carry many, many times more than its own weight. It has even been used as scaffolding in Japan for hundreds of years! With Bamboo, you have an almost indestructible floor.
Obviously then, bamboo is very durable, right up there with marble or tile. As the years pass, bamboo will meld into a variety of hues and tones that add a unique charm to your room.
Adaptable
Unlike tile, stone or vinyl, bamboo is not overly sensitive to changes in temperature and can be installed in any sort of climate. Additionally, bamboo does not need a perfect subfloor. You can lay it right over plywood even, and it will be just fine.
Stylish
Let's face it...style is important, especially in a floor. Luckily, bamboo comes in a wide range of styles. Usually, bamboo is very light, but you can find it tinted in many different colors, even dark colors. You can also find it in matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes. The grain varies as well, so it's easy to find one that suits your home. With so many options, bamboo comes out miles ahead of many traditional flooring options.
Environmentally Friendly
This is perhaps the biggest reason for the rising popularity of bamboo as a building material. Bamboo grows amazingly well in many different regions (including the U.S.) and it is not only abundant as a crop but renews itself very quickly after harvest. Hardwoods, on the other hand, take a very long time to regrow. What's more, the leftover shoots and leaves from harvest are used as a food source for livestock, so nothing is wasted.
Bamboo flooring prices will vary depending on the options you choose, but one thing is for sure...whatever you spend, you are getting a huge return on your investment! If you want a floor that will look beautiful and last a lifetime, bamboo is definitely a wise choice.
Easy Installation
If you love the click-lock ease of laminate floating floors but aren't crazy about the look, you'll be happy to hear that bamboo can be installed the same way. With no adhesive or nailing, you can lay a bamboo floor in a weekend. Installing it yourself brings a considerable cost savings, especially over hardwoods.
Bamboo is also very easy to cut, unlike hardwoods such as oak or mahogany. You can use a regular saw to trim pieces...no need to go out and get a specialty hardwood saw.
Long Lasting
Bamboo flooring is very strong, so unlike pine can handle high traffic areas with no worry. Bamboo actually comes close to concrete when it comes to weight-to-strength ratio...it can carry many, many times more than its own weight. It has even been used as scaffolding in Japan for hundreds of years! With Bamboo, you have an almost indestructible floor.
Obviously then, bamboo is very durable, right up there with marble or tile. As the years pass, bamboo will meld into a variety of hues and tones that add a unique charm to your room.
Adaptable
Unlike tile, stone or vinyl, bamboo is not overly sensitive to changes in temperature and can be installed in any sort of climate. Additionally, bamboo does not need a perfect subfloor. You can lay it right over plywood even, and it will be just fine.
Stylish
Let's face it...style is important, especially in a floor. Luckily, bamboo comes in a wide range of styles. Usually, bamboo is very light, but you can find it tinted in many different colors, even dark colors. You can also find it in matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes. The grain varies as well, so it's easy to find one that suits your home. With so many options, bamboo comes out miles ahead of many traditional flooring options.
Environmentally Friendly
This is perhaps the biggest reason for the rising popularity of bamboo as a building material. Bamboo grows amazingly well in many different regions (including the U.S.) and it is not only abundant as a crop but renews itself very quickly after harvest. Hardwoods, on the other hand, take a very long time to regrow. What's more, the leftover shoots and leaves from harvest are used as a food source for livestock, so nothing is wasted.
Bamboo flooring prices will vary depending on the options you choose, but one thing is for sure...whatever you spend, you are getting a huge return on your investment! If you want a floor that will look beautiful and last a lifetime, bamboo is definitely a wise choice.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Bamboo Flooring For Your Home
While bamboo has been used for centuries in other parts of the world, it is just starting to gain popularity in the US as a flooring material. In the US, we associate bamboo with furniture, window treatments, mats, food, toothpicks, toys, wall coverings and a host of other things. Only recently, has bamboo been used as floor covering in the US.
Most of the bamboo flooring sold in the US comes from China and is of the Moso bamboo species. This species matures in three to five years. Bamboo is actually a grass and as such does not have to be replanted, but comes back from the root systems. It is used by a large part of the world as a main source of building materials. It generates more oxygen than a comparable stand of trees and can grow in many different climates. Because of the environmental aspects of bamboo, many people consider using bamboo a way of helping preserve our planet. However, there are issues to be considered when choosing bamboo flooring.
The softness of the flooring can be a drawback. If the bamboo is harvested too soon, the flooring produced will be soft and more easily marred. Most producers of bamboo flooring are overseas and do not necessarily have the types of quality standards and inspections that US manufacturers must adhere to. Most of the companies selling bamboo flooring in the US today import their material from manufacturers in China and the Far East. US companies carrying these types of flooring must scrutinize the quality of the product and manufacturing procedures. Some bamboo flooring is made with formaldehyde resins in the gluing process and do not meet the standards for indoor emissions of formaldehyde.
It is said that bamboo flooring can be made into any color. The darker material has to be carbonized and the darker the color the more carbonization has occurred. Carbonization occurs when heat is applied to the strips of bamboo. The more heat that is applied the softer the flooring material is. The closer to the light natural bamboo color, the harder the flooring material. If you are considering purchasing bamboo flooring, use the fingernail test on a sample to see how much of a mark is made when pushing the nail into the wood. You might want to compare bamboo to other flooring woods you may be considering.
There are several classes of engineered bamboo flooring including Horizontal and vertical flooring which indicates how the strips are glued and laminated together. The flooring planks of the vertical and horizontal method look different but are alike in installation. Both types can be glued, nailed or stapled but floating is not recommended. There is also a strand woven flooring which is harder but can present more installation challenges.
Most of the bamboo flooring sold in the US comes from China and is of the Moso bamboo species. This species matures in three to five years. Bamboo is actually a grass and as such does not have to be replanted, but comes back from the root systems. It is used by a large part of the world as a main source of building materials. It generates more oxygen than a comparable stand of trees and can grow in many different climates. Because of the environmental aspects of bamboo, many people consider using bamboo a way of helping preserve our planet. However, there are issues to be considered when choosing bamboo flooring.
The softness of the flooring can be a drawback. If the bamboo is harvested too soon, the flooring produced will be soft and more easily marred. Most producers of bamboo flooring are overseas and do not necessarily have the types of quality standards and inspections that US manufacturers must adhere to. Most of the companies selling bamboo flooring in the US today import their material from manufacturers in China and the Far East. US companies carrying these types of flooring must scrutinize the quality of the product and manufacturing procedures. Some bamboo flooring is made with formaldehyde resins in the gluing process and do not meet the standards for indoor emissions of formaldehyde.
It is said that bamboo flooring can be made into any color. The darker material has to be carbonized and the darker the color the more carbonization has occurred. Carbonization occurs when heat is applied to the strips of bamboo. The more heat that is applied the softer the flooring material is. The closer to the light natural bamboo color, the harder the flooring material. If you are considering purchasing bamboo flooring, use the fingernail test on a sample to see how much of a mark is made when pushing the nail into the wood. You might want to compare bamboo to other flooring woods you may be considering.
There are several classes of engineered bamboo flooring including Horizontal and vertical flooring which indicates how the strips are glued and laminated together. The flooring planks of the vertical and horizontal method look different but are alike in installation. Both types can be glued, nailed or stapled but floating is not recommended. There is also a strand woven flooring which is harder but can present more installation challenges.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Bamboo Flooring - Environment Friendly Option
Bamboo Flooring is the best way to provide a natural appearance to the home, as this alternative is very environmental friendly. Bamboo is nature gift to man that can be for many purposes. Nowadays, bamboo has become a good alternative for people, as it can be used to manufacture various decorative items. People are now changing their reviews about Hardwood flooring and laminate flooring. Majority of them are now opting for bamboo flooring due to its environmental origins and ever increasing ecological advantage. This is not the only reason for the bamboo floors to become the foremost choice of people, but it also looks very soft and soothing to eyes which offer a great feeling in itself.
Advantages of Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is becoming more popular due to its nature friendly character. It is the best alternative in place of hardwood flooring as it can handle more pressure than hardwood floors and is much flexible than other floors. Moreover, the main advantage of bamboo flooring is that these floors are natural insect repellants. There are several types of minute insects that make their habitats inside the wood and can prove to be dangerous for the health of people, especially children.
Bamboo floors can be very useful in getting relived in summer evenings and from humidity. So, these are widely used in the areas where humidity content and temperature is higher. This is a natural advantage of bamboo flooring, but apart from this it does not shrinks or swells like other wooden floors. Bamboo flooring leaves no holes or gaps which is helpful in high humidity areas. Several designers are getting fond of this type of flooring due to its unique style, availability and durability. There are two dissimilar variations available with 30 different colors. It can be installed in any type of room and can be used to enhance the interior.
How to protect Bamboo Floors?
There are several ways to protect floors from getting damaged. People should care for their bamboo floors in order to get the best reward from natural gift. One should not allow dust, grit and dirt to enter into the home. Dust in the soles of shoes can be dangerous for bamboo floors but one should keep the wipe mats outside the room to avoid any type of dirt particles. Regularly sweeping with soft broom can be helpful in making the floor shining and clean.
High heels can cause a great damage to the floor, so it is recommended that one should avoid the entrance of high heels or heavy shoes, it can cause dents or damage to the floor. Protective pads placed beneath the base of chair or table to avoid any damage or breaks. One should change their heavy furniture continuously in order to evade discoloration of floor. There are various cleaning products available that are especially made for bamboo floors which can be used to get best results. Direct sunlight can cause heavy damage and may lead to discoloration of these floors. Spills should be cleaned immediately as they are almost impossible to remove after a long delay.
Advantages of Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is becoming more popular due to its nature friendly character. It is the best alternative in place of hardwood flooring as it can handle more pressure than hardwood floors and is much flexible than other floors. Moreover, the main advantage of bamboo flooring is that these floors are natural insect repellants. There are several types of minute insects that make their habitats inside the wood and can prove to be dangerous for the health of people, especially children.
Bamboo floors can be very useful in getting relived in summer evenings and from humidity. So, these are widely used in the areas where humidity content and temperature is higher. This is a natural advantage of bamboo flooring, but apart from this it does not shrinks or swells like other wooden floors. Bamboo flooring leaves no holes or gaps which is helpful in high humidity areas. Several designers are getting fond of this type of flooring due to its unique style, availability and durability. There are two dissimilar variations available with 30 different colors. It can be installed in any type of room and can be used to enhance the interior.
How to protect Bamboo Floors?
There are several ways to protect floors from getting damaged. People should care for their bamboo floors in order to get the best reward from natural gift. One should not allow dust, grit and dirt to enter into the home. Dust in the soles of shoes can be dangerous for bamboo floors but one should keep the wipe mats outside the room to avoid any type of dirt particles. Regularly sweeping with soft broom can be helpful in making the floor shining and clean.
High heels can cause a great damage to the floor, so it is recommended that one should avoid the entrance of high heels or heavy shoes, it can cause dents or damage to the floor. Protective pads placed beneath the base of chair or table to avoid any damage or breaks. One should change their heavy furniture continuously in order to evade discoloration of floor. There are various cleaning products available that are especially made for bamboo floors which can be used to get best results. Direct sunlight can cause heavy damage and may lead to discoloration of these floors. Spills should be cleaned immediately as they are almost impossible to remove after a long delay.
Sunday, 8 November 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 asbamboo 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 makebamboo 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 swayingconsumers 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 aconsumers 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.
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 asbamboo 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 makebamboo 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 swayingconsumers 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 aconsumers 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.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Plank Bamboo Flooring - The Green Flooring Option
Stronger than traditional hardwood, and just as good looking, plank bamboo flooring is fast becoming the favorite option for those who want wooden flooring, but not at the high price. Bamboo flooring can easily be mistaken for wood flooring. A grass that matures in five years, bamboo is a natural flooring option that is eco-friendly, unlike trees that take several years to mature. With its distinct appearance, bamboo also looks very elegant and stylish and depending on the décor, can look quite trendy or antique, just like seasoned wood floors.
With its origins in Asia, bamboo floors for kitchen have been their traditional flooring for centuries. It is abundantly available and is a renewable resource. It lasts long and is not difficult to take care of. Bamboo being a wood derivative has the same appeal as wood flooring but at a far lesser price. This is because bamboo is easier to grow repeatedly, compared to wood or timber.
Plank bamboo flooring has proven itself to be more durable than oak and maple. Unlike wood flooring, bamboo does not easily absorb moisture and is more resistant to getting damaged and this makes it easier to maintain without the use of chemicals that may harm it.
Plank bamboo flooring is made of bamboo strips. These strips are split, and then compacted. After this they are laminated and glued together. A UV coating treatment is given, after which it is glossed and sanded. This is ideal for flooring because the planks are made at high pressure. When these planks are laminated, they become even more durable and resistant to scratches and warping.
With its natural looks, plank bamboo flooring has charming patterns and natural color shades, ranging form light to dark caramel. The bamboo can achieve a dark shade through carbonizing during a pressure steaming process. The colors tend to be inherent in the planks, so the planks usually not need to be stained at the time of refinishing. Most bamboo plank are also available in blue, green, orange etc. at higher costs. In bamboo, you can get unfinished as well as finished planks.
Looking after plank bamboo flooring is simple. It has to be kept free from dust particles. About the only thing to watch out for is discoloration over time. But some people like the way that looks. You can refinish it by applying a de-glosser followed by a fresh coat of finish.
Depending on the manufacturer you go in for, these planks may be available with the prominent bamboo nodes that give the planks their unique appearance. The solid as well as the engineered planks resemble oak flooring and are easy to install. You can install your bamboo planks on an existing concrete flooring by gluing or floating. If there is an existing wood floor, it can be nailed down on it.
With its origins in Asia, bamboo floors for kitchen have been their traditional flooring for centuries. It is abundantly available and is a renewable resource. It lasts long and is not difficult to take care of. Bamboo being a wood derivative has the same appeal as wood flooring but at a far lesser price. This is because bamboo is easier to grow repeatedly, compared to wood or timber.
Plank bamboo flooring has proven itself to be more durable than oak and maple. Unlike wood flooring, bamboo does not easily absorb moisture and is more resistant to getting damaged and this makes it easier to maintain without the use of chemicals that may harm it.
Plank bamboo flooring is made of bamboo strips. These strips are split, and then compacted. After this they are laminated and glued together. A UV coating treatment is given, after which it is glossed and sanded. This is ideal for flooring because the planks are made at high pressure. When these planks are laminated, they become even more durable and resistant to scratches and warping.
With its natural looks, plank bamboo flooring has charming patterns and natural color shades, ranging form light to dark caramel. The bamboo can achieve a dark shade through carbonizing during a pressure steaming process. The colors tend to be inherent in the planks, so the planks usually not need to be stained at the time of refinishing. Most bamboo plank are also available in blue, green, orange etc. at higher costs. In bamboo, you can get unfinished as well as finished planks.
Looking after plank bamboo flooring is simple. It has to be kept free from dust particles. About the only thing to watch out for is discoloration over time. But some people like the way that looks. You can refinish it by applying a de-glosser followed by a fresh coat of finish.
Depending on the manufacturer you go in for, these planks may be available with the prominent bamboo nodes that give the planks their unique appearance. The solid as well as the engineered planks resemble oak flooring and are easy to install. You can install your bamboo planks on an existing concrete flooring by gluing or floating. If there is an existing wood floor, it can be nailed down on it.
Friday, 16 October 2009
How To Make Bamboo Flooring Your Next Renovation Choice!
Does bamboo flooring have a future or is it just a passing fad which will capture the imagination of consumers for a short period and then fade away into oblivion? Well, indications are bamboo flooring isn't just becoming popular but it's on the verge of a substantial growth curve over the next decade as people realise it's many benefits.
Still relatively new to the flooring market, bamboo is positioned to cause a revolution in building products because of it's safe and beneficial environmental aspects. Society has gradually begun to think green in recent years; is it because of well placed propanganda or is it because people are finally starting to realise that our planet is disintergrating under the constant abuse of it's resources and both aerial and grouind pollutants.
Bamboo Flooring's Market Share
As far as it's impact on the flooring market is concerned, bamboo is still a minnow; currently, it's share of the flooring industry is well under 5% but indications are this figure is set to explode during the next 20 years.
Apart from it's significant environmental qualities, bamboo offers customers a touch of elegance and a uniqueness which is hard to find in other flooring products. It's undoubted durability and toughness make it a fierce and worthy competitor to some of the strongest and best known hardwood products on the market today, plus it's appeal to consumers price wise adds further "brownie points" to it's appeal factor.
The Preparation Aspect
Bamboo is prepared in such a way before it's made available to the buying public so it's qualities are never diminished.
Derived from the stalk of the plant, bamboo flooring is built from bamboo strips and undergoes a rigorous preparation once it is harvested. For example, processing involves boiling the strips in a special preparation which acts to not only get rid of any insects or bugs which may still be in the plant but it also eliminates impurities which may produce an unsightly look.
Moisture is then reduced to a minimal level and further treatment follows before it's final treatment application. The end product is then ready for the market.
Be A Prudent Shopper!
You might be sold on bamboo flooring up to this point but the same rules of due diligence apply when shopping for it. while seeing the product first hand is always best, the internet has opened up the customerr to more consumer choice. However, the usual double checking should take place if you are shopping online such as being satisfied you are dealing with a reputable online supplier. Always check to see if the supplier is contactable by phone, not just email.
When you are satisfied everything is above board ask for samples. Here's a tip... really be specific about the color you want. Often with bamboo flooring, what you see in an image online will not be what eventually arrives on your door step. The warranty is doubly important. Bamboo flooring is promoted as being tough and durable, yet easy on the eye. You should be seeking a minimum 20 year warranty with lifetime warranties not uncommon. One more thing, be specific about shipping costs and if you need to pay, always ask how much!
Bamboo flooring is making a noise in the home improvement
world and will continue to spread it's roots throughout the building industry. It's simply a naturally pleasing product.
Still relatively new to the flooring market, bamboo is positioned to cause a revolution in building products because of it's safe and beneficial environmental aspects. Society has gradually begun to think green in recent years; is it because of well placed propanganda or is it because people are finally starting to realise that our planet is disintergrating under the constant abuse of it's resources and both aerial and grouind pollutants.
Bamboo Flooring's Market Share
As far as it's impact on the flooring market is concerned, bamboo is still a minnow; currently, it's share of the flooring industry is well under 5% but indications are this figure is set to explode during the next 20 years.
Apart from it's significant environmental qualities, bamboo offers customers a touch of elegance and a uniqueness which is hard to find in other flooring products. It's undoubted durability and toughness make it a fierce and worthy competitor to some of the strongest and best known hardwood products on the market today, plus it's appeal to consumers price wise adds further "brownie points" to it's appeal factor.
The Preparation Aspect
Bamboo is prepared in such a way before it's made available to the buying public so it's qualities are never diminished.
Derived from the stalk of the plant, bamboo flooring is built from bamboo strips and undergoes a rigorous preparation once it is harvested. For example, processing involves boiling the strips in a special preparation which acts to not only get rid of any insects or bugs which may still be in the plant but it also eliminates impurities which may produce an unsightly look.
Moisture is then reduced to a minimal level and further treatment follows before it's final treatment application. The end product is then ready for the market.
Be A Prudent Shopper!
You might be sold on bamboo flooring up to this point but the same rules of due diligence apply when shopping for it. while seeing the product first hand is always best, the internet has opened up the customerr to more consumer choice. However, the usual double checking should take place if you are shopping online such as being satisfied you are dealing with a reputable online supplier. Always check to see if the supplier is contactable by phone, not just email.
When you are satisfied everything is above board ask for samples. Here's a tip... really be specific about the color you want. Often with bamboo flooring, what you see in an image online will not be what eventually arrives on your door step. The warranty is doubly important. Bamboo flooring is promoted as being tough and durable, yet easy on the eye. You should be seeking a minimum 20 year warranty with lifetime warranties not uncommon. One more thing, be specific about shipping costs and if you need to pay, always ask how much!
Bamboo flooring is making a noise in the home improvement
world and will continue to spread it's roots throughout the building industry. It's simply a naturally pleasing product.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Bamboo Flooring is a Great Home Option
It may sound a little funny, but it's true. For those who want eye-popping, incredible floors, bamboo is an option that should be taken seriously. No, we're not talking woven together sticks here, either. Good bamboo flooring is a beautiful as any hardwood and comes in as many varieties and styles if not more. Plus, it offers some advantages other products cannot.
Unlike the woven bamboo mats most people think of when bamboo flooring is mentioned, newer products using bamboo have come into the marketplace recently. These flooring types involve the transformation of plain bamboo stalks into a very smooth flooring product that comes in a huge variety of colors and styles. When laid, it resembles any other type of wood flooring, but comes with a large laundry list of advantages over plain oak, maple or pine.
Produced in a similar fashion as hardwood, bamboo comes in short strips, planks and even tiles. It's installed basically the same way any other flooring is, too. It can take on many different colors and designs, too. But the icing on the cake though is the fact bamboo is known not only for looking good, but also for its ability to hold up under some major traffic. These advantages combine to make bamboo perfect for homes, offices and other settings where beauty and an ability to stand up to traffic are needed.
Bamboo has a number of advantages over other types of flooring. Here are some of the main ones:
* Weather tolerance: Unlike traditional hardwoods, bamboo can handle humidity and moisture changes like a champ. It's ability to withstand water without expanding or contracting gives it a distinct advantage over other kinds of wood flooring that can be destroyed by water. It's even considered more stable than oak. * Hardness quality. When properly crafted, bamboo flooring is considered harder than maple and even oak. This adds to its ability to withstand years and years of traffic. * Durability. Bamboo's unique properties make it stain, scratch and fade resistant. Plus, it stands up to serious traffic and more. The toughness of the product helps it resist things that can destroy regular wood floors and especially carpeting. This means less of a need for replacement, which means a huge cost savings over the long run. * Great for those with allergies. Unlike carpets, bamboo doesn't hold in dust and dirt. This can help keep a home a bit more allergen free, which is great news for those who suffer from allergies. * Environmental: Trees are not cut down to create bamboo floors. Bamboo grows, literally, like weeds in numerous locations around the world. It is able to reproduce and grow quickly, which means the supply is more prevalent and forests don't have to be destroyed to make a floor. * Maintenance. Considering its natural properties, it's easy to see this flooring is simple to care for. It can be vacuumed just like a carpet or dusted with any spills wiped up.
Bamboo flooring is not a new concept, but recent advances in making it have added this flooring option to the mainstream. Considering its advantages, it is worth major consideration when new flooring is needed. Few products can come close to comparing with the benefits bamboo offers.
Unlike the woven bamboo mats most people think of when bamboo flooring is mentioned, newer products using bamboo have come into the marketplace recently. These flooring types involve the transformation of plain bamboo stalks into a very smooth flooring product that comes in a huge variety of colors and styles. When laid, it resembles any other type of wood flooring, but comes with a large laundry list of advantages over plain oak, maple or pine.
Produced in a similar fashion as hardwood, bamboo comes in short strips, planks and even tiles. It's installed basically the same way any other flooring is, too. It can take on many different colors and designs, too. But the icing on the cake though is the fact bamboo is known not only for looking good, but also for its ability to hold up under some major traffic. These advantages combine to make bamboo perfect for homes, offices and other settings where beauty and an ability to stand up to traffic are needed.
Bamboo has a number of advantages over other types of flooring. Here are some of the main ones:
* Weather tolerance: Unlike traditional hardwoods, bamboo can handle humidity and moisture changes like a champ. It's ability to withstand water without expanding or contracting gives it a distinct advantage over other kinds of wood flooring that can be destroyed by water. It's even considered more stable than oak. * Hardness quality. When properly crafted, bamboo flooring is considered harder than maple and even oak. This adds to its ability to withstand years and years of traffic. * Durability. Bamboo's unique properties make it stain, scratch and fade resistant. Plus, it stands up to serious traffic and more. The toughness of the product helps it resist things that can destroy regular wood floors and especially carpeting. This means less of a need for replacement, which means a huge cost savings over the long run. * Great for those with allergies. Unlike carpets, bamboo doesn't hold in dust and dirt. This can help keep a home a bit more allergen free, which is great news for those who suffer from allergies. * Environmental: Trees are not cut down to create bamboo floors. Bamboo grows, literally, like weeds in numerous locations around the world. It is able to reproduce and grow quickly, which means the supply is more prevalent and forests don't have to be destroyed to make a floor. * Maintenance. Considering its natural properties, it's easy to see this flooring is simple to care for. It can be vacuumed just like a carpet or dusted with any spills wiped up.
Bamboo flooring is not a new concept, but recent advances in making it have added this flooring option to the mainstream. Considering its advantages, it is worth major consideration when new flooring is needed. Few products can come close to comparing with the benefits bamboo offers.
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