Are you thinking of upgrading your home’s flooring? Then chances are you’ve already considered materials like tile, hardwood and laminate. However, bamboo flooring often goes overlooked.
Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly and durable material for your entire home or want to improve the appearance of just one room, bamboo is a great option. Despite being a type of grass, it’s sturdy and sustainable, making it popular among homeowners taking on a remodelling or building project.
Here are some things you should know about bamboo flooring to figure out whether it’s worth your time and money.
Here’s Why You Should Invest in Bamboo Flooring
Whether you’re designing a new home or simply redecorating, there are several reasons to consider bamboo for your next flooring project.
1. Sustainability
If you, like many homeowners, are concerned about our negative impact on the environment, you will love bamboo, as it’s sustainable.
Being a type of grass, it’s renewable and only takes three to five years to reach maturity and harvesting it doesn’t take a huge toll on the environment. By contrast, the trees used to make hardwood flooring generally take around 20 years or more to reach full maturity.
That said, some companies look to cut corners when harvesting and processing bamboo for flooring by adding formaldehyde and various adhesives that emit toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC). These can be detrimental to you and your family’s health, as well as the environment.
So, when purchasing bamboo flooring, make sure you buy products that have been certified as having been harvested and manufactured sustainably.
2. Durability
It may come as a surprise, but bamboo flooring rivals hardwood in terms of both strength and durability. The manufacturing process involves shredding and slicing the grass and pressing it together using a combination of special glues and heat. The sturdiest bamboo is strand-woven. The method used to create it incorporates interlocking and mixing unique strands to create a surface 2.5 times harder than other materials like red oak.
3. Versatility
An important factor to consider when choosing flooring is whether it will work your decor. With bamboo, you can rest assured knowing there’s a wide range of styles and colours available. You can also choose from engineered and hand-scraped planks that have the same marbling effect that bamboo generally has.
Additionally, bamboo flooring is available in various graining patterns and shades. So, regardless of your current decor or furnishings, you’re bound to find something to complement your home.
Also, since you have a large selection of styles to choose from, you can use bamboo flooring throughout your home and have different looks.
4. Low Maintenance
Since bamboo flooring is easier to care for than other materials, it can free up time that would otherwise be spent cleaning. All you need to do is vacuum to get rid of small particles such as dust and dirt. Failing to do so can cause scratches over time. This typically happens when people walk on the floor and drag particles with their feet which can act like sandpaper. Although this may not result in any major harm, it can damage the finish. To prevent it, use area rugs or mats near entryways to trap particles.
If you’re thinking of deep cleaning your bamboo flooring, choose a product specifically designed for bamboo, or any other non-alkaline or non-wax hardwood floor cleaner. With this, you can use a damp mop, but remember not to leave the floor wet for extended periods.
5. Easy Repair and Refinish
Over time, bamboo flooring can become scratched, marred or discoloured. Fortunately, it can be refinished easily by sanding the surface and reapplying sealant. Note: engineered bamboo cannot be refinished.
Humidity can also destroy bamboo’s appearance and structural integrity. When used in areas with high humidity, planks can buckle and swell; in a dry environment, they can shrink. It’s important to take this into account before choosing bamboo for any given room.
6. Resistance to Allergens and Bugs
Along with being easy to maintain, bamboo is resistant to bug infestations and doesn’t trap allergens the way carpets can.
Where can I use bamboo flooring in my home?
Its versatility and durability allows bamboo to be installed in almost any room. However, the only areas they should be kept away from are those that have to endure water usage, such as bathrooms and kitchens. On the other hand, it’s a great option for living spaces, dining rooms, bedrooms and study areas as it adds a warm and inviting appeal.
Furthermore, there is a wide range of bamboo available that is compatible with underfloor heating. This system can be installed without damaging the flooring.
As you can see, there are many reasons why bamboo flooring makes sense in your home. If you’re looking for eco-friendly and sustainable flooring, you can’t go wrong when you choose bamboo planks. However, remember to approach a reputable flooring provider to ensure you receive a premium quality product.
AA Floors & More Ltd.
524 Evans Ave Etobicoke ON M8W 2V4
TELEPHONE : (416) 201-9611
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