Bamboo flooring has proved to be a resistant option, decorative and also eco friendly. In productsofbamboo.com we show you all the great features of this excellent material.
WHAT´S BAMBOO FLOORING?
Although bamboo looks like wood and shares many properties with it, we need to take into account it is not. It is a grass.
There are many different bamboo species, more than 1.500. The one we are more interested in when we talk about bamboo floowing is a variety called Phyllostachys edulis. This is one of the species that reaches biggest size and bamboo flooring is usually made from it.
Bamboo flooring is not new in west countries. They are present in USA and Europa for more than 20 years already. However, it was not until recent days that it called the attention of many owners or building and decoration professionals.
This ongoing interest in bamboo is due to several factors: very interesting technique and decorative properties, and also because it is an environmentally friendly source.
WHICH BAMBOO FLOORING IS THE BEST?
The first thing we need to know is that many other products, not only flooring, bamboo used for that purpose are not natural bamboo. It is normally grinded in order to transform it into fibers, and join them using adhesive and pressure. The final result is much more resistant, and it is still, in essence, bamboo.
Once we know this, we can classify bamboo flooring on:
1. Solid or Natural Flooring. In this case we talk about bamboo strips stuck to each other. These can be joined across or lengthwise.
- Across. We can observe better the fibers and knots of bamboo.
- Lengthwise. More uniform and striped appearance.
2. Braid or Industrial. In the previous case pieces are joined to each other, in one way or another. In this case it is an industrial process in which fibers are soaked in adhesive and pressed. The final result is much more resistant. This option is normally a bit more expensive.
Therefore between these 2 types of bamboo flooring it is clear that strand woven bamboo flooring is the best type of bamboo you can use. Robust nature, it can withstand humidity and changes in temperature better than other types.
IS BAMBOO FLOORING GOOD?
Both 2 types of bamboo flooring are great flooring materials. If we are asking about its resistance, braid or industrial bamboo can be thermo-treated and they are pressed at very high pressures in order to obtain high densities.
They are normally certified as use class 4, designated as outdoors in contact with the floor. European Normatives has only one class above this one, 5, which is the one in direct and continuous contact with salt water.
IS BAMBOO FLOORING WATERPROOF?
Bamboo flooring has a good performance against humidity, especially the industrial version (bamboo fibers). Much better than hardwood, more resistant than other usual woods used for flooring.
However, bamboo flooring is better water resistant but not waterproof. If there are large amounts of any liquid and soak your floor for a period of time over 20 hours, then water damage can occur.
Bamboo is naturally a hostile environment for mold, and good quality ones will usually come with spill protection in case of puddles.
Bamboo flooring can be installed in a kitchen. If you use a strand woven bamboo flooring then you get a guaranteed 20 hours spill protection. As this is a very hard type of floor (more than twice than other hardwoods), it is highly recommended for your kitchen when looking for natural look flooring.
BAMBOO FLOORING PROS AND CONS
PROS
👍Bamboo is an abundant and cheap resource.
👍Bamboo is renewable. As it is a fast growing grass it can be used for extensive production without risks of damaging its ecosystem.
👍Easy to install. Specific tools are not necessary.
👍They can be really hard. There are differences depending on the type of bamboo used or if it has been processed or not, but they always have a high rating in hardness tests.
👍You will get really soft surfaces, nice to touch.
👍Good performance against water. Strand woven bamboo flooring withstands extraordinarily well in humid conditions.
👍It’s a very stable material. You need to pay attention to manufacturer installation recommendations, but with bamboo flooring you can even use bigger pieces than with hardwood.
👍Multiple designs; not only finishes, but also type of presentation, like lengthwise, across, or braid.
CONS
👎As it has been already mentioned, bamboo flooring withstands very well against water, but it is not completely waterproof.
👎Also take into account that there are many poor quality products now in the market. It can come from production, where not always respect quality standards, but also from the way it has been processed (not drying well bamboo can become warped, and poor or toxic adhesives are also used).
This is why we, bamboo experts, will show you the best quality proven bamboo flooring you can buy. Just choose the best finish among our great selection of bamboo floorinds.
BAMBOO FLOORING REVIEWS
Most owners and users think bamboo flooring is really great and they have no complaints about the product itself.
They agree that this type of flooring is beautiful. They also say that the price is great for the quality they get.
Another common positive feedback is that bamboo flooring is really easy to install. It is not necessary to be an expert to install it and the results are great. It is highly recommended.
HOW TO INSTALL BAMBOO FLOORING
The kinds of installation of any bamboo flooring are exactly the same as the ones for installing any other wood flooring. They are basically:
Over furring strips. Bamboo flooring is driven over the strips, so that they do not touch directly the pavement. This is the usual installation outdoors, although it´s commonly used also indoors.
Fixed or glued to the floor or subsoil.
Parquet type (floating). In this case bamboo is not fixed to the floor or subsoil, but pieces are fit together through a click system which keeps them joined. This type of installation is easier, and it can be made by people with some DIY skills.
BAMBOO FLOORING CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Cleaning bamboo flooring is not complicated, it’s as easy as cleaning a laminate floor. You only need to sweep frequently, and regularly mop with water and soap, with the mop well drained.
The best option is by using a vacuum cleaner, and with regards to soap, just use one specific for wood floorings. Avoid products like bleach (ammonia) or detergents with high PH, oil soaps or waxes.