Bamboo is a natural surface covering material that has many of the properties of hardwood flooring, even though it is actually produced from a type of grass. It has the same look, feel and maintenance as hardwood. The more you understand the properties of this material, the better informed you will be when making a purchasing or maintenance decision.
Ecologically Friendly: Bamboo is made from natural vegetation. The bamboo plant is a highly renewable resource that is able to grow to maturity in as little as three to five years. This is much faster than hardwood trees which can take upwards of twenty years or more to reach maturity.
Easy Maintenance: Bamboo is relatively easy to maintain. You just have to sweep or vacuum it regularly to remove small particle debris. You can also occasional damp mop it, or clean it with a non wax, non-alkaline, hardwood or bamboo floor cleanser.
Cognac Bamboo Marbled Bamboo
Water Resistant: This material is slightly more resistant to water damage, stains, and warping than hardwood materials, although it is still a concern.
Natural Material: The use of natural materials is an important trend in the construction industry right now. As people are becoming more ecologically conscious they are demanding products that reflect these values. They are also seeking materials and designs that reject the modern cookie cutter world and instead focus on individual personality and natural evolution.
Both Kitchen cabinets and flooring in above photo are bamboo.
Price: This material is priced at about the same level as most hardwood floors. You will often find bamboo ranging from about two dollars to eight dollars per square foot. You should avoid bargain basement materials as they are often lower quality castoffs.
Durability: There are certain types of bamboo that can be extremely strong, hard, and durable. Natural, un-carbonized bamboo that was properly harvested and manufactured can be as durable as red oak. Strand woven bamboo can be manufactured even harder than that.
Style: Bamboo is a trendy flooring material that can elevate the elegance of a space almost instantly. It has an appearance and a feel that is similar to hardwood and yet, is still distinct and different. This can add an ineffable quality to a room.
Not all bamboo flooring is created equal. A reputable flooring company will not only stand behind the durability of their product, some undergo a proprietary Fossilized® manufacturing process that makes it twice the density of any other hardwood floor in the world, backed by a 50-year warranty.
Further, reputable companies process their bamboo using ultra-low VOC with no added urea formaldehyde, the perfect union of sustainability and durability to last a lifetime. This also reduces emissions in the manufacturing process, making this product even more environmentally friendly.
WHAT BUILDING MATERIAL TRENDS DO YOU LOVE? WHY?
Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury home construction in Louisville, Kentucky.
Visit our website!
