What You Need To Know About Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is a very fast-growing renewable resource. It has been used for centuries in countries like China for all sorts of tools and building materials. It can be used as a substitute for a variety of items (including paper) that are normally made from wood or other fibers in the West.
Bamboo is lightweight; but it can be very hard as well. Quality bamboo floors tend to be about twice as hard as oak and extremely durable. The grain is similar in appearance to that of more traditional hardwoods making it an excellent substitute.
How Bamboo is Prepared
When high-quality bamboo is first harvested, it is already very strong. Boiling, chemical treatments, and gluing processes make it much stronger. It also becomes resistant to termites, scratches, and UV light damage.
The length of boiling time will control the carbonization of the grain. This determines the darkness and final look of the flooring. Once it is dried, it can be treated to resist moisture.
The Right Stuff
Several types of bamboo flooring are available. Solid bamboo is often not the most expensive option. Nor is it considered the best choice in many cases. The various treatments used to make the other kinds of bamboo flooring render them more durable. Some contractors consider the strand woven products to be the best.
Be cautious when you go shopping. While old growth bamboo is quite strong, new growth tends to be very soft. New growth products have recently flooded the market to keep up with demand. Such materials can be far inferior to hardwood flooring.
Purchase quality flooring from a reputable dealer who offers a reliable guarantee. Good bamboo products should last 25 years or more. Junk bamboo may need to be replaced after a single year. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is the fingernail test. If your fingernail makes a mark in the material, it is poor quality.
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