Bamboo Hardwood Flooring Basics

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How it's Harvested

Bamboo flooring is actually not a hardwood at all, it's actually a grass. It's usually included under the wood floor umbrella because installation, style and general maintenance is same. Another important difference ? price. Wood costs 25 - 50% more.

Bamboo is grown and harvested in China. As it is manufactured into flooring, there are two ways to cut and laminate the shoots together, each creating a very different effect. Horizontal refers to strips that are laid out flat showing the outer surface including knuckles, or growth rings. Vertical style occurs when strips are turned on their side and laminated together in rows, giving a slender striped effect.

Environmentally minded buyers often choose bamboo over traditional wood because it is a much faster renewable resource. Unlike an oak tree that takes twenty years to come to maturity, this sturdy grass requires only four. Harvesting only cuts the top of the plant, leaving the roots in tact and allowing it to continue to grow.

Installation Procedures

Installing a bamboo floor is very similar to wood. It's usually nailed but can also be glued down or installed over OSB or even radiant floor heating system. When nailed down, it?s common to use pneumatic nail guns because they shoot the nails out faster, harder and covered in a drop of glue that helps hold the nails in.

Before installation, it's important you allow your materials to sit for a minimum of 72 hours so it can adjust to temperature and humidity in the room where it?ll be installed.Bamboo flooring is often installed using the tongue and groove method, make sure you always use a tapping block. Direct hits to the side of this material can cause a fracture.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for this product is also similar to caring for wood.

• Lay doormats and rugs at doorsteps and around your home to collect dirt and moisture.
• If your rug does not have a rubber undercoating or is not colorfast, pick up some rug mats to act as a barrier between your rug and bamboo floor.
• Sweep or vacuum often, daily if necessary.
• Mop up spills as soon as they occur. Moisture can penetrate the finish and warp or ruin your floor. Besides spills, clean regularly with a damp, water only mop.
• Stay away from abrasives, steel wool or scrubbing pads. Tacky substances should be scrubbed gently with a damp cloth and mild, non-abrasive floor cleaner.
• Use felt, fabric or rubber protectors on all furniture legs.

Unique striations, easy maintenance and a low price tag to boot. Bamboo wood flooring is an excellent choice.