Lots of people are choosing to install bamboo flooring in their homes in recent years. Theyve heard that it lasts a lot longer than most types of hardwood flooring, and its more ecologically sound. Bamboo has a number of other advantages, too, and its a good choice for many situations.
However, it might not be the right choice for everyone. Hardwood has a long tradition of use in homes, and works well with some antique house styles. Installing hardwood floors takes a lot longer than installing bamboo flooring, though for some people the traditional look of wood outweighs the inconvenience.
While bamboo is an attractive type of floor that works very well in many homes, its not the same as a traditional floor made from wood. This flooring is more uniform and has less color variation than a hardwood floor, for instance.
For some, this is a benefit, but for others, its a reason to avoid bamboo. If youre not certain which you prefer, remember that bamboo is a lot more convenient. The pieces are ready to install and theres no dust and little mess.
For many homes, bamboo is a great choice. However, if youre restoring an older building or really love traditional looks, you might not be happy with it. Fortunately, some manufacturers are creating bamboo that looks a lot more like hardwood. Soon, this may be an option, too.
Some of the most common hardwoods in traditional flooring are Jarrah and Blackbutt, though many other woods are also used. These attractive, durable woods are harvested from trees that take a long time to grow. Also, moisture or changes in temperature can cause your wood flooring to splinter or warp, requiring refinishing.
Hardwood also tends to be costlier and less sustainable than bamboo. This amazing grass can grow as much as thirty centimeters in one day, and a grove can be harvested in just a few years. A hardwood forest takes decades to produce lumber, and many of these forests arent being maintained sustainably.
Since bamboo grows quickly, and requires no fertilizers, it can be sustainably farmed. That doesnt mean that every bamboo crop is environmentally responsible, however. Some bamboo plantations, despite the advantages of this plant, are planting only one species and using fertilizers and pesticides on their crops. These bamboo sources are a lot less friendly than well managed bamboo.
Youll find these kinds of practices mostly in China and other countries where regulation is minimally enforced. Fortunately, it takes only a little research to tell you if youre getting some of the large percentage of products made from sustainably produced bamboo.
Bamboo is more durable as a flooring material than hardwood. It stands up well to daily wear and tear, however if durability is still a concern, consider a flooring type that comes with a warranty. Be willing to spend a few more dollars on a product that will hold up, rather than buying a cheaper one.
Where contraction and expansion are issues, youll find that bamboo offers a favorable performance. Unlike hardwood veneer floorings, bamboo will hold up to a number of resurfacings, and theres no treatment or waxing required. To make sure you get a product thats non toxic and fully sustainable, look for flooring that uses glues that wont off gas and dont contain toxic chemicals.
If youre interested in finding out how hardwood flooring and bamboo compare, an online search will quickly tell you. Youll be able to view a wide range of products and see what all your options are. Bamboo could be the right floor for your home.

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