First, the introduction of hardwood flooring and bamboo flooring
Hardwood floors are a classic choice for any home and are beautiful. However, if you are looking for a more environmentally friendly flooring material, then bamboo flooring has its place. This article will detail the many benefits of purchasing bamboo flooring, including how it’s made, where it’s sourced, whether it’s suitable for pets and children, and other factors to consider when making your decision.
Properties of Bamboo
What is Bamboo
Bamboo is a herbaceous plant that usually grows in clusters. When used for flooring, its properties are roughly similar to those of wood, but with greater moisture resistance.
For example, herringbone bamboo flooring in an entryway can add natural beauty to a space.
Bamboo’s growth rate and origin
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, growing up to a foot a day, and a single culm can grow more than 30 inches a day. While an oak tree takes 100 years to mature, bamboo may be planted and harvested in as little as three years, meaning the world will never run out of bamboo as a resource.
Bamboo is most commonly found in areas such as India, China and Indonesia and grows best in natural sunlight. It grows in areas that do not require large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers, making it more environmentally friendly. However, when choosing bamboo flooring, it is still important to look for responsibly sourced products. This can be judged by finding out if the flooring company has a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate, an independent non-profit organization founded in 1994 to promote responsible management of the world’s forests and to address the problems of forest exploitation and mismanagement, as well as to enhance the socio-biological diversity and ecological value of the forests through long-term forestry management plans.
The way bamboo flooring is made
Bamboo flooring can be manufactured in a variety of ways, the most common of which is the “compression molding” process. This process is similar to an oven, where the bamboo is subjected to extreme heat and then quickly cooled down. Strand bamboo flooring is made from strands bonded together with epoxy resin (a heat-resistant substance) and then cut to specific sizes.
Benefits of Bamboo Flooring
Rapid growth and environmental friendliness
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable resources known on the planet, able to grow even in poor soil conditions without the aid of any chemicals. It can also withstand the most extreme weather conditions and regenerate within 5 years, making it extremely environmentally friendly.
Durability
Durability is an often overlooked factor in sustainability. Bamboo flooring has excellent hardness and all types of bamboo flooring provide a strong and durable floor with a long lifespan, reducing the environmental impact of replacing the floor. In fact, bamboo has such a strong molecular structure that its tensile strength is even stronger than steel.
Easy to clean
Bamboo flooring finishes not only add protection and durability, they also provide an easy-to-maintain surface. Bamboo flooring can be cleaned just like hardwood, with regular sweeping or vacuuming and the occasional use of a damp mop and the right cleaning solution.
Healthy Properties
Bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties that help reduce household allergens such as dust mites and mold spores, making it ideal for allergy or asthma sufferers.
Natural Insulator
Bamboo flooring is an environmentally friendly flooring option that acts as a natural insulator, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer without putting extra strain on your HVAC system.
Commercial Space Suitability
Not only does bamboo flooring have a low environmental impact, making it ideal for commercial spaces, but it also has properties that prevent odor buildup. A recent study found that bamboo flooring is best suited for commercial uses such as gyms due to its high polish and hardness. It is also ideal for yoga studios due to its natural vibration dampening properties.
