Bamboo flooring designs

Although bamboo has over 1,000 species, the one that is commonly used for floors is the species called “Moso.”

China is the main source of bamboo, but other countries in Asia also source this wood-type plant.

Its resistance to insects and moisture is one reason why bamboo floors are popular. Not only is its popularity confined to the Asian and North American continents, but Europe is also getting smitten by bamboo mania. Apart from this resistance to the elements, bamboo is also sturdy and robust. Hence, its exceptional durability accounts for its popularity. Bamboo fans know about its diminished tendency to expand or contract by 50%, unlike other wood types that tend to contract or expand with changes in the weather.

The fact that bamboo is available in two distinct colors constitutes another reason why people choose it to be part of their interior décor. A house’s floor attracts a lot of attention – perhaps more attention – than say, the furnishings or the kitchen cabinets. Bamboo’s two colors are natural and carbonized. The natural color resembles beech, while carbonized is similar to oak. These similarities to actual wood make bamboo an irresistible choice. Bamboo is said to be 25% stronger than red oak, which is the most frequently installed type of flooring.

Bamboo’s environmental friendliness is probably the most important factor why it ranks high in consumer demand. The green building council has definitely given its stamp of approval. To illustrate this eco-friendliness factor better, good quality bamboo has no formaldehyde content in the glue used to hold the planks together. Be careful of lower grade bamboo, however. Ask your bamboo sales person what type of glue has been used.

Availability is another reason. Certain wood species take as long as 50 years to mature, whereas the bamboo tree or plant matures in just five or six years.

Versatility is another. It is a popular choice of homeowners because it has at least three floor styles. The two most common are vertical and horizontal grain. The third style is called “strand”, giving off a woven impression. The planks have more density and hence two times harder than standard bamboo.

Let’s not forget price. Compared to other hardwood flooring, bamboo is affordable ($4 to $8 per square foot). Fortunate individuals who live in sprawling estates do not have the monopoly of bamboo flooring.

And, didn’t you hear? Bamboo IS beautiful!