Bamboo Flooring Misconceptions

The advantages of this wonder-grass will surprise consumers who may hold misconceptions about it.

Ask any typical Westerner who hasn’t shopped for floors in the last few years about using bamboo and there may be stunned silence. The image that may come to mind is one of skinny little tubes lining the floor of a pagoda, whistling as air rushes through them!

But bamboo flooring is much more evolved than that! Recently, it has had good publicity on American televised home shows, and advantages of this wonder-grass will surprise consumers who may hold misconceptions:

Misconception #1 – A bamboo floor will resemble chopsticks tied together!
Bamboo planks are close in size to hardwood planks (approximately 3 feet versus 3 1/3 feet in length and 4 inches versus 3 inches in width), and look like hardwood because there’s a growth pattern, or “knuckling”, on planks from horizontally cut bamboo stalks.

Misconception #2 – Bamboo is so lightweight; it can’t possibly support furniture and people!
Bamboo has proven to be harder and more durable than some hardwoods; it’s considered dent resistant, and it offers stability from gaps and buckling.

Misconception #3 – Inexperience with this new material has to make installation difficult.
Bamboo floors are no more difficult than hardwood to install, and the process is actually quicker! (There is no need to sand or let chemicals dry.) The only change may be a need to utilize a pneumatic nail gun to work more easily on the adhesive used with bamboo.

Misconception #4 – That matte yellow look doesn’t seem too versatile.
Bamboo floors may be left their natural blonde or may be caramel colored from a pressure steaming process. Manufacturers may add other color finishes, and color may be changed with sanding and re-finishing. Planks are pre-finished with UV resistant varnish on all six sides.

Misconception #5 – Bamboo can be affected by high humidity and water.
Certain bamboo processing mills achieve lower moisture content and their products are usable in higher humidity areas. As with hardwood, bamboo should not be used in areas with potential standing water, such as bathrooms, but wiping or mopping with clear water is an adequate way to clean.

Misconception #6 – Cutting that much bamboo hurts the environment.
Bamboo’s growth cycles make it a renewable natural resource! Re-harvesting the same stalks does not harm the soil or the atmosphere. Its rapid growth (up to 100 feet per season) allows for a plentiful crop that can meet flooring needs, bamboo shoot harvesting, and many panda diets!

 



 

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