Compared to other types, hardwood flooring can add a feeling of comfort and unique beauty to any home. While installing traditional hardwood is an option, there is another alternative that is increasing in popularity. Strand woven bamboo flooring can be an elegant addition to a room, and is an option that is both affordable and environmentally friendly.
Creating Bamboo Hardwood Flooring
While bamboo is considered a type of hardwood flooring, it is not a type of wood – it is actually grass. The stalks are harvested when they reach maturity, which takes approximately 3 to 6 years. The bamboo is cut into strips and steamed to remove insects, remove the natural sugars and darken the coloring. Woven bamboo flooring is created using a slightly different process. Fibers are created by shredding the strips and are mixed with resin. This mixture is then compressed into large blocks using high heat and pressure, and finally cut into the strips that are used during floor installation. Compared to traditional bamboo flooring, this process strengthens the planks making this option stronger and more durable.
Why Choose Woven Bamboo Flooring
Compared to hardwood floors, woven bamboo is identical in appearance. And its unique qualities may make it an ideal option for your home renovation. The coloring and texture create an elegant appearance that can match the styling of any home, ranging from traditional to contemporary. While lighter colors are considered stronger and darker colors are considered “soft,” the strength is comparable to walnut and maple hardwood floors. Also, while this material is considered an alternative to traditional flooring, the installation process and cost is the same as traditional options.
Caring for Your Strand Woven Bamboo Floor
If you are captivated with the appearance of bamboo, you may wonder if it is difficult to clean and maintain. Cleaning with a no wax cleaner, regular sweeping and vacuuming is all that is needed to preserve its appearance. In other words, no special care or work is needed to keep your bamboo hardwood flooring looking like new. This quality makes it ideal for any busy homeowner. Also, it can reduce the number of allergens trapped in the home compared to carpet – making it an ideal option for allergy sufferers and pet owners.
Ideal for Any Climate
One of the primary concerns for homeowners is the reaction of wood flooring to the climate, especially high heat and humidity. When exposed to changes in moisture and temperature, traditional hardwood floors run the risk of warping, cracking and other surface damage. On the other hand natural bamboo flooring expands and contracts in response to the same changes. This quality also makes this type of flooring resistant to spills, which is an ideal feature to have when children or pets are in the home. While spills still need to be cleaned as quickly as possible, there will be no risk of damage to the floors beautiful appearance. This quality also means a damp mop can be used for cleaning, though a minimal amount of water should be used.
An Ideal Wood Flooring Alternative
Virtually identical to hardwood in strength, durability, installation and cost, this is a great alternative to traditional wood floors and carpet. And bamboo hardwood floors create a feeling of comfort, beauty and elegance in any home without breaking the budget. While it can be argued this option is a softer than other types of wood, additional strength can be gained by choosing lighter colors. Also, it is more resistant to heat, moisture and changes in humidity – making this an ideal choice for areas in harsher climates, or those that experience radical changes in season. And its appearance can match any decorating style, ranging from traditional to contemporary – so why not make your home truly unique with the addition of a woven bamboo floor!