Slightly known fact: bamboo is actually not a tree at all, however a grass which includes over 1,000 species. Even without planting, bamboo easily grows back, and it actually reaches maturity in only four to five years. These kinds of qualities make bamboo a great, forest-friendly source of wood for flooring.
Bamboo floors may be new to North America however there are already various importers. Almost all bamboo brought in to Canada and the United States is developed and produced in China though, it is found in all of Southeast Asia.
Bamboo floors is durable, and carries a warmth and beauty which makes it especially desirable for flooring. However there are many varieties of bamboo, only some are suited to making flooring. Moso, for example, is a common choice that gets to 40-50 feet high after just one full year of growth. In another 3 years, the reeds are mature enough for harvest. After harvesting, the bamboo is dried under the sun and then cut into strips which are shaped and planned. From all these strips, bamboo flooring is manufactured through a process of laminating as well as staining. The two main shades available for bamboo floors are natural (a light woody shade), and carbonized (an amber shade). You will also find other color variations based on the staining method.
Bamboo flooring bears many remarkable qualities which make it equal to or better compared to many other “wood” flooring choices. It is as tough as hard maple, and also has been confirmed as tougher and more stable compared to red oak. Maintenance for bamboo floors is no different as for other pre-finished wood floor products — regular sweeping or vacuuming, spray cleaners, and also occasionally mopping. Environmentally, the effect on world forests would be significantly lessened if bamboo floors were more widely used.
When thinking about bamboo flooring, it is essential to know that not every bamboo is equal. Nor is all of bamboo processing equal. A few discount or wholesale businesses are already selling immaturely cut bamboo for bamboo floors. The result is low-quality, cheap bamboo flooring that will not last. Timing is as well important in processing bamboo. When it is not treated within three days after it is cut, the bamboo can very easily mold, making the resulting floor look bland and dull. Make sure to confirm that the wholesaler you deal with is experienced and can guarantee that their bamboo and processing techniques are of high quality.
