Bamboo flooring vs. timber

More people are starting to realise how benefits of bamboo flooring. Bamboo is categorised as a grass because of its rapid growth. Bamboo can grow up 3 feet in a single day. This rapid growth makes it a renewable resource and hence very eco-friendly. Trees from which timber comes from are also renewable but take a much longer time to grow to sizes large enough to be harvested and used.

AVAILABILITY

Bamboo grows to maturity in about five years and regrows where the original plant was. This is compared to the 30 years or more it takes trees to reach maturity. This makes the reuse cycle of trees longer and not very eco-friendly. As many people are becoming aware of the need to protect our environment, the need for a more sustainable flooring option is gaining popularity.

DURABILITY

In terms of hardness bamboo flooring is very comparable to wood flooring. Some might even argue that natural bamboo flooring is stronger than timber. It is also more dent-resistant compared to timber flooring. Bamboo flooring acclimatises very well to humid environments meaning that it will not warp, twist or buckle and is therefore a very good choice for bath rooms and kitchens whereas timber flooring is very susceptible to water. If properly cared for bamboo floors will require much less maintenance in terms of refinishing as compared to timber flooring.

INSTALLATION

Bamboo flooring is easy to install. It is available in tongue and groove stripes. It is permanently attached to the surface it sits on. This makes it more stable and reduces movements and openings between individual pieces. Even though they are a number of options for the installation of bamboo flooring; the most common are either stapling it to a wood subfloor or gluing it to a wood slab. To ensure quality the bamboo flooring needs to be placed in the room it will be installed for a few days to acclimatise to the room conditions. This can be done by taking it out of the boxes and placed in the room it is to be installed. If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions you will appreciate the easy with which this can be done.

CONSIDERATIONS

If as you make your decision you consider the appearance, durability and cost of the flooring, you will agree that bamboo is a very viable option. It will add a glowing and beautiful effect that any home would welcome. It is aesthetically a clever choice.