Monday 22 July 2013

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is a natural material that has similar properties to hardwood flooring, even though it is actually made from a type of grass. Fast becoming a popular choice for flooring options, bamboo has several advantages.

First of all, bamboo flooring is eco friendly. The bamboo plant is a renewable resource that takes only three to five years to grow fully. This is a stark contrast to hardwood trees which can take more than twenty years or more to attain maturity.

Secondly, bamboo is comparatively easier to maintain. You just need to sweep it regularly to remove small particles or dust. Occasionally, you can use wipe it with a damp mop or clean it with a special bamboo floor cleanser.

Another plus is that bamboo is more resistant to water, stains, and distortion than hardwood although these cannot be fully ruled out. Besides, bamboo costs almost the same as most hardwood floors. Take care to avoid bargain materials as they are often of lower quality rejected material.

There are certain types of bamboo flooring that are extremely strong, hard, and long lasting, almost similar to red oak. Bamboo woven into strands is even stronger than the natural variety. Bamboo is a stylish flooring material that can add a touch of elegance to a space almost instantly. It appears similar to hardwood but is yet different in its own way. With time, bamboo floors may become discoloured, or develop scratches. However, these floors can be refinished, by using the method of sanding and then by reapplying the finishing coat to give it a new look. Now that we have seen the benefits of bamboo flooring , let us also look at the other side of the coin.

While a bamboo floor is relatively easier to maintain, it is impossible to keep it perfect especially with regular use. Over time, such floors can develop nasty scratches and the surface can get damaged. Although bamboo is more resistant to water than the average hardwood, however being a natural as well as organic material it is quite prone to water damage, especially in the case of humid climates, or where frequent water logging takes place. If the bamboo floor is installed in a very humid region, the moisture in the air can cause the floor planks to swell up. In a dry environment, the boards can shrink. In both cases, cracks may develop in the bamboo floor.

Another disadvantage is that there is no proper grading system that can be used to rate the quality of bamboo. This causes some retailers to sell defective products which are not visible at first but develop defects later on, after you have purchased it.

Another issue is that while natural and strand woven bamboo floors are usually hard and durable, bamboo boards that are darker in colour are generally softer. This is due to the carbonization process used to colour the wood, which also makes it softer and less long lasting.

All said and done, victoriandesignerfloors have an appeal of their own and are a preferred choice in many homes.More information Please Click here.

This article has been taken from http://victoriandesignerfloors.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bamboo-flooring/

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