Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. The potential for a homeowner to install it themselves can be a big money saver. You should be able to get a good-quality bamboo installed for less than $10 per square foot, including materials and labor. It is prone to scratches, dents, cracking, buckling, and warping. Bamboo Flooring Cons Its unique look, durability and environmentally friendly tone have all contributed to the immense popularity lately. There are a number of varieties that can grow up to a foot a day. As a flooring material, bamboo has many of the same benefits and drawbacks of hardwood flooring, Like wood flooring, bamboo is an attractive natural material that generally adds real estate value to a home. High-quality bamboo floors installed and cared for properly will last a lifetime. In addition, as the bamboo flooring industry is based in China and south-east Asia, the final product must be shipped to markets halfway across the world which consumes a lot of fuel and extra carbon emissions. According to Cleanfax, the global sales of bamboo flooring in 2016 was at $1.13 billion.Yes, billion.It’s a growing choice among home owners, buyers, and builders. Once the wear layer degrades, which it will do over time, the floor will need to be replaced. However, if it does not, you must seal it with a urethane product after installing, or stain before sealing (in the case of raw bamboo planks). Cons of Engineered Bamboo Flooring. Bamboo is classified as a grass and it is the fastest growing plant on Earth. One of the hottest issues in the bamboo flooring pros and cons debate is the use of adhesives that contain formaldehyde during manufacturing. In the horizontal grain bamboo, you can see fine long lines in the vertical grain bamboo you will see interesting small little stripes. Let us examine bamboo flooring pros and cons. Floating bamboo floors sometimes use a modified tongue-and-groove system known as "click-lock," in which the edges of the boards interlock mechanically. Take precautionary measures against standing water and scratches. This material is priced at about the same level as most hardwood floors. Overall the cost of hardwood flooring is more expensive by a few dollars per square foot. Although bamboo is typically referred to as a hardwood flooring, it is actually a grass that gets processed into a variety of flooring and home products. Most commercial bamboo comes from plantation-like operations that are farmed responsibly. While the bamboo plant is a type of grass, not a tree, bamboo flooring behaves much like wood flooring—it can even be refinished in the same way. For example, Premium Green, Morning Star’s strand bamboo and Build Direct’s Yanchi brand offer strand bamboo with a 3,000 Janka rating. Do not settle for anything less. A great benefit of bamboo flooring is that it can be half the cost of traditional hardwood floors, depending on the grade, finish, and the processing applied. Bamboo will be of most appeal to consumers interested in using natural, renewable resources. If your bamboo floors get defaced over time, you can simply redo the finishing. Alternatively, you can blind-nail the tongue-and-groove boards to the subfloor via the board edge. If you can get past the dangerous fumes from the sanding process, once sanded, the fibers in the bamboo tend to separate and individual fibers stick up out of the base material no matter how fine grit you use. But this is not a water-proof or scratch-proof material. Perhaps you have heard the claim that bamboo flooring is as hard as some of the hardest of hardwoods. Unfortunately bamboo does share this advantage. Either way, the entire floor rests over a thin layer of foam underlayment, with no permanent attachment to the subfloor. Vinyl floors are comparatively easy to set up, unlike bamboo flooring. This is the major advantage of Bamboo! The most important factor overall when considering a flooring material is durability. Bamboo too suffers from such accidents yet in the bigger picture if performs better. In this case, the subfloor is not fitted with any permanent attachment. In many cases, the wood being recycled is over 100 years old. There are also thinner forms of solid bamboo designed for floating floor installation. Bamboo flooring cost usually ranges from $2 to $4 per foot depending on the thickness, color and type, with stand bamboo being the most durable. However, if a consumer researches and asks questions, they can find a quality manufacturer to alleviate those concerns. Bamboo flooring has been heralded as a prime green building material by the U.S. Green Building Council. One of the principal advantages of hardwood plank is the ability to be sanded and re-finished. There is no much difference in the prices of bamboo floors and hardwood floors, as well as the installation costs. Cork flooring can be discolored or lightened by repeated exposure to sunlight. Fortunately, these issues have become a much higher priority to hardwood producers throughout the world, and more responsible methods and practices such as selective thinning and carefully managed harvesting cycles are now employed, and clear-cut de-forestation has been all but eliminated. Cork and bamboo are quite similar in their ability to resist different types of damage. As with any material, bamboo flooring pros and cons will be best left to the user’s needs. More and more people are opting for floors made from bamboo because of its visual appeal. While the fibrous structure of bamboo is a perfect match for resisting a round ball it is more vulnerable to more common types of flooring wear such as high heels, children’s toys, or objects with any sharpness.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'makeeasylife_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',118,'0','0'])); In these instances, the bamboo fibers tend to separate making the surrounding area very susceptible to further wear. In recent years there has been a huge emphasis on environmentally friendly public policy. ALSO READ 15 Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing 2. It adds a warm and homey feel to a room and is very pleasant to look at. Why choose bamboo, and what are the benefits of bamboo flooring? Others choose recycled wood flooring because it is truly environmentally conscious. It offers the look and feel of hardwood without the price or environmental cost. Before delving into the individual factors which should be considered in the process of determining the net environmental benefits let’s first look at what caused bamboo flooring to explode on the scene in the first place. You can find bamboo flooring … Bamboo flooring is a growing and popular trend. Another appealing quality is that it is an eco-friendly, renewable resource. Since bamboo thrives more often than not in tropical areas, it is very resistant to spills. Cheaper products may contain more formaldehyde, while more expensive products may use alternative materials in the resins. Bamboo Flooring Pros & Cons FactsBamboo flooring. Bamboo is not a tree. An arid environment will do the opposite – shrink the planks. This is because cork and bamboo a… The bamboo roots sprout new shoots the following rainy season. If you are all about making your space distinct while making a strong statement with a renewable material, go for bamboo flooring. With bamboo, for the most part, a homeowner can get just as beautiful of a look, plus easier installation, lower cost for materials, and environmentally-friendly benefits. The beautiful and unique look of bamboo is due to its uniformity of color. If you can, use a UV-resistant flooring sealer for your finishing. In the case of synthetic strand and woven bamboo flooring, the range is 3000 to over 5000 (results from Janka hardness test). There is a huge segment of the flooring industry that employs recycled wood flooring exclusively. The type of processing can affect the strength, such as strand-woven bamboo, whose processing makes it stronger than traditional bamboo. Like wood, there are lots of reasons why bamboo can be … Bamboo grass readily absorbs water and is susceptible to damage from water and excessive humidity. It is fast becoming a popular flooring option throughout the world. If you go with prime products like those listed above you need not worry. In a comparison with the traditional hardwood floors it`s a great thing to note that bamboo comes slightly ahead when it comes to water stains, warping and overall water damage. And most importantly, as bamboo flooring is highly vulnerable to scratches and dents and virtually impossible to sand and re-finish its lifespan is unimpressive. At that growth rate, you can understand why bamboo is considered rapidly renewable, especially when compared to typical hardwood trees that can take up to 120 years to attain maturity.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'makeeasylife_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',129,'0','0'])); Many people do not realize how strong bamboo really is. Second, bamboo is one of the easiest floors to maintain. If you want a more durable flooring and like a light color floor, choose the lightest color bamboo. I am adding some of the well-known brands to the names I have above. The pros and cons of strand woven bamboo flooring can help you to determine if this material is the best option for your home. In fact, some species of bamboo have hardness ratings approximately double that of red oak, and bamboo is nearly always rated higher than maple. While the bamboo plant is a type of grass, not a tree, bamboo flooring behaves much like wood flooring—it can even be refinished in the same way. This is a normal problem for all wood floors, and not just specific to bamboo. Even though the composition of the bamboo is often stronger than hardwood options, it’s easier on your body. Bamboo flooring comes in several different types of products: Solid bamboo planks are installed much the same was as solid hardwood. Despite its overall great strength, on certain floors the load pressure from high-heeled shoes on a small surface area can make dents in the bamboo, so high heels should be avoided. That said, do not treat your bamboo flooring as scratch-proof or water-proof. Try to search for bamboo that has been allowed to fully mature at 5 years of growth. One of the benefits of solid bamboo floors is that they are stronger than red oak and less expensive than most other hardwood floors. Once it is installed, bamboo flooring is very simple to care for. Ask for flooring samples to take home, and subject them to your own tests against scratches and dents. Lastly, you will discover that bamboo is very comfortable underfoot. Once the bamboo poles or culms are sliced into strips, they are crosscut to length before going through another slicing. This becomes a big obstacle for those of us trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. There are no present-day trees being harvested to provide this material and there is the added benefit of using materials that would otherwise wind up in landfills.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'makeeasylife_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',119,'0','0'])); Not only is flooring wood being recycled for flooring but old barn siding and other recycled wood are finding their way to floors these days. Today it is one of the most popular types of exotic hardwood flooring in usage.. Spot clean with a damp cloth; you can use a wood floor cleaner if needed. Bamboo floors have natural beauty and durability. Here are the pros and cons of bamboo flooring according to the experts at Ambient®: The PROS of bamboo flooring 1. The installation of tough timber flooring on your own has both pros and cons. The tongue-and-groove boards are usually blind-nailed to the subfloor through the edge of the boards. While there are new UV resistant finishes being applied to all floors, it is most beneficial to minimize exposure of your floor to prolonged direct sunlight.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'makeeasylife_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',124,'0','0'])); There are many bamboo flooring pros and cons and this is not the complete list. If you are a DIYer, be aware that there is no independent system for rating the quality of bamboo materials in the same way that hardwood is graded. Bamboo flooring is traditionally chosen by connoisseurs of the so-called eco-style in the interior. Details. Bamboo flooring is limited to a few tonal shades. Solid Hardwood Flooring Comparison Guide, Carpet vs. Hardwood Flooring Comparison Guide, Vinyl Plank (Luxury Vinyl) Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring Comparison Guide, Wood Parquet Flooring Review: Pros and Cons. What this does is to reduce the final hardness to the non-carbonized bamboo’s hardness range. It is on a par or may even be better than hardwood when it comes to looks and appearance. The finish also makes a difference. Bamboo blank is made if several strips of bamboo laminated together as bamboo is not bulky enough to obtain individual planks. The contemporary look of bamboo doesn’t fit with all décor. It can also be a … It is nearly unbreakable, and buyers are often able to get a 25-year warranty on a bamboo floor. The more trusted names for your list are Eco timber, Stepco, and Teragen. Reviewers, however, also point out a few of the less desirable characteristics. Engineered bamboo is less expensive than solid bamboo, and it is usually installed by DIYers. You must also prevent the bamboo materials from direct exposure to sunlight – it is the fastest way to decolorize them. The moisture resistance level in bamboo is slightly higher than in hardwood. The outer skin and nodes of the resulting strips are removed. To a lesser degree, the same problem exists with regard to soft wood flooring products such as Pine and Fir. Bamboo also has a more uniform texture and grain, unlike hardwood, in which each board has a unique grain pattern. Unlike trees, which require at least 20 years to mature, a bamboo stalk can be repeatedly harvested every five or six years. This makes it important to find a quality, reputable flooring dealer to ensure that you are getting top-quality material. Bamboo is a great flooring choice. It’s advised for the consumer to do their homework and choose their manufacturer carefully, to avoid the allergy and durability concerns with certain manufacturers. It has an appearance and a feel that is similar to hardwood and yet is still distinct and different. You can go the extra mile by moping or cleaning it with a non-alkaline, non-wax cleanser. Lastly, it is possible that bamboo flooring may fade. Here on the blog, we’ve discussed the pros and cons of vinyl, laminate, engineered hardwood, and carpet flooring options. In one respect this is true but in actual application, bamboo flooring is much more vulnerable to wear. For the most part, these floors are non-allergenic, although some people with chemical sensitivities can react to the small amounts of formaldehyde and VOCs that are present in the resins. Lower-quality bamboo from some manufacturers may have problems with resins and outgassing of chemicals such as formaldehyde. This type of bamboo is not as hard or durable as stranded bamboo, but it can have a very striking appearance. In nature, bamboo relatively grows faster. Bamboo is also vulnerable to damage from sunlight, especially over a long period of time. In the vertical pattern, long thick planks are glued to each other in one layer, enhancing the fine nodes of the wood. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'makeeasylife_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_14',122,'0','0'])); For instance, traditional bamboo flooring can be as hard as 1180 and 1380 for carbonized horizontal and natural variants, respectively. Pros of Vinyl Flooring 1. The primary reason the latter is used as an option in hardwood flooring is the similarities in the physical features of both wood and bamboo. Bamboo flooring will scratch because the bonding material between the bamboo fibers is less strong than lignans in old wood.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'makeeasylife_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',121,'0','0'])); Traditional bamboo floors Janka rating is from 1,300 to 1,600 Pounds-Pressure on the Janka rating. Bamboo being a grass type can still be harder than oak and thus grants you with a robust material for the flooring. The last stage involves drying and plaining the strips. In the end, bamboo is indeed a rapidly renewable resource, but poor management and manufacturing practices and a low-quality product coupled with the recently increased responsible harvesting practices in the hardwood industry outweigh this advantage. Cork and bamboo also resist and take physical damage in a very similar way. In conditions of extremely high or extremely low humidity, bamboo flooring is more likely to crack than is hardwood flooring. Below we go through some bamboo flooring pros and cons, detailing some of the benefits and drawbacks of using bamboo so that you can decide for yourself. Unlike trees, bamboo completely re-grows within a few years. The chances are that your bamboo flooring product will come with finishing from the factory. To keep your bamboo floors looking brand new, keep dirt and dust picked up through regular sweeping or vacuuming. The color of the natural bamboo is close to that of the beech wood. Either way, you need the help of a professional to achieve these. After all, what could be cooler than a Prius in their garage and bamboo on their floor? Bamboo has gained a reputation as an eco-friendly and highly renewable source of the material. There are many reasons why some bamboo hardwood flooring is softer than others. The Janka rating is an internationally accepted rating scale for hardness in flooring. You can also occasionally damp mop it or clean it with a non-wax, non-alkaline, hardwood or bamboo floor cleanser. As we have noted earlier, adopting a bamboo flooring design will improve the aesthetic state of your interior design. First, bamboo is known for its strength and durability, allowing it to support many times its weight. This form of flooring is available both as tongue-and-groove planks that are nailed down, as well as planks that float over the underlayment. These products always use the click-lock floating floor installation method. Bamboo is available in a huge range of colors, from almost white to very dark, and the finish is available in high-gloss, semi-gloss, and matte. It’s recommended to have a mat inside or outside all entry doors, and have everyone wipe their feet before their shoes touch the floor, to absorb water and catch debris. On average, figure on adding about $4 per square foot for installation labor in addition to the cost of materials. Horizontal bamboo, on the other hand, resembles a typical hardwood only it has distinct knuckles that will tell it is bamboo. Because it is an organic material, bamboo can be affected by mold if water is present. The only compatible installation method is the click-lock floating method, considering the manufacturing process of the engineered bamboo (surface veneer bonded to an MDF core or plywood). Installation costs for bamboo flooring are much the same as for hardwood flooring. Bamboo is water and moisture resistant and is an ideal flooring option for kitchens and dining rooms. Bamboo is every bit as hard as most hardwoods and is slightly more water-resistant. In addition, unlike traditional hardwoods that are harvested after 40 to 60 or even more years, bamboo can be harvested 3 to 5 years. Being that most bamboo is grown and harvested in China. With bamboo and hardwood flooring having similar characteristics and costs, making a choice between the two is not always easy. 5 Types of Bamboo Flooring (Pros & Cons) If you purchase a product through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Just sand it down and apply the sealing coats again. Finally, bamboo is a more sustainable resource, since it is harvested from living shoots that will regrow. Careful consideration of both the pros and cons of bamboo helps you comparison shop and make an informed buying decision. If you use throw rugs, make sure they don’t have a rubber non-slip backing, as the rubber can discolor the floor, and make sure the rug itself is colorfast. Unlike the hardwood lumber industry, where trees can take decades to mature, bamboo stalks grow so fast that there is little environmental liability to the harvest practices. Over time, bamboo floors may become discolored, scratched, or marred. Although bamboo fully matures and hardens within 7 years, most bamboo companies add chemical fertilizers and pesticides to hasten the growth cycle, which can harm the environment, harvesting bamboo in as little as 3 months, long before it reaches optimal hardness. Despite its potential vulnerability to high-heeled shoes, bamboo is still more durable than pine and many vinyl floors. Stick vacuums like the V8 Absolute can easily clean bamboo flooring, as they don’t hold on to dirt and pet hair the way carpets will. Some bamboo is harvested after only 3 years of growth and is not nearly as durable. This flooring is comparable to engineered hardwood and is installed in the same way—usually with click-lock planks that float over a foam underlayment. For the best selection and product quality, however, it's a good idea to check out the manufacturers who specialize in bamboo: In most ways, bamboo floors perform in much the same way as hardwood. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Solid or Engineered Bamboo Flooring: What You Should Know, Hardwood Flooring in Kitchens Review: Pros and Cons, Prefinished Hardwood Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring in Bedrooms, Hardwood Flooring in Bedrooms Review: Pros and Cons, Understanding Solid and Engineered Bamboo Flooring, Laminate vs. Contrary to popular belief, it’s in fact an outstanding alternative for kitchens and bathrooms – both places where traditional hardwoods can be a problem. Reviewers are in favor of floors this type of flooring because it is extremely environmentally friendly. If this is your situation, there are some very good bamboo flooring products that omit these chemicals. It refers to a heating process that changes the bamboo to an amber color. Luckily, the surface of this material can usually be refinished by sanding it down and then reapplying sealing coats. Engineered bamboo flooring, however, usually cannot be refinished. Friends, In the horizontal patterns, flat layers of planks are … There are different variants of bamboo flooring – each with a distinct manufacturing process. Bamboo floor planks are manufactured by slicing or shredding the stalks of bamboo grass plants and then compressing the pulp back together using heat, pressure, and a resin-based adhesive identical to those used in many other flooring products. Since VOC’s off-gas for several years after the installation, it negatively affects the indoor air quality of the home. The thinner variants of solid bamboo are more suited for floating floor installation. But the manufacturing process creates other environmental concerns. What may not work at all for one family, may turn out to the perfect solution for another family! To achieve darker colors the natural bamboo planks are stained with different colors so you can get the strength of natural bamboo and the color of your choice. There are many types of floors for you to choose from. After all, if you are replacing your flooring prematurely because your flooring wore out you’re not helping the environment no matter what material you choose. In the horizontal grain bamboo, you can see fine long lines in the vertical grain bamboo you will see interesting small little stripes. But if this concerns you, look for bamboo products labeled as formaldehyde-free. Allergy sufferers appreciate that bamboo doesn’t attract dust or dust mites. As an imported staple from Japan, North American consumers have been opting for bamboo more and more in recent years. Laminate Vs Vinyl Flooring Two types of vinyl flooring can be found namely sheet flooring and tile flooring.Vinyl sheet flooring pros and cons. If you’ve constantly wished for hardwood floors, you remain in excellent company. Unlike hardwood materials that can be graded for quality, it is almost impossible to grade bamboo materials. Bamboo reaches full maturity and maximum hardness in 5-7 years as opposed to various hardwoods which require 15-25 years depending on the species. In thinking about bamboo flooring pros and cons, we, unfortunately, have to discuss some of the negative aspects of the product, so we will discuss these cons below. These chemicals can be harmful both to the environment and in your own home. But in some cases, it could be softer than the pines or the common red oak. This also will lower its Janka rating. Again one of the advantages of hardwood is that it can be re-used. It is stronger than many hardwood floors. Look for established brands to make sure your flooring is genuine, meets quality standards, and follows all of the environmental guidelines. It is compatible with almost all home styles, but most compatible with contemporary styles.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'makeeasylife_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',117,'0','0']));Bamboo Flooring. In the construction industry, this trend is manifested in many areas not the least of which is the huge increase in the use of bamboo flooring products.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'makeeasylife_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',128,'0','0'])); Within the construction industry, there are programs in place which reward builders with credits towards their “green builders” certificate for incorporating bamboo products in their building projects. Ultimate hardness is archived when seven years old bamboo is harvested. Although this is the worst-case representation of the problems associated with hardwood forestry the problem of the time necessary to replace hardwood trees requires considerable management. Unless it is stained, most bamboo flooring has a natural blonde or amber color that resembles unfinished maple or birch, but darker tones are available through a process called carbonizing, which entails subjecting the planks to high temperatures. It’s an eco-friendly, sustainable resource. Just sweep or vacuum it regularly to remove small particle debris. Bamboo Hardwood Flooring. Typically, un-carbonized and strand-woven bamboo flooring is harder and more durable, while darker bamboo represents a weakened structure and general softness. Unlike wood flooring, many toxic chemicals are employed in the manufacture of bamboo flooring. Deane Biermeier is a contractor with 27 years experience in home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Most of the bamboo floors are produced in countries that don’t have many regulations for manufacturers to follow. Once bamboo is cut, it can be re-grown from the same plant again and again. There are certain allergen concerns with materials used in some bamboo laminate materials and floor adhesives. Engineered bamboo is manufactured with a surface veneer bonded to a plywood or MDF core. Pros of Bamboo Flooring One of the main benefits of bamboo flooring is how this guy plays a significant role in maintaining the environment. Reviews on bamboo flooring, generally speaking, are in favor of the product. Either way, the processing North American variant of bamboo flooring is more pronounced. Bamboo Flooring CONS – Even though it’s durable, it can still get scratched over time.. Bamboo is a natural flooring cover material that is similar to hardwood flooring, but it is actually made from a grass. 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