When it comes to a contemporary and ecologically sustainable alternative to hardwood floors, you can’t go past bamboo.
Bamboo may not be the first material that springs to mind when you’re thinking about flooring, but it’s proving to be an increasingly popular and sustainable option. Bamboo floors are similar to hardwood, but are typically less expensive and a more ecological choice because the timber takes only three to five years to reach maturity – versus 15 years or longer. This guide gives you the lowdown on bamboo flooring.
What is bamboo flooring?
Bamboo is a type of grass mainly found in China and other parts of Asia, and is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. Bamboo is processed extensively to be transformed into boards or tiles suitable for flooring.
What to consider when choosing bamboo flooring
- Choose a colour that suits the look and style of your room. Bamboo flooring is available in a variety of styles and colours, ranging from white and blonde hues to browns, caramels and greys. A heat treatment known as ‘carbonising’ gives bamboo a darker colour, but also reduces its hardness. Therefore, non-carbonised bamboo flooring is harder and more durable.
- Be aware that with time, bamboo tends to lighten in colour. Curtains or blinds in rooms with direct sunlight can reduce the dramatic fading that can occur over time.
- Bamboo flooring is available in two forms: solid (horizontal grain, vertical grain or strand woven) and engineered. The choice will affect both the look and the price of the boards.
- If sustainability plays a big factor in choosing bamboo flooring, then be sure the forestry practices associated with its growth and harvest are also responsible and environmentally friendly
The pros of bamboo flooring
- Bamboo is strong, hard and durable and exceeds the hardness ranking of many hardwood flooring materials.
- The natural durability of bamboo makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
- Bamboo is a highly renewable resource, positioning bamboo floors as an ecologically sustainable choice.
- Bamboo flooring is less porous than hardwood floors and therefore more resistant to moisture.
- They can be refinished as needed to address any discolouration, dents or scratches.
The cons of bamboo flooring
- Like hardwood floors, low quality bamboo can scratch and dent.
- Bamboo is a natural material and too much moisture will cause warping, discolouration or mould growth. Spilt liquids should be cleaned and dried as quickly as possible.
- Splitting can occur in very wet environments and shrinking can happen in very dry environments.
Maintaining bamboo flooring
Bamboo flooring can be easily swept or vacuumed. It can also be cleaned with a mild soap and a damp mop.