BAMBOO Flooring
What is Bamboo Flooring?
Bamboo flooring is a sought-after choice crafted from bamboo, a rapidly growing grass indigenous to China. Renowned for its strength, eco-friendliness, and compared to traditional hardwood, bamboo flooring can be produced through various techniques, including horizontal and strand-woven constructions.
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Here's a closer look at bamboo flooring:​​
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MATERIAL:
Bamboo is classified as a grass rather than a wood, and it grows significantly faster than conventional hardwood trees, making it an environmentally friendly option.
TYPES:
HORIZONTAL- Bamboo strips are arranged horizontally and adhered together, highlighting the natural grain of the bamboo.
STRAND WOVEN- Bamboo is shredded, compressed, and combined with resin to form a robust and resilient surface.
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Bamboo flooring today is manufactured using the ‘Strand Woven’ construction method, which enhances the strength, stability, and density of the product compared to earlier versions. Whether the product is solid, engineered, or a micro veneer SPC Bamboo, each type is made as a strand woven product.
Strand woven bamboo is produced by shaving bamboo staves into thin layers. These layers are then dipped in an adhesive and allowed to dry. Once dried, they are placed into a mould and pressed under significant heat and pressure, resulting in increased strength and density compared to its natural form.
Bamboo flooring is retailed in two main categories:
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Solid Bamboo
Solid bamboo flooring has a satisfying weight compared to engineered flooring. While it feels good, engineered flooring helps reduce growth and shrinkage for stability in large areas. Solid bamboo is very durable, but the entire system must be considered, not just the top veneer.
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Engineered Bamboo
Engineered bamboo flooring uses a thinner top veneer (around 3 mm) of bamboo bonded to a plywood core. This reduces growth and shrinkage by about 30% compared to solid bamboo flooring.
What rooms is Bamboo Flooring most suited for?
Bamboo can be used for bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and other gathering spaces. Bamboo is slightly more resistant to water than other varieties of flooring, but be careful in areas of extreme humidity. We do not recommend bamboo as your go-to flooring for bathrooms, kitchens, or laundries.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring?
Advantages of Bamboo Flooring:
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Sustainability: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource and more eco-friendly than hardwood.
Durability: Strand-woven bamboo is hard and resistant to scratches and dents.
Ease of Maintenance: Bamboo flooring is easy to clean and maintain.
Refinishing Potential: Bamboo can be refinished to extend its lifespan.
Affordability: Bamboo flooring is often cheaper than hardwood.
Variety: Available in many colours, styles, and finishes.
DIY-Friendly: Easy to install for DIY projects.
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Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring:
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Moisture Sensitivity: Bamboo is vulnerable to water damage, which can result in swelling or warping when exposed to moisture.
Scratch Resistance: Although bamboo is durable, it remains susceptible to scratches, particularly from heavy traffic or sharp objects.
Quality Variation: The quality of bamboo flooring varies significantly among manufacturers, affecting its durability and appearance.
Humidity Issues: Bamboo may shrink or expand due to fluctuations in humidity, potentially causing gaps or cupping.
Not Waterproof: Bamboo flooring is not waterproof and should be avoided in areas with high moisture, such as bathrooms or basements.
Potential for Damage: Extended exposure to moisture or humidity can cause damage, including warping, discoloration, and mold growth.
Considerations:
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Type of Bamboo: Strand-woven bamboo is generally more durable than other types.
Thickness of Planks: Thicker planks can undergo refinishing more frequently.
Installation: Proper installation and acclimation are essential to prevent moisture damage.
Environment: Assess the humidity and moisture levels in the room where bamboo flooring will be installed.
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