As a fast emerging type of flooring material, bamboo brings plenty of positive qualities on the table. Originating in Asia and manufactured there for thousands of years, bamboo has been further popularized around the world by modern flooring service companies that have incorporated advanced technologies used already for processing hardwood and laminate floors. As a result, bamboo flooring is rapidly taking over the lead as the preferable choice in both commercial and households. The availability of diverse designs and styles such as strand woven, hand-scraped or carbonized bamboo floor cover, means that there is a model to please anyone’s personal needs and preferences.
There are many advantages of bamboo and at the same time very few disadvantages, so overall it can be said that bamboo floors are a definite choice for the environmentally aware person who wants a floor that would last for decades. By taking a brief look at both sides of the coin you can make up your mind if bamboo is the right type of floor for you.
The number one reason that puts bamboo a step ahead is the fact that it’s actually a plant and not a tree.Starting with the positives, the ecological benefits of using bamboo instead of regular wood are great, for the simple reason that it’s not a tree, but a rapidly growing plant. Forests are ever diminishing with each year because of all the industries that cut massive amounts of trees for their production and unfortunately, floor manufacturing plays a big part in that. Bamboo effectively takes care of these issues with its unique characteristics and ease of cultivation, treatment and preservation.
A big misunderstanding is that bamboo floors are prices very high while the truth is they’re not at all, with the exception of some hand-scraped models. Much more affordable compared to traditional hardwood and stone floors, bamboo-made floor cover, for instance engineered bamboo floor cover, also require less maintenance care and its installation is straightforward. Bamboo floors can last for decades if basic care is taken for keeping them intact. They are naturally resistant to infestation, moisture, dirt and weight load, and require just a regular mop and sweep to keep them at optimum working conditions.
All nice and good, but what about Cons? As it turns outit’s mostly to do with buying, maintenance and life style, than with its actual material properties. To begin with, a bamboo floor should not be exposed excessively to direct sun light, so depending on your location it may not be a practical solution for your home. Just like hardwood, although not nearly as much, bamboo should be kept dry and any water spills should be absorbed quickly to avoid swelling and twisting of the spot which would lead to problems with the construction in the long run.
Many companies pretend to offer “superior” bamboo floor solutions and claim to have their own private bamboo plant resource sites. In reality, all companies located outside the Pacific and China regions are nothing more than importers and floor processing agents. Although the majority of top brands abide by world health standards, there are many doubtful flooring companies whose products end up emitting unhealthy levels of formaldehyde. The latter is especially dangerous to people who are allergic to the substance.
As you can see, the most negatives of bamboo flooring are easily taken care of with careful planning and observation of the available brands. With proper maintenance and by following a few basic rules, bamboo flooring is not only going to enhance the appearance and style of your rooms, but provide a solution that keeps its look and color for many years.
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