If you’re like most long-term homeowners, you’re thinking of making some upgrades to your living space, either with a full-scale remodel or by focusing in key areas such as flooring.Heavy carpeting has given way to hardwood flooring, including bamboo hardwood flooring. Bamboo flooring is seen as an eco-friendly alternative to hardwoord flooring. The flooring industry in the U.S. has reported growth of 3.85% in dollars and 3.2% in volume from the previous year.
What is the advantage of bamboo flooring? Besides being an eco-friendly material, bamboo also offer a clean, contemporary look. Bamboo flooring that is properly finished will clean easily with mild soap and water. Depending on the composition, bamboo flooring is DIY-friendly, provided you use the best bamboo flooring adhesive and t molding to close gaps between floors.
Is Bamboo Flooring Really Eco-friendly?
Since bamboo is a fast-growing plant that is readily available, it’s considered a rapidly renewing resource, and also diverts pressure from other wood species.
What About The Downsides?
Like any other material, it’s vital to look for high-quality bamboo. Avoid brands that contain adhesives if VOCs are a concern for you. Since most bamboo is manufactured overseas, quality control measures may vary, depending on the manufacturer. Look for bamboo flooring that comes with a substantial warranty, and flooring that is well-made.
Cheaper bamboo flooring is susceptible to scratches and dings, and is poorly coated, so cleaning can be difficult. On average, bamboo flooring costs about $3.00 to $8.00 per square foot.
Since bamboo can absorb large quantities of water and is prone to water stains, it’s best to avoid it if you live in a wet climate. Bamboo flooring is limited to just a few shades, so it may not match well with some decor.
Likewise, the clean, modern look of bamboo may not mesh well with all decor. Like any home improvement item, it’s important to look for a quality product with the tone and finish that suits your needs best. If you take the DYI route for installation, be sure to use t molding to close any gaps between floors. You’ll enjoy your new stylish flooring for years to come, and its modern look can potentially add value to your home should you decide to sell in the near future.
Cheaper bamboo flooring is susceptible to scratches and dings, and is poorly coated, so cleaning can be difficult. On average, bamboo flooring costs about $3.00 to $8.00 per square foot.
Since bamboo can absorb large quantities of water and is prone to water stains, it’s best to avoid it if you live in a wet climate. Bamboo flooring is limited to just a few shades, so it may not match well with some decor.
Likewise, the clean, modern look of bamboo may not mesh well with all decor. Like any home improvement item, it’s important to look for a quality product with the tone and finish that suits your needs best. If you take the DYI route for installation, be sure to use t molding to close any gaps between floors. You’ll enjoy your new stylish flooring for years to come, and its modern look can potentially add value to your home should you decide to sell in the near future.