Durability of Bamboo Flooring

A fast growing and natural product that is easily renewable, sounds nearly impossible, but bamboo has all of those properties and more. It is also solid and durable, and that makes it ideal for flooring. While some have debated bamboo flooring durability, there is no question that its life span is comparable to other flooring materials. This is due, in part, to the conditions in which it grows. Temperature extremes make for a hardy plant, and that makes for something strong to go under your feet.

Because bamboo cane grows in thin stalks, it isn't possible to produce large sheets of it for flooring. People indigenous to areas where bamboo grows will split it to make it as flat as possible. This results in bumpy floors with some gaps between each piece, but this helps cool the home as air can come up through the floor. Even though it is still durable in this state, it is not what people in other parts of the world want or need. Flat, strong flooring is what is needed in other areas (like North America). In this case, the bamboo goes through additional processing. The plant is flattened and dried, then laminated into layers using glue to make it smooth and increase its hardness.

Just like any flooring, bamboo is susceptible to damage; however, it does not take much effort to reduce this damage. And while we are talking about living with a bamboo floor, the advice makes sense for all types of floors. Avoid walking on it with pointy-heeled shoes, and don't drag heavy furniture across its surface.

Using a carpet or small rug in areas that get heavier traffic creates a natural barrier to damage. Most modern bamboo flooring is covered with a protective finish. This helps guard against incidental damage and the occasional scratch. Speaking of scratches, you should never use anything abrasive to clean a bamboo floor. Use a broom, mop or soft cloth with a non-abrasive cleaner and there's a good chance that it will outlive a comparable hardwood floor.

Bamboo flooring adds a sophisticated, yet natural look to just about any decor. You can choose horizontal or vertical grain, depending if you want it to more like a traditional hardwood floor or like bamboo. While the first thought many people have, when they picture bamboo flooring in a home, is of an Oriental garden. And while it does lend itself beautifully to that kind of look, it's durability and natural beauty lends itself to the most sleek and modern design as well.

For years, modern manufacturing has looked to create flooring materials that are durable, renewable, useful, and beautiful. Bamboo is all of these, and while modern production methods have increased the ways it is used, it has not been able to duplicate this natural wonder. With so much going for it, it's easy to see that bamboo flooring is a smart choice. Not just for those concerned with sustainability, but for those who want a durable floor that looks good.