Bamboo Flooring for the 21st Century

Bamboo flooring has emerged as a new material for the commercial design market. It's unique look and earth friendly properties have made it popular for flooring and panels. Although bamboo has been used as a construction material for centuries, it has only recently emerged as an engineered flooring product.

Here are some important facts you should know before selecting your bamboo flooring:

Bamboo is a grass not a wood. As a grass bamboo regenerates faster than wood. In fact, bamboo is typically harvested within five years of sprouting, making it a truly renewable resource. Its use can provide a positive impact on the environment. Harvesting bamboo serves to stimulate the growth of very extensive underground root systems, which develops fast growing sprouts the following spring. Sprouts breaking through the soil can grow as much as 2 feet the first day.

Bamboo flooring's hardness varies. While northern red oak's characteristics are the same regardless of where it is grown, the same cannot be said for bamboo flooring grown in the different Provinces in China. Although bamboo used for flooring is always the same species, there are significant differences caused by environmental conditions. Where it grows, what time of year it is harvested, the age of the bamboo, the soil chemistry and the amount of rain are all variables that will affect the hardness and stability of bamboo flooring.

During the carbonization process, bamboo flooring loses about 20% of its hardness. The fibers are weakened by the presence of high pressure steam, which is used to change the bamboo strips to a darker color. The color change is found throughout the entire plank. Carbonizing creates many different tones which cannot be precisely controlled.

The best bamboo for flooring grows on the top portion of a mountain with moderate rain, is five to eight years old, is harvested in the winter, is five to seven inches in diameter and is located in either the Fujian or Zehjiang provinces in China. The bamboo harvested in these provinces is harder and more stable than other locations due to the environmental conditions.

Bamboo flooring and panels are strips of bamboo glued together. The glues produced and consumed in China typically are laden with formaldehyde. When selecting your bamboo flooring product, ensure that only quality adhesives were used in its manufacture, and avoid cheap adhesives which are typically laden with formaldehyde.

This bamboo flooring article was written by Barry H. Get more tips and techniques at: Flooring Information

---

5 Steps for Creating a Garage You Can Love ? and Use

A major US corporation recently launched a new line of products it hopes will create a $650 million retail business ? appliances and storage devices designed to... Read More

Single hung aluminum window glass repair

Let's talk about repairing broken glass in an aluminum frame single hung window. If it's the lower sash pane that is broken, it must be removed from... Read More

Lighting and Your Emotions (Part One)

Do you feel unhappy in your home and you don't know why? Maybe you need to let the light shine! Add new light to your rooms for... Read More

Installing Drywall: Mudding and Taping

Installing Drywall, or hanging drywall as the professionals usually refer to the task, can be done by the homeowner. However, it is usually best done with two... Read More

Trading in Corporate Office for Home Office

Six years ago, I had not yet turned on a computer. Today I run several successful Internet Businesses and by me being a single parent of 4... Read More

Light Up Your Life With Feng Shui

Feng Shui (pronounced Foong Shway or Fung Shoy) is the ancient Chinese art of luck management, which works by maximising the flow of energy (known as 'Chi')... Read More

Wood Panels and Humidity

Coping with wood movementAll wood workers need to be aware of wood movement when building furniture projects. Failure to consider this important factor can cause wood panels... Read More

Pool Supplies Should Also Contain Safety

A swimming pool with attached spa has just been installed in your backyard. Now you are ready to invite your friends for a big splashy pool party... Read More

Adjustable Bed - Start Each Day on the Right Note

Your daily beauty sleep will not be complete if any of the following four factors namely light, noise, and temperature and of course the bed that you... Read More

Bakers Racks Add Flair And Style To Your Kitchen

Many items a person can add to the kitchen are stylish and functional. Bakers racks fit this description nicely. This kitchen furniture has been seen in homes... Read More

Pergo Flooring Is Perfect For The Home or Office

Pergo flooring was invented more than 75 years ago, and has since become the leader in the laminate flooring industry. Pergo has been the leader in both... Read More

Make a Grand Entrance of Your Front Door

You may find it difficult to believe that the days will start getting longer in the Northern Hemisphere in just four short weeks. You can find yourself... Read More

Single Pane Window Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame

Let's suppose you still have those old aluminum single pane windows in your house,and one of the neighbor kids throws a ball through it. ( Your kid... Read More

10 Tips for Working With a Contractor

This is the year you're going all out. You're going to build a deck, add a porch, erect a gazebo or lay a patio. You've done the... Read More

How To Choose Wall Mount Outdoor Mailboxes

Sturdy wallmount outdoor mailboxes are no longer available in just standard sizes and colors. You can find a wide assortment of wall mount outdoor mailboxes for the... Read More

Cork Flooring Is The Best Option Around For Durability And Aesthetic Value

It is inevitable, almost everyone no matter how long they have lived in their house, wants to replace their flooring at some point. Do you have carpet... Read More

How To Buy Double Glazing In The UK

Double glazing reduces heat loss through your windows. You can save money on your heating bills. However, it will be a long time before you save enough... Read More

Modern Rugs Add Color, Texture, Interest and Space Definition To Your Room

Modern Design is sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and geometric lines. As the look for contemporary design is escalating so is the demand for modern home... Read More

Thinking of Remodeling Your Kitchen?

If you like to cook, or even if you just do it from necessity, having a homely, organized, and modern kitchen is probably important to you. Although,... Read More

Patios: The New Trend in Home Remodels

In years past a patio was sort of a throw on to a home. It was typically a concrete slab to keep your feet clean on your... Read More

Installing Vinyl Replacement Sliding Glass Doors

Last week I told you how to remove your old sliding glass door in preparation for the installation of the vinyl replacement door. Let's go through the... Read More

Get New Floors And Save A Bundle When You Do It Yourself

After years of use, your floor will need to be refinished and that can cost over $1000 for just one room! But if you want to put... Read More

Whats So Special About My Front Door?

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." - Flora WhittemoreYour front door welcomes all to your home. This declarative statement of... Read More

How To Replace The Rollers On Your Patio Door

Have you noticed your patio door is getting harder and harder to open? Maybe it's time to change the rollers on the door. They generally last from... Read More

How to Select Exterior Shutters

Installing exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add style and color to the outside of a house. Historical and modern houses alike benefit from the... Read More

How To Completely Rehab Your Home In 10 Days!

This report is about taking a house and restoring it to an aesthetically pleasing dwelling that has reclaimed it's functional utility. In effect, it is the anti-aging... Read More