Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons Discussion

The Pros and Cons of Bamboo Flooring

For years now, bamboo has come on the scene for many uses in the home building industry, including flooring.

If you are looking for a way to 'go green', bamboo flooring may be just the ticket, but it is not for everybody.

If you wish to find out if this is the right choice for you, then read on.

Bamboo Flooring - The Pros

Since it grows exceedingly quickly, bamboo is very renewable. Since it is really a grass, it grows like crazy - in some cases up to 12 inches a day.

Liken that to a typical hardwood tree that can take up to 120 years to achieve full maturity and you can understand why bamboo is considered very renewable.

Also, bamboo does not require any pesticides or herbicides during it's growth period, which a major pro. If you are trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, that is an outstanding way to commence. Since chemicals used on crops do not magically vanish, this is advantageous for several reasons. It is healthier for residents living near the crops and harvesting the crops, as they are not exposed to harmful chemicals. Contractors and homeowners likewise are not exposed to these unhealthy chemicals.

Bamboo is a very strong product. It's actually harder than many hardwoods that are commonly used for flooring. Additionally, there are some species of bamboo that in reality have a hardness rating higher than that of maple and approximately double compared to oak flooring.

When you investigate the bamboo flooring pros and cons, it is widely known that bamboo is somewhat resistant to moisture. Because it's grown in tropical areas, bamboo has already been subjected to tons of moisture, so it resists spills very well. Typically bamboo can be used in kitchens and bathrooms because of these spill resistant properties. These are areas where traditional woods can be a problem.

Bamboo flooring is very easy to care for after installation. Regular sweeping to keep dust and dirt particles off the floor and a damp mopping weekly is really all it will take to keep bamboo floors looking their most beneficial.

Last, bamboo is better for your legs than many other flooring choices. Even though the composition of the bamboo is often stronger than hardwood options, it's easier on your body.

Regrettably, there are some negative aspects to using bamboo flooring as well. When making the best flooring alternative for you, it's important to consider both bamboo flooring pros and cons, so we'll clarify some of the potential disadvantages below.

Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons - The Cons:

One of the biggest obstacles for those of us trying to live an eco-friendly lifestyle is that most bamboo is typically grown in China. This means that to reach consumers other than on the Asian Continent, it needs to be shipped long distances. Even though the growing process is extremely green, the shipping takes away some of it's great eco friendly properties. There have been more and more crops started in the USA and this may not be a concern for those of us living here in the very near future.

Additionally, carefully choose the manufacturer of bamboo as some of the bamboo is created with glues and finishes that have high levels of VOC's. These volatile organic compounds aren't good for the people who work with them and they certainly aren't good for the people who live in your home. VOC's can off-gas for many years and have a negative impact on indoor air quality. VOC's are associated with many health issues and should be avoided if possible. Be sure to scrutinize the MSDS sheets from a manufacturer, which will document all of the VOC material.

Next, be sure to research the products carefully as there is a wide variety of quality levels available. Some of these products are very poor and their performance will not measure up to expectations. Since most bamboo requires 5 years of growth to fully mature, it is a much more durable product than bamboo that is harvested after only 3 years. When selecting this as a flooring option, you don't want to buy the cheapest product you can get your hands on - it won't hold up in the long run.

One last potential con to bamboo flooring is the possibility that it may fade. Take care not to install your new bamboo flooring in areas that are exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. This is a common problem with all finishes and even though there are advanced UV resistant finishes available, be aware they are not UV proof.

There are many bamboo flooring pros and cons and this is not the complete list. I believe that the pros far outweigh the cons though, and if you are still looking for a outstanding green flooring option, bamboo may be the product for you. Just be sure you do your research to make your bamboo flooring as green as possible. One product may perform perfectly for one family and not at all for another.

If you wish to learn more about Bamboo Flooring, visit our article Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons.

Another article addressing sustainable flooring choices is Engineered Bamboo Flooring - An Eco-Friendly Option.