Considering Bamboo Flooring? What To Know Before You Buy

As the average citizen is becoming more aware of environmental issues plaguing our planet, there is an increasing interest in making more eco-friendly choices in various aspects of our lives. Home improvement is one such area where green choices are becoming more common, and are more readily available from retailers. Bamboo flooring is a popular eco-friendly option, and if you are considering it for your home, here are some things to consider.

Environmental Benefits

Bamboo is a great ‘green’ flooring choice for many reasons. As hard, or even harder than, various wood species commonly used to make flooring, it is actually a grass that grows in a variety of climates, making it plentiful resource. Bamboo grows very quickly, and on average, can be harvested again after only six years. It does not need to be replanted to start regrowing, and it requires very little pesticides or fertilizer.

Treating it does not require the use of harsh chemicals, which can be released in the air of your home over the long-term and contribute to a variety of health problems.  But, when you go to purchase bamboo flooring , make sure to enquire whether the flooring has been treated with any sort of chemicals—even though it is not necessary, some manufacturers ma y use them, and you want to avoid that.

Why You Should Consider Purchasing Bamboo Flooring

Besides the environmental benefits mentioned above, there are many other reasons bamboo makes a great choice for flooring. Bamboo is highly durable, and with proper care, will last a very long time. It’s ‘toughness’ offers lots of protection against pets, children, impact of falling objects, and the various other assaults faced by floors in homes the world over.

Bamboo is highly resistant to insects and moisture. Its varied growth patterns help create a cozy, warm feel to your home, while providing a very unique look that goes well with almost all types of décor.  It is very easy to clean, and requires little maintenance.

Some Do’s and Don’ts

Here are just a few things you want to make sure you do:

Carefully consider where you will be installing the flooring—bamboo can take quite a beating and still look great. But, don’t put it in areas where there is a lot of moisture. Though the grass is highly moisture-resistant, excessive exposure will eventually damage the flooring.  Before installing, check the subfloor is dry, clean and level. Let the bamboo ‘acclimate’ to the area it will be installed for a bit—open up all the boxes so it can contract or expand as necessary depending on the area of the home.  Keep your flooring clean by using dry or damp mops, brooms and vacuums. Protect against moisture by using mats and runners in appropriate spots. Make sure you mop up any sort oily spills right away or it could stain.

And here are a few don’ts….

When mopping your floor, the mop should only be damp; soaking it will damage it over time. Never use detergent, steel wool or other abrasive products to clean bamboo. While bamboo flooring is pretty resistant to UV damage, placing it in an area that gets intense sunlight will lead to fading over time. Avoid walking on the floor with high heels or athletic spikes.

Bamboo flooring can be a great option—it is attractive and eco-friendly.