Bamboo
Flooring
Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Bamboo flooring is a cost-effective and environmentally sensitive choice
among traditional hardwood flooring options. An appealing building material, it
is very durable, strong and long-lasting. Bamboo, a grass product and not a wood
product, is harvested every 5 years without damaging the actual bamboo plant,
and does not require pesticides due to its hardiness. It comes in four different
types of flooring: natural, carbonized, vertical, and horizontal graining. The
United States Green Building Council's LEED program recognizes bamboo flooring
as a green building material and permits points for the use of this flooring.
Estimated Cost Savings:
The pricing of bamboo flooring is comparable to the pricing of hardwood
flooring.
Issues:
Verify the age of the bamboo. Often bamboo that has not had adequate time to
harden (up to six years), will dent more easily. Avoid denting by checking with
the manufacturer on the age of the bamboo.
Regional Issues:
Shrinking and the appearance of gaps can appear in extremely dry climates if the
bamboo flooring does not have time to acclimatize. Consult your local supplier
for regional climate information. There is debate over agricultural and
manufacturing issues related to the production of bamboo floors. These issues
include deforestation and the use of carcinogenic chemicals.
Installation (Getting It Done):
Bamboo flooring is installed in a similar method to
hardwood floors. The flooring will need to be acclimatized to the appropriate
conditions before it is installed to avoid any potential damage. The planking
can be glued, nailed, or stapled. Work with experienced contractors who
specialize in the use of bamboo flooring to ensure beautiful, long lasting
floors.
Videos On
This Topic:
From EcoBroker
International:
From Other
Sources:
Home Renovation (3:51) - National Geographic Green Homes -
Oftentimes it is
the simple things that can truly save money and energy and help the
environment. In this short video, find out more about the different types of
flooring that can easily be installed to help improve your home, including
bamboo flooring, interlocking marmoleum tiles, and recycled glass tiling.
More Information On This Topic:
Building Green - Bamboo Flooring
National Wood Flooring Association
Bamboo Flooring Installation Guide
Laminate Flooring Resource