If you are looking for a surface that is both durable and ecologically friendly, engineered bamboo flooring is an excellent choice. It is the only surface approved by the Forest Stewardship Council. When the plant is cut, it has the unique ability to regrow very quickly. This makes it a much better choice than hard woods, which must be replanted and take decades to grow large enough to cut.
On top of these features, it is also very attractive and comes in different varieties, to achieve different looks. Bamboo is a plant, so its qualities may be similar to those of hard wood. However, it has its own unique look and qualities that set it apart from other options.
Some varieties of this material are twice as hard as oak. This is a wise choice for someone who is looking for an option that will last as long as the home. Different types of products from the plant include strand and distressed options. Distressed is the choice often used in older building restoration, for its sleek, but antique look. It is sometimes referred to as hand scraped and is becoming quite popular in Europe and Asia.
The strand variety is most durable and resembles the wood grains of hard wood products. One difference is that the grains are less pronounced or varied in color, with the exception of the nodes, which provide a very distinctive look that is different from the knots or darkened areas in wood grains.
There are many benefits of purchasing this type of material in a prefabricated product. No finishing is required once the panels are laid down. Once installation is complete, you can immediately walk across it and go about regular activities. Many different shades or finishes are available in this product as well. Natural is the lightest, while the darker versions tend to look much like warmer tones of oak.
Prefabricated products come in a snap together configuration, so there is no nailing or fastening required. No glue is used and it can be installed as a floating floor. This works well for covering surfaces such as concrete, to help provide more livable space in a basement or recreation room. Bamboo engineered flooring uses several layers or plies, so the top surface is well above the concrete. This allows moisture or water to remain below the flooring, if it occurs.
This substance is a good choice for humid areas, as long as it does not actually get wet. It has the ability to absorb moisture from the air and put it back when the air is dry. This helps keep humidity levels in a home more constant. It is not recommended though, for rooms or spaces that frequently get wet, like bathrooms, saunas and other bathing areas. Depending on how much traffic and water gets tracked in, it may not be a wise choice for the kitchen. If there is a separate entry that catches most of the wetness, it may still work. Many manufacturers offer a choice of 3 foot or 6 foot wood plank flooring pieces, depending on the look you want for your space. If you take care of your engineered bamboo floor, it will take care of you.
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