Are you looking into installing wood flooring in your home? There are a lot of options to choose from and a lot of it depends on your tastes and budget. One type of flooring that is overlooked due to it's non-traditional reputation is bamboo flooring. When people think about bamboo flooring they think bamboo mats and something weak and cheap. In reality, it is just the opposite. Bamboo flooring is smooth, visually appealing and strong.



Bamboo is a very strong material and is surprisingly stronger than other types of wood flooring. It is much stronger (and visually appealing) than linoleum and smoother than traditional stone or marble flooring.

There is solid bamboo or you can find flooring that is engineered so that the bamboo is veneer mounted on plywood to make it even stronger and less expensive. Just as with other wood flooring, the bamboo is stained and then given a coat of sealant such as urethane.

Installation of this type of flooring is the same as with other types of wood flooring. They are usually nailed and/or glued in place to the sub floor. The process will not require more than what is probably already in your . There are also tongue and groove flooring that works much like laminate so the floor is not actually attached to the sub flooring.

Why choose bamboo? Not only is it strong and aesthetically appealing but it's also environmentally friendly. Hardwoods such as walnut and oak can take generations or at least many years to grow to maturity. Even with replanting, these trees can't grow fast enough to replenish the amount of trees that are being cut down. Bamboo on the other hand grows much faster and only takes five years to reach maturity for use in furnishings and flooring. There is no need for replanting since new growth happens automatically after it is harvested.

Care for your bamboo floor may take a bit more upkeep since it is a lighter material and therefore is more prone to staining and water damage. Dust and dirt can be removed with a dust mop or non abrasive broom. A damp cloth should be used to clean up spills and then dried with a towel. For regular cleaning, use a vinegar solution of four parts vinegar to one part water. Don't soak the mop; only dampen it so as not to get the floor too wet. Clean the floor in sections and then dry the section immediately after mopping it.

After a while of use, your bamboo floor may become dull. If so, you can have it buffed, finished and polished to restore its shine.

A bamboo floor is not only a beautiful wood flooring option but it's strong, easy to install and environmentally friendly.