However, that has changed in recent years. Bamboo flooring is an environmentally friendly, strong, lasting alternative to using timber flooring. Here's some information about bamboo and how it performs against floating and solid timber.



Floating timber floors, unlike the more expensive solid timber type, are made of a layer of wood veneer a few millimeters thick, laminated on top of a less expensive timber, or even a composite material made from waste wood. Bamboo floors are made of solid bamboo, offering greater durability over time for less than you'd pay for a solid timber floor. Plus, bamboo is a stronger, harder to damage material than almost any wood.

Unlike a floating timber floor, bamboo flooring is permanently attached to the surface it rests on. That allows more stability and less opening of and movement in the joints between individual pieces of flooring.

Unlike both floating and solid timber floors, bamboo flooring doesn't sound hollow when walked upon. It's also a lot harder to scratch and easier to clean than either type of timber floor.

The fact that the individual pieces of flooring don't move or shift also makes refinishing bamboo easier. There's a much better surface to work with than solid timber, and veneered wood floors can't be refinished at all!

Veneered timber flooring must be replaced if it's damaged. Bamboo, on the other hand, can last another five to ten years if you have it resurfaced. It can even be resurfaced more times than just about any other floor type.

Those who are worried about the environment will probably choose bamboo over timber. Both are natural, renewable resources, but timber takes a long time to replace itself. Veneered timber flooring uses less hardwood, but other woods are still used, and composite fillers often involve toxic glues.

These types of practices occur mostly in countries that don't regulate or enforce their regulations. All you have to do to find out if your bamboo is being grown sustainably is do a little research. There are plenty of products out there that are made with environmentally sustainable bamboo - just find out what you can to be sure you're getting the product you're paying for.

You may find that bamboo looks a lot different than ordinary timber. While the appearance of this grass is appealing to many, it might not work out well if you really love the feel and look of hardwood. For many people, however, the lack of environmental damage and durability of bamboo makes the appearance change worthwhile.

Where contraction and expansion are issues, you'll find that bamboo offers a favorable performance. Unlike hardwood veneer floorings, bamboo will hold up to a number of resurfacings, and there's no treatment or waxing required. To make sure you get a product that's non toxic and fully sustainable, look for flooring that uses glues that won't off gas and don't contain toxic chemicals.

If you're interested in finding out how hardwood flooring and bamboo compare, an online search will quickly tell you. You'll be able to view a wide range of products and see what all your options are. Bamboo could be the right floor for your home.