Bamboo flooring is a beautiful alternative to hardwood. This type of flooring is becoming very popular for its decorative value and because it is one of the most environmentally friendly materials currently used. Major manufacturers, such as Armstrong flooring, Columbia flooring and Mohawk flooring offer a bamboo product.

Bamboo is nearly as strong as steel. It is much stronger than any other material used in discount wood flooring. This durability makes bamboo perfect for use on floors. It is stronger than linoleum flooring and more comfortable to walk on than stone flooring. The weight, feel and density of this material are nearly the same as real hardwood.

Floors can be made of solid bamboo or be an engineered product. This means the bamboo is combined with another type of wood. Most often, engineered materials contain a bamboo surface with a plywood core. The bamboo can be stained and given a coat of urethane, as you would with any other hardwood.

These floors are installed like other hardwood floors. They are most often nailed or glued to the sub floor. Newer products are made to work like laminate flooring where the pieces lock together and create a floating floor. These don't need to be nailed or glued in place.

The sub floor needs to be level prior to installation. If it isn't level, asphalt shingles can be used to level it out. Make sure the sub floor material is completely dry and there is no moisture, which could damage the new floor.

Bamboo Flooring: Environmentally Friendly

More people are becoming concerned about the depletion of the hardwood forests on our planet. Many tree species take generations or may years to grow, such as walnut or oak. There is not enough replanting and even when new trees are planted, they can't grow fast enough to satisfy the demand. Efforts are being made to prevent the deforestation of the rainforests.

Bamboo grows much faster than any tree used in manufacturing wood flooring. Plants only take five years to become mature. After they are harvested, new shoots begin to grow almost immediately. This happens automatically with no need for replanting.

Caring for Bamboo Flooring

Remove dust and dirt with a broom or dust mop. You can clean the floor using a water and vinegar solution containing 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar. To do this, use a barely damp sponge mop. Dry the floor right away with a towel. Don't allow the floor to become soaking wet, as this can damage the bamboo.

Use a damp cloth for occasional spills or sticky spots. After you wipe up the spill, dry it with a towel right away. If the floor becomes dull, you can buff it with a buff sander to restore the shine. With proper care, your new floor will last for many years to come.