Bamboo flooring has a robust attractiveness that is catching the eye of many a home remodeling enthusiast. However, this is by far not the only use for this renewable resource. A vast range of household items are available to complement a bamboo floor, including clothing, towels and bedding. The material is gentle enough to be used for baby socks, yet sturdy enough to be utilized in bicycles!

Bamboo is a grass that ranges from being a ground cover to growing into monstrous plants of more than 70 feet. Although China has always been the main producer, plantations are now fairly commonly found in the USA, for example in the Oregon and Washington areas. However, local rainfall patterns will never match those of Asia, and the main areas of supply are therefore unlikely to change.

This extremely durable eco-friendly product is harder than many of the real woods, and comes at a fraction of the price of hardwood. It is easy to maintain and asks for minimal cleaning. The affordability is largely due to the rapid regrowth rates of the grass. It can be harvested repeatedly. Even though it usually needs to mature before being harvested, it still has a much faster growth cycle than a tree. The plant matures within 5 to 7 years, whereas it takes 50 years and longer to replace a tree.

The other vital environmentally friendly role this grass species plays, is in its release of high oxygen levels and the way in which the grass devours harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. If you need regreening, this is the way to go.

There are of course also questions about the bamboo explosion. One of the main concerns is the use of vast amounts of chemicals in plantations. There are also worries that eventually commercial varieties may displace the natural sources on which animals such as Pandas rely for food. Another major factor is that forests are cleared to make room for this option, which is deemed to be more viable economically. This is an unacceptable practice and defeats the whole purpose of finding a sustainable wood substitute. There are also concerns about the working conditions and wages of the employees in this industry.

It is vital that every consumer who installs a bamboo floor checks that it has Forest Stewardship Council certification. This reassuring stamp means that the grass comes from a forest that is sustainably managed and cultivates a biologically diverse range of plants. Buyers should also opt for flooring manufactured with formaldehyde free glues and with the lowest possible volatile organic compounds or VOC emissions The best manufacturers use the moso variety that is at least six years old. This gives the most robust floor. Always ask for a line with an environmentally friendly, non-toxic finish.

After harvesting, the grass is sliced into strips. These are boiled in water that contains a preservative. The strips are then pressed flat, before being laminated in layers and kiln-dried. An engineered floor is also offered. In this case, a thin layer of bamboo is laminated over an unrelated base. Alternatively, a tongue and groove product is produced using the waste left over from floor manufacturing. Coloring varies from natural to amber. The darker hues are due to a pressure steaming process which deepens the color by carbonization.

As with laminates, a complete range of complementary products are on offer, from baseboards, to transition pieces, staircase pieces, and vent covers. The floors can be glued down or nailed down. The engineered bamboo flooring is also available in a floating design. The floor covering can be fitted over concrete or wood sub floors.

Many retail outlets now opt for bamboo in their designs. The material fits in superbly with an environmentally friendly approach. The Australian Crocs retail store recently brought in Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring. This means that they judged the product to be robust enough to cope with high traffic loads. They also see the flooring as eco-friendly and easy to install.

Fashion stores have also discovered the appeal of this plant. If a store owner is into organics, using this material for flooring, counters and furniture will create an eco-friendly ambience, as well as a warm atmosphere.

Bamboo flooring can be professionally refinished as many as eight times, meaning it can last a lifetime if handled with care

Provided that you support a reputable manufacturer, bamboo floors are known to be resistant to fading, molds, termites, fire and surface damage. It is also ideal if you are battling with allergies. It also sports remarkable moisture resistant characteristics.

Bamboo flooring allows you to make an affordable, lasting home improvement.