Hardwood Vs. Laminate Vs. Bamboo
Hardwood, bamboo and laminate are three popular flooring options. Bamboo and hardwood flooring share similar attributes that laminate doesn't, but benefits and downsides exist for each option. Making the right flooring choice will require finding out all the facts and information before deciding on what flooring to have. Does this Spark an idea?
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Hardwood Floor
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Find many shades and grains available in hardwood. Timeless and classic describe wood floors. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, in a poll, 90 percent of real estate agents agreed that homes with hardwood floors sold faster and for more money than homes without them. A long-lasting flooring option, hardwood will last up to 100 years. As an environmentally friendly choice, wood will recycle or decompose easily. The comfort and beauty of a hardwood floor is hard to match, but there are cons. Easy to scratch and dent, even the hardest woods will need caution taken with heeled shoes, furniture and other heavy or pointy items. The color of the floors may fade over time, depending on the amount of direct sunlight that reaches the hardwood floor.
Bamboo Floors
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Bamboo flooring makes a beautiful statement. Similar to hardwood floors, bamboo has many of the same qualities and uses. The flooring installs with tongue-and-groove joints like wood flooring, and it looks similar. In one point they strongly differ: Bamboo is a grass, not a wood. Bamboo grows to full size and is ready to harvest in five years or less, making it a renewable source for flooring. Bamboo spreads easily on its own and does not need replanting. The lime and boric acid used to make the bamboo flooring provides a natural termite and wood fungi repellent. Bamboo flooring comes in two shades, a blond color and an amber color. When choosing bamboo flooring, pay attention to details and quality. The quality of the product will determine the floor's durability and how long it will last.
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Laminate Floors
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Laminate flooring is an inexpensive option for covering an old floor. Laminate floors have many styles, colors and patterns to choose from. Laminate flooring mimics tile, hardwood, stone, slate or other surfaces. Layers of colored paper and a hard resin finish make these floors dent and scratch resistant, great for a high-traffic room. The ability to install right over an existing floor also makes laminate a popular choice. No glue or nails are needed to install; the laminate pieces fit together and snap down. The life of the flooring will depend on the quality of the laminate, but it is expected to last only 15 to 30 years at best. If moisture gets underneath the floor, it will ruin it completely.
Considerations
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When trying to decide between hardwood, bamboo or laminate flooring, consider the room, your time and your budget. A high-traffic entry room may not be the best place for hardwood, or a wet bathroom for laminate flooring. A good assessment of the area will result in choosing the best flooring for a room.
Warning
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Formaldehyde is a chemical sometimes used in the process of making pressed wood. It can be a health hazard and dangerous for anyone suffering from allergies. Check the labels on bamboo and laminate flooring for formaldehyde use. Ask questions before buying if the answer isn't on the product label. If formaldehyde was used in the product, use adequate ventilation after installing the laminate flooring.
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References
- Photo Credit Dining Table and Hardwood Flooring image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com texture of wooden floor - can be used as background image by Elnur from Fotolia.com Modern asian inspired hallway with bamboo floors image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com floor image by Einar Bog from Fotolia.com
