How to Choose a Bamboo Floor
Bamboo is becoming increasingly popular for home remodeling projects because it is versatile and eco-friendly. Bamboo is, according to Bambu, a premier New York-based bamboo supplier, "a highly renewable material. It is one of the earth's fastest growing plants." Additionally, according to Urban Homes, the "style and durability" of bamboo "has come to rival traditional hardwood." Bamboo is an excellent option to consider for flooring, but when making a final decision there are several varieties of bamboo to choose from. If you want to use this contemporary, environmentally sound type of flooring, you'll have to carefully weigh some important factors when choosing your new bamboo floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Focus on the flooring's construction rather than its color, since many places offer the same color options for all three construction types. While bamboo flooring is often appreciated for its natural, light color, it can be stained darker to match a home's designs--of course, keep in mind that staining will usually cost extra. Also, staining is difficult after pressing the bamboo together, so be sure to discuss stain options ahead of time with the bamboo supplier as you're ordering freshly pressed bamboo flooring.
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Consider your usage when selecting a construction type. Bamboo flooring is made in three distinct styles: horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven. Horizontal and vertical bamboo is resilient, but best suited for indoor spaces, whereas strand-woven bamboo can be further multipurposed because it is "scratch resistant, UV resistant, and moisture resistant," according to Urban Homes.
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Consider the aesthetic of each construction type. For indoor usage, when all three styles are equally viable, consider the floor's look. Horizontal bamboo is created using three layers, with the wider, flatter bamboo strips visibly showing on top; Urban Homes indicates that this style also shows "the natural growth rings of the stalk" in scattered positions across the flooring. Vertical bamboo features thinner strips with clean lines between each narrow stalk. Finally, strand-woven bamboo "is produced from the excess strands trimmed at the stage of milling the curved bamboo fillets," according to Urban Homes, creating a thatched, woven look. Additionally, this option further demonstrates eco-friendliness as it makes use of the small scraps left over from other bamboo projects.
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Consider price as a last option. After all, this flooring will last for several years, so it's better to make sure you will be happy with it in the long run than to save a little money in the short run. Prices will vary depending on the manufacturer as well as any coloring you want added to the flooring. As a rough average in 2009, derived from Home Depot's low-cost bamboo flooring, the price of premanufactured bamboo is typically about $100 for a 25-square-foot section. Installation should typically be done by a professional for the best results, and this will cost extra depending on the size of the room.
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