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Finance Real Estate Home Builder Floor Choices: Hardwood vs Bamboo Flooring
Finance Real Estate Home Builder Floor Choices: Hardwood vs Bamboo Flooring
| Home Builder Floor Choices: Hardwood vs Bamboo Flooring |
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| Written by Mark Hutchison |
| Monday, 18 August 2008 08:36 |
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Recently, bamboo flooring has risen significantly in popularity. That's because people are hearing that this type of flooring lasts longer and is more environmentally friendly than many kinds of hardwood flooring. It's a good choice for a number of different situations, and has many advantages. Of course, the benefits of bamboo don't mean that it's perfect for everyone. There are some reasons that hardwood is traditional, and in an antique home, it may work better. It takes longer to put in hardwood flooring, but for some, the look outweighs the trouble. While bamboo is an attractive type of floor that works very well in many homes, it's not the same as a traditional floor made from wood. This flooring is more uniform and has less color variation than a hardwood floor, for instance. While that's a benefit from some people's perspective, it's a detraction for others. For those who aren't concerned about color variation or traditional appearance, the choice is a little simpler. Installing bamboo flooring eliminates much of the mess and dust that comes with putting in a hardwood floor. The pieces come ready to put in, and are a lot more convenient. That means that while it's great for installation in many homes, people restoring vintage buildings or those who love a very traditional look may be turned off by it. However, bamboo that more closely resembles hardwood is beginning to be developed, and may be an option for these people. Oak, maple, and similar hardwoods are the most common materials used in traditional floors. They're beautiful and durable, but problems may occur over time. Wood can warp and splinter if exposed to heat and cold, or to changes in moisture. It's also expensive, and less sustainable than bamboo, which can grow at a rate of up to thirty centimeters a day. While a bamboo grove can be harvested every few years, it takes decades for a hardwood forest to grow to a size where it can be harvested for lumber. Many hardwood sources aren't being responsibly maintained. Bamboo is a faster growing material that requires no fertilizer to produce and can be farmed relatively sustainably. However, it's still a good idea to know where your bamboo flooring is coming from. There are farming operations that plant monocultures and use chemical methods to increase yield. This makes bamboo less sustainable. These irresponsible practices are most common in countries with little regulation, such as China. A little research will tell you whether you're getting quality, environmentally friendly bamboo or not. A large percentage of the products on the market are made with "good" bamboo - an important concern for those who want to decrease their impact on the world around them. Bamboo is more durable as a flooring material than hardwood. It stands up well to daily wear and tear, however if durability is still a concern, consider a flooring type that comes with a warranty. Be willing to spend a few more dollars on a product that will hold up, rather than buying a cheaper one. 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. About the Author: While timber flooring has always been popular in Australia, bamboo floors are now starting to take market share, due to a range of great reasons. Visit Bamboozle in Perth - www.bamboozle.com.au - to learn more. Kindly provided by LJ-Marketing.dk You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include the link just before this text. |
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