The Benefits of Bamboo Versus Other Timber Flooring

A homeowner has many options and choices when it comes to the species of trees used for timber flooring, including rich mahogany and cherry wood or very affordable pine and oak. While each of these woods will have their own advantages, you might note a few reasons why bamboo flooring is such a popular option and why it can be the best choice for your home as well. You can then discuss this choice with a flooring installer or manufacturer, and they can determine if bamboo floors would work for your home.

Eco-friendliness of bamboo

Bamboo shoots regrow very quickly, often in just a few years, so any bamboo harvested for flooring can be easily replanted and replenished. This is unlike most other species of trees, which might take several decades to grow to maturity.

Strand woven bamboo is made from scraps of bamboo which are broken down into strands and then pressed together. This creates a very dense variety of the wood, perfect for timber flooring. This also means fewer scraps that wind up in landfills and less need to cut down virgin materials for your home's floors. If you're concerned about deforestation, bamboo is then a much better option than mahogany, oak or other traditional timber varieties for all these reasons.

Density of bamboo

Some bamboo floors are so dense that they will resist mould, mildew, water marks, stains, chips, scuffs, dents and other damage that is very common with timber floors. This density of bamboo also means that the wood is very resistant to termites, as these insects may have a hard time actually eating through the thick wood of bamboo. In turn, you don't need to worry about an infestation or about having to treat your home with harsh chemicals in order to kill damaging termites. This can be especially important to consider if you live in an area with high humidity levels, as trapped humidity in a home might attract termites that are looking for a water source as well as a food source.

Design options 

If you're looking for floors with lots of visual interest, you might opt for tiger stripe bamboo. This wood has a mixture of both light and dark shades, making it very attractive without the need for special paints or stains. This can mean less pollution being released when the floors are installed and less need for touch-up paint over the years.