BAMBOO FLOORING PROS & CONS

If you are searching for "bamboo flooring advantages & disadvantages" or "bamboo flooring pros & cons", this post should help!

Are you looking for that natural floor look, but want a green approach that doesn’t harm trees? Bamboo is similar to hardwood flooring, but made from grass. Like a hardwood floor, this material offers many benefits, as well as downsides and vulnerabilities. It is best to have an understanding about this material for future purchases or maintenance decisions.

Bamboo Flooring Advantages & Pros

·         Ecologically Friendly – Being a type of vegetation, Bamboo is an extremely renewable resource that only takes 3 to 5 years for full maturity. Compared to the maturity time of hardwood trees (20+ years), this is a very short period.

·        "Easy to Maintain: Bamboo is easy to care for. You just vacuum or sweep it regularly to remove debris. You can even clean it with a non-alkaline, non-wax bamboo or hardwood floor cleaner or just damp mop it." [1]

·         Water Resistant – Compared to hardwood, Bamboo is more resistant to water damage, wrapping, and stains. However, these are still things to be concerned about.

·         "Natural Material - The use of natural materials is an important trend in the construction industry right now. As people are becoming more ecologically conscious they are demanding products that reflect these values. They are also seeking materials and designs that reject the modern cookie cutter world and instead focus on individual personality and natural evolution." [2]

·         Price – Bamboo materials are similar in price as hardwood flooring. The price ranges between $2-$8 per sq. ft. You should avoid bargain basement material as it is typically a low-quality castoff.

·         Durability – There are various bamboo types that are very hard, strong and durable. When natural, uncarbonized bamboo is harvested properly has a similar durability to red oak. However, the strand of bamboo flooring is woven harder than that of hardwood.

·         Style – When it comes to bamboo flooring the material is currently a popular trend. It can change the space of your home right away, with an appearance and feel that can be compared to an average hardwood floor, while having its own distinct characteristics. Bamboo flooring can enhance any room.

·         Refinishing – As with hardwood flooring, bamboo material will discolor and scratch over time. However, bamboo floors can be refinished by sanding it and reapplying a finishing coat. This will make it look good as new. The plank thickness will determine the amount of sanding required.

Bamboo Flooring Disadvantages & Cons

·         Scratches – While bamboo flooring is simple to care for, it’s difficult to prevent scratches when constantly used. Various things will result in scratches on your floor, from furniture legs and pet claws, to high heels and gritty particles with time.

·         VOC Emission – The bamboo planks are created from slicing or shredding the material then adhering the numerous pieces together under heat, pressure and resin. This means in time, chemicals can be released in the air from the adhesive. While many bamboo planks use adhesive, the amount used, and VOC varies based on the fabrication process.

·         Humidity – When bamboo flooring is installed in an area with high moisture, it can result in plumping of the floor. However, the planks will shrink in dry environments. When going between the two conditions, the planks can crack.

·         Environmentally Ambiguous – Although bamboo is an extremely renewable resource, there are some environmental concerns regarding bamboo usage. For instance, the potential toxicity of adhesive, sections of forests being cut down to create bamboo fields, etc. Meanwhile, it does off green qualities, making it environmentally ambiguous.

·         Water Damage – Although bamboo has a higher water-resistant rate than hardwood flooring, it’s still an organic, natural material. This means it can still warp with excessive moisture, even grow mold. For example, a flood can cause your bamboo flooring to be damaged.

·         Lack of Grading System – Bamboo material, unlike hardwood flooring, does not have a grading system in place. While it is common for retailers to categorize them by grades, it is only an arbitrary system and not an official quality grading system. Because of this, you should only purchase bamboo planks from quality flooring dealers which have a reputable history.

·         Lack of Hardness – While bamboo planks do offer a hard, durable uncarbonized strand woven flooring option, the darker bamboo planks will be softer. The reason the darker planks are softer, is due to the carbonization process required for adding the color, which reduces the strength.

Cited Sources

1. “Bamboo Flooring Pros & Cons | Advantages & Disadvantages.” Urban Customs, 17 Jan. 2018, urbancustomsaz.com/pros-cons-bamboo-flooring/.
2. “Everything to Know About Bamboo Flooring - Advantages, Disadvantages.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/benefits-and-drawbacks-of-bamboo-floors-1314694.