February 20, 2008

Bamboo-based Flooring - Bamboo Wood Flooring Buying Tips

The benefits of bamboo as an alternative to many traditional materials including flooring, clothing and home improvement products continues to attract people in large numbers.

It’s no secret bamboo has some great qualities including the ability to resist disease in it’s natural state and this augurs well for those shopping for bamboo wood flooring. The attraction for bamboo-related products is no longer a secret and there is expected to be a greater push for them in the next few years.

Bamboo is such a versatile product that homeowners are discovering it’s wonderful benefits in numbers and it presents an excellent flooring option to people who want to get away from traditional hardwood surfaces.

In fact, bamboo flooring is actually harder than most hardwood surfaces and in most cases, is less expensive. Add to this, it’s reputation as an environmentally-friendly product and it’s hard to argue against it’s benefits.

Purchasing Bamboo Flooring

When shopping, the same process needs to be followed when shopping for other types of hardwood. One important addition is you should allow for wastage such as mistakes and extra cuts and order up to 10% extra.

Even if you have your intended coverage area measured to the last square inch and know exactly the amount you require, chances are strong that accidents may still occur so the extra purchase is always great to have as a back up.

Besides, if you have purchased your product online then delays in laying the floor can be avoided if the extra product is there at your disposal.

More Bamboo Buying Suggestions

Other considerations to be made include the length of your warranty and the style of grain you choose. Many manufacturers offer varying warranties but the 10 and 25 year models are common.

If you don’t intend to replace the surface in the immediate future then the 25 version is a good option.

The look of the floor, that is whether it has a vertical or horizontal appearance depends on how the bamboo wood flooring are put together. The wider flat side will give a horizontal appearance while a vertical appearance is achieved when the strips are put together turned on their side.

Areas Suitable For Bamboo Flooring

There are definitely some “no-go” zones for bamboo wood flooring. For example, bamboo could be subject to warping if exposed to wet conditions therefore, avoid the temptation of laying it in the bathroom or laundry.

The kitchen should be fine although spillage could be a concern. Outside verandahs, despite the fact they are covered overhead, still attract water during wet weather and this is another area you should avoid.

Permalink • Print • Comment

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Made with WordPress and a search engine optimized WordPress theme • Dodger Blue skin by Denis de Bernardy