Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons Bamboo Flooring Pros Tough and Durable – top-quality bamboo flooring is exceptionally dense and hard; harder in fact than some hardwoods. As such, it is very durable, structurally stable, and tough, potentially lasting as long as fifty years with careful attention and maintenance. It is also termite-resistant. With normal family wear and tear, it is expected to last up to twenty-five years. Sustainable – one of the biggest drawcards of bamboo flooring is its eco-friendly status and sustainability. Bamboo plants grow quickly so are rapidly renewable (harvesting every five or six years). Most bamboo is farmed sustainably. Using bamboo flooring relieves pressure on other wood species. (The cost of shipping from overseas, however, contributes to the carbon footprint of bamboo flooring). Appeal – it affords a clean, modern look. Easy to Clean – IF finished properly. (Not all bamboo flooring is created equal!) It can also be refinished. Bamboo Flooring Cons Generic, Uniform Look – unlike engineered wood and hardwood flooring, bamboo has a distinct grain pattern which is quite uniform. It can be generic, whereas timber and engineered wood floors are unique. Knuckles – these are often distinctive in this type of flooring, especially in horizontal bamboo. Knuckles are the nodes, or natural growth rings, on bamboo stalks. Many people find this feature unsightly on a floor. Health Implications – most bamboo flooring is crafted overseas. There is little oversight on the manufacturing process, and some bamboo flooring products may incorporate formaldehyde and other glues which emit toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Damage Susceptibility: If the raw bamboo is not boiled, steamed and completely dried properly, the end product may shrink after installation. This can cause it to gap and crack. Bamboo grass easily absorbs water. This leads to the flooring being vulnerable to humidity and water damage, shrinking, warping, swelling, and buckling. Inexpensive or darkened bamboo flooring is susceptible to dents and scratches. In time, bamboo can fade, become marred, and discolour. Expense – the cost of bamboo flooring is comparable to most hardwoods. It also, in most cases, incurs shipping costs as most products are imported. Not all bamboo is ''green'' – some manufacturers harvest young bamboo grass that is too soft and uses toxic adhesives which compromise the sustainability of the product.
Bamboo Flooring Cons Generic, Uniform Look – unlike engineered wood and hardwood flooring, bamboo has a distinct grain pattern which is quite uniform. It can be generic, whereas timber and engineered wood floors are unique. Knuckles – these are often distinctive in this type of flooring, especially in horizontal bamboo. Knuckles are the nodes, or natural growth rings, on bamboo stalks. Many people find this feature unsightly on a floor. Health Implications – most bamboo flooring is crafted overseas. There is little oversight on the manufacturing process, and some bamboo flooring products may incorporate formaldehyde and other glues which emit toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Damage Susceptibility: If the raw bamboo is not boiled, steamed and completely dried properly, the end product may shrink after installation. This can cause it to gap and crack. Bamboo grass easily absorbs water. This leads to the flooring being vulnerable to humidity and water damage, shrinking, warping, swelling, and buckling. Inexpensive or darkened bamboo flooring is susceptible to dents and scratches. In time, bamboo can fade, become marred, and discolour. Expense – the cost of bamboo flooring is comparable to most hardwoods. It also, in most cases, incurs shipping costs as most products are imported. Not all bamboo is ''green'' – some manufacturers harvest young bamboo grass that is too soft and uses toxic adhesives which compromise the sustainability of the product.
must install on top of the baseboard