Bamboo is becoming the popular item of this new century — for many reasons. Its a strong and durable alternative to our shrinking supply of hardwood. Its actually not a wood at all. Botanically, its in the grass family. Its naturally gorgeous, plentiful, a renewable resource and fast growing — much like grass. However, not All Bamboo Flooring Is the same. Be sure to read about What to Look for in Quality Bamboo Flooring.

Bamboo is environmentally friendly. Although panda bears survive on eating bamboo, the bamboo they eat is different than the variety of bamboo harvested for flooring. The type pandas eat grows at a different elevation. Many bamboo forests grown for flooring often occupy steep slopes and hilly lands, and are carefully managed. Many bamboo crops are cut by hand to minimize effects of possible erosion. They require virtually no pesticides, fertilizers or irrigation.
Bamboo comes in about 1,500 different varieties. Some timber bamboos grow to over 100 feet tall with a 12” diameter. Bamboo regenerates without having to replant. When mature, the root system of a bamboo forest can produce new annual crops of timbers for many decades.
Bamboo is ready for harvest every 4 years. Bamboo flooring has 90% of the hardness of oak, similar to that of maple, with 50% less contraction and expansion, making it more stable. Bamboo strips are usually laminated into very durable, attractive flooring boards. They’re often treated with chemicals for insect and fire resistance. Boric acid is the sustainably preferred treatment.
Most bamboo flooring can be sanded and refinished, dyed or stained, similar to hardwood flooring. Maintenance is also similar, with periodic cleaning and refinishing as recommended by the finish manufacturer.
Installation: Installation is also similar to hardwood flooring. Bamboo can be nailed or glued down depending on wood or concrete subfloor. Moisture levels should be checked before installation and manufacturer’s recommendations followed.
When installed properly, bamboo can come with warranties on manufacture and finish.
Bamboo is a sustainable resource also used in other products such as plywood, paneling and veneer.
Want to learn more about bamboo? Check out our books, particularly New Bamboo: Bamboo architecture and design by Marcelo Villegas, and Bamboo Style by Gale Beth Goldberg.