It’s not merely a hardwood, folks. Bamboo is a grass. And just like the varieties of grass we’re used to mowing in our own yards, bamboo grows back after its cut. It can be harvested every 3-5 years, because the roots stay intact and new growth begins immediately. Talk about eco friendly!

We’ve stocked the product for a number of years, but with the popularity of green and bamboo growing daily, I thought now was a good time to share some of the fundamentals to help with your purchase:

Bamboo Basics

• Bamboo is officially recognized as the world’s fastest growing plant and has a tensile strength comparable to steel.
• According to manufacturer US Floors, bamboo flooring is 27% harder than American Red Oak and 13% harder than Maple hardwood.
• It is dimensionally stable, meaning that it’s moisture resistant and coated with sealant.
• Bamboo is processed to be as flat as hardwood or laminate flooring.
• 20% of the world’s bamboo grows in China.

Green Advantages

• In processing, the leftover stalk is used for a variety of purposes—chopsticks and blinds included—so nothing goes to waste.
• If you’re going for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a bamboo floor can contribute points.
• Beyond its sustainability, bamboo’s ability to replenish itself preserves the habitat of endangered wildlife.
• Lower priced bamboo may have formaldehyde emissions, eliminating some of the green appeal.
• Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. This offers customers to choose the most socially and environmentally responsible products.
  

Bamboo Style

• Two major colors are natural (similar to beech) and carbonized (similar to oak).
• Carbonizing bamboo may make for a more appealing color, but weakens it.
• Stain colors are now being released so that differences can be achieved while maintaining hardness.
• Bamboo comes in laminated planks, strips or tiles in three configurations:
  1. Vertical- Grain looks more linear and narrow
  2. Horizontal- Grain is wider and the knots of the bamboo are seen more prevalently.
  3. Strand-Woven- Consists of compressed strands of bamboo fiber. This is the hardest and most durable bamboo flooring.

With all these choices, buyers beware!
There are plenty of variables determining the quality of the finished product and just how green the floor is. For example, Moso is the hardest species, and the longer bamboo is allowed to mature, the harder it becomes. With all bamboo, the manufacturing process is key to quality down the road. Make sure your flooring professional is knowledgeable about Bamboo, that you select a product that’s been made right, and have all your warranties in writing before you buy.

(photos: decodingdecor.com & desiretoinspire.net)

Renee LeCroy is the Flooring Expert at Don’s Carpet One in Birmingham, AL. For 17 years, she’s been the consumer’s in-store advocate, decoding the flooring industry and offering insider advice. Contact Renee via email.