Is Bamboo Flooring Durable

For those who prefer modern décor bamboo flooring has a clean contemporary look.

Is bamboo flooring durable.

Red oak one of the most common hardwood flooring species ranks 1 290. If bamboo isn t allowed to mature and harden before being harvested in some cases as early as 3 months the flooring will look great at first but will be soft and non durable. Durable and abundant bamboo has been used as a building material for centuries. The secret to bamboo flooring s sky high janka durability ratings lies in three factors.

Stalk placement added materials and quality of bamboo. Bamboo is processed in a few different ways to make flooring. Some bamboo floors are more durable than others or emit varying levels of volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde depending upon how they are manufactured teragren says. However not all bamboo flooring is created equal.

Engineered bamboo flooring is made by bonding a thin layer of bamboo onto a plywood or mdf core. It s made by shredding the stalks into long strands and then compressing them into the final solid form using heat and plastic binders. Properly finished bamboo flooring cleans easily with a mop and mild soap. It is the least expensive and least durable form of bamboo flooring and it cannot be refinished.

When choosing between hardwood and bamboo considerations include wearability. Less expensive horizontal and vertical bamboo flooring planks are about as durable as american walnut or cherry. Check out these other sites to see how durable wood floors are being put to use. Stranded bamboo is by far the biggest section of the bamboo flooring market.

Modern 24 seven this article from elizabeth sullivan s design blog caught my eye take a look at what some people are doing with their. Strand bamboo is one of the most durable flooring materials available with a janka hardness exceeding that of brazilian walnut. The janka hardness scale ranks wood for density and is a reliable indicator of floor durability in regard to hardness and denting the higher the rating the more resistant the floor is to dents scratches and wear. Typically un carbonized and strand woven bamboo flooring is harder and more durable while darker bamboo represents a weakened structure and general softness.

Design connection let interior designer arlene ladegaard guide you through all things bamboo in this great article from her design blog. This flooring is comparable to engineered hardwood and is installed in the same way usually with click lock planks that float over a foam underlayment. Most off the shelf bamboo flooring is made by laying the bamboo grass stalks cross direction. It s also a viable flooring option.

Durable floors in action.