Bamboo floors look very different from traditional wood. When choosing a floor made of bamboo, also consider the environmental implications of a bamboo harvest.

Source

Bamboo flooring is often chosen because it is considered "greener" than other wood products. While oak, pine, and other trees require decades to regenerate after harvesting, bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet. However, there is very little regulation of bamboo harvests, which can affect wildlife and local ecosystems.

Effects on health

Many bamboo wood floors, among them, are mounted using adhesives containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances release toxic gases through a process known as "gas evolution," which can last several years after installation. VOCs are believed to cause respiratory problems, especially in children or the elderly. Choose bamboo floors labeled "VOC free" to avoid these compounds.

Characteristics

Bamboo floors are constructed in two basic shapes, each providing a very different appearance. Traditional bamboo is cut into long strips and glued to a wooden plank. This material is softer than most hardwoods and has a "striped" appearance that shows the bamboo strips. The stranded bamboo fabric is made by shredding the wood, then mixed with resin or adhesive. This mixture is pressed to form large pieces of wood and then sliced to create hardwood floors. Bamboo woven strand has a wood grain similar to traditional timber.

Installation

Homeowners can choose between two basic techniques when installing solid bamboo flooring. Some varieties are designed to be nailed or glued to the subsoil. These bamboo floors are made to look like traditional wood floors. Other varieties are floated on the subsoil, using a system of tongue and groove connectors. Floating floors are considered a better option for those planning a do-it-yourself project.

End up

Depending on the source of the bamboo plants, soils derived from them may have a natural beech finish or a darker brown shade. Some solid bamboo flooring are available with colorants or integral pigments to create colors that are not found in nature. When choosing bamboo floors, pay particular attention to whether the finish is vertical or horizontal. Vertical bamboo floors have a relatively uniform appearance, with stripes at regular intervals. Horizontal tiles are designed to show the unique qualities of bamboo and may have a visible discoloration and patterns some homeowners do not like.

Basement and bamboo floor

Install the solid bamboo flooring on some different types of subfloor, including underfloor radiant heat and concrete underlayment. As with hardwood floors, install a subfloor in the top of the concrete subfloor before installing the bamboo flooring. The base layer will help keep the bamboo floor warm, with a kind of cushion.
Once you have the drywall and installing new windows in your remodeled basement, you will need to decide what to do with the flooring. You may have the bamboo floor up in your home, but wonder if it can be installed in the basement. Do not worry- bamboo flooring has a low moisture absorption rate and offers an easy installation, making it an ideal choice for your basement.

Bamboo flooring options

Buy hand-scraped bamboo floor for a distressed, textured look. A little more expensive than other varieties, this soil enjoys popularity in the Middle East and Italy.

Use solid bamboo flooring or woven strand for a heavier choice ideal for a basement you plan to use as a playroom, children‘s playroom or a place for your pets. This type of bamboo flooring has a durable laminate finish. The solid bamboo floor will not expand and contract; but also offers heat resistance, so you can place it on radiant heating systems if your basement has one.

For strength materials that give the moisture a slow expansion/contraction speed, consider the bamboo engineering floor, which consists of bamboo attached to a plywood base.

Bamboo flooring Finished

Bamboo floor finishes are natural, charred and stained. For a basement with little or no natural light, consider a natural finish, which has a bright shade. A carbonized finish has a darker appearance, and each iron may appear slightly lighter or darker than the other. To match the furniture present in your basement, try a stained bamboo floor- a "particular order," and therefore more expensive, flooring.