Bamboo is trendy flooring that can elevate the look of the space almost instantly. It has an appearance similar to hardwood but with distinct and different features. Bamboo is a good material for people who like something different and want to make a statement by using a renewable resource. Bamboo works in almost any home style and is best suited for contemporary settings.

When you are trying to decide the appropriate type of bamboo floors for your home you should consider different types of bamboo flooring. Bamboo flooring comes in various types and this installation method may impact convenience and cost. Given are the types of bamboo flooring.

Types of Bamboo Flooring

Grain Types

Bamboo flooring comes in different grain types. Each one carries different characteristics and this will help the buyers to decide which type of bamboo to purchase and install in their property. The grain type depends greatly on the overall look the buyer is trying to achieve.

Horizontal Bamboo

Horizontal bamboo is the planks placed next to one another facing in a horizontal direction. They are attached to each other before being pressurized and finished. They randomly display the knuckles, or growth rings, of the stalk.

Vertical Bamboo

This refers to planks placed next to one another facing in a vertical direction. They all are attached to each other before being pressurized and finished while creating a smooth uniform look.

Strand-Woven Bamboo

Strand-woven is the bamboo planks made from the remaining strands of the stalk that are trimmed away from the long bamboo fillets. These are compressed with an adhesive before being pressurized and finished. They are twice harder than horizontal and vertical bamboo.

Installation Types of Bamboo Flooring

Choosing bamboo flooring based on the installation type first is a wise decision because some installation types are more complicated. A complicated installation can cost more than others. 

There are a few different installation methods for bamboo flooring such as a nail or glue down the process, glue-seam floating installation, and glue less-click installation. By considering the installation type, you will buy the bamboo flooring to finish the job.

Nail Down/Glue Down

Sometimes flooring is very hard, it is impossible to get the nails flush with the flooring with a standard hammer. Use of special and specific tools for the job is required.  This includes an electric hammer or stapler to successfully complete this job correctly. Installation instructions and guidelines depend upon the sub-flooring.  Experienced workers can install this type of bamboo flooring in the best way.

Floating: Glue-Seam

This installation requires an underlayment to protect the bamboo from the sub-flooring material. You need a moisture barrier as well. It is important to layout the flooring before adding any glue adhesive. This is because of how quickly the adhesive dries, it is difficult to separate the flooring planks and correct any mistakes after just a few seconds. The best is to layout the complete floor design and go back in sections with the glue.

Floating: Glue less-Click

It is the simplest bamboo installation method.  This method wont require any glue or nails, so it is easy for floor installation in new homes. The planks simply click together and get into place. Those who are looking to install their own flooring must go for it as it is the best way to do it. There is no concern about whether the floor will come apart if the pieces don’t fit together. The finished product appears much like the other installation methods.

Once installed, you dont have to do too much to keep them clean. There is no need for invasive maintenance projects. With a sweep or vacuum your floors every once in a while to get rid of debris.

Bamboo flooring has got a lot of attention since it was first introduced some decades ago. In most ways, bamboo floors perform in the same way as hardwood. Most importantly, these floors are non-allergenic and some people have chemical sensitivities. If this is you, there are some very good bamboo flooring products that omit these chemicals. Bamboo is fairly priced and most of the major flooring manufacturers are selling it on the Internet because of its high demand.