Strand woven bamboo flooring is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous and most unique flooring products at this moment. However, it is not necessarily the strongest as sturdiest flooring product. Fully grown bamboo might be quite imposing, but it is indeed a fibrous and organic material. However, modern manufacturers have overcome the inherent weakness of bamboo by interweaving the bamboo strands.

What exactly is strand woven flooring?

Keep in mind that strand woven bamboo flooring, and any other type of bamboo flooring for that matter, is made of grass. It’s not wood. The top manufacturers laminate the highly fibrous material one atop another. However, there are many other manufacturers who go one step ahead to weave the fibres in an adhesive base, which forms a sturdier material. The word ‘woven’ is used to connote the use of glue and to imply the sturdiness of this kind of flooring.

How does weaving ensure longer work life of floors?

Bamboo is by nature a soft and fibrous material and it is indeed quite difficult to turn it into a durable surface. However, Chinese manufacturers master this art of turning the fibrous material into a wear-ready surface. Also, a method of browning and staining bamboo flooring, which is also called carbonizing (in some cases, carmelizing) weakens the bamboo by about 30%. Therefore, weaving is required for making it a solid and sturdy flooring surface.

Should you use strand woven bamboo flooring?

Unlike hardwood materials such as oak and maple, bamboo is not wear-resistant by nature. However, there are leading manufacturers who have invented certain manufacturing methods that are really effective in building and increasing sustainability and durability of bamboo flooring, strand weaving process is one such manufacturing method which is widely considered as the most effective  manufacturing process as far as increasing durability of the floors is concerned. Also, choice of core materials, tough aluminium oxide finishes and choice of glue determine the hardness and sustainability of the floors.

What is the cost of strand woven flooring?

In general, this type of floor is at least 50% more expensive than regular bamboo flooring. However, the cost widely varies on which manufacturer you are choosing. There are manufacturers who follow a lean manufacturing model and have direct access to bigger reserves of bamboo and they can offer you European quality flooring at Asian prices.

Where should you but strand woven bamboo flooring?

Remember there are many shady manufacturers who offer poor-quality materials and often operate on a fly-by-night basis. Your challenge is to find a really reputable manufacturer and supplier, with at least a decade long industry presence and with considerable reputation in domestic and overseas markets. Just do not forget that all the leading manufacturers of strand woven bamboo flooring are leading exporters too. 

As with any kind of hardwood floor, bamboo floor also need to be taken care of regularly so that the floor looks as beautiful as it was on the day of installation. Don’t let water collect on your strand woven bamboo floor as it can cause warping. Also, do not ignore the spills and clean them up quickly. The bamboo floor under a sink should have a rug which can absorb water.

It is also highly important and recommended to sweep and dry-dust the floor regularly. You should not wax the floor. You can just use a damp mop to clean the strand woven bamboo flooring. Do not pour a solution or water directly on this kind of floor. The multiple layers of which the bamboo flooring is composed can protect the floor from regular wear and tear for a very long period. Also, bamboo floors can be refinished and sanded during their work life. You can also place plastic protectors and soft pelt beneath the legs of your furniture to protect the floor from scratches. Also, if possible, place rugs near high-traffic areas. Do not forget to go through the user manual of your manufacturer or dealer before installation.