Bamboo is not merely a grass that can grow anywhere. Eco-friendly and highly renewable a material source, the plantation takes not more than a month or two to grow up to a certain level and a couple of years or so to reach maturity. The primary species ‘Moso Bamboo’ is the one that’s used for flooring purposes. Besides that, there are few more that also facilitate in the use of floor making.

Getting to the basics

Mainly found in China, the bamboo grass is a hollow tree-like structure that’s characteristic of China and several other Asia based areas. Its growth rate is really fast and it gains maturity earlier than many other plant variations. The best part about it is when the stalk is cut down; the shoot continues to grow, which indicates that it can be harvested upon reaching the next seven year cycle.

More than a grass

Bamboo basically is just a grass. The solid bamboo is made of several blocks or sheets of rectangular cut bamboos that are glued together, in horizontal or vertical ways. Apart from that, there’s another type called engineered bamboo, where wood layers lie below bamboo layer and the newest one is strand-woven, where the strands are saturated using an adhesive and joined together under pressure. This way a very hard form of wood type is also created.

Most solid bamboo flooring is available in light, natural blond finish. But the darker hues are equally good, which can be achieved by the process called carbonization. This happens when the pressure streaming strips of bamboo achieves a very dark hue like creamy caramel or coffee shade. One can also scrape off the surface to make it look like wood.

Options in bamboo flooring

Solid bamboo flooring is available in two forms- solid planks and engineered planks. The latter is installed with the floating floor method, where the wide planks are snapped all together and kept on top of a very thin underlayment in foam rubber. On the other hand, solid bamboo is installed much like hardwood flooring, where it’s fastened tightly using staples, regardless of the mastic. Both come pre-finished, which means you can carry the furniture once the last plank has been installed.

If someone wishes to do solid bamboo flooring, there are ideally three kinds to choose from:

? Horizontal and vertical grain

Grain planks made in a horizontal way are constructed of thin and flat strips of bamboo that are stuck together and pressed. This makes it look like a surface that’s was its original, largely because of the distinct and repetitive knuckle pattern.
The vertical grain floorboards are made of thin strips of bamboo that gets stacked on the edge and are stuck together. They are usually lined together and then bonded tightly.

? Flat grain solid

This is the commonest one made by thin, flat strips, which are stacked on top of each other and laminated. Simple and easy to get, this is preferred for its no-hassle nature.

? Strand bamboo

Using the super thin and shredded fibers of bamboo, there is a mixture of resins with the rock-hard planks that make up this type.

Regardless of your purchasing choice, the flooring types are usually available in pieces that measure ?-5/8 inch in thickness and 3 and ? to 7and ? inches in width. The length too ranges from 36-72 inches. The choice in pre-stained colors is enormous, which lie anywhere between soft cedar tones, bright reds, greens and many more.

The best installation

Hard and durable, the best flooring surface for installing bamboo floors would be hallways and living rooms. Even bedrooms can carry of the smart look, provided it’s made well. Most kitchens also choose solid bamboo flooring for the materials is extremely resistant to moisture, compared to hardwood floors. However, it’s better to stay away from this material in bathrooms or laundry areas, or simply opt for the engineered floorboards.

Considerations

There are few general guidelines that homeowners should ponder upon before going ahead with solid bamboo flooring:

- Space for expansion

- Keeping an eye on relative humidity

- Acclimatization

- Measurement of moisture content

Once you have fixed on these, there’s no harm sticking to the sustainable and mostly preferred bamboo floors.