Bamboo floors are more popular than ever, thanks to their striking appearance, eco-friendly credentials and relatively low cost compared with many types of wooden flooring. If you are looking at installing new flooring in your home and would like to know more about the pros and cons of bamboo, this article aims to outline the main points.
Pros of bamboo flooring
Bamboo grows extremely quickly, which means it can easily be cultivated and used to make flooring and other consumer goods without the need to wait many, many years. As bamboo is a type of grass and reaches maturity in as little as five years, it is a far more environmentally-friendly option than many woods traditionally used for flooring. When bamboo is harvested, the root remains in the ground and the plant will continue to grow, eventually reaching full maturity once more in as little as three years; in comparison, trees such as the oak can take over 100 years to achieve the same feat.
Due to its fast-growing nature and the relative ease of obtaining bamboo, it is more affordable than most other types of wood. This makes it a great option for anyone on a budget who loves the look and feel of traditional solid wood flooring but perhaps cannot justify the expense involved.
Cons of bamboo flooring
Bamboo is softer than many other types of wood and can therefore be more susceptible to scratching, dents and marks than other types of flooring. It is possible to keep bamboo flooring looking pristine if precautions are taken; however, this is not always possible in busy family homes. If you are interested in installing bamboo flooring in your home, a reputable retailer such as http://www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk/solid-wood-flooring will be more than happy to discuss maintenance and aftercare solutions with you. There is no reason why bamboo flooring should not last for many years, providing it is looked after and you take some simple steps to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
While many people love the unique appearance of bamboo flooring, it is not to everyone’s taste. It is less versatile than many other woods and might not fit in with period decor as well as more traditional wooden flooring; however, it does add a striking finish to more modern spaces.