Nowadays, a popular residential flooring option is Bamboo flooring. Though for all, bamboo flooring is considered as another variety of wood flooring, actually it is not. It is actually a type of grass and bamboo is lovely material for flooring. When the bamboo grass matures in 3-4 years, it can be cut for use as floor. Round tubes of bamboo get transformed into flat flooring strips. This is one of the more eco-friendly flooring products in the market today but for many it is still a confusing flooring product. The reason bamboo flooring is considered “green” because, unlike hardwood, it’s a grass that easily grows back. Bamboo flooring is surging in popularity because bamboo is attractive, affordable, durable, and available in dozens of colours.

Bamboo Flooring in Living Room

Horizontal or Vertical Bamboo Flooring : Difference in Looks

As bamboo has grass like properties, it has to be formed into the flat strips in the shape of floorboards. And thus we get the horizontal bamboo flooring and vertical bamboo flooring. In horizontal bamboo flooring, strands are laid horizontally. The pattern is relatively clear and uncomplicated. In vertical bamboo flooring, stalks are laid vertically and joined together. Its appearance is nit much different from horizontal bamboo floor but its outward appearance has a more textured. Functionally, there is no difference. It basically comes down to a style choice. Horizontal flooring looks the way bamboo should look; vertical looks more like a striped tigerwood.

HorizontalVsVerticalBambooFlooring

Strand Bamboo Flooring and  Carbonized Bamboo Flooring

 In strand bamboo flooring, the smaller strands of bamboo and not just the stalks are joined with the adhesive, which makes it a stronger product. The strands  laid out either vertically or horizontally, where these are actually weaved in an adhesive base, forming a stronger material. Strand  bamboo flooring is usually 50% higher than other types of bamboo flooring because of its durability and strength.

Strand-Bamboo-Flooring

Carbonized bamboo flooring, on the other hand, gives the bamboo a deep, rich colour. Bamboo, in its natural state, has a beautiful light straw colour. But many homeowners do not feel that this colour is suitable for their homes. So, carbonized bamboo flooring has a darker colour and this colour is given according to the carbonization process, which is a heat-intensive method (steaming or boiling) that works deeply within the bamboo stalks. Bamboo flooring subjected to the carbonization process is about 1/3 softer than regular bamboo. However, the surface is treated with the alluminum oxide finish which makes carbonized bamboo stand up to normal wear.

Carbonised Bamboo Flooring

Popularity
Bamboo flooring is increasingly being used in both remodelling and new construction because it makes practical sense. Bamboo is popular with some designers because of its sleek appearance. It is preferred because of its durability, cost, eco-friendly qualities and, depending on the source, its thickness and quality. When it comes to cleaning your bamboo floors, you can use the same products that you would use on other hardwood floors. You don’t need anything special or unnecessarily harsh. It is extremely easy to maintain.

CHECK OUT SOME AMAZING BAMBOO FLOORING DESIGNS HERE

Bamboo Flooring Home Design Photos

Image source: homerenovations.about.com, www.bamboo-flooring-facts.com, bambooflooring.hubpages.com. hgtv.com