How to Choose Bamboo Flooring and Care for It
- 1). Choose bamboo flooring for its classy looks and ecologically friendly source. Bamboo is not wood but a form of fast growing grass.
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Carbonized strand woven bamboo
Select a 'grain' alignment. Bamboo flooring is manufactured in a horizontal, vertical or strand-woven alignment. Horizontal alignment has the bamboo cut into strips and is easily recognized by the 'knuckles' or growth joints seen in the finished product. Vertical alignment cuts the bamboo into small sections and these are aligned so that you see them end-on. Strand-woven manufacturing takes lengths of bamboo strips and weaves them together. Choose the strand-woven finish for its increased hardness and 'hardwood' appearance. The random nature of the strands creates a 'wood grain' effect and distributes any 'knuckles' in a random pattern. - 3). Select a color. The common image of bamboo is of it having a pale yellow color. Bamboo now comes in shades from yellow, brown, to almost black. Green, blue, and red stained bamboo is also available.
- 4). Check the hardness of the bamboo. Some samples of the natural colored, horizontal bamboo can be gouged with a thumbnail. Try to obtain the highest Janka hardness rating. You will be surprised at how high-quality bamboo compares to oak and maple in hardness. Look for a 'carbonized' finish as it imparts greater hardness to flooring.
- 5). Choose a plank length and finish. The longer the plank length, the fewer joints will be visible. A narrow width, short length plank may not look good in a large area. Look for a 5 1/2" x 72" plank with micro-beveled edges. Hand-scraped finishes add a rippled appearance, but this may appear too rustic for some decors.
- 6). Choose a construction method. Engineered plank construction is preferred in areas with high humidity and water table levels. An engineering construction method mounts a layer of bamboo on top of dimensionally stable plywood. The flooring may be glued down directly onto a concrete slab. It is possible to use a vapor barrier and foam membrane on which the flooring is 'floated' although some people notice a hollow sound as it is walked on.
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Polish flooring with large cleaning pad
Consider the long-term care needed to keep the flooring looking like new. Care and maintenance involves using carpet runners, felt pads and floor protectors under furniture. The carpet runners are used when appliances are wheeled across the flooring. A cordless Swiffer pad/vacuum is used for quick cleaning. A 15" x 8" cleaning pad/pole with a microfiber cover is used to apply spray-on wood cleaner.
