Bamboo flooring

[edit] Introduction

The term ‘flooring’ refers to the lower enclosing surface of spaces within buildings. This may be part of the floor structure, such as the upper surface of a concrete slab or floor boards, but typically it is a permanent covering laid over the floor. There are many types of flooring materials available.

For more information see Types of flooring.

[edit] What is bamboo?

Bamboo is grass that can be compressed into a floor material and nailed down or glued together. It is available in its natural pale yellow colour, but it can be stained to replicate other colours. It can also mimic the appearance of other wood flooring materials through painting or printing processes.

For significantly darker colours, bamboo must be exposed to high temperatures through a process known as carbonizing. This process can soften bamboo, making it more susceptible to visible scratches.

[edit] History of bamboo flooring

Bamboo has been used as a basic construction material for thousands of years. It was first introduced to Western markets as a flooring product in the 1990s, but was not initially well received by consumers who were unfamiliar with the physical properties of this material.

It has been considered one of the most promising building materials for decades; but technical, normative and cultural challenges have prevented its widespread use in construction. Bamboo was previously thought to be inferior to wood in terms of hardness (and thus more prone to being dented and scratched). However, it scores in a comparable range on the Janka hardness rating scale.

For instance, the rating for oak scores in a range from 1290 (for red) and 1360 (for white). Traditional bamboo flooring scores range from 1180 to 1380. At the higher end of the scale, manufactured bamboo flooring products range from 3000 to over 5000, placing it above the range of Brazilian Cherry (2350).

When this information became widely available, bamboo gained acceptance as a viable flooring option. It has gained popularity due to its strength and environmental friendliness. It also exhibits moisture and insect resistant properties.

[edit] Manufacture of bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring is manufactured in different methods.

• Stranded. This process uses shredded bamboo stalks that are pressed into sheets which are then formed into planks.
• Horizontal. This technique uses strands of bamboo that have been cut into strips that can be glued together to create planks with a visible grain.
• Engineered. To create planks using this method, a thin layer of bamboo is bonded to a core made of plywood or MDF.

[edit] Installation methods

Depending on the type of product, bamboo flooring can be installed in much the same way as its hardwood counterparts. Methods for solid, stranded and horizontal planks include; nailed down tongue-and-groove, interlocking click and lock or glued down. In each instance, the planks are installed over a thin underlayment of foam.

Engineered bamboo should be installed using the interlocking click-lock method. A thin layer of foam is also used under this type of plank.

[edit] Sustainability characteristics

Bamboo grows in abundance in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Bamboo forests play an important role in controlling water cycles, reducing erosion and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

The type of bamboo most commonly used for flooring is known as Moso or tortoise-shell. This species can grow up to approximately 25 cm per day in temperate climates. The speed of growth is one of the features that makes bamboo an environmentally friendly building material for flooring and other construction products.

However, some of the manufacturing processes have raised environmental issues, particularly with regard to resins used in the production of stranded and horizontal planks. One of the adhesive substances used in the manufacturing process may contain the toxin, urea-formaldehyde. This substance is sometimes found in other types of engineered flooring.

[edit] Maintenance

Bamboo floors are relatively easy to maintain. The procedure includes:

• Sweeping and vacuuming to prevent the accumulation of debris (which can scratch surfaces).
• Keeping the floor relatively dry (despite its water resistant nature, bamboo can be damaged by water that is left in puddles). Washing with a damp towel is the preferred method of cleaning, although too much water can cause mould to grow.
• Polishing with a non-wax bamboo or hardwood cleaner is also occasionally recommended.
• Sanding and resealing surfaces can help to repair solid bamboo flooring that has been damaged; however this is not generally recommended for engineered products.

Other important care considerations:

• Floor mats should be used for water prone areas such as entrances or in front of sinks.
• Window coverings should be used to protect wood from extended exposure to sunlight.
• Furniture pads can be used to protect against indentations caused by heavy furniture.
• High humidity levels can have a negative impact on bamboo flooring, causing them to fluctuate according to weather conditions. This action may cause irreparable damage to floors, making them an impractical choice for climates that regularly experience extreme humidity.

At the end of its life, bamboo flooring can generally be recycled.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Bamboo.
• Click and lock flooring.
• Engineered bamboo.
• Hardwood.
• Janka hardness rating scale.
• Oak wood properties.
• Sanding.
• Types of flooring.
• The Differences Between Engineered Flooring and Solid Hardwood Flooring.
• The differences between hardwood and softwood.
• Underlay.