Carbonized Bamboo Flooring

Basically, bamboo floors are of two types - natural and carbonized. Carbonized bamboo floors are darker than the natural ones, and therefore, they can add a touch of elegance to your home. They are manufactured by a process, known as carbonization, wherein the bamboos are steamed under controlled pressure and temperature.

During this process, the sugar content of the bamboo fiber breaks down, and becomes darker, which lends that beautiful caramel shade to this floor. However, the process of carbonization may weaken the bamboos.

There are two varieties of carbonized bamboo floors - vertical and horizontal, which basically differ regarding the alignment of the bamboo stripes. In a horizontal bamboo floor, the individual joints of the bamboo stripes can be easily discerned, while these joints are not distinguishable in the vertical floor.

Bamboo floors are very easy to clean. You can use a dust mop or a vacuum cleaner to keep them clean from dust and dirt. Occasionally, a slightly damp mop can be used for mopping the floor, but do not pour water directly on the floor. Never use harsh detergents or chemicals for cleaning bamboo floors.

With caramel hue, bamboo flooring can give classy fresh look to your house. A bamboo floor is easy to clean and does not attract allergens like dust, mites, dirt. It is resistant to insects and can be installed easily. Quality of a bamboo floor depends on the manufacturer and manufacturing process. Durability, hardness depend on maturity of bamboos used.

The most important advantage of bamboo flooring is, it is eco-friendly. Bamboo plants usually attain maturity in a short period of time, within 5 to 6 years, and therefore, bamboos are a renewable resource. On the other hand, hardwood trees take several years to mature, and their indiscriminate destruction can cause irreversible damage to the environment.

So, bamboo flooring is considered an eco-friendly alternative to hardwood flooring. Bamboo floors are also inexpensive as compared to hardwood floors, and they can withstand a small amount of moisture as well. However, bamboo floors may not be suitable for high moisture areas, like a bathroom.

Bamboo floors are prone to dents and scratches and heavy furniture can damage them. There are no strict rules on the production of bamboo floors in China, the main exporter of these floors. So, many believe production of bamboo floors may produce toxic byproducts. They may have high levels of formaldehyde, used to produce a great majority of bamboo floors.

So, like any other type of flooring, bamboo flooring also has certain advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, be sure to evaluate the various pros and cons before opting for any type of flooring. Also important is to do some preliminary research on the product, and the manufacturer before installing a bamboo floor.

Bamboo floors are generally long-lasting, but they need proper care and maintenance. For preventing scratches, you can place plastic protectors under the legs of your furniture. Finally, be sure to not walk over the floor with high-heeled shoes, as this floor can get dented easily.