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The Latest Trend in Flooring - Bamboo Flooring
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Posted On :
Jan-13-2010
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Article Word Count :
507
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Real wood floor can look beautiful and charming and is used widely all over the world as a preferred flooring material. While it can be very chic and beautiful, it is also much common. The latest trend in flooring options is using bamboo as a flooring material.
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Real wood floor can look beautiful and charming and is used widely all over the world as a preferred flooring material. While it can be very chic and beautiful, it is also much common. The latest trend in flooring options is using bamboo as a flooring material.
Bamboo is actually not a wood, but a type of grass. Bamboo is known for growing at a very high speed which means that it is replaced much faster in comparison to the other types of wood. Using bamboo for flooring ensures that there are no negative effects on the environment, which is why plenty of people choose to go green with bamboo floorings. With bamboo floors, homeowners have a choice or vertical or flat grains.
Generally, bamboo flooring is available in its natural honey shade or in a darker shade. The darker amber shade however is achieved through steaming, which makes it softer and less sturdy than the natural bamboo. There can also be dyed or stained flooring options available with some manufacturers.
Bamboo floor manufacturing
For turning bamboo into flooring materials, the bamboo canes are first cut into long strips and are then boiled and steamed for a long time to make them soft and flat. A resin is used to turn them into the laminated boards that are then used for flooring.
Though bamboo seems to be very soft and light weight it is actually as hard as oak or maple wood. It can also be used in homes where spills are very common since bamboo is actually water and stain resistant.
Finishes
Bamboo floors are available in basically two finishes, finished and unfinished. The unfinished bamboo floors have squared edges which fit together perfectly and if chosen, homeowners can then finish them on their own to give it a desired effect and to save cost.
The finished floors are sealed with the help of polyurethane which makes them sturdy and make it look more polished. However, once they are finished it would not be possible to give them a stain.
Things to consider
Because of the various benefits of bamboo flooring and its natural look, bamboo floors can be quite expensive. Depending on whether they are finished or not the cost would vary. It is essential to ask a few questions before considering getting bamboo floors for the house. It is advisable to ask for a dent resistant bamboo floor since it would ensure that the floor lasts longer and does not get damaged.
Processed bamboo can be very hard and sturdy like oak so those who are looking for a sturdy material should choose bamboo planks which are not made from the base or the tip of the stalks. Another important thing to consider is whether or not to purchase a finished floor. Homeowners should also ask the store about the moisture content of the flooring. A good bamboo floor should not have a moisture content of more than four percent of the sub-flooring.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_The Latest Trend in Flooring - Bamboo Flooring_8777.aspx
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Author Resource :
Liamk Gardner works for Kent Floors one of the largest flooring suppliers Kent supplying wooden Flooring in Maidstone and the surrounding areas. If you want some more information on Oak floors in kent Visit us.
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Keywords :
wood flooring, hardwood flooring,
Category :
Home and Family
:
Home Improvement
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