Bamboo Flooring, Why It’s Increasing in Popularity

Lindsay ~ 2 June 2005

Bamboo flooring is replacing hardwood flooring for some homeowners who are upgrading. One of the primary reasons is that bamboo, unlike trees, is a quickly renewable resource. Some types of bamboo grow ten feet a day. Where it takes a hundred years to grow a tree, you can grow a new bamboo plant to maturity in a few years.

Other than environmental concerns, are bamboo floors better than hardwood? It really depends on the homeowner’s tastes. Because bamboo is a grass and not a wood, it has a different look (some say more interesting). It comes in vertical or flat-grain patterns and the following colors: light, honey or natural color, and a darker amber.


Interestingly, bamboo flooring is actually more durable than many hardwoods. It resists dents well, and since it comes from a tropical climate, it tends to resist moisture damage and warping as well.

Bamboo flooring costs are fairly competitive with hardwoods. For prefinished flooring, expect to pay between $4 and $8 per square foot.

Sources:
Bamboo Flooring Features and Benefits
Bamboo Flooring FAQ
Bamboo Flooring

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