Pros and Cons of Bamboo Floors
With the growing concern with the environment and the big push to go green even home construction and furnishings have had a need to go green. A tree such as an oak can take up to a one hundred years or more before it can be harvested for use. Bamboo takes about 3 to 5 years to mature enough to be harvested. Bamboo is not actually a tree but a grass that after it has been cut will grow back without replanting. In some countries people make their living harvesting bamboo to be processed for construction. The difference in price between between traditional hardwood flooring and bamboo flooring can be quite substantial when comparing prices. With typical hardwood floors it takes a certain degree of knowledge and the tools to do the job. After installation the floor must be sanded and stained and sealed. Bamboo flooring comes in lengths 3 to 6 feet usually with tongue and groove style installation that can be installed by your average DIYer. Rather than have to sand and stain the floor after installation bamboo floors mostly come prefinished so after installation the floor is complete. One of the cons of bamboo flooring is that it is not as durable as your conventional hardwood floors you must keep in mind it is a grass not a actual tree. The darker shades of bamboo flooring are less durable than the lighter shades and can be damaged easier. Bamboo floors can be up to 50% cheaper than the price a typical hardwood flooring. Before making any final decisions make sure you go over bamboo floors pros and cons before making your decision whether it is right for you. If you are also considering doing the installation yourself make sure you do your homework and do some research so you are comfortable that you can complete the job to your satisfaction. Remember you will be looking at it for years to come.