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Bamboo flooring provides another avenue for those looking for something other than hardwood.  Growing in popularity as an alternative, bamboo flooring has many features that make it stand out when compared to hardwood.  Although harvested mostly in China, bamboo flooring can now be found easily in both European and North American markets.  Many of those that adopted bamboo flooring early on point out its environmental friendliness.  The bamboo plant regrows within a few seasons and can be harvested repeatedly without permanent damage.  In fact, the bamboo plant is considered a grass, as it grows far faster than a forest.  When done responsibly, bamboo plant harvesting can be accomplished in a environmentally friendly manner.

How does bamboo flooring compare with traditional hardwoods?  High quality bamboo flooring provides a tougher surface than even the rarest and most expensive hardwoods.  Moisture does not affect bamboo in the way that hardwood suffers from water damage.  Where traditional hardwood may cup and crown due to water exposure, bamboo flooring will keep out water without a problem.  Bamboo flooring is processed as a laminate and treated under extremely high pressure with a high quality adhesive.  This makes bamboo flooring very resistant to abrasions and scratches, where less treated hardwood floors may show scratches after a while.  Bamboo flooring has become a great deal more affordable in recent times as well.

Best of all, bamboo flooring is easy enough to lay down without any professional help.  Like many of the newer hardwoods, bamboo flooring is produced with a tongue and groove construction, making them considerably easier to install.  Prior to laying down a bamboo floor, allow the planks sit in their new environment for no less than 72 hours.  Although bamboo flooring is very resistant to moisture, they do need some time to adjust to their new climate before installation.

What should be done to maintain a bamboo floor?  Upkeep requirements are fairly simple for bamboo flooring.  Make certain to sweep and mop the floor after it is laid down.  Regular dusting and sweeping should be done after installation.  This will prevent dust and dirt from collecting on the finish.  A mat should be placed at the entrance to prevent dust and dirt from coming into the room.  Dirt and small rocks will end up damaging the finish, and a mat can go a long way in preventing this problem.

Visit flooring options for more information about discount laminate flooring and an updated version of bamboo flooring pros and cons.