Bamboo Flooring Review
Nowadays, we are all looking for ways that we can help out the environment and do our bit. But with carpets being a lot more difficult to look after and keep clean, we often resort to laminate, despite the fact that deforestation is causing numerous problems for the world.
So, what alternative do we have? Well, grasses take a quarter of the time to mature than a tree (timber) does and Bamboo is a solid and sturdy grass that can be used to provide an alternative to hardwood. It is both strong and flexible so is an ideal replacement of wood, for flooring.
Not only that, but it looks unique and very stylish and is usually cheaper than solid wood flooring. It brings character to the room and feels warm but still bright. Buying furniture and accessories to compliment the bamboo flooring can also help make the most of your unique decor. Items such as sea-grass baskets, wooden arm chairs and a bamboo and glass coffee table are all good investments. As are curtains which have a bamboo type leaf print on them and are very popular and easy to locate right now.
Bamboo has been used in the East for many years, but it is the Eco-friendly lifestyle and global warming epidemic that has brought us in the West to consider it.
It is important that we take a few factors into account and try to research them as best we can before going ahead and purchasing this alternative flooring.
The two main factors are:
1. Urea Formaldehyde: This is a resin, or plastic that provides strength to all sorts of textiles and wood. The use of it in the past (before regulations formed) could result in toxic vapors being emitted. The use of this in bamboo floor manufacturing is inevitable. Almost all of the products that will be for sale will be regulated properly, but it is important that you check out that it definitely complies with the strict standards which are set for our safety.
2. Check that the type of bamboo your flooring is made from, is not limited and that it came from non-harmful harvesting.
Fitting.
· To create a floating bamboo floor effect with the tongue and groove type panels, you need to lay a good quality underlay and (optional) waterproof membrane. Then quite simply glue the joints together.
· You can also glue bamboo panels straight onto a sub-floor if desired.
· Or alternatively, you can nail the floor down onto wooden floorboards beneath.
Bamboo Flooring is a modern day alternative to using up our precious resources, while giving you a great looking, easy to care for floor, at the same time.
