Bamboo is poised to revolutionise the way we floor our homes. Sustainable, affordable, durable and beautiful, what’s not to love about a hard floor surface created from one of our planet’s fastest-growing plants?
Traditional hardwoods like oak take more than 100 years to reach full maturity, bamboo just three. Not only that, but it regenerates after being harvested without requiring replanting. While it grows, the plant is so vigorous that very few pesticides and fertilisers are required.
How Green Is Bamboo?
The bamboo production industry employs six million people in China with a further 600 million involved in bamboo further down the supply chain. Tragically, however, bamboo is at risk of becoming a victim of its own success. As with other hardwoods, the key is not so much in the material itself but in how it is grown. In some areas, the success of bamboo means forests are being removed in order to grow it, and in others the production of bamboo is becoming a monoculture, with all that implies for biodiversity, erosion and sustainability.
Unlike traditional hardwoods, there is no certification scheme in place for bamboo and, of course, it has to be transported to Australia from China or, less commonly, Vietnam. This is why knowing the source of the bamboo you are buying is important. Brands like Green Earth and Verdura, both of which are stocked by CCC, take care to monitor the sustainability of their flooring products.
Installing and Using Bamboo
The popularity of bamboo flooring has created a new market in the cheap carpet and flooring marketplace. While not quite as affordable as cheap vinyl flooring, it is one of the most affordable options if you are in the market for a traditional timber floating floor.
Most bamboo floors are created using a process similar to that of engineered wood, with layers of the material bound together by special solvents and then coated with a final clear sealant and protective layer. It also comes in a huge choice of styles and finishes. Although some manufacturers claim bamboo is twice as strong as conventional hardwoods, a typical bamboo flooring plank compares in strength and durability to black walnut or maple. As with all hardwood floors, it will scratch and dent over time, particularly when exposed to that most damaging of fashion accessories: the stiletto heel!
As with laminate or engineered wood flooring, the installation of most bamboo floors is based on a click and lock system, making it a feasible project for the competent and confident DIY enthusiast. Alternatively, Complete Carpet Co’s expert installation team can install your new bamboo floor for you. Bring measurements with you when you call in for an on-the-spot quote for both your flooring and installation. Professional installation can reduce the amount of waste produced and create a flawless finish.
Call in to CCC’s Bayswater or Blackburn store today to see the fantastic quality, range and price of our favourite bamboo floors.
