Bamboo is a natural surface covering grass displaying the properties of hard woods like Oak and birch. Bamboo is a natural, renewable source, ready for use within three to four years of planting unlike the trees which take up to twenty years.

Bamboo sellers and manufacturers advocate the usage of bamboo citing its tensile power and its resistance to insect attacks. Bamboo is quickly becoming the flooring of choice among the urban crowd while bamboo has always been the choice of rural lot because of its easy availability.

Bamboo is a stylish flooring surface which can elevate the effect of the room almost instantly. Bamboo itself can be dyed in any color one fancies or kept completely natural.

Coloring of Bamboo

Once the bamboos are cut into strip, the manufacturers have the option of keeping the strips normal, or deepen the color by carbonizing it or stain the boards into desired colors.

Natural bamboo: After the cutting and stripping of the bamboo tree, the strips are boiled in hot water to remove impurities. The hot water bleaches the color of Bamboo to blond. Blond is said to be the natural color of bamboo. If the owner or the manufacturer decide to keep the color natural, then the process ends here, and the boards are glued together to form a strong plank.

Carbonized bamboo: Immediately after stripping, the boards are subjected to high pressure steaming and carbon is introduced into the steam chamber. Carbon enters the strip and dyes the entire strip. The colors may range from caramel color to light coffee. Bear in mind, the process of carbonization decreases the strength of the boards.

Stained bamboo: bamboo planks can also be painted any colors, to match your exterior or interior. The dye is painted on the boards or rubbed on by hand.

Installing the Bamboo Floors

Before installing the bamboo floors, it is left in the room where it is to be installed for a couple of days. This is done so that the board gets used to the room temperature and does not warp or twist itself out of shape after a few days. Bamboo flooring can be installed over any type of subflooring.

Taking Care of the Floor

As with any hardwood floor, water should be kept off the floor. If there is any water spill, wipe the floor instantly.

Dry dusting on the floor is enough to clean the surface, but that does not mean that you cannot indulge in thorough cleaning. Once in a while, when thorough cleaning is needed, run a dry mop over the floor. When you have to place heavy objects on the surface of the floor, pad the area with heavy felt piece of cloth or padding.