In this era of green building, bamboo flooring is a favorite among many homeowners. A versatile, durable, affordable and sustainable form of hardwood flooring, bamboo is the floor of choice for those building or renovating houses with an eco-friendly edge. Bamboo floors can be adapted to any style of decoration, offering a stunning look to any room. The material itself can be kept natural or dyed into various colors, whether finished or unfinished. Bamboo can also be found at reasonable prices, making it an ideal option when redecorating on a budget.

Bamboo has a great appearance with characteristics such as knuckles and growth rings that add texture to the floor. Once the flooring has been purchased, the pieces have to adjust to the home’s climate for several days, so the homeowner should spread them in small piles. Installation of bamboo floors is quite easy. The can be installed on top of concrete or wood and above or below grade.

If bamboo flooring installation is to be done on a cement floor, using glue is the way to go. The homeowner can work in small sections, connecting bamboo boards as he/she goes. A mallet can be used to ensure they fit tightly. Otherwise, the flooring can be held down using nails or the homeowner can create a floating floor by snapping together the strips on top of a foam layer. A horizontal cut is recommended since it offers a wider strip and also shows more bamboo markings.

Just as is the case with other hardwood floors, certain factors are important in order to keep a bamboo floor as beautiful as the day it was installed. Water should be prevented from collecting on the floor as it can lead to warping. Any spills should be cleaned up thoroughly as soon as they happen. Areas on the floor that are under a sink, water dispenser or icemaker should have a small rug for absorbing water.

As much as bamboo is easy to maintain, it can dent or scratch just like wood. The floor should be dry-dusted or swept daily, but should never be waxed. To keep the floor fresh looking, it should be swept using a soft broom and mopped with natural cleaners. Only a damp mop should be used- water or any cleaning product should never be poured directly onto the floor. It is advisable to check into a warranty as most suppliers offer structural and finished warranty. The homeowner can also a scratch and burn repair kit from the bamboo flooring manufacturer.

The layers of finish should be sufficient to protect the floor from wear and tear for a long time. If necessary, most bamboo floors can be refinished and sanded in the course of their lifetime. The homeowner should ensure that he/she places plastic protectors or soft pegs under furniture legs to prevent scratching. Placing rugs in high traffic areas like on doors is also a good idea. High-heeled shoes should be avoided on the floor. The homeowner can try to keep the claws and mails of pets trimmed to avoid scratches on the floor.