Proper cleaning your bamboo floor is very important and should be done as often as possible, at least once a week. This prevents stuff from sticking to the floor, and eventually leading to scratches and dents.

How to clean bamboo floors:

**Cleaning Bamboo floors is the same for stand woven bamboo flooring and regular bamboo flooring. The only difference is you need to be more careful with regular bamboo flooring, because it is softer and less durable**

For a basic cleaning, use a soft bristled broom, and preferable one that is only used for your bamboo flooring (and not in the kitchen, garage, etc). A vacuum can also be used, but use it with care, or you could end up scratching or denting the hardwood. Your floor should also be mopped from time to time, once every two weeks is usually enough, depending on the amount of traffic it receives. Microfiber floor mops are the best for removing dirt, and can easily be cleaned after each use. The best cleaning solutions are ones that are specific to bamboo floors, such as Ambient´s bamboo floor cleaner. They are often environmentally friendly, and are designed specifically for bamboo floors. If you are unable to find a floor cleaner that is made specifically for bamboo, other hardwood floor cleaners can be used. Refrain from using any ammonia based cleaners, or any cleaners that contain strong chemicals. Note that these cleaners are used by spraying small amounts on the floor, then mopping up the moisture. You should put large puddles of water on your floor. If you spill something on the floor, it is important to clean it up immediately. This will prevent any moisture from permanently damaging the wood, and from possible staining of the flooring. Bamboo floors should never be waxed, which will result in damage to the floor if done so.

Some things to remember about general bamboo flooring maintenance and care:

Now that you have a bamboo floor, you should consider monitoring the humidity levels in your house. These levels should never be below 30% or above 60% for extended periods of time. It could cause the bamboo to swell, shrink, or eventually crack. It may be necessary to install a humidifier/dehumidifier, to prevent this from happening.

To help prevent damage to your flooring, place mats and rugs in the areas that are used the most. Check the bottom of the mats and rugs you are using to make sure they do not have rubber bottoms, and to make sure there aren’t any pieces that could scratch the floor. Also, you may want to consider rugs that are colorfast, meaning their color will not leak out if they get wet. If they are small mats, it is wise to wash them first to help remove any dies that may end up leaking onto the floor. Make sure to keep all mats and rugs clean as much as possible. This helps prevent any dirt buildup from ending up on your nice, beautiful flooring, which can lead to damage.

A few final tips:

• If you have a pet, be careful of your pet’s claws. Make sure they are trimmed regularly, as they can scratch the finish of the bamboo flooring.
• All furniture should use protective pads to prevent any possible scratching.
• People should refrain from walking around in spiky high heels, which can also damage the flooring.

Like any piece of furniture, you have to take care of your bamboo flooring to keep it looking great. By following these simple guidelines, you should have no problem keeping it looking as beautiful as the day that it was installed.

Bamboo flooring can be broken down into two main categories, which are regular and strand woven bamboo flooring. Strand woven is the higher end of the two, and has many advantages, including excellent durability, good value, is pleasantly aesthetic, and environmentally friendly. Read on for more information on each one.

Strand woven bamboo is one of the hardest flooring options available, harder than traditional hardwoods such as cherry, oak and hickory. Although it is technically not a type of hardwood, the bamboo plant matures into a strong, hard, and durable plant. In fact, with regards to tension, bamboo flooring has the same strength-to-weight ratio as steel. Its stability is also better than that of other traditional hardwoods, leading it to be a great choice for a durable floor. Furthermore, strand woven bamboo is manufactured through a special process, making it even harder and more durable than regular bamboo.

One of the reasons that bamboo flooring has become popular is because it is harvested as a substitute to many other types of lumber. Bamboo is found in many regions throughout the world, and grows quickly, about 10 times faster than most trees. It is also easy to cultivate, because it can grow in many different climates and soil that has been overused or damaged. By using bamboo as an alternate source, woods such as oak and pine are being saved, slowing down the clearing of forests across the world. It is becoming more important every year to use renewable resources. By using bamboo flooring, you are helping to preserve the environment.

Strand woven bamboo has come a long way in recent years, and as its popularity grows, so does its versatility. It can be bought in many different colors, ranging from very light in color, to a fairly dark shade. The width and pattern also vary, which makes it possible to find flooring that will match any room. If you´re not too concerned about the hardness, you can purchase different types of bamboo flooring – such as regular or engineered bamboo.

Last and perhaps most importantly of all, strand woven bamboo flooring is a great value. Considering it is one of the more durable and aesthetically pleasing options available, it is very reasonable priced. You can usually buy it for about $3.50 per square foot. Bamboo is a easily grown in many parts of the world, and grows very quickly. This leads to a large supply of bamboo, therefore making it a relatively cheap flooring option.

Pros

Good value for your money.
Fairly durable.
Bamboo is easy to grow and good for the environment.
Easy to install.
Easy to find.

Cons

Not as durable as the best hardwood, such as oak and cherry.
Bamboo is often produced in an environmentally unfriendly method.
Not available in many colors/shades
Huge variation in price and quality depending on where you buy it from

These are the main issues with regards to bamboo flooring pros and cons. Keep in mind that many of these negative points can be avoided by:

1 - finding a dealer that purchases bamboo flooring from reputed dealers
2- using strand woven bamboo flooring, which is more durable.

The best way to find cheap bamboo flooring is by checking out different sites on the internet. Local sites are your best option, so you don’t have to pay as much for shipping, and they are more likely to follow important industry standards. It is not recommended you buy online from companies in other countries, because there it is difficult to ensure you receive a quality product. There are also many internet scams you should be aware of.

Another benefit to buying cheap bamboo floor online is you can quickly compare prices from a number of different sites. Be sure to find out if shipping is included, and if not, how much. Shipping bamboo can be pricey, so although buying it online may look cheap at first, it can end up being far more expensive after calculating shipping costs.

If you decide to look for bamboo flooring in a store, you can often find great deals for bamboo flooring that is being sold quickly to make room for new stock. People usually renovate their house in the summer, so the best time to look for this type of deal is in the spring, as stores get rid of old stock.

Many stores will give you a deal for your bamboo flooring if you also have them install it. If you weren’t planning installing it on your own, ask your flooring provider if this is an option. This can often save you a few hundred dollars.

If you are able to, try installing the bamboo flooring on your own. It can be installed just like any hardwood flooring, and does not necessarily require any previous experience. Although this won’t make the floor any cheaper, it will save you money in the long run.

If you are trying to decide between strand woven and regular bamboo flooring, the regular flooring will always be cheaper. It does not necessarily mean it is a better overall value, that depends on what your needs are. Visit our page on the pros and cons of bamboo flooring for more information.

**Make sure to buy your bamboo flooring from a reputable source. Although bamboo flooring is often considered a good environmental option, this depends a great deal on where it is purchased from.

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth, and grows more than 10 times faster than most hardwood trees. It only takes about 5-6 years to be grown to a point where it can be harvested and after it´s harvested, bamboo grows back without having to be replanted. This is because each plant that has been harvested, known as a “mother plant” will grow several new stems. In just a few months these stems grow to full length, and another 5-6 years later, will be mature and ready for harvest. In contrast, Hardwood trees, can take up to 60 years to be fully grown, and each tree must be replanted. This in itself proves that bamboo is far more environmentally sustainable than any hardwood. However, there is more…

Bamboo is an excellent plant for the air we breathe. It creates 30 % more oxygen than a typical hardwood forest, and is known to reduce more carbon dioxide gases. Some measurements have calculated that it can remove up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare! Sounds like just what we need on planet earth.

Bamboo has a wide spread root system and a large canopy. This helps protect the land from erosion due to rain. The canopy of the bamboo acts as a shield or protector of the soil against hard rainfalls, while the roots hold the earth in place and suck up extra water. Bamboo also has a high nitrogen consumption, and is therefore conducive to removing unhealthy amounts of nitrogen in the soil resulting from livestock farming and sewage.

More than just growing quickly, bamboo also grows with ease. It can be planted in soil that has been damaged due to poor agricultural practices, and will help convert the land into high quality, nutrient rich soil.

Every day, more hardwood forests are being cleared, and replanting efforts are not nearly enough to replace what has been lost. Given the serious environmental problems that our planet is experiencing, it is more important each day to find more sustainable resources. Each and every person is responsible for making the right decisions to help reduce the strain we are causing to the environment. There are many things we can do to reduce this strain by making sound environmental choices in our homes, and using bamboo flooring is one small step in the right direction towards environmental sustainability. When you first decided to look for new types of flooring, most people don´t have the environment in mind. Now you know that you can make a difference, with a decision as small as choosing a type of flooring for your home.

Strand woven bamboo flooring takes regular bamboo flooring one step further, to make a stronger, higher quality, and nicer looking flooring. It is made through a special manufacturing process, using bamboo shoots that are four to six years old. First, the shoots of bamboo are cut into long strips. These strips are boiled and ground down even further by a machine. Once dried, they are heated to a high temperature and woven together (hence strand woven bamboo). The woven bamboo is then put under very high pressure and laminated using a non-toxic, water resistant resin. This seals the bamboo flooring, adding to its strength, and making it more resistant to moisture.

Strand woven bamboo can be found in numerous shades, ranging from natural bamboo color to a fairly dark shade. The grain and “pattern” will vary slightly from dealer to dealer, so it is recommended you check out various suppliers to find one that will fit your house. Bamboo flooring can be installed in any room of one´s house. However, it is important to note that if bamboo gets wet and is not dried quickly, the wood can swell and will no longer sit properly. Furthermore, if you decide to install bamboo flooring in a bathroom, it will not usually be covered by warranty.

What is the difference regular bamboo flooring and strand woven bamboo flooring?

The main difference between the two is in how the plant is processed. As mentioned above, in strand woven bamboo the plant is shredded into small fibers which are then heated and compressed by high pressure. This makes strand woven bamboo flooring far more durable than regular bamboo flooring. Of course, it also makes it more expensive.  They also look slightly difference, but both can be very aesthetically pleasing. Keep in mind that strand woven is more compact, and is therefore a little harder to work with as well.

If you have been renovating your entire house, or an entire room, the flooring should be the last part installed. This is mainly to prevent any possible damage being caused to the floor. By this point, you have probably searched around and found the flooring you want. When you are ordering, it is usually recommended that you order about 5% - 7% more than the square footage you will need, depending on your level of expertise. If you have never installed a hardwood floor, you may want to get an additional 7%. It is important to have all of the flooring right from the start, so you can make sure each tile will fit together. You do not want to be stuck in a situation where you have to buy a few more tiles, and have to try to pick one that will look good without being able to see it beside your partially installed floor. Also, make sure to find out the manufacturer’s warranty. They usually have guidelines to follow when installing the floor, make sure to follow those so that your warranty remains valid.

One very important step before installing your flooring is to check your subfloor. It should be clean, level, and totally smooth, meaning you should ensure that there aren´t any nails that are sticking out of the floor. It should also be completely dry when you install your bamboo flooring. If it is not, it may never dry completely, which could propagate serious problems in the future. Not sure how to install a subfloor? Here is some information with pictures and descriptions http://www.diyonline.com/servlet/GIB_BaseT/diylib_article.html?session.docid=1463. If the floor you are installing is not on the lowest level of your house, then make sure to remove items that are hanging from the ceiling on the floor below. This will prevent the possibility of them falling from the roof while stapling/nailing your floor into place.

Once you have made sure the sub floor is ok, it’s time to start planning your floor. Unpack the flooring, and lay it out on the floor. It is important to do this 72 hours before installation, to ensure that the flooring can adjust to the rooms humidity. Also, make sure that you do not place the flooring next to concrete or outside walls, because the temperature and moisture difference could end up warping the wood. Once you have left your flooring out for the recommended amount of time, you
are ready to start planning.

Check each plank, and organize them into piles that match, which is an important step for the final aesthetics of the floor. Each plank will be slightly different, and it is imperative to make sure that each plank looks good with all the planks they are attached to. , Keep in mind that you will need to leave ¼ inch between the floor and the walls, and any other vertical objects that it may come up against. This is to allow space for it to expand, and will be covered anyway by the moldings. Make sure to use spacers so that you leave the same sized space all around, ensuring a straight line. You should start with the longest outside wall, because it is usually the straightest, and starting with the longest section will make installation easier. Once you have done this, get your tools and supplies together, and you are ready to get started!

Bamboo Direct - Canadian retailer selling different types of bamboo flooring.

If you have any questions or you would like to see us write about something in particular, please feel free to contact us anytime. We hope you enjoy the site, and that you find what you are looking for. Remember that we are always adding new information about Bamboo Wood Flooring, so be sure to check back often!