by Crystal Raen

Created on: January 30, 2009

With all the excitement about building green, and green living, I'm sure you have noticed that you hear a lot more people talking about bamboo flooring. But what are the benefits of this type of flooring really? And not just for the environmental or green aspect of it, but in the day to day living aspect of it as well. But let's start with the environmental benefits.

Environmental Benefits:

It is a renewable resource

Matures within 6 years versus 50+ for most hardwoods

It is considered to be harder than most wood floors resulting in a longer life, thereby not needing to be replaced as often as say linoleum.

Can be installed as a floating floor, no chemically laden adhesives needed.

The upkeep is easier, using fewer chemicals for repairs and cleaning. (the best way to clean is sweeping with soft bristled broom or vacuuming with a bare floor attachment or setting)

The environmental benefits of bamboo flooring are astounding compared to other types of flooring. Flooring such as linoleum and carpet are made of materials that wear out more quickly than wood floors, which results in them needing to be replaced more often. Yet, when you replace these floors the old ones are usually thrown out in a garbage dump where they will take years to decompose, (if they ever do) and leak toxins out as they do decompose. Other wood floors do last for many years, but they are made from trees that take decades to grow back, and must be grown back from completely new trees; whereas bamboo is a type of grass and will grow back from what is left when it is cut down (much like your own grass when you mow the lawn). Now, onto the benefits of living with bamboo flooring.

Living Benefits:

Easy upkeep (see last entry for Environmental Benefits)

Many choices in color so that it matches nearly every style

Hypo-allergenic material (it is known that carpets can worsen allergies)

Bamboo flooring has become popular recently and it is easy to see why, this flooring is easy to clean, comes in many style choices (and I'm sure there will be more added as we learn more about this flooring resource) and it is hypo-allergenic. The last benefit of living with bamboo flooring is a benefit that may sway many people into choosing bamboo flooring, for even if you do not suffer from problems with allergies, you more than likely know someone who does. What better way to make your home truly inviting than to make it environmentally friendly, beautifully stylish, easy to maintain, and allergy free?

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