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What grows faster than a speeding bullet, is more powerful than the bombs of Hiroshima, and is able to leap up to 4 feet per day? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Kudzu? No, it's Super Bamboo!

But wait, there's more! Bamboo also gobbles up carbon dioxide and puts back 30 percent more oxygen into the atmosphere than trees. It grows extremely fast and can assist in reclaiming land previously destroyed by too much grazing or building, plus it cleans up toxins in the soil. Bamboo is one tough plant, too. It survived the blast of Hiroshima at ground zero, and helped in re-greening the devastated area afterward.

Bamboo is actually a grass. There are several varieties with some as small as blades of grass and others as tall as trees. Recently, bamboo has become popular as a floor covering in place of hardwoods and laminates. Beautiful, sturdy, and long lasting, bamboo is an environmentally good choice, as well.

Here are a few do's and don'ts when considering bamboo flooring for your home:

The Do's

Do your homework! With bamboo flooring, you get what you pay for. There are deals to be had but proceed cautiously. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Aim for the middle to high-middle of price ranges.

Do consider the atmosphere of the rooms where you will install your bamboo flooring. While bamboo is moisture resistant, too much moisture can damage your floor.

Do allow your bamboo to become acclimated before installation. Open the boxes and let them "breathe" in the space they will occupy. The boards need to expand and contract before installation.

Do plan to use mats in heavy traffic areas to catch dirt and moisture before they hit the floor! Be careful with sand or other gritty particles since they will scratch the bamboo.

The Don'ts

Don't use an overly wet mop. Sweep thoroughly and then damp mop to clean. Never use abrasives or harsh detergents.

Don't install bamboo in bathrooms. This may even void your warranty due to the excessive moisture in the bathroom area.

Don't install in an area prone to lots of intense sunlight. Bamboo will fade under these types of circumstances.

Don't wear high heels or work boots on the floors.

Installed properly, bamboo will last for many years providing a warm and inviting flooring option for your home. It's definitely the flooring choice for many modern day super heroes!

Learn more about this author, Dyanne Green.
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