Bamboo Plank Flooring: Some Things to Consider
If you are looking for a new home improvement project and are hoping to replace an aging or deteriorating floor, it may be worth it to investigate the possibility of bamboo plank flooring. Along the way, there are some important decisions that need to be made.
First, take a look at the size of the space where the new flooring would be installed. Depending on the size of the floor, cost may be a factor. Fortunately, bamboo flooring is considered very affordable and can work in both small and large spaces. After determining the size of the area, consider what type of pattern you would like to establish in the floor.
Within bamboo flooring, there are two types of methods that are used to put the planks together – horizontal and vertical. Using the horizontal technique, the bamboo strips are laid flat and can be layered on top of other types of materials. Since the strips sit flat, then this means that the variation in the bamboo is more visible. This may make a difference for some people, especially in larger areas. Vertical bamboo flooring is created by taking the bamboo strips and laying them sideways. The strips are put into bundles and held together using glue or staples and then laid across the floor. This can create a more even look that some may prefer; the trade off is that this method is not conducive to layering. As a result, it is possible that the floor may not be as hard as a floor using the horizontal technique.
When it comes to cleaning bamboo flooring, stay away from anything that you may use on wood floors. Instead, look to cleaners that are water-based. Bamboo floors tend to be fairly easy to maintain. As long as you remove debris on a regular basis and keep puddles from sitting on top of the floor, a bamboo floor can last a long time.