What’s so great about bamboo? Plenty

Bamboo is a grass. Yes, a grass that commonly grows in areas of Asia. It has a hard, woody stem and some varieties can reach heights of 10 feet or more.

Bamboo has many purposes and is a food source in some Asian cuisine. Giant pandas also subsist entirely on bamboo shoots. However, bamboo is becoming more well known because it makes a very good construction material. It has quickly become the poster child for the “green” building movement, especially in terms of flooring options.

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet and can yield much higher usable biomass than traditional wood floor sources. Most bamboo varieties reach maturity in 4 to 5 years. Once harvested, the grass still continues to form new shoots, making this plant one that readily renews itself in a short time.

Manufacturers of solid bamboo flooring (and even engineered versions, which feature a bamboo veneer over plywood) tout its strength and durability. Research indicates that bamboo can withstand up to 50,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, which meets or exceeds several grades of steel strength. This makes it a smart choice for areas with a lot of foot traffic or where objects may be dropped, such as in the kitchen.

Bamboo also expands and contracts much less than other solid hardwood flooring options and doesn’t cup or bulge. This can be an advantage to homeowners who live where there are big temperature fluctuations throughout the year, or where there are high humidity situations.

The unique grain appearance offered by bamboo floors, whether the grain appears vertically or horizontally, can be a decorative element in the home. Bamboo is naturally light tan, but can be stained to many finishes.

When considering flooring renovations in the home, check out the versatility of bamboo.