Green Decor: Bamboo Flooring 10/02

I laughed several years ago when my contractor suggested that I use a bamboo flooring instead of the high-priced maple planks that I had my eye on. I'd never heard of bamboo as a building product -- at least not in North America -- and had visions of stalky green plants. I shouldn't have been so naive. Bamboo flooring is a growing trend in home construction.

A Stand of Bamboo

Bamboo Flooring

Using Bamboo has many benefits:

• Green for the Environment - Bamboo is a fast-growing plant (some would say invasive) and takes about 5-6 years to regenerate itself. Hardwood -- maple, oak, and cherry -- takes generations.

• Affordability - Bamboo flooring is about two-thirds of the price of traditional hardwood flooring. Because it's a lighter weight material, it's also easier to install and can offer savings in the labor costs associated with putting in the floor.

• Durability - Bamboo, surprisingly, is as durable as the hardest oak and 50 percent more stable.

• Easy Maintenance - Taking care of a bamboo floor is simple. Just use a regular dust mop or damp rag.

Bamboo flooring comes in prefinished, laminated planks, unfinished planks, and in finished or unfinished parquet-like square tiles. Most big-box home stores carry these products. They can also be found at discount outlets, such as Lumber Liquidators or even via online auction sites, such as eBay.

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