Bamboo Flooring

The Ultimate Bamboo Flooring Purchase Guide: Elevate Your Space with Sustainable Strength

Choosing the right flooring is a pivotal decision that influences the overall aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality of your space. Royal Floors is here to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect Bamboo Flooring. Read on for a comprehensive guide that combines natural beauty, remarkable durability, and environmental responsibility.

Understand Bamboo Flooring:

Bamboo flooring is a strong, eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood. Made from the fast-growing bamboo grass (not a tree), it offers comparable hardness to many hardwoods, with the added benefit of rapid renewability. Bamboo brings a light, contemporary, and organic feel to any interior.

Assess Your Space:

Identify the room where you plan to install bamboo flooring. Consider the traffic, moisture levels, and overall design.

• Ideal for: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and home offices.
• Considerations: Not all bamboo flooring is suitable for bathrooms or basements due to humidity—check the product’s specific moisture rating.

Know the Bamboo Types & Grains:

The look and performance vary based on how the bamboo is manufactured.

• Vertical Grain: Bamboo strips are placed vertically, showcasing the distinctive, linear “knuckle” marks of the plant. Offers a clean, linear look.
• Horizontal Grain: Strips are laid flat, creating a wider, more pronounced grain pattern that resembles traditional hardwood.
• Strand Woven: Bamboo fibers are compressed under extreme heat and pressure. This creates the hardest and most durable type of bamboo flooring, ideal for high-traffic areas.

Consider Durability & Hardness:

Bamboo is renowned for its strength, often rated harder than red oak and maple on the Janka hardness scale.

• Strand woven bamboo is exceptionally dense and resistant to dents and scratches.
• Ensure the bamboo is fully carbonised or left natural—avoid lightly carbonised products that may be softer.

Finish & Colour Options:

Bamboo offers a range of natural and stained finishes to match your style.

• Natural: A light, honey-blonde colour that highlights bamboo’s natural grain.
• Carbonised: A warmer, amber tone achieved through a steaming process (note: this can slightly soften the bamboo).
• Stained: Available in a variety of modern colours like greys, browns, and even darker espresso tones.

Water Resistance:

Traditional bamboo is not inherently waterproof. For moisture-prone areas, look for:

• Specialised waterproof bamboo products with enhanced coatings or composite cores.
• Proper sealing during installation and the use of area rugs in kitchens or entries.

Installation Methods:

Bamboo flooring can be installed using several methods:

• Nail-Down: Suitable for solid bamboo planks over a wooden subfloor.
• Glue-Down: Often used for engineered bamboo or concrete subfloors.
• Floating (Click-Lock): The most popular DIY-friendly method, ideal for engineered bamboo with a stable core. Professional installation is recommended to ensure optimal performance and acclimation.

Underlayment & Subfloor Preparation:

A proper underlayment is crucial for comfort, sound absorption, and moisture protection.

• Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and perfectly level before installation.
• Acclimate your bamboo planks in the room for at least 72 hours before installation to prevent expansion or contraction issues.

Maintenance and Cleaning:

Bamboo floors are relatively low-maintenance but require specific care.

• Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment.
• Clean with a damp (not wet) mop and a pH-neutral bamboo floor cleaner.
• Avoid steam mops, excessive water, and harsh chemical cleaners.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching.

Warranty Considerations:

Review the manufacturer’s warranty carefully.

• Look for coverage on finish wear, structural integrity, and moisture resistance.
• Premium products often come with extensive residential warranties (25+ years).
• Note that warranties often require professional installation.

Budget Planning:

Bamboo flooring offers excellent value, often coming in at a competitive price point compared to traditional hardwoods.

• Determine your budget, factoring in material costs, underlayment, and professional installation.
• Strand woven and specialty finishes may command a higher price for their enhanced durability and aesthetics.

Research and Reviews:

Read customer reviews and industry ratings to gauge real-world performance on factors like scratch resistance, colour consistency, and long-term satisfaction.

Professional Advice:

Consult with the flooring experts at Royal Floors. Our specialists can provide personalized guidance on:

• Selecting the right type of bamboo for your lifestyle and traffic levels.
• Navigating moisture concerns and suitable applications.
• Professional measurement and installation services to ensure a flawless, lasting result.

Finalize Your Decision:

Based on your assessments and research, make an informed decision that aligns with your desire for sustainable style, proven durability, and natural beauty.

Embrace a flooring choice that celebrates nature and innovation with Royal Floors’ curated selection of bamboo flooring. Visit our stores or explore our website for a diverse range and expert advice. Elevate your space with the warmth and strength of bamboo—a timeless and responsible solution for your home. Your satisfaction is our priority.