Bamboo Floors Pros and Cons - 5 Ways to Judge Bamboo Flooring Hardness
- By Rika Susan
- Published 02/3/2012
- Latest
- Unrated
Rika Susan
Rika Susan writes for http://www.Awnings-and-Blinds.com where you can get info on the many free bamboo flooring samples now available. Don't miss her article '12 Top Bamboo Flooring Pros And Cons'!
View all articles by Rika Susan
Do you need to spend home improvement funds with extra care these days? Is Bamboo flooring hardness something to consider? How does it rate on the scale of Bamboo flooring pros and cons?
You will find a long list of pluses and minuses in reviews of Bamboo flooring pros and cons. Many folks are aware of the environmentally friendly label that comes with this type of floor installation option. However, as a consumer, you will have questions about Bamboo flooring hardness. Let's take a quick look at how it measures up against hardwood.
1. Hard, Yet Comfortable Underfoot
You will hear and feel much less in the complaints department from the direction of your feet if installing Bamboo flooring is your choice. With hardwood, your feet and legs can get really sore and tired after long periods of standing. With Bamboo the stress on your limbs will be less..
2. Janka Bamboo Flooring Hardness Scale
So, is there a way to measure hardness? Yes, luckily there is. It is called the Janka Hardness Scale. This scale is used to put the inherent strength and hardness of the different wood species into numbers we can all understand. A high number is a sign of hardness and durability.
For instance, natural solid Bamboo can range from 1150 to more than 1750 on the scale. Engineered Bamboo flooring is usually between 1300 and just under 1700. To help you to make a comparison, White Oak is in the region of 1350. The softest option is carbonized Bamboo at around 1150. Strand woven Bamboo is the hardest at between 3000 and 3350. This is harder than Brazilian
Cherry wood!
3. Hard, Yet Vulnerable
As with any natural wood-like material, you should expect the floors to show marks from spiked heels, dings and dents over time. The same will happen with hardwood. But, if you choose carefully, you can find a product that comes at an affordable cost, yet offers durability and quality. The great thing is that it is versatile and can be used in a number of home settings. Even if you have kids or pets, the floors can do well with proper maintenance.
4. Grade Matters
Aim to get A grade flooring. This means that mature Bamboo plants were harvested for the manufacturing process. The result is added quality, robustness and durability. You will also win on the aesthetic side.
5. Hardness And Warranty
Try to search for a product line from a reputable manufacturer that has a solid history and offers a lengthy warranty. This is usually a sign of durability, which goes hand in hand with hardness. But make sure that the company has been in business for a while, otherwise the warranty may not mean that much in the end.
Remember that the carbonized version isn't just a stained product. It is a rich, dark color as a result of the manufacturing process, which involves boiling the strips. This is why it gives a softer end result. On the other hand, strand woven Bamboo goes through a process of resin coating and heat compressing. The resultant timbers are then turned into planks showing the high levels of robustness and hardness.
Bamboo flooring hardness is just one of the many aspects that are impressing DIY enthusiasts these days. Read more about 12 other Bamboo flooring pros and cons at Awnings-and-Blinds.com.
You will find a long list of pluses and minuses in reviews of Bamboo flooring pros and cons. Many folks are aware of the environmentally friendly label that comes with this type of floor installation option. However, as a consumer, you will have questions about Bamboo flooring hardness. Let's take a quick look at how it measures up against hardwood.
1. Hard, Yet Comfortable Underfoot
You will hear and feel much less in the complaints department from the direction of your feet if installing Bamboo flooring is your choice. With hardwood, your feet and legs can get really sore and tired after long periods of standing. With Bamboo the stress on your limbs will be less..
2. Janka Bamboo Flooring Hardness Scale
So, is there a way to measure hardness? Yes, luckily there is. It is called the Janka Hardness Scale. This scale is used to put the inherent strength and hardness of the different wood species into numbers we can all understand. A high number is a sign of hardness and durability.
For instance, natural solid Bamboo can range from 1150 to more than 1750 on the scale. Engineered Bamboo flooring is usually between 1300 and just under 1700. To help you to make a comparison, White Oak is in the region of 1350. The softest option is carbonized Bamboo at around 1150. Strand woven Bamboo is the hardest at between 3000 and 3350. This is harder than Brazilian
3. Hard, Yet Vulnerable
As with any natural wood-like material, you should expect the floors to show marks from spiked heels, dings and dents over time. The same will happen with hardwood. But, if you choose carefully, you can find a product that comes at an affordable cost, yet offers durability and quality. The great thing is that it is versatile and can be used in a number of home settings. Even if you have kids or pets, the floors can do well with proper maintenance.
4. Grade Matters
Aim to get A grade flooring. This means that mature Bamboo plants were harvested for the manufacturing process. The result is added quality, robustness and durability. You will also win on the aesthetic side.
5. Hardness And Warranty
Try to search for a product line from a reputable manufacturer that has a solid history and offers a lengthy warranty. This is usually a sign of durability, which goes hand in hand with hardness. But make sure that the company has been in business for a while, otherwise the warranty may not mean that much in the end.
Remember that the carbonized version isn't just a stained product. It is a rich, dark color as a result of the manufacturing process, which involves boiling the strips. This is why it gives a softer end result. On the other hand, strand woven Bamboo goes through a process of resin coating and heat compressing. The resultant timbers are then turned into planks showing the high levels of robustness and hardness.
Bamboo flooring hardness is just one of the many aspects that are impressing DIY enthusiasts these days. Read more about 12 other Bamboo flooring pros and cons at Awnings-and-Blinds.com.
