If you are looking for a bamboo flooring supplier and installer on Flooring Domain, an Australian online directory then it is logical to understand the limitations of the material. You are familiar with its benefits like distinctive, natural, eco-friendly, sustainable, robust, and 50% less costly than hardwood.
Nevertheless, it even has some inbuilt susceptibilities that can be challenging in specific conditions. Get familiar with the material’s limitations and reactions with elements like humidity, liquid spills, staining, and high traffic. This will help you make an educated buying decision.
Susceptible to wetness
Bamboo is dense and more water-resistant than other wood types and it has some mild antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, it is vulnerable to moisture. In a wet ambiance, where liquid sits on the floor surface the bamboo planks will cause bending, dipping, and staining. It can create conditions where mold and mildew thrive, especially on the subfloor.
Sensitive to moisture
Even if there is no risk of puddled or splashed water, moisture can cause issues. The basements and the kitchen have moisture in the air. This can be more damaging to the bamboo floor than direct liquids. It seeps subtly down the bamboo floor via cracks and crevices. As moist vapors damage the bamboo planks and as it encompasses the subfloor, an inviting environment for microbial growth is formed.
Vulnerable to scratches
Bamboo is hard material but can be subjected to dents, cracks, and scratches under specific conditions. Dragging furniture across the floor or pet nails or unpadded high heels can cause unattractive marks. Small gritty particles can sand and slash the floor over time causing the floor to look dull and unappealing.
Needs diligent cleaning
The bamboo floor is easy to maintain and clean. You don’t need to wet mop it every week but need regular sweeping and vacuuming. This will help to remove the small dirt and grit particles that cause scratches. Damp-mop the bamboo floor occasionally and wipe away liquid as soon as it spills.
For flooring removals and installation needs, you can check the Flooring Domain, a popular online US directory.
Carbonization process damage
Heat and pressure are used in the carbonization process to give the bamboo floor a dark, aesthetic appeal. There are lots of hues and shades available to help buyers have a suitable match for their home décor.
When the bamboo undergoes the carbonization process it is milled to look like classic hardwood flooring. The carbonization process has a drawback. It weakens the material by 30%, making it soft and more susceptible to damage from liquid staining, abrasion, and fall impact.
Prone to VOCs [Volatile Organic Chemicals]
Bamboo is grass shredded and compressed using heat, force, and adhesive. It depends on the manufacturer of what kind of adhesive to use. Some adhesives contain a toxic substance called formaldehyde that slowly releases VOCs. However, you can choose a reputable material supplier offering proper emission standards and certification to avoid the VOC problem.
On Flooring Domain, you can gain a lot of information and reviews about the best dealers to buy from.
Environmental cost
Bamboo flooring is a natural organic, biodegradable, and renewable option. Even replantation is not needed because the stalks are cut during the harvesting process. However, the environmental cost is associated with its manufacturing and transportation.