Bamboo is an agricultural crop grown all over the world. It prefers warm, moist climates such as natural forests. 20% of the world’s natural bamboo comes from China, much of it wild. Increasingly it is being cultivated in managed forests and is emerging as an important natural resource and source of income in struggling economies throughout Asia.
Bamboo is a member of the grass family. It has several unique characteristics, including:
• It is a rapidly growing invasive plant – it can grow up to 65 feet or more in height within a span of four years
• Cutting does not kill or damage the roots of the plant, and as such it can quickly regenerate to be harvested again
• Its extensive root system not only makes bamboo more adaptable to environmental conditions, but it also helps in areas prone to soil erosion by keeping the soil in place
Though there are many species of bamboo, Moso bamboo is the most widely used for flooring. Moso bamboo is grown for 6 years to ensure maximum strength; only the base of the stalk is used for flooring production. The rest of the stalk goes towards other consumer products such as chopsticks, blinds, and paper.
Though there are many species of bamboo, Moso bamboo is the most widely used for flooring. Moso bamboo is grown for 6 years to ensure maximum strength; only the base of the stalk is used for flooring production. The rest of the stalk goes towards other consumer products such as chopsticks, blinds, and paper.
Manufacturing Process
After harvesting, the bamboo stalks are cut into long segments and are thoroughly sterilized, then placed in a specialized oven to dry and cure. They are sorted according to strict guidelines, and the approved pieces are stacked, coated with an environmentally safe adhesive, pressed, and cut into panels to form flooring planks.
Green Features of Bamboo Flooring
Eco-friendly: Natural bamboo is renewably, recyclable, and biodegradable, making it a superior choice for sustainable architecture
Durable: Natural bamboo is 27% harder than oak and 13% harder than maple. It complex fiber system makes it less water permeable than traditional wood flooring, lengthening the life of the floor.
Natural Beauty: The unique appearance of natural bamboo compliments a variety of décor and design styles, making it a versatile flooring choice
Jeff Wiblitzhouser is a Green Remodeler and Builder of high-performance Energy Star and Green Building Certified homes. Specializing in integrating cost-effective energy efficient, healthy, and environmentally and socially responsible building materials and practices into residential construction. To learn more about green building and remodeling contact Jeff at 919-830-7218, go to his website, or email him here.
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