Carbonized Bamboo Floors

Bamboo flooring is available in three types:

• Solid, where each plank comprises several solid strips bonded together.
• Engineered which consists of a surface layer backed by another layer of wood, often plywood.
• Strand woven, comprising thin strands of bamboo woven together under heat and pressure for an attractive woven look. This makes it an extremely durable wood.

Carbonized bamboo flooring, sometimes called caramelized, is flooring with a carbonized finish which gives it a dark amber shade, very similar to young teak. The color is obtained through a process known as carbonization, where the longer the raw material is subjected to the process, the darker the shade. This happens during the pressure heating stage when the sugar contents in the fibers caramelize and acquire a darker, often coffee colored shade. Sometimes the color may be augmented by staining.

Some facts about carbonized bamboo floors are:

• Bamboo flooring is carbonized merely to color it to a darker shade to meet the personal preference of a customer.
• A disadvantage in carbonized flooring is that the hardness is compromised during the process, often to the extent of 5% to 30%.
• Carbonized bamboo comes in two varieties – vertical and horizontal which are determined by the lie of the strips.

Carbonized flooring requires a durable finish to protect the flooring from scratches and similar damage. All edges must be sealed to prevent the ingress of moisture. Nonetheless, carbonized bamboo flooring is best suited in residential applications and is not advisable for high traffic areas.