Solid, Engineered, and Strand Woven Bamboo Floors

Bamboo flooring is made from the bamboo plant most of which is typically sourced from China and other parts of Asia. Bamboo is technically a grass that reaches maturity in far less time than other trees used in wood flooring. In fact bamboo grows at a phenomenal rate; one of the quickest of any known grass on the planet. Because bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, the USGBC’s LEED program permits points for using certain bamboo floors.

The broad manufacturing process is to split, flatten and dry bamboo strips then laminate them under using adhesive and high pressure. Some of the natural advantages in bamboo flooring are that it is durable and moisture resistant and has insect repelling properties. But arguably the greatest advantage is that it is eco–friendly and a highly renewable source of raw material.

Bamboo flooring comes in three types – Solid, Engineered and Strand–woven. The following is a brief insight into each.

• Solid is where each plank of flooring comprises several strips bonded together. Solid flooring can be of vertical or horizontal style. A solid bamboo floor can either be glued to the sub–floor or nailed to it.
• An engineered bamboo floor comprises a surface layer of bamboo and a backing of a layer or layers of other wood most often plywood, fiberboard or pine. Engineered bamboo flooring can be installed as a floating floor, especially when it is edged with a click and lock arrangement.
• Strand–woven bamboo flooring consists of thin strands of bamboo compressed and made into a homogenous body under the action of heat, high pressure and adhesive. This gives the floor an attractive woven appearance. Strand woven bamboo is one of the most durable floors on the market. Mixing carbonized and natural strips, a striped appearance can be obtained.

All three types are available in three different color ranges, which are:

• Natural with a pale gold or light blond color
• Carbonized where the sugars in the fibers are caramelized under heat to give the flooring a darker color ranging from amber to coffee
• Stained to any color.

Bamboo flooring is made in two grains:

• Vertical is an effect achieved by lining strips by their edges during manufacture. This process gives it a more uniform appearance without the visible nodes.
• Horizontal bamboo flooring or flat-grain displays the natural nodules or knuckles for a more attractive rustic look.