Trees and bamboo can both be made into wonderful flooring, and to the untrained eye they may even look identical. However, there are key differences between these bamboo and hardwood floors. Educating yourself about the difference between bamboo floors and hardwood floors can assist you in making a decision about which you would prefer to have in your home.

Bamboo floors

Bamboo floors are becoming increasingly popular as a home material. Bamboo, a thin grass, has been touted as a green or environmentally friendly alternative to vinyl, tile, or hardwood. While it takes up to 30 to 40 years for a hardwood tree to fully mature, a bamboo plant is ready to be harvested after only a few years.

Quite surprisingly, bamboo floors are actually stronger than most wood flooring and can be more hard-wearing. If you prefer a darker bamboo floors, you may want to choose carbonized bamboo. Carbonized bamboo is darker in color than natural bamboo, though it is a bit softer.

Bamboo floors do not warp or rot in extreme temperatures. Often, bamboo floors are more affordable as well. One downside of bamboo flooring material is that quite a bit of work must be done to produce a bamboo floor.

While wood needs cutting and shaping only, bamboo reeds must be cut and glued in order to make panels or boards with them. Bamboo flooring is installed by nailing or gluing down these panels or boards.

Hardwood floors

Like bamboo, hardwood floors also come from a sustainable resource. Cherry, mahogany, oak, and maple are all examples of the types of hardwood trees that are made into hardwood floors. Red oak tends to be the most abundant hardwood flooring in the United States. People think of hardwood floors as classic and beautiful, and hardwood floors often add to the resale value of a home. Hardwood floors can last for decades and are relatively easy to repair.

Solid hardwoods are available, as well as engineered hardwoods which are quite a bit more affordable. This type of floor cover has been deemed as improving air quality by the Environmental Protection Agency, as it does not give refuge to dust mites. Like bamboo floors, hardwood floors are typically glued or nailed down during installation.

Bamboo and hardwood floors can give your home a warm, inviting look or add uniqueness to your living space, and both forms offer a variety of color and plank size as well. Organic forms of bamboo and hardwood floors are available for the environmentally-aware consumer.

Moso bamboo is a particular type of bamboo, well-known for being popular with organic farmers. It is quite unique and eco-friendly. Likewise for hardwood floors, organic and chemical-free flooring is available.

No matter which floor type you choose to use in your home, make sure to research both types carefully and take your flooring needs into consideration before making a decision.

Choosing the perfect floor for your home is exciting. Make sure you do your homework and are happy with whatever decision you make.