Bamboo flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its eco-friendliness, unique appearance, and remarkable durability.? There are three primary types of bamboo flooring: horizontal, vertical and stranded. In this blog we will take an in-depth look at each type and explore why stranded bamboo flooring stands out as the most durable option.?
- Horizontal Bamboo Flooring:
While horizontal bamboo flooring offers a unique and natural look, it may not be the most durable option. The horizontal arrangement of the bamboo stripes exposes the softer side of the bamboo, which is more susceptible to wear and denting. As a result, horizontal bamboo flooring may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or spaces with heavy furniture.?
- Vertical Bamboo Flooring
Vertical bamboo flooring is manufactured by stacking thin bamboo strips vertically and bonding them together. This arrangement creates a sleek, clean, and more uniform appearance, with fewer visible nodes and a smoother grain pattern. Vertical bamboo flooring is often chosen for its contemporary and streamlined aesthetic.
In terms of durability, vertical bamboo offers better resistance to wear and denting than horizontal bamboo. The vertical arrangement of the bamboo strips exposes the harder side of bamboo, which can withstand impact and pressure more effectively. While it is more durable than horizontal bamboo, it may still show signs of wear over time in? high-traffic areas.
In addition to the classic and natural bamboo appearance, both vertical and horizontal bamboo flooring can be stained to mimic the look of real wood. This feature adds a layer of versatility and aesthetic appeal to bamboo flooring, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired interior design style. By staining the bamboo, it is possible to create a flooring that resembles various wood species, such as oak, maple, or walnut. This opens up a world of design possibilities, as homeowners can now enjoy the unique eco-friendly benefits of bamboo while still achieving the warmth and charm of traditional hardwood flooring. The ability to stain bamboo floors to mimic real wood makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a sustainable and stylish flooring option.?
3.Stranded Bamboo Flooring:
Stranded bamboo flooring, also known as woven bamboo flooring, is crafted using a unique manufacturing process that sets it apart from all other types of bamboo flooring. To create stranded bamboo, bamboo fibers are shredded into strands and then woven together with an adhesive resin. The woven strands are compressed under high pressure and heat, resulting in an incredibly dense and durable material.?
The key factor that makes stranded bamboo flooring the most durable option is its exceptional hardness. The Janka hardness test measures a wood?s resistance to wear and denting, and stranded bamboo typically has a Janka rating around 3,000 to 4,000, making it one of the hardest flooring materials available. In comparison, horizontal bamboo has a Janka rating of around 1,380, and vertical bamboo has a rating of approximately 1,580.
The dense and sturdy nature of stranded bamboo makes it highly resistant to wear, scratches, and impact. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, the weight of furniture, and even the claws of pets without showing significant signs of wear. This durability ensures that stranded bamboo flooring can maintain its pristine appearance and structural integrity for many years, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas and busy households.?
Furthermore, stranded bamboo is more resistant to moisture and humidity than other types of bamboo flooring. Its tightly woven structure and high density reduce the risk of warping or buckling in moisture-rich environments, making it suitable for installation in areas such as kitchens and basements.
In conclusion, while all three types of bamboo flooring have their own unique features and appearances, stranded bamboo stands out as the most durable option. Its unique manufacturing process results in an incredibly dense and stable material with exceptional resistance to wear, scratches, and impact. The remarkable hardness of stranded bamboo, combined with its eco-friendliness and aesthetic appeal makes it an excellent flooring choice for homeowners seeking a long-lasting, sustainable and beautiful flooring solution. Whether you are renovating your home or building from scratch, stranded bamboo flooring offers a perfect balance of strength, style, and environmental consciousness that you can enjoy for many years to come.?
