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You May be Floored by a New Bamboo Floor in your Northern Virginia Home

Used for centuries in Asia, bamboo flooring is gaining popularity in the United States as an environmentally friendly flooring option. As a sustainable resource, conservative estimates claim bamboo grows approximately 24 inches per day while oak trees can take up to 120 years to fully mature; bamboo offers the look of a traditional hardwood floor without the impact on the environment.

When considering bamboo flooring for your home remodeling or construction, consider more than just the price tag. Bamboo flooring is priced based on whether it was harvested by hand or by machinery, its color, hardness and finish. Hand-scraped bamboo flooring will cost more simply because of the labor involved in making it, and it is often available in a limited supply. However, if you are looking for a floor covering that is unique and stands apart from other types, hand-scraped bamboo may be the answer for you.

Bamboo flooring is made from thin strips of bamboo that are laminated together to form a plank. The strips can be placed vertically or horizontally which gives the flooring differing appearances. Neither option is superior to the other; it simply provides a different aesthetic that may not appeal to all homeowners. Typically, the vertical or horizontal placement will have little or no impact on the price of the flooring.

Perhaps the biggest factor in bamboo floor installation is whether it will float or not. A floating floor is typically a do-it-yourselfers' preference since it requires no extra work in securing the pieces. Floating floors simply snap or click together and sit atop an existing floor surface.

However, the bamboo planks can be nailed, stapled or glued in place. Unlike a floating floor that easily snaps together, professionals should install bamboo floors that are not floating since there is little room left for error correction after the piece is secured.

For more information on the features and benefits of bamboo flooring for your Maryland or Washington DC home, contact Floor Gem. Floor Gem specializes in floor installation and maintenance throughout Northern Virginia and the surrounding area.