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Jumat, 26 Maret 2010
Bamboo Flooring Hardness
new look at bamboo flooring.
Did you know that bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant on this planet. Some species of bamboo can grow as much as 1 meter per day.
For the environmentally conscious, bamboo is critical in emitting oxygen in to the atmosphere; generating more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees does. As the fastest growing canopy, bamboo lowers light intensity and protects against ultraviolet rays, while acting as an atmospheric and soil purifier. Simply put, bamboo is a plentiful natural resource and a viable alternative to deforestation of the world's trees. Choose a bamboo floor and you are helping to curb the problem of global warming.
Bamboo a Practical Flooring
Bamboo floors have a similar hardness to any hardwood floor. When bamboo goes through the manufacturing process to become flooring, the bamboo becomes hard enough to be made into solid and engineered floor planks. You would consider installing bamboo flooring in any similar location that would be good for wood floors.
Just like wood, bamboo will scratch. So, look for bamboo flooring with a solid finish on it for durability.
And just like wood, bamboo flooring can be stained. Although many people leave their bamboo floors natural preferring the lighter blonde coloring that the naturally milled bamboo offers. Keep in mind, that just like woods all stain differently, so it's also true with bamboo. So, expect some variation in your plank colorings.
Bamboo flooring comes in both a vertical and horizontal graining pattern. Check for samples to see which style you prefer ... with the grain or cross-grain cuts. The grain patterns are very different from each other, so be sure you choose the bamboo cut that is right for you.
Installing your Bamboo Floor
Bamboo can be glued to concrete slabs, stapled to wood sub-floors, and floated over most existing floor coverings. Anything you can do with wood flooring, you can do with bamboo flooring. Bamboo floors are also available in floating floor styles as well.
Minggu, 21 Maret 2010
Carbonized Bamboo Flooring
Carbonized bamboo flooring is a type of flooring with carbonized finishing, offering a dark amber shade on the surface similar to the color of young teak. Usually, bamboo flooring is available in two colors: natural and carbonized or caramelized.
Carbonized bamboo flooring is obtained through a process called carbonization. The longer the process, the darker the bamboo flooring will be. Dark color on the bamboo flooring is acquired when bamboo undergoes pressure heating, which is a part of the process. During pressure heating, the sugar contents in the fiber darken and attain a coffee-colored tone on the surface. However, this pressurized heating might weaken the bamboo flooring from 20% to 30%.
If the freshly cut bamboo strips are carbonized within two hours and are not exposed to treatment with boiling water, the flooring gains 8% more hardness. Boiling water treatment is, however, used in the normal carbonization process.
Carbonized bamboo flooring is available in two varieties: vertical carbonized bamboo flooring and horizontal carbonized bamboo flooring. The difference lies in the alignment of the bamboo strips.
Carbonized bamboo flooring is not used in places with heavy traffic such as shopping complexes or office buildings. This type of flooring is best suited for use in residential buildings. Mishandling of this flooring can cause scratches and denting on the surface. Proper and timely maintenance is required for carbonized bamboo flooring.
The finish applied to the surface has to be durable and capable of protecting the flooring from scratches and other damages. All edges are to be sealed so that moisture content does not accumulate beneath the flooring. It is ideal if the room moisture level can be maintained using a dehumidifier or humidifier.
Rates for installation of carbonized bamboo flooring are similar to that of common hardwood floors but will vary from one region to another.
The Bamboo Flooring Debate
Bamboo flooring is very sturdy wood flooring that will accent a room with wonderful beauty and grace. Bamboo in its self is a very strong wood because of the rigorous climates in which it grows. Understanding bamboo flooring may sway you to consider it as your next wood flooring choice. This article will examine some different types of bamboo flooring you might consider for future home improvement project.
Learn A Little About the Bamboo Tree
Bamboo is actually a member of the grass family. It grows to heights of nearly 125 feet tall. The climates in which bamboo trees grow is one of the contributing facts to its durability and strength to endure harsh wear and tear.
The climates where bamboo grows are usually very cold or extremely hot. Bamboo grows considerably fast, reaching it full maturity in 6 years or so. Bamboo makes a great tree to harvests for bamboo flooring material.
Carbonized Bamboo Flooring
When it comes to bamboo your color selection is a bit limited. You have either blonde or light colored bamboo or you will find darker bamboo wood. The bamboo is smoked to give it the darker color. This process is called carbonizing the bamboo. The color is very close to a Carmel color when processed correctly.
Vertical Bamboo Flooring
When the bamboo flooring takes on a vertical look it is because of the process in which the wood flooring was created. They take bamboo strips and lay them on their edges. The wider side of the strips is bonded together giving it the vertical look. Vertical bamboo flooring is very attractive in smaller spaces.
Horizontal Bamboo Flooring
In order to give the bamboo flooring a horizontal effect they must lay the bamboo strips on top of each other and then bond them together. They will use a little wider strip than they do when creating vertical bamboo flooring. Some experts will argue that horizontal bamboo flooring is a little harder flooring surface over the vertical flooring.
Bamboo flooring is an excellent choice of flooring and extremely durable. You should check with local flooring contractors in your area to see what they feel about bamboo flooring material. You may decide to install this in your next den or kitchen project.
Bamboo Flooring Colors Bamboo Flooring Colors
Bamboo flooring is a new trend for household and commercial flooring and is an alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. Bamboo flooring has emerged as a popular choice of flooring by environmentally conscious consumers and has gained popularity as a ?green," environment-friendly product. Bamboo flooring has gained popularity by its unique appearance, rich color, and durability.
Bamboo flooring colors are important when selecting bamboo flooring products. Bamboo flooring colors are mainly available in two types: natural and carbonized. The natural color is golden or blonde whereas the carbonized color has darker, coffee-based hues. The darker caramel shade is obtained upon pressure steaming and carbonization.
In addition to these two basic colors, bamboo is obtained in many different colors by staining the unfinished product. Most popular bamboo flooring colors are heather grey, pink sand, off-white, taupe, pistachio, tan, gold, caramel, patriot blue, California gold, Aztec gold, mustard yellow, antique bronze, charcoal, coffee, orange leather, orange, coco, pecan, golden oak, Brazilian cherry, turquoise, ranch green, black, scarlet red, burgundy, ash brown, granite, and bold blue. These bamboo flooring colors neither fade nor change, even if exposed to sunlight or electrical light.
Manufacturers are mindful of staying in touch with the clients' requirements, and they constantly develop new bamboo flooring colors that ideally suit their customer's bamboo flooring needs.
Bamboo Floor Cleaning Tips
Caring For Your Bamboo Floor
Once you have had your beautiful new bamboo floor installed you can insure that it looks great and sees many years of use and enjoyment by properly caring for it. Bamboo flooring is very tough and wears much better than most other types of hardwood floors. By protecting it from possible damage you will ensure its longevity. It will be a source of enjoyment for your family and guests for years to come. Below are a few tips to set you on the right path to provide the care that your bamboo floor requires for that long life that it deserves.
First and foremost, if you are using rugs on your bamboo floor make sure that they do not have a rubber backing. Rubber backed rugs can easily damage a wooden floor and bamboo is no exception. The rubber coating does not allow the floor to breathe properly and can lead to discoloration of your bamboo floor.
In this same vein, make sure that you place protective pads under any furniture legs that are in contact with your floor. Make sure to use pads that are backed with felt or thick fabric. This will prevent the pressure of the furniture from leading to an indentation in the bamboo flooring over time. Never allow heavy furniture to be dragged across your floor. This could lead to unsightly gouging and scrapes. Deep enough places would be much more expensive to repair than it would be worth so you really want to do what you can to prevent them.
Got The Prevention Down, Now How Do I Clean It?
One thing to do is to prevent any spills when possible. If a spill is allowed to sit for an extended period of time on your bamboo floor it could lead to discoloring. Make sure to get your spill up as quickly as possible when they happen. Usually you can easily remove simple spills by wiping up whatever was spilled and then lightly cleaning the area with a damp rag and a little vinegar water. Some manufacturers may recommend a certain type of cleaner better suited for their particular type of floor. If the manufacturer recommends a certain type of cleaner then you should try to use that brand if possible so that you do not potentially void your floor's warranty.
This goes for general cleaning as well. Make sure that you use a soft bristle broom to sweep your floor free of dust and dirt often so that it does not have a chance to accumulate and cause damage to your beautiful floor. A dust mop can make a very good tool to use due to the fact that it does not have bristles that may possible leave minute scratches that can lead to damage over time. Prevention can be a very powerful tool in this case. By placing a doormat at each entry, you can ensure that family and friends don't track dirt onto your beautiful floor that you will have to worry about cleaning up. A friend suggested that I keep an ancient Asian custom alive by having everyone remove their shoes as they enter. She said that it helped to encourage cultural awareness while saving her some cleaning time as well.
Sabtu, 20 Maret 2010
A Review of Bamboo Flooring
What do people and flooring manufacturers really think of bamboo flooring? Well here is a bamboo flooring review, which hopefully would help.
Bamboo can no longer be just used for making picnic mats. Bamboo is now becoming more and more popular because it can now go through a process using modern techniques to become an elegant and beautiful type of hardwood flooring. It actually beats the other standard types of wood flooring in features such as hardness, durability and dimensional stability. A lot of people who use it in their homes say that it adds instant style and elegance to any area.
This floor type is a unique and refreshingly different option to give you the advantages of having laminate flooring with the durability and strength that is better than the traditional hardwood flooring.
Once you are done in the installation of your bamboo flooring, the care and maintenance needed would be similar to how hardwood floors are cared for and maintained. That would include regular dusting and sweeping, mopping occasionally and using wood cleaners.
It is also the most environmentally friendly flooring choice, as bamboo grows and matures quicker than the other trees which produce wood. You would just need to make sure that the area you would be installing bamboo flooring in would not be prone to too much moisture.
You basically have the option of choosing between horizontal and veritcal. The horizontal option is created by binding the narrow edges face up, resulting into a thin, channel pattern, while the vertical bamboo flooring is created by binding the broader edges face up, resulting in a look that is comparable to the traditional hardwood flooring patterns. Both possess a certain beauty and elegance and choosing which one to choose would entirely depend on how you want your flooring to match the rest of the furnishings of an area.
Now, although it has a drawback of having just a few choices for the color it comes in, the benefits and other great features could usually win you over. All in all, bamboo flooring is the best and most cost-effective choice for flooring. Particularly, in today's world where we should all be environmentally responsible, bamboo flooring can definitely stand out as the greatest alternative kind of floor with its fabulous appearance, functionality and practicality with the benefit of sustaining our natural resources.
Bamboo Flooring Review - Pros and Cons of Bamboo Floor
Bamboo, which is actually considered a grass instead of a tree, grows much more quickly than most types of hardwood. Usually the bamboo is harvested between three and six years. Compare that to hardwood trees which can take anywhere from 40 years to 120 years to mature. That's a big difference obviously and is the main reason it is considered such a good Eco friendly option to hardwood.
Another reason bamboo is liked by environmentalists is because the bamboo requires very little pesticides and fertilizers. Pesticides and fertilizers can pollute the land and waters where the forests are managed. However, the manufacturing process of bamboo flooring can result in byproducts being dumped into local rivers and streams. So, it's very important to make sure you are buying bamboo from a reputable manufacturer. Two of the top manufacturers are Teragren and Ecotimber.
One of the problems with bamboo flooring is that the product comes from countries where there isn't much regulation. Again, this is why you want to look for well known and respected brands. Another thing to check for is whether the product passes the standards set by the Federal Stewardship Council, or FSC for short. The organization certifies forest management.
Look for bamboo that is older than just a year or two. The best bamboo will be harvested every five or six years or longer, which makes for a better product because it will be more durable, hard and dense.
A positive aspect of bamboo is the fact that it does better is areas that are exposed to water, whereas hardwood flooring does not do well when exposed to water. Also, the better quality bamboo is harder than many hardwoods, is stain and scratch resistant. Because bamboo is water and stain resistant, the floors are easier to maintain and clean. Using a wet mop on a bamboo floor is OK, while it is not with most hardwood floors.
One of the cons of bamboo is that there are basically only two types of colors: a natural light yellow hue and a darker caramelized tone called amber. However, it is possible to stain the natural planks with many different colors.
Make sure you have an experienced floor installer to handle your job if you choose to use bamboo as sometimes floating a bamboo floor can be difficult. Overall though, installing isn't a problem and will make you happy to use a product which isn't hurting the environment.
Sabtu, 13 Maret 2010
Should You Install Bamboo Flooring in Your Kitchen?
Bamboo has become a popular type of flooring in homes today, and you may be wondering if you should consider installing it in your kitchen when you do your kitchen remodel. You will find that bamboo is really a type of grass and it can be made into wooden planks that you can use for flooring. There are both finished and unfinished styles available for you to choose from too. Of course, before deciding whether or not this flooring is right for your kitchen, it's important that you look at the pros and cons.
One of the pros that you can enjoy if you install bamboo flooring in your kitchen is the fact that it is moisture resistant. While regular wood can be harmed by water, this is not a problem with bamboo. The moisture won't hurt it, which makes it a good choice for your kitchen where water often makes it to the floor.
Another pro of this type of flooring is that bamboo is a sustainable resource. If you want to do the green thing, you will find that unlike wood, bamboo is sustainable. Forests are not diminished for this type of flooring. Bamboo matures in just a few years and will grow again, since it is actually a grass.
You will find that bamboo is long lasting and durable as well. Because it is naturally strong and flexible, usually this type of flooring will last for some time. You won't have as much care for this type of flooring as you will with other types of wood either. It is low maintenance and with proper care will last for some time.
Of course, the beauty of bamboo flooring in a kitchen is one of the big pros. It gives you a natural and beautiful look that you are sure to enjoy. Although not everyone will love this style, many people will find that bamboo looks great with their kitchen decor.
There are some cons to consider, and one con is that there are certain problems with durability. In most cases, bamboo flooring is long lasting, but things like heavy furniture or even high heels can end up causing damage. The sunlight can also damage the flooring by removing the color.
The cost is another of the cons to consider if you are not sure whether or not bamboo flooring is right for your kitchen remodeling project. It can cost from about $4-10 for each square foot, which is quite a bit more than other types of flooring.
Selasa, 09 Maret 2010
Bamboo Floor Problems
Indeed there are bamboo floor problems though not as severe as you would imagine. I always believe that knowing the problem and doing something about it is the right thing to do. So if you have bamboo flooring, like me, you should pay attention to some details that may give you headaches later on. Prevention is better than cure after all so before bamboo floor problems could occur, be ready for it, or prevent it as best you can.
Very High Expectations
There are many problems with bamboo flooring. First, people are guided to expect so much from the material by overselling salespeople. The sales pitch gets more incredible each day. I am not saying that bamboo flooring is bad. I agree that it is durable, that it is beautiful, and that you can rely on its toughness. However, I advice you not to believe everything commercials say because if you would expect too much, you might not be able to properly take care of your bamboo flooring.
Manufacturing Problems
Other bamboo floor problems stem from low quality manufacturers. I say, never fall for these types of manufacturers. They use inferior materials or the way they do things are plain sloppy. I know earning profits is good but please, quality product should be the top of the matter. With low quality materials or sloppy manufacturing work, bamboo flooring problems like contractions, expansions, imperfections visually, and inconsistencies are sure to occur. A bamboo floor should be engineered properly or it would be no bamboo floor at all. Also, be aware that some manufacturers out there do not have a proper quality control system. It may be that some of their products are quiet good but others are way too unacceptable.
Maintenance Problems
A bamboo floor can produce problems for you later on if you do not maintain it properly. As I said, if you were oversold with the product, you would tend to be negligent about it. There are a lot of maintenance guides out there. I strongly recommend that you be aware of these. Also, over maintenance can also become a problem. If you are being paranoid about it and keep cleaning your bamboo floor, then the harmful chemicals from the cleaning agent you are using will cause damages. So just be careful always.
Moisturise and Stains
Bamboo is usually found in areas that have a tropical climate. Because of this, bamboo has built in resistance to water. Still, do not be overconfident about this. You should keep track of the moisture level in the room where your bamboo flooring is. I do not mean for you to buy gadgets to measure room temperature and moisture content, nothing overly dramatic really. Just be mindful about it. Also, stains are common bamboo floor problems. Too much moisture can make bamboo expand or contract. I advise you to coat your bamboo flooring with extra polyurethane or probably wax. This will prevent stains and keep the bamboo flooring shiny.
Bamboo Flooring Information
Bamboo flooring is extremely strong, long-lasting and just plain gorgeous to look at. It's also one of the most environmentally friendly building materials on the market today.
Bamboo flooring makers use one of the hardiest species of Chinese bamboo, cut it into strips before drying and laminating it under pressure. The result is a flooring product that's stronger than maple or red oak.
Bamboo flooring is installed just like hardwood tongue-and-groove flooring, either glued together or nailed down.
Bamboo flooring typically comes in 3-foot or 6-foot lengths and with or without the distinctive bamboo 'nodes' visible in the grain.
Pre-finished bamboo flooring is usually coated with urethane, but you can also buy unfinished bamboo strips that can be sanded and finished.
Bamboo flooring comes in two colour variations - a natural blonde or a darker amber version that is the result of the wood being smoked (or carbonized) during the drying process.
Most bamboo flooring on the market today is imported from China. Bamboo flooring is comparable in price to premium hardwood flooring.
Selasa, 02 Maret 2010
Bamboo Floor Cost
Depending on the type of bamboo, where it is grown, and its process for harvesting and preparing, bamboo flooring prices can vary greatly from one manufacturer to another. However, the prices for bamboo flooring tend to sit in the range of $2-$4 per square foot. This does not make it the cheapest option on the front end but there are invisible costs that you should consider on the back end. For one, the installation is considered fairly standard, which means there is no need to spend the extra money to hire a specialist.
While the materials are not the cheapest available on the market, a bamboo floor has the potential to save money in many other ways. For example, the durability of bamboo flooring means that it will need less replacement. Since this type of flooring is able to stand up to the high levels of household foot traffic, this can be a major selling point for households with children or pets. In addition to its ability to hold up in high-volume areas, bamboo flooring can also resist insects and moisture very well. This means that the maintenance of bamboo flooring can save time and money. Without the need to worry about termites, homeowners can save money on pesticide spraying (and the hassle and health concerns of spraying). In addition, its ability to resist moisture means less concern about the possibility of warping or other ways that moisture can destroy flooring. All of these factors are important ways that a bamboo floor can save you money.
Bamboo Floor Cleaning Tips
Once you have had your beautiful new bamboo floor installed you can insure that it looks great and sees many years of use and enjoyment by properly caring for it. Bamboo flooring is very tough and wears much better than most other types of hardwood floors. By protecting it from possible damage you will ensure its longevity. It will be a source of enjoyment for your family and guests for years to come. Below are a few tips to set you on the right path to provide the care that your bamboo floor requires for that long life that it deserves.
First and foremost, if you are using rugs on your bamboo floor make sure that they do not have a rubber backing. Rubber backed rugs can easily damage a wooden floor and bamboo is no exception. The rubber coating does not allow the floor to breathe properly and can lead to discoloration of your bamboo floor.
In this same vein, make sure that you place protective pads under any furniture legs that are in contact with your floor. Make sure to use pads that are backed with felt or thick fabric. This will prevent the pressure of the furniture from leading to an indentation in the bamboo flooring over time. Never allow heavy furniture to be dragged across your floor. This could lead to unsightly gouging and scrapes. Deep enough places would be much more expensive to repair than it would be worth so you really want to do what you can to prevent them.
Got The Prevention Down, Now How Do I Clean It?
One thing to do is to prevent any spills when possible. If a spill is allowed to sit for an extended period of time on your bamboo floor it could lead to discoloring. Make sure to get your spill up as quickly as possible when they happen. Usually you can easily remove simple spills by wiping up whatever was spilled and then lightly cleaning the area with a damp rag and a little vinegar water. Some manufacturers may recommend a certain type of cleaner better suited for their particular type of floor. If the manufacturer recommends a certain type of cleaner then you should try to use that brand if possible so that you do not potentially void your floor's warranty.
This goes for general cleaning as well. Make sure that you use a soft bristle broom to sweep your floor free of dust and dirt often so that it does not have a chance to accumulate and cause damage to your beautiful floor. A dust mop can make a very good tool to use due to the fact that it does not have bristles that may possible leave minute scratches that can lead to damage over time. Prevention can be a very powerful tool in this case. By placing a doormat at each entry, you can ensure that family and friends don't track dirt onto your beautiful floor that you will have to worry about cleaning up. A friend suggested that I keep an ancient Asian custom alive by having everyone remove their shoes as they enter. She said that it helped to encourage cultural awareness while saving her some cleaning time as well.
No matter how you look at it, your gorgeous new bamboo floor can last you for decades to come if it is cared for properly. By making sure to keep it clean you will extend it's life drastically. Enjoy!
Bamboo Floor Care
Bamboo flooring is very durable. What's more, it is not difficult to maintain - by following just a few simple tips you can make sure it continues to look beautiful for years to come.
In general they must be kept free from dust and dirt since they can cause scratches on the floor. The best thing to do is to sweep the floor clean with a soft broom to avoid damage from harsh particles. It is a good idea to use wipe mats at doorways and entrances to minimize the transfer of dust and dirt from footwear.
Treat Your Bamboo Flooring Well
As far as possible, avoid walking on your new floors wearing high-heeled shoes or dirty outdoor shoes. Pressure can cause dents. The rugs you use on your floor should also be of the sort that is suitable for bamboo flooring. Since bamboo floors need to breathe, avoid rubberized rugs. Rubber can also discolor the floor.
Make sure you place protective pads preferably made of thick fabric or felt under the legs of furniture like chairs, tables, cupboards, etc. If you happen to have furniture with caster wheels, use fabric based caster cups under them. Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor as it can cause great damage to your floor.
Changing Places Since bamboo flooring can fade over time, it is a good idea to change the location of your furniture and rugs so that the fading is uniform all over.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Bamboo flooring types react to direct sunlight and fade. If you have large windows that let in sunlight, you might want to use screens or curtains to protect your flooring when the rays are intense.
Miscellaneous Bamboo Flooring Care Tips
It goes without saying that any spills should be mopped up right away as they can be absorbed by the bamboo floor if ignored. Some stains can be practically impossible to get rid of. This can be avoided by timely care. You can get the best out of your bamboo flooring's durability and looks by following these maintenance tips:
* Use doormats and rugs to take the damp, dust and debris that can scratch your flooring.
* Mats and rugs must be colorfast or they can bleed onto your floor making it look unsightly.
* Vacuum your floor.
* For sticky spills, wipe as quickly as possible with a soft damp cloth. Avoid steel wool and other cleaning pads that are abrasive.
* Avoid strong cleaners or chemicals that can damage your floor.
* Do not wash your bamboo floor. Avoid dampness of any kind.
* Don't wear athletic or football cleats and sharp high heeled shoes when you walk over your bamboo flooring.
* If you have pets, trim their claws.
* If you love indoor plants, make sure there is a drip pan under the pots with space below it to allow the flooring to breathe.
* Avoid using wax, oil, soap and other household cleaners on your bamboo floor.
Senin, 01 Maret 2010
Wellmade Bamboo Flooring
Vertical Bamboo Floor
Vertical bamboo gets its look because the bamboo strips are laid on sides and then bonded together. These are laid across the floor in bunches and create a more even look. Horizontal bamboo flooring is created by taking the bamboo strips and laying them on top of one another. Some people argue that the latter method creates a stronger product because of the way the pieces are bonded together. Either way, the bamboo-based flooring should be able to hold up to the usual dents and bumps of everyday household activity at least equally or better than other traditional materials.
One of the things you will want to consider is how big the floor space is that you are trying to cover. For some floor sizes, vertical bamboo may make more sense because of its consistent look. In larger areas, you may want to consider what horizontal bamboo flooring can add to a room. There is slightly more variation in the way that horizontal bamboo looks relative to vertical bamboo flooring. Even if you decide not to use bamboo throughout the entire house, its durability may make it a better candidate in certain areas of the house that experience high amounts of foot traffic.