Bamboo Flooring Provides Beautiful, Green Option for Boston Renovation Projects

Sustainable flooring options have become another popular area for eco-renovations in the Boston remodeling market. There are several options available. The most popular choices include: bamboo, cork, natural linoleum, and wood. In our last blog post we covered cork floors. Let’s take a look at bamboo.

Photo Credit: EcoTimber

Bamboo has the look and feel of wood but is actually a grass. It is beautiful, it holds up as well as hardwood, and it is reasonably priced. Bamboo is considered eco friendly because it is a sustainable. Unlike trees, bamboo is fast growing and can be harvested every three to five years.
Most bamboo for flooring comes from the Hunan province of China. It's not a food source for pandas, which generally live at higher elevations. The transport of bamboo to the U.S. does leave a carbon footprint, however, its durability, hardness, and sustainability make it a sound eco alternative over conventionally harvested wood. Most bamboo is processed without preservatives. For those of you looking for low-toxic solution, make sure that your bamboo flooring is glued together with a non urea-formaldehyde (UF) binder.

Most bamboo flooring uses a urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive in the lamination process. There are bamboo flooring products that avoid formaldehyde use. The UF resins emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are harmful to indoor air quality. However, it is important to note that bamboo flooring uses a relatively small amount compared with other materials, such as particleboards.

Bamboo flooring manufacturers including:
EcoTimber
Natural Cork
Hanlite

Bamboo flooring is becoming increasingly popular in Boston area kitchens and living rooms. It is easy to clean, wears well and shows beautifully.

It should be swept or dry or damp mopped (never soaked). Since the flooring is extremely sturdy, it usually has an extensive warranty. Some manufacturers offer a life-time warranty.

Bamboo flooring comes in two shades: light natural or a darker amber. It is sold in planks 72 or 36 inches long that install the same as other tongue and groove flooring.

Questions? Or just want to chat about an upcoming project that you're considering? Email owner Chris Matey.
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We service Boston, North Shore, North of Boston, including but not limited to Andover, Belmont, Beverly, Boston (Back Bay, South End), Brookline, Cambridge, Haverhill, Lexington, Lowell, Marblehead, Natick, Newton, Newburyport, Somerville, Swampscott, Weston, Winchester, Woburn. As well as southern New Hampshire, including Nashua, Londonderry, and Merrimack.

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