The Beauty of a Carbonized

Carbonized bamboo is becoming a favorite among home renovators. It’s rich dark caramel color goes nicely with just about every décor. Homeowners especially like the fact that a bamboo floor is easy to clean, environmentally responsible and ideal for allergy sufferers. A bamboo floor will not harbor dust mites or promote any dust at all.

Installation is not more difficult than installing a hardwood floor. A contractor doesn’t need any extra training or tools and will therefore, not charge any more than he would for installing hardwood. Although with a few simple instructions, you can easily install it yourself.

The simple tongue-and-groove design snaps together and the boards can then be nailed, stapled or glued to the sub floor.

Five things you need know about bamboo flooring:

  1. Carbonized is not stained:The bamboo gets the darker color from inside. Instead of sap, like we see in trees, raw bamboo has sugar inside. By boiling the bamboo strips the sugar caramelizes to produce the darker color.
  2. Carbonized is softer than natural bamboo:The boiling method softens the bamboo by about 30% leaving it a little more vulnerable to scratches and dents, but still quite durable.
  4. The difference between vertical and horizontal flooring:Bamboo stalks are small in diameter and hollow. To turn them into boards the manufacturer laminates them together. Horizontal style is when the strips are laid flat, showing the top surface of the bamboo’s growth rings. In the vertical style the strips are turned and laminated on their sides, creating long slender rows. Although the same strength and durability, two completely different appearances.
  5. Strand woven bamboo is stronger:Natural and carbonized bamboo can both be woven. For a more exotic look, they can be woven together, giving the boards a ‘tiger stripe’ appearance. In the weaving process the strips of bamboo are coated and then compressed together with heat. Resulting in the strongest, hardest form of flooring.
  6. Cleaning your bamboo floor:Use a broom or soft mop for regular cleaning, just as you would with a hardwood floor. No harsh chemicals or scratch pads. Water can be used for excessive dirt, but don’t let it sit on the floor. As with all wood products, water can stain and cause the wood to swell. There is no need for waxing, but you may want to varnish every few years, especially in high traffic areas, to maintain the natural luster and shine.