By Angela Cahill

Would you like to get new flooring, but find the same old flooring types boring? Are you looking for something new and interesting? Bamboo might be just what you're looking for.

Bamboo Flooring Details

It is a great material that is increasingly used in new and innovate ways. It has been cultivated for thousands of years for paper, building supplies, utensils, and other things. It is a long-lasting, fun material that is increasingly used in new and innovate ways. One of my favorites is as flooring.

Bamboo is an incredibly durable material. It can withstand regular foot traffic and other use without serious damage. Being a relatively hard substance helps it stand up to typical use without excess damage. Dropping heavy objects on it may cause nicks and scratches, but the same can be said of any type of flooring.

Bamboo flooring is also quite beautiful. You can find it in a light 'natural' color, a darker 'carbonized' form, or in a variety of other colors achieved through staining. The stalks can be laid in either a horizontal (so the growth rings or 'knuckles' show) or vertical (placed on their sides in long, skinny rows) form, giving you options to achieve the look you desire.

Sustainable Material

It is a sustainable flooring material. To make wood or laminate flooring, trees are cut down. Stone tiles are mined from rock quarries. Bamboo is also harvested, but the roots are left in the ground. These roots quickly spread and re-sprout, replacing the harvested material. Since it can be replaced in a short period of time (the plants often reach a harvestable size in under 10 years), it is better for the environment than other flooring types.

Wondering how bamboo flooring is made? Fully mature bamboo is harvested and cut into strips either horizontally or vertically. These strips are soaked in a special solution for several days and then dried for several days. The strips are then layered and laminated together to create the flooring. Depending on the flooring type, some type of laminate or wood-based backing may be glued below the bamboo.

Bamboo flooring is growing in popularity. You can find it used in many businesses and offices. This is a good way to see for yourself what it looks like and how well it holds up. Beware: once you see it, you'll soon be envisioning it in your own home!

If you are interested in installing it in your home or business, it should be easy to find. Many flooring and home improvement stores stock an ever-growing variety of styles and colors, suitable for most any situation. There are different types of bamboo floors, some of which are easier to install than others. These include tongue-and-groove, which work similar to most laminates; flooring that can be nailed down; and floors that are glued. Your local flooring retailer can tell you more about the installation options and durability of each type and help you pick the right option for you. Bamboo flooring will be a beautiful addition to your home or office, as well as being an environmentally friendly choice.

The author is interested in home improvement projects, including flooring installation. Her website http://www.laminateflooringsolutions.com has many great resources for those looking to learn more about laminate and other flooring types, including buying and installation.