Lots of people are choosing to install bamboo flooring in their homes in recent years. They’ve heard that it lasts a lot longer than most types of hardwood flooring, and it’s more ecologically sound. Bamboo has a number of other advantages, too, and it’s a good choice for many situations.

However, it might not be the right choice for everyone. Hardwood has a long tradition of use in homes, and works well with some antique house styles. Installing hardwood floors takes a lot longer than installing bamboo flooring, though for some people the traditional look of wood outweighs the inconvenience.

While bamboo is an attractive type of floor that works very well in many homes, it’s not the same as a traditional floor made from wood. This flooring is more uniform and has less color variation than a hardwood floor, for instance.

For some, this is a benefit, but for others, it’s a reason to avoid bamboo. If you’re not certain which you prefer, remember that bamboo is a lot more convenient. The pieces are ready to install and there’s no dust and little mess.

For many homes, bamboo is a great choice. However, if you’re restoring an older building or really love traditional looks, you might not be happy with it. Fortunately, some manufacturers are creating bamboo that looks a lot more like hardwood. Soon, this may be an option, too.

Some of the most common hardwoods in traditional flooring are Jarrah and Blackbutt, though many other woods are also used. These attractive, durable woods are harvested from trees that take a long time to grow. Also, moisture or changes in temperature can cause your wood flooring to splinter or warp, requiring refinishing.

Many people also feel that hardwood flooring is too expensive and environmentally unfriendly for use in the majority of homes. Bamboo grows up to thirty centimeters a day, while hardwoods can take years or even decades to reach a size where they can be harvested. A bamboo grove that’s sustainably managed can be harvested every few years by comparison. Add into that the decrease in proper management of hardwood forests, and you have a serious concern.

Bamboo needs no fertilizer, and is reasonably sustainable to farm. However, that doesn’t make every bamboo product ecologically friendly. Learn where your bamboo comes from - some plantations use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and plant unsustainable monocultures.

These types of practices occur mostly in countries that don’t regulate or enforce their regulations. All you have to do to find out if your bamboo is being grown sustainably is do a little research. There are plenty of products out there that are made with environmentally sustainable bamboo - just find out what you can to be sure you’re getting the product you’re paying for.

Bamboo is more durable as a flooring material than hardwood. It stands up well to daily wear and tear, however if durability is still a concern, consider a flooring type that comes with a warranty. Be willing to spend a few more dollars on a product that will hold up, rather than buying a cheaper one.

Where contraction and expansion are issues, you’ll find that bamboo offers a favorable performance. Unlike hardwood veneer floorings, bamboo will hold up to a number of resurfacings, and there’s no treatment or waxing required. To make sure you get a product that’s non toxic and fully sustainable, look for flooring that uses glues that won’t off gas and don’t contain toxic chemicals.

Anyone who’s curious about how bamboo flooring holds up when compared to hardwood should take a look online. It’s easy to see the whole range of available products and find out more about this great type of floor. It could be right for your home.