Fossilized Bamboo - For The Extra Touch

By Author: Jeff Goldberg
Total Articles: 4717
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Because bamboo is one of the oldest building materials in the world and because hardwoods have become commonly accepted in the U.S. there are many misconceptions about bamboo. The first misconception is that bamboo is prohibitively expensive. Believe it or not, as a grass, bamboo grows back aggressively and this helps reduce the price of bamboo floors. The bamboo used for spectacular floors will be replenished in 5 to 7 years. Compare that to the 30-year cycle needed to replace oak and you will understand why environmentalists are pushing the use of bamboo over more traditional hardwoods.

New age construction calls for the use of sustainable products and bamboo is one of the most sustainable floor, ceiling or trim products on the market. In fact, bamboo is the planet's most durable wood building material. Homeowners have long acknowledged that bamboo provides a stunning appearance. Few of those homeowners understand the care and precision that goes into perfecting that stunning appearance.

The best bamboo floor manufacturers understand the process is a patient one. Bamboo floors are created from whole bamboo ...
... canes. These canes are boiled in water to remove the sugar from the wood. High-grade manufacturers are selective about the bamboo strips used for flooring.

The selected strips are then treated and dried for about two weeks or whenever the moisture content is reduced to six percent. At this point, the strips are ready for use and are processed for the distinctive tongue and groove construction that best secures the floor.

Homeowners are always impressed with the under foot feel of bamboo. Bamboo floors feel solid. They give the entire home a sense of tightness. Homes with bamboo reflect attention to detail as well as the environmentally responsible conduct of the owners.

There are many styles of bamboo floors. The floors can appear surprisingly different. There are also several different types of installation processes. Homeowners should study all different bamboo floor options as well as colors, shades, preservative treatments and installation options. Quality manufacturers also produce eco-friendly products to maintain the bamboo floor once it is installed.

While the use of bamboo in building seems timeless, a new and exciting process has been developed. The creation of fossilized bamboo has served to expand the use of the popular flooring material. Fossilized bamboo is recommended for use in radiant heat area of the home as well as in heavily trafficked residential or commercial areas.

The unique fossilized process is unique to bamboo. After the boiling technique, the bamboo is compressed. The bamboo fibers are intertwined so that a bamboo block is formed. Once the block is created, it is sent for milling. Laser guided machines mill the block before it is sent fro the final, scratch resistant curing phase. The result is the hardest, most scratch or abuse resistant bamboo flooring available. Fossilized bamboo floors last even longer than the extended life provided by bamboo strip flooring.

The U.S. Green Building Council has advocated the use of bamboo products for construction projects. Under the council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, the use of bamboo can earn LEED credits for either rehab or new construction projects. As the world's foremost third party rating system, the USGBC provides a strong endorsement for the use of bamboo.

Homeowners should research the manufacturing process used to make their bamboo floor. Not all manufacturers use the same quality bamboo canes or use green building practices. As long as homeowners have committed to bamboo, they might as well protect the environment and go green. Save the planet and use bamboo for you next floor.
About Author:
At Cali Bamboo where we promote the use of bamboo flooring as an alternative product made from renewable resources, that can help make a difference in the future of our planet. Visit online today.