By Corie Harkness
Some people may think of bamboo and have visions of the far East and Panda bears. However, in this increasing environmentally-aware world, bamboo has proved to be a very smart and resourceful way to save our nation's forests.
Amazingly enough, bamboo is actually a species of grass and it grows very quickly. Its stalks are hollow and its fibers are very strong and pliable. For thousands of years, many Asian nations, such as China, Japan, and Taiwan, have used this plant for building supplies, paper, medicines, and much more. Every part of the bamboo can be used for something.
When the bamboo is harvested, another crop can grow in about four years, which is much faster than the growth of a wood forest. Another big win for the bamboo is that the fibers are very durable, making beautiful, long-lasting floors with a classic hardwood look.
Bamboo flooring has the same finished texture and beauty of a hardwood floor and comes in a variety of shades. The natural grains of the plant are original and beautiful, and if you are looking for a special color, there are many companies around the world who can help you in your choice. This type of flooring is highly dent resistant and, some say, it is more stable than hardwood. Just think how many forests could be saved if everyone chose to go with bamboo!
A most surprising fact is that bamboo floors are very reasonably priced. You can have a stunning and unique floor installed for less than $3.00 per square foot. As bamboo rises in popularity, however, the price will probably become even less.
So, if you are building your dream house, or merely resurfacing the floors in your home, consider the environment and try out bamboo flooring. It is not only good for conserving nature and our natural resources, but it will create a beautiful accent that everyone will be talking about.
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