What to consider when choosing between horizontal and vertical bamboo flooring

Friday, 8 April 2011 2:43 PM

By selecting bamboo flooring</a> for your home, there are a few points you should consider to ensure your investment works best for you - such as whether you opt for a horizontal or vertical grain orientation.

One of the great things about this type of material is that whichever grain you end up choosing you can be sure your new floor will boast all of the great qualities of bamboo.

If you have a room where you already love the decor but simply want to modernise the floor then a vertical grain orientation may work the best for you. Because of the construction of the material, it has a good consistent colour and a regular pattern of vertical lines.

As a result of this, it can fit in naturally to the room you have available, adding to the decor you have already chosen.

However, if you really want to make a statement with your new bamboo floors then a horizontal grain orientation could be perfect for you.

These boards are made in a way that makes a beautiful feature of all the natural markings and nodes that appear on bamboo when it grows as a long grass in the wild.

Luckily, whichever option you end up choosing, you can be sure that they will be flexible, strong, durable and environmentally-friendly - which are all likely to be the factors that attracted you to this type of flooring in the first place!

Although bamboo is easily mistaken for hardwood, it is actually a long grass that is known for its tough qualities.

It is also more sustainable than many types of wood because it grows very rapidly, meaning that each crop can swiftly replace itself.

Other qualities that make it stand apart from hardwood is that this material rarely shrinks, expands or warps when submerged in water - meaning you have the peace of mind that it will stay looking as good as when you had it fitted.

You can even choose to have your new boards treated with a satin lacquer that can make them even stronger, while also ensuring they are quick and easy to clean.

All you have left to do is decide whether you would prefer carbonised or natural bamboo flooring and engineered or solid wood boards.

So what are you waiting for? Make a choice now and you will soon be able to enjoy your brand new bamboo floors!
 

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