When most of us think of hardwood flooring we think of traditional domestic hardwoods like oak, maple and ash or softer, but equally beautiful flooring wood like heart-cut pine. The last few years has seen an increase in the use and popularity of imported hardwoods. American consumers have far more choices in the species of woods available for flooring like cherry from Brazil, cypress from Australia and teak from Thailand. When properly finished and installed all of these woods are both beautiful and durable.

Hardwood flooring can last many years with regular upkeep and solid woods can be refinished to provide a new look or to repair damage. Despite the advantages of traditional hardwood floors, all of these hardwoods, domestic and imported, originate from old-growth trees that are not easily replaced. As American consumers have become more environmentally conscious in their buying decisions, many are looking for renewable sources for traditional flooring materials.

One source of renewable flooring material is bamboo. Bamboo is a true member of the grass family of plants and grows in surprisingly diverse environments, from the jungles of Southeast Asia to mountain climates in China. Though not a native species, bamboo can be found growing in Europe, Africa and in North and South America. Depending on the location, bamboo can grow rapidly and does not require an extraordinary amount of care. Bamboo is harvested as a hardwood and has a great many uses including a food source, since the shoots are often used in Asian cooking. Bamboo can also be found in a wide variety of products, from window shades to cooking utensils.

Popular in other parts of the world, American consumers have discovered the beauty and durability of bamboo flooring and have found it to be an alternative to traditional hardwoods. Though there is some debate about whether bamboo cultivation and harvesting is done in the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly way, its use as a flooring material can reduce the pressure to harvest old-growth hardwoods that take many years to replace if it replaced at all.

The wood produced from bamboo is fibrous and can be finished using available stains and surface finishes. Lighter colors are the most popular since clearer finishes tend to accent bamboos unique grain patterns. As with any flooring product, it is important to consider the location of the floor, since many wood flooring products are limited to use in above-grade applications. Solid bamboo flooring wood can often be used in spaces where higher humidity is present.

Like other types of solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring products, bamboo can be found in a variety finishes, grain patterns sizes. Solid bamboo flooring can be easy nailed or glued to the sub-floor though solid bamboo flooring is quite rigid and a proper application may require that greater attention be paid to the sub-floor, making sure that the sub-floor is flat and even. Like most solid hardwood flooring materials, bamboo can be refinished.

Engineered bamboo flooring is not solid bamboo but instead has a layer of bamboo veneer often referred to as a wear layer on top and usually comes pre-finished. Engineered flooring is constructed with very precise dimensions and can be nailed or glued to the sub-floor depending on the manufacturer s recommendations. Many homeowners are finding that they can install wood flooring as a do-it-yourself project and manufacturers provide advice on proper installation techniques and any specialized tools can be purchased or often rented at your local home improvement center or hardware store. If you re not sure about tackling the job yourself, seek the advice of an experienced flooring installer.