Habitat: Predominantly throughout Asia.
Janka Hardness Rating: 1380, but can vary widely between manufacturers.
The Tree: Technically speaking, bamboo is a grass instead of a tree, so it's not wood flooring. But it looks gorgeous and has a lot of the same properties as wood. Bamboo has an attractive and distinctive grain pattern that shows nodes from the bamboo stalks.
The Wood: Bamboo grows to maturity in just a few short years and regenerates without need for replanting. So, when it's cut down to be used in flooring, you can be assured more will soon grow back to replace what was taken. It is very hard, strong, and dimensionally stable. Bamboo flooring comes in two color variations - a natural blonde or a darker amber version that is the result of the wood being smoked (or carbonized) during the drying process.
Uses: Bamboo is used for foundation plantings, house plants, fences, boats and rafts, as well as to build bridges and create musical instruments. It can be used for flooring, paneling, and all different types of furniture. Heck, bamboo shoots are even available for consumption! Indeed, bamboo has so many uses that it begs the question, what can’t it be used for?
Bamboo Gallery: Wood flooring photos from the homes of satisfied customers!
