Common Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring

There are many types of bamboo flooring such as floating bamboo, carbonized bamboo, engineered bamboo, natural bamboo and strand woven bamboo and some types have more disadvantages than others. This type of flooring can be affected by dampness and humidity causing it to expand and contract according to different temperatures it is exposed to, and is one of the prime disadvantages. Furthermore, the floating bamboo type of flooring needs to have a gap all round it to allow for the expansion and contraction.

Strand woven bamboo is the best quality flooring because of the way it is treated before manufacture but it is recommended that it could be nailed or glued to any sub floor. However, securing anything to a sub floor by the use of nails can have an effect on what is underneath the sub floor i.e. electrical wiring or heating pipes. This could be another disadvantage of bamboo flooring. Whereas the act of laying the flooring is a somewhat easy process the implications could be far from simple.

However, it is thought to be the best quality out of all the types of bamboo as prior to the manufacturing process it is soaked to extract the sugars contained to reduce the risk of termite infection. It is then subject to a considerable drying period to finish the process.

Similarly, carbonized bamboo has its disadvantages too. Because of its soft texture it is easily damaged if any weight is placed against it and is, therefore, unsuitable for flooring.

Although bamboo is pleasant underfoot, it can pose a risk for young children or elderly people as a slip could easily occur resulting in injury. This is one of the main disadvantages due to its moisture content within. As the moisture dries out it can cause distortion to a finished floor thereby resulting in uneven flooring which can cause further problems. So, all these factors have to be borne in mind when choosing suitable bamboo flooring for any room.

While there are some disadvantages to bamboo flooring, it is becoming increasingly popular for many as an attractive alternative to fitted carpet or floor tiling.