A healthy mind is often the product of a healthy body. And by incorporating the comforting atmosphere afforded by bamboo flooring and paneling into your workout space you can bring those two things even closer together. Groups get fit on top of bamboo floors because working out is much more satisfying.
Group fitness classes are among the many popular health options available to those looking to improve their physical and mental well-being. Classes ranging from yoga to resistance training programs have become some of the most popular ways for people of all ages to spend their free time getting into better shape.
It used to be that when you went to a gym to work out, the rooms were intentionally designed to be as militaristic as possible, or simply didn't make any attempt at having a design at all. Now, though, as people become more aware of the psychological benefits of a well-designed space, workout studios and gyms across the country have increasingly begun using more modern, attractive elements to create a welcoming environment that is more encouraging to people who might need a little extra motivation to put in their workout time.
One of the ways that effect is being achieved is by using bamboo to make fitness flooring. The material's rich colors and natural look can lend studios a more comforting, zen-like ambience, and just as importantly, bamboo often holds up better against heavy use than do traditional hardwood floors.
Pop Physique, in San Francisco, is just one of the many fitness palaces that has found bamboo flooring to be a superior option in terms of its practical ability to withstand multiple classes a day - each made up of dozens of people - as well as its eco-friendly qualities, including bamboo's improved sustainability over hardwood.
Blended with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of a neighborhood garden, Pop Physique's bamboo floors allow the studio's many customers to get fit in the midst of an environment that soothes and relaxes their minds.
Fitness at home Those who prefer to do their working out at home will find that bamboo can help them turn a small office or unused bedroom into a comfortable getaway where they can engage in yoga, weight lifting or pretty much any other activity.
By installing bamboo panels or floors in a room you intend to use as a home workout studio, you can create the kind of meditative environment that will not only make your daily fitness routine more palatable, you will probably come to view it as one of the brightest moments of your day. When it comes to construction, people have grown more innovative throughout the years. Where before materials were generally confined to a few choices, now people are becoming more resourceful and creative. Designers, builders, architects, engineers, and even just homeowners, all look for different materials they can use. It could be because they are seeking to make their costs lower by finding a cheaper material. Or, it could be because they want their finished property to look and be unique. Sometimes, it could also be because people have grown more mindful of the environmental impact using certain materials can cause. One thing that people have grown to embrace in recent times is bamboo flooring. It might be because of bamboo flooring cost vs hardwood cost, but there could be other reasons too.
If you are wondering what the difference between bamboo flooring and hardwood flooring is, you are not alone. Fact is, a lot of people are interested in making use of bamboo for many different aspects of their construction and design. Today, we will take a closer look at bamboo flooring versus hardwood flooring. We will be comparing both in terms of their installation, maintenance and replacement, environmental impact, cost, composition, advantages, and of course, their disadvantages too. Our hope is to inform you just why it is people have been choosing bamboo flooring more in the past few years. We also want to show you that bamboo can be quite a good material to use for your floors.
And so, without further ado, let’s get right to it!
Why Should You Choose Bamboo?
One of the first things that people tend to ask about bamboo flooring is: why exactly should you choose it? Well, there are a number of reasons, all of which we will be discussing today. Bamboo flooring cost vs hardwood cost is one of the many things we do consider as an important factor. But first, there are a bunch of different things that we need to talk about when it comes to bamboo and just how it is used as a flooring material.
Composition
There are many different kinds or species bamboo that is used for flooring. These different species each have different properties which make them ideal in certain situations more so than others. One of the most popular species that is often used is Moso. Moso Bamboo is known for its high quality, making it an ideal choice for durable yet elegant flooring. This species of bamboo is typically left to grow for 5 to 6 years before it is harvested at its peak (in terms of density that is). When harvested, Moso bamboo can be harder (more durable) then certain kinds of hardwood such as Oak and Maple.
Sometimes, engineered bamboo can be used for flooring material instead of natural bamboo. Engineered bamboo is also named strand bamboo. It’s technically still bamboo but it is rather processed. It goes through several steps such as stripping, boiling, cutting, bonding, and pressing. Once this is finished the bamboo becomes harder and more durable, making it even better for use in flooring.
Something to remember is that bamboo is harder and more durable when it is lighter in color. Darker colored bamboo goes through a process of carbonization which has a side effect of the kind of softening the wood.
Advantages of Using Bamboo for Flooring
Now, before we delve right into the advantages of using this new flooring material, we do want to make a qualifying statement. The general benefits, durability, and quality of your flooring will largely depend on the species of bamboo you choose. Of course, it will also depend in large part on the quality of the bamboo itself. Simply put, if the quality of your bamboo material is bad, then you can expect your flooring to be bad. And so, all of the information we are about to give you will assume that you have high-quality bamboo material.
One thing that can be said for certain is that bamboo flooring can typically compete with the more expensive and more environmentally taxing hardwood floors. Today’s modern processes allow for bamboo to come out in different finishes, textures, and colors. Therefore, you won’t be limited in terms of color and the like. If this is a concern of yours, allow us to allay your fears.
When we compare the hardness of bamboo to that of hardwood flooring, it’s easy to see that they are rather comparable. However, because bamboo is considered a grass, it actually performs better than actual wood. At least, in terms of keeping moisture away. As a result of this, mold growth is also significantly slowed down and prevented.
Plus, hey, in terms of bamboo flooring cost vs hardwood cost, bamboo is often the clear winner. Those looking to shave a bit off their budget should consider bamboo flooring cost vs hardwood cost indeed.
Disadvantages of Using Bamboo for Flooring
Naturally, there are indeed some disadvantages too. For example, if you choose bamboo material that is a bit cheaper and lower in quality, you’ll find that you might run into some problems. Cheaper material will likely be softer, and as a result, easier to damage. It is for this reason that you must purchase higher quality and harder bamboo floor material. However, harder bamboo is often treated heavily with formaldehyde as well as other toxic chemicals.
Other things that homeowners have said in the past about bamboo flooring is that it can start to warp throughout the years – at least in humid conditions.
Another thing that people have mentioned is that if the bamboo flooring is constantly exposed to sunlight or bright lights, it can begin to discolor. In particular, dark-colored floors begin to lighten over time.
Installation of Bamboo Flooring
The next thing that we want to talk about is the installation of bamboo flooring. Now, when you want to put on your new floors, you have a couple options. First, you can go the safe albeit maybe more expensive route of hiring a professional to do the installation work for you. Otherwise, you certainly can also choose to do it all yourself. Indeed, just like with any other flooring material, bamboo can be installed DIY style. You can do it yourself, but unless you do actually know what you are doing, chances are you’re still better off hiring a pro to do it for you.
When putting in your bamboo flooring you will have to perform a few steps such as placing the plats, then nailing them, followed by stapling them. You’ll then also have to cut the baseboard to size and install it. If there are any holes and gaps left after the installation, you’ll have to use wood putty to fill them.
Needless to say, if you have little to no experience installing a floor yourself, then you might run into several problems.
Maintenance of Bamboo Flooring
To maintain your bamboo floors properly, there are a few things you need to do, and a few things that you need to avoid. First of all, you should avoid using wet mops to clean your bamboo floors because they can damage your floors for sure. When general cleaning, you can use a (stiff) broom or a dust mop. If you need to have some moisture on your mop while you go over your floors, you must make sure to use a mop that is wrung out well. In terms of cleaning agents, you can generally use the same kind that is approved for use for cleaning hardwood floors.
If your floor is worn out or scratched, you can sand them down and do a refinishing, instead of fully replacing them. However, once they get past the point of no return, you will end up having to replace them for sure. Here, bamboo flooring cost vs hardwood cost shines once more as bamboo will certainly be more affordable to replace.
Environmental Impact of Bamboo Flooring
One thing that we can say about bamboo flooring is that many people do agree it is far more sustainable than hardwood flooring. And so, in terms of bamboo flooring cost vs hardwood cost – at least in terms of the environment – bamboo certainly wins. You see, bamboo is considered to be a grass, or even sometimes a “weed”. This is because it grows really quickly, and propagates incredibly fast to boot. Mature bamboo can be harvested for use as quickly as 3-5 years, whereas hardwood flooring often takes much longer. Sometimes, hardwood can take as long as 50 to 60 years (or even more!) to be ready for harvest. On that note, bamboo is certainly the winner.
However, despite these environmental implications, the fact is bamboo is not as easily acquired as you might think. You see, most bamboo is sourced from China because it is there where this grass grows most abundantly. Therefore, certain regulations must be made to keep the impact under control.
Bamboo Flooring Cost vs Hardwood Cost
With everything that we have mentioned, and with all of the possible considerations in this case, we can definitely say that bamboo may be the better choice in some cases. However, it’s not the only choice. And sometimes, there are also other cases to be made for choosing hardwood flooring instead. In the end, it all depends on your budget and just how environmentally friendly you would like to be.
We hope that you have learned a lot about the two types of flooring we have discussed here. Furthermore, we also hope that you are able to keep in mind bamboo flooring cost vs hardwood cost so that you can make the right decision for your home and your property. Remember, with the proper maintenance and care, both types of flooring will last you practically a lifetime! Just weigh the pros and cons of each and see where you go from there.
Good luck with your choice, and we hope you are happy regardless of the type you pick!
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