There is a wide variety of materials that can be used for flooring. Choosing a material that fits your needs is key to being happy with your choice. If you are looking for a flooring surface that is easy on the planet, there are a few options available to you that may be just what you are looking for.

Recycled flooring is becoming more and more popular with environmentally conscious consumers. A newer product that has been gaining popularity is carpet that is made from recycled plastic bottles. According to toolbasee.org, over five billion pounds of carpet is replaced each year in the U.S. alone. Consumers now have the option of replacing that carpet with carpet made from post-consumer recycled waste. The carpet has a very similar look and feel as standard carpet, which is made from nylon, polyester and a material called olefin.

Another beautiful and eco-friendly product that you can use in your home is bamboo. Growing bamboo is extremely easy, requires very little maintenance, is renewable and uses very little if any pesticides. Bamboo makes for a great flooring material as it is durable and gives the same look and feel of conventional wood floors. According to an article posted on the DIY website, some producers use formaldehyde to bind the material together, so checking the company standards and practices is a good idea before making a purchase.

While concrete requires a lot of energy to produce, its longevity and easy-to-maintain qualities make it a fairly eco-friendly material for floors. Concrete is becoming more and more popular for homes. There is a wide variety of paints, stains and coloration techniques that can be applied to a surface that makes the concrete resemble other natural surfaces. Another plus of the material is that it does not release any VOCs. It is also a sturdy surface that does not trap mold and cause health and allergy issues.

Rammed earth is a flooring technique that has been around for ages and is gaining more recent attention because of its eco-friendly qualities. Rammed earth is given its name from the process by which it is made. By mixing dirt, water and a stabilizing agent, the material is formed. It is then laid out and literally rammed until it has hardened. Although rammed earth floors are not as sturdy as concrete, it is a fairly durable product that is easy to clean, maintain and repair. Due to the low energy required to produce the material and the longevity of the finished product, rammed earth floors are considered to be one of the most eco-friendly floors on the market.

Whether you want carpet or a hard-surfaced material for your home floors, choosing an eco-friendly alternative is becoming easier and much more popular among consumers. Before you make a purchase, consider making a list of what your needs are and comparing it to a list of what each flooring material produces. Finding the right material for your home will make your purchase much more pleasant. And if you are able to add an eco-friendly material to your home, the planet will be a healthier, happier place.

If your concerned about Bamboo’s strength and durability compared to hardwood, don’t be. Bamboo is harder than Red oak, Ash, Maple or Beech – one of the strongest building materials, with a tensile strength that rivals steel and weight-to-strength ratio surpassing that of graphite. It withstands up to 52,000 pounds of pressure PSI. Because it regenerates through it’s root system, it can be harvested and is capable of regeneration without the need to replant. There is virtually no impact to the environment with bamboo and with a 3-5 year return on investment for a new bamboo plantation, it makes good economic sense as well.

As durable as hardwood, Bamboo is installed the same as you would a hardwood floor – with a flooring Stapler such as the Stanley-Bostich M111 FS. You will also need a quality chop saw or miter saw to cut clean edges on your pieces, safety glasses, a tapping block, tape measure and a Square.

An installation option to stapling is floating your bamboo floor. Floating a bamboo floor over various types of underlayment provides a cushioned feel and also adds an element of soundproofing if soundproofing underlay is used. Bamboo floors can also be glued down; be sure to use the recommended Urethane-type adhesive to prevent cupping. Water based adhesives should be avoided! It is necessary to purchase the type of bamboo floor that is made for floating and/or glue-down versus the staple-down installation. Typically engineered bamboo is better for floating or glue down installation while solid 5/8″ bamboo should be installed using staples. For installation instructions, go here.

Bamboo comes in a variety of shades from a light “natural” to a dark “carbonized” color. The dark shades are created by pressure and heat which actually reduces the hardness of the bamboo slightly. If you want the most scratch resistant bamboo, then stick with the lighter shades. Regardless of the shade you choose, always utilize three or four cartons of flooring when installing to obtain a better distribution of color. You can purchase bamboo flooring via the Internet or at any of your local home improvement and flooring stores. As with any hardwoods, be sure to let your bamboo acclimate inside for at least two weeks prior installation to reduce any shrinkage or swelling that may occur due to climate and altitude changes from shipping.

Written by Jude Herr
Toologics.com

Here are my top five reasons to choose bamboo flooring for your home:

1. Aesthetic Beauty

Contrary to popular belief, bamboo is actually a grass not a wood product. Because of this difference, bamboo has a different look than your typical hardwood floors. Color can be determined by the manufacturing process (length of time carbonized) and your typical order of bamboo flooring will be rather uniform in color and easy to match when installing. Also, staining is now possible for bamboo floors resulting in over thirty different styles and colors being available. With this many choices, you?re sure to find something to perfectly fit your style.

2. Durability

Bamboo is not only beautiful, it is also quite durable. Bamboo has received hardness (strength) ratings higher than many hardwoods. In addition to its hardness rating, bamboo is also resilient. This means it ?bounces back? after most impacts and doesn?t dent. This resiliency is also better for your feet and back since the floor will tend to ?give? slightly and not be so hard to walk on everyday.

3. Moisture Resistance

Bamboo is also a naturally water resistant material. In addition to its natural resistance, part of the manufacturing process includes lamination which increases its resistance to warping. Because of this moisture resistance, bamboo flooring can be used in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms where hardwood and laminate floors shouldn?t be used.

4. The Environmental Benefits

Bamboo is a sustainable material. This means it can easily and quickly be re-grown in a reasonably short time. Bamboo is typically harvested every four to five years without actually destroying the plant. Also, because of its resiliency, bamboo doesn?t have to be refinished as often as hardwood. This cuts down on the chemicals necessary to maintain the floor.

5. Easy Cleaning

Bamboo floors, like most hard flooring materials, are easier to clean than carpet. No vacuum required, just a dust mop to keep things nice and clean. And, unlike tile, there is no grout to worry about keeping clean.

Summary

Bamboo is a great addition to any home. It is an eco-friendly, easy to maintain flooring material that can match any style you choose for your home.

By: Damion Rutherford

About the Author: Damion Rutherford is the marketing director for http://www.free-flooring.com, a FREE consumer’s guide for all of your bamboo flooring needs.

Bamboo is a relatively soft wood that you would not think to use in most hardwood flooring situations. But, like most other hardwoods, their hardness rating can be much higher once protective coatings are applied to them. When the flooring is chosen, it will be crafted with the most care in order to further strengthen the density of it. These additional coatings will often protect it from damages such as scratches, denting and markings. This also helps to prolong its life by making it last longer and more beautifully.

Bamboo flooring is a very unique type of flooring. What you would think that it would look like is not necessarily what it will. And, there is little doubt that having the best quality is quite important. This type of flooring will be one that allows for a variety of different styles. For example, it can be colored, or stained, in virtually any color necessary. This allows for it to fit well within many homes and environments well. Often the purchaser will have the ability to choose which ?color? is right for their needs.

Although bamboo flooring is quite an expensive purchase, it is one that will likely last many years and will deliver beauty and design as well. If you are considering the purchase of this type of flooring, insure that you get the highest level of quality so that it will last you a lifetime.

By: Leon Chaddock

About the Author: For more information please see http://www.bamboo-flooring-info.co.uk

An added bonus to these beautiful floors is the knowledge that bamboo, unlike wood, grows quickly and abundantly, reaching maturity in five years or less. Red oak and maple, by comparison, can take decades to mature and then have to be replanted. Clear-cutting of forests also has a negative environmental impact and threatens the planet’s biodiversity.

After harvesting, cutting, processing, and finishing, bamboo flooring installation is not much different from standard hardwood floor installation. The important steps in installation occur before putting in the bamboo floor. First, make sure you buy from a reputable manufacturer who is willing to back up their product with a warranty.

The next step in bamboo flooring installation is making sure the subfloor is dry, clean, and level. Dirty subfloors will not bond well with the adhesive, and subfloors that are not dry will eventually cause rot. If not level, the bamboo flooring will squeak when walked on. If you are competent in home repair and good with your hands, you may be able to complete the bamboo flooring installation on your own. In some cases, with certain types of bamboo flooring, a professional will be needed.

Bamboo flooring may be glued down using a moisture barrier flooring adhesive. After applying the adhesive to the subfloor with a trowel, the bamboo flooring planks should be immediately placed. You may also install bamboo flooring using a nail gun over plywood or particleboard. Once starter rows are secure, subsequent planks should be nailed directly above the tongue at a 45-degree angle to face.

After installing the bamboo flooring, you will care for it in a similar way to hardwood floors; frequent dusting/sweeping, occasionally mopping, and use of wood cleaners. With regular care, bamboo flooring will add a stylish, beautiful component to your home for many years to come.

By: Geoff Hugh

About the Author: Geoff Hugh http://www.plasmatvreviews.net

Prefinished solid strip flooring is best applied by nailing, stapling, or gluing planks to a wood subfloor. Gluing directly to a concrete slab may be done at or above grade. Do not install below grade. Flooring may also be applied over radiant floor heating systems. Flooring should be allowed to acclimate on the job site three (3) days. The acclimation period should be at expected normal room temperature and humidity levels before and after installation. Damp or cold conditions before installation should be avoided. The maximum difference in moisture content between the subfloor and the flooring material should be no more than 3 percent. The amount of movement depends upon the temperature, moisture content of the flooring and subflooring (wood moves as moisture content rises and falls) and the dimensional stability of the material. Gaps in the floor may come and go seasonally or due to temperature changes. Humidity levels should remain between 40% and 60%.

Because bamboo is a natural fiber, variations in color naturally occur. Each box should be inspected for differences in color and staggered throughout the floor.

SUB FLOORS

Wood sub-flooring surfaces must be clean, dry, and if gluing the flooring, free of contaminants that would interfere with an adhesive bond. Sub-floor or underlayment nailing surface also must be level and smooth prior to installation of flooring. For optimal installation, we recommend 3/4 inch CDX plywood as nailing substrate or for a glue application. Or use 5/8″ CDX ply for 12 inch on center and 16 inch on center floors and 3/4 inch CDX ply for 24 inch on center floors. Optimum sub-floor is 1-1/8″ plywood over joists at 16 inches on center. Concrete sub-floors must be tested for moisture and a vapor retarder such as 6 mil polyethylene film should be placed in crawl spaces. We recommend using the Calcium Chloride Test Method. Flooring must not be installed if vapor pressure exceeds 3 lbs. per 1000 square feet in 24 hours. Concrete should be checked for flatness prior to installation and low spots and voids filled to a minimum of 3/16″ in a 10 foot radius or 1/8″ in a 6 foot radius, and high spots ground to surface. Surface must be smooth and free of debris, oils, grease and solvents. Slabs younger than 60 days are generally too wet for flooring installations

NAIL OR STAPLE DOWN

Flooring should be square with the space and perpendicular to the joists. Leave 1/2 inch expansion space from base plate or wall. Starter rows should be held firmly in place by wedging or blind nailing. Once starter rows are secure, additional rows should be blind nailed directly above the tongue at a 45-50 degree angle to the face. Fasteners should be spaced at 10 to 12 inch intervals per plank. Nails or cleats should not be placed closer than 6 inches from the end of planks to prevent splitting

GLUE DOWN

If the glue down application is the method chosen, we recommend using a premium wood flooring adhesive. Flooring should be square with the space and run perpendicular to the joists. Leave 1/2 inch expansion space from base plate or wall. Starter rows should be held firmly in place by wedging or blind nailing. Once starter rows are secure, use adhesive in a Wet-Lay or Walk-on-Work method of installation. If gluing down to Gyp-Crete, follow Maxxon? Corporation instructions at www.maxxon.com.

Wet Lay Method: Apply adhesive to substrate with suitable trowel. Immediately place flooring onto “wet” adhesive.

Walk-on-Work Method: Apply adhesive to substrate with suitable trowel and allow it to develop tack (may take an hour or more depending on temperature and humidity). Install flooring onto “tacky” adhesive. Immediately roll finished installation with 150# roller. Room, flooring and adhesive should be conditioned at room temperature for 72 hours before and after installation.

ON FLOORS WIDER THAN 20′ TO MINIMIZE EXPANSION

On floors wider than 20 feet, to minimize expansion, more or less spacing may be needed depending on geographical area, interior climate control and time of the year. In some areas, additional spacing may not be necessary. Where spacing is required, use a washer or removable spacer to leave additional space every few rows and/or start in center of room and work out to both sides.” Reference: National Wood Flooring Association Technical Reference Manual.

RADIANT FLOOR

A radiant floor should not produce temperatures over 85 degrees Farenheit. The radiant heat system should remain in operation after installation. It should be noted any wood flooring, as well as bamboo flooring, will expand and contract due to temperature changes. The maximum difference in moisture content between the subfloor and the flooring material should be no more than 3 percent. The amount of movement depends upon the temperature, moisture content of the flooring and subflooring (wood moves as moisture content rises and falls) and the dimensional stability of the material. Gaps in the floor may come and go seasonally or due to temperature changes. When choosing an installer for application over radiant heat, look for members of the Radiant Panel Association. Please refer to www.radiantpanelassociation.org for more information.

Reference: Teragren and National Wood Flooring Association Technical Reference Manual.

Bamboo flooring may be new to North America but there are already several importers. Almost all bamboo imported to Canada and the United States is grown and manufactured in China though, it can be found in all of Southeast Asia.

Bamboo flooring is durable, and has a warmth and beauty that makes it especially desirable for flooring. Though there are many species of bamboo, only some are suitable for making flooring. Moso, for instance, is a common choice that reaches 40-50 feet high after just one year of growth. In another three years, the reeds are mature enough for harvesting. After harvesting, the bamboo is dried in the sun and then cut into strips that are shaped and planed. From these strips, bamboo flooring is made through a process of laminating and staining. The two main colors available for bamboo flooring are natural (a light woody color), and carbonized (an amber shade). There are also other color variations depending on the staining method.

Bamboo flooring has many remarkable qualities that make it equal to or better than many other ?wood? flooring options. It is as hard as hard maple, and has been confirmed as harder and more stable than red oak. Maintenance for bamboo flooring is no different than for other pre-finished wood floor products — frequent sweeping or vacuuming, spray cleaners, and occasionally mopping. Environmentally, the impact on world forests would be dramatically lessened if bamboo flooring were more widely used.

When considering bamboo flooring, it is important to know that not all bamboo is equal. Nor is all bamboo processing equal. Some discount or wholesale companies are already selling immaturely cut bamboo for bamboo flooring. The result is low-quality, cheap bamboo flooring that won?t last. Timing is also important in processing bamboo. If it is not treated within three days after it has been cut, the bamboo can easily mold, making the resulting flooring look bland and dull. Be sure to confirm that the wholesaler you deal with is knowledgeable and can assure that their bamboo and processing methods are of high quality.

By: Marcus Peterson

About the Author: Bamboo Flooring provides detailed information about bamboo laminate flooring, discount bamboo flooring, installation, suppliers, and more. For more information go to http://www.e-bambooflooring.com and/or visit its sister site at http://www.i-hardwood-floors.com. for related information.