Bamboo wood has been gaining popularity in recent times in the field of construction and renovation. In addition to having unique aesthetic qualities, bamboo presents some interesting ecological characteristics as this natural wood is very durable and renewable.
Thus, bamboo flooring, which has recently appeared on the floor covering market, is increasingly sought after by Quebec consumers, particularly in FSC-certified versions and/or without formaldehyde glue.
Thanks to its very hard, dense, and durable fiber, bamboo flooring offers high resistance to moisture without chemical treatments, is very easy to maintain, while offering excellent value for money in the hardwood flooring market.
Certainly, bamboo offers many advantages, but it’s important to ask yourself a few questions before choosing it.
Bamboo: a healthy choice!
It’s a plant in the grass family that grows abundantly in Asia. Only five years are needed for this plant to reach maturity, which is much faster than a tree. Known for being ecological due to its rapid growth and renewal, bamboo has gained many followers in recent years. Several bamboo-derived products have emerged, particularly among kitchen accessories, clothing, and floor coverings.
A stylish flooring
Bamboo flooring has already won over many with its different textures and colors, ranging from blonde to brown to amber. Offering a contemporary and textured style with its thin planks that form an amalgam of fine and narrow lines, bamboo goes well with clean and minimalist decor.
It’s a material that works well because it’s very stable, solid, and resistant to moisture. In addition to being 13% harder than maple, its price is comparable to that of hardwood. However, since it’s an imported product, there are several quality levels, so it’s better to shop around before making a choice.
Making the environment your priority
Is bamboo really ecological? The answer isn’t completely clear-cut. Bamboo is an interesting alternative. On one hand, its rapid growth allows for efficient renewal of the raw material. On the other hand, bamboo cultivation doesn’t necessarily involve optimal forest management. Bamboo is an invasive plant, so it poses a certain danger to the biodiversity of Chinese forests, where cultivation has intensified due to high demand. That’s why it’s important to know that some stores now offer FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified bamboo, which means the product has been sustainably managed.
The other point to watch out for is formaldehyde, which is often present in the glue used to assemble bamboo strips. Again, some stores ensure that their products don’t contain this harmful chemical to air quality. It’s therefore recommended to check this carefully before buying a bamboo product to maintain a healthy environment inside your home.
A final drawback is added to the ecological claim of bamboo: transportation. Indeed, since this material comes from Asia, it must make a long journey before arriving here to decorate our homes. This transport causes greenhouse gas emissions that are harmful to the environment. Fortunately, there are suppliers who are aware of this and who offset these greenhouse gas emissions by partnering with various pro-environmental projects.
In short, as an informed consumer, choose a supplier that offers FSC-certified products, renounces formaldehyde, and adopts a carbon-neutral policy to fight against the greenhouse effect. This way, you can enjoy the originality of bamboo in your home with peace of mind!
