So how does bamboo flooring compare to laminate flooring? In short, to make a fair comparison of alternative flooring products, the following points should be considered:
-Resistance to moisture absorption
-Maintenance requirements
-Ease of installation
-Cost
-Environmental friendliness
Moisture absorption
Good composites absorb almost no moisture. Bamboo absorbs moisture in the same way as wood.
Maintenance required.
Good composites need to be cleaned regularly, as do materials that are used outdoors for long periods of time. However, according to most manufacturers’ instructions, bamboo flooring should be oiled or stained several times. Most bamboo flooring is smooth and can become slippery if mold develops on it.
Easy to install.
High-quality laminate flooring utilizes a hidden fastening system that greatly reduces installation time compared to traditional flooring. Bamboo flooring, on the other hand, requires traditional installation techniques. Bamboo flooring’s hidden fasteners must be driven into the sides of the planks or pre-drilled. Neither method effectively stands the test of time.
Cost.
The cost of quality composite wood is similar to bamboo flooring materials. Well-designed composite wood flooring takes less time to install than bamboo flooring and requires less maintenance over its lifetime. For a more detailed cost comparison, click here.
Environmentally Friendly.
There is a clear “greening” trend in the composite decking industry, with composite decking made from polyvinyl chloride or virgin plastics being touted as environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is important to choose your composite brand carefully.
Eco-friendly composites are made from recycled plastics and recycled wood fibers that require little processing to convert into usable form. Bamboo is often touted as an eco-friendly material, but there are some issues to consider. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) (formaldehyde and other chemicals) levels often vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and can be a serious problem for people with allergies and respiratory problems. The delicate processing required to produce bamboo flooring requires the use of unsafe chemicals and large amounts of electricity, making the environmental friendliness of bamboo flooring questionable. Bamboo flooring may be “green” but it is not truly green.
General information about bamboo flooring
Bamboo flooring is made by cutting woven bamboo fibers into strips, boiling them in boric acid (to remove sugars and prevent insect infestation), bleaching, carbonizing and drying to preserve the fibers. The bamboo strips are then assembled and bonded together with formaldehyde glue/resin at 1200 tons of PSI. Much depends on the fracture resistance of the bonding resin. They are then baked in molds to make strong bamboo blocks. The bamboo is then chopped up in a laser-guided machine for the curing stage.
Glueing the bamboo to the laminate will make it more prone to peeling, sagging and twisting, depending on the orientation of the laminate. It should be kept dry before laying and avoid water to prevent swelling and curling.
Unlike laminate flooring, bamboo flooring has few standards due to its short production time. The photos below show bamboo flooring that developed problems less than 18 months after installation. These photos show one of three layers of flooring.
The planks have severely deteriorated, peeled and swelled (especially around the edges of the planks). The pre-finished surface had deteriorated badly and moisture had caused the planks to deteriorate. According to the homeowner, the deck is in very good condition compared to the winter. The white patina between the boards is drying fungus that thrives in the winter. This type of decking has been removed and replaced with eco-friendly decking.
Bamboo Decking vs. Composite Decking
Now that you know the difference between bamboo decking boards and composite decking boards, it’s time to compare the two. But what about the popularity of each material? Bamboo decking boards are growing in popularity, but not everyone is convinced that this material is a viable alternative to composite decking boards or composite decking boards.
The natural look and durability of bamboo decking are the main reasons for its popularity. Whether indoors or outdoors, bamboo decking looks natural. Combined indoor and outdoor use is the main advantage of bamboo decking. Bamboo decking has excellent stability, can be kept clean after laying, and will remain in good condition for many years with proper care. Bamboo decking has a warm look and a natural feel.
On the other hand, wood-plastic composite decking has gained popularity in the industry since its introduction. As a versatile, beautiful and affordable material, it’s hard to see the downside at a glance. Combining the benefits of wood and plastic, composite decking requires minimal maintenance to ensure a durable floor that will stand the test of time. Like bamboo flooring, laminate flooring can be used both indoors and outdoors, creating a seamless transition between rooms. Compared to bamboo flooring, laminate flooring is less prone to weathering and can be used in high humidity areas. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this type of flooring will remain popular for years to come.
But what if bamboo flooring could take advantage of both?
Both bamboo and composite decking materials offer significant benefits to homeowners and professionals, so the question arises, can these two products be combined to provide the end user with the best of both worlds? Laminate flooring is long-lasting and easy to maintain, and bamboo has a natural look.
Laminate flooring is versatile because it has the look of natural wood with fewer restrictions. This means you get the same beautiful finish, the same interior and exterior flow, and the same strength and durability as bamboo. The biggest advantage? You may not be able to tell that the flooring you’re installing isn’t real bamboo flooring. It looks good, doesn’t it?