Description
Although many characteristics of bamboo are similar to those of hardwoods, bamboo is not a wood but a grass, with remarkable characteristics of its own. Bamboo regenerates naturally from its root system (like a lawn) and is the fastest growing canopy for the re-greening of degraded lands. The bamboo specie used for flooring is harvested every 4 – 8 years, is not a food source or habitat for pandas, and releases 35% more oxygen than the equivalent stands of trees. To make flooring, the wall of the hollow bamboo stalk is cut and milled into long thin rectangular strips, then treated with a non-toxic boric acid and lime solution (as a pest deterrent). After the strips are dried, they are glued together with heat and pressure to create a multi-strip board. The bamboo is then milled into tongue-and-groove planks. When those strips are arranged vertically (as shown), it takes on a “pinstripe” appearance. When those strips are arranged horizontally, they are wider and show the bamboo “knuckles”. The flooring is the natural color of bamboo, milled with microbevels and a smooth surface. Limited variations in color are allowed. It is suitable for above-grade installations, and can be nailed, or glued with the appropriate mastic.