I'm keen on using bamboo flooring in our house rather than hardwood because of it's sustainability and am concerned about using products that are less harmful to the environment.

Considering bamboo is a more sustainable source yet it has to be transported from the other side of the world, what will have less of an environmental impact, bamboo or hardwood flooring?

However also considering this, where does most hardwood flooring come from?

Furthermore, is bamboo flooring suitable to be used in conjunction with wet underfloor heating (as opposed to electric)?
Pocketdragon:
"bamboo it looks better and it a sustainable plant which means ur damagin the environment to use it."

Haven't you contradicted yourself there? Bamboo is a grass which has speedy growth and it can be very evasive making it difficult to cause it to go into decline.

There is one drawback to bamboo. The demand is outpacing the sources and new lands are being developed. The problem - they are cutting down hardwood forests (some old forests) to grow more bamboo. Although it may not mean much, there are certification labels for bamboo that indicates sustainability. It costs more, but if you are concerned that is one way to go.

Discount flooring can be a great way to get a new or older home renovated quickly and affordably. Although discount flooring used to mean substandard materials that looked poor, there are materials available lately that maintain both aesthetic appeal and durability. Hardwood flooring and expensive carpeting are not a requirement to realize a great looking design anymore. There are a number of manufacturers out there today that can supply quality flooring at a very low price.

For some of the greatest residential flooring on the market, look to suppliers that sell vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is a revolutionary product that makes quality affordable. Both very affordable and flexible, vinyl flooring can work in almost all environments while providing a great looking surface. Vinyl flooring has been in use in the commercial sector for many years because of its incredible durability. Floors with a high degree of traffic require durable flooring that is easy to maintain. Vinyl flooring provides the quality and durability required to survive tough commercial environments.

Vinyl flooring is highly resistant to moisture and stains. Pressure sealed against water damage, vinyl flooring is vulnerable neither from the top nor the subfloor. The pressure sealed flooring will not absorb stains either, and as long as the spill is taken care of quickly, it should leave no mark. When vinyl flooring loses its luster, it can be easily restored with a buffing or refinishing of the surface. This is an extremely simple surface to care for, and does not require the high level of maintenance seen with hardwoods.

Wood flooring can be very appealing, but it is also difficult to care for and costly. Wood flooring can bow or buckle with water damage and moisture exposure. The flooring is also vulnerable to expansion and contraction as time passes, eventually leading to cracks in the surface.

Vinyl flooring does not have these upkeep issues, and with its interlocking tile system, damaged tiles can be very simply removed and replaced.

Carpet can sometimes be an affordable solution, but it is also prone to suffering damage over time. Moisture and stains can be absorbed into the surface, causing the surface to become dingy. Carpets can also be damaged by abrasion as time passes, becoming frayed and torn in places.

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Cork flooring has seen a boom in popularity in the residential flooring market, providing both durability and comfort. Although a somewhat expensive avenue when it comes to flooring, cork has many advantages that make it a great investment. Cork is harvested from cork trees in several Mediterranean countries, and the trees only yield a crop once every nine years. This creates a limited supply for a material in high demand. Cork flooring is about the same in expense to ceramic tile. The many advantages of a cork floor, however, make cork an attractive option.

As the main defensive mechanism of ages old trees, cork has natural properties that make it resistant to moisture, insects, and abrasion. Cork is also comprised of over 90% air, allowing it to take shocks gently, while also quickly coming back to its former form. This ability gives cork flooring excellent durability, allowing it to cushion those standing on it while also maintaining stability. As tree bark, cork flooring is also very resistant to moisture. Unlike a normal hardwood floor that may lose its shape when wet for extended periods, cork flooring can maintain its shape without cracking. Easy maintenance and clean up of spills will keep cork flooring in prime condition for many years.

A cork floor will retain its beautiful finish for several years, given simple maintenance such as sweeping and mopping. Suberin, a natural compound within cork, works to keep the cork intact. Suberin is also fire resistant, and does not emit any toxic emissions when burnt. The soft air containing structure of the cork also provides great noise cancellation, absorbing noise instead of reflecting it as hardwood is prone to do.

With little maintenance, cork floors are known to keep for many years, as it has in public buildings for a long time. As cork flooring has become more and more popular, the styles available have also grown. Cork flooring today can be ordered in a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns. Cork flooring can usually be installed by either gluing down sections, or using interlocking sections called a “floating floor.” Interlocking panels are a little more expensive, but will cut down on the associated installation expenses, as well as improved general durability. Cork flooring is a excellent alternative to hardwood, and is found today in many affordable styles.

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Bamboo flooring provides another avenue for those looking for something other than hardwood.  Growing in popularity as an alternative, bamboo flooring has many attractive features that make it a viable option for modern homeowners.  Although harvested primarily in China, bamboo flooring can now be found easily in both European and North American markets.  Many early adopters of bamboo flooring point out its environmental friendliness.  The bamboo plant regrows within a few seasons and can be harvested repeatedly without permanent damage.  In fact, the bamboo plant is considered a grass, as it grows much quicker than any tree.  When done responsibly, bamboo plant harvesting can be done without causing any permanent damage.

How does bamboo flooring compare with traditional hardwoods?  High quality bamboo flooring provides a tougher surface than even the rarest and most expensive hardwoods.  Moisture is also less of a problem for bamboo flooring.  Where traditional hardwood may buckle and crack due to water exposure, bamboo flooring can absorb the moisture without a problem.  Bamboo flooring is engineered like a laminate and treated under extremely high pressure with a high quality adhesive.  This makes bamboo flooring very resistant to abrasions and scratches, where less treated hardwood floors may show scratches after a while.  Bamboo flooring has become significantly more affordable in the past few years as well.

Best of all, bamboo flooring can typically be installed at home without any professional assistance.  Like many of the newer hardwoods, bamboo flooring is produced with a tongue and groove construction, making them considerably easier to install.  Before installing a bamboo floor, allow the planks sit in their new environment for no less than 72 hours.  Although bamboo flooring is very resistant to moisture, they do need some time to adjust to the new environment before installation.

What steps need to be taken in order to provide upkeep for a bamboo floor?  Upkeep requirements are fairly easy for bamboo flooring.  Make certain to sweep and mop the floor after it is laid down.  Regular dusting and sweeping should be done after installation.  This will prevent a build up of dust that can dull the finish.  A mat used at the entrance way will keep out a great deal of dust and dirt.  Dirt and small rocks will end up damaging the finish, and a mat can do a great deal to prevent this problem.

For more information about discount laminate flooring and an updated version of bamboo flooring pros and cons check out flooring options.

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