Every part of your home is supposed to work as one. No matter how different they are, that unity can make a huge difference. If you are unsure whether to install bamboo floors or hardwood floors, then it is time to learn more. This spring can be a tremendously transformative time for your home’s floors!
The Quality
Let’s start by examining some differences in the quality of the wood. In the end, the quality of the wood is the tiebreaker when you are trying to decide which one you should choose. Rating different styles of flooring isn’t always an exact science – case in point – bamboo does not have one. That can make selecting the best bamboo flooring you can more complicated than it needs to be. Because of this factoid, you must work with reputable dealers that you know you can trust, because replacing your old floors with new ones represents an enormous investment.
On the contrary, hardwood flooring does have an organized rating system. This scale is created and supervised by the National Wood Flooring Association, or NWFA. Other groups are also involved in this process, but the NWFA is the most prominent. Various types of woods are assigned individual ratings according to the following factors:
- Size
- Quality
- Hardness
- Evenness
- Resistance to moisture
The Durability
The next element in the selection process is to consider the durability of both types of flooring. Hardwood is assembled from some of the hardest woods on the planet, such as cherry, hickory, and oak. This gradient is measured by what is called the Janka hardness rating scale. The top score is 3,500. Cherry scored 950, and red oak scored 1,220. That is not to say that bamboo gets left behind or excluded. It scores around 1,762 on that scale. Many people think that bamboo is wood, but that is a misconception – it is a type of grass. Although it feels like hardwood, it is a highly similar alternative. Unfortunately, it loses some of its hardness when it undergoes treatment during the conversion process to floorboards.
Environmental Concerns
Finally, let’s look at the environmental concerns surrounding the type of floors that you would like to have. Since hardwood and bamboo are both biodegradable, it doesn’t lead to more waste, which is excellent news for homeowners who wish to be more eco-friendly.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? Trust John K Eareckson & Co.
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information, visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.