In today’s world green building design and the use of green building materials are of high concern in our decorating considerations. Since early man, bamboo eco was there even before the term “green building” was coined. Not only has bamboo provided for warmth and tools for centuries it has also been used in construction of housing for both men and beast.
Bamboo has a lot of applications in Asian countries and has been used in China for over 5000 years. In 265-316 A.D in the Jin Dynasty a special book on bamboo was written with many of China’s bamboo species recorded in detail. In China, artisan products have been made with bamboo for ages: from chopsticks and kitchen utensils to musical instruments, from scaffolding to house structures. In the last decades bamboo also found an industrial application. Bamboo panels are the most recent industrial applications. This makes bamboo a new eco source for the furniture industry and green interior builders.
It was not until about 1990 that engineered bamboo flooring was introduced to the U.S. market. At first people were intrigued by its beauty but for many this was an untested product and they were not quite ready to be among the first to have it installed on their own floor. Over the past 20 years the U.S. market for bamboo has shown significant growth as more and more individuals have come to recognize bamboo not only as an attractive floor but also a very eco friendly floor.
While engineered bamboo is a relatively new addition to the wood flooring market it has experienced a continuing increase in sales. Bamboo which is actually a grass instead of a wood has proven itself to be an environmentally friendly product. It rejuvenates itself to full maturity in 4 to 5 years. It has good hardness qualities, offers a unique distinctive pattern, good coloration and is installed and maintained the same way as hardwood. Yes this eco friendly floor appears hear to stay.
About Terry Weinheimer