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Paul T Chavez, Qualifying Broker

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Earth Origins Realty LLC
PO Box 7146
Albuquerque, NM 87194




Sustainable. Home. Community. Albuquerque EcoBroker & NM Green Builder

Green Building Materials: Bamboo Flooring

Technology Snapshot and Benefits

Bamboo flooring can be a cost-effective, sustainable,  and environmentally sensitive choice among traditional hardwood flooring options. An appealing building material, it is very durable, strong and long-lasting. Bamboo, a grass product and not a wood product, is harvested every 5 years without damaging the actual bamboo plant, and does not require pesticides due to its hardiness. It comes in five different types of flooring: natural, carbonized, vertical, horizontal graining, and what is termed either strand or woven bamboo. The United States Green Building Council's LEED program recognizes bamboo flooring as a green building material and permits points for the use of this flooring.

Estimated Cost Savings

The pricing of bamboo flooring is comparable, if not less expensive, to the pricing of hardwood flooring.

Issues

Verify the age of the bamboo. Often bamboo that has not had adequate time to harden (up to six years), will dent more easily. Avoid denting by checking with the manufacturer on the age of the bamboo.   Also consider its finishing system.  Find out how much it off gasses.  Be aware that not all bamboo floors are VOC-free or even low-VOC, as some bamboo floors contain carcinogenic chemicals.Another question to consider is what sort of harvesting and labor practices does a particular bamboo flooring company have, specifically as it relates to workers rights / pay and protecting the homes of panda bears and the environment.  Does the company contribute to deforestation as compared to sustainable harvesting and replanting practices?

 


Albuquerque Specific Issues

Shrinking and the appearance of gaps can appear in extremely dry climates, like Albuquerque other NM communities, if the bamboo flooring does not have time to acclimatize. Consult your local supplier for regional climate information.  Consider using strand or woven bamboo flooring due to its higher density and stability over the horizontal or vertical options.  


Installing Bamboo Floors

Bamboo flooring is installed in a similar method to hardwood floors. The flooring will need to be acclimatized to the appropriate conditions before it is installed to avoid any potential damage. The planking can be glued, nailed, or stapled. Work with experienced contractors who specialize in the use of bamboo flooring to ensure beautiful, long lasting floors.  If your home has radiant floor heating, make sure the bamboo flooring company warranties their product when installing over such a system.


Other Bamboo Alternatives

Other great bamboo products out there include bamboo plywood, paneling, poles, fencing, edging, and rugs.  You can even find clothing and cloth diapers made from bamboo, too! 

 Much of this information comes from www.ecobroker.com. 


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