What Makes Strand Woven Bamboo
a Green Flooring Alternative?

The rate at which old-growth forests are diminishing in the world today is alarming. More than four million acres of forests disappear from the earth each month. Combined with the fact that a tree harvested for use in the hardwood floor market takes over sixty years to replace, it is evident, from an ecological standpoint, that we cannot continue using traditional hardwoods any longer. Comparing the rate of regeneration of a hardwood tree to that of a sixty foot Bamboo plant is staggering ? the Bamboo will replenish in less than two months. Bamboo is widely recognized throughout the world as one of the fasting growing plants. Rate of regeneration aside, Bamboo plots have the additional advantage of being more environmentally friendly than hardwood plots.

Bamboo is known to produce around 30% more oxygen to the atmosphere than a comparable stand of hardwood trees. Ecologists hail this fact as an elegant way to combat the effects of global warming, and reduce the overall atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide. In addition, the Bamboo plant?s root structure is well known for its abilities to combat soil erosion. Because of its quick growing nature, it is effective at restoring soil that has been degraded through poor management. It does this through its abundant production of biomass, which is added back to the soil to provide the necessary nutrients that will improve the overall soil quality. Furthermore, its massive root structure is excellent at providing a natural barrier to runoff and water. This has the effect of significantly reducing runoff and soil erosion, while providing a greater availability of water within the watershed area. Also impressive is the fact that when Bamboo is selectively harvested (rather than clear cut), it will quickly regenerate itself, without needing a replant of new Bamboo plants.

When harvested properly, part of the Bamboo plant is left behind, preserving the majority of vital topsoil so that it can continue to be nourished and maintained by the Bamboo plant. On the other hand, when a lumber tree plot is harvested, it takes many decades for the trees to regenerate. During that time, the lack of mature trees in the area results in a severe deterioration in oxygen production. Additionally, the soil in the area is left exposed, leaving it more susceptible to soil erosion and degradation. This negative environmental impact is striking, especially in comparison to a site of Bamboo farming ? it is clear that Bamboo is a far more sustainable resource. The choice is obvious: if you are looking for a natural wood flooring, Strand Woven Bamboo is the green alternative. Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring, as well as other types of Bamboo, has been touted as an ecologically sound alternative to hardwood floors.

How to care for your Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring

Keeping your Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring clean is important for the long term maintenance and protection of your investment. Regular cleaning is important, and regular maintenance should be done on a weekly schedule. Accidents and mishaps should be addressed as soon as possible. Cleaning your floor is a simple process, and is very similar to the process of maintaining hardwood floors.

Tools You Need to Clean Strand Bamboo Floors:

Dust Mop ? A dust mop is the best choice for regular sweeping. It is best if the dust mop is specifically only used indoors and on your Bamboo flooring. In this way you can keep away as much dirt and grit as possible to reduce the risk of marring or scratching the surface of your Bamboo floor.

Soft Bristle Broom ? For regular sweeping, this is an alternative option to a dust mop. You will want to avoid stiff bristles, as these can scratch the floor. Again, make sure that the broom is not used outdoors. Clean out the bristles regularly to keep dirt and grit away from the floor.

Soft Cloths or Mop ? Bamboo floors need to be kept dry at all times or they are susceptible to warping. Keep some soft rags or a mop on hand to clean up any spills as soon as possible. Don?t let any type of liquid, even floor cleaners, lie on the floor for any length of time. Doing so could cause problems like staining, and possibly swelling or warping of the Bamboo. This can lead to costly repairs.

Wet Mopping and Bamboo Floor Cleaner ? When it is time to give your Strand Bamboo a more thorough cleaning, a microfiber wet mop is the best choice. Whatever type of mop that you choose, make sure that it does not have any abrasive surfaces (like those dual sponge mops that have a green ?scrubby? side). Whenever possible, choose a floor cleaner that is specifically formulated for Bamboo floors. If none are available, use a water-soluble Hardwood Floor Cleaner (available at Amazon.com).

Do not use ammonia based products or strong chemicals on Bamboo floors, as this can damage the surface and potentially discolour the floor. When you mop, only wet a small area of the floor ? do not dump large amounts of water or cleaner onto the floor like one does with linoleum. You will want to avoid large amounts of water on the floor as much as possible, as this will warp the flooring.

Do not use wax products to clean Bamboo flooring. The wax will build up over time, trap small particles of dirt, and generally create a maintenance headache in the long run.

Brightfields Natural Trading Company South Africa offer the following: Bamboo Flooring, Bamboo Products, Bamboo farming, Bamboo Kitchens,
Bamboo Solid Boards, Bamboo Cladding, Coconut Palm Wood Decking, Sisal & Seagrass Flooring, Bamboo Furniture