Bamboo Flooring - Decorating Ideas

By Corie Harkness

The current trend in flooring right now is the use of bamboo. Why? Because bamboo flooring is an environmentally safe resource that gives off the sleek, sophisticated look of classic hardwood floors. As with regular wood floors, bamboo is versatile and can achieve that finished look in any living space.
If elegance is what you want your room to convey, then vertical, carbonized bamboo in a walnut, espresso or even a cherry hue is what you need. Bamboo flooring is cut either vertical or horizontally. Vertical lines are finer and cleaner, and grains are less noticeable. Use horizontal cuts for a more rugged appearance.
For a more natural look, use unfinished bamboo. It is blonde in color and would look fantastic in a smaller or dimly lit room, making the space appear bigger and more airy. If cut horizontally, the unique grains will stand out. Of course, you can buy bamboo flooring in any natural shade. You can even have a parquet design with bamboo flooring. In its natural or carbonized shade, which is a rich, honey brown, bamboo floors will give a polished look to your living space.
Durability with this type of flooring is a big plus. Bamboo is highly dent-resistant and, with general care and maintenance, it will last a long time. Also, don't forget that bamboo flooring can be used anywhere in the home, even on stairways.
Remember, the direction in which you lay the floor is also important. Make sure you have all planks and slats facing in one general direction and don't falter from the plans. If you are laying the floor vertically, then stick with that. Have a visual picture in your mind of what you want the floor to look like when it's done. This way, you can't go wrong and you'll soon be standing on the beautiful floor you have always wanted!