Carbonized or Natural Bamboo: Which to Pick?
Choosing the right type of flooring can make or break the look and feel of your home. If you're eyeing bamboo flooring, you are in the right place.
We'll dig deep into the differences between carbonized and natural bamboo flooring to help you make an informed choice.
| Features | Carbonized Bamboo Flooring | Natural Bamboo Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Dark, rich, wooden color | Light, airy, straw-like color |
| Waterproof | No | Yes |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Durability | Less durable | More durable |
| Best Locations for Installation | Living rooms, dining rooms, hallways | Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, hallways |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Maintenance | Higher | Lower |
| Tolerance to Humidity | Low | High |
| Resale Value Impact | Higher | Lower |
| Versatility in Home Decor | Easier to match | Might require specific color schemes |
| Lifespan | 20-25 years (with proper maintenance) | 20-25 years (with less maintenance) |
| Weight Tolerance | Lower (can dent under heavy furniture) | Higher |
Why Choose Bamboo Flooring?
Contents
First off, bamboo is not wood; it's grass. But don't be fooled! It's tough, beautiful, and comes at a lower cost than traditional hardwood. Best of all, it's eco-friendly. While oak trees take over 50 years to be ready for harvest, bamboo only needs about 5 years. Isn't that awesome?
Natural bamboo is lighter in color, like a lemon. It's strong and looks amazing in kitchens and bathrooms.
How is Natural Bamboo Made?
First, bamboo is cut and cleaned. Then, it's boiled to get rid of any bugs or starch.
The process is mostly the same as carbonizing bamboo. But it's not smoked, so it keeps its light color and stays strong.
What is Carbonized Bamboo Flooring?
Carbonized bamboo flooring is dark and rich, just like coffee. It's great for living rooms and dining areas. But how do we get from green bamboo to this stylish flooring?
How Is Carbonized Bamboo Made?
After that, it's smoked and steamed to get that dark, rich color. But there's a catch—this process makes it a little softer.
Carbonized vs Natural: Key Differences
Here's a quick summary for you:
- Color: Carbonized is dark; natural is light.
- Waterproof: Carbonized isn't, but natural is.
- Durability: Nature wins here.
- Best for: Carbonized is good for living spaces; natural is more versatile.
- Cost: Carbonized is a bit more expensive.
Benefits of Carbonized Bamboo Flooring
- Matches any home decor.
- Hides dirt, so you clean less.
- Could make your home worth more.
- Easy to fix if it gets damaged.
Disadvantages of Carbonized Bamboo
- Not as tough as natural bamboo.
- Can get dents easily.
- Can't handle water or humidity well.
- Needs more care.
- Costs more money.
Benefits of Natural Bamboo Flooring
- It's cheaper.
- Very strong and durable.
- Works well in wet and humid areas.
- Doesn’t need much maintenance.
Disadvantages of Natural Bamboo
- Shows dirt easily.
- Might not match all home decor.
Which One Should You Choose?
Well, it all comes down to what you need. If you're looking for a floor that can handle water and heavy furniture, go natural. But if you want something that's easy to match with your current decor and don’t mind a bit of extra care, carbonized could be the way to go.
FAQs
Is Carbonized Bamboo Waterproof?
No, it's not. Keep it away from water and wet areas.
What Does Carbonized Mean?
It means the bamboo was smoked and steamed for a long time to get that dark color.
Is Bamboo Flooring Lighter Than Wood?
Yes, it usually is.
Both carbonized and natural bamboo have their pros and cons. Your choice depends on where you want to install the flooring, your home's look, and how much effort you want to put into maintenance.
Hi there, I’m Sam Billings, and I’m all about sustainability. Running a printing business is my thing, but my real passion is preserving nature. That’s why I run the Live Health blog, where I focus on Bamboo plants and their eco-friendly goodness.
