Choosing the right Bamboo Flooring for your home Article
Bamboo Connection

Often customers ask “What is the difference, if any, between horizontal, vertical and compressed flooring?”. There is a very big difference and knowing this can be crucial in determining the right type of flooring that suits your home or your preferences.

We classify our bamboo flooring into two categories: the horizontal/vertical range and the compressed range. The horizontal/vertical range are made similarly while compressed bamboo flooring is made through a different process.

For horizontal/vertical floorboards, the bamboo is cut into individual long strips. Horizontal boards are made of bamboo strips processed together with their widest side facing up hence the name “horizontal”. Where the strips join is where it creates grains that mimic those found on bamboo stalks. It is a very aesthetically pleasing look. Horizontal flooring has three layers, and it increases strength and durability of the board. However, if you do not like the look of these grains then customers tend to choose the vertical range. Here, the strips are processed into one single solid layer with the narrowest side facing up, hence the name “vertical”. Vertical floorboards create a liner pattern that will accentuate any modern looking home.

The compressed flooring is processed differently. Instead of slicing bamboo into strips, it is shredded and processed together in a 2000 tonne press. This makes the floorboards extremely dense (over 1.15g/cm3) and strong. It is no mystery why it is ranked among the hardest species of hardwood flooring.

Now that background information is known it is then time to assess conditions of your home and the people living in it. Do you live with in door pets or young children? Do you want bamboo flooring for your accident-prone kitchen, bedroom or quiet living room? What about your price range? Are you a senior and require flooring that is easy on the joints?

For homes with young children and/or pets or for areas that are accident prone we recommend the compressed range due to its strength and hardness. It is more able to withstand scratching, denting or marks. However for such a high quality product there is a greater cost.

If you have weak joints and want a more comfortable surface to walk on, or perhaps are sick of the hardwood flooring look and want a more unique floor covering, then the horizontal/vertical range is perfect for you. It may fall short in terms of strength, but makes up for in terms of aesthetical appearance and comfort.

This should not however deter you from each of these products. If you have young children but prefer horizontal flooring then there is no reason why it would be a lesser option. Bamboo flooring, no matter what type will provide a stunning and unique addition to your home. At Bamboo Connection we provide the highest quality of bamboo flooring possible. Visit us at our showroom or email us for advice or questions you may have.

Visit Bamboo Connection Website