Carbonized Bamboo
Flooring
Carbonized bamboo
flooring is a kind of flooring with carbonized
finishing, which creates a dark amber shade on the surface
similar to the color of young teak. Typically, a bamboo floor is available in
two colors: natural and carbonized or caramelized.
Carbonized bamboo flooring is made
through a process called carbonization. The longer the process,
the darker the bamboo flooring will be. Dark color on the
bamboo flooring is acquired when bamboo undergoes pressure
heating. During pressure heating, the sugar contents in the
fiber darken and create a coffee-colored tone on the surface.
However, this pressurized heating may also weaken the bamboo
flooring from 20% to 30%.
The Process of Carbonizing
Bamboo Flooring
If the freshly cut bamboo strips are carbonized within two
hours and are not exposed to treatment with boiling water,
the flooring gains 8% more hardness. Boiling water
treatment is, however, used in the regular carbonization
process.
Carbonized bamboo flooring is available in two varieties:
vertical carbonized bamboo flooring and horizontal carbonized
bamboo flooring. The difference is the alignment of the bamboo
strips.
Carbonized bamboo flooring should not used in
places with heavy traffic such as shopping complexes or office
buildings. This type of flooring is best used in residential
buildings. Mishandling of this flooring can cause scratches and
denting on the surface. Proper and timely maintenance is
required for carbonized bamboo flooring. The finish applied to
the surface of the floor has to be durable and capable of
protecting the flooring from scratches and other damages. All
edges must be sealed so that moisture does not accumulate
beneath the flooring. It is ideal if the room moisture level
can be maintained using a dehumidifier or humidifier.
Rates for installation of carbonized bamboo
flooring are similar to that of common hardwood
floors but will vary from one region to another. At the end of
the day, if you are going to go with carbonized bamboo
flooring, even though the cost may be similar to regular
hardwood floors, the eco-friendly factor still remains.
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