Bamboo has been around for a long, long time and it's uses have been wide and varied. From ancient times right through to modern day, bamboo has fascinated people with it's versatility.

From flooring to window shades; from fishing rods and clothing - bamboo amazes with it's varied and wide range of uses. A case study close to home: my neighbor decided he wanted to create some extra privacy to his home when an apartment development bordered his property. I suggested a row of bamboo along his fence line and he took my advice. Within a few short months, he had a thriving hedge of bamboo plants creating the privacy he was after. Problem solved.

Bamboo - A Way Of Life In Some Cultures

In many parts of the world bamboo provides the raw materials in people's day-to-day lives. These days, industry is also making use of bamboo, particularly in the construction area; house-frames, walls and roofs... you name it and bamboo can more than likely be adapted to it. What about music? Bamboo instruments have been making music right around the world; flutes, fiddles and drums, just to name three.

Some bamboo variety can shoot to 35 to 40 meters in height making them the largest grass species in the world. Some varieties will spring to just a half a meter but short or high, they produce woody perennial stems, a key to their much sought after use.

Bamboo Flooring

In recent years, western society has taken a shine to bamboo flooring. Providing a great finish and known for it's tough qualities, bamboo flooring has rapidly gained popularity during the past decade.

The use of bamboo flooring is catching the attention of environmentalists as an alternative to hardwoods. As a member of the grass family, its rate of growth is faster than most hardwood trees and is seen as a renewable resource. Additionally, the glues used to hold the layers of bamboo flooring together lacks many of the petroleum products used in most laminate flooring, making the materials biodegradable.

In addition to the strength and durability of bamboo flooring it is also being promoted as being more resistant to insects such as termites, which for some reason are not naturally attracted to this grassy growth.

Window Shades & Blinds

Window shades and window blinds; fishing equipment; food; decorative items such as mats and baskets and fashion. We haven't even scratched the surface.

Bamboo blinds have been around for a long, long time. You have probably seen these blinds before they became chic, bamboo matchsticks strung together horizontally, hanging on the outside of a home to shade a southern or western facing window.

Today's bamboo blinds have a modern twist. Modern technology flattens the bamboo canes and provides great uniformity in the width and shape of each individual can that is used to make up the blind. In addition, these natural window coverings are lined with light filtering fabrics and room darkening fabrics.

Bamboogalore.com will form part of your bamboo library with information and resources on this hardy plant and if you don't find the information your looking for here, then we can point you in the right direction to find the answers your looking for elsewhere.

	Natural Bamboo Step Mat, Dark Wood Sale Price: $11.41 Average Rating:
	Natural Bamboo floor mat 21" x 34"~ Dark wood. Water resistant with matching fabric border and backing.

	Cook-N-Home 15-Piece Bamboo Tool-In-A-Tub Set Sale Price: $28.99 Average Rating:
	15 piece bamboo tool in a TUB includes 13 inch medium spatula,13 inch ladle ,13 inch salad fork and 13 inch solid turner,13 inch solid salad and 13 inch slotted turner,13 inch bamboo whisk and 13 inch salad fork,13 inch slotted spoon and slotted salad,13 and pastry brush spoon,13 and bamboo meat tenderizer and bamboo crock

	Totally Bamboo 20-7920 3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set Sale Price: $19.85 Average Rating:
	The 3-piece bamboo cutting board set includes three cutting boards. Boards measure 9 by 6 by 3/8-inch, 12 by 8-3/4 by 3/8-inch and 15 by 12 by 3/8-inch. Don't be caught again without an extra cutting board...

	25 GIANT MOSO BAMBOO SEEDS Sale Price: $3.99 Average Rating:
	The leaves are smaller than those of many other bamboos and present a pleasant contrast to the massive culms. Moso bamboo pole stalks are considered among the largest and most beautiful, growing to a diameter from 3 to 7 inches and towering to 80 feet in tropical areas...

	10 Stalks Of 6 Inch Straight Lucky Bamboo For Feng Shui Or Gifts Sale Price: $4.99 Average Rating:
	In Asia, Lucky Bamboo is one of the most popular gift items people give away for all occasions, like wedding, house warming, business opening, Christmas, new year, birthday, anniversary, etc. And it is also a great touch when you decorate your house or office since they don't need any sunlight...

	9GreenBox - Live Spiral 3 Style Lucky Bamboo Plant Arrangement with Ceramic Vase Brown Sale Price: $22.99 Average Rating:
	We're selling one of this rare treasure! , The diameter of this plant is about 6"-8" , 8"-10" and 10"-12" tall. Ceramic Vase IS 2.5" IN LENGTH & 5 " WIDE & 5" IN HEIGHT. Please see the picture for the detail look for this Lucky Bamboo...

Decorative Bamboo Charcoal for a Healthful Environment in Your Home and Office Sale Price: $26.95 Average Rating:

Our Bamboo Charcoal is created in a patented process using highly sustainable bamboo from the southern coast of Korea. Some of the extraordinary and healthful benefits include Air and Water Purification, Deodorization, Electromagnetic Shielding, Humidity Regulation, and the Release of Negative Ions and FAR Infrared Radiation, all of which can improve the overall environment in your home and office...

	Totally Bamboo 20-7930 3-Piece Cutting Board Set Sale Price: $12.99 Average Rating:
	This 3-piece bamboo cutting board set includes three cutting boards. Boards measure 6 by 8 by 3/8-inch, 8-1/2 by 11 by 3/8-inch and 9-1/2 by 13 by 3/8-inch. Don't be caught again without an extra cutting board...

	Joyce Chen 10-Inch Bamboo Steamer Set Sale Price: $19.99 Average Rating:
	Joyce Chen opened her first restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1958. She found that the selection and quality of Chinese cookware in America didn't live up to her high standards… so she developed her own...

	Joyce Chen Burnished Bamboo 5-Piece Utensil Set Sale Price: $14.03 Average Rating:
	In today's rapidly changing world, using renewable resources makes sense, even in the kitchen. Joyce Chen's burnished bamboo utensils are not only earth-friendly, but beautiful and practical. Bamboo, a grass, grows quickly to harvestable size and is considered an environmentally-sound replacement for slow-growing trees...

	Dri Tac Solid Wood & Bamboo Floor Repair REPLENISH Pack Sale Price: $69.99
	DriTac Solid Wood & Bamboo Replenish kit is a replenish kit for the Solid Wood & Bamboo Floor Repair Kit. Kit comes with: - 3 Adhesive Cartridges - 4 Mixing Nozzles - 4 Applicator Tips - 2 Wood Dowels - 2 Drill Bits

	DriTac Replenish Pack for Solid Wood and Bamboo Floor Repair Kit Sale Price: $74.99
	DriTac Replenish Pack for Solid Wood and Bamboo Floor Repair Kit Contents: 3 ea. Adhesive Cartridges 4 ea Mising Nozzles 4 ea. Applicator Tips 2 ea. Wood Dowels 2 ea. Drill Bits

	Design Flooring Collection  Solid Bamboo Natural Vertical 3.75 x 5/8
	Design Flooring Collection Natural Vertical Solid Bamboo 3.75 x 5/8 is your choice for a superior flooring job.  While hundreds of companies produce beautiful hardwood floors, this hardwood will be noticed by all for years to come...

	Design Flooring Collection  Solid Bamboo Natural Horizontal 3.75 x 5/8
	Design Flooring Collection Natural Horizontal Solid Bamboo 3.75 x 5/8 is your choice for a superior flooring job.  While hundreds of companies produce beautiful hardwood floors, this hardwood will be noticed by all for years to come...

Bamboo or hardwood flooring & installation in Massachusetts?

I am thinking of having one room done that is approximately 225 square feet. Most of the flooring I see is around $2.97 per square foot. How much is installation? Does anyone know approximately what I should budget for this?

As a contractor in NY I charge 2.25-5.00 per s.f. depending on the level of work needed.

Rug, like the other guy suggested. Maybe when you sell you can throw it in as an extra. Your first mistake was having pets on your nice bamboo floor. I love my pets but they won't be allowed in the house, except when it's below freezing, after I get my floors done.

	Joyce Chen Bamboo Wood Oil, 8 Ounces Sale Price: $6.95 Average Rating:
	An easy way to protect kitchen investments, this bamboo oil from Joyce Chen helps maintain salad sets, cutting boards, and serving bowls made from bamboo. Designed to restore bamboo's natural moisture, color, and beauty, it penetrates surfaces well and can also be used for select hardwoods...

	Natural Bamboo Step Mat, Dark Wood Sale Price: $11.41 Average Rating:
	Natural Bamboo floor mat 21" x 34"~ Dark wood. Water resistant with matching fabric border and backing.

	Ginsey Bamboo Wood Stepout Mat, Chocolate Sale Price: $11.99 Average Rating:
	Ginsey, chocolate, bamboo wood, stepout mat, 21-inch by 34-inch

	Totally Bamboo 20-7920 3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set Sale Price: $19.85 Average Rating:
	The 3-piece bamboo cutting board set includes three cutting boards. Boards measure 9 by 6 by 3/8-inch, 12 by 8-3/4 by 3/8-inch and 15 by 12 by 3/8-inch. Don't be caught again without an extra cutting board...

	Totally Bamboo 8-Ounce Revitalizing Bamboo Oil, Set of 2 Sale Price: $13.95 Average Rating:
	Keep your bamboo and wood products looking brand new. Totally Bamboo has formulated their revitalizing mineral oil to preserve and extend the life of your bamboo cutting board and wood products. Apply a generous amount of revitalizing mineral oil on your cutting board...

	Lipper International Bamboo Wood Salad Bowl Sale Price: $34.99 Average Rating:
	Lipper International has developed a complete line of woodenware products consisting of tableware, salad bowls, storage items, pantryware and home organization items. These collections are continually refined and expanded...

	Natural Bamboo Step Mat, Light Wood Sale Price: $11.75 Average Rating:
	Natural Bamboo floor mat 21" x 34"~ Light wood. Water resistant with matching fabric border and backing.

	3-panel Bamboo Design Wood Shoji Screen / Room Divider Sale Price: $33.07 Average Rating:
	3-Panel Bamboo Design Wood Shoji Screen / Room Divider

	Mountain Woods 15-by-12-Inch Butcher Block Cutting Board Sale Price: $24.95 Average Rating:
	Protect your kitchen counters when chopping and slicing with this butcher block style cutting board. This two-tone striped cutting board is extra thick and extremely durable.

	Totally Bamboo Greenlight Utility Board, Small Sale Price: $9.99 Average Rating:
	Totally Bamboo’s Small Greenlite Utility Board is ultra-lite, super strong, and totally "green"! It is 3/8 of an inch thick, which means that it’s maneuverable and easy to store. It’s also durable; it offers tri-ply, cross laminate construction with a specially formulated high temperature adhesive...

Bamboo wood flooring provides other benefits too such as an aesy on the eye appearance and tough, durable surface. it's extremely competive price wise and comes with extended and healthy warranties in most cases. So how do you choose bamboo wood flooring and where do you get to see it and buy it?

In Search Of Bamboo Wood Flooring

The biggest hurdle facing many shoppers searching for bamboo wood flooring is where buy it. In many cases, there won't be a supplier close by which begs the question...so how do you shop for it? Online of course. The internet has been a boon in many areas of people's lives and shopping is one of them. There are some excellent retailers online and some that require some due diligence. But then, all selling outlets are not created equal.

When arriving at a website, you'll need to determine:

- how long they have been in business
- their reputation, can they be contacted directly which is extremely important ( if no phone   contact move on)
- whether references are available from satisfied customers
- whether they have a showroom base offline.
- can they send you samples including grain styles and colors

Consider These Important Factors Before You Buy Bamboo Wood Flooring

1. Price will play a major part in your overall decision. You'll need to work out your budget and coverage area before searching for your flooring. Prices can vary and beware of cheap imitations. Price can also be determined by the level of coating applied as well as whether the flooring is machine manufactured or hand crafted.

2. Installing bamboo wood flooring can be a little tricky depending on the type of installation you prefer. Floating a floor can be achieved usually with the minimum of fuss by someone with a little handyman knowledge as the product is usually pre prepared however, the more involved process of installing an unfinished product will require the services of an expert installer. Discuss this with your seller.

3. Color needs to be determined well before you even start looking at bamboo wood flooring. If you are giving your home a full renovation then your decor will want to match your floor and vice versa, if you are installing only the floor then it will need to match the home's decor. Obvious but needs to be mentioned! Floor traffic is another aspect to consider when choosing color.

4. Considering the grain of the product is a factor in your overall choice. This is something you will need to decide for yourself.

In the end, there isn't really a lot of difference in selecting and buying bamboo wood flooring as there is with traditional flooring. The basic principles apply and because it is usually a major expense for many consumers, careful analysis of the options available should be made. Just remember, shop around, ask for advice and don't be too hasty in making your final decision.

The good news is by installing bamboo wood flooring, you won't just be installing it to "do your bit" for the environment; truth is, bamboo wood flooring is more than just an environmentally-friendly product. It offers beauty, toughness and durability and long life and won't "burn a hole in your hip pocket!"

Analysing Bamboo Wood Flooring

- One of the biggest advantages of course is it's environmentally friendly and sustainable nature. Bamboo is a hardy plant and it's ability to regenerate in less than a year has earnt it a lot of "brownie points" with consumers.

- It provides the strength of a hardwood floor and it's added durable nature almost makes it a "no brainer" in today's day and age as the first choice for floor shoppers.

- Bamboo flooring has gained momentum because of it's low maintainance requirements and this has a lot to do with it's natural qualities.

-Staining becomes a thing of the past particularly when you take into account that bamboo color is basically dependent on the length of time it spends in the "processing barn."
- Depending on how much traffic it has to endure, if the finish becomes worn and tired then a good sanding and re-finish is usually all that's required but again, this all depends on the level of use the floor is subjected to. In a normal situation, this won't be necessary for quite a few years.

Where Is Bamboo Wood Flooring Available?

Shopping for bamboo flooring today becomes easier and easier. Once upon a time, consumers were usually required to rely on long distance browsing but today, more and more outlets have "jumped on the bamboo flooring bandwagon" and are offering consumers the opportunity to inspect this eco-friendly surface first hand. However, the internet still offers a great alternative to shoppers who haven't got access to first hand inspection and browsing online offers a multitude of sites ready to fulfil your needs.

Concentrating on the higher ranked sites should provide less cause for concern but one of the golden rules for shopping online in this instance is to make sure you can contact the seller directly. Phone would definitely be preferable. In many instances, online outlets are able to point you towards some reference points such as consumers who have bought from them previously and are willing to act as referees.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of bamboo flooring is usually well within the budgets of most. While some offers of as low as $2 per square are available from some wholesalers make sure you ask for a written warranty with clear details written into it. Ready to install bamboo floors can cost up to $10 per square with installation an extra cost. Depending on your handyman skills, then the latter may not be a factor with a pre-finished floor but might require the services of a qualified installer if unfinished.

Maintenance of bamboo wood flooring is relatively straightforward and you will usually be given some handy advice from where you purchase. Make it a point to ask before you buy about ongoing maintenance requirements. Just remember not to rush in and purchase the first lot of bamboo wood flooring you come across. Do some comparative analysis and by following some simple guidelines, you should enjoy many years of use.