Prefinished bamboo flooring is a convenient choice for homeowners who prefer a ready-made and easy-to-install floor type. The floor is manufactured right through to the final finishing stages. This eliminates the need for further processing work on-site which is usually required for unfinished floors. Various urethanes are used during finishing to give the floor an enduring beauty. Urethanes also protect it from the usual wear and tear effects that come with use. You can get prefinished bamboo floors in natural and carbonized varieties as well as vertical and horizontal versions. Below are the pros and cons of prefinished bamboo floors.
Pros of Prefinished Bamboo Flooring
Prefinished bamboo floors don’t require further processes like sealing, sanding, or staining after installation. Once properly installed, the floor can be used right away. The quick turnaround time is helpful where time is an issue. If you’re looking for a bamboo floor type that will retain its attractive look for several years, prefinished is an excellent choice.
The floor surface is highly resistant to chipping, dents, and scratches. The prefinished surface bears up well in high traffic areas such as the living room or kitchen while retaining its attractive appearance. This makes it one of the most durable floor types available. Prefinished floors often come with an extended warranty. Many manufacturers offer a warranty ranging from 15 to 25 years. Such a floor definitely adds to your home value.
The low maintenance requirements of prefinished bamboo floors make them a favorite with many bamboo floor lovers. Simply use a mop to get rid of dust and dirt. Once in a while, you can do a deep cleaning job using special cleaners that are appropriate for bamboo floors. The floor doesn’t develop stains which makes maintenance even easier.
For those who frequently suffer allergies, a prefinished bamboo floor can help control your allergic reactions. Its hypoallergenic quality guarantees that no allergens will get trapped on the floor. This makes it a safe and effective way of controlling allergies for household members. The versatility of prefinished bamboo floors also endears them to many. The floors easily blend with various decors, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Prefinished bamboo floors easily add to the beauty, elegance, and ambiance of a room.
Cons
The color variety for prefinished floors is rather limited. Unlike unfinished floors which can be further stained into whatever color you choose, the prefinished variety restricts you to a smaller color range. This may be disappointing when trying to achieve a unique color scheme. Should a portion of the floor get damaged and repair becomes necessary, the damaged portion may not match the rest of the floor once sanding has been done.
Replacement becomes necessary which ends up being a more costly exercise than repair. The prefinished boards are beveled on the edges to eliminate the sharp edges. This is because the boards have varying heights and thicknesses when being processed in the factory. Bevelling creates grooves that may feel uncomfortable when walked upon. It also makes it impossible to achieve a flawless, uniform appearance.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
