Bamboo isn't just for pandas anymore. Bamboo has proven itself to be a hearty, versatile, and environmentally friendly option when it comes to home flooring. It is comparable in durability and strength to other hardwoods, and is insect and mildew-resistant, while still being comfortable underfoot. Not only that, but bamboo can be found in enough colors and styles to suit any home owner's taste.

In terms of functionality, you aren't sacrificing quality and comfort if you choose bamboo over hardwood or laminate flooring. If design is your main concern, then rest easy because bamboo is a very attractive, upscale looking flooring material, which has a price tag that is quite competitive with traditional wood floor options.

What really makes bamboo flooring such a great option is the fact that it is much better for the environment than traditional hardwoods.

Hardwood flooring is made from trees that take decades to mature. Bamboo on the other hand, is a type of grass that only takes 3 to 5 years to grow upwards of 70 feet tall. It also requires no fertilizers or pesticides to grow, which means that there are no harmful chemicals leaking into the local ecosystem. It is a naturally occurring, renewable resource and its harvesting leaves one of the smallest ecological footprints possible. Not only that, but due to bamboo's resistance to bacteria and allergens, it can improve the indoor environment of your home as well.

Usually when we think of bamboo, we think of tall, knobby stalks that would be anything but comfortable to walk on. When processing bamboo to make flooring however, manufacturers do it in a way that makes it just as smooth and comfortable to walk on as any standard flooring material.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when considering purchasing bamboo floors. One is the fact that not all manufacturers are the same. Many use a process called "carbonization" to vary the colors available. This involves steaming the bamboo to darken the shade. There has been some concern raised that this process can result in softer bamboo, which is more vulnerable to scratches and dents.

Also, many companies use an adhesive that contains formaldehyde because it holds so well. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, so you want to make sure that if there is any in the product, that it meets safety regulations. If possible, find a manufacturer that uses more environmentally friendly adhesives.

When looking for your next floor, consider bamboo. It looks good, lasts for years, and is better for the planet than hardwood. And in case you're concerned about the impact that harvesting bamboo has on pandas, not to worry. They survive on a different species of bamboo than is used on flooring.