The variety of types of bamboo floors have been dictated not only by the technological processes involved in their manufacturing, but also of the different demands of households. Factors like buying price, maintenance cost, room theme design, floor stress levels and local climate are of importance that influence the choice and type of flooring that is most suitable.
Solid, strand woven or distressed bamboo floors are very popular due to their high durability and structural integrity. That said, they are not always the best choice for people who are short on funds or are living in areas of high amplitude of humidity changes throughout the year.
Engineered bamboo attempts to solve that by using thin bamboo strips for its top layer and a mixture of compressed wood for its core. This allows the floor to carry on the durable and beauty of bamboo while speeding up the manufacturing process with the use of cheaper wood. Although that means a compromise to quality compared to other types of bamboo flooring, it is not necessarily a bad solution. By proper choice of wood, right amount of compression and addition of resin, adhesives and other substances, as well as the protective coating, the floor becomes as strong as most hardwood floors.
The big advantage to engineered bamboo flooring is its adaptivity to local climate changes. Traditional floors suffer from changes of humidity, especially when it is above 60% or under 30%. Their structural integrity is affected and noticeable, very often permanent, deformations and stains may occur. The engineered bamboo floor copes much better with humidity amplitudes and is a much better solution for houses in such areas.