'Bamboo Floor-Tile' Factory Opened in Kerala

"Kerala's Industries Minister Elamaram Karim inaugurated a ‘high-tech' bamboo floor tile factory of the Kerala State Bamboo Corporation at Nallalam, Kozhikode recently. The unit, set up at a cost of Rs.9 crore, would employ 80 people. The State's share is Rs.5 crore and the Centre gave Rs.7 crore, the Minister said. (Rs.3 crore will be used as working capital)."- The Hindu: Wed, Mar 02, 2011

So what exactly is Bamboo Flooring Tiles and how appropriate is it for Kerala Houses? Let's take a look-

Bamboo is an attractive alternative for flooring because of its physical similarities to hardwoods. Bamboo floor manufacturers and sellers promote its strength, durability as well as resistance to insects and moisture while having the added benefit of being eco friendly. Bamboo flooring is typically made by slicing bamboo poles into strips. These are destarched by boiling, glued into boards, and milled. Preservative treatment is applied during this process.

The hardness of bamboo flooring depends in large measure on the species of bamboo, and its age when harvested. Three years is generally considered to be the best minimum. Flooring made from inferior species or younger bamboo dents and wears more readily. Good bamboo flooring products range from slightly lower, to significantly harder, than common hardwood flooring.

Installing Bamboo Floor Tiles
The secret to installing bamboo flooring is in the preparation. Make sure that the floor is clean and level. After the surface has been properly prepared it is time to determine how much flooring you are going to need. Measure the room and add about 20% additional material to cover cuts and mistakes. 

To achieve a professional look, stagger the planks so that no two end at the same spot. When it comes time to cut the boards to fit the size of the room make the cuts so that the rough edge is against the wall and will be covered by the skirting on the wall.

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