Vinyl and Bamboo Bring New Looks and Features to Flooring

International Builders' Show Report

This post is in partnership with Lumber Liquidators. All opinions are my own.

New Flooring Materials Need to be Seen, Touched and Walked on to be Appreciated.

Maybe it’s in the name, but, for me, Lumber Liquidators has conjured up visions of a warehouse stacked with odd lots and discontinued styles. So, when I visited the company’s booth at this years’ International Builders’ Show, I was bowled over with what I discovered – that the stores are virtual supermarkets of brand name wood and hard surface flooring displayed in ways that make it easy to compare and contrast. In other words, a terrific place to see, touch and investigate flooring options.

Two flooring materials that especially caught my interest were vinyl and bamboo. Both of these have advanced considerably since I last took a close look.

Vinyl Planks Have a Lot Going for Them
Mention vinyl to me and my mind goes immediately to twelve-inch square tiles that appear unmistakably like, well … vinyl.  Modern vinyl planks, however, look convincingly like real wood with textured, grain-like surfaces and realistic variegated colors. It’s a tough, forgiving floor material that stands up well to kids, pets and high traffic. What’s more, vinyl planking is flexible, can be installed over almost any surface and snaps together without need for adhesives. In fact, you could, if you want to, take your floor with you when you move.

Bamboo Has a Whole New Look
Bamboo, too, has evolved to the point where it is almost impossible to distinguish it from hardwoods. Techniques such as hand scraping, carbonizing and wire-brushing not only add realism to the surfaces, but also give the flooring character, warmth and charm.   Bamboo, of course, has the added advantages of being highly wear resistant and a renewable resource.

So, if there’s a new hard surface floor in your future, do yourself a favor and take an up close and personal look at what’s available these days. One good place to do that might be a Lumber Liquidators showroom.