What Are Bamboo Rugs Like?

Appearance

• A bamboo rug is constructed of strips of hardened bamboo, a woody plant material, that are bound together side by side and trimmed with a durable fabric border. The bamboo strips are not the type found in placemats, but rather are the quality seen in bamboo flooring. Rugs in natural earthy tones are most common. However, bright hues are also available that complement many styles of decor. Look for round as well as rectangular shapes.

Feel

• Bamboo rugs are hard, smooth and treated with a protective finish, so they do not provide warmth or softness. A bamboo rug will feel cool underfoot. If the floor beneath is carpeted, you may not desire any further cushioning. If the floor is tile or wood, you may wish to purchase a rug pad to soften your step, even if your rug is lined in felt. Whether the rug is lined or not, a rug pad will provide more comfort if your floor is hard.

Care

• If you decide to purchase a rug pad, shop for one recommended for the type of floor you have. A rug pad helps protect the floor beneath your rug from scratches or color transfer, especially if your rug is not lined. Even with lined rugs, a rug pad provides extra protection from spills reaching your floor through the rug. As with other types of rugs, wipe spills immediately and check for seepage beneath the rug. Dry-wipe your rug regularly for routine cleaning.

A Rug for Green Living

• A bamboo rug is environmentally friendly. A renewable, plentiful supply of the type of bamboo used in rugs exists in Asia. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth. It can be harvested within onr to five years of planting without killing the host plant. All parts of the plant are used; there is no waste. A bamboo forest releases 35 percent more oxygen into the atmosphere than the equivalent area of hardwood forest.