Thinking of changing the type of flooring that you use in your house or office? With the way things are these days, what with the crisis and the depleting number of natural resources in the world, it's probably difficult to even think of changing your flooring at all. But if you use bamboo, it is actually one of the best choices you will make in the long term because of its hardness and durability that can last you a lifetime.

In fact, bamboo is even better to use than any hardwood or softwood flooring. That's something to think about. Here are some tips if you choose to go the “bamboo” way.

• Choose the right grain – Now, bamboo can either take 5 years to harvest or up to 30 years to harvest. It will depend on what kind of bamboo that you want to use because there are so many types out there.

To make it easier for you, all you have to do is choose the kind of grain of which there are only 2 types: bamboo vertical and bamboo horizontal. The vertical grain is nice if you want to see the grain lines in your flooring. If you want a softer look, go with a horizontal grain that shows wider and almost invisible lines.

• Don't fret, it's easy – When you are installing bamboo flooring, there is nothing to worry about. There are no special procedures to installing bamboo; it is exactly the way you would do it if you were installing conventional wood flooring. About the only difference is that if you use solid bamboo flooring, you need to lay it on a floor that is very dry.

• Read the manual – Again, solid bamboo must be installed on a very dry surface, especially if you have a concrete floor. Not only is this vital, but it is probably the most important thing to know when you are installing bamboo flooring. The reason is that bamboo reacts to humidity more than your usual type of wood.

So, before actually moving anything into a room with new bamboo flooring, let it set for a few days so that the bamboo can adjust properly to the room's temperature. Does your bamboo flooring installation kit come with a manual or video? Then sit back and read or watch thoroughly before considering anything else.

• Know your tools – Are there any special tools when you are using bamboo for your flooring? Honestly, there isn't so be wary if someone selling you bamboo flooring says otherwise. You only need to use the usual tools that are used to install flooring and for wood this means that you will need items to glue, nail or float the wood onto your concrete surface. Of course, whatever method you use really depends on the kind of surface that you have where you will lay the bamboo.

These are just a few tips that you should keep in mind when you are installing bamboo. There are so many things to think about when using the material but it is all dependent on other things such as the surface of your current floor and the type of bamboo that you want to use. However, know that bamboo is probably the sturdiest material on the planet and is definitely a great alternative to a conventional wood floor.