bamboo flooring pros and cons

Pros and Cons of Bamboo Flooring

Reviewed By Emily Johnson

Last Updated: July 31, 2024

Bamboo flooring is popular among homeowners for its uniqueness and eco-friendliness. If you are going to install bamboo floors in your home you must know the advantages and disadvantages of bamboo flooring. Also you need to know about the different types available out there in the market and the pros and cons of each specific type of bamboo flooring.

Bamboo flooring is getting popular and the market is growing. It is comparable to hardwood flooring in durability and cost, but it has one big advantage over traditional hardwood flooring, it is made of eco-friendly and sustainable material. Hardwood flooring planks are made of Oak, maple, or cherry, while bamboo flooring planks are made of bamboo wood. Bamboo grows almost 30 times faster than regular trees. This means bamboo is ready to harvest in just 3 to 5 years, compared to 30 to 60 years that it takes other trees to be ready to harvest.

Pros and Cons of Bamboo Flooring

Although, bamboo flooring is environmentally sustainable, durable, and appealing, still you need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of bamboo flooring to make an informed decision.

Advantages of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring has many of the same pros and cons as traditional hardwood flooring, but it has some extra benefits.

Eco-Friendly:

Traditional hardwood flooring is made from oak or other trees that take 20-25 years to mature before being harvested. Bamboo on the other hand matures in 5-7 years and its wood is ready to be harvested. Considering the maturity cycle of these options, bamboo is the more environmentally friendly resource.

Durability

Bamboo flooring is durable, especially the strand-woven variety. It is harder than many traditional hardwoods. It can withstand foot traffic in high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and kitchens.

Refinishing:

Over time many floors get scratched and discolored. The same is the case with bamboo flooring. But bamboo floors can be refinished by sanding the top layer of the floor and applying a new seal coating.

Note:

Engineered bamboo flooring can not be refinished because the veneer layer on it is not thick enough to do so.

Easy Maintenance:

Bamboo floors are easy to maintain. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping are usually enough to keep it clean. Occasionally, it can be deep cleaned with mild soap and water solution.

Underfloor Heating

Bamboo flooring is often compatible with both electric and water underfloor heating systems. Bamboo can expand and contract as the temperature increases or decreases. Due to this dimensional stability, bamboo flooring can withstand temperature fluctuations making it a perfect choice for underfloor heating.

DIY Installation: 

If you want to cut installation costs for your new flooring, bamboo flooring is a good option for DIYers. Floating bamboo planks use a “click-lock” mechanism, which is easy to install without any professional help.

Close up of bamboo floor to highlight its pros and cons

Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring

Along with many advantages, there are some disadvantages of bamboo flooring too. You should consider them before you make any decision regarding flooring for your home.

Scratchy: 

Although bamboo floors are hard still, they are scratchy and can get damaged. Sharp objects such as heel shoes, furniture legs, and pet nails can put scratches on the floor. Proper care and regular maintenance are required to keep it in good condition for a long period.

Toxins Emissions: 

Low-quality bamboo floor planks can potentially contain volatile organic chemicals (VOC). In most of the cases, adhesives used in the manufacturing of these flooring planks release VOCs. High levels of VOCs emissions can affect the indoor air quality of your home. It can also lead to many health issues including allergies.

Pro Tip: To ensure the safety, you should purchase from the manufacturers that sell low-VOC flooring planks.

Moisture Sensitive: 

It is sensitive to moisture and humidity fluctuations. Low humidity can result in shrinking of floor planks while high humidity can plum the floor planks up. In both situations, planks will start cracking and splitting. That is why it is not suitable for home areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. Although, its moisture sensitivity can be controlled to some extent with a water-resistant coating and regular maintenance. But still, it is recommended to avoid installing bamboo flooring in such areas.

Limited Styles: 

Bamboo flooring offers limited styles and color variations compared to other flooring options available in the market. This might constrain you to find the flooring that best matches the ambiance of your room.

Lack of Proper Grading System:

Mostly building materials come with a grading system to rate the quality of the product. There is no proper grading system established yet. Manufacturers usually rate them into grade A and grade B without any clear standardization. This issue can only be solved, by finding a reliable flooring dealer to ensure the quality of your flooring materials.

Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons

Okay, so here are the pros and cons of bamboo flooring:

Pros of Bamboo Flooring

  • Made from a sustainable resource
  • Stronger than many hardwoods
  • Looks stylish and elegant
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Resists allergens and is good for allergy sufferers
  • Cheaper than traditional hardwood
  • Bamboo grows faster than hardwood trees

Cons of Bamboo Flooring

  • Damage by moisture
  • Scratches and dents easily
  • Color variation in different manufacturing processes
  • Limited refinishing options compared to hardwood
  • The color gett fades in direct sunlight
  • Quality and durability varies with manufacturing
  • Limited color options compared to hardwood

Concluding Remarks

Choosing the right type of bamboo and taking the necessary precautions can make it work for your home. Don’t go for any option by just doing price comparisons. Weigh the pros and cons and you’ll make an informed decision and enjoy the beauty of bamboo flooring.