Bamboo Flooring: A Complete Guide!

No doubt flooring is one of the most beautiful parts of any home. Every homeowner wants it to be attractive and clean. When it comes to flooring, the first option that comes to mind is wood flooring. But, there are options that could enhance the beauty of your home twofold.

Bamboo floor is a type of flooring manufactured from bamboo wood. It is used as an alternative to traditional hardwood flooring due to its physical similarities. Moso bamboo is the commonly used bamboo species for flooring.

Bamboo flooring has been getting more attention in recent years. According to Forbes, The global bamboo flooring market is valued at $1249 million and is expected to reach $1459 million by the end of 2026.

Types of Bamboo Flooring

There are many different types of bamboo flooring, each type differentiates itself from others due to its unique manufacturing process.

Stranded Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo sheets used in this type of flooring are made by shredding the bamboo stalks into small strands, then compressed into sheets using heat treatment and resin binders. These final sheets are then cut into pieces according to the requirements. It is available in both tongue-and-groove planks and floating floor planks.

Horizontal Bamboo Flooring

Planks used in this type of flooring are made by cutting the bamboo stalks into thin strips which are then glued together to form planks. These planks are not as durable or hard as stranded bamboo planks are, but they compensate for this with their striking appearance. It is also available in both tongue-and-groove planks and floating floor planks.

Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Planks for Engineered bamboo floors are made by binding a thin layer of bamboo on a plywood or MDF core. Usually, they are installed with a click-lock mechanism, in which planks float on the foam underlayment. This is the cheapest option for flooring compared to the other two options. Also, it is the least durable and cannot be refinished.

Pro Tip:

Mostly bamboo flooring has a natural blonde or amber color. Dark colors are also available, but they are made through the process of carbonization of planks. These planks are more prone to scratching as compared to uncarbonized planks.

Floor Installation

Installation of bamboo flooring is simple but the process may depend upon the type of planks being used. Some planks are nailed down while some are glued down depending upon the design of the planks.

Solid Bamboo Flooring

Solid bamboo flooring consists of bamboo planks with a tongue and groove joint system. These planks can be nailed or glued on the subfloor as a traditional installation method. These planks are installed parallel to the longest wall. To prevent moisture, a moisture-retardant wax seal is added to the structure of each plank. This type of solid construction allows the flooring to be sanded and refinished.

There are also some types of solid bamboo flooring specially designed for floating floor installation. These planks have a tongue-and-groove interlock mechanism known as the “click-lock mechanism”. A thin layer of foam underlayment is glued on the subfloor and these solid bamboo planks are then installed by interlocking their edges with each other. This installation method is simple and DIYers can do it by themselves. The major benefit of this flooring is that, it can expand and contract with the change in the humidity level of the room’s atmosphere.

Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Planks for Engineered bamboo flooring always come with the click-lock mechanism and they are installed as floating floors over a thin layer of foam underlayment. This type of flooring is simple to install and most DIYers can do it by themselves. Most bamboo planks come prefinished at the factory, otherwise they need to be sealed with urethane products after installation. There could be a need to sand the floor before applying urethane sealer to get the outstanding finishing.

Top Brands of Bamboo Flooring

Most hardwood flooring manufacturers also carry a selection of bamboo flooring products. For the best selection and product quality, however, it’s a good idea to check out the manufacturers who specialize in bamboo:

Plyboo: 

This company uses a soy-based resin that contains no formaldehyde. It is a more expensive product (as much as $6 per square foot) but these less toxic products are among the most beautiful bamboo flooring.

Cali Floors: 

This company sells more than 30 bamboo flooring products, including solid bamboo, engineered bamboo in various colors, and premium bamboo flooring designed for good performance in high-moisture situations.

Bamboo Flooring Cost

On average bamboo flooring costs you around $3 to $8 per square foot. But if you go for the premium flooring options it may cost you around $8 to $12 per square foot or even higher.

It is important to consider the entire project cost, including flooring material price, installation, and additional materials. Material prices or labor charges may vary from region to region or your specific location. That’s why it is recommended to get quotes from multiple contractors in your area and compare their offers to ensure that you are getting a fair price.

Flooring for Different Spaces

Bamboo flooring is durable and visually striking that’s why it can be used in all rooms throughout your home. If you are looking for natural flooring, then bamboo flooring could be a good option for you with the added benefits of durability, versatility, and sustainability. There are many colors and styles available for bamboo flooring to match the decor theme throughout your home.

Living Areas:

Selecting the ideal flooring for your living areas requires more than just considering physical appearance. It is normally a high-traffic area at any home that’s why the flooring here should be durable and sturdy. Bamboo flooring can provide you with durability and an elegant look, making it a perfect choice for your living room.

Bedrooms: 

You can use any type of flooring in your bedroom, but if you want a natural-looking floor then bamboo flooring is the best option to go for. More specifically parquet block bamboo flooring will allow you to make beautiful geometric patterns. There are lots of colors and styles available. All you need is to select it according to your taste and bedroom theme.

Kitchens: 

Bamboo flooring can be used in kitchens. Although, it is somehow water resistant, still you need proper care to extend the life of your kitchen flooring.

Dining Areas:

Dining rooms are usually the hub of the house with family meals and special dinner parties. Bamboo flooring can beautify this central hub with the natural touch of flooring.

Home Offices:

World trends for work are changing and most employees want to work from home. Just to meet this demand, everyone wants to have a dedicated workspace at home. To give your home office a natural look, bamboo flooring could be a good option. It will keep you in touch with nature along with your work.

Hallways: 

Your hallway presents the first impression of your home. It is also one of the busiest areas of your home, that’s why it should look presentable and stylish. Moreover, the flooring here should be durable and sturdy. Strand woven bamboo is the best flooring option because it is hard and can last for a lifetime if cared properly.

Bamboo Flooring is Not Good For:

Bamboo flooring is sensitive to moisture and high humidity that’s why it is not recommended for areas more prone to moisture and humidity. It cannot be used in bathrooms or washrooms, because excessive moisture can cause floor damage and mold development on it. In bathrooms or washrooms, moisture-resistant options such as ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, vinyl, or natural stone are more suitable.

Is Bamboo Flooring Waterproof?

Bamboo flooring is not waterproof. While bamboo is relatively more water-resistant than hardwoods, it’s not resistant to water or moisture. Exposure to excessive water or prolonged moisture can result in damage to bamboo flooring.

Note:

It’s important to understand the difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Water-resistant flooring can repel water to a certain extent, giving you time to clean up spills before damage occurs. However, it’s not entirely impervious to water and should not be submerged or exposed to excessive moisture for prolonged periods.

Flooring Comparisons

Bamboo flooring is not the only choice available in the market. We’ll compare it to other popular options:

Bamboo vs. Hardwood Flooring

Here are some points that differentiate bamboo flooring from hardwood flooring.

Bamboo vs. Laminate Flooring

Here is a comparison of bamboo and laminate flooring in tabular form:

All floorings have their unique features and qualities. The final choice of flooring depends on specific preferences, needs, and the intended use in your space.

Advantages 

Bamboo flooring is beautiful and appealing to consumers interested in natural or eco-friendly building materials. It offers many benefits over other flooring options. Here are some advantages of bamboo flooring;

Environmentally Friendly:

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

Durability: 

Bamboo flooring is known for its durability, especially the strand-woven variety. It is harder than many traditional hardwoods. It can resist to abrasion caused by footwork in high-traffic areas, like living rooms, hallways, and kitchens.

Refinishing Potential:

Over time many floors get scratched and discolored. The same is the case for bamboo flooring. But bamboo floors can be restored by sanding the top layer of the floor and applying the 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 relatively easy to maintain. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping are usually sufficient to keep it clean. Occasionally, it can be deep cleaned with mild soap and water solutions.

Compatibility with Underfloor Heating: 

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

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 assistance.

Disadvantages

Along with lots of advantages, there are some disadvantages of bamboo flooring as well.

Scratch Prone: 

Bamboo floor is hard but still, it is prone to scratches or damage due to heavy furniture or sharp objects. Proper care and regular maintenance are required to keep it in good condition for a long period.

VOC Emissions: 

It can potentially emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), due to the adhesives used in its manufacturing. High levels of VOCs can affect indoor air quality, potentially leading to many health issues including allergic reactions.

Moisture Sensitive: 

It is sensitive to moisture and humidity fluctuations, which is why it is less suitable for home areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. Its moisture sensitivity can be controlled with a water-resistant coating and regular maintenance.

Limited Styles: 

Bamboo flooring offers limited styles and color variations compared to other flooring options available out there in the market. This constraint might challenge you to find the flooring that matches your room’s existing decoration theme.