Bamboo Flooring: Everything You Need To Know

Bamboo, the new but not so new flooring material is remarkable for its durability, eco-friendliness, unique look, and affordability. But like all great things, the devil is in the details. Here we will explore the pros and cons of bamboo flooring and answer some of your likely questions, such as, Exactly how eco-friendly, is it? Is bamboo better than hardwood? Can it really be that strong? While many property owners debate between hardwood and vinyl (if this is you, feel free to read our blog on Hardwood vs Vinyl Flooring), bamboo is becoming increasingly popular around the world as a viable flooring option. 

Walnut Hardwood LLC is a Denver-based company that focuses on informing and educating our community so that you can find the best floors to fit your needs. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of bamboo before comparing the material to other popular options. 

If you’re looking for specific information, feel free to jump to any of these sections:

What is Bamboo Flooring?

Bamboo refers to a large number of perennial, evergreen grasses that are easily recognizable as fast-growing, hollow cylinders. There are over 10,000 types of bamboo found in the world, with diverse species growing on nearly every continent. 

While most of us associate bamboo with tiki huts or feeding pandas, bamboo plants are often utilized as a strong building material. In fact, the plant has been used in flooring for over 5,000 years, dating back to the Han and Jin Dynasties of ancient China. 

How its Made: Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is manufactured by cutting fully grown bamboo (whose jointed stems are known as culms) into long, thin strips. Here’s the process

Since there are some variables within the manufacturing of bamboo flooring it is important to look for the following information:

Here, we’d like to highlight Cali Bamboo as a premier, bamboo flooring manufacturer. Their strand woven bamboo is one of the hardest floors on the market, emits ultra-low VOC and has 50-year residential warranties. Comparatively, the UK’s Bamboo Flooring Company has a 25-year warranty, which is still strong compared to many low-quality manufacturers. 

Solid Planks vs Engineered Planks 

When shopping for bamboo flooring, you’ll find both solid and engineered planks. The big difference is that solid bamboo is entirely made of bamboo strips and can be refinished like solid hardwood. Engineered planks on the other hand are composed of multiple materials with a veneer of bamboo on top. These planks either cannot be refinished or are limited to 1 or 2 refinishes depending on the thickness of the veneer. Overall, solid is longer-lasting and more durable.

Features of Bamboo Flooring

Here are some of the unique advantages to bamboo flooring.  

Eco-Friendly Option

More than anything, bamboo floors are touted as one of the most environmentally- friendly options on the market. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, making it easily replaceable and sustainable for increased demand and development. 

Bamboo plants are incredibly easy to cultivate and rarely require harmful pesticides or chemicals to successfully grow in a diverse set of environments. Bamboo can be harvested every 3-7 years, comparatively, an oak tree may need 40 years or more to mature. 

Keep in mind that engineered planks are generally seen as a “less green” option than solid planks because the long process of manufacturing, dying, gluing, and preparing engineered planks often results in a larger level of carbon emissions. 

One of a Kind Look and Feel 

Undeniably, bamboo flooring offers a one of a kind look in a home or office. Particular to bamboo is its growth notches or knuckles which give the flooring their trademark bamboo look. Natural stained bamboo is blonde with amber tones and can resemble unfinished maple or birch. While many people may not immediately tell the difference between bamboo and hardwood, bamboo’s subtle characteristics offer a unique and natural tone to any living space. 

Durable & Built to Last 

As we’ve mentioned, bamboo has great strength properties, especially strand woven bamboo. In fact, strand woven bamboo is rated at the top of the Janka scale (around 4000-5000), which means that it is stronger than the hardest hardwoods like Brazilian Walnut. Additionally, manufactures typically coat their floors with layers of protective finish to make the floors scratch and dent resistant. 

However, general wear and tear is inevitable. The important thing to remember is that bamboo is generally less susceptible to scratching and denting. Like hardwood, scratches or chips in the finish can be hidden with wood filler and stain markers. For the absolute best results, bamboo floors should be maintained with the same products and habits as hardwood flooring. 

Price 

On average, high-quality bamboo planks will cost between $4-$7 per square ft. When choosing between solid and engineered planks, remember that solid bamboo has the added benefit of refinishing and is therefore more cost-effective. 

Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring

Here are some of those devilish details.

Large Variance is Quality 

To start, bamboo flooring comes at an extreme variance in terms of quality and endurance. Be sure to check the style of manufacturing, the warranty and reviews regarding the product. Low quality bamboo flooring is more susceptible to denting and scratching and the processing may be a lot less eco-friendly. 

Susceptible to Moisture 

Just like hardwood floors, bamboo flooring is also susceptible to damage from moisture in the environment and performs best between 35%-60% humidity. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to keep a hydrometer in the house to track moisture levels. In Denver, a dehumidifier should likely be used during summers, while a humidifier may be necessary in the winter. This will help prevent gapping and buckling and to improve the floor’s longevity.

Hardwood vs Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo may sound like the obvious winner because of its eco-friendliness and extreme durability, but there are definitely some important factors to consider when choosing between bamboo and hardwood. 

Appearance

In comparison, hardwood has more striking characteristics than bamboo. Between the graining, color variation, and knotting, hardwood stands out and can come off as the bolder choice of the two. Bamboo, on the other hand, has a quieter uniqueness.

Like the laddered notching along a stem of bamboo, bamboo flooring is patterned with uniform notching which also provides some color variation. A vibrant choice, but with cleaner and softer lines. Both offer raw quality that stems from their natural roots. When you install hardwood or bamboo you have a living and breathing material in your home.  

Longevity & Durability

Both materials are strong and durable with strand woven bamboo coming out in front. Ultimately, it comes down to the type of finish applied to the bamboo or hardwood which protects the material from the pets, kids and everyday use. Lastly, the way you care for your floors goes a long way. 

Maintenance & Cleaning

Like hardwood, bamboo floors should be mopped with a damp (not wet) microfiber cloth. A hardwood approved cleaner will work for bamboo as well. From day to day, consistent sweeping and vacuuming are recommended, especially in high traffic areas. For more related tips, feel free to read our guide on cleaning hardwood floors.

Impact on the Environment

In many people’s eyes, the decision to go bamboo is based on the material’s eco-friendliness. However, it is fairly critical to understanding that not all bamboo is made equal, and the quality of the floor’s production must be scrutinized before purchasing. 

As we’ve mentioned above, in the United States, we strongly recommend Cali Bamboo, a premier manufacturer of high-quality, eco-friendly bamboo floors. All of Cali Bamboo’s floors are rated with “ultra-low” VOCs, which is a reflection of their sustainable manufacturing. 

While traditional hardwood materials do not grow as fast as bamboo, solid hardwood floors can still be considered renewable if sourced ethically. Smart regrowing operations and sustainable milling practices combine to make hardwood floors an eco-friendly option, especially when compared to vinyl planks.  

Conclusion

Bamboo is a great alternative to hardwood and offers the durability and longevity hardwood does. It may really come down to your design preference. If you’re still debating between hardwood and bamboo, feel free to check out this resource from “The Spruce”. However, if you’re located here in Colorado, feel free to reach out to us with all of your flooring questions! 

 Contact Walnut Hardwood LLC today.