Bamboo flooring has gotten a lot of attention since it was first introduced decades ago. Although it’s typically referred to as a hardwood flooring, bamboo is actually a grass that’s highly processed to produce flooring. It has a great look, can be long lasting, but not for everyone.

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All bamboo flooring is engineered – almost like a laminate. Strands of grass are sliced and shredded, then pressed back together with glues to form the flooring boards. Due to its grass-like properties, bamboo flooring isn’t just milled out of logs and formed into solid slabs. It is a conglomeration of many strands of this grass that are combined with resins and formed under high pressure into boards, and made into several types of flooring. During this process the bamboo can be made into horizontal or vertical bamboo flooring.

Horizontal: Classic Bamboo Floor

Aesthetically, this is the bamboo floor that most people come to expect when they think of a bamboo floor. Strands are formed into sections, and these sections are laid horizontally. This produces the distinctive “knuckle” effect that lets you know this is bamboo. Except for those knuckles, the pattern of horizontal bamboo floor is relatively clear and uncomplicated.

Vertical and Horizontal Planks

With horizontal bamboo flooring, the strips of bamboo are set out horizontally to make each plank and this results in giving the plank a more authentic look, with the “knuckles” that you would instantly associate with bamboo being clearly visible.

With vertical bamboo flooring, the bamboo stalks are laid out vertically and the result is a plank that does not have “knuckles” and is more uniform in nature with a striped aspect to it. It’s a much more busy look.

Aside from the differences aesthetically, there is little else that differentiates horizontal and vertical bamboo: they both have a similar level of hardness and tend to be similar in price.

Strand woven bamboo: Mixes the grass fibers together so that they’re interlocked

The difference between Strand-woven bamboo and other types of bamboo is in the manufacturing process. Other types of bamboo flooring are usually created from multiple bamboo species. After the bamboo shoots are harvested they are cut into strips.

Strand-woven is not made with flattened strips like the other bamboo flooring types. It is made from the fibers of the bamboo. They are also not cut into strips. Instead, they are softened before being pulled apart to create the bamboo strips. The process results in a look that is a little less “busy” than the stripy vertical bamboo and, unlike horizontal bamboo, no “knuckles” are visible. Strand-woven is usually created using the Moso species of bamboo, which is widely considered to be the best for this type of flooring.

The Benefits of Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring

One of the main benefits of this method is its strength. Strand-woven bamboo is two times stronger than oak and is the strongest of the bamboo flooring. This makes it extremely durable and perfect for a busy household that tends to be rough on floors. As you might expect the cost is higher as well.

It is also the most environmentally friendly. Although all bamboo flooring is created from highly renewable bamboo species, strand-woven creates the least amount of waste. Excess flooring materials that are typically thrown away are utilized in the strand-woven method. Also, strand-woven bamboo is more resistant to water.

Carbonized, Tiger and Stained Bamboo Flooring

Because bamboo is naturally light in color, it may be “carbonized” to darken the surface. Carbonized bamboo flooring is softer than natural bamboo.

As opposed to “natural” bamboo, which is very light in color, carbonized bamboo has undergone a process to darken the bamboo fibers. What they refer to as “tiger” bamboo planks are made from mixing natural and carbonized fibers; and of course stained bamboo is exactly that – stained with pigment to give it (usually) a very dark tone. Be aware that carbonized bamboo is softer than natural bamboo, so less appropriate for high traffic areas like kitchens and entry halls.

Typical Costs

The cost of bamboo flooring range from $2.25 to $11 per square foot, which is about the same as most common hardwood flooring types. Average cost is about $3.50/sq. ft. Installing bamboo flooring means gluing or nailing to a subfloor. Pro installation adds $3 to $5 per square foot.

Bamboo Flooring Pros:

Top-quality bamboo flooring is as durable as traditional hardwood flooring. However, not all bamboo flooring is created equal. Look for flooring with a substantial warranty.

• For a modern décor bamboo flooring has a clean, contemporary look.
• Cleans easily with a mop and mild soap.
• Bamboo can be refinished, depending on the thickness of the planks.
• Laminated bamboo flooring, with a top layer glued to multiple sub-layers, is DIY-friendly. 
• Eco-Friendly
• Durable

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Bamboo Flooring Cons:

• Inexpensive bamboo flooring is susceptible to scratches and dings.
• Absorbs water and is susceptible to damage from water and excessive humidity.
• Bamboo flooring has a non-traditional look of bamboo doesn’t fit with all décor.
• Limited number of colors and shades.

ECO Friendly

When it comes to pros and cons of bamboo flooring, there’s some controversy about whether or not it’s a sustainable material. On one hand, it’s a fast-growing plant that’s available in vast quantities, so it’s a rapidly renewable resource. Also, using bamboo takes pressure off other wood species, especially exotics.

On the downside, most bamboo flooring is made overseas where oversight of the manufacturing process is sketchy. That means some brands may contain adhesives and formaldehyde that emit toxic VOCs. Also, because most bamboo flooring comes from overseas, the cost of shipping contributes to the material’s carbon footprint (and it’s price).

If you’re concerned, look for bamboo flooring products from companies that have been certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) for their harvesting and manufacturing practices.

Bamboo Flooring Is Easy To Maintain

Bamboo floors are so easy to clean with just about anything. 

Just a broom and dustpan, or a vacuum that’s easy on wood floors, is good for most days. A damp mop and light soap, or hardwood floor cleaner, is good for deep cleaning. However, make sure to wring the mop out well because too much water will warp bamboo. 

Some Bamboo Floors Are Very Durable

Strand woven is the densest type of bamboo flooring. A heating process using resin and adhesives bond the grass into tightly woven strands that are 3 times stronger than any other form of bamboo.

If you’re looking for a durable bamboo floor, choose a light natural tone. Manufacturers darken bamboo through a process called carbonization. The newer color dyed floors are beautiful to look at, they are 30% weaker than their uncarbonized counterparts. Unfortunately, cost and durability are directly proportionate. 

You Can Refinish Bamboo.

If your bamboo floor has excessive signs of wear, you can sand and refinish it. However, the process is not simple, and it’s easy to sand too heavily on a bamboo floor – easier than hardwoods. So, it’s advisable to hire a pro for this job.

Bamboo Flooring Style

It’s got a sleek contemporary look, however that look isn’t for everyone. If you like the more traditional look bamboo floors may not be the best for your space. And, unfortunately there are not an abundance of varying styles. So, this is both an advantage or disadvantage – depending on your tastes. 

Bamboo Is Less Expensive

Bamboo can be an affordable alternative to hardwood floors. As with any material, the price depends on the brand and thickness.

It’s common to find bamboo planks for less than $3 per square foot, but at that price point, don’t expect high quality. If you’re looking for maximum value, aim to spend $4-6 per square foot. This is not exactly cheap flooring, but it is slightly less than the cost of solid oak or maple flooring.

You can also buy engineered bamboo for approximately $2-4 per square foot. If you choose this multi-layer flooring, look for a top layer that’s a ¼ of an inch thick or more.

Inexpensive Bamboo Flooring Prone To Scratches

Although bamboo flooring can be up to 3x harder than other hardwoods, there are still consumer complaints of scratching and wear issues. This is typically due to the quality of product being on the low end. Although the durability of oak hardwood flooring is about the same, the range of durability for bamboo flooring is quite large. Buy the best quality possible. 

Works with Radiant Heating

Radiant heating systems work well with bamboo flooring. However, it’s advisable to hire a professional when installing over radiant heating. Not all bamboo flooring products work with radiant heating. And, as with other hardwood floors, it must be acclimated to the room prior to installation. 

Good for Allergy Sufferers

If you suffer from seasonal allergies bamboo flooring may be just the ticket for you. Bamboo is inhospitable to dust mites, repels dust and pollen, and resists mold and mildew.

When shopping for bamboo, make sure the manufacturer’s packaging states the flooring is formaldehyde-free and contains low VOCs. Otherwise, your bamboo may release chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory illnesses.

Bamboo Is Susceptible To Water Damage and Humidity

Bamboo loves lots of water when growing, but not so much when it’s on your floor!

Too much water can cause your floor to warp, create spots, and absorb into the edges. Over time, water-damaged flooring will grow bacteria and mold between the planks. Also, if considering bamboo flooring for your home, first consider your humidity levels. Bamboo works best in environments with 30%-50% humidity levels. And, if where you live is much higher it’s best to consider another type of floor.

Photo by Home Decor Decorations.