Bamboo flooring is a great option for homeowners who are looking for an eco-friendly flooring material with a clean, contemporary look. It’s generally durable and easy to maintain, but it may be more susceptible to water damage than other popular flooring options.

Modern and good for the planet? Bamboo seems like a no-brainer for homeowners looking for a warm, contemporary flooring option. But is it the right option for you? Here to offer the pros and cons of bamboo flooring is

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The pros of bamboo flooring

It’s eco-friendly. Bamboo is a type of grass that grows relatively quickly and in large quantities. Fully mature bamboo is ready to be harvested in only five to six years, as opposed to the 20+ years it takes for other hardwood sources to mature.

Bamboo is durable. It will withstand scratching and other damage as well as traditional hardwoods.

It’s easy to maintain. Bamboo naturally repels dust and dirt, which makes it easy to clean. You can also refinish most bamboo varieties when it experiences noticeable wear.

It’s DIY-friendly. Depending on the kind you choose, bamboo flooring is DIY-friendly. Installation can be as easy as snapping the boards together!

It can increase your home’s value. Like any hardwood flooring, your home’s market value will increase if you have new flooring that’s in good condition.

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The cons of Bamboo Flooring

Grass is more absorbent than wood. This can leave it more susceptible to water and humidity damage, so it might be a good idea to only put bamboo flooring down in rooms that don’t have a lot of water exposure.

There are limited color options. Unless you choose to stain your bamboo flooring, there aren’t many shades available. Bamboo floors typically come in a blond or amber color, however if the bamboo was carbonized (carbon was added during production), the color will be lighter tan. Keep in mind that carbonizing bamboo can also make the wood softer and more prone to damage.

Bamboo is mostly manufactured overseas. Although this is not a con in itself, overseas manufacturing can have inadequate regulations during processing which may lead to a lower quality product that contains more toxins.

The grading system is inconsistent. Product grades given to bamboo are not always based on the same scale. Not all manufacturers are judged on the same factors, so it can be difficult to get a definite quality rating.

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Types of bamboo flooring

All bamboo flooring options undergo engineering during production. The stalks are shredded, layered, and pressed together with glue. They are differentiated by the way the shreds are layered. Here are some common bamboo flooring options:

Horizontal flooring has a pronounced grain. This kind of flooring includes the “knuckles” of the bamboo stalks and offers an authentic, natural look.

Vertical bamboo flooring has less pronounced graining that is created by layering the strips sideways before pressing them together.

Woven floorboards are the most durable bamboo flooring option because they are strengthened with resin during the layering process.

How much does bamboo flooring cost?

Bamboo flooring generally costs between $3 and $15 per square foot. The exact price will depend on the type of bamboo flooring you select and how it is installed.

Generally, bamboo flooring won’t run your bill up any higher than more traditional hardwood floors like oak, maple, or hickory. Just make sure that when you’re shopping, you’re searching for a quality bamboo flooring that won’t damage easily and require repair costs.

Does home insurance cover floors?

Maybe—it depends on how they were damaged.

Homeowners insurance

only covers damage caused by the

listed perils in your policy

. In short, if your floors are damaged in a fire, you’ll likely be covered. But if you’re looking to repair wear and tear from your dog’s nails, you likely won’t be covered.

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Finding affordable home insurance

After installing your beautiful new bamboo flooring, you’ll want to make sure it stays that way for as long as possible.

Homeowners insurance

is an important way to protect you and your belongings from unexpected damage or disasters.

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Are bamboo floors high maintenance?

No, bamboo floors are relatively easy to maintain because they naturally repel dust, dirt, and pollen.

Is bamboo flooring better than hardwood?

When it comes to durability and costs, bamboo flooring and hardwood are comparable. However, bamboo does rank significantly higher in sustainability because traditional hardwood sources can take around 20 years to mature, whereas bamboo can be harvested every five to six years.

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