Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons - What to Consider

On our site www.homeflooringpros.com we focus on the suitability of different types of flooring for different home improvement projects. Each type of flooring has its own advantages and disadvantages and it's our intention to steer you towards the best option for your project. We recently posted an article on the pros and cons of bamboo flooring vs cork flooring and pointed out that while both materials have green credentials that is pretty much where the similarity ends. In this article, exclusively published on Patch, we will take a closer look at bamboo flooring pros and cons to help you make an educated decision on its suitability for your home.

As you probably know, one of the major pros that manufacturers like to highlight about bamboo is its inherent ecologically friendly nature: bamboo is a grass not a wood and grows at an amazing (almost alarming) rate that means it is very renewable, as explained by veteran home improvement expert Bob Vila:

“… as soon as it’s harvested, more starts growing. Where hardwood takes decades to mature, bamboo grows two feet a day: the fastest-growing plant on the planet!”

Unlike a hardwood tree that reaches maturity in 20 plus years, bamboo is ready to be converted to flooring after just five years; and you don’t have to replant to grow more – the bamboo is cut at the base of the plant, the roots are left intact and the new bamboo grows from the same base.

However, as pointed out by flooring journalist Joseph Letwin, bamboo flooring is “environmentally ambiguous” as there are concerns about natural forests being cut down to make way for bamboo farms, the fact that it has to be shipped from China, the fact that the adhesives used to make bamboo plank can be toxic (this is especially so if you opt for bargain basement prices from non reputable suppliers – see more below) and that the complicated manufacturing process used to create bamboo planks incurs more CO2 expenditure than for hardwood.

But hardwood production is not without its environmental concerns either, and if what you really want is an exotic wood that stands out from the crowd, there are many reputable bamboo flooring suppliers who are doing as much as they can to ensure they have a responsibly sourced product.

Another, no longer relevant, con that had been leveled at bamboo flooring in the past was that it was limited in its appeal – coming in just two color tones and standard smooth planks.  But as its popularity has increased, leading bamboo brands are increasingly offering bamboo floors to suit all kinds of décor styles and trends: you can now get bamboo planks that have been hand scraped, distressed or stained.

For sure, bamboo flooring has come a long way since its first appearance in US homes; what hasn’t changed at all is its refined aesthetic quality that does seem to imbue a space with elegance. If you love the unique look that only bamboo can offer, then you’ll find below more information to help you make an informed choice, including the different types and the best suppliers of bamboo floors.

Formaldehyde adhesives – All bamboo flooring is made with adhesives – Plyboo have developed a completely non-formaldehyde adhesive system, but other brands will mostly be using some kind of formaldehyde compound.  However ensuring that the adhesive is not UREA formaldehyde should minimize exposure to irritants.

You (usually) get what you pay for - It is tempting to go for bargain basement prices, but you do run the risk of getting flooring from non-reputable sources that run the risk of bad formaldehyde emissions, poor finishes, installation headaches and such. Always look for FSC certified forests labels, LEED® Green Building Rating System™ certification and Europe’s E1 or California’s 2012 formaldehyde emissions standards (0.05 ppm or lower).

6% to 8% moisture – The natural moisture in the air in your home will affect how well your bamboo flooring performs, so by ensuring that you choose planks that have been sufficiently dried during manufacturing will lessen the risk of moisture expansion, contraction and swelling once installed. The ideal is a 6% to 8% moisture content, anything above 8% will be less suitable to moisture heavy environments.

Long Warranty – Generally speaking, it safest to opt for suppliers that guarantee a long-term warranty of between 25-30 years; as with all warranties, however, the devil is in the detail so check exactly what is covered.

Acclimation – As with many kinds of flooring product, bamboo floor planks need to be acclimated before installation to allow it to settle to the moisture levels in your home environment. Acclimation is a lengthy process - up to a month - so bear that in mind before tackling a flooring project.  See here for useful tips on bamboo acclimation.

Installation techniques – Because bamboo flooring comes in both click-lock and tongue and groove, it is essential that you read up on the pros/ cons of each to determine what is the right kind for your project and to ensure that you have the correct prep work, tools etc ready to tackle the job. As we’ve said above, do not assume that bamboo flooring is easier to install than hardwood, and if you’re not a proficient DIYer, get experts installers in to get the job done right.

No bamboo in the bathroom? – Do not be fooled into believing that solid bamboo is a suitable option for rooms that are “wet” environments – like bathrooms, basements and (to a lesser extent) kitchens: it is not! But as mentioned above there are clever alternatives such as engineered laminate bamboo and luxury vinyl bamboo planks that replicate the look but have far superior water resistant qualities.

Bamboo Flooring Costs - As discussed above, you can find bamboo flooring from as little as $2 to $3 per sq/ft but at that price you may be sacrificing the flooring's green credentials and quality. $4 to $6 is a much more realistic price for quality flooring with durability and style. Installation costs by professionals will be priced at around a further $2 per square foot.

In our opinion bamboo flooring has many benefits over other types of flooring but only if you stick with quality products from reputable supplies and use it in suitable locations.