Bamboo and hardwood are two popular flooring options for a home. While they may look similar at first glance, these materials have distinct characteristics that set them apart. This guide will explore the pros and cons of each option, helping readers determine which flooring type best suits their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
What Is Bamboo Flooring?
Bamboo flooring is made from the bamboo plant, typically the Moso bamboo species. The manufacturing process involves harvesting, stripping, and processing the bamboo into planks suitable for flooring. There are three main types of bamboo flooring: vertical-grain, flat-grain, and stranded.
Vertical grain is created by gluing the edges of narrow bamboo strips together, resulting in a striped appearance. Flat-grain is made with thin, flat layers of bamboo glued together. Stranded is composed of bamboo fibers bound with resin, giving it a shredded look.
Bamboo flooring has recently gained popularity as an alternative to traditional hardwood. Despite its wood-like appearance, bamboo is actually a grass. This unique characteristic contributes to its rapid growth and renewability, making it an appealing choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. As a relatively new flooring material, bamboo lacks standardized quality ratings, making it crucial to purchase from reputable sources.
Understanding Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring comes from deciduous trees, which are typically slower-growing than bamboo. It’s available in solid planks or engineered versions, which have a hardwood veneer over a plywood or fiberboard core. Hardwood flooring has been a staple in homes for centuries, prized for its natural beauty and longevity. Common hardwood species used for flooring include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut, with each offering different colors, grain patterns, and hardness.
Bamboo Vs. Hardwood: Key Comparisons
When deciding between bamboo and hardwood flooring, several factors come into play. This section will compare these two options across various important criteria.
Durability and Hardness
Both bamboo and hardwood can offer excellent durability, but their hardness can vary significantly. The Janka hardness scale measures a wood’s resistance to denting and wear.
According to Angi, bamboo flooring typically has a Janka hardness rating between 1,380-1,825, higher than many hardwoods. However, note that carbonized bamboo, which is darkened through heating, can be softer.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to cost, bamboo is comparable to hardwood. Bamboo flooring typically ranges from $7–$20 per square foot, depending on bamboo type and installation method.
Hardwood flooring costs can vary widely based on the species chosen. Standard hardwoods like oak or maple usually cost between $5–$15 per square foot, while exotic hardwoods can be exceedingly expensive. High-quality hardwood flooring can increase a home’s resale value.
Installation costs are generally similar for both bamboo and hardwood, ranging anywhere from $2–$25 per square foot, depending on local labor rates.
*Costs in this article sourced from Angi.
Environmental Impact
Bamboo is often touted as an environmentally friendly option due to its rapid growth and renewability. Bamboo plants can be harvested every 5–7 years, compared to the 20–120 years needed for most hardwood trees to mature.
However, the environmental benefits of bamboo are not straightforward. Most bamboo is sourced from China, which can lead to concerns about transportation emissions and less regulated harvesting practices.
Hardwood can be environmentally friendly when sourced from sustainably managed forests. Many hardwood species are now grown in managed plantations, reducing the impact on natural forests.
Longevity and Maintenance
Hardwood flooring has a reputation for longevity, with well-maintained floors lasting 50–100 years or more, while bamboo flooring typically has a shorter lifespan of 20–30 years. Both benefit from regular maintenance. Sweeping or vacuuming with occasional mopping is sufficient to keep them in good condition and minimize the need for refinishing.
Style and Aesthetics
Hardwood offers a wider range of aesthetic options due to the variety of species available. Each type of wood has a unique grain pattern, color, and character, allowing for greater customization to match different interior styles.
Bamboo flooring has a more limited range of appearances, primarily varying in color from light to dark. The grain pattern of bamboo is also distinct, often featuring a more uniform look compared to the varied grains of hardwood.
Maintenance Tips for Bamboo and Hardwood Flooring
Proper maintenance preserves the beauty and extends the life of both bamboo and hardwood flooring. Following specific guidelines ensures that these floors remain in great condition for many years. Here’s how to care for each:
Daily and Weekly Cleaning
Keeping bamboo and hardwood floors clean involves simple tasks that prevent dirt and scratches. Regular sweeping with a soft-bristled broom removes debris that may scratch the surface. Use a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment, avoiding beater bars, to remove finer particles. Occasionally, mop using a slightly damp microfiber mop and a suitable cleaner. Avoid using excess water, as it can damage the flooring over time.
Special Care Instructions
Specific instructions should be followed to maintain each type of flooring:
- For Bamboo: Regularly check for signs of water damage and promptly address any moisture issues. Make sure it’s sealed properly to protect against water intrusion.
- For Hardwood: Make seasonal humidity adjustments. Using humidifiers in dry winter can prevent hardwood from cracking, while dehumidifiers can control moisture during the humid months.
Refinishing and Restoring
Over time, both bamboo and hardwood floors may develop scratches or wear. Sanding and refinishing can restore their appearance. Stranded bamboo can be sanded and refinished several times, but thinner bamboo floors may have limitations. Refinishing can be carried out multiple times depending on the hardwood’s thickness. A professional can best determine the number of refinishes possible.
Trends and Innovations in Flooring Options
The landscape of flooring options continues to evolve, with new trends and innovations impacting both bamboo and hardwood choices.
Sustainable Practices
Environmental consciousness is driving demand for sustainably sourced flooring materials. Certification programs such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) help confirm eco-friendly practices.
Technological Enhancements
Advancements in technology have improved flooring materials, offering enhanced durability and functionality. New finishing techniques and products provide better protection against wear and moisture, and innovative manufacturing methods allow for texturing that replicates natural materials, enhancing visual appeal.
Innovative Design Options
As design trends change, the demand for versatile flooring options has increased with innovations, like mixed materials, which combine materials such as wood and tile in a single layout, offering distinct visual contrasts and functional solutions. Parquet, chevron, and herringbone patterns are also returning to popularity, adding a bit of tradition to modern flooring.
