Choosing new floors can feel like a huge decision. Are you torn between hardwood vs bamboo? Many homeowners find themselves in this exact situation, researching the pros and cons of each.
You likely want something durable, beautiful, and perhaps even environmentally friendly. Let's break down the key differences between these two floor types so you can make a confident choice.
Table of Contents:
- The Hard Facts on Hardness and Durability
- The Eco-Friendly Angle
- Bamboo or Wood Flooring: Cost Considerations
- Looks and Style: Defining Your Space
- The Moisture Question
- Installation: DIY or Pro?
- Quality Assurance
- Making the Choice: Key Takeaways
- FAQs
- Conclusion
The Hard Facts on Hardness and Durability
A major factor for any flooring choice is its ability to withstand daily wear and tear. The Janka hardness test is the industry standard for this. It measures a flooring material's resistance to denting.
Surprisingly, some types of bamboo flooring outperform traditional hardwoods in some specifications. Bamboo flooring typically has a Janka hardness rating between 4,000-5,000, while many common hardwoods fall lower on the scale.
Strand-Woven Bamboo: The Heavyweight Champion
It's important to note that not all bamboo flooring is created equal. Strand woven bamboo takes the title for ultimate durability.
This type is made by weaving and compressing bamboo fibers bound with resin. The result is an incredibly dense flooring material that's extremely resistant to physical damage.
Hardwood Has Variety
Hardwood flooring offers a wide array of wood species, like oak, hickory, maple, and cherry wood floors. Hardness varies considerably between these species, making the Janka score important when comparing.
Red oak floors and white oak floors, a popular choice, red oak has a Janka rating of around 1,290 and white oak has 1360 rating. Some exotic hardwoods, however, have much higher Janka ratings. Bamboo strands are heated and glued together to produce the highest Janka ratings of 4000 to 5000.
The Eco-Friendly Angle
Many of us want to make good choices to help keep our environment clean and healthy. Both flooring materials are harvested with a healthy earth in mind.
However, they aren't entirely equal in terms of environmental impact.
The Speedy Grower
Bamboo is technically a grass, not a tree. This is why Bamboo grows incredibly fast when you compare it to any tree. The Guinness Book of Records states that a certain bamboo species grows up to 35 inches per *day*.
Hardwood: The Long Game
Hardwood, of course, comes from hardwood trees. Growing trees to maturity takes a significantly longer time.
An oak tree might need 20-30 years before it's ready for harvest. This difference in growth time is major source of the higher cost when compared to any other category of flooring like carpet, laminate, vinyl, and bamboo.
The Processing Paradox
The manufacturing process can slightly diminish the "green" reputation of bamboo. The stalks are sliced, shredded, and compressed using chemical resins.
Most bamboo is grown outside the US. Transportation costs add up for this floor type.
Bamboo or Wood Flooring: Cost Considerations
Budget is a significant factor in most flooring decisions. Let's examine how these materials compare in terms of cost.
Material Costs: Bamboo's Advantage
Frequently, bamboo costs considerably less per square foot than many hardwoods. Pricing varies based on the solid planks or engineered product versions.
Expect a range of $7–$20 per square foot. Standard hardwoods like oak usually fall in the $5–$15 range.
Installation Costs: A Level Playing Field
Professional installation costs for both flooring types are generally similar. The final price often depends on labor rates in your area.
Expect costs anywhere from $2–$25 per square foot. It is best to research whether it is something that can be installed personally, or to leave the flooring installation to a professional.
Long-Term Value
Hardwood floors have potential long term costs that should be accounted for, including upkeep. Bamboo, on the other hand, is mostly self reliant, particularly after proper installation.
If choosing between well-maintained bamboo when compared to hardwood's track record, resale is something to think about. Keep these considerations in mind when it comes to flooring costs.
Looks and Style: Defining Your Space
Flooring significantly contributes to the overall aesthetic of a room. It's not merely a surface to walk on.
Bamboo's Modern Flair
Bamboo typically provides a cleaner, more contemporary look. The grain pattern is often straight and uniform, creating a streamlined appearance.
You'll commonly find bamboo in natural light color tones. However, some manufacturers now offer darker stains.
Hardwood's Classic Charm
Hardwood flooring materials offer many options. From warm-toned oaks to rich cherry, there is a wide variety of colors and distinct grain patterns in hardwood flooring. The grain pattern can be a major influence for some people.
The Question of Refinishing
Both bamboo and solid hardwood *can* be sanded and refinished. However, check the thickness of the both flooring options before refinishing.
The Moisture Question
Moisture damage is a concern for all wood and wood-like flooring materials. It is very important to understand how moisture can effect different materials.
Bamboo's Slight Edge
Bamboo is often touted as having *slightly* better resistance to moisture and mold growth. However, precautions must be taken to prevent swelling in both wood and bamboo floors.
Hardwood Needs Extra Care
Solid hardwood flooring typically requires more vigilance in high-moisture environments. Water intrusion can cause irreversible swelling or damage to the hardwood flooring surface.
VOCs: Keeping Your Air Clean
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are present in many building material. Thankfully, VOCs are strictly regulated in many areas now.
Installation: DIY or Pro?
Here's how installation compares between bamboo and hardwood:
Bamboo flooring often features click-lock systems, making it relatively DIY-friendly. Hardwood, however, may require professional installation. A poor installation can lead to headaches and additional costs.
Subfloor Concerns
Both flooring types perform best on level subfloors. You may experience squeaking with wood floors as the subfloor settles or shifts.
Cupping can occur on either floor. But, this usually indicates issues other than the product installation itself.
Radiant Heat: Tread Carefully
Both bamboo and hardwood *can* be compatible with radiant heat. It is always a good idea to double check on any warranties. Also, consult the American Hardwood Information Center for essential precautions.
Quality Assurance
Here's a chart comparing the quality assurance of bamboo and hardwood flooring:
| Flooring | Quality Assurance |
|---|---|
| Bamboo |
|
| Hardwood |
|
Due to its long history of use, hardwood has a track record of stable results. This applies to both quality and the wide range of available wood species. Ratings are provided by organizations like the National Oak Floor Manufacturers Association (NOFMA).
Making the Choice: Key Takeaways
Weighing the pros and cons of each option is important. Here's a quick recap to help you decide which flooring is right for your home:
Pick bamboo if: You prefer a modern aesthetic, prioritize fast-growing, sustainable solutions, and are comfortable with routine maintenance.
Pick hardwood if: You value classic appeal, desire flooring with decades of potential lifespan, and want a wide range of choices. Hardwood floors also tend to increase a home's resale value.
FAQs
Is bamboo flooring better than hardwood?
It depends on your priorities. Bamboo is great for sustainability, quick growth and its a very tough solution, especially strand woven bamboo. Hardwood flooring offers a timeless appeal and many options. Hardwood also performs very well over decades of use.
What is the downside of bamboo floors?
Lower-quality bamboo can be prone to scratches. It's also susceptible to moisture damage, and there can be inconsistencies in quality between manufacturers. Choosing high-quality bamboo flooring addresses many of these concerns.
What is the downfall of bamboo material?
Some of the commonly cited downsides are not deal-breakers for most people. If you properly finish and maintain your bamboo floor, addressing moisture concerns promptly, it can remain in great condition.
With proper care, bamboo is durable against foot traffic and other environmental factors.
What are the disadvantages of bamboo wood?
One concern is the potential presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the adhesives and finishes. This should not be concerning.
VOC amounts found in quality bamboo flooring do not violate current indoor air quality standards.
Conclusion
The choice of wood flooring products or bamboo products shouldn't be overwhelming. Understanding the main differences of costs considerably narrows the options. Focusing on things like durability and eco-friendliness is another huge help.
By understanding those factors, you can open yourself up to exploring the styles and colors available within your preferred flooring type. Picking out new floors is exciting.
