You’re about to tackle a flooring project and are curious, is bamboo flooring completely waterproof? You're drawn to its "new-kid-on-the-block" reputation. Pretty bamboo floors are plentiful, but can they withstand life's little spills? This comprehensive flooring guide will explore the water resistance of bamboo flooring.
Table Of Contents:
- Bamboo Flooring and Water: Debunking the Myth
- Understanding Water Resistance: Types of Bamboo Flooring
- Factors Affecting Water Resistance
- Bamboo Flooring: Weighing Your Options
- FAQs About Bamboo Being Waterproof
- Conclusion
Bamboo Flooring and Water: Debunking the Myth
Let's clear the air: While exceptionally resilient, bamboo flooring is not fully waterproof. Bamboo, as a fast-growing grass, possesses natural water-resistant properties. However, it is not impervious to water damage, particularly standing water.
Why Bamboo Flooring Isn’t Completely Waterproof
Bamboo, like all-natural materials, is hygroscopic. This means the fibers in bamboo absorb and release moisture from the air. How much it sucks up depends on the temperature and relative humidity of a home. When bamboo starts to absorb moisture that's airborne, this process is called an equilibrium moisture content exchange. So bamboo can warp and cup like solid wood flooring and engineered hardwood.
Bad warping and cupping will come from moisture seeping into the bamboo core. This will cause the planks to swell and deform. All flooring stores offering a bamboo floor product will have a moisture sensitivity.
Understanding Water Resistance: Types of Bamboo Flooring
Not all bamboo flooring is created equal. Certain types offer varying levels of water resistance. Let's delve into the different types of bamboo flooring and their water resistance properties:
Solid Bamboo Flooring:
Constructed from solid bamboo strips, this type is incredibly durable. However, it's the least water-resistant, making it a less-than-ideal choice for moisture-prone areas.
Engineered Bamboo Flooring:
Engineered bamboo flooring is made by layering bamboo veneers and adhering them with a strong adhesive. This construction makes it more stable and less prone to warping from humidity. Engineered bamboo flooring is still not a fully waterproof solution.
Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring:
This type of bamboo floor made differently. Its bamboo fibers are pressed together under extreme heat and pressure to compact it. Then, with strong adhesives, a more stable bamboo floor is made and named strand woven bamboo flooring.
This manufacturing process increases its durability and density of each bamboo plank. This makes it the most resistant to water damage among the other bamboo flooring types. However, prolonged exposure to water will still cause damage.
Rigid Core Bamboo Flooring:
This is bamboo's answer to genuinely waterproof flooring. Its made with a waterproof core like stone plastic composite (SPC) vinyl plank product. Yet, its topped with a real bamboo veneer, to handle spills, splashes, and even pet accidents with ease.
If spills wiped up fast, this rigid core floor provides a highly water-resistant bamboo option. This makes it suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. Remember that most flooring warranties do not cover accidental damage. So any flooding, leaking pipes, appliance leaks, pet urine, or puddles left unattended will void a warranty claim.
Factors Affecting Water Resistance
Several things can affect bamboo’s water resistance beyond its type.
Installation Quality
A proper installation starts with making sure your subfloor is level and dry. Always acclimate your flooring for 3 to 5 days. This will stabilize the bamboo to your home's environment and moisture levels. This reduces the chances of future warping or gapping.
Finish Type
The finish applied to bamboo flooring significantly impacts its water resistance. Look for finishes labeled as "moisture-resistant," "water-based polyurethane," or "aluminum oxide". These finishes offer greater protection against spills.
Maintenance
Even the most water-resistant bamboo flooring requires proper care. Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Use a slightly damp mop when needed - standing water is the enemy. Clean up any spills quickly with a soft, absorbent cloth.
Bamboo Flooring: Weighing Your Options
So, where does this leave you? Is bamboo waterproof enough for your needs? It's about assessing your needs and weighing those options.
When Bamboo Flooring Is a Good Option
- Rooms with Controlled Moisture: Bamboo flooring excels in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, or hallways. These rooms encounter occasional spills, but nothing like kitchens or bathrooms will.
- Eco-Conscious Choice: Bamboo's rapid renewability makes it a fantastic sustainable flooring choice. It's both visually appealing and environmentally sound.
- Specific Budget: Bamboo flooring often costs less than solid hardwoods.
When to Reconsider Bamboo Flooring:
- Bathrooms and kitchens see lots of water. So if your heart’s set on these areas, go for waterproof vinyl plank or tile. These floors will stop water-related issues down the line.
FAQs About Bamboo Being Waterproof
What happens if bamboo flooring gets wet?
It depends on the type of bamboo flooring, the duration of exposure, and how quickly the water is addressed. If it’s a small spill cleaned up immediately, it's usually okay. However, standing water, can lead to warping and cupping. This swelling from water sitting on bamboo will ruin the floor.
What is the disadvantage of bamboo flooring?
Although durable, bamboo can still be susceptible to scratching. High traffic can cause wear on its surface over time, although this applies to any type of flooring really. It’s not invincible despite its eco-friendly appeal.
Can you make bamboo flooring waterproof?
Most bamboo floor products are not waterproof. A rigid core bamboo floor is almost completely waterproof. This is because a rigid core bamboo floor is really a vinyl plank floor with bamboo on top.
Do bamboo floors need to be sealed?
Yes, absolutely. Regularly sealing your bamboo floors is essential in maintaining their beauty and longevity. Sealing creates a protective barrier against moisture, spills, and scratches. It’s an easy way to keep your floors looking new.
Conclusion
So, is bamboo flooring completely waterproof? No. There is a waterproof rigid core bamboo flooring. This is a vinyl plank floor with bamboo sprinkled in though.
Bamboo has features homeowners can benefit from, being waterproof is not one of them. Shop our 100% waterproof flooring collections and let water damage be a thing of the past.
