Everything You Need to Know About Bamboo Flooring
Not sure where you stand on bamboo flooring? Our guide will help you work out whether this sustainable surface is right for you
Over the past several years, bamboo has become one of the frontrunners in flooring options. And we’re not surprised – the popular material is, after all, a triple threat: it’s strong, stylish and one of the most sustainable floor surfaces available. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that bamboo flooring is more affordable than other hardwood floors, which counts as another (big) tick in its favour. But is it the best choice for your home?
Read on to learn about the pros and cons of bamboo floors, as well as other considerations you need to know before finalising your flooring selection.
Read on to learn about the pros and cons of bamboo floors, as well as other considerations you need to know before finalising your flooring selection.
How it’s made
Once harvested, the bamboo stalks are sliced, cut to length and their outer skins (including the distinctive knuckles) removed. The strips are then boiled to remove insects, starch and sugars, then dried and planed, which marks the final step before the material is made into a finished flooring product.
While bamboo floors usually come in a light, natural blond finish, they’re also available in darker hues, which is achieved by staining the surface or through a process called carbonisation. This involves pressure-steaming strips of raw bamboo, which causes the material (not just the surface) to take on a deeper, richer colour, like creamy caramel or coffee. Bamboo can also be hand scraped to make the surface look like more like wood.
Once harvested, the bamboo stalks are sliced, cut to length and their outer skins (including the distinctive knuckles) removed. The strips are then boiled to remove insects, starch and sugars, then dried and planed, which marks the final step before the material is made into a finished flooring product.
While bamboo floors usually come in a light, natural blond finish, they’re also available in darker hues, which is achieved by staining the surface or through a process called carbonisation. This involves pressure-steaming strips of raw bamboo, which causes the material (not just the surface) to take on a deeper, richer colour, like creamy caramel or coffee. Bamboo can also be hand scraped to make the surface look like more like wood.
TYPES OF BAMBOO FLOORING
Bamboo flooring is available in two forms: solid (horizontal grain, vertical grain or strand woven) and engineered.
Horizontal- and vertical-grain solid bamboo
Horizontal-grain planks are made from layers of flat thin strips of bamboo that are glued and pressed together, creating a surface that resembles bamboo in its natural state thanks to its distinctive, repetitive knuckle pattern.
Vertical-grain floorboards (as shown here) have a more linear and uniform look, as they are constructed from thin strips of bamboo that are lined up and bonded together (you guessed it) vertically.
Bamboo flooring is available in two forms: solid (horizontal grain, vertical grain or strand woven) and engineered.
Horizontal- and vertical-grain solid bamboo
Horizontal-grain planks are made from layers of flat thin strips of bamboo that are glued and pressed together, creating a surface that resembles bamboo in its natural state thanks to its distinctive, repetitive knuckle pattern.
Vertical-grain floorboards (as shown here) have a more linear and uniform look, as they are constructed from thin strips of bamboo that are lined up and bonded together (you guessed it) vertically.
Strand-woven solid bamboo
Strand-woven floors are made from shredded bamboo fibres that are fused together with an adhesive and compressed using heat and pressure. These blocks are then cut down into hard solid planks and sanded so that a colour treatment and/or finish can be applied. You’d be forgiven if you were to mistake strand-woven bamboo floors for traditional timber flooring, as they feature an organic, flowing grain pattern similar to that of wood.
Strand-woven floors are made from shredded bamboo fibres that are fused together with an adhesive and compressed using heat and pressure. These blocks are then cut down into hard solid planks and sanded so that a colour treatment and/or finish can be applied. You’d be forgiven if you were to mistake strand-woven bamboo floors for traditional timber flooring, as they feature an organic, flowing grain pattern similar to that of wood.
Engineered bamboo
Engineered bamboo floorboards consist of several layers of wood (such as plywood or HDF) that have been bonded together with adhesives, heat and pressure, hidden behind a top layer of bamboo veneer and covered with a strong, protective finish. The beauty of engineered flooring is that it looks and feels like solid bamboo but it’s more stable (resistant to swelling, warping and cupping when exposed to heat or moisture) than the real thing, which is more stable than hardwood floors anyway, plus the price tag is a little lower, too.
Engineered bamboo floorboards consist of several layers of wood (such as plywood or HDF) that have been bonded together with adhesives, heat and pressure, hidden behind a top layer of bamboo veneer and covered with a strong, protective finish. The beauty of engineered flooring is that it looks and feels like solid bamboo but it’s more stable (resistant to swelling, warping and cupping when exposed to heat or moisture) than the real thing, which is more stable than hardwood floors anyway, plus the price tag is a little lower, too.
THE PROS OF BAMBOO FLOORING
Sustainability. Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly flooring surfaces available and not just because it’s a rapidly growing renewable resource. According to the Environmental Bamboo Foundation, a hectare of bamboo removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produces 35 per cent more oxygen in a year than a forest of hardwood trees of the same size. The plant also requires few (if any) pesticides or herbicides and little irrigation (apart from natural rainfall) to help it grow.
Healthy living. Bamboo flooring is hypo-allergenic, boasts non-slip and anti-static properties, and is resistant to insects, which will ensure your home is a safer, healthier and happier place to live!
Affordability. Do you dream of hardwood floors but don’t think they’re within your budget? Bamboo flooring is a happy compromise, as it looks, feels and is durable like timber but is available at a more budget-friendly price point.
Sustainability. Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly flooring surfaces available and not just because it’s a rapidly growing renewable resource. According to the Environmental Bamboo Foundation, a hectare of bamboo removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produces 35 per cent more oxygen in a year than a forest of hardwood trees of the same size. The plant also requires few (if any) pesticides or herbicides and little irrigation (apart from natural rainfall) to help it grow.
Healthy living. Bamboo flooring is hypo-allergenic, boasts non-slip and anti-static properties, and is resistant to insects, which will ensure your home is a safer, healthier and happier place to live!
Affordability. Do you dream of hardwood floors but don’t think they’re within your budget? Bamboo flooring is a happy compromise, as it looks, feels and is durable like timber but is available at a more budget-friendly price point.
Durability. On the Janka hardness scale, which measures the hardness of different types of wood, natural and carbonised bamboo come in at the middle of the scale, with ratings of 1380 and 1180, respectively. In other words, they’re similar in strength to oak and ash. Want flooring that’s stronger and more durable? Strand-woven bamboo floors are the best option for you; with a rating of 3000, it sits towards the top of the scale, which means it’s comparable (though a little softer) than Brazilian walnut.
Pre-finished. Both solid and engineered bamboo floors come pre-finished, which means you can walk on the surface and move your furniture back into the room as soon as the installation is complete.
Stability. Due to its construction, bamboo flooring is more stable than traditional timber floors, which means it won’t shrink, swell and warp as much as hardwood when exposed to heat, moisture or humidity. It’s also resistant to staining.
Pre-finished. Both solid and engineered bamboo floors come pre-finished, which means you can walk on the surface and move your furniture back into the room as soon as the installation is complete.
Stability. Due to its construction, bamboo flooring is more stable than traditional timber floors, which means it won’t shrink, swell and warp as much as hardwood when exposed to heat, moisture or humidity. It’s also resistant to staining.
THE CONS OF BAMBOO FLOORING
Environmental considerations. Although bamboo is a popular green building and flooring material, there are still some concerns about the effect manufacturing and transporting bamboo products has on the environment. One of the main worries is that the popularity of bamboo has contributed to forests being cleared to make way for more plantations. Another is that it requires enormous amounts of energy to ship bamboo flooring from Asia (where it’s mainly manufactured) to Australia and other parts of the world, which also puts a dent in its eco-credentials.
When shopping for bamboo flooring systems, choose products that have been certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) and/or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
This will give you peace of mind knowing the bamboo has been harvested and manufactured responsibly and with minimal impact on the environment.
Environmental considerations. Although bamboo is a popular green building and flooring material, there are still some concerns about the effect manufacturing and transporting bamboo products has on the environment. One of the main worries is that the popularity of bamboo has contributed to forests being cleared to make way for more plantations. Another is that it requires enormous amounts of energy to ship bamboo flooring from Asia (where it’s mainly manufactured) to Australia and other parts of the world, which also puts a dent in its eco-credentials.
When shopping for bamboo flooring systems, choose products that have been certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) and/or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
This will give you peace of mind knowing the bamboo has been harvested and manufactured responsibly and with minimal impact on the environment.
VOC emissions. Bamboo flooring is often made using urea-formaldehyde adhesives, which contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – toxic gases that are harmful to your health and the environment. Topcoats that are high in VOCs are also often applied to bamboo floor planks. However, many manufacturers now offer flooring options made from formaldehyde-free binders and coated in low-VOC finishes. Look for GECA-certified products to ensure you choose the safest, healthiest, most eco-friendly flooring for your home.
Weakness due to carbonisation. While this process can transform the light blond colour of bamboo into a darker shade, it also weakens the material, resulting in floorboards that look good but aren’t as structurally stable as bamboo flooring that has been stained or boasts a natural finish.
Difficult to refinish. Because of the way solid bamboo flooring is constructed (slices of bamboo bonded together vs solid planks of timber), they can be difficult to refinish, which can be frustrating if you desire a new look or your existing floors have seen better days.
Weakness due to carbonisation. While this process can transform the light blond colour of bamboo into a darker shade, it also weakens the material, resulting in floorboards that look good but aren’t as structurally stable as bamboo flooring that has been stained or boasts a natural finish.
Difficult to refinish. Because of the way solid bamboo flooring is constructed (slices of bamboo bonded together vs solid planks of timber), they can be difficult to refinish, which can be frustrating if you desire a new look or your existing floors have seen better days.
INSTALLATION
Tongue-and-groove floors are the most common type of solid bamboo flooring systems and, like traditional timber floors of this kind, can be fastened to a variety of subfloors (including plywood, particleboard, concrete, tiles or an existing timber floor) using nails or glue. While engineered bamboo floors can be glued or nailed down, they’re also available as snap-lock floating-floor systems, which means you can tackle the installation yourself as it’s easy and (usually) fuss-free!
Tongue-and-groove floors are the most common type of solid bamboo flooring systems and, like traditional timber floors of this kind, can be fastened to a variety of subfloors (including plywood, particleboard, concrete, tiles or an existing timber floor) using nails or glue. While engineered bamboo floors can be glued or nailed down, they’re also available as snap-lock floating-floor systems, which means you can tackle the installation yourself as it’s easy and (usually) fuss-free!
Where to install bamboo floors
Since bamboo is hard and durable, it’s the perfect flooring surface for high-traffic zones such as hallways and living rooms. It’s also suitable for use in the kitchen, as the material is more resistant to moisture than hardwood floors. That being said, you should avoid installing solid bamboo flooring in the bathroom or laundry as it’s not completely waterproof. If, however, you’re determined to use bamboo in your wet area, opt for engineered floorboards.
Since bamboo is hard and durable, it’s the perfect flooring surface for high-traffic zones such as hallways and living rooms. It’s also suitable for use in the kitchen, as the material is more resistant to moisture than hardwood floors. That being said, you should avoid installing solid bamboo flooring in the bathroom or laundry as it’s not completely waterproof. If, however, you’re determined to use bamboo in your wet area, opt for engineered floorboards.
MAINTENANCE
Bamboo flooring is very easy to clean and maintain. Treat it how you would timber floors: sweep or vacuum regularly, wipe away any spills as soon as accidents occur, and clean the surface using a damp mop and timber floor cleaning solution, when necessary.
As well as regular cleaning, there are other ways you can protect your floors so they look and feel good underfoot for years to come: lay down rugs or mats in busy areas, stick felt pads under furniture (especially chairs) to prevent scratches and dents, keep your pets’ claws clean and trimmed, and avoid walking around your home while wearing heels or hard-soled shoes that can damage the surface.
Bamboo flooring is very easy to clean and maintain. Treat it how you would timber floors: sweep or vacuum regularly, wipe away any spills as soon as accidents occur, and clean the surface using a damp mop and timber floor cleaning solution, when necessary.
As well as regular cleaning, there are other ways you can protect your floors so they look and feel good underfoot for years to come: lay down rugs or mats in busy areas, stick felt pads under furniture (especially chairs) to prevent scratches and dents, keep your pets’ claws clean and trimmed, and avoid walking around your home while wearing heels or hard-soled shoes that can damage the surface.
IN SUMMARY
Bamboo floors are a great option for homeowners who desire flooring that offers style, strength and sustainability in equal measure. It’s also a solid choice for people who are looking for a more affordable alternative to hardwood floors or discerning decorators who like the unique, exotic look of bamboo. As mentioned above, bamboo flooring is hypo-allergenic so it’s ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers, provided the floors are made and installed using low-VOC adhesives and finishes.
The jury is still out on whether families with growing kids or pet owners should try and steer clear of bamboo floors – some say it’s tough enough to withstand dents and scratches, while others say their flooring is marred by marks caused by energetic youngsters and their four-legged friends. Ultimately, it all comes down to the quality, type and colour (i.e. darker hues are more forgiving than lighter tones) of the bamboo flooring you choose.
Bamboo floors are a great option for homeowners who desire flooring that offers style, strength and sustainability in equal measure. It’s also a solid choice for people who are looking for a more affordable alternative to hardwood floors or discerning decorators who like the unique, exotic look of bamboo. As mentioned above, bamboo flooring is hypo-allergenic so it’s ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers, provided the floors are made and installed using low-VOC adhesives and finishes.
The jury is still out on whether families with growing kids or pet owners should try and steer clear of bamboo floors – some say it’s tough enough to withstand dents and scratches, while others say their flooring is marred by marks caused by energetic youngsters and their four-legged friends. Ultimately, it all comes down to the quality, type and colour (i.e. darker hues are more forgiving than lighter tones) of the bamboo flooring you choose.
WHAT YOU’LL PAY
According to the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA), bamboo flooring (solid or engineered) costs between $90 to $170 per square metre, supplied and installed.
TELL US
Do you have bamboo floors in your home? Do you love them or wish you had different flooring underfoot? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
According to the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA), bamboo flooring (solid or engineered) costs between $90 to $170 per square metre, supplied and installed.
TELL US
Do you have bamboo floors in your home? Do you love them or wish you had different flooring underfoot? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Bamboo is a tall, hollow tree-like grass that’s mainly found in China and other parts of Asia. One of the fastest-growing plants in the world (it can grow up to a metre in a day!), bamboo can be harvested every five to seven years, unlike hardwood species which can take between 15 and 100 years to mature. And once a bamboo stalk is cut down, the shoot will continue to grow, which means it can be harvested again once it reaches the end of the next seven-year cycle.
Bamboo is also known for its superior strength and flexibility, which is why the renewable resource has fast become a popular alternative to timber as a building and flooring material. While there are more than 1000 types of bamboo, moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) is the species that is most commonly used in the production of flooring, furniture and building products.