Bamboo Flooring Vs Hardwood: Which Is Better?
We’ll cut right to the case, when it comes to woodfloors you have lots of options but two popular options are bamboo flooring and hardwood flooring. Which is better? It’s no surprise they both have their pos and cons. Let’s compare bamboo flooring vs hardwood to help you determine which is better for your needs.
Bamboo vs Hardwood Flooring: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clarify the difference between bamboo and hardwood flooring. While bamboo is technically considered a type of wood, it is actually a grass. This means that bamboo flooring is more porous and prone to denting than hardwood flooring. This can give a floor a nice patina over time. Bamboo is typically sliced into horizontal or vertical cuts, and strand woven bamboo is made by shredding and weaving the bamboo and infusing it with glue and epoxy to create a harder surface.
Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is made from various species of trees. The wood is cut into planks, which are then installed to create the flooring. Solid hardwood floors are made from a single piece of wood, while engineered hardwood flooring is made up of multiple layers of wood with a top layer of hardwood.
Bamboo Flooring Cost vs Hardwood Cost
One of the most important considerations when choosing a type of flooring is cost. In general, bamboo flooring is less expensive than hardwood flooring. Bamboo flooring costs can range from around $2-$8 per square foot, while hardwood flooring costs can range from $4-$12 per square foot. However, the cost of each type of flooring can vary depending on factors such as the type of wood species used, the quality of the flooring, and the manufacturer.
Bamboo vs Hardwood Flooring Durability
Another important factor to consider when choosing a type of flooring is durability. Hardwood flooring is known for its durability and can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. The type of wood species used can also affect the durability of the flooring. For example, oak flooring is known for being particularly durable.
Bamboo flooring, on the other hand, is less durable than hardwood flooring. While strand woven bamboo can be harder than traditional bamboo flooring, it is still more prone to denting and scratching than hardwood flooring.
However, bamboo flooring does have some advantages in terms of moisture resistance. It is less likely to warp or buckle in humid environments than hardwood flooring. Plus, you can get engineered bamboo flooring that is wood flooring just as durable as most hardwoods.
Bamboo Flooring vs Hardwood Pros and Cons
To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each type of flooring.
Bamboo Flooring Pros:
- More eco-friendly than hardwood flooring, as bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource
- Can be more moisture-resistant than hardwood flooring
- Generally less expensive than hardwood flooring
Bamboo Flooring Cons:
- Less durable than hardwood flooring
- Limited grain pattern options
- Limited color options
- Cannot be sanded and refinished like hardwood flooring
Hardwood Flooring Pros:
- Highly durable and can last for decades with proper care
- Wide variety of wood species, each with its own unique grain pattern and color
- Can be sanded and refinished to refresh the surface
- Adds value to a home
Hardwood Flooring Cons:
- More expensive than bamboo flooring
- Less moisture-resistant than bamboo flooring
- May not be as eco-friendly as bamboo flooring, depending on the wood species and manufacturing process
Which Type of Flooring Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the type of flooring you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If cost is a major factor, bamboo flooring may be the better option for you. If durability and a wide variety of options are more important, hardwood flooring may be the better choice.
When considering bamboo flooring vs hardwood flooring, it is important to take into account the type of flooring material you are looking for, your budget, the durability you require, the moisture resistance you need, and any eco-friendly considerations you may have.
If you do choose bamboo flooring, it is important to make sure that you are getting high-quality flooring material that is manufactured correctly. Low-quality bamboo flooring can have issues with warping, splitting, and cracking. Look for tongue and groove bamboo flooring that is made from strand woven bamboo for the best durability and moisture resistance.
If you choose hardwood flooring, consider the wood species you want, the top layer thickness, and the manufacturing process. Engineered hardwood flooring can be a more affordable option that still provides the durability and beauty of solid hardwood flooring. When choosing a wood species, keep in mind the unique characteristics and color options that each species offers.
Takeaways
In conclusion, both bamboo flooring and hardwood flooring have their pros and cons. When making a decision between the two, consider your budget, the level of durability you require, and any eco-friendly considerations you may have. By taking the time to carefully evaluate your options, you can choose the type of flooring that will best meet your needs and enhance the beauty and value of your home.
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