Types of Bamboo Flooring: Which Style Is Best For You?

Are you looking to add some natural beauty to your space with bamboo flooring? Bamboo flooring is a popular choice for both homes and businesses thanks to its aesthetic appeal and sustainability. But, before you decide to install bamboo flooring in your home, you need to know what type of bamboo flooring is right for you. In this blog post, we'll discuss the different types of bamboo flooring and help you decide which one is right for your needs. So read on to learn more!

What Are the Different Types of Bamboo Flooring?

Classic Bamboo Flooring - Tongue and Groove

Classic bamboo flooring is typically made from the shoots of the bamboo plant, which are cut into thin strips. These strips can be arranged either horizontally or vertically and are then glued together to form planks. The planks are then sanded and finished with a protective coating, and the result is a natural light-colored floor.

Pros

• Environmentally friendly
• Can be refinished up to 3 times
• Modern look

Cons

• Softer than other types and can be more vulnerable to scratches and other sorts of potential damage

Engineered Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring - Click Lock

Engineered strand-woven bamboo flooring is made from shredded bamboo that is pressed into boards and then cured until they become dense. This results in a product that is stronger and more durable than traditional bamboo flooring.

Pros

• Engineered bamboo floors are typically more durable due to the combination of materials that form the foundation layer.
• Engineered bamboo floors are a great choice for high-traffic sections of the house like the kitchen and the living room, as well as less-used spaces like the basement.

Cons

• Because the wear layer is just a thin layer of bamboo, engineered bamboo flooring can only be refinished a couple of times

Engineered Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring - Tongue and Groove

This tongue and groove model, like the click-lock engineered bamboo flooring, is quite sturdy for floating installations. However, It is slightly more difficult to install since you must manually apply the glue inside the grooves of each board.

Pros

• The wear layer is up to three times stronger than similar wood flooring (1)
• Increased dimensional stability

Cons

• Floating installation necessitates individually putting a bead of glue to each plank's inner groove.

Engineered Strand-Woven Rigid Core Bamboo Flooring - Click Lock

Because of its multi-layered structure, this is technically an engineered type of flooring, but it is distinctive enough to merit its own category since it is very resistant to water and exhibits little to no contraction and expansion.

Pros

• Simple installation
• Extremely water resistant, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms & basements.
• The high-density core ensures remarkable stability

Cons

• Unable to be refinished. However, due to the durability of strand-woven bamboo, this flooring will endure decades in a residential environment without needing to be refinished.

Solid Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring - Click Lock

Solid bamboo flooring is made from 100% bamboo, making it a very eco-friendly option. However, this type of flooring should only be laid in spaces with fairly consistent humidity levels.

Pros

• Environmentally friendly
• Easy installation
• Comes in a variety of styles

Cons

• The only acceptable conditions are constant indoor humidity levels throughout the year. Low humidity levels cause significant shrinking due to this floor's poor dimensional stability.

Solid Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring - Tongue and Groove

The ideal balance between durability, aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and competitive pricing. Is compatible with both nailing and gluing.

Pros

• It can be refinished up to 4 times
• It is available in a variety of styles
• Eco-friendly

Cons

• While a more natural appearance may appeal to some, not everyone will like to see visible nodes. 

What Is the Difference Between Tongue & Groove and Click-Lock?

Tongue and Groove

This flooring has a tongue on one side and a groove on the other side. The tongue fits into the groove of the next board. This form of interlocking system is designed to be easy to install, and it can be used in a wide variety of settings, including residential and commercial applications. Bamboo is a naturally hardwearing material, and the tongue and groove design helps to ensure that the boards stay glued together even under heavy use. 

Click-lock

Click and lock bamboo flooring has a "click" system that allows the boards to snap together without the need for nails or glue. This form of bamboo flooring is typically more expensive than traditional ones, but it is also easier to install and can be used over concrete or wood subfloors. 

What Are the Two Bamboo Flooring Installation Methods?

Nail-Down

The nail-down method is one of the most common methods used to install flooring. This method involves nailing the boards directly into the subfloor. It is important to use the proper nails and nailer for this project, as well as to make sure the boards are properly spaced. Additionally, it is important to avoid over-driving the nails, which could damage the boards or cause them to loosen over time. 

Floating

Floating floors are not attached to the subfloor with nails or glue. Instead, they are attached to each other, creating a "floating" effect. This method is much easier and quicker to install than traditional ones, and floating floors are much less likely to warp or damage the subfloor over time, plus they are much easier to repair if they become damaged. (2)

Bamboo Flooring Colors

Natural

Natural bamboo has no added colorants to it, making it very light in color.

Carbonized

Carbonized bamboo is made by heating the bamboo to high temperatures, which darkens the wood. This gives the bamboo a richer, darker color that some homeowners prefer.

Tiger

Tiger bamboo is a combination of carbonized and natural bamboo to create the distinct tiger stripe pattern.

Stained

Stained bamboo is treated with a wood stain to change its original color.

Bamboo flooring is a great option for anyone looking for a durable, sustainable flooring material. Bamboo is strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It’s also easy to clean and care for. And if that wasn’t enough, bamboo is an eco-friendly choice; the plant grows quickly and doesn’t require much water or land to thrive. If you’re considering bamboo flooring for your next remodel, we can help you find the perfect option for your needs. Contact us today to get started! 

(1) “The 6 Types of Bamboo Floors | Ambient Building Products.” The 6 Types of Bamboo Floors | Ambient Building Products, www.ambientbp.com/types-of-bamboo-flooring-solid-vs-click.php#:~:text=The%206%20main%20types%20of,solid%20horizontal%20and%20vertical%20bamboo. Accessed 14 Oct. 2022.

(2) “Types of Bamboo Flooring - Grain, Color and Surface Texture | BuildDirect® Learning Center.” Learning Center, 29 Mar. 2010, www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/types-bamboo-floors.