What this covers
Bamboo flooring is made from a grass that grows back in a few years. Traditional bamboo shows the nodes of the stalk; strand-woven bamboo compresses the fibers into very hard, dense planks. Both are installed like wood: acclimated in the home, checked against the subfloor, and nailed, glued or floated. Strand-woven bamboo suits active homes; all bamboo is sensitive to high humidity swings.
When to call
- A wish for a hard, renewable plank floor in living areas and bedrooms.
- A modern or minimal interior.
- A replacement floor after a loss on a dry, checked subfloor.
What to expect
- Acclimate and checkPlanks acclimate in the home and the subfloor is tested for moisture and flatness.
- Choose the methodNail-down over wood, glue-down over concrete, or floating click planks.
- InstallPlanks go down in staggered rows with the required expansion gap.
- TrimBaseboards and transitions, then a walk-through.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Is bamboo harder than oak?
Strand-woven bamboo is harder than most hardwoods. Traditional bamboo is closer to oak.
Can it be refinished?
Solid bamboo can be sanded. Engineered bamboo depends on its wear layer. Strand-woven bamboo is hard to sand and is usually screened and recoated instead.
Is it good in humid climates?
Bamboo moves with humidity like wood. A stable indoor climate and proper acclimation prevent gaps and cupping.
Related: Hardwood floor installation · Cork flooring · Engineered wood flooring · All flooring
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