Choosing between strand bamboo for flooring and hardwood can be tricky. I've found key differences worth sharing. Strand bamboo flooring offers exceptional durability and a unique look, often surpassing hardwood in hardness. However, hardwood brings a classic aesthetic and can be refinished multiple times. Understanding these distinctions helps in making the best choice for your needs.

Strand bamboo is often cheaper and more eco-friendly than hardwood, costing around $3-$7 per square foot compared to $4-$10 for hardwood. Bamboo grows much faster than trees used for hardwood, making it a more sustainable choice. It's also very durable, sometimes even more so than traditional hardwoods.

But hardwood has its own benefits. It comes in a wider range of looks and can last for generations with proper care. Hardwood also tends to add more value to a home. Both options have pros and cons when it comes to moisture resistance and maintenance needs.

Key Takeaways

• Strand bamboo is usually cheaper and more eco-friendly than hardwood
• Hardwood offers more style options and can boost home value
• Both flooring types have different care needs and moisture concerns

Comparing Bamboo and Hardwood Flooring

Bamboo and hardwood flooring both offer unique qualities for homes. I'll explore the different types available and their environmental impact to help you choose.

Types and Composition

Bamboo flooring comes in several forms. Strand woven bamboo is the toughest, made by compressing bamboo fibres. Vertical-grain bamboo has a striped look, while horizontal bamboo shows the plant's knuckles.

Hardwood flooring includes solid and engineered options. Solid hardwood is one piece of wood throughout. Engineered hardwood has a real wood top layer over plywood.

Both bamboo and hardwood can be stained in various colours. Bamboo is often lighter in tone naturally. Hardwood offers more variety in grain patterns and natural shades.

Environmental Impact

Bamboo grows much faster than trees used for hardwood. It can be harvested every 5-7 years, while hardwood trees take decades to mature. This makes bamboo a more renewable resource.

Moso bamboo, commonly used for flooring, doesn't require pesticides or fertilizers to grow. It also releases more oxygen than hardwood trees.

But not all bamboo is eco-friendly. Some producers use harmful adhesives or harvesting methods. It's important to look for certifications that ensure sustainable practices.

Hardwood can be sustainable too, especially when sourced from well-managed forests. Some species regrow faster than others. Both materials can be long-lasting, reducing the need for replacements.

Durability and Maintenance

Durability and maintenance are key factors to consider when choosing between strand bamboo and hardwood flooring. Both options have unique strengths and weaknesses in terms of wear resistance, climate sensitivity, and long-term care needs.

Resistance to Wear

Strand bamboo is incredibly tough. It scores higher on the Janka hardness scale than most hardwoods. This means it's less likely to dent or scratch from everyday use. I've found that strand bamboo can stand up to heavy foot traffic, pet claws, and furniture without showing much wear.

Hardwood's durability varies by species. Oak and maple are quite strong, but softer woods like pine dent more easily. Most hardwoods can be refinished multiple times, which helps extend their lifespan.

Both flooring types can get scratches, but bamboo tends to hide them better due to its tight grain pattern.

Moisture and Climate Factors

Bamboo is more sensitive to humidity changes than hardwood. In very humid areas, I've seen bamboo floors swell and buckle. In dry climates, they can shrink and crack.

Hardwoods also react to moisture, but usually less dramatically. They're better at handling small humidity fluctuations.

Both types can suffer water damage if exposed to standing water. Bamboo might be slightly more water-resistant, but neither is truly waterproof.

Temperature changes affect both materials. Extreme heat or cold can cause expansion and contraction, leading to gaps or warping.

Upkeep and Longevity

Bamboo floors are easy to clean. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping are usually enough. They don't need special treatments or polishes.

Hardwood floors might need more care. Some types require periodic waxing or oiling to maintain their finish. They're also more prone to showing wear over time.

Both can last for decades with proper care. Hardwood has the advantage of being refinishable, which can restore its appearance after years of use.

Bamboo floors can't be refinished as often, but their initial durability means they might not need it as much.

Installation and Costs

Installing bamboo or hardwood flooring can be tricky. Both options have unique challenges and costs. Let's look at the key factors to consider when putting in these floors and how they impact your wallet.

Flooring Installation Nuances

I've found that bamboo flooring can be tougher to install than hardwood. It's harder to cut and may need special tools. Bamboo planks often come with a click-lock system, which can be easier for DIYers. Hardwood usually needs nailing or gluing down.

Both types need a smooth, dry subfloor. I always recommend using underlayment for extra cushion and moisture protection. Bamboo is more sensitive to humidity, so it's crucial to let it acclimate in the room for at least 72 hours before installing.

Investment and Value

Bamboo flooring costs less than hardwood on average. I've seen prices range from $2 to $7 per square foot for bamboo, while hardwood can run $4 to $12 or more. Installation costs are similar for both, typically $4 to $8 per square foot.

Hardwood tends to add more value to a home. It's a classic choice that buyers love. Bamboo can be a selling point too, especially for eco-minded buyers. But it might not boost property value as much as hardwood.

Long-term, hardwood can last 50-100 years with proper care. Bamboo usually lasts 20-30 years. This lifespan difference can affect the overall value of your investment.

Aesthetic Considerations and Options

Bamboo and hardwood flooring both offer beautiful options for homes. I'll explore the design versatility and popular brands available for each type of flooring.

Design Versatility

Strand bamboo comes in many colours and styles. I can find light, medium, and dark shades to match any decor. Some mimic traditional hardwoods like oak or walnut. Bamboo's unique grain patterns add visual interest.

Hardwood provides classic beauty with more wood species to choose from. Oak, maple, cherry and exotic woods each have their own look. Hardwoods can be stained in countless colours too.

Both bamboo and hardwood are available in wide planks for a modern feel. Narrow strips create a more traditional style. Bamboo often has a smoother, more uniform appearance. Hardwood shows more natural variation in grain and colour.

Market Brands and Products

Top bamboo flooring brands include Cali Bamboo, Teragren, and Ambient Bamboo Floors. These companies offer eco-friendly options in many styles. Cali Bamboo has extra-hard strand woven floors. Teragren focuses on sustainable harvesting. Ambient provides affordable engineered bamboo planks.

For hardwoods, I like brands such as Bruce, Armstrong, and Shaw. They offer solid and engineered wood floors. Bruce is known for its oak flooring. Armstrong has a wide range of species and colours. Shaw produces stylish options like hand-scraped hardwoods.

Both types come as click-lock floating floors for easy DIY install. Pre-finished options save time compared to site-finished floors.