Eco-friendly bamboo flooring is popular among homeowners for its natural, elegant appearance and cost-effectiveness. The average cost of bamboo flooring is $4,300* but could run between $2,500 and $6,000 depending on a room’s size and the type of bamboo homeowners choose. Read more about bamboo flooring below to find out whether it’s the right flooring choice for you.
*Cost data in this article was sourced by averaging totals from Angi, Fixr, HomeAdvisor and Thumbtack.
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Major Bamboo Flooring Cost Factors
Bamboo flooring costs depend on the size and type of bamboo, brand, and floor area.
- Bamboo type and quality: The rate at which different types of bamboo grow affects availability and price—a more readily available bamboo type may be more affordable than a slower-growing variety. Bamboo flooring comes in different grades, and a higher-grade option will likely offer better aesthetics but come at a higher cost.
- Brand: Premium bamboo brands are often more expensive because of established track records and sterling reputations.
- Floor area: A higher square footage area and the related labor hours result in an increased price.
Installation Costs
Labor represents a significant portion of bamboo flooring expenses. As TOH flooring expert Bruce Janetta demonstrates, professional installation involves precise fitting and specialized adhesive systems. “You put a bead about eight inches long, every 18 inches along the groove side of the floor,” he explains, noting that proper installation technique affects both the project timeline and final cost.
Bamboo Type and Quality
There are four types of bamboo flooring to consider, each with advantages and disadvantages that amount to unique price points. Here’s what you can expect to pay for each type.
Cost by Bamboo Type
| Bamboo Type | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
|
Engineered bamboo |
$2–$5.50 |
|
Horizontal bamboo |
$2–$5.50 |
|
Vertical bamboo |
$2.50–$7.50 |
|
Strand-woven bamboo |
$4–$7.50 |
Engineered Bamboo Flooring
Engineered bamboo flooring is a thick layer of plywood covered with a thin layer of bamboo veneer and is often considered to be the most cost-effective option. It’s water-resistant, so it’s an excellent option for new kitchen floors. However, it can’t typically be refinished.
The wear layer thickness is critical for engineered bamboo’s longevity. As flooring experts explain, engineered bamboo with a thicker veneer can actually be refinished: “If the veneer is thick enough, you can sand it two or three times.” This makes some engineered options more versatile than homeowners might expect.
Horizontal Bamboo Flooring
If you want a variety with more grain patterns, horizontal bamboo flooring is the best option. It’s often compared to oak flooring for its durability. It’s available in two installation methods: click system and tong-and-groove cut.
The horizontal grain pattern in bamboo flooring is achieved through careful lamination. As Kevin O’Connor learned on This Old House, engineered bamboo uses cross-laminated layers where “the grain runs this way on one layer, in between it’s going across, and on the surface, it’s again running this way,” creating the strength of plywood while making the wood much more stable.
Vertical Bamboo Flooring
Vertical bamboo is more expensive than its sister style (horizontal) because it requires more material per square foot. However, the added price might be worth it to some because the design can often disguise dents or other signs of natural wear and tear.
Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring
Strand-woven is the most expensive type of bamboo flooring but is also the most durable. It’s compressed under intense heat and pressure, creating longer flooring planks. It’s simple to install with either a click or tongue-and-groove system.
The strand-woven manufacturing process involves cutting bamboo into precise dimensions — strands about 5 inches long, 2 inches wide, and as thin as a business card. These strands are then compressed under extreme heat and pressure, creating panels with exceptional strength characteristics.
Brand
Factors such as brand reputation, product quality, and manufacturing processes play a role in determining a bamboo brand’s price point. Explore some of the top brands below to learn more about each company’s unique price ranges.
Cost by Brand
| Bamboo Flooring Brand | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
|
Cali Bamboo |
$3.50–$8 |
|
Lifeproof |
$3–$4 |
|
Teragren |
$6–$10 |
|
EcoFusion |
$3–$9 |
|
Islander |
$4.50–$6.50 |
|
USFloors |
$3–$4 |
|
Morningstar |
$2–$4 |
|
Home Legend |
$2–$5 |
Pro Tip
When comparing bamboo flooring brands, consider the manufacturing process. As one flooring manufacturer explains about their finishing process: “We put on five coats of aluminum oxide top coat to make it virtually indestructible, helps you scratch resistance and durability. And you can’t do that at home. There’s no way you could duplicate that at home.” Premium brands often invest in factory finishes that significantly impact both durability and cost.
Floor Area
The larger the room, the more homeowners will pay to install bamboo flooring. Below are a few cost ranges of what homeowners can expect to pay to install bamboo flooring in small, medium, and large rooms.
Cost by Floor Size
| Floor Size (Square Feet) | Total Cost |
|---|---|
|
Small: 10 by 12 (120 sq. ft.) |
$840–$2,280 |
|
Medium: 14 by 16 (224 sq. ft.) |
$1,568–$4,256 |
|
Large: 15 by 20 (300 sq. ft.) |
$2,100–$5,700 |
DIY vs. Professional Bamboo Flooring
If you’re deciding whether to install bamboo flooring yourself or seek the help of professionals, consider your floor-laying skills and experience and the type of subfloor you’re working around.
Pro Tip
Tom Silva, TOH general contractor, emphasizes the importance of proper subfloor preparation: “When the sub floor starts to shift and cup, the flooring will do the same thing. It will follow the sub floor. So as the sub floor absorbs moisture, possibly from the basement, it’ll start to cup. And as it cups, the flooring will go with it.”
DIY Bamboo Flooring
If you have basic carpentry skills and some DIY experience, DIY bamboo flooring installation could cut your costs in half.
DIY bamboo flooring installation begins with acclimating your bamboo. After deciding on a type and brand of bamboo, leave the planks in their designated area for 48 to 72 hours so that they can adjust to the humidity.
Check to see if the subfloor is level, measure its moisture content, and thoroughly sweep and clean the area to remove any dirt and debris. Next, install the bamboo, leaving an expansion gap of at least 10 millimeters to allow natural expansion and contraction caused by humidity.
How you attach the bamboo depends on the subfloor. You’ll use nails or screws to secure bamboo to joists and glue to install bamboo over wooden floorboards or plywood. For click-lock bamboo, you’ll float it over an underlay.
If you choose to venture down the DIY route, consider how long your household can go without access to the area you’re working on. Bamboo flooring can take several days to install, especially if you’re new to the process.
Preparation Tip
- Before installing bamboo flooring, remove any vertical trim that might interfere with the new flooring. Place a bamboo plank against door stops and use a flush-cutting backsaw to trim the stops above the saddle. Also trim casings around doors using a bamboo plank to gauge the proper height.
Professional Bamboo Flooring
There are benefits to hiring a professional if DIY installation is not right for you.
- Permit knowledge: A professional contractor knows the local permit requirements and can handle the necessary paperwork.
- Professional expertise: A flooring professional has the skills and experience necessary to install bamboo flooring flawlessly.
- Proper tools and equipment: When you hire a professional, there’s no need to track down specialized tools to rent or borrow—they’ll have everything required for the job.
- Safety: Installing flooring material isn’t the most dangerous home improvement project, but it still involves some risk. Professionals prioritize safety, minimizing the chance of accidents during the installation.
- Saved time and effort: Hiring a pro can shave days off your installation schedule.
- Warranty coverage: Professional services often provide warranty coverage for labor and materials that you can’t get with DIY installation.
How To Save on Bamboo Flooring
Here are a few tips to save money on your bamboo flooring project, whether you’re taking the DIY route or hiring professionals.
- Consider engineered bamboo: Engineered bamboo can be more budget-friendly than solid bamboo and will still provide similar aesthetics and durability.
- Install yourself: If your DIY skills are up to par, you can save substantially by installing your own bamboo flooring.
- Keep up with maintenance: Get the most out of your new flooring and investment by regularly cleaning and maintaining the bamboo. This will extend its lifespan and save you money in the long run.
- Look for sales and promotions: Shop seasonal sales or holiday promotions at big box stores such as Home Depot.
- Negotiate with suppliers: You may be able to negotiate a bulk rate or discount through a supplier or retailer if you’re upgrading the majority of your existing flooring to bamboo.
- Seek multiple quotes: Obtain quotes from several suppliers or contractors to find the best cost without sacrificing quality.
How To Hire a Pro
Keep the following tips in mind for a successful professional installation of your bamboo floors.
- Ask about any product warranties or guarantees the professional offers.
- Ask each contractor for a portfolio that features past installations, and ask about their experience with bamboo.
- Ask for a detailed timeline of the installation process.
- Ask for detailed instructions about how to care for your bamboo flooring after installation.
- Ask for referrals from friends, family, neighbors, local flooring suppliers, or home improvement stores.
- Get a written contract that includes project costs, timelines, materials, and any other details that will help you avoid misunderstandings during the installation.
- Get detailed, written quotes to compare.
- Research reputable flooring companies in your area to find those that specialize in bamboo flooring.
- Vet each potential contractor and make sure they’re properly licensed and carry insurance.
Our Conclusion
Bamboo flooring is an excellent choice for any room in your home—it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and great for large spaces. The cost to install bamboo flooring hinges on several factors, such as floor area, chosen brand, and whether you install the flooring yourself or hire a professional. Consider your budget, style preferences, and flooring priorities when deciding if bamboo flooring is right for you.
FAQ About Bamboo Flooring Cost
Is bamboo flooring more expensive than hardwood?
Bamboo flooring tends to be less expensive than hardwood flooring, though there are some exceptions. High-quality bamboo flooring can cost more than low-quality hardwood.
What are the disadvantages of bamboo flooring?
Bamboo flooring doesn’t offer much variation in appearance and tends to be less durable than other flooring types, including wood flooring. It can also be damaged by radiant floor heating.
Do bamboo floors increase home value?
Bamboo floors can increase home value, especially when compared to the return on the price of laminate flooring or vinyl flooring. However, improper or low-quality installation can depreciate a home’s value. Working with experienced flooring contractors may be the best choice to get the highest return on your investment.
How long does it take to install bamboo flooring?
The time it takes to install bamboo flooring depends on the room’s size and the complexity of the layout. Some installations can be completed in a day, while others can take up to a week. Remember to consider the acclimation window when mapping out a timeline.
How long does it take for bamboo flooring to wear down?
Bamboo flooring has an expected lifespan of 25 to 35 years, which is less than traditional hardwood. You can slow down the aging process of bamboo by protecting the flooring from scratches, keeping up with general cleaning, and refinishing the surface as needed.
Is bamboo flooring eco-friendly?
Bamboo flooring has several eco-friendly qualities: It grows quickly, can be harvested regularly without damaging the environment, is low-maintenance, and has a low water footprint. Bamboo can be regrown from its roots, eliminating the need for replanting.
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