Differences between Bamboo Floor and Hardwood Floor
Contents
Bamboo Floor vs. Hardwood Floor
Bamboo and hardwood flooring are both popular choices for residential and commercial spaces, offering a natural aesthetic.[1] While often grouped together, bamboo is a type of grass, whereas hardwood is derived from deciduous trees.[2][3] The construction, physical properties, and environmental impact of each material differ significantly. Hardwood flooring is milled from a single piece of timber, while bamboo flooring is engineered by bonding bamboo fibers, strips, or strands together with adhesives.[4][5]
Comparison Table
| Category | Bamboo Floor | Hardwood Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Material Source | A woody grass, primarily Moso bamboo[2] | Timber from deciduous trees (e.g., oak, maple, cherry) |
| Hardness (Janka Scale) | 1,100-1,400 for natural/carbonized; up to 5,000 for strand-woven[2] | Varies by species (e.g., Red Oak: 1,290; Maple: 1,450; Brazilian Cherry: 2,350) |
| Average Cost (Material) | $2 to $8 per square foot[2] | $4 to $12 per square foot, can be higher for exotic species[2] |
| Durability & Lifespan | Lifespan of 20-30 years; strand-woven is highly resistant to dents | Lifespan of 50-100+ years with proper maintenance |
| Moisture Resistance | Slightly more resistant to moisture and humidity than hardwood, but still susceptible to water damage[2] | Prone to warping, cupping, or gapping from moisture and humidity changes |
| Refinishing | Can be refinished, but the number of times depends on plank thickness; typically fewer times than solid hardwood[2] | Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan[4] |
| Environmental Impact | Highly renewable resource; matures in 3-7 years and regenerates without replanting | Slower to renew, with trees taking 20-70 years to mature; sustainable when sourced from managed forests |
| Maintenance | Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping; avoid excessive water | Regular sweeping, vacuuming without a beater bar, and cleaning with appropriate hardwood cleaners |
Durability and Hardness
The durability of flooring is measured using the Janka hardness test, which rates a material's resistance to denting. The hardness of bamboo flooring varies based on its construction. Natural, horizontal, or vertical grain bamboo has a Janka rating comparable to some hardwoods like red oak. Carbonized bamboo, which is heat-treated to darken its color, is softer because the process weakens the fibers.[2] Strand-woven bamboo, created by compressing bamboo fibers with resin, is significantly harder and can surpass the ratings of many traditional hardwoods, including oak and maple.
Hardwood flooring's durability depends on the tree species. Red oak, a common choice, has a Janka rating of 1,290, while harder woods like maple rate at 1,450. Some exotic hardwoods can be much denser. While a higher Janka rating indicates greater resistance to dents, both flooring types can be scratched. With proper care, hardwood floors can last for over 100 years, while bamboo floors typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
Environmental Considerations
Bamboo is often cited for its environmental benefits due to its rapid growth cycle. As a grass, bamboo can be harvested every 3 to 7 years, compared to hardwood trees which can take 20 to 70 years to mature. Bamboo also regenerates from its root system, so it does not need to be replanted after harvesting. However, the environmental friendliness of bamboo flooring can be affected by the adhesives used in manufacturing, some of which may contain formaldehyde or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Hardwood can also be a sustainable option when sourced from forests certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures responsible management. The transport of both materials from their source to the consumer also contributes to their overall environmental footprint.
Cost and Installation
The material cost for bamboo flooring is generally lower than that of hardwood. Prices for bamboo typically range from $2 to $8 per square foot, while hardwood can range from $4 to $12 per square foot, with costs for exotic woods being higher.[2] Installation costs for both are often comparable.[2] Some bamboo flooring products feature click-lock systems that can be suitable for DIY installation, while hardwood is more commonly nailed or glued down by professionals.
References
- ↑ "srkfashionfloors.com". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 "thespruce.com". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ↑ "masterclass.com". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "woodhavenlumber.com". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ↑ "woodandbeyond.com". Retrieved January 19, 2026.
