Bamboo flooring isn’t the “new” option on the market any more. Ceramic planks and new engineered vinyl get to take that title now. But, bamboo is still an option for someone looking for an alternative to the traditional hardwoods. And if you’re considering bamboo, then Cali Bamboo flooring deserves a long look.
All bamboo flooring is engineered. The bamboo is shredded and the resulting strands are pressed and glued together to form the flooring planks.
What does that mean for the buyer? Likely, it means nothing. If you go with a high-quality manufacturer, your bamboo flooring should behave the same as any other hardwood flooring.
That said, it’s suggested that with bamboo flooring, the warranty is key. The warranty may be Cali Bamboo flooring’s biggest selling point.
This flooring comes with a 50-year warranty. So, even if this floor was poorly constructed (It doesn’t appear to be, but we’ll get to that later), a warranty like that could make you test your luck.
- Sustainability
- Installation
- Finishes
- Colors
- Widths
- Pricing
- Durability
- Maintenance
- The Big Red Flag: Bamboo is Temperamental
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Sustainability
While it can be argued whether or not bamboo flooring is a sustainable product, what can’t be argued is that bamboo grows fast. That means that the base material for bamboo flooring is easier to replenish. Saving trees and lumber was a driving factor for Cali Bamboo to create its flooring.
By focusing on bamboo (and eucalyptus), Cali Bamboo flooring estimates that they have saved more than 1 million trees and more than 21,000 acres of wildlife habitat. So, if green initiatives and environmental concerns are part of your decision criteria, then that’s something to think about here.
A Variety of Install Methods
Cali Bamboo is interesting when it comes to installation: there are four different methods you can use. Most DIYers will likely opt for the familiar click-and-lock method that many of us have probably done multiple times.
But there are other options–floating tongue and groove, nail-down, and glue-down. Each comes with its own benefits, and only experienced crews should attempt some of them.
Still, isn’t it nice to have options?
A Variety of Finishes
Flooring can make a room and can help define a style. Those floors that are smooth as glass can give a room a very modern look. Floors that aren’t quite as perfect, floors that have a little bit of character to them (even if it’s character added when the planks were manufactured) can create a warm, lived-in look.
Cali Bamboo floors come with both, so, no matter what your style, there should be a floor here that works no matter what your style is.
A Variety of Colors
What’s the joke? Those aren’t pink, they are “blush” and “bashful.” You’ve probably lived that experience if you’re doing a complete remodel of a room and looking at paint colors.
With dozens of different greens, the product departments at these paint manufacturers have to get a little creative when it comes to the names, so creative that you don’t really have an idea of what you’re getting without seeing it.
That’s not the case here. For one, Cali Bamboo comes in a wide variety of colors, from very light to very dark. And with names like bourbon, coffee, and eclipse, you get a good idea of what the floor will look like without seeing it.
A Variety of Widths
Cali Bamboo is all about the options, apparently. The floors actually come in multiple widths. There is a standard plank that is 3 ¾ inches wide. This is good for smaller-room and hallway installations.
The wide plank is just a hair over 5 inches wide. That makes it good for larger installations, like living rooms, or, covering multiple living areas without transitions.
Cali Bamboo planks are also nearly a half-inch thick, which means you are going to have a great feel underfoot when walking on these floors.
Comparable Pricing to Other Flooring Options
Bamboo flooring costs similar to other flooring options, anywhere between $2.50 per square foot to close to $4 per square foot.
Durable, So it’s Great for Pets
Cali Bamboo flooring undergoes what it calls a Fossilized manufacturing process that gives it, the company claims, twice the density of any other hardwood floors on the market. That makes the flooring some of the most durable on the market.
This is something that many pet owners have noted in online reviews. The floor’s durability was a key factor in their decision-making process and they haven’t been disappointed. The flooring has been used by families with multiple big dogs in their homes and by others who foster both dogs and cats, and it still gets five-star ratings.
This flooring also has a 10-coat scratch-resistant surface that can provide some protection against pet nails.
Easy to Maintain
Like other bamboo floors, Cali Bamboo flooring cleans up easy, with just a hardwood mop & a little soap and water. That makes it great for homes with pets and kids.
The Big Red Flag: Bamboo is Temperamental.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when buying real estate? Location, location, location. Well, same is true if you are thinking about installing bamboo flooring in that new home.
Bamboo is a grass, and it naturally absorbs water. Just because it’s now in floor planks doesn’t change that.
So, if you live in an area with a climate that sees a lot of rain or has high humidity, bamboo flooring may not be the best choice. Several reviews online mention flooring that started to fail after a few months, and in almost every case it wasn’t the install that was bad, it was the climate. If you see pretty wide moisture fluctuations where you’d be installing this floor then bamboo may be a risky choice.
Cali Bamboo recommends keeping relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent. If humidity exceeds that then maybe bamboo flooring isn’t the smartest choice. If your heart is still set on bamboo flooring, make sure you acclimate the flooring materials to the climate.
That means pulling planks out of the packaging and letting them sit out exposed for at least five days. This can help you avoid shrinking and gaps later.
FAQs
Cali bamboo is a high-quality bamboo flooring type that will enhance the appearance of your home. You can choose between numerous shades and install them in various rooms in your household. Bamboo is a more sustainable option than other hardwoods, and this type is also ultra-low VOC.
One of the best things about Cali bamboo floors is that they all come with a 50-year warranty. Since they are produced with a special Fossilized manufacturing technique, these bamboo floors are very durable and are double the density of other hardwood floors.
Is Cali bamboo waterproof?
Cali bamboo is not a waterproof flooring type; however, it is water-resistant. In general, bamboo flooring is not waterproof. Instead it can absorb water, so if you spill liquid on your Cali bamboo floors, you should act quickly to dry the area.
Although the floor is water-resistant, it’s not suitable for humid environments. If you have a room where the floors will get in contact with water regularly, your best bet is to avoid bamboo floors. A spill won’t destroy them right away, but constant exposure to water might.
Can Cali bamboo be refinished?
Yes, Cali bamboo floors can be refinished. If you notice that your floors look a little dull, or there are scratches, dents, or discolorations, you can refinish them and bring back the old glow.
First you need to sand the floors, then use a finish that works best for your rooms. Thankfully, Cali bamboo floors offer various finishes so that you can adapt the color to your wishes. The finish will also protect the floor surface from damage and make it more resistant to scratches and discoloration.
How much does Cali bamboo cost?
Not all Cali bamboo flooring types cost the same; the final cost will depend on which style you choose. In general, the average price you’ll have to pay for this flooring type is between $2.50 and $4 per square foot. If you add material and labor costs to the price of the flooring itself, you’ll pay between $5 and $15 per square foot. Bamboo is a much more affordable option than other hardwood floors, and it’s a more sustainable option that looks fantastic.
Where to buy Cali bamboo vinyl flooring?
You can purchase all Cali flooring options from the Cali Bamboo website. They offer quite a diverse range of floors, including bamboo, vinyl, cork, engineered, composite decking, eucalyptus, and wood flooring.
If you have any questions about the flooring you like or want to get free samples, you can contact the manufacturer. The brand’s mission is to promote sustainable sources for flooring and convince customers that sustainable floors can also be beautiful, durable, and high-quality without being damaging to the earth.
Conclusion
Cali Bamboo seems to have done everything it can to overcome some of the traditional knocks on bamboo flooring. They have created a 10-coat scratch resistant surface that answers concerns about durability.
The one thing that Cali Bamboo can’t combat is the natural tendencies of the source material. It’s going to be tough to get bamboo to work well in an area that’s humid or sees a lot of rain. There’s little that the Cali Bamboo can do about that.
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