Bamboo can grow over three feet in 24 hours, making it the fastest growing plant on the planet. It also only takes three to five years to mature, as compared to most hardwoods which can take up to two decades. For environment-conscious homeowners, this adds up to a solid renewable resource for quality flooring.
You might not think of bamboo as a flooring option right away. Because the plant doesn’t grow in the United States, it hasn’t been a mainstream choice for very long. However, it is becoming more popular. If you’re in the market for a dazzling new floor (and who isn’t?), it’s time to hook up your trusty Internet connection and do some research.
Strand is one of the more popular bamboo flooring types you’ve likely heard about on the market. Let’s see if this flooring can survive the gauntlet and take home the prize: being taken home by you.
- Why bamboo?
- Is it durable?
- How much does it cost?
- What styles are available?
- Is it easy to install?
- FAQs
- The Verdict
Why bamboo?
Strand bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly alternative to many traditional materials. It’s created by fusing together strips and fragments of bamboo in a process which doesn’t waste materials, and creates few byproducts. Because the plant grows quickly, manufacturers can create more flooring without devastating the environment.
Manufacturers claim strand bamboo is durable and simulates many of the same pleasures as hardwood, without the additional effort required to make boards or tiles from traditional materials. The surface is easy to clean & can withstand the abrasion from a mop and mild soap.
Is it durable?
Strand is believed to be twice as durable as red oak, but this isn’t always the case. Bamboo can be damage resistant and can withstand light to medium daily use, but it is highly susceptible to scratches and damage from sharp objects. Despite being an extremely hard wood, the process of coloring it can weaken the structure.
Of particular concern: watch out for strand bamboo that’s been carbonized. This process darkens the wood but also weakens the structural material. Dark floor tiles are more likely to scratch, chip, bend, and develop other types of problems in comparison to lighter counterparts.
Unless you choose an option with an additional layer of laminate on the top, you might want to keep your high heels and pets away from your new floor. However, when you have strand bamboo with the extra laminate layer, you can expect this product to withstand the daily rigors of a busy household. Dust and other particles in the air are also unlikely to scratch the surface, which helps you avoid unsightly blemishes.
How much does it cost?
Strand bamboo comes in all shapes, sizes, and costs. However, you can expect spend an average of $2 to $6 per square foot, with additional expenses depending on the material’s fabrication. Some developers will create designs using the bamboo, usually mimicking the natural contours of the plant – or tiger stripes. These styles will typically cost more than regular wood options – which have been dyed to fit a uniform color.
Another factor affecting the cost is the warranty. You never know when the floor will give out from under you, and it’s nice to know you will be covered. Many producers include a residential limited lifetime warranty and a 15-year commercial warranty, although the length & cost of these are generally dependent on the overall cost of the product.
For someone seeking a reliable floor at a reasonable price, strand isn’t a bad choice.
What styles are available?
Strand bamboo comes in just about every shade of wood currently available on the market. Many styles mimic colors found in natural hardwoods, including walnut, cherry, oak, and ash. You can also choose between laminated or not, which changes the level of shine on the surface. You can choose between little to no glare, all the way up to high shine – for the extra glamorous. 🙂
As mentioned earlier, some manufacturers will also weave patterns into the bamboo strands so homeowners can truly customize their floors with a unique appearance. Tiger stripes are popular, as is mimicking the natural structure and style of bamboo. Otherwise, you can find strand that mimics typical boards.
Because of the strand creation process, you will be hard-pressed to find two tiles or boards which look exactly alike. This is beneficial for you, in the end, because the floor should look more natural. Essentially, you would have the choice between strand bamboo that looks like itself or a product that can be mistaken for other materials.
Is it easy to install?
Very few people want to spend several labor intensive days trying to put in a new floor, so the ease of installation is an important factor. Depending on the type of strand bamboo you buy, you could either glue or nail it down. In addition, you might find tongue-and-groove panels that can be interlocked.
It’s important to remember that strand bamboo needs to be given at least 48-72 hours to acclimatize to the new environment. And, you don’t want to install in an area with too much or too little humidity. Note: Some variations can even take up to 30 days to acclimate.
Strand bamboo requires a lot of special considerations. You can’t use a water or latex-based adhesive because the extra moisture can warp and split the boards. The material is also harder than typical hardwood, so you need Freeman PF18GLCN Pneumatic 18-Gauge 1-3/4″ L-Cleat Flooring Nailer to keep the flooring in place. Many styles can also require annual waxing or oiling, which adds another step to installation and upkeep.
If you want something simple to install, strand bamboo might not be for you. It’s finicky and it’s very easy to accidentally split or ruin the boards – meaning you can run through a lot of spares, wasting an uncomfortably large chunk of money.
FAQ
One of bamboo’s biggest disadvantages is its sensitivity to water. Though strand woven bamboo is by far the most durable and water-resistant type of bamboo flooring, it is not waterproof — at least not permanently!
Strand woven bamboo’s water resistant properties mean that it can have water on its surface for up to 30 hours without being damaged.
So, for example, if your dog spills water from his bowl in the morning and you clean it when you return home in the evening, your floor will be fine. If your toilet overflows while you’re away for the weekend, though, permanent damage will be done.
Does strand bamboo scratch easily?
Strand bamboo is the most dense and durable type of bamboo flooring, with some varieties of strand woven bamboo even being stronger than some species of Brazilian hardwoods! Because of its incredible strength, strand bamboo does not scratch easily.
That’s not to say that it’s physically impossible for a strand bamboo floor to scratch, because it can happen. It won’t happen easily, but the possibility is there.
High-quality strand bamboo flooring typically comes with 7 to 10 coats of preventative sealer, but if you’re really concerned about scratching, an aluminum oxide coating can boost your floor’s overall scratch resistance.
What are the disadvantages of strand bamboo flooring?
Strand woven bamboo flooring has a lot going for it. Its long list of pros outweigh its short list of cons, but that doesn’t mean it is without its disadvantages.
Much like normal bamboo floors, strand woven bamboo floors aren’t ideal for all interiors but instead are limited to those that boast modern designs. Strand bamboo floors will not work well aesthetically in a traditionally styled home.
In addition, it’s not waterproof, is not available in as many colors, styles, and finishes compared to other flooring types, and the manufacturing process means that cheaper strand bamboo floors can emit VOCs into the air.
How to install click strand bamboo flooring?
If you’re confident in your DIY skills, installing a click strand bamboo floor will be a breeze. Your subfloor needs to be level, clean, dry, and in good condition for a click strand bamboo floor installation.
Next, you’ll need to allow for a 10mm expansion gap as the planks expand and contract naturally according to the weather and the home’s conditions. Then glue the planks to the existing floor as they’re clicked into place.
If you’re not a DIY whizz or aren’t comfortable working with this material, it’s best to call in a professional and let them handle the installation.
Can strand bamboo flooring be refinished?
Strand bamboo flooring can be refinished, though in all likelihood you will not have to refinish it in your lifetime because it is so strong. A strand bamboo floor can be refinished between 2 to 4 times, depending on its thickness.
The process for refinishing a strand bamboo floor is surprisingly simple. All you need to do is sand the existing finish down and then apply a fresh coat of clear polyurethane topcoat. Bear in mind that the color of your floor may change after refinishing.
The Verdict
If you’re a unique soul who wants a unique floor, then strand bamboo could be for you. It’s environmentally friendly, sustainable, and creative. The only downside is you need to be willing to put in the work to maintain it, otherwise the flooring may become damaged and warped over time.
You might also want to consider hiring a professional to help with the installation, since it’s pretty easy to mess up. Klutzes or the forgetful most certainly shouldn’t handle this install on their own.
If you have any experience with strand bamboo, please share your reviews, pictures, and video here and on social media. What you’ve encountered can go a long way to helping someone find the floor of their dreams, or avoid possible sad flooring regret.
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I bought eco forest strand bamboo. Because my condo is on concrete slab the installer used high quality adhesive to glue flooring to slab. When they finished there was a residue of the adhesive on floor. We used mineral spirits to remove it. And it looked better. And the mineral spirits were completely wiped up. But my issue is that everywhere I walk, with or without shoes, there are prints left on floor. I looked at the left over pieces of the bamboo. When I run my finger across a piece of the uninstalled bamboo, I can clearly see the oil streak left there from my clean finger. DO NOT PURCHASE ECO FOREST STRANDED BAMBOO!!!!!
Cali Bamboo was installed in our home. After a few months, we noticed cracks in just about EVERY plank. The color is cognac which is dark so these ugly cracks can easily be seen. Company notified and suggested that low humidity was cause. Humidity was checked and was 48%….certainly not “low” humidity. Got numerous rugs to cover the cracks. Company sent two palettes of new planks but it may not match since it is from a different “cognac “batch. What they sent will not be enough to replace those that are damaged. What a choice…live with cracks that may get worse or use the replacements and have two different colors in one big area! Any one with this problem and how it was resolved would love to hear from.
We just installed stranded bamboo in our home throughout the living, dining, kitchen and master bedroom and the colors and variations of this product are phenomenal! At 1st I wanted to glue it down over concrete but after exposing the concrete I had issues and would have cost me a lot more so we went with a 9/16 thick by 5″ wide and 6ft long planks interlocking over the best vapor barrier I could buy ! It came out unbelievable and better that we expected and since the stranded bamdoo I purchased is so heavy so cannot tell there is a liner or at least no bounce ! Highly recommend taking a look at this type of floor, it really is harder than hardwood and it’s more durable that you think as we have 4 dogs and no scratches to date.
I have a lab and worry about the dark color. I really love the look. We have a sample of hand scraped locking engineered stranded bamboo thinking about but scratches our my concer. Did you go with the darker color?
Have had strand bamboo in the kitchen and sun porch for years and love it!! Went with a lighter color so cat hair doesn’t show. Our kitchen chairs have rubber wheels. No scratches I can see–my favorite floor! Must get the strand variety.
A year ago we had Cali Bamboo floors installed because we were told that they are great for pets. Our 2 large dogs cannot walk on the floors. They fall and now we have throw rugs all over the house.
They are also do not clean well. I clean them, then we walk on them or the dogs lie down and when they get up there are smears on the floor. I have used the cleaner that was recommended. It is the worst wood floor we have ever had in any of our homes. I called Cali about the problem and they told me to clean them with 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar mix. You do not ever put vinegar on a wood floor.
Which Cali floors did you choose? Solid or engineered? What install method?
We installed strand bamboo floor 5 years ago, floating type, from Costco. We live in Michigan. The floor cracks during winter when the heating system is running and the humidity is low; it heaves up during summer when the humidity is high. Multiple pieces are damaged because of this shrinking-expansion motion. Don’t use it unless you live in an area where temperature and humidity is consistent year round.
Where did you purchase the floors from?
We had Eco Forest stranded bamboo floors installed and it has been a very UNwise decision. The planks could not be glued, so they did floating installation which still creaks after a couple of months. Although we were told it was among the hardest of wood, it scratches very easily… So what’s the point? Also the stair installation with nosing was extremely expensive. All in all, a very bad experience. The floor is interesting and beautiful but the scratches are a huge problem, not to mention the noisiness and constant cleaning. Buyer beware…
Completely agree! We were sold on bamboo flooring at the store when mentioning we wanted something durable because of 2 young kids and 2 pets. We were told the bamboo is “much stronger and much more durable” especially to scratches. I feel your pain completely, unfortunately, after just 2 weeks the entire 1st floor of our house is a total embarrassment with all the little white scratches EVERYWHERE. Looks horrible and I’m losing sleep every night over our decision to get this flooring! It is darker in color which I know makes this worse, but still, every little tiny thing has scratched it and boy does it show!! Definitely buyer beware and hopefully this helps others out!
I bought the Berkinshire strand woven bamboo in walnut finish from home depot. I installed it myself as a floating floor. I have three dogs that are inside and not one scratch. The floors are still beautiful 6 months later. The only complaint I have with it is how easily dust, and hair build up and it shows well on the dark floor. I’ve had trouble finding the right floor cleaner. I’ve used alot of wood polish floor cleaners and they always leave a tacky feel on the floor. I will be looking into cleaning products or shine protector that can be used on the floor to help making cleaning easier. Over all it’s an extremely beautiful very durable floor! The dark color is amazing and not weak like alot of reviews say but with any expensive floor always use furniture protectors under legs.
Bought and installed Cali bamboo nail down flooring. Found it hard to fit together, even after acclimating for 7 days. Split very easily and the finish scratches very easily. Highly recommend gluing down, but costs close to $1.00 per sq.ft. for the glue.
Ralph, how are your floors almost one year later? What state do you live in? Which floor color did you go with?
I didn’t use Cali but used eco forest. It does the same thing. All smears!!!!
I have had a floating bamboo and nailed wood floor that was finished in place. After 10 years, the wood floor was full of scratches, boards had separated in places and needed to be refinished. The floating bamboo flooring, made by Cali bamboo, was installed by me in the basement using waterproofing and showed zero scratches and issues. I have a 65 lb dog with large nails. I found the bamboo much more scratch resistent than the wood floor. Maybe just my experience, maybe just this brand of bamboo, but my experience with bamboo is better than my experience with hardwood flooring.
I am considering a strand bamboo product. I am a beginner and have large dogs. Is fossilized bamboo flooring for me?
Am considering Strand Bamboo and use a power wheelchair – any recommendations? Pro or Con.
I bet it would look and work well. Not likely to get scuffed it should be hardwearing.