Vinyl Plank vs Bamboo Flooring

Vinyl Plank vs Bamboo Flooring

By Fortino Rosas / September 27, 2021 / 2 Comments

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    You want to replace your old flooring with new, updated flooring. You’ve narrowed it down to just two choices: vinyl plank vs. bamboo flooring. Both types of flooring look great, so which is best for your home? This guide is the first step to helping you decide.

    We’ll explore characteristics of vinyl plank and bamboo flooring that go beyond just physical appearances. We’ll take a look at which flooring is the most durable for busy households. We will also explain which is the most budget-friendly, and other factors to consider before making your purchase.

    In this guide, we’ll explore:

    Side-by-Side Comparison

    Vinyl PlankBamboo Flooring
    DurabilityExtremely durable but is vulnerable to rips, gouges, and dentsExtremely durable but is vulnerable to scratches
    Water-ResistantYesNo
    CleaningDaily cleaning with broom, dust mop, or vacuum. Can be wet mopped or steam mopped.Daily cleaning with broom, dust mop, or vacuum. Can be cleaned with a product designed for use on hardwoods. No wet mopping.
    RefinishingNoYes
    InstallationFloating floorFloating floor, glue-down, nail-down
    Pet-FriendlyYes but nails should be trimmed to prevent rips in the flooringYes but nails should be trimmed to prevent scratches
    Price$1 to $4 per square foot$5 to $7 per square foot
    Installation Costs$1 to $4 per square foot$4 to $5 per square foot
    Lifespan10 to 20 years30-50+ years
    WaxingYes, for some floorsNo
    Flooring GuideVinyl Plank Flooring GuideBamboo Flooring Guide

    Durability

    One of the most important factors in choosing your new flooring is its durability. For example, if you have kids or pets, a floor that scratches easily will be quickly damaged. That will require pricey repairs or replacements.

    Before pulling out your wallet to pay for your new flooring, understand the durability of the flooring type you’ve selected. Then you can ensure you find the best fit for your home.

    If you’re shopping for vinyl plank, one word may come to mind: soft. After all, vinyl is much softer than other materials like hardwood. Is this softer material more prone to damage when it’s used as your flooring?

    Vinyl is a soft material, making for a more comfortable walking surface. However, today’s vinyl flooring is surprisingly durable. Manufacturers are using higher quality materials and new technologies. They are creating vinyl plank that’s designed to last for years.

    With that being said, though, there are some issues you may face with vinyl. It isn’t completely impervious to damage. Dropping something sharp, dragging appliances, or even wearing high heels can result in punctures or rips in your flooring.

    Another issue is that heavy furniture and appliances can cause denting. This can be prevented by using inexpensive furniture coasters. You can also rearrange your furniture often.

    Over time, your vinyl flooring may fade if exposed to sunlight. To prevent this problem, use shades or blinds on your windows to prevent excessive sun exposure. You can also place area rugs in parts of your home that have the most sunlight.

    On the other side, bamboo flooring is very durable. Natural bamboo or stand woven bamboo can be as durable as the strongest hardwood flooring.

    Unfortunately, bamboo flooring is still susceptible to some of the damage that can occur with hardwoods. Scratches in particular can be a problem, Pet claws, high heels, particles of sand, or furniture legs can all put scratches in bamboo floors.

    Dents, dings, and fading can also occur over time with bamboo floors. The great news is that unlike vinyl, you can refinish bamboo flooring when damage occurs. That makes it look good as new again without having to replace the entire floor.

    You can take some precautions to prevent damage to bamboo flooring. Start by purchasing a higher quality flooring. Then, take steps such as keeping your pet’s nails trimmed. You can also take off shoes while walking on the flooring. Many people use furniture coasters and protectors.

    Vinyl plank and bamboo flooring are both extremely durable. These floors can be installed in homes with kids, pets, or heavy traffic. However, bamboo has the edge in this category. That is because it is more resistant to damage and can be refinished as needed.

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    Water Resistance

    If you’re going to install your new flooring in a room with high levels of moisture or humidity, you have to make sure that the flooring you select is up to the task. Between vinyl plank and bamboo, which is the most water resistant?

    If you want to install a flooring that can become wet without worries, you can’t go wrong with vinyl plank. When installed properly, vinyl plank is completely waterproof and resistant to moisture. This means you can install it in bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms that are below-grade such as basements.

    However, the key words here are “installed properly.” Vinyl flooring that has gaps or that people installed over a subfloor that does not have a vapor barrier or has not been properly prepped may grow mold or mildew underneath or between planks. However, if a reputable professional has installed the flooring or you’ve taken the time to do the job correctly, this is typically not an issue, but it is something to be aware of.

    Bamboo flooring is slightly more resistant to water than other hard flooring types like traditional hardwood. However, it isn’t waterproof. When you expose it to water for long periods of time, bamboo flooring may become warped, discolored, or show other signs of damage.

    If you spill water or liquids on a bamboo floor, it is important to wipe it up immediately. You also want to avoid installing this flooring in rooms with high levels of moisture, such as bathrooms.

    When it comes to water resistance, vinyl plank comes out on top. As long as you make sure that you installed the flooring properly, it can withstand spills and excess moisture.

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    Price

    When you’re shopping for new flooring, price is an important factor to consider. Most homeowners have a budget for their home renovation projects, so it’s necessary to determine which flooring best fits within your own budget. When comparing vinyl plank and bamboo flooring, which is the more cost-efficient option?

    Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most affordable types of flooring. Vinyl plank costs range from around $1.50 to over $4 per square foot, with the average cost about $3 per square foot.

    Of course, price depends on a variety of factors, including the brand name, the style, and the overall quality. Prices in your local area may also vary.

    Bamboo flooring is slightly more expensive than vinyl. On average, you should expect to pay between $5 and $7 per square foot. Just like with vinyl, the price varies on the brand you select, the pricing in your area, quality, and the style/color of flooring.

    Even though both types of flooring are competitively priced when compared to other types of hard flooring, vinyl plank is the more budget-friendly option.

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    Installation

    While we’re discussing pricing, it’s important to also consider installation costs. Having your flooring professionally installed will add to your renovation budget, so which flooring is the most affordable to have installed?

    Labor costs for the installation of vinyl plank flooring is about $1 to $4 per square foot. Factors that influence the cost include average pricing in your region, as well as the size and difficulty of the job.

    To have bamboo flooring professionally installed, you’ll pay an average of $4 to $5 per square foot. Again, the prices in your area, the size of the job, and the difficulty level of the installation may influence price.

    If you want to save money, you may consider installing your flooring yourself. If you’re a DIY-er and you want to tackle the project, which is the easiest to take on?

    Vinyl plank flooring is fairly easy to install, even for a beginner with no flooring experience. Vinyl plank has a tongue-and-groove design so it easily clicks together without the need for adhesives or nails.

    You will not need any special tools for installation. (Other than a measuring tape, chalk line, and utility knife. You will need that for cutting planks down to size.)

    If you want to install bamboo flooring, there are a few ways to do it. If you purchase flooring with a tongue-and-groove or uniclic design, you can install it as a floating floor without using adhesives or nails. There are also flooring options that you can glue or nail to the subfloor.

    If you’re new to flooring, the easiest way to install bamboo flooring is by installing it as a floating floor. No matter what type of installation you choose, you’ll need a few tools, including a hand saw or power saw, a crow bar, and a hammer or mallet.

    For this category, vinyl plank flooring takes the win. Not only is vinyl plank less expensive to install if you hire a contractor, but it’s easy and requires no special tools if you choose to install it yourself.

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    Cleaning & Maintenance

    Another factor to consider when purchasing new flooring is how easy it is to clean and maintain. If you have extra time on your hands and don’t mind putting the work into keeping your floors looking their best, how easy it is to clean may not be that important to you. But if you work, have kids at home, and lead a busy life, you may want flooring that is low-maintenance.

    Vinyl plank flooring is one of the best if you want flooring that doesn’t require any special care. For daily vinyl plank care, you can use a broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner designed for bare floor use to pick up dirt, dust, and debris. When your floors need a deeper clean, you can use a wet mop or cloth with a mild cleanser to restore the beauty of vinyl.

    If you’ve selected a no-wax vinyl floor, you can’t use wax or wax-based products or else buildup will occur and make your floors look dull. With some types of vinyl, you may be able to use a floor wax to restore the vinyl’s shine.

    Daily bamboo floor cleaning is similar to vinyl. You can use a broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner designed for use on bare floors.

    When it’s time for heavier cleaning, avoid using a wet mop. Instead, use a cleaning product designed for use on bamboo floors, cleaning a small area at a time with a dry mop or cloth. Wax or wax-based cleaners should not be used on most bamboo floors, and oils designed for use on bamboo can be used to restore shine.

    Because no special products or considerations should be taken when cleaning vinyl floors, it is the best choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance flooring option.

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    Lifespan

    Installing new flooring is a big project – and one that comes with big expenses. When you install new flooring in your home, you want to make sure that it’s going to last. Is vinyl or bamboo able to withstand years of heavy traffic, kids, pets, and everyday living?

    If you install vinyl plank flooring in your home, you can expect it to last for an average of 10 to 20 years. Of course, this lifespan can vary based on the quality of the flooring used and how well you care for it throughout the years.

    While this may be sufficient for some homeowners, others may want floors that will last a lifetime. This is possible with bamboo flooring.

    With proper maintenance, bamboo flooring can last 30 to 50 years. Very high-quality bamboo flooring that you maintain well throughout the years can last for even longer than 50 years.

    If the lifespan of your flooring is one of the most important factors for you, bamboo is the superior choice when compared to vinyl plank.

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    FAQ

    Is bamboo more expensive than vinyl?

    Vinyl flooring costs about $1 to $4 per square foot, while bamboo flooring costs between $5 and $7 per square foot, making bamboo initially more expensive. You should also take note of the installation costs. Installing vinyl will cost between $1 and $4 per square foot, while bamboo will cost $4 and $5 per square foot.

    Vinyl flooring, however, has an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years, while bamboo flooring only needs to be replaced every 30 to 50 years, making it a more valuable option in the long run.


    What are the problems with bamboo flooring?

    Bamboo can be scratched easily. Pet claws, sand, moving furniture, and high heel shoes can all damage bamboo floors. Heavy furniture can cause dents or dings in the flooring, but they can be refinished to look good as new and only the damaged sections need to be replaced. To prevent damage, keep your pet’s nails trimmed. Ask people to remove their shoes before stepping on the floor, and use non-abrasive cleaners when washing your bamboo floors.


    What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?

    Vinyl flooring can’t be refinished if it’s damaged; this means that you will need to pay to have the entire floor replaced if damage occurs, which can prove costly. These floors can get damaged by dropping something sharp on them, walking on them in high heels, or dragging furniture across them. Heavy furniture can cause the floor to dent, and being exposed to direct sunlight may cause the vinyl to fade.


    Can water seep through vinyl planks?

    Vinyl plank flooring is water resistant, but only if it’s installed correctly. This means it can be installed in the kitchen, bathroom, or basement, but if the vinyl flooring has gaps or is installed over a subfloor, the vapor barrier can break. In this case, water can seep through the gaps and cause mildew or mold to grow. If you install the boards correctly using a durable underlayment, though, this won’t happen


    Are vinyl planks better than bamboo flooring?

    Vinyl is one of the most affordable types of flooring, cheap to install and surprisingly durable. If you’re a DIY expert you could even install the floor yourself. Bamboo is more expensive in every aspect but tends to last longer, and if it’s damaged the floor can be refinished easily. 

    If damage occurs to your vinyl floor, the entire floor will need to be replaced. Additionally, vinyl plank flooring is extremely easy to clean and doesn’t require any special care. 

    The option you decide to install will depend on your lifestyle and your budget. If you’re looking for affordable, easy to install, and low-maintenance flooring, then vinyl plank flooring wins hands down


    How long do vinyl planks last?

    Vinyl plank flooring will last between 10 and 20 years if you take care of the flooring. The floor should be cleaned daily with cleaning tools that won’t rip or scratch the floors. Choose the highest quality vinyl that you can afford to install, and ensure that it has a high level of scratch- and moisture resistance. High-quality vinyl flooring may last longer than 10 or 20 years. 

    Final Verdict

    Whether you decide to choose vinyl plank or bamboo flooring, you won’t go wrong with either choice. Both of these floor types have big benefits, look great in any home, and come in a variety of colors and styles.

    However, if you want a more affordable option that’s low-maintenance, easy and inexpensive to install, and can be exposed to water without getting damaged, vinyl plank may be the best choice for your home.

    If you’re looking for an extremely durable floor with a long lifespan that is comparable to hardwood flooring, bamboo is an excellent choice. This flooring can be just as durable as hardwood but with added advantages, including a more water-resistant design and a lower price point.

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    About Fortino Rosas

    Chief Floor Critic, 32 years of experience in flooring installation and sales

    Fortino Rosas is an independent flooring contractor with 32 years of experience in residential and commercial flooring installation and sales. He joined the Floor Critics team to share his expertise with our readers. Fortino has acquired vast knowledge and skills in the areas of product selection, space planning, and installation. He has installed flooring in residential, government, and commercial office projects in the Midwest. Visit Website.

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