Bamboo Vs. Hardwood: Which is the Best for Flooring?

There are a lot of species to choose from when it comes to hardwood flooring. Each one of them has this authentic appearance, feel, and pattern. Moreover, when you select various cuts of wood, they will have different grain consistencies. Plus, you will also choose from different grades, which will either be disparate or congruous. So, hardwood flooring will provide you a lot of freedom when selecting the exact look that you want to achieve. You can also pick from various options and species. All you have to do is to find out the right style for your home. On the other hand, bamboo also has different species. However, they can produce a look that is very consistent. It may be quite similar to hardwood, but it also features discrete horizontal lines going through the surface. Also, its color is very distinctive. It has this soft golden hue. However, you can temper this to a darker color by carbonization. A lot of wood shops do not sort and grade bamboo for a feature and color homogeneity. So, you can look for variations from plank to plank when it comes to bamboo. Some people love its unusual look. However, others don’t like how scattered and inconsistent it looks.

2. The Cost of Bamboo and Wood Floors

Hardwood materials would roughly cost $5 per square foot. However, plywood and softwood may be cheaper. For exotic or rare finds, their price may go as high as $10 every square foot. For bamboo materials, they may have a consistent price of $5 each square foot. However, some stores may offer a lower price. But, by spending less, you may have a lower quality flooring.

3. Moisture Resistance and Hardness

Natural bamboo may garner a hardness rating of approximately 1,380. So, it is harder than any other hardwoods available on the market today. But, a carbonized bamboo may reach a score of around 1,180.  You see, the harder the materials you choose for your flooring, the better they can avoid any dents. Most bamboo and hardwood materials have a durable and factory-created finish, making them resist cracks and dents. When it comes to moisture, wood is very vulnerable to damage caused by moisture. So, you should avoid humid conditions. Bamboo is also susceptible to moisture. However, it somewhat swells lengthwise. It makes it quicker to control. Overall, bamboo is resistant to insects and molds.

4. Color Variations

Bamboo’s hue may range from white to yellow or from honey to gold. However, when you carbonize it, it may yield a coffee or chocolate tone. For pre-stained choices, it may go with various hues. But, bamboo floors have soft grains that don’t display harsh colors. So, the color you select may be the dominant tone of the flooring. It can match well in a room with lots of colors. On the other hand, the same goes to the hardwood. Some woods like mahogany and maple have subtle colors. However, for some, including birch and hickory, it may be more on the dramatic side that can make the colors of the room pop. Also, oak has a more hue contrast than bamboo.

5. Care and Installation

Both hardwood and bamboo floors have a groove and tongue. Thus, their installation process is quite similar. But, wood can come in different lengths and widths. So, it can provide you a more creative approach when it comes to the flooring. For bamboo, it will have more consistent lengths and widths. Bamboo is less delicate to moisture than hardwood. However, when you wet-mop bamboo, it may be prone to moisture damage. So, wet-mapping is highly discouraged for bamboo flooring. The most excellent way to maintain the quality of your floor is to get rid of dirt and dust regularly using a vacuum. Also, you may apply a water-free cleanser.

II. Conclusion