Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons

Bamboo flooring is quite a recent option in the West, though it has been used for centuries in Asia. This type of flooring can change any home into an exotic haven, with its distinctive look and soft feel. Still, it would be prudent for you to weigh the bamboo flooring pros and cons before you decide whether it’s right for you.

Pros

Durability. This first pro in this discussion of bamboo flooring pros and cons is the main reason why people install it. Bamboo produces a type of flooring that is just as sturdy, if not more so, than hardwood varieties like oak, because it is made from one of the toughest, hardest species that grows in China. With a bit of analysis you’ll find that bamboo flooring is more cost-effective than hardwood, more long lasting and definitely more environmentally friendly.

Environmental Benefits. The ecological benefits of using bamboo instead of wood are great, since it is not a tree but a rapidly growing plant. Bamboo is also naturally resistant to infestation, dirt and moisture, and needs very little maintenance. Forests are rapidly diminishing and floor manufacturing is a major cause, so by purchasing bamboo flooring you will be helping to save the rainforest.

Cons

Limited Color Options. The flip side of this discussion on bamboo flooring pros and cons is that the color choices are a natural light yellow hue and a darker caramelized tone called amber. It’s possible to stain the natural planks with lots of different colors, however.

Questionable Labor Practices. Most bamboo used for flooring is produced in China and other countries where the labor practices are questionable. A lot of the farms and factories have no rules for fair labor practices. Luckily, since bamboo flooring has become so fashionable, many flooring distributors in the United States have established strict policies for the products they sell.