How much does it cost to install bamboo flooring?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Bamboo is an eco-friendly, attractive, and low-maintenance flooring option for homes. While it installs and performs like hardwood, it is made from a type of fast-growing grass. This means it can be harvested in 1/10 of the time a hardwood tree needs. Bamboo can be manufactured in several ways, giving it different appearances, durability, and costs.

The national average cost for installing bamboo flooring is $3,000 to $5,000, with most homeowners paying around $4,000 for 200 sq.ft. of solid horizontal flooring with a satin-matte finish in a glue-down installation. This project’s low cost is $2,000 for 200 sq.ft. of engineered bamboo flooring in a floating installation. The high cost is $6,000 for 200 sq.ft. of strand-woven bamboo with a high-gloss finish in a nail-down installation over a new subfloor.

Cost to Install Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo Flooring Cost per Square Foot

Bamboo flooring has a wide range of costs. This is because there are several types of bamboo floors and installation. The material costs between $2 and $13 a square foot, while the installation costs between $8 and $12 a square foot, making a total cost range of between $10 and $25 a square foot. Building a new subfloor or having other work done raises the project cost.

Bamboo Flooring Prices by Construction Type

When choosing bamboo, consider the cost and bamboo type. Bamboo comes in four different types, two of which also fall into a different category. These are vertical and horizontal, which are solid floors, engineered, and strand-woven. Solid floors also come in a specific pattern referred to as industrial, created with vertical or horizontal applications. Each flooring type looks and performs differently. They also have different costs to consider.

Engineered Bamboo Flooring

The cost of engineered bamboo flooring is $2 to $8 a square foot. Engineered bamboo consists of a base layer of plywood topped with a thin layer of bamboo. This can make it more stable in damp areas because the plywood prevents expansion, humping, and warping from moisture. However, the thin layer of bamboo on top means these floors often cannot be refinished, and those that can may only be refinished once or twice, depending on the thickness. Not all engineered bamboo is created equally. Some low-cost options have a thin veneer of bamboo on top and do not wear well long-term. Others may have a thick and stable layer of bamboo on a thick layer of plywood. Check the warranty on the material to get an understanding of the product’s quality.

Solid Bamboo Flooring

The cost of solid bamboo flooring averages $3 to $12 a square foot. Solid bamboo flooring is a catch-all name for several types of bamboo floors. These include horizontal, vertical, and industrial. They may be called solid strip (vertical) and solid wide (horizontal), depending on how the strips of bamboo are laid. They come in several thicknesses and may be made of different layers of solid material. The thicker the flooring, the more stable and longer-lasting it is.

Horizontal Bamboo Flooring Prices

Horizontal bamboo flooring costs $3 to $5 a square foot. This is a solid flooring made up of pieces of bamboo laid and glued horizontally. This means the knuckles of the bamboo show. This is the pattern of bamboo most people think of when they hear the name. Horizontal bamboo comes in several thicknesses, depending on the manufacturer. The thicker the flooring, the more stable it is in moisture and often longer lasting.

Vertical Bamboo Flooring Prices

Vertical bamboo flooring costs between $4 and $10 a square foot. Vertical flooring is solid bamboo, sometimes called strip bamboo. The pieces are laid vertically side to side rather than end to end. The knuckles do not show, and the pattern is thinner and more pronounced. Vertical flooring is sometimes thicker than horizontal because of how it is constructed. It needs more material to create than horizontal flooring, which is why it is more expensive.

Industrial Bamboo Flooring Cost

The cost of industrial bamboo flooring ranges from $5 to $12 a square foot. Industrial bamboo is a type of solid floor construction. It is not a separate construction type but rather a different pattern. The different pieces are laid in a step pattern rather than even strips. This is usually horizontal, but it can be done vertically. This creates a unique appearance on the floor that differs from other types.

Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring

The average cost of strand-woven bamboo flooring is $4 to $10 a square foot. If you like bamboo for its environmental friendliness but not appearance, strand-woven bamboo is your best choice. This material takes the individual strands that the bamboo breaks down into and combines them with glues and resins. The result is a very durable and long-wearing floor. A strand-woven floor is much harder than solid or engineered bamboo. Depending on how they are made, they can appear like many other hardwoods.

Bamboo Hardwood Flooring Cost by Finish

Like all flooring materials, bamboo comes in several colors and finishes. These finishes affect how the material looks, functions, and feels. They also impact the flooring’s color. Most manufacturers offer a wide range of stains and colors for their bamboo, with several finishes coming in many colors. The finish can impact the cost slightly, so consider your final choice.

Natural Unfinished Bamboo Floor

Natural bamboo floors cost $2 to $10 a square foot. Natural bamboo means the floor color and texture have not been altered. The color has not been changed or darkened. Sometimes, natural also means unfinished, meaning you could have the floor stained or finished on-site after installation. Other times, natural means that while no stain has been used, a long-wearing top coat of polyurethane or another material has been applied. Always check to see if your natural floor requires further finishing. If so, it increases the installation cost.

Carbonized Bamboo Floor

The cost of a carbonized bamboo floor averages $3 to $12 a square foot. Carbonizing bamboo changes the material’s color from a light creamy brown to a deeper reddish-brown. It does this by heating the sugars present in the grass. Carbonization has natural color variation and is lighter than many stains. It does soften the bamboo, however. This makes it more prone to scratches and dents than a stained or natural bamboo floor.

Distressed Bamboo Floor

A distressed or weathered bamboo floor costs between $4 and $12 a square foot. There are many ways to distress the bamboo, giving it an antiqued or aged look. Sometimes, the material may be scraped or brushed, while other times, it may have a smooth texture, but the stain has been stripped or worn away. Distressed bamboo can be found in all construction types, including solid, engineered, and woven-strand. Depending on how it was distressed, the bamboo’s surface texture may vary. This may also make the material softer and more prone to additional damage.

Tiger-Striped Bamboo Floor

The cost of tiger-striped bamboo flooring ranges from $5 to $12 a square foot. Tiger striping is a process where natural and carbonized sections of bamboo are used. The two colors are alternated in the makeup of each plank. This gives it a look reminiscent of a tiger stripe or tigerwood. Tiger-striped bamboo can be found in horizontal and vertical patterns. The vertical pattern has a busier appearance, with more stripes than the horizontal.

Printed Bamboo Floor

The cost of a printed bamboo floor is $6 to $12 a square foot. Printed bamboo floors are designed to mimic true hardwood floors. These are general woven-strand bamboo. The plank’s top layer is given a print to look like oak, maple, cherry, or other popular hardwood. This is a good option for homeowners who like the look of hardwood but want the eco-friendliness of bamboo. Keep in mind that the print is on the surface, so refinishing removes the print.

Bamboo Flooring Cost by Brand

Many brands produce bamboo floors. Each manufacturer has its styles and construction types. They may get their bamboo from different sources, and some may have proprietary finishes you cannot find elsewhere. Each brand also has cost ranges to consider.

Ambient Bamboo Flooring

The cost of Ambient bamboo flooring averages $3 to $7 a square foot. Ambient makes several types of bamboo flooring, including strand-woven and carbonized finishes. They also have some engineered bamboo flooring and some strand-woven eucalyptus. They have a lifetime warranty on their floors’ structure. They also have a 25-year warranty on the wear for their floors. Their floors are rated for residential and commercial use.

Eco Forest Bamboo

Eco Forest bamboo floors cost between $3 and $10 a square foot. Eco Forest makes solid and strand-woven bamboo floors. They have a 40-year warranty on the structure and wear for their floors. The flooring comes in several finishes and colors. This includes some colors and patterns that mimic the look of other floors, including woods like oak. They have more than 60 different styles and colors to choose from.

Cali Bamboo

The cost of Cali Bamboo ranges from $4 to $8 a square foot. Cali makes a type of strand-woven bamboo. They refer to their proprietary method and construction as “Fossilized” bamboo. Their methods of creating bamboo floors are eco-friendly and incredibly durable. Cali floors have a higher Janka score (durability rating) than most hardwoods. This is impressive because most bamboo ranks significantly lower than hardwoods on the Janka scale.

Plyboo Bamboo Pricing

The cost of Plyboo bamboo is $4 to $8 a square foot. Plyboo makes a wide range of different bamboo products, including plywood. For bamboo flooring, they make a strand-woven plank. These planks are available in a range of styles and finishes. This includes some distressed and brushed varieties of plank. Plyboo’s flooring is warrantied for structural issues. They are also warrantied for 15 years for wear.

EcoFusion Bamboo

The cost of EcoFusion bamboo flooring averages $4 to $10 a square foot. EcoFusion makes strand-woven and engineered bamboo flooring. They have many styles and finishes, including some with a weathered or distressed appearance. Their floors have a lifetime warranty against structural issues. They are also warrantied for 35 years against wear. EcoFusion frequently uses recycled wood content in its flooring.

Teragren Bamboo Flooring

The cost of Teragren bamboo flooring is between $5 and $10 a square foot. Teragren makes solid and strand-woven bamboo. This company makes a full line of bamboo wood products, including countertops, furniture, and floors. They have strand-woven bamboo and other materials, including chestnut and wheat. They have a lifetime warranty on their floors. They have many finishes available, including some natural in color.

Labor Cost to Install Bamboo Flooring

Installation of bamboo flooring is similar to the installation of hardwood and other plank flooring types. Like hardwood, it can be nailed or glued for a permanent installation. It can also be floated by locking the edges like engineered hardwood, vinyl, and laminate installations.

Labor costs vary by the method, with a floating installation being less expensive than a nail or glue-down installation. However, you need a very level and stable subfloor if you float bamboo to prevent issues. If the floor cannot be adequately leveled, a more permanent method is necessary. Total labor costs for bamboo flooring installation range from $8 to $12 a square foot.

Floating Bamboo Flooring Installation

The cost to install the bamboo in a floating installation is $8 to $10 a square foot for the labor. In a floating installation, the boards are click-locked on their edges. Each plank is designed to lock into the next in a tongue-and-groove style. This is the fastest and easiest installation, and it is also not permanent. It is easy to unlock the boards for removal or repair. However, the floor must be level with no movement for this installation. Screw down plywood underlayment or use a leveling compound on concrete before installing.

Glue-Down Bamboo Flooring Installation

The cost of a glue-down installation for a bamboo floor averages $9 to $12 a square foot for labor. In a glue-down installation, each plank is glued to the subfloor. This results in a permanent installation over plywood or concrete. If your floor has movement or is not perfectly level, this prevents the planks from moving or unlocking. Sometimes, planks designed for floating can be used in this method, gluing then clicking together to ensure they stay put. This is considered a permanent installation and is difficult and costly to remove.

Nail-Down Bamboo Flooring Installation

The cost of a nail-down installation for a bamboo floor ranges from $9 to $12 a square foot for labor. This is the method most commonly used with solid hardwood floors. Each plank is nailed at its bottom edge to the subfloor. The nails are not seen when the planks are fully installed, so this method looks identical to others. This is a good choice if you have a plywood subfloor with movement. It is also a good choice for uneven plywood subfloors. Attempting to float the floor can result in it unlocking, so nailing it down can prevent issues. This is considered a permanent installation, which is difficult and costly to remove.

Cost of Bamboo Flooring Installed by Location

Bamboo flooring can be installed in most rooms, but it can be impacted by moisture. If you choose to use it below grade, choose an engineered or strand-woven variety designed to handle moisture. The same is true if you use it in a bathroom or other area that sees higher than average moisture levels. Otherwise, it works well in most areas and can be cared for similarly to hardwood.

The costs below are based on the average size of the locations listed. Your costs could be different when installing the bamboo in a larger or smaller area.

Bamboo Flooring in a Bathroom

The cost to install bamboo flooring in a bathroom averages $450 to $1,500. These costs assume a bathroom between 45 and 60 sq.ft. If you are flooring a small half-bath or a larger master bath, your costs could be different. Bamboo does not always make the best choice for a bathroom because it absorbs water and moisture. This means it can swell and warp. Some bamboo types handle moisture better, including engineered and some types of strand-woven. However, they still need protection from heavy moisture to prevent issues.

Install Bamboo Flooring on Stairs

The average cost to install bamboo flooring on stairs is $500 to $2,000. This assumes a flight of stairs with 10 steps. Your costs could be different if you have a longer or shorter run of stairs. You can install bamboo on stairs in several ways. This includes a stair nose to wrap over the edge or use special planks designed for stairs. Each step has a riser and tread that must be installed. Two plank types are used for this project, explaining the higher installation cost for the square footage.

Bamboo Flooring in a Kitchen

The cost of bamboo flooring in the kitchen ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. This assumes a kitchen of between 100 and 200 sq.ft. If you have a smaller galley kitchen or an open floor plan kitchen extending into another room, your costs could be different. Bamboo makes an attractive and easy-to-maintain floor in the kitchen. Any type can be used in this space, provided it is installed properly. If you have wood cabinets, you may want to choose a strand-woven bamboo that mimics the look for more cohesion.

Bamboo Flooring in a Bedroom

The average cost of bamboo flooring in a bedroom is $2,000 to $5,000. This assumes a bedroom of around 200 sq.ft. If your bedroom is larger or smaller, your costs could be different. Bamboo makes a beautiful addition to many bedrooms. Any bamboo type can be used in this space. You can also use any installation type. Like many hardwoods, bamboo is a good choice in bedrooms for those with allergies. It is easy to sweep and keep clean and does not hold onto allergens like carpet.

Bamboo Flooring in a Basement

The average cost of bamboo for a basement averages $10,000 to $25,000 fully installed. These costs assume a basement that is 1,000 sq.ft. If you are only putting flooring on a portion of the basement or your basement is a different size, your costs could be different. Bamboo can be used in basements, but the concrete should be sealed first. This prevents moisture damage. You can use the glue-down or floating method for basement installation.

Cost to Refinish Bamboo Floors

Most bamboo comes presealed and stained or heated to its final color. This sealant is long-wearing, and you do not need to reapply over the floor’s lifetime. This is the same with the color because most bamboo has been heated or left natural, and the stains used are designed to last.

In rare instances, you may want to have the floor refinished. This should only be done if you have a thick-enough top layer to handle sanding. Some veneers are too thin for refinishing. The cost to refinish them is $3 to $6 a square foot.

Bamboo Flooring Pros and Cons

Like any flooring material, bamboo has positive and negative attributes. Overall, bamboo is considered environmentally friendly. It is made from grass that grows quickly and is harvested every 8 to 11 years. This is when it reaches full strength. Horizontal and vertical bamboo have distinct styles many people find attractive, allowing each to complement many homes. Strand-woven bamboo can look like other types of hardwood and is more durable than most domestic hardwoods, which is a big positive for those who want an eco-friendly floor that mimics traditional styles like oak or maple.

All bamboo is very low-maintenance, only requiring sweeping and mopping as needed. It can scratch and dent, so some care must be taken to maintain it. Bamboo can also be less expensive than hardwoods, making it a good environmentally friendly choice. Bamboo is more water-resistant than solid hardwood floors, but it can be damaged by excessive water. Some types may warp with exposure to moisture, particularly if they are not given enough room to expand at the perimeter during installation.

Bamboo Floor Maintenance

Bamboo is a fairly low-maintenance product. It does not require special cleaners, sealants, or other products. Wipe spills as soon as they are seen and sweep grit regularly to prevent scratches. If you use a vacuum, do not use the beater bar because this could scratch the floor. Use scratch protector pads on the bottoms of furniture whenever possible, and leave wet or dirty shoes near the door.

Bamboo vs Hardwood Flooring

Bamboo is sometimes considered a hardwood, but it is a unique product made of grass. Hardwood floors come in numerous species and vary in appearance, cost, durability, maintenance, and installation.

Overall, bamboo is more eco-friendly than hardwood. However, it is not as long-lasting. Many hardwoods are also more durable, but bamboo outperforms some softer woods as well. Both make an attractive addition to many homes.

Bamboo Flooring vs Laminate

Another material that is frequently compared to bamboo is laminate. Laminate is a plank-style flooring made of many layers of material laminated together with a top long-wearing layer of plastic resin. Both types can be floated for a quick and easy installation. Of the two, bamboo is more durable, longer-lasting, and more eco-friendly. However, laminate is less likely to scratch than some types of carbonized bamboo. Laminate comes in a much wider range of colors, styles, and patterns than bamboo and mimics more looks. Of the two, laminate is generally less expensive.

Bamboo vs Vinyl Flooring

Another low-cost option for plank flooring that can be glued down or floated is vinyl. Vinyl plank flooring is made of poly-vinyl chloride, a type of long-wearing plastic. It can take on the look of many types of wood and comes in several colors, styles, and plank sizes. Of the two, bamboo is longer-lasting and more eco-friendly. However, vinyl is less impacted by moisture and often easier to care for. The two materials have similar costs.

Cost of Bamboo Flooring vs Carpet

Carpet is another very popular flooring type that can be installed in many rooms. It is one of the least expensive types of flooring you can install. It comes in many materials, styles, colors, and patterns. Some may be made of natural or recycled material, which means it can be environmentally friendly, but often not. Of the two, bamboo is generally considered the more eco-friendly choice. Both are used in many of the same areas, but bamboo does slightly better in kitchens and bathrooms due to the potential for stains on carpeting.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Radiant Heating

When installed properly, bamboo can be used with radiant heating. This includes both types - hydro and electric. Radiant heat costs between $10 and $25 a square foot fully installed.

Old Flooring Removal

When replacing existing floors with bamboo, you need to remove the old flooring first. This costs $2 to $5 a square foot, depending on the current flooring. Carpet and old floating floors cost the least to remove, while nailed-down hardwood and old glue-down vinyl cost the most.

Thresholds

It is common to use the same material for the threshold as for the floor when you move from one room to the next. Bamboo thresholds cost around $1 to $5 each and make a nice transition to other floorings. They come in several profiles and match all bamboo flooring types.

Baseboards

When replacing an existing floor, you must remove and replace the baseboards. Sometimes, this is factored into the total price, while in other cases, it is an additional $1 to $2 per linear foot. The baseboards must come up before the old floor and are the last to be put back on at the end of the installation.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Humidity. Like any wood flooring, bamboo should be placed in the room where it will be installed roughly three days before. This gives it a chance to acclimate to your home’s temperature and humidity. This means the material is less likely to swell or shrink immediately following installation.
• Colors. Bamboo is significantly limited in the number of colors it can be produced in compared to hardwoods. This is because the material only accepts stain to a point and only in horizontal and some areas of a strand-woven board. The edges of the bamboo (the part that shows in a vertical application and some areas of a woven-strand application) do not take stain. The product is usually carbonized to change the color. This means heating it to the point that the sugars in the bamboo caramelize, darkening the color. It also softens them and makes them more prone to scratches and dents.
• Harvesting. When purchasing, look for companies that are transparent with their harvesting method. Ensure the bamboo is at least 8 years old and has low moisture content and ranks consistently on the hardness scale. You may also want to look for a product with a minimum of a 25-year warranty.
• Climate. Bamboo is a natural material and needs to adjust to your home’s climate before installation. Place the boxes containing the bamboo in the room you install them in a minimum of 48 hours before installation, preferably 72 hours.
• Extra material. Always purchase at least 10% extra flooring material for waste and to account for floor irregularities.
• Delivery charges. Some material costs include delivery charges. These can vary, so ask about delivery.
• Location. Total costs vary depending on your location. Contractors may charge different rates depending on the geographic area, and some zip codes may also have different building codes that affect costs.
• Floating installation. Floating bamboo floors can be installed DIY with little difficulty. Remove all baseboards and leave an expansion gap around the entire perimeter to allow for swelling without warping. It is not recommended that nail or glue-down floors be installed DIY.