The floors in a bathroom can be a showstopper, and one choice many are considering is bamboo flooring for the bathroom.
Remodeling the bathroom means a chance to bring a fresh perspective back to your home. Next to the kitchen, it’s one of the single most valuable remodeling projects you can undertake.
Not only will you get to enjoy the benefits of a brand new, beautiful bathroom, but when you finally sell your home, you’ll be able to make more money on it. As you begin to think about what your dream bathroom might look like, one key to consider is the flooring itself.
What are some bamboo flooring pros and cons you need to know now before you decide this is the right choice for your bathroom? This guide can help.
A Quick Overview
It may help first to learn a bit more about bamboo flooring. The material used in this type of flooring is made from the bamboo plant. Bamboo is a type of grass that grows abundantly and quickly. It has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional hardwood flooring because it is a sustainable, renewable resource. Visit our page on eco-friendly flooring for more on this.
The plant reaches maturity in just five years, and once cut to be harvested, the plant continues to grow at root level, so it can be used again about five years later to produce additional flooring. After harvest, it is processed to create flooring planks, which involves cutting the bamboo stalks into strips and laminating them together under high pressure to create solid flooring boards.
There are two main types of bamboo flooring: solid bamboo flooring and engineered bamboo flooring. Solid bamboo flooring is made from solid strips of bamboo, with each creating its own plank. Engineered bamboo flooring consists of a thin layer of bamboo veneer on top of multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). Both types can be installed using various methods, such as nailing, gluing, or floating.
The Benefits of Bamboo
There are many reasons people choose this type of flooring for the bathroom area. Explore other commercial bathroom flooring options too if you’re considering remodeling a commercial space.
It’s Perfect in High Humidity Areas
One of the toughest parts about selecting the right flooring choice for the bathroom is the fact that not only is this a high traffic area that requires continual cleaning, it’s also a high humidity zone. That can be difficult for any flooring to take. Bamboo, though, is different. Unlike traditional hardwood flooring, it holds up in moist environments. It’s harder than most hardwoods, so it can stand up to the heavy use your bathroom floor demands. If you select a high-quality brand, you’ll find it can easily stand up to the continual changes in humidity that so naturally occur in a bathroom.
It’s More Durable Than Traditional Hardwood
Hardwood floors are typically rated on the Janka hardness scale to help evaluate their durability. Strand woven bamboo is fibrous, which gives it a level of flexibility most traditional wood floors simply can’t meet. The production process means a flooring choice that is considered harder on the Janka Hardness Scale than walnut, oak, and many other traditional wood flooring choices.
It Fits Your Budget
Often bathroom remodels can go over budget in a hurry, but when you choose bamboo flooring, you’ll find it far easier to stay within your budget. While most hardwood floor choices can cost between $4 and $8 per square foot, bamboo usually averages about $3.80 per square foot, making it one of the least expensive parts of your beautiful new bathroom.
Are There Drawbacks?
If you’re thinking about bamboo flooring and the pros and cons of this material, you may wonder a bit about the drawbacks. There are a few. First, know that some manufacturers suggest you shouldn’t wet mop a bamboo floor because the standing water can damage it. Many also suggest that commercial cleaners shouldn’t be used on this type of flooring either. Because the bathroom is a spot you probably clean often, this could be an issue for you. Check out our advice on tile flooring for the bathroom which might be a better option for those who prefer wet mopping.
Second, not all bamboo floors are created equally. Some are not as moisture and humidity resistant as others, and that may create a real issue in the bathroom. Remember, that humid, wet conditions are probably the norm in your bathroom, so make certain you get a choice you can use in that space.
Finally, not all bamboo floors can be sanded and refinished. As a result, if damage occurs at some point, you may not be able to refinish out those scratches and damages. Be sure you select a premium bamboo flooring for your bathroom to avoid this problem.
Learn More About Your Bamboo Flooring Options
If you’re considering bamboo flooring for your bathroom, give us a call today. You can see the variety of bamboo flooring choices we have in stock in our showroom and even get a free estimate for your space. Bamboo flooring can be a perfect accent in your new bathroom, and we can’t wait to show you how! East Coast Flooring is here to help you.