Bamboo vs Hardwood Flooring?

Hi, I need some opinions here.


I have heard nothing but good things about Hardwoord flooring (other than the price) but I don't know much about Bamboo (other than it is cheaper).


Both look to be about the same thickness and both look great.


1. Can anyone comment on the durability differences and any other differences?


2. How much cheaper, an estimate, (including installation) should bamboo be?





Thanks in advance

Bamboo vs Hardwood Flooring?
Bamboo flooring installs for the same price as hardwood flooring and the methods are exactly the same. However, bamboo flooring is actually more durable than most hardwood flooring as well as cheaper. It is available in many finishes and is beautiful. From the environmental side, bamboo flooring is made from bamboo which matures in less than two years making it a very renewable resource, where as hardwood floors are made from trees often hundreds of years old (often rainforest woods) and contributes to deforestation. If you watch your local newspaper, you'll find auctions from time to time of building materials that are closeouts from various stores and factories. I do bamboo flooring and have purchased it many times for well under $1 a square foot. I have never paid more than $2.25/sq ft for it. If you install it on new concrete, like all wood flooring, you need to do a moisture test first by taping a square of plastic to the floor for a couple days to see if water condensates under the plastic. If it does not, you are ready to paint a sealer on the floor, then glue the bamboo down. Most installers will push for you to go with hardwood, but that is because they make money from the sale of the hardwood, not just the installation. Don't tell my customers, but bamboo is really simple to install. I did all of the cutting, but my 8 year old installed his own floor in his bedroom flawlessly, and is quite proud of his work as am I.
Reply:We ripped out ALL the carpet 1 year ago, we had the oak hardwood product by mirage installed in the foyer, dining room, living room %26amp; hall we LOVE it, it's expensive but is beautiful and more durable than the old oak floors I was familiar with, what a difference it made in our home. I don't know anything about bamboo floors.
Reply:Bamboo is harder than other hard floors. It is durable, I don't know about the pricing differences for materials and installation in your area.
Reply:I have seen it as ceiling cover, not floor.





I would be concerned about weight bearing, unknown on cost
Reply:William E is on the money. The only thing I can add is that bamboo is a much denser material than your average red or white oak hardwood, it's closer to the brazillian spiecies, it has a very subdued sound and not the loud tones associated with those woods in open rooms, it really changes the acoustics, I like it alot better than some of the other exotics I've done.
Reply:if you have kids get which ever one is more durable but if you dint get what ever looks better with your inter
Reply:Bamboo flooring is VERY hard, durable, and has the usual care routines that hardwood does. All flooring can be scratched, so use care. Bamboo is particularly popular now because of its charming look. I personally do not like the look very much, but that is an individual thing.
Reply:I don't know about cost or durability, but bamboo is a renewable resource, which makes it better in terms of the environment. It grows really fast, unlike most trees.
Reply:Bamboo flooring is slightly more durable than hardwood flooring - the cost difference is approximately $1 less per square foot (installed).