How Much Does Bamboo Flooring Cost?

Bamboo Flooring Cost

Installing bamboo floors costs $6,000 on average and ranges from $1,500 to $15,000. On average, you’ll spend $5 to $15 per square foot, including materials and labor. The average 250-square-foot room costs $1,250 to $2,500. Bamboo floors for an entire 2,500-square-foot home run $7,000 to $20,000. Labor averages $4 per square foot.

Average Cost to Install Bamboo Flooring

You’ll spend $1,500 on average for a single room. For all the main living areas of a house combined, you’ll pay $4,100. For an entire home, bamboo installation averages $9,000. You can figure average costs by multiplying the installation area by $8.

Bamboo Floor Price Per Square Foot

You’ll spend anywhere from $2 to $11 per square foot on bamboo flooring materials, not including labor. Labor adds another $2.50 to $6 per square foot. Brand, quality and quantity all play a role in the final per square foot price. The average installation costs $8 per square foot for both materials and labor.

Bamboo Flooring Price Per Distributor

The price of bamboo flooring varies from $2 to $10 per square foot, based on quality, brand and retailer. Here is an overview of the average price per square foot, uninstalled, for some of the leading bamboo flooring retailers:

Labor Cost of Bamboo Flooring Installed

Labor to install a bamboo floor costs $2.50 to $6 per square foot or $30 to $45 per hour. Labor fees include planning, preparation of the installation space, setting up the equipment, measuring and cutting the boards, and cleaning up the area. In some cases, this also covers protecting nearby cabinets, baseboards and molding. Labor costs can vary significantly, depending on the contractor's experience and the size of the flooring space.

Bamboo Floor Pricing by Brand

Cali Bamboo Flooring Prices

Cali Bamboo flooring prices range from $3.50 to $8 per square foot. Cali Bamboo offers bamboo, vinyl, oak, hickory, maple and eucalyptus flooring.

Teragren Bamboo Flooring Prices

Teragren bamboo flooring costs $6 to $9 per square foot to purchase. They also sell bamboo veneers and countertops.

Lifeproof Bamboo Floor Prices

Lifeproof engineered bamboo floors cost $3 to $4 per square foot. They offer a wide range of styles. They also offer luxury vinyl plank and hardwoods.

Islander Bamboo Floor Prices

Islander bamboo floor prices range from $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot. Like other engineered flooring, they offer a wide range of styles.

ECOfusion Bamboo Floor Pricing

ECOfusion bamboo floors range in price from $3 to $9 per square foot. You’ll find them at flooring specialty stores nationwide. They offer an extensive range of looks and styles. They also produce hardwood floors

Solid Bamboo Flooring Installation Considerations

Consider the existing flooring, condition of the structure, and installation add-ons when creating your budget. A few of the most common installation considerations to keep in mind include:

• Pre-Existing Floor: Installation costs may include removing the existing floors, especially if there are currently hardwood or tile floors in the home, as well as preparing the subfloor for installation of the bamboo.

• Replacing Joists/Plywood: If the existing subfloor needs repair or replacement, this can significantly increase your bamboo floor installation costs.

  • Repairing hardwood floors costs: $450-$1,500

  • Repairing joists costs: $40-$60 per square foot

  • Repairing a subfloor costs: $500-$720

• Moldings & Baseboards: Installers need to remove all molding, trim and baseboards to install floors, which adds time.

• Insulating Underlay: Some homeowners choose to install vapor barriers and/or foam underlays beneath the bamboo flooring. Underlayment costs $2 to $4 per square foot, on average, which includes installation.

• Stains: You can stain your bamboo to match your current home design.

Bamboo Flooring Cost vs. Hardwood Prices

Bamboo costs about the same as hardwood. Hardwood floors cost $6 to $20 per square foot. Bamboo runs $5 to $15 per square foot to install. In all, it’s a good mid-priced, environmentally sustainable hardwood option.

Bamboo Hardwood Flooring Pros & Cons

Reasons to Install Bamboo Flooring

When considering installing bamboo flooring in your home, homeowners need to be aware of its pros and cons.

• Eco-friendly: Bamboo floors come from a fast-growing and renewable grass resource.

• Hassle-free installation: Bamboo floors come prefinished. Once in, they’re ready to use. No sanding, staining or coating necessary.

• Many styles: Bamboo floor materials come in a variety of different styles. Carbonizing bamboo can make it change color without having to apply any stains or chemical-based finishes.

• Moisture resistant: Bamboo floors typically hold the moisture on the top surface, making it easy to wipe away.

• Stress-free maintenance: Unlike carpet or tile, bamboo flooring requires minimal upkeep.

• Reduces airborne allergens: Bamboo does not trap dust or mites, which makes it a great option for allergy sufferers.

• Refinishes easily: Most bamboo floors can be refinished by simply sanding away the top layer and applying a new stain or sealant layer.

Bamboo Flooring Drawbacks

• May produce VOC emissions: Most bamboo flooring planks contain volatile organic chemicals, also known as VOC. Bamboo planks are comprised of sliced and shredded bamboo stalks that are glued together with the help of high-pressure heating and a resin adhesive.

• Can scratch easily: Lighter colored planks have better durability. The heating process that darkens the wood also softens it up to 20%. The carbonization process that colors the wood also compromises the strength of its fibers.

• Not all brands are eco-friendly: Bamboo is typically an extremely eco-friendly flooring option. However, some brands utilize manufacturing processes that diminish the environmental friendliness of the materials.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Installer

You can install any bamboo or hardwood floor yourself. It’s often a low-risk DIY project. But watch out for a few pitfalls of a DIY install that can cost you as much or more than simply hiring a pro.

• Extra waste: Pros can get the job done with minimal overage saving you money.

• Uneven floors: You’ll need to pull the floors and reinstall the wood.

• Gaps or crooked installs: Some DIY installers find that the room they installed in isn’t perfectly square. Understanding where to start makes all the difference when lining up grain with the room.

You might find that hiring a pro and saving yourself the time and hassle of a DIY job might make more sense. Even if you’re looking into DIYing, contact a local floor installation pro for quotes and a free consultation.

FAQs

How much does bamboo flooring cost?

Bamboo flooring costs $2 to $11 per square foot. Installation adds another $4 per square foot.

Is bamboo flooring expensive?

Bamboo flooring prices range from inexpensive to expensive when compared to hardwood. The price tag reflects the style, brand and level of quality you purchase.

How long do bamboo floors last?

Bamboo floors last 20 to 50 years. The quality you purchase and how careful you are to maintain it can extend the lifespan.

Is bamboo flooring cheaper than carpet?

Bamboo flooring is not cheaper than carpet. In fact, it’s more expensive than some traditional hardwoods. Engineered bamboo costs about twice as much as carpet, while solid bamboo costs up to 10 times as much.

Does bamboo flooring increase home value?

Bamboo flooring may increase a home’s value, but it depends on quite a few factors. It can provide a little ROI in the following scenarios:

• Upgrading from vinyl or carpet

• Similar flooring quality as other homes in your neighborhood

• Adding moderate to high-quality bamboo

Is bamboo flooring good for kitchens?

Bamboo floors make great additions to kitchens. However, like any hardwood, they can dent and scratch. They’re also susceptible to water, unless you purchase an engineered variety.

Can dogs scratch bamboo flooring?

Yes, dogs can scratch bamboo flooring. However, high quality and natural bamboo doesn’t scratch as easily as lower quality or carbonized bamboo.

What are the problems with bamboo flooring?

The main problems with bamboo flooring are the same issues with any hardwood. They can scratch, dent and get water damaged.

How do I get the lowest or best price on bamboo flooring?

To get the lowest or best price on bamboo flooring, check your local home improvement stores and compare against national flooring outlets. Then, take those numbers to your contractor to compare what they would charge to purchase it. Often, contractors get discounts.