You have probably heard of bamboo flooring, but you might be surprised to learn that it is not real wood. On average, bamboo flooring installation costs $6 to $16 per square foot, including materials and labor.
The costs can vary depending on the size of the area, the type you choose, and a few other factors. On average, you can expect to pay $1,200 to $3,200 to install bamboo flooring in a 200-square-foot bedroom, living room, or kitchen.
Bamboo is a type of grass, and the truth is bamboo flooring might even be better than hardwood flooring. It is eco-friendly, more affordable, and just as durable. So, let’s take a closer look at it, with data gathered from cities across the country.
Cost by Location
The costs of installing bamboo flooring can be affected by where you live. For example, in urban and coastal areas, labor costs are higher than in rural areas because there’s more competition for workers and higher living costs.
The table below offers a snapshot of the costs to install bamboo flooring, including materials and labor, in some major U.S. cities and also in smaller towns:
| City | Cost per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $6 – $16 |
| New York, NY | $7 – $19.50 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $5.50 – $14 |
| Atlanta, GA | $5.50 – $15 |
| Orlando, FL | $5.50 – $15 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $6 – $16.50 |
| Chicago, IL | $6.50 – $17 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $6 – $16 |
| Seattle, WA | $6 – $17 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $5.50 – $14.50 |
| Roswell, NM | $5.50 – $15 |
| San Diego, CA | $6 – $16.50 |
Pro Tip: Some homeowners report having problems with bamboo flooring in high-humidity areas. So, if that’s the case for you, let the bamboo sit for at least a week before installing it.
Cost by Bamboo Type
There are a few types of bamboo flooring available, and the option you choose for your flooring project will affect your project’s costs.
Strand-woven bamboo is the most popular option due to its durability and versatility; however, it is also the most expensive. On the other hand, horizontal bamboo is the cheapest alternative and the one with the most rustic appearance.
| Type of Bamboo | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) | Definition |
| Horizontal Bamboo | $2 – $5.50 | Created by gluing thin strips of bamboo together to show the wood’s grains and knots. They are shaped into planks that can be installed using a click-lock system or tongue-and-groove cut. |
| Engineered Bamboo | $2 – $6 | Created by bonding a bamboo veneer and a plywood substrate or high-density fiberboard. It can’t be refinished and can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when installed. Still, it is durable, cost-effective, and often more water-resistant than solid bamboo. |
| Vertical Bamboo | $3 – $8 | Strips of bamboo vertically arranged to create flooring planks. They’re often narrower than horizontal planks and offer a cleaner look, with minimal nodes in the planks. |
| Strand-Woven Bamboo | $4 – $8.50 | The most durable one. Made by shredding bamboo fibers and then recombining them under high pressure and heat to create a dense and durable material. |
Cost Estimator by Size
The square footage of your project will affect how expensive it is, and costs can add up. The bigger the area you want bamboo flooring, the higher the costs.
Bamboo flooring installation costs $6 to $16 per square foot. You can use the cost ranges below to estimate your project’s costs:
| Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
| 100 sq. ft. | $600 – $1,600 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $1,200 – $3,200 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $1,800 – $4,800 |
| 400 sq. ft. | $2,400 – $6,400 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Cost Estimator by Brand
The cost of bamboo flooring can vary depending on the manufacturer’s brand. Some brands offer lower-priced options, while others focus on higher-end luxury products.
| Brand | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) | Definition |
| Morningstar | $2 – $4 | Based in China and offers natural-looking bamboo flooring in various colors and styles. |
| Home Legend | $2.50 – $5.50 | Offers solid, engineered, strand-woven bamboo flooring with proprietary coatings that make it water resistant. |
| Lifeproof | $3 – $4 | A Home Depot brand that offers bamboo flooring in various colors and finishes with easy installation. |
| USFloors | $3 – $4 | A Lowes’ brand that gives discounts when sold in bulk. Their bamboo line is called Natural Floors. |
| Ambient Bamboo | $3.50 – $6 | Provides high-quality flooring options for commercial and residential use. Offers solid and engineered bamboo flooring in natural, white, gray, tan, and brown colors. |
| Cali Bamboo | $3.50 – $8 | The longest warranty on the market (50 years), which explains why it’s priced higher than some of the competition. |
| Plyboo | $4 – $7 | Produces strand-woven bamboo planks. The planks can be in different grain patterns, and they have a proprietary “Stiletto” strand that is said to be three times harder than oak flooring. |
| Ecofusion | $4 – $9 | Uses recycled materials to create strand-woven and engineered bamboo flooring in many styles and colors, including darker shades. |
| Islander | $4.50 – $6.50 | Offers various bamboo flooring with an extended warranty (25 – 30 years). Sells water-resistant engineered bamboo flooring. |
| Teragren | $6 – $10 | Has a wide variety of bamboo products both for floors and countertops. They make solid and strand-woven bamboo flooring in many finishes. |
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
It’s possible to install bamboo flooring as a DIY project, especially if the bamboo flooring planks are designed with a click-lock mechanism. This system allows the planks to interlock together, making the installation process quicker and simpler.
When installing bamboo flooring yourself, you can expect to spend between $198 to $418 on tools and materials (not including the flooring), or less if you already have some of the materials at home. However, while the upfront costs may be lower, improper installation can lead to issues like uneven floors, gaps, or damage that may require expensive repairs down the line.
Hiring a professional ensures a smooth, secure installation and can ultimately save you time, stress, and potential extra costs.
Cost of Labor
Professional installation costs for bamboo flooring can vary greatly depending on the specific installation method. Still, on average, flooring contractors charge between $4 and $9 per square foot.
A floating floor installation with tongue-and-groove plank edges typically requires less labor and will cost closer to the lower end. One that involves gluing and nailing the planks to the subfloor will cost closer to $9 per square foot.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Besides the type, size, and brand, there are a few other factors that can affect the costs of bamboo flooring installation:
Stain and Finish
The more natural the bamboo flooring, the less it will cost you. On the other hand, buying pre-finished bamboo flooring will cost more initially. Bamboo flooring can be finished in five different ways:
- Natural: Color and texture are not altered. It can mean the flooring is unfinished or applied with a protective layer of polyurethane.
- Distressed: This type is scraped or brushed to give it a rustic, weathered look.
- Carbonized: It’s heated and pressurized in order to change its color to a richer, darker hue. However, this process can make the bamboo softer and prone to scratches.
- Tiger-striped: This finish uses natural and carbonized planks alternated to create a distinctive tiger-like striped pattern.
- Printed: Usually woven-strand bamboo planks that have a print in the top layer to mimic hardwood floors.
Old Floor Removal
When installing new flooring, contractors will often charge an additional fee for removing the old flooring, as it requires extra time and effort.
The cost of removing the existing flooring will vary depending on the type of material installed. For example, some materials, such as tile or hardwood, can be more difficult and time-consuming to remove than others, such as carpet. On average, labor costs for removing existing floors range from $1 to $4 per square foot.
Subfloor Preparation
After removing the old flooring, there are several potential issues that you can discover in your subfloors. Some of the problems include water damage, rot, termites, and unevenness.
If that’s the case, these issues can lead to problems with your bamboo flooring installation and may decrease its lifespan. Contractors may charge between $2 and $7 per square foot to replace the subfloor.
Also, floating bamboo flooring must be installed over an underlayment, which helps create a smooth and noise-reducing surface for your floors. New underlayment installations cost $2 to $5 per square foot.
New Baseboards
When upgrading your flooring to a new bamboo option, keep in mind that the baseboards may also need to be replaced. That is because the new flooring may have a different thickness or height than the previous one, and the baseboards need to be adjusted accordingly.
Baseboard installation costs between $6 and $9 per linear foot, including materials and labor.
FAQ
What are the Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring?
Bamboo is an excellent flooring choice for residential use. However, as with any other flooring material, it has some disadvantages. Here are a few of them:
- Bamboo is not waterproof, so it can absorb moisture, causing shrinking, warping, and swelling.
- Carbonized bamboo is prone to dents and scratches.
- Bamboo manufacturers sometimes incorporate formaldehyde into bamboo products, which can emit toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Bamboo flooring can’t be refinished.
How Long Do Bamboo Floors Last?
Bamboo flooring can last up to 50 years if installed and maintained properly. However, this period does not apply if the bamboo floors are installed in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, as the flooring will not last as long.
Are Bamboo Floors Noisy?
Bamboo can be noisier than other flooring materials like carpet or cork, but it’s not unbearable or excessive. In general, hard floors make some sound when you walk on them, but there are ways to minimize it, like adding padding or underlayment.
Go the Eco-Friendly Route
In conclusion, bamboo flooring is an excellent option for those looking for a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly flooring option. While the cost may vary depending on factors such as the type of bamboo and the size of your project, it can be a more affordable option than traditional hardwood flooring.
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Main Image Credit: Gavin Tapp / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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