Bamboo flooring costs $7 to $17 per square foot on average for the materials and installation labor. This comes to $14,000 to $34,000 for 2,000 square feet. Factors like the type, quality, and method of installation impact the total price. There are several types of bamboo flooring:

For low-traffic areas:

• Horizontal bamboo flooring costs $2 to $5 per square foot for the materials and has a natural-looking wide grain pattern.
• Vertical bamboo flooring costs $2 to $7 per square foot and has a narrow grain pattern, looking less like bamboo

For high-traffic areas:

• Strand-woven bamboo flooring costs $3 to $10 per square foot in materials and is hard and durable.
• Engineered bamboo flooring costs $2 to $10 per square foot before installation and is more water resistant than other types.

Bamboo flooring is not recommended for outdoor installation, despite the material's natural weather resistance. Even treated bamboo flooring products are designed specifically for indoor use. Exposure to direct sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations can cause warping, cracking, and discoloration. For outdoor spaces, consider composite bamboo decking materials specifically engineered for exterior applications.

Bamboo flooring, in most cases, is water-resistant but not waterproof. While strand-woven bamboo offers better moisture resistance than traditional hardwoods, prolonged exposure to water can still cause swelling, warping, and discoloration.

Some manufacturers now offer waterproof engineered bamboo flooring. It's made a waterproof core and coated bamboo veneer top layer, making it suitable for bathrooms and kitchens when properly sealed.

Always be sure to follow the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions for your bamboo floor type. Here are some general guidelines for cleaning most bamboo floors:

• Clean bamboo floors regularly with a soft microfiber mop and a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner.
• Avoid steam mops, wet mops, or harsh chemicals as these can damage the finish.
• Sweep or vacuum daily to prevent scratch-causing debris.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• For weekly cleaning, use a slightly damp mop and dry the floor thoroughly afterward.

Solid bamboo flooring can be refinished, but the process requires expertise. Strand-woven bamboo, being extremely dense, is particularly challenging to sand. How many times you'll be able to refinish a bamboo floor ultimately depends on the thickness and quality of the bamboo you choose. Still, the number is typically less than that of traditional hardwood flooring. Engineered bamboo floors typically cannot be refinished.

Quality bamboo flooring can last 20 to 25 years with proper maintenance. Strand-woven bamboo floors may last even longer, up to 30 to 35 years, due to their superior density and durability. The lifespan largely depends on installation quality, maintenance routine, and environmental conditions like humidity levels and foot traffic.

Bamboo flooring is considered an environmentally sustainable choice because bamboo reaches maturity in 5 to 7 years, compared to 20 to 120 years for hardwood trees. Some companies even make strand-woven bamboo flooring out of leftover strands from producing horizontal and vertical bamboo floors, making it even more earth friendly. However, research the company's harvesting practices and manufacturing processes, as some use harmful chemicals or unsustainable methods.

Check for these certifications and labels to confirm the flooring is truly safe and eco-friendly:

• FloorScore certication
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
• Greenguard certification
• No added formaldehyde (NAF) or Ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) labeling

Installing bamboo flooring can increase your home's value, particularly among environmentally conscious buyers. While it may not add as much value as traditional hardwood, bamboo's durability, modern appearance, and eco-friendly status make it an attractive selling point in today's real estate market.

There are several ways to protect bamboo floors and prevent scratches:

• Use furniture pads.
• Maintaining proper humidity levels.
• Placing mats at entrances. 
• Avoid high heels, pet claws, and dragging furniture. 

While strand-woven bamboo resists scratching better than traditional bamboo, all types require protective measures for longevity.

When searching for bamboo flooring installers near you, remember to:

• Look for companies specializing in bamboo flooring.
• Get 3 to 5 detailed quotes to compare that include the underlayment, flooring, and installation.
• Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for at least 5 years.
• Read bamboo flooring installer reviews on websites like HomeGuide and Google.
• Request references and ask to see a portfolio with photos of past installations.
• Get a written contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Don't make large upfront payments. Instead, work out a payment plan for work completed.

Asking the right questions can help ensure you choose the best bamboo flooring company:

• How many bamboo floors have you installed?
• Is your company licensed, insured, and bonded?
• What types of bamboo flooring do you offer?
• Do you use FSC certified flooring and formaldehyde-free glue during the installation process?
• How long do you expect the installation to take?
• What type of training do the installers have?
• How will you finish the flooring at the edges where it meets other flooring.
• How do I need to prepare my home for installers?
• Can you provide a detailed estimate that breaks down the individual costs?
• What other costs might come up on a job like this?
• Who is my main point of contact while you're installing the floors?
• Who should I contact after the installation if there are problems?
• What exactly does your warranty cover?
• What type of maintenance will this bamboo flooring need?
• Do you send in the manufacturer warranty registration for me?