How much does bamboo flooring cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does bamboo flooring cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does bamboo flooring cost?

$7 – $17cost per square foot installed
$1,400 – $8,500average total cost (200 – 500 SF)
$14,000 – $34,000average total cost (2,000 SF)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$7 – $17 cost per square foot installed

$1,400 – $8,500 average total cost (200 – 500 SF)

$14,000 – $34,000 average total cost (2,000 SF)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

Cost to install bamboo flooring by size

Bamboo flooring costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed on average, or $14,000 to $34,000 total for 2,000 square feet. The cost of bamboo flooring depends on the type, quality, and installation method. Strand-woven bamboo flooring costs $7 to $19 per square foot installed and is the most durable option.

Cost to install bamboo flooring by size
Floor size (square feet) Average cost
200 $1,400 – $3,400
500 $3,500 – $8,500
1,000 $7,000 – $17,000
1,200 $8,400 – $20,400
1,500 $10,500 – $25,500
1,700 $11,900 – $28,900
2,000 $14,000 – $34,000
2,500 $17,500 – $42,500
3,000 $21,000 – $51,000
3,500 $24,500 – $59,500

Bamboo flooring in a residential living room.
Bamboo flooring in a residential living room.
Get free estimates from bamboo flooring companies near you.

Average bamboo flooring cost

The table below shows the average cost to install 2,000 square feet of bamboo flooring.

Average bamboo flooring cost - Chart
Average bamboo flooring cost - Chart
Average bamboo flooring cost
National Average Cost $24,000
Minimum Cost $10,000
Maximum Cost $50,000
Average Range $14,000 to $34,000

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Bamboo flooring cost per square foot by type

Horizontal bamboo flooring offers a classic bamboo look, while vertical gives a more modern, streamlined look. Strand-woven bamboo has a 3,000 to 4,000+ Janka hardness rating—higher than most hardwoods. Engineered bamboo flooring contains the least amount of bamboo but is not as vulnerable to temperature changes.

Bamboo flooring cost per square foot by type
Flooring type Average cost* (per square foot) Details
Horizontal $2 – $5
  • Wide grain pattern; most natural looking
  • Not as hard as strand-woven; best for minimal traffic
Vertical $2 – $7
  • Narrow grain pattern; looks less like bamboo
  • Not as hard as strand-woven; best for minimal traffic
Strand-woven $3 – $10
  • Harder and more durable
  • Ideal for high-traffic areas
Engineered $2– $10
  • More water-resistant
  • Suitable for high-traffic areas

*Material prices only. Not including installation

Light colored natural strand bamboo flooring in living room
Light colored natural strand bamboo flooring in living room

Horizontal

Horizontal bamboo flooring costs $2 to $5 per square foot for the material and is referred to as "classic" bamboo flooring. Horizontal bamboo flooring consists of thin strips of bamboo glued together horizontally into planks. This type is the most natural looking and has the most visible nodes.

Vertical

Vertical bamboo flooring costs $2 to $7 per square foot before installation. Vertical bamboo flooring is made with the same process as horizontal bamboo flooring, except the thin bamboo strips are glued together vertically. This change results in almost no visible nodes and a look that is less "bamboo-like" overall.

Strand-woven

Strand-woven bamboo flooring costs $3 to $10 per square foot for the material alone, costing more than other types but offering increased durability and scratch resistance. Strand-woven flooring is made from ground or shredded bamboo fibers pressed together with adhesives under high heat.

Strand woven bamboo flooring installed in home office.
Strand woven bamboo flooring installed in home office.

Engineered

Engineered bamboo flooring costs $2 to $10 per square foot before labor. Engineered bamboo flooring contains a thin bamboo veneer top layer adhered to a thicker bottom plywood or MDF mixed-wood layer. The top layer is often strand-woven for added durability.

Bamboo flooring installation cost factors

The table below shows the average labor and material costs for bamboo flooring installation.

Bamboo flooring installation cost factors
Factor Average cost (per square foot)
Material $3 – $8
Installation labor & supplies $4 – $9
Total installed cost $7 – $17

Hardwood flooring from eco friendly bamboo with hand scrapped finish
Hardwood flooring from eco friendly bamboo with hand scrapped finish

Many factors affect the cost of bamboo flooring installation, including:

  • Square footage – The larger the area, the more labor and materials required for the installation. However, some flooring installers will reduce the cost per square foot on large projects.

  • Installation difficulty – Installing flooring on stairs or in a room with complex structural design takes longer, increasing labor costs.

  • Bamboo flooring type – Strand-woven bamboo flooring typically costs more than other types, but it is also more durable.

  • Thickness & quality – Higher quality and thicker bamboo flooring costs more but typically lasts longer and can be refinished more times before needing replacement.

  • Carbonizing – Carbonization results in a rich, dark brown color but increases the material cost.

  • Finished vs. unfinished – Unfinished bamboo flooring may cost less for the material but installing pre-finished bamboo flooring is more cost effective, unless you plan to finish the flooring yourself once installed.

  • Time of year – Flooring installation companies tend to be busier in the fall before the holidays. Scheduling during another time of year in their slow season may get you a better deal.

Hand-scraped or distressed bamboo flooring.
Hand-scraped or distressed bamboo flooring.

Labor costs

The average labor cost to install bamboo flooring is $4 to $9 per square foot, depending on the job size, site conditions, and installation method. Floating or click-lock bamboo flooring requires less time than glue-down or nail-down flooring.

Depending on your home's existing condition, additional labor costs may include:

  • Furniture relocation – Removing furniture from the work area costs $25 to $75 per room. Some companies include this in their initial estimate.

  • Old flooring removal – The cost to remove old flooring varies depending on the material. Removing old carpet costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot, or $140 to $320 per room.

  • Subfloor repair – Repairing or replacing a subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot.

  • Underlayment – Underlayment costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot installed and is required for nail-down and click-lock installations.

Add-ons and upgrades

Additional potential costs when installing new bamboo flooring include:

  • Heating & insulation ­– Consider these projects before installing new flooring, as insulation and radiant floor heating cannot be installed once the new flooring is in place.

  • Trim – Interior trim installation costs $4 to 10 per linear foot, or $350 to $1,200 total for an average room. Baseboard molding costs $6 to $9 per linear foot and is a common add-on when installing new flooring.

  • Finish & staining – Floor staining and refinishing costs $2 to $6 per square foot. Most bamboo flooring comes prefinished.

Strand-woven bamboo flooring in peppercorn color.
Strand-woven bamboo flooring in peppercorn color.

Prices by brand

The table below shows pricing for some of the most popular bamboo flooring brands. Warranty length is typically a good factor to compare quality and longevity. Ambient, Home Legend, and Lifeproof now offer a waterproof bamboo flooring option suitable for moisture-prone areas where bamboo is typically not recommended.

Bamboo flooring prices by brand
Brand Average cost* (per square foot) Details
Ambient $3.50 – $8.00
  • Strand-woven, engineered, and carbonized finishes
  • 25-year wear warranty; lifetime structural warranty
  • 100% waterproof option
Cali $4.00 – $9.00
  • High-quality bamboo
  • Wide color and style variety
  • 10- to 13-coat scratch resistant finish
  • 50-year warranty
ECOFusion $5.00 – $10.00
  • Strand-woven and bamboo engineered flooring options
  • Blend of renewable and recyclable materials
  • 35-year wear warranty; lifetime structural warranty
Home Legend $3.50 – $7.00
  • Solid, strand-woven, and engineered options
  • Click-lock installation
  • High scratch-resistant finishes
  • Waterproof engineered bamboo option
Lifeproof $3.50 – $4.50
  • Available at Home Depot
  • Click-lock installation
  • Several colors and finishes
  • Waterproof engineered bamboo option
  • Limited lifetime warranty
Plyboo $4.00 – $7.25
  • Strand-woven planks
  • Wide color and style variety
  • 15-year wear warranty; 25-year structural warranty
Teragren $7.00 – $11.00
  • Solid and strand-woven bamboo flooring and other bamboo products
  • Natural or caramelized colors
  • 160% harder than red oak
  • 25-year wear warranty; limited lifetime structural warranty

*Material prices only. Not including installation.

Get free estimates from bamboo flooring companies near you.
Stained and brushed bamboo laminate flooring in living room
Stained and brushed bamboo laminate flooring in living room

Bamboo flooring pros and cons

Bamboo is a rapidly growing grass, making it a sustainable flooring choice. Bamboo flooring is also among the hardest surfaces available and installs easily on several different types of subfloors. However, most bamboo flooring is not waterproof and not recommended for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or mudrooms.

Consider these benefits and drawbacks to help you decide if bamboo flooring is the right choice for your project:

Bamboo flooring pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • Easy to install
  • Eco-friendly
  • Durable
  • Low maintenance
  • Mold and mildew resistant
  • Non-allergenic (some brands)
  • Wide color and style variety
  • Porous; not waterproof
  • May scratch and dent
  • Requires an underlayment
  • Limited number of refinishing times, depending on the quality
  • May contain VOCs or other harmful chemicals (some brands)

Light colored bamboo floors installed in tv lounge room
Light colored bamboo floors installed in tv lounge room

Bamboo floor cost vs. other floor materials

Get free estimates from bamboo flooring companies near you.

The average cost to install new flooring is $4 to $15 per square foot, with material being a major price factor. The table below shows the cost of bamboo flooring vs. hardwood flooring and other materials.

Bamboo floor cost vs. other materials
Flooring type Average cost per SF installed
Bamboo floor $7 – $17
Hardwood floor cost $11 – $25
Carpet cost $2 – $8
Epoxy floor cost $4 – $10
Laminate floor cost $4 – $13
Marble floor cost $10 – $40
Polished concrete cost $3 – $15
Tile floor cost $10 – $50

Bamboo flooring FAQs

Does bamboo flooring increase home value?

Bamboo flooring can increase home value, especially if you are replacing a lower quality flooring like carpet or laminate. New low-maintenance, eco-friendly bamboo floors may be an attractive selling point for buyers, depending on the local real estate market and how your home compares to others in the area.

How long does bamboo flooring last?

Professionally installed bamboo flooring lasts 20 to 25 years on average but can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance and the right conditions. Bamboo flooring has a lower lifespan in humid conditions. Manufacturer warranties range from 10 to 50 years, depending on the brand and quality.

Is bamboo flooring waterproof?

Most bamboo flooring is water-resistant but not waterproof and not recommended for high-moisture rooms like the bathroom or kitchen. While bamboo is a grass and resists moisture better than some hardwoods, excessive moisture on bamboo floors can lead to warping and significant damage.

Some companies sell waterproof engineered bamboo flooring made with a coated bamboo veneer top layer and a waterproof core.

How do you clean and maintain bamboo flooring?

Follow these simple guidelines to clean and maintain bamboo flooring:

  • Adhere to the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions for your bamboo floor type.

  • Regularly sweep with a soft broom or vacuum using the hard floor setting.

  • Clean weekly with a lightly dampened mop or cloth and bamboo floor cleaning spray.

  • Clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent damage from standing water or liquids.

  • Use pads under furniture and keep pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches.

  • Use curtains or blinds to limit direct sunlight and high UV ray exposure.

Can bamboo floors be refinished?

Most bamboo flooring can be refinished. The number of times you're able to refinish the floor depends on the quality of the bamboo and thickness of the planks. Floor refinishing costs $2 to $6 per square foot and involves sanding and smoothing the surface and applying a stain or clear finish.

Engineered bamboo flooring typically cannot be refinished or has a very limited number of times it can be refinished due to its thin top layer.

Getting estimates from bamboo flooring installers

When researching bamboo flooring installers near you, be sure to:

  • Look for installers specializing in bamboo flooring.

  • Get 3 to 5 estimates to compare that include the flooring, underlayment, and installation.

  • Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.

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

    • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification

    • FloorScore certication

    • Greenguard certification

    • No added formaldehyde (NAF) or Ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) labeling

  • Check out bamboo flooring installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Ask for references and a portfolio with photos of past installations.

  • Have a written contract and warranty in hand before the work starts.

  • Avoid making large upfront payments. Work out a payment plan for work completed instead.

Questions to ask

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

  • How long have you been installing bamboo flooring?

  • Is your company licensed and bonded?

  • Do you have liability and workman's comp insurance?

  • What bamboo flooring options do I have?

  • Do you use FSC certified flooring?

  • Do you use formaldehyde-free glue during the installation process?

  • How long will the installation take?

  • What training do the installers have?

  • How will the flooring be finished at the edges where it meets other flooring.

  • How should I prepare my home for installers?

  • What does the estimate include?

  • What additional costs might come up on a job like this?

  • Who is my main point of contact during the installation?

  • Who should I contact if there are problems after the installation?

  • What does your warranty cover?

  • What type of maintenance will this bamboo flooring require?

  • Do you submit the manufacturer warranty registration for me?