How much does bamboo flooring cost?
How much does bamboo flooring cost?
$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)
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.
| 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 |
Average bamboo flooring cost
The table below shows the average cost to install 2,000 square feet of bamboo flooring.
| 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.
| Flooring type | Average cost* (per square foot) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal | $2 – $5 |
|
| Vertical | $2 – $7 |
|
| Strand-woven | $3 – $10 |
|
| Engineered | $2– $10 |
|
*Material prices only. Not including installation
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 is often manufactured using the leftover strands from horizontal and vertical bamboo flooring production, making it an eco-conscious choice.
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.
| Factor | Average cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Material | $3 – $8 |
| Installation labor & supplies | $4 – $9 |
| Total installed cost | $7 – $17 |
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.
Reserve carbonized bamboo flooring for low-traffic areas as the carbonization process reduces the bamboo's hardness and durability.
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.
Radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed.
Adding subfloor insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot.
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.
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.
| Brand | Average cost* (per square foot) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient | $3.50 – $8.00 |
|
| Cali | $4.00 – $9.00 |
|
| ECOFusion | $5.00 – $10.00 |
|
| Home Legend | $3.50 – $7.00 |
|
| Lifeproof | $3.50 – $4.50 |
|
| Plyboo | $4.00 – $7.25 |
|
| Teragren | $7.00 – $11.00 |
|
*Material prices only. Not including installation.
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:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Ask your contractor for bamboo flooring that is FloorScore or Greenguard certified to ensure your flooring is made with safe materials and adhesives that will not negatively affect your indoor air quality.
Bamboo floor cost vs. other floor materials
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.
| 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.
Consult the manufacturer's guidelines before refinishing bamboo floors or you may void the warranty.
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?