Engineered Bamboo Flooring: Pros and Cons

What is Engineered Bamboo Flooring?

Engineered bamboo flooring is a type of flooring that combines the natural beauty and sustainability of bamboo with the stability and durability of engineered construction. 

Unlike traditional bamboo flooring, engineered bamboo consists of a top layer of bamboo adhered to a multi-layered core of plywood or fiberboard. 

While solid planks are susceptible to temperature changes and humidity (resulting in the boards expanding and contracting), thanks to a sturdy core, engineered bamboo flooring can withstand these fluctuations. 

That’s one of the reasons why engineered bamboo is a good fit for areas with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, such as basements.

Pros of Engineered Bamboo Flooring

It Looks Good

If you’re a fan of traditional bamboo flooring, you’ll love engineered bamboo, as it was made to look exactly the same.

It offers the same rich, natural grain patterns and a variety of finishes, from smooth to hand-scraped textures. It’s available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to choose from natural bamboo hues to darker, more contemporary shades. 

Additionally, the top layer of bamboo veneer can be stained and treated in the same way as solid bamboo.

As with solid bamboo flooring, engineered bamboo comes in 3 different varieties – each with its own unique look and advantages. 

It can be Easy to Install

Engineered bamboo can be installed using various methods, including floating, gluing, or nailing, which provides flexibility for different subfloor types and installation preferences.

Floating Floor: This setup, also known as “click-lock” or “snap-together” installation relies on a high-tech system of grooves to literally snap planks together, which means you don’t even have to attach it to the subfloor. 

The resulting surface (called a “floating floor”) requires much less time to install, making the process much cheaper (and a potential do-it-yourself flooring project).

Since the planks are not attached to the subfloor, they may experience slight movement or shifting over time, particularly in areas of your home that get a lot of action.

Glue Down: This method involves applying a strong adhesive to the subfloor before laying the planks down. The glue creates a firm bond, ensuring the flooring stays securely in place. 

Although it requires more time and precision, it results in a more permanent installation that’s great for both residential and commercial spaces.

Nail/Staple Down: In this method, the planks are attached to the subfloor using nails or staples, typically driven at an angle through the tongue of the flooring. 

This creates a very secure fit and prevents the planks from moving or shifting. It’s a preferred method for wooden subfloors and provides excellent stability. 

As this is the most difficult type of installation, we’d recommend hiring professional help.

It’s Environmentally Friendly

Bamboo flooring is, without a doubt, one of the most eco-friendly types of flooring around. Not only is it an organic material, but it only takes about 5 years for bamboo to mature – compared to 50-ish years for most tree species. 

Additionally, bamboo self-regenerates when cut at the stalk as the plant will grow a new shoot. The roots stay in place, preventing soil erosion and avoiding the detrimental effects of clear-cutting practices that can lead to deforestation.

It’s important to mention that not all bamboo harvesting practices are environmentally-minded. In order to ensure sustainability with your bamboo flooring, you should look for a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Certificate, which indicates the bamboo was harvested in an eco-friendly way.

Cons of Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Refinishing Limitations 

Solid bamboo flooring can typically be refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan, often up to 3-5 times or more, depending on the thickness of the bamboo. This is because solid bamboo is a single piece of bamboo throughout, allowing for repeated sanding and refinishing.

Engineered bamboo flooring, on the other hand, can usually only be refinished 1-2 times. 

This is due to its construction, which includes a thin layer of bamboo veneer on top of a multi-layered core. The thickness of this top bamboo layer determines how many times it can be sanded and refinished before the underlying core is exposed.

Be Wary of Water Damage

While it’s true that engineered wood flooring is not as sensitive to changes in temperature or to moisture as solid wood, it’s still prone to warping in case of a standing pool of water. 

You should clean up any spills as quickly as possible to avoid damage that might occur.

Variance in Quality

Since many bamboo products, engineered flooring included, come from overseas, standards and regulations may differ from those in the United States. 

One of the hottest issues related to this topic is the use of adhesives that contain formaldehyde during manufacturing. These can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to those who come in contact with them. 

The good news is that not all bamboo flooring is made with these compounds. As previously mentioned, the Forestry Stewardship Council is a great resource to determine sustainable practices and manufacturing standards.  

Additional Things to Consider

Durability of Engineered Bamboo Flooring

Engineered bamboo flooring is durable and can last for many years with proper care. Its engineered core provides stability, reducing the risk of warping and cracking. 

However, the durability of the top bamboo layer can vary based on the thickness and quality of the product. 

Choosing a high-quality engineered bamboo with a thicker wear layer will enhance its longevity and resistance to wear and tear.

Cost of Engineered Bamboo Flooring

The cost of engineered bamboo flooring can range from $2 to $10 per square foot, depending on the quality, brand, and finish. Additional costs include underlayment, adhesives, and installation, which can bring the total cost to $4 to $12 per square foot. 

While the initial investment might be higher, the long-term benefits of durability and aesthetic appeal can make it a cost-effective choice over time.