Can Bamboo Flooring Be Refinished?

Wondering if you can refinish bamboo flooring? Don’t worry – it’s a question we hear all the time. 

The answer is yes, you absolutely can.

If you’re looking for a deep breakdown into this process, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve put together a full guide to all the information you need to know about refinishing bamboo floors. 

We’ll go over the basics of bamboo flooring, the cost breakdown of refinishing, and even step-by-step instructions on how to do it all by yourself. Let’s get started!

Bamboo Flooring Basics

Bamboo is sometimes thought of as a type of faux wood flooring. This is due to the fact that bamboo isn’t actually made from wood (it’s technically a grass).

That being said, bamboo behaves just like any other type of wood, so we prefer to think of it as a hardwood floor alternative.

Bamboo flooring is completely made from bamboo stalks, but the way it’s constructed can change the look of it dramatically.

There are three distinct types of bamboo flooring to consider:

1. Horizontal Bamboo Flooring

2. Vertical Bamboo Flooring

3. Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring

While each of these is unique in its own right, all of them can be refinished, restoring their original beauty and extending their lifespan.

Can You Refinish Engineered Bamboo Flooring?

The short answer: sometimes.

As with wood, you can only refinish engineered bamboo if the veneer is thick enough to do so. 

How thick exactly? As a general rule of thumb, the veneer needs to be thicker than 2mm, but you may only be able to refinish it once or twice. 

And if you don’t have a veneer layer that thick, you may not be able to refinish it at all.

How Much Does it Cost to Refinish Bamboo Flooring?

Refinishing bamboo flooring costs range depending on a number of factors. If you hire someone, it will often cost around $3 per square foot. 

If you do it yourself, you can expect to spend $1–$2 per square foot depending on tool rentals and which products you select. 

But really, those are just ballpark estimates – the real costs will vary on location, room size, and about a thousand other things.

Should You Hire a Professional?

Let’s just get this out of the way now: unless you’re an experienced DIY-er, we would recommend hiring a professional. 

Refinishing super-hard flooring like bamboo is harder than refinishing softwoods like Douglas fir or pine. And if you’ve done this before, you’ll know that a wood’s softness only makes it slightly easier to refinish. 

Detailed DIY Process

Before you begin

If you’ve read about low-VOC flooring, you might already be aware of some of the chemicals commonly used in flooring. Some bamboo flooring even contains formaldehyde, which you certainly don’t want to breathe in. 

Even though bamboo is one of the most sustainable wood flooring options, it’s still not guaranteed to be free of VOCs – so wear plenty of PPE (personal protective equipment) and contain any dust when cleaning up.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s proceed to the actual process.

What You’ll Need

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Safety goggles, Dust mask, Ear protection, Gloves

Tools:

• Drum sander, Orbital sander, Putty knife, Paintbrushes or applicators, Clean rags, Vacuum cleaner

Materials:

• Coarse-grit sandpaper (60 grit), Medium-grit sandpaper (80-100 grit), Fine-grit sandpaper (120-150 grit, 220 grit), Wood filler, Wood stain (optional), Polyurethane finish

Miscellaneous:

• Plastic sheets for covering vents and doorways

Step 1: Preparation

Begin by removing all furniture, rugs, and any other items from the room to ensure a clear workspace. It’s important to cover vents, doorways, and other openings with plastic sheets to prevent dust from spreading throughout your home. 

Once the room is clear, thoroughly sweep and vacuum the floor to remove dust and debris. For a more thorough clean, mop the floor with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. 

Inspect the floor for any protruding nails or staples; hammer them down or remove them to avoid damaging your sanding equipment.

Step 2: Sanding the Floor

Start with a drum sander for large areas of the floor. 

Attach coarse-grit sandpaper (around 60 grit) to the drum sander to remove the old finish and any surface imperfections. Move the sander slowly and steadily in the direction of the bamboo grain to avoid creating uneven spots. 

For edges, corners, and tight spaces that the drum sander can’t reach, use an orbital sander. Follow the same sanding direction and technique.

After the initial sanding, switch to medium-grit sandpaper (80-100 grit) and sand the entire floor again. This step smooths out the surface further and removes any remaining finish. Finish the sanding process with fine-grit sandpaper (120-150 grit) to achieve a smooth, even surface. 

Make sure to sand the floor evenly and thoroughly to ensure the best results.

Step 3: Filling Gaps and Cracks

Inspect the sanded floor for any gaps or cracks. Use a high-quality wood filler to fill these imperfections. 

Apply the wood filler with a putty knife, pressing it firmly into the gaps or cracks to ensure it fills them completely. Allow the filler to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Staining the Floor (Optional)

If you wish to change the color of your bamboo flooring, now is the time to apply a wood stain. Apply the stain using a brush or cloth, working in small sections and following the direction of the bamboo grain. 

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times. Allow the stain to dry completely before moving on to the finishing step.

Step 5: Applying the Finish

Once the floor is sanded and stained (if desired), it’s time to apply a protective finish. Polyurethane is a popular choice due to its durability and ease of application. 

Begin by stirring the polyurethane gently to avoid creating bubbles. Using a high-quality brush or applicator, apply a thin, even coat of polyurethane to the floor. Work in small sections and follow the direction of the bamboo grain to ensure a smooth finish.

Allow the first coat of polyurethane to dry completely, which usually takes several hours or overnight, depending on the product used. 

Once dry, lightly sand the floor with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) to remove any imperfections or bubbles. Wipe the floor with a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust before applying the next coat.

Repeat the application and sanding process for at least two to three coats of polyurethane, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This multiple-coat approach ensures a durable, long-lasting finish.

Step 6: Final Touches

After the final coat of polyurethane has dried, clean the floor to remove any dust or debris. Replace any removed furniture and enjoy your newly refinished bamboo floor.