Bamboo Flooring vs. Laminate: Which One Should You Buy?

You’ve made it to the peak of your flooring journey, and now you’re left with your final decision: bamboo flooring or laminate flooring?

To make the choice easier, we’re going to show you exactly how bamboo flooring stacks up versus laminate, side-by-side. We’re going to look at both materials’ costs, durability, comfort, and more. 

Bamboo Flooring Cost vs Laminate: Which One is More Expensive?

Comparing the cost of bamboo flooring to laminate flooring may not provide a whole picture of how the two compare. 

Bamboo can often run anywhere between $4 and $10 per square foot. 

Of course, it depends on what type you buy—carbonized bamboo flooring is usually a bit more expensive than non-carbonized, and strand-woven is usually a bit more expensive than horizontal or vertical.

Laminate has been thought of as a budget option, especially if you’re comparing it to hardwood floors. These days, laminate stands out on its own. And though you can still find it at a budget price, laminate runs anywhere from $1 to $10 per square foot. 

Laminate vs Bamboo Flooring: Which Is Easier to Install?

If you’re wondering how to replace flooring with either bamboo or laminate, you’re in luck, as both of these products come in DIY-friendly formats.

Laminate floors are almost always sold as click-together flooring, meaning they have an interlocking plank system that snaps together easily over existing surfaces. Because it’s held in place by friction, this is also known as a “floating floor.”

If installed correctly, you won’t need any adhesive or nails.

Bamboo can come as snap-together flooring, but you can also buy varieties that are nailed or glued to a subfloor as well. It all depends on what you want. 

Bamboo or Laminate: What Is More Durable?

Bamboo has properties like hardwood. It’s strong; it’s beautiful, but depending on the finish, it can be dented and scratched. Non-carbonized bamboo is just as strong as oak flooring, and strand-woven bamboo flooring is twice as strong—so it’s not weak by any stretch of the imagination.  

And like hardwood flooring, some types of bamboo flooring can be refinished, meaning it can last indefinitely. 

How long will laminate floors last? It depends. Many laminate floors come with a clear warranty that outlines exactly how long they’ll last under proper conditions. Many types are specifically designed to be resistant to scratching thanks to a tough wear layer, so you don’t have to worry about damage from children or animals. 

Unfortunately, it can’t be refinished like some types of bamboo flooring can. 

Laminate vs Bamboo: Are They Waterproof?

Which of these floors is waterproof? It depends on who you ask. Laminate isn’t always waterproof, but you can find some products that are.

With bamboo, it also depends on the product—though you won’t find any totally “waterproof” types of bamboo flooring.

Which One Feels Better, Bamboo or Laminate?

Bamboo is an insulator, so you’ll never have to worry about getting out of bed and stepping onto a cold floor. And since it’s a natural product, no matter what type of bamboo you get (or at what price point), it’s going to be a comfortable flooring option. 

Laminate, on the other hand, can occasionally feel plasticky at a lower price point and feel a bit chilly in the morning. But when it comes to the higher-end products, it can be like walking on a cloud. 

Bamboo Flooring vs Laminate: How Eco-Friendly Are They?

When it comes to eco-friendliness, bamboo flooring generally takes the lead over laminate.

Bamboo is a highly renewable resource, growing rapidly and being harvested every few years without destroying the plant. It’s also biodegradable. Laminate, while using some recycled materials, is not biodegradable and often contains chemicals that can release VOCs.

Therefore, bamboo’s natural and renewable qualities give it an edge in environmental sustainability compared to laminate. 

Conclusion

The comparison between bamboo and laminate flooring is as personal as your home’s design. Whether you lean towards the natural elegance and durability of bamboo or the versatility and cost-effectiveness of laminate, you can’t make a mistake with these two flooring options.And when you are ready to pick your dream flooring, find a local retailer in your area. They’ll be able to help you with everything.