Why Is Bamboo Flooring Popular?

Thirty years ago, few people installed bamboo floors in their home or business. Today, bamboo is widely available and popular. But why the change?

For one thing, if you’re drawn to the idea of using a natural material like solid wood (and who isn’t?), you might be dismayed by the steadily increasing cost of hardwood. Good-quality bamboo flooring could save you money compared to hickory, cherry, or other more expensive hardwood species.

Bamboo is a natural flooring material that makes a great alternative to wood.

Advances in the techniques used to manufacture bamboo flooring are another key factor behind its growing popularity. Earlier generations of bamboo flooring were often softer and didn’t last as long as solid wood. Carefully comparing the hardness ratings of today’s bamboo products can help you sidestep that problem.

Other reasons to choose bamboo

Interestingly, bamboo isn’t a type of wood at all. It’s a dense, fast-growing grass that can be manufactured to offer some of the same benefits as wood. Strand-woven bamboo is a newer, more expensive type made by compressing bamboo fibers and adhesive under extreme pressure. It can be just as hard and durable as some of the densest hardwoods.

If properly cared for, good-quality bamboo can last for many years, and some types can even be refinished. And because bamboo is a grass that regrows from its roots and can be harvested again within a few years, it’s often thought of as environmentally friendly. It’s also easy to maintain and won’t harbor allergens the way carpeting does.

Is there a downside?

Cheaper bamboo flooring generally won’t hold up as well and can be more susceptible to scratches and dents. Also, since bamboo is a grass, it won’t exactly match the look and feel of a real wood floor. If the grain and rich, natural character of hardwood are what you’re after, you might be disappointed with bamboo. Its clean, contemporary look won’t fit every decor.

Also, check what adhesives a bamboo flooring product is made with. Some lower-quality products use adhesives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. Look for third-party low-emission certifications such as FloorScore or GREENGUARD, and do your homework to know what you’re getting.

Bamboo is not a type of wood at all, but a fast-growing grass that can be sustainably harvested.

What about the moisture factor?

Moisture can be an issue with bamboo, just as with solid wood, so don’t overlook it. Bamboo absorbs or releases moisture depending on ambient conditions. That means the same moisture problems that sometimes affect wood floors, such as warping, crowning, buckling, mold, and mildew, can affect bamboo floors too.

Fortunately, taking the right precautions before, during, and after installation will nearly always prevent significant moisture-related problems.

Always include these two steps

First, pay attention to the moisture content of the bamboo itself. Always allow time for bamboo flooring to acclimate to the interior environment. Use a pin or pinless moisture meter to determine if the bamboo is ready to install. Pinless meters, such as the Orion^® 950, are ideal. They’re fast and easy to use and won’t mar your bamboo with pinholes.

Second, consider your subfloor. It could be a ticking time bomb for moisture problems if you’re not careful, particularly with a concrete subfloor. Even though a concrete slab may look dry at the surface, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ready for a finished floor installation.

Moisture is always a potential issue, so it’s important to use a moisture meter to determine when the flooring is ready to install.

Moisture in a slab typically exists in a gradient as it dries after the initial pour. Expect considerably more moisture deep in the slab than at the surface. This “hidden” moisture can wreak havoc on bamboo or wood flooring after it’s installed.

For a reliable evaluation of concrete moisture, use an in-situ relative humidity test, such as the Rapid RH^® L6. It’s a depth-specific test that’s been scientifically shown to give an accurate indication of the moisture your floor will “see” after installation.

All in all, there’s a lot to like about the natural look of bamboo. By taking these moisture-related precautions, you can have peace of mind that your bamboo floor will last for the long haul.

Previously published in Floor Covering News

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Jason Spangler

Jason has 20+ years’ experience in sales and sales management in a spectrum of industries and has successfully launched a variety of products to the market, including the original Rapid RH® concrete moisture tests. He currently works with Wagner Meters as our Rapid RH® product sales manager.

Last updated on October 26th, 2026