Known for its durability, sustainability, and visual appeal, bamboo offers homeowners a unique look at an affordable price point compared to traditional hardwood floors.
When considering installing bamboo floors in your home, it’s important to understand the factors that influence bamboo flooring cost per square foot so you can budget appropriately.
The key takeaways
- Bamboo flooring costs $5-$15 per square foot installed, depending on type and quality
- Total installation costs range from $1,400 for a small room up to $15,000+ for a whole home
- DIY installation can save 20-30% on labor but is challenging
- Expect to pay $5,000-$10,000 for professional installation of 1,000 sq. ft. of bamboo
- Bamboo is generally $1-4 cheaper than hardwood flooring per square foot
- Additional costs like subfloor prep, underlayment, and molding add 15-25%
What is Bamboo Flooring?
Bamboo flooring consists of planks made from compressed bamboo stalks that are cut into thin strips, boiled to remove starches, dried, and then laminated together under high pressure. The resulting planks have a consistent thickness and smooth, interlocking edges, giving bamboo floors the refined, modern look of expensive hardwoods.
There are two main types of bamboo flooring construction:
- Horizontal or flat-pressed bamboo: The most common and affordable option, consisting of bamboo strips glued and pressed together horizontally.
- Vertical or stranded bamboo: A more expensive but durable option made by shredding bamboo stalks into strands and fusing them together with resins vertically. The random pattern created mimics the look of exotic hardwoods.
The Benefits of Choosing Bamboo Floors
There are several reasons homeowners choose bamboo floors over traditional hardwoods:
Sustainability
Bamboo is a highly renewable resource, reaching maturity in just 3-5 years compared to 50+ years for hardwoods. And since bamboo is a grass, it continues growing after being harvested. This makes bamboo an eco-friendly choice.
Durability
Properly sealed bamboo floors can be as or more scratch, dent, and water-resistant than oak or maple. Strand-woven bamboo is especially durable. Bamboo’s hardness also makes it very pet-friendly.
Affordability
Bamboo flooring is typically 20-50% cheaper than most classic wood floors. And lower labor costs for installation make it even more budget-friendly.
Visual Appeal
Modern bamboo floors are available in a variety of stains, from light tones to rich ebony hues. This versatility suits any decor. The natural grain patterns also give bamboo floors visual depth and interest.
Factors Affecting Bamboo Flooring Costs
The cost of bamboo flooring depends primarily on these key factors:
Type of Bamboo
There are over 1,000 species of bamboo, but only a few are suitable for flooring. Higher-quality Moso bamboo costs more than lower-end bamboo options.
Manufacturing Method
Strand-woven bamboo is more expensive to make than traditional horizontal bamboo. But it also lasts longer, offsetting the higher upfront investment.
Color and Stain
Lighter bamboo colors are cheaper. Darker stains, especially ebony tones, cost more because they use more pigment. Expect to pay a $1-3 premium per square foot for dark bamboo floors.
Installation Method
Professional installation is pricier but yields better results. DIY installation has significant labor savings but is more challenging.
Adhesives and Finishes
Higher-quality adhesives and polyurethane finishes improve durability and moisture resistance. But they add $0.50-$1 more per square foot.
Quantity Required
Bamboo flooring costs decrease with larger square footage since fixed costs are spread across more material. Purchasing 1,000+ square feet can save $2-3 per square foot.
With these factors in mind, let’s look at typical bamboo flooring costs.
Bamboo Flooring Costs Per Square Foot
On average, expect to spend $5 to $15 per square foot for bamboo flooring installed. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Basic horizontal bamboo: $3.50 – $7 per square foot
- High-end horizontal bamboo: $7 – $13 per square foot
- Strand-woven bamboo: $8 – $16 per square foot
According to HomeAdvisor, bamboo floors installed professionally cost:
- Low End: $7 per square foot
- Average: $10 per square foot
- High End: $16 per square foot
But bamboo flooring costs can go higher or lower than these ranges depending on the quality selections made.
Total Installation Cost for Bamboo Floors
In addition to cost per square foot, it’s important to consider the total installation cost based on room size or home square footage.
Here are some typical installed bamboo flooring costs for different sized spaces:
Small Room (200 sq. ft.)
- Low End: $1,400 ($7/sq. ft.)
- Average: $2,000 ($10/sq. ft.)
- High End: $3,200 ($16/sq. ft.)
Medium Room (500 sq. ft.)
- Low End: $3,500
- Average: $5,000
- High End: $8,000
Large Room (1,000 sq. ft.)
- Low End: $7,000
- Average: $10,000
- High End: $16,000
Entire Home (2,000 sq. ft.)
- Low End: $14,000
- Average: $20,000
- High End: $32,000
As you can see, total installed costs for bamboo flooring in a home can range dramatically from $14,000 on the low end up to $34,000 or more on the high end. The quality and size of the space makes a big difference.
Next, let’s break down the cost of bamboo flooring by type of installation method.
Bamboo Flooring Installation Costs
You have two options for installation – DIY or hiring a professional:
Professional Installation Cost
The average cost to install bamboo floors professionally nationwide is $4-6 per square foot for labor. This does not include the cost of the bamboo flooring itself.
Based on room size, professional bamboo floor installation costs approximately:
- 10’x10′ Room: $400-$600
- 12’x12′ Room: $575-$850
- 20’x20′ Room: $1,600-$2,400
So for a typical 300 sq.ft. living room, expect to pay $1,200 to $1,800 for a flooring contractor to install your new bamboo floors, not counting materials.
In addition to the per square foot labor fee, some contractors may charge an hourly rate or minimum fee per job:
- Hourly rate: $50-$100 per hour
- Minimum fee: $500-$1,000 per job
To have a professional install 1,000 sq.ft. of bamboo flooring in your home, expect to pay $5,000-$10,000 total for a typical installation.
DIY Installation Cost
One way to save 20-30% on installation costs is to install bamboo floors yourself. This avoids paying labor fees to an installer.
However, DIY installation is more complex and time-consuming. You need proper tools like a power saw, hammer, spacers, adhesive, and pull bar. And you must follow precise installation steps to get an attractive final result.
Watch out for potential added costs if you make mistakes and have to purchase extra flooring or adhesive. And any installation help you hire will add partial labor costs back in.
Cost Comparison: Bamboo vs. Hardwood Floors
How does the cost of bamboo flooring compare to traditional hardwood species?
On average, bamboo flooring installed is $1-4 per square foot cheaper than classic solid wood floors.
Here is a side-by-side cost comparison of bamboo vs. oak, maple, and other common hardwoods:
| Floor Type | Average Cost Per Sq. Ft. Installed |
| Bamboo | $5-$15 |
| Red Oak | $7-$19 |
| White Oak | $9-$20 |
| Maple | $9-$18 |
| Hickory | $11-$21 |
| Walnut | $14-$24 |
While bamboo is generally the most budget-friendly option, prices can overlap depending on the species, quality, and type you choose.
For example, low-end oak can start at $5 per square foot like inexpensive bamboo. But high-end bamboo with a dark ebony stain and professional installation can cost up to $24 per square foot, similar to premium exotic hardwoods.
No matter what flooring you select, request free estimates from multiple flooring contractors to find the best deal. And look for bulk pricing discounts if purchasing 1,000+ square feet.
Bamboo Flooring Brands & Product Costs
Two of the most popular and affordable sources for buying bamboo flooring are big box home improvement stores. Here are some example products and prices:
Home Depot
- Cali Bamboo Carbonized Vertical Bamboo Flooring – $2.98/sq. ft
- Home Decorators Collection Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring – $4.98/sq. ft
- Naomi Home Panda Bamboo Flooring – $3.59/sq. ft
Lowe’s
- American Olean Carbonized Bamboo Flooring – $5.48/sq. ft
- Shaw Strand Bamboo Flooring – $7.99/sq. ft
- Tru Bamboo Charcoal Bamboo Planks – $3.99/sq. ft
Online retailers like Lumber Liquidators, BuildDirect, and Floor&Decor also offer great prices on quality bamboo flooring brands like:
- Morning Star
- Teragren
- Ambient
- Plyboo
- Smith & Fong
Expect to pay $2-$7 per square foot for these bamboo flooring products. Buying direct from the manufacturer can offer even deeper discounts.
Always verify the warranty length, finish durability, and stain resistance when choosing a brand. Paying a little more upfront for higher quality will save you money and headaches in the long run.
Additional Cost Factors for Bamboo Floors
Beyond the flooring itself, here are some other bamboo flooring costs to factor in:
Subfloor Prep: $1,200+ for leveling, repairs, moisture barriers
Removal of Old Flooring: $1,500+ for demolition and haul away fees
Molding & Trim: $4+ per linear foot for transitions between flooring
Underlayment: $0.20-1.50 per sq. ft for soundproofing and moisture barriers
Radiant Floor Heating: $6-$14 per sq. ft if integrating heating coils
Finish: $0.75+ per sq. ft for polyurethane top coats after installation
Total: Expect to pay 15-25% more than just flooring costs alone to account for these additional expenses.
Always build a 10-15% contingency into your flooring budget for unexpected overages or price increases after getting quotes.
Does Bamboo Flooring Add Home Value?
A key question homeowners have is whether investing in bamboo flooring will pay off in added resale value.
The answer is yes – bamboo can potentially recoup 80-100% of your installation costs.
As a modern flooring material, bamboo appeals to buyers looking for an updated, eco-friendly home. Surveys show bamboo floors ranked in the top 5 most desirable floors by realtors, along with oak and natural stone.
However, homeowners should be aware bamboo flooring has a shorter life cycle than traditional hardwoods. Expect to replace bamboo floors every 15-25 years compared to 50+ years for some maple or oak. So bamboo’s value retention is lower long-term.
Is Bamboo Flooring Worth the Investment?
Bamboo offers one of the best combinations of affordability, sustainability, and visual appeal of any flooring material today. And installation costs are very reasonable, especially for DIYers.
However, bamboo’s lower scratch and moisture resistance means it requires more ongoing maintenance than harder woods. Being aware of its limitations allows you to make an informed choice.
For homeowners wanting an eco-friendly floor that’s livable with pets and kids, bamboo can be worth the investment – just be sure to factor in long-term replacement costs compared to hardwood alternatives.