When contemplating remodeling and adding bamboo flooring to the home, price is naturally a consideration. Bamboo floor pricing can vary greatly and consumers need to be aware of what they are purchasing and what additional costs they might need to consider.

Unfinished of Finished Floors

Unfinished bamboo flooring is appealing to many people because it is much less expensive, typically starting around $1.50 per square foot. However, once the flooring is installed, it has to be finished, which can be costly, even if done by the homeowner. This is due to the materials needed to finish the floor and the labor involved in doing it.

Pre-finished bamboo floors are naturally more expensive than unfinished ones; however, once installed they are complete. Prices can vary greatly depending on the type of finish and the warranty that comes with the floor. Prices can be from $1.99 per square foot to well over $4 per square foot.

Other Factors

There are other factors that influence the cost of bamboo flooring, including whether or not the flooring is a snap lock installed or a straight edge installed product. The process of creating the snap lock is costlier than the process used to create straight edge flooring. These costs are naturally passed on to the consumer.

The length of warranty offered is going to affect the cost of the bamboo flooring as well. Consumers should take into consideration how the flooring will be used and how long they want it to last. There are bamboo floors that have no warranty and some that have a lifetime warranty. Of course, those with a longer warranty will cost more; however, they won’t have to be replaced and can be money savers in the long run.

The finish on the flooring will also affect the cost. Some finishes are certified to be low in formaldehyde, a chemical that has been known to cause adverse health complications over time. These finishes are naturally going to cost more because they cost more to produce.

Lastly, the actual makeup of the flooring itself is going to affect the cost. Some manufacturers use long bamboo stalks for a stronger floor plank that has no filler while others use shorter planks and add filler. The longer planks are going to be more costly but they are also going to be stronger and worth the money in the long run.

The installation of the flooring is also going to affect the bottom line cost. If is being done by the homeowner, the installations is only going to cost time, unless tools have to be purchased. On the other hand, hiring a professional installer can be expensive, depending on who is hired, what their credentials are and how much prep work they have to do to the subfloor in order to put the bamboo flooring down.

Bamboo flooring is less expensive than hardwood flooring in most cases and can be purchased in a wide range of pricing. As with any other product, cheaper is not always better so all the options should be weighed before making a final decision.

-Sharon V. Chapman