Bamboo flooring is getting a lot of attention these days and it’s quite obvious to see why. It’s tough, good-looking, and eco-friendly, a perfect combo for homeowners who want something stylish but also long lasting and environment friendly.
Another reason why people are choosing it is because they’ve heard it’s waterproof. The idea of having a floor that handles spills and moisture without a problem does sound very appealing but before you start planning your next flooring project, there’s something that you should know first.
So, what exactly is bamboo flooring? Just as the name suggests, it’s made from the bamboo plant, which is actually a type of grass, not wood, even though it looks and feels like it.
And to help you understand this better, we are here with this post. We’re going to break it all down and cover what makes bamboo flooring unique, how water affects it, and what you can do to make it more water-resistant. Alright, so without any further delay let’s begin with this topic.
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What Is Bamboo Flooring?
Bamboo flooring comes from a plant, not a tree so it’s technically a grass. And to turn the grass into the wood, it has to go through a process. After it’s processed, bamboo can be just as tough as wood, and maybe even tougher than some hardwoods.
The way it’s made plays a big role in its strength. There’s horizontal bamboo, where the strips are laid flat, showing off that natural “knuckle” pattern that you can usually see in traditional bamboo.
Then there’s vertical bamboo, where the strips are turned on their sides to give it a sleeker, and more polished look. And then we have strand-woven bamboo, which is on another level of sturdiness. When the bamboo fibers get shredded, they get mixed with resin, and then pressed together under lots of heat and pressure.
This stuff is seriously dense, and a lot of people assume all bamboo flooring is waterproof because it’s grass, but it’s not quite the truth. The water resistance comes down to how the bamboo flooring is processed and sealed, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
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Is Bamboo Flooring Naturally Waterproof?
Bamboo flooring does a really great job at handling moisture but let’s clear something up that most people aren’t aware about. Despite all that noise about bamboo flooring being waterproof, it’s not really waterproof, it can resist water pretty well, but not completely immune to any kind of water damage.
Some people get easily attracted to the term “moisture-resistant” and assume that means it can handle water with no problems. But that’s not the case, if water sits too long, bamboo can swell, warp, or even crack.
But that doesn’t mean a spill can ruin your floor instantly, not at all. If you wipe up the flooring in a reasonable amount of time, you’re good to go. Most bamboo floors come with a protective coating that adds an extra layer of defense.
But this might not come to great help if you have to deal with major leaks or have very humid weather. This can easily ruin your bamboo flooring in no time.
Factors That Affect Bamboo Flooring’s Water Resistance
Not all bamboo floors handle water the same way. It depends on the type of bamboo you have, how it was made, and whether it has a protective sealant or not.
If your flooring has all these features, you will know how well it can stand up to moisture.
Type of the bamboo flooring
If you’re picking bamboo flooring for your home, it’s best to know the differences. Solid bamboo flooring is just what it sounds like, it’s tough but can be refinished a few times if needed.
While engineered bamboo has a thin bamboo layer on top of plywood. It’s more stable but doesn’t allow for much sanding.
And then comes the strand-woven bamboo, it’s the hardest and sturdiest of all bamboo flooring types. In strand woven bamboo, the fibers are pressed together, to make it extra durable.
Then there’s rigid core bamboo which is a combination of bamboo with a waterproof core, great for areas where moisture is a huge concern.
Finishing and coating
The finish on bamboo flooring is more than just a shiny layer, it’s what helps keep water from seeping in and causing problems.
Most bamboo flooring comes with an aluminum oxide coating, which adds a layer of protection against spills, scratches, and the usual wear.
If you’re placing bamboo in a high-moisture area, make sure you apply an extra layer of sealant. I’ve seen floors hold up well for years with a good finish but I’ve also seen cheap coatings wear off fast. So make sure your flooring gets a great finish to make it last more long.
Installation method
If you want a good, sturdy bamboo floor, then make sure it’s installed properly. One of the biggest mistakes people make is skipping a moisture barrier.
If you’re installing these flooring over concrete or in a room where spills are more likely to happen, a moisture barrier can go a long way in keeping your floors from swelling or warping.
Sealing the seams is another smart move that should be done during installation. A little extra effort here can keep the water from sneaking between the planks.
People often regret skipping these steps and then they have to deal with this problem later, which is a headache you don’t want.
Can Bamboo Flooring Handle Spills and Moisture?
Bamboo floors can handle spills but that’s if you clean them up in time and maintain them properly. A few drops here and there is no problem. But if you let the water sit for too long then that’s where things get a bit annoying.
Standing water can slip between the planks and soon, you will start noticing swelling or even warping in some areas.
Also if you deal with high humidity then you might see this happen more often which makes bamboo flooring not a great choice. If you want, you can get a dehumidifier to maintain the humidity levels in your home.
Good thing is most bamboo floors come with a protective coating which gives you a little extra time. But it’s not completely waterproof, so don’t push your luck. A quick cleanup and some basic maintenance go a long way in keeping your floors looking good for years.
How to Make Bamboo Flooring More Waterproof?
If you want bamboo floors to handle moisture better, then there are a few things you can do. First, consider adding an extra layer of sealant.
Most bamboo floors already come with a factory finish, but an extra coat, especially if you live in a moisture-prone area, can give the flooring some extra protection.
Second, make sure the installation is done right, it has a moisture barrier underneath the planks so that it can help keep water from seeping up from below.
Lastly, keep an eye on humidity levels, too much moisture in the air can cause swelling and too little can lead to cracks. You can sort this by using a dehumidifier or humidifier to help keep things balanced.
How to choose waterproof bamboo flooring?
If you want bamboo floors that can handle moisture better, you’ve got two solid choices. And the first choice is strand-woven bamboo.
This bamboo flooring is really tough as it’s made by compressing bamboo fibers under extreme pressure and heat, making it denser and more water-resistant than traditional bamboo floors.
So, if you’ve got a busy home with kids or pets running around, or have to deal with frequent spills, this is the choice you should go with.
Then there’s rigid core bamboo flooring and this one’s built with a waterproof core, so it stands up better to humidity and accidental spills. It’s a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, or basements where moisture levels are a concern.
And before you buy, make sure to check the product details and warranty. Some brands offer better moisture protection than others, and knowing what’s covered can save you headaches down the road. A little research can save you from a lot of hassle and regrets.
Conclusion
Bamboo flooring comes with a lot of perks, it’s durable, eco-friendly, and gives a great look but the thing about it being waterproof is not completely true. There’s no doubt that bamboo flooring can handle some moisture, but like any other flooring, too much water or humidity can cause problems over time.
But that doesn’t mean you should not go for the bamboo flooring. With the right type, proper installation, and regular upkeep, bamboo floors can last for years without any issue. But they are not completely waterproof.
So, remember to not leave the water for too long, clean up spills when they happen, and use rugs in moisture-prone areas. If the humidity levels are too high then you can get a dehumidifier to balance the moisture inside your home.
Bamboo flooring is a great investment if you look after it with proper care, it gives you that warm, natural look while holding up to daily life. So, if you love the idea of bamboo but are worried about water, just know, it’s possible but with the right approach.
