Is Bamboo Flooring Waterproof?
Yes, bamboo flooring is waterproof, depending on the type you buy. Rigid core bamboo flooring is 100% waterproof, while others, such as non-rigid, solid, or engineered bamboo, are water-resistant. Strand woven bamboo floors are better at handling water spills than traditional hardwood floors, providing spill protection for up to 24 hours. Also, excessive moisture can warp traditional bamboo floors with vertical and horizontal grains.
Bamboo Flooring Can Absorb Moisture from the Air
Bamboo is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb moisture from the moisture. You must acclimate the material for about a week before installing it. Its moisture content lessens to match the level of moisture in the air of the room you want to install it in. It then fluctuates with the relative humidity and temperature of that space’s surrounding air.
Bamboo vs. Hardwood
Did you know that bamboo is structurally more stable than hardwood? Moisture can affect it, but not to a great extent. The material’s finish determines its protective ability against moisture, whereas hardwood floors can warp, cup, or swell in that time.
Learn more about hardwood flooring.
How Water Resistant Are Bamboo Floors?
Many people ask, “Are bamboo floors waterproof?” which has an easy answer: yes. However, some are more curious than others and want to understand the level of waterproofing it offers. How well do they handle spills? Doesn’t moisture affect them? Fret not, for we enjoy answering your curious questions.
Water resistance is an integral factor in bamboo flooring. If you want to use bamboo for flooring high-moisture rooms like the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or entryways where wet and muddy boots may walk, you will need highly water-resistant flooring.
Rigid-core bamboo flooring is the best option. Its stranded bamboo wear layer and ultra-stable limestone composite core make it waterproof. If you choose one with a pre-attached natural cork pad or IXPE, you get extra security against subfloor moisture.
What Happens to Wet Bamboo Flooring?
Strand woven bamboo and those with spill-protective finishes can ensure moisture and water collection well. In non-rigid-core bamboo, extensive moisture exposure causes warping and cupping. Cupping means the center of the board taking a concave shape. Inappropriate acclimation, water spills, high humidity, and subfloor moisture also can cause cupping. Remove standing water ASAP.
Should You Install Bamboo Flooring in the Kitchen?
Yes, you can. Water droplets evaporate from the floor’s surface. Since strand-woven bamboo is sturdier than most hardwoods, it is an excellent choice for the kitchen and other high-traffic areas.
Also Read – Pros & Cons Of Hardwood Kitchen Flooring
Should You Install Bamboo Flooring in the Bathroom?
You likely won’t get any warranty on the bamboo flooring for your bathroom, but many homeowners have bamboo flooring in theirs without complaints. However, we recommend against it.
Where Shouldn’t You Install Bamboo Flooring?
Avoid outdoor installations like decks, patios, or gazebos; do not put it in any room with a pet washing station. Use tile flooring instead. Also, do not install solid bamboo in your basement.
How to Clean Bamboo Hardwood Floors?
Cleaning your bamboo flooring is easy. It is a two-step process where you sweep the floor with a soft brush to remove dust, dirt, or grit from the surface to prevent damage like scratches and dents.
You may vacuum-clean your bamboo floor instead of sweeping it, but ensure using an attachment. Secondly, use a special bamboo floor cleaner to remove stubborn stains. It also helps freshen up and restore your floor’s natural beauty.
Only use a recommended cleaning product specially made for bamboo and wooden floors. Avoid steam mops or abrasive cleaners to avoid severely damaging the material.
Use a premium spray mop because it is gentle, easy to use, and effective on bamboo floors. Get a ready-to-use cleaning agent and microfiber pads to remove, wash, and reuse.
Apart from following a dedicated cleaning regimen, take protective steps. You must immediately wipe away dirt or spills and remove outdoor footwear when walking on the floor. Additionally, use felt protector pads under your furniture to prevent damage.