Bamboo flooring is a stylish and eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood, offering durability and a modern look at a competitive price. On average, homeowners can expect to pay $1,400 to $3,200 to install bamboo flooring in a 200-square-foot room, including both materials and labor.
The total cost depends on factors like flooring type, installation method, and labor rates. While engineered bamboo starts as low as $1.50 per square foot, premium strand-woven options can reach $16 per square foot. Labor costs typically range from $30 to $45 per hour, with additional expenses for subfloor preparation and old flooring removal.
This guide breaks down bamboo flooring costs, key factors that influence pricing, and whether a DIY or professional installation is right for you.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Average Cost of Bamboo Flooring by Type and Area
Your total project cost will vary depending on the type of bamboo flooring you use, your surface area, the contractors you hire, and more.
Bamboo Flooring Cost by Type
| Bamboo Type | Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Engineered | $1.50–$7.50 |
| Horizontal | $1.00–$5.00 |
| Vertical | $1.00–$5.00 |
| Strand-Woven | $3.00–$6.00 |
Since strand-woven bamboo is the most durable option, it comes at a higher cost but offers better longevity and scratch resistance.
Primary Factors To Consider When Buying Bamboo Flooring
The cost of bamboo flooring varies based on the type of bamboo, installation method, and total square footage. Here’s what to consider before making a purchase:
1. Bamboo Flooring Types
Bamboo flooring comes in four main types, each with unique characteristics and price points.
Engineered Bamboo ($1.50–$7.50 per sq. ft.)
- Built like laminate flooring, with a fiberboard or plywood core and a thin bamboo veneer.
- Easiest to install — great for floating floors with click-lock planks.
- Less durable than solid bamboo; cannot be refinished multiple times.
Horizontal Bamboo ($1.00–$5.00 per sq. ft.)
- Made by gluing narrow strips together with the grain running horizontally for a natural look.
- Comparable to oak in strength but more eco-friendly than heavily processed bamboo options.
- Can be refinished, but restaining may void manufacturer warranties.
Strand-Woven Bamboo ($3.00–$6.00 per sq. ft.)
- The most durable bamboo type — twice as hard as oak.
- Made by shredding and compressing bamboo fibers with resin under high heat and pressure.
- Highly resistant to scratches and dents, with a 20- to 25-year lifespan.
Vertical Bamboo ($1.00–$5.00 per sq. ft.)
- Constructed with narrow bamboo strips stacked vertically for a sleek, uniform look.
- Stable and works well with heated flooring, making it a good option for kitchens or bathrooms.
- Less common than horizontal or strand-woven options.
2. Square Footage and Installation Costs
The bigger the space, the higher the cost. Bamboo may be cheaper than hardwood, but labor, subfloor prep, and additional materials can add up:
- 200-square-foot room: $1,400–$3,200 (materials and labor).
- 500-square-foot space: $3,500–$8,000 (including installation).
- Subfloor prep and moisture barriers may add $2–$10 per sq. ft.
Key Takeaways:
- For durability, choose strand-woven bamboo.
- For affordability and DIY installation, go with engineered bamboo.
- For a natural wood look, horizontal bamboo is the best choice.
- For heated floors, vertical bamboo works best.
Other Factors To Consider
Before installing bamboo flooring, factor in labor costs, subfloor preparation, and underlayment to get a realistic estimate of your total expenses.
1. Labor Costs
Hiring a professional installer typically costs $30 to $45 per hour or $2.50 to $6 per square foot. This price includes:
- Workspace preparation (removing furniture and prepping tools).
- Cutting and installing baseboards for a finished look.
- Cleaning up after installation.
💡 Tip: Labor costs vary by location and contractor experience, so get at least three quotes before choosing an installer.
2. Subfloor Preparation
Bamboo is sensitive to moisture, so your subfloor must be level, dry, and stable before installation. If your subfloor needs repairs or adjustments, expect to pay:
- Minor leveling: $2–$5 per square foot
- Major repairs or full subfloor replacement: $5–$10 per square foot
💡 Tip: If you’re installing over concrete, tile, or existing hardwood, check for moisture issues before laying new flooring.
3. Underlayment Requirements
If you’re installing floating bamboo floors, you’ll need an underlayment to reduce noise and protect against moisture.
- Standard foam underlayment: $0.75–$1 per square foot
- Moisture-resistant 3-in-1 underlayment: $1.50–$2 per square foot
For nailed-down bamboo flooring, installers typically use 15 lb. felt paper or red rosin paper instead of foam underlayment. Glued-down bamboo floors don’t require underlayment.
💡 Tip: If your subfloor emits moisture (like a basement or concrete slab), a moisture barrier is essential to prevent warping over time.
How To Calculate Bamboo Flooring Cost
For a DIY price calculation, determine what bamboo flooring brand or type you intend to use. After you’ve made your choice:
- Measure out the dimensions of your room, hallway, or open space you plan to cover.
- Add 10% to 20% to compensate for any errors in measurement or odd cuts you may have to make.
- Multiply your square footage by the per-square-foot cost of the material used.
Your contractor costs will vary depending on the installation method. Getting a comprehensive quote from a bamboo flooring pro will consider all factors before rendering an all-inclusive cost estimate. We recommend doing this, even if you’re committed to installing your new floors yourself.
Should You Hire a Professional for Bamboo Flooring?
For the safest and most efficient installation possible, we suggest hiring a professional to cut, prepare, and install your flooring. Otherwise, you could end up with floors that aren’t aesthetically pleasing or will shift over years of use. A DIY installation will save you a lot of money, but you should consider every option, regardless of your baseline budget.
If you’re debating professional or DIY bamboo flooring installation, there are some benefits and considerations for each installation method that can affect the bamboo flooring cost.
DIY Installation
We only recommend installing the bamboo flooring yourself if you’re experienced in manual labor. If you opt for the DIY route, we recommend floating floors. You’ll need to put down underlayment, but these floors will snap in place and don’t involve adhesives or nails to attach the flooring but will allow you to get a beautiful finish.
Professional Installation
The alternative to DIY installation is to hire an experienced contractor to remove your existing floor and replace it with a high-quality bamboo flooring option. Choosing flooring pros results in a more refined final product and will save you time and stress. We recommend getting a quote from a local provider before proceeding further to weigh your options properly.
Before hiring a professional, you should check for local licensing, customer reviews online, and a company website before getting quotes. Hiring a licensed pro will greatly improve the quality of your flooring. Use the tool below to be connected with a qualified professional in your area.
Final Thoughts
Bamboo flooring is a stylish and eco-friendly upgrade, but proper planning is key to staying on budget and ensuring a smooth installation.
We recommend hiring a professional for the best results — most contractors offer labor warranties, which add peace of mind beyond the standard manufacturer warranty. However, if you’re set on a DIY install, choose floating bamboo flooring for its easier snap-lock design and check that it comes with a solid manufacturer’s warranty.
Taking the time to compare costs, choose the right flooring type, and decide on DIY vs. professional installation will help ensure your new floors look great and last for decades.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
FAQs About Bamboo Flooring Cost
Bamboo flooring is a great option for homeowners looking for a sustainable, durable, and stylish flooring choice. Here are the biggest advantages:
- Variety of Styles: Available in natural, stained, or carbonized finishes for different looks
- Eco-Friendly: Bamboo grows much faster than hardwood trees, making it a more sustainable choice.
- Durability: Strand-woven bamboo is twice as hard as oak and highly resistant to scratches and dents.
- Easy Maintenance: Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping keep bamboo floors looking great.
- Affordable Alternative to Hardwood: Costs $7 to $16 per square foot installed, often cheaper than traditional hardwood.
Despite its benefits, bamboo flooring isn’t perfect. Here are some drawbacks:
- Can Be Noisy: Like hardwood, bamboo can be loud underfoot without proper underlayment.
- Moisture Sensitivity: Bamboo absorbs water easily, making it prone to warping in humid or wet areas. Avoid using it in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
- Limited Refinishing Options: While solid bamboo can be refinished, engineered bamboo flooring usually cannot be sanded down.
- Quality Varies by Manufacturer: Some imported bamboo flooring may contain high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can affect indoor air quality. Always choose low-VOC-certified products.
Bamboo flooring works well in low- to moderate-moisture areas of the home:
Best Rooms:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Home offices
Avoid These Rooms:
- Basements without moisture control
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Kitchens (unless properly sealed)
With proper care, bamboo flooring lasts 20 to 25 years — sometimes longer for high-quality strand-woven bamboo. Longevity depends on:
- Maintenance: Keeping floors clean and dry extends their lifespan.
- Foot traffic: High-traffic areas wear faster.
- Quality of flooring: Strand-woven bamboo lasts longer than engineered or horizontal bamboo.
Bamboo flooring comes in three main finish types:
- Carbonized: Heated during manufacturing to achieve a richer, darker color, but it’s softer than other types.
- Natural: Light, blonde color with visible bamboo grain.
- Stained: Can be tinted to match darker wood tones like walnut or cherry.
