Engineered Hardwood vs. Bamboo Flooring- Which Is the Better Choice?

Engineered Hardwood vs. Bamboo Flooring- Which Is the Better Choice?

Replacing the flooring material can have a dramatic impact on your home interior. The new flooring gives an instant facelift to the house and adds to the resale value for the future. The present-day flooring industry has a variety of materials which offer superior aesthetics, durability, utility and longevity at an affordable rate. Engineered hardwood and bamboo flooring are popular among customers because they meet all these criteria. But buyers are sometimes confused when choosing the best option among these two variants.

This post compares the pros, cons, and the resale value of both so customers can determine which is the better option for their home.

Making of Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood has a core made of HDF or high-density fibreboard or plywood and the top layer made of hardwood veneer. The different layers of the substrate are glued together such that the resultant floorboards are durable and sturdy. These floorboards look very similar to solid hardwood, making it a more affordable alternative among the buyers looking for hardwood flooring.

• Pros of Engineered Hardwood:

If you are inclined towards a woody texture for your flooring but have budget restraints, then this is a material you can consider. There are several benefits that come with choosing engineered hardwood, like:

1. The composition and processing of engineered hardwood provides a moisture barrier, making it more moisture resistant compared to solid hardwood.

2. They are significantly less costly.

3. Engineered hardwood is made to resist scratch and dents, making it a very durable choice.

4. Since the top layer is made of hardwood, it can be sanded, stained and refinished to revive its lustre. However, this is dependent on the thickness of the top hardwood veneer.

5. The installation is easy for engineered hardwood as they are usually designed as interlocking planks which can be snapped together.

6. Cleaning engineered hardwood floor is easy. You can mop it at times and regularly sweep and vacuum it to maintain the cleanliness.

7. Engineered hardwood can be sourced locally and thinner solid wood planks are used which make it an eco-friendly choice.

• Cons of Engineered Hardwood

1. Certain engineered hardwood floorboards have veneers which are too thin to be sanded and refinished, hence the lifespan of the flooring will be affected.

2. The glue of the substrate may break down over the years, and the layers will get separated.

Making of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is made with hundreds of strands of raw bamboo which are woven and pressed together mechanically. Unlike engineered hardwood, bamboo is an all-natural material which is available in different finishes and textures. These variations are dependent on the method of processing the raw bamboo. It can be carbonized, strand woven, or have vertical or horizontal grain based on the construction method.

• Pros of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is a preferred choice among customers who are looking for a natural flooring material that is eco-friendly. Also, the advantages of bamboo flooring, make it a commendable choice.

1. Bamboo flooring is very durable and has an average lifespan of 20-25 years with average wear and tear. Certain superior quality floorboards can last up to 50 years if it is well maintained. It is known to be harder than most hardwood too.

2. It is naturally resistant to termites, mould, mildew.

3. Bamboo is also more water resistant compared to different species of hardwood.

4. Maintaining bamboo flooring is very easy as you can mop and sweep it. However, avoid over-wetting the floor and letting the water get soaked up for long hours.

5. Solid bamboo flooring can be sanded and refinished like hardwood floorboards.

6. Bamboo is the most environment-friendly natural flooring option available is the market.

7. There are numerous choices of stains and plank for bamboo flooring.

8. Installation of bamboo floorboards is easy if the floorboards have an interlocking design. However, nailing and cutting it is fairly difficult because of its hardness.

9. Compared to solid hardwood, bamboo is a more affordable option.

• Cons of Bamboo Flooring

1. Poor-quality bamboo flooring that is not properly processed may shrink after installation, leaving unsightly gaps.

2. Bamboo does not have a specific grading scale which makes determining the quality of the floorboards difficult.

Influencing the Resale Value

When you are choosing a floor material on a long-term basis, considering its resale value is a wise decision. You may wish to shift to another location or there can be various other reasons for selling the house. The quality of the flooring will have a major influence on the resale value.

Engineered hardwood has an appearance similar to that of solid hardwood. Many buyers who are looking for hardwood flooring like it for this reason. The additional moisture protection and scratch resistance are seen as advantages over conventional hardwood. Selling a house with engineered hardwood floor is easier because it offers the benefits of hardwood and resembles it very closely.

On the other hand, bamboo flooring is a trendy choice which may or may not be accepted by potential buyers and entirely depends on their tastes. Buyers who are looking for a different texture that is rarely seen may find bamboo an attractive choice. However, those buyers who have an inclination for conventional and classic styles may be turned off.

Final Verdict

Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of engineered hardwood and bamboo, bamboo can be said to be marginally better because of its natural insect repellent features and hardness. But regarding the cost and other benefits, they are very similar to each other. The major difference is in the appearance of both materials. The choice entirely depends on your tastes and the kind of look you want.

When you are determined to shop for new flooring material, visiting the store and exploring the variants is the best way to select what you need. At AA Floors, our representatives are available during the business hours, ready to help you out to take the right decision ideal for your home.