Bamboo flooring has come a long way in the past twenty years here in Elgin. Once seen as a niche choice for eco-conscious homeowners, modern bamboo planks now compete directly with traditional hardwood and engineered wood floors. Thanks to advanced manufacturing, bamboo has become a renewable and sustainable flooring material known for its strength, elegant surface finish, and easy maintenance.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything about bamboo flooring, from how it’s made to important things to know before installation.

How Bamboo Flooring is Made

The type of bamboo used for flooring grows very rapidly, reaching up to 8″ in diameter within just five years. Once mature, it’s harvested stalk by stalk to preserve soil quality and prevent the environmental damage caused by clear-cutting.

After harvesting, the stalks are sliced into thin bamboo planks, then bonded either horizontally or vertically—or strand-woven into a solid mass—before being milled into flooring tiles or boards. This sustainable process enhances bamboo’s durability, moisture resistance, and eco-friendly surface finish, making it one of the most popular renewable flooring materials for modern homes.

Horizontally bonded bamboo strips display the natural grain and texture, creating a warm and organic surface finish—though they may show dents more easily than other types. Vertically bonded strips provide a more uniform texture and stronger plank composition but are slightly harder to stain.

Strand-woven bamboo flooring is up to three times denser than traditional wood planks and can be finished with virtually any stain or coating. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of vertically bonded bamboo or the modern look of strand-woven boards, both offer durable and sustainable surfaces that rival oak or maple flooring in strength. Understanding these differences is one of the key things to know about bamboo flooring.

While bamboo flooring is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to hardwood, it’s important to understand certain installation and maintenance factors.

Even though strand-woven boards are extremely durable, they can still be affected by humidity, temperature changes, and surface scratches—just like regular wood floors. All bamboo floors require adhesive during installation, and low-quality products may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To ensure a safe indoor environment, always choose low-VOC adhesives and flooring planks certified for sustainability.

Because of bamboo’s growing popularity, misleading marketing claims about “solid bamboo” or “pure strand-woven boards” can confuse buyers. Always purchase from trusted Elgin flooring experts like SCV Floorsmith, who specialize in high-quality, responsibly sourced bamboo flooring tiles with excellent surface finishes and long-term warranties.

Why Choose Bamboo Flooring for Your Home

Bamboo flooring is a stylish, eco-friendly, and resilient choice for homes seeking both beauty and sustainability. Its natural texture, smooth finish, and ability to complement various interiors make it a favorite among homeowners upgrading their living spaces.

At SCV Floorsmith, we simplify your flooring journey—from product selection to professional installation. Our expert flooring contractors help you choose the right bamboo surface type, finish, and color to match your style. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate, and experience the elegance of renewable bamboo flooring designed to last for years.