Cork Vs Bamboo Flooring

Neither bamboo nor cork are completely waterproof but both are water resistant and could work with pets as long as you are diligent about cleaning up quickly.

Cork vs bamboo flooring.

On average bamboo flooring is more affordable at 5 to 7 per square foot. Bamboo is made from the fibers of the bamboo grass plant which continues to grow after the stalks are cut. The installation methods for cork and bamboo flooring are similar except that bamboo has one more option than cork. In contrast bamboo reaches maturity in just five to seven years.

However it is also moisture sensitive. Cork is not ideal for basements or bathrooms and it should be allowed to acclimate to your home s humidity levels for several days prior to installation. The hardness of bamboo is rated similar to hardwood according to the janka index that rates bamboo harder than oak ash and maple among others. If comfort is your priority nothing beats cork.

Cork is the more pet friendly of. This grass is cut at the ground level and regrows from the roots another five to seven years after each harvest. Bamboo is also vulnerable to damage from sunlight especially over a long period of time. The main pro of cork and bamboo flooring sustainability.

Cork trees reach maturity at 25 years. Cork flooring can be discolored or lightened by repeated exposure to sunlight. Cork flooring is even more affordable. Ultimately your flooring decision comes down to personal taste or lifestyle.

Even though both flooring types are affordable cork flooring has the edge and is the least expensive option of the two. The average price of cork flooring is between 3 to 5 per square foot. This means that putting bamboo or cork flooring in locations where it will get a lot of sun is not a good idea which can be a significant drawback. The number one benefit that cork and bamboo have over hardwood flooring as manufactures and retailers of both products are eager to point out is their eco friendly credentials.

Cork flooring can be installed as a floating floor or glued down. Cork flooring is made from wood bark so it can be harvested without killing the tree. If you prefer a material similar to traditional wood flooring bamboo might be right for you. Floating and adhesive installation options are also available for bamboo flooring but bamboo can be nailed down as well.

Since bamboo is more resilient than hardwood though not as cork it is considered more durable than hardwood. Like bamboo cork flooring is a eco friendly material that is available in a variety of colors and designs.