Most people think of bamboo as a wood, but it is actually a grass that is much more sustainable and eco-friendlier than wood.
Using bamboo as an outdoor flooring option can be one of the best investments you will ever make.
In this article, we’ll help you choose bamboo outdoor flooring options that suit your needs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bamboo Outdoor Flooring
If you are thinking about getting flooring for your outdoor area, here are a few considerations to help you make that decision;
- Easy to Clean and Maintain – Bamboo floors can easily be cleaned with warm water and a cleaner. They are easy to sweep or vacuum and do not hold dirt and stains.
- Bamboo is a Renewable Resource – Bamboo reaches harvestable size in less than five years, compared to trees that take decades. It is a sustainable, eco-friendly plant that helps reduce air and soil pollution.
- Most Types of Bamboo Are Very Durable – Strand-woven bamboo is the densest type of bamboo flooring and is ideal for outdoor use. Carbonized bamboo floors tend to be more durable than golden-colored options.
- Bamboo Flooring Can Be Refinished – If your bamboo floors have minor scratches or surface issues, you can easily remove them with a refinishing pen or crayon. For more severe wear and tear, you can sand and refinish bamboo floors.
- Bamboo Flooring Looks Great – Bamboo flooring has a sleek, contemporary appeal with clean lines and a modern finish. The natural striations of bamboo are unique to each board and add depth and interest to your outdoor space.
- Bamboo is a More Affordable Flooring Option – Bamboo floors are much cheaper than most wood options. Engineered bamboo is even cheaper if you want this option.
- Bamboo is Termite Resistant – The Chemicals used to treat bamboo flooring make it impossible for termites to digest. Thus, you will not have to worry about termite damage.
- Bamboo is Hypoallergenic – Bamboo is inhospitable to dust mites, dust, and pollen, and it also resists mold and mildew, which can trigger allergies.
Bamboo Outdoor Flooring
Bamboo is one of the best choices that you can make for any outdoor flooring;
- Bamboo for Decking and Patios – Many builders and owners increasingly use bamboo for Deck or patio flooring. Bamboo is extremely durable, elastic, and resistant to weather elements. It offers design and color options that easily coordinate with any exterior décor and natural settings. Bamboo is also completely environmentally friendly and thus stands apart from other materials such as hardwood and manufactured composites.
- Versatile Design – Bamboo is one of the most versatile options in building materials for many homeowners today. Bamboo is available in many colors and grain options, so your deck can look natural or easily suit your home décor style and colors. Bamboo’s inherent strength and durability also make it ideal for any design element you would like to add to your outdoor floor surface.
Features of a Good Bamboo Outdoor Flooring
- Strand Woven – The Woven Strand Bamboo flooring option is the densest and best choice for outdoor flooring, so always look for this option. Most Bamboo flooring also comes with a Pre-Finish of 7 to 10 coats of preventative sealer.
- Vertical or Horizontal – Most vertical and Horizontal bamboo flooring closely resembles traditional hardwood species. The difference between vertical and horizontal bamboo flooring mainly comes down to how the plants are constructed. Horizontal bamboo planks mostly resemble the actual plant construction, while vertical bamboo planks have a less obvious grain pattern. These are your two options.
- Moisture Levels -Your bamboo flooring needs a guaranteed moisture level of around 6-9%. The moisture level of the bamboo flooring will affect how long it lasts.
- Harvesting Method – Bamboo harvested from the lower part of the trunk, around six years of age, is the best and most durable option.
- Warranty – Look for a warranty of at least ten years to protect against surface wear.
Reviews: The Best Bamboo Outdoor Flooring
Below are some of the best bamboo flooring options for outdoor use. Keep in mind that these are only sample planks that you can order to choose, and then you will need to purchase according to the amount that you need for the surface area that you want to cover;
1
- Here we have the Selkirk Engineered Bamboo Planks, an affordable option.
- The Bamboo flooring is engineered with a multi-ply Chinese polar core and backing, with 2.3 layers.
- There is no added formaldehyde, and it is safe for indoor and outdoor use,
- It comes with a warranty and is very durable.
- This is only a sample plank.
2
- The Cali Mocha is another great bamboo flooring option.
- It has an extra-wide click-lock design and comes in 5-by-6-inch full planks.
- The planks are a tan color in Fossilized Bamboo.
- It includes a single sample plank.
3
- From Ambient Bamboo, we have the Ashwood Distressed bamboo flooring.
- This is a solid-strand tongue-and-groove design bamboo flooring plank.
- It has a 10 Coat -UV-Cured finish system and a double aluminum oxide layer.
- This is also a single sample only.
4
- Another addition from Selkirk is their Uniclick bamboo flooring option.
- It is a single-strand woven Uniclick locking system bamboo flooring option.
- The planks are available in more colors to choose from.
- Install it with floats or glue.
- This is also a sample plank only.
5
- The Ambient Bamboo Flooring comes in Espresso.
- It is solid-strand, tongue-and-groove bamboo flooring with an outdoor finish.
- The color is espresso, and it is UV- and Abrasion-resistant.
- This is only a sample plank.
6
- Another Option from Cali Mocha is their tan-colored bamboo flooring.
- The flooring is extra durable and has a woven bamboo base.
- It is eco-friendly and highly sustainable.
- This is a sample plank model only, however.
Index Table: Top Rated Bamboo Outdoor Flooring
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Selkirk Strand Woven - Bamboo Outdoor Flooring |  |
| Selkirk | 98 |
| 2 | Cali Mocha - Wide Bamboo Outdoor Flooring |  |
| Cali | 97.9 |
| 3 | Ambient Ashwood - Bamboo Outdoor Flooring |  |
| Ambient | 97 |
| 4 | Selkirk hardwood - Bamboo Outdoor Flooring |  |
| Selkirk | 97.3 |
| 5 | Ambient Espresso - Bamboo Outdoor Flooring |  |
| Ambient | 97.1 |
| 6 | Cali Tan - Wide Bamboo Outdoor Flooring |  |
| Cali | 97.3 |
