Cork Vs Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is also vulnerable to damage from sunlight especially over a long period of time.

Cork vs bamboo flooring.

Cork trees reach maturity at 25 years. 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. This grass is cut at the ground level and regrows from the roots another five to seven years after each harvest. Bamboo is made from the fibers of the bamboo grass plant which continues to grow after the stalks are cut.

Cork flooring is very often chosen because it is a renewable resource unlike hardwood in which trees are killed during the harvest. In contrast bamboo reaches maturity in just five to seven years. On average bamboo flooring is more affordable at 5 to 7 per square foot. If comfort is your priority nothing beats cork.

Cork flooring can be installed as a floating floor or glued down. Ultimately your flooring decision comes down to personal taste or lifestyle. However it is also moisture sensitive. Cork flooring is even more affordable.

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. Since bamboo is more resilient than hardwood though not as cork it is considered more durable than hardwood. 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 installation methods for cork and bamboo flooring are similar except that bamboo has one more option than cork.

Even though both flooring types are affordable cork flooring has the edge and is the least expensive option of the two. Cork is produced from the bark of the cork tree and can be re harvested every ten years without ever damaging the tree itself. The main pro of cork and bamboo flooring sustainability. Cork flooring can be discolored or lightened by repeated exposure to sunlight.

If you prefer a material similar to traditional wood flooring bamboo might be right for you. If this virtue is important to you another flooring material to consider is bamboo. Cork is the more pet friendly of. Like bamboo cork flooring is a eco friendly material that is available in a variety of colors and designs.

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. Floating and adhesive installation options are also available for bamboo flooring but bamboo can be nailed down as well.