Function

• Wood flooring provides a more expensive alternative to carpeting in a home. Some homeowners appreciate the durability of this type of flooring, in addition to the fact that it rarely stains.
  
  Other buyers have allergies and cannot have carpeting in their home, because dust mites and other organisms trapped in the carpeting make them sick.
  
  

Considerations

• When comparing bamboo and hardwood flooring, buyers must consider cost and environmental impact. Typically, bamboo flooring is slightly less expensive than hardwoods when comparing similar brands and quality. Of course, the cost does not differ more than $1 per square foot.
  
  Bamboo flooring provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to hardwood flooring, as mature bamboo may be harvested in a fraction of the time that it takes to grow a hardwood tree.
  
  

Types

• Manufacturers create an endless variety of hardwood and bamboo flooring. Shades can range from light tan to black, and wood grains can have uniform or random patterns.
  
  Bamboo flooring is engineered, meaning that manufacturers cut up the bamboo into little strips, and then glue these strips into planks. The bamboo is then stained with the correct wood patterning.
  
  Hardwood flooring comes in either engineered, prefinished or finished types. Prefinished and finished hardwood comes from cut wooden boards, and they are not pieced together. Prefinished hardwood has not been sanded or treated, while finished hardwood needs no additional treatment.
  
  

Identification

• Bamboo flooring may be recognized by its more uniform grain patterning. This limits the variety available to bamboo floor buyers, but this feature may be attractive for those looking for simpler grain patterns.
  
  Buyers easily recognize hardwood flooring, as the patterning is not uniform. Hardwood flooring, which has not been engineered, has natural defects, such as knots.
  
  Hardwood floor usually have a more solid feel when walked upon, as opposed to bamboo flooring, which has a little spring to it when stepped on.
  
  

Size

• All wood flooring comes in planks, which are nailed or glued to the floor. On average, bamboo planks measure 9/16 inches in thickness and 5 feet in length, whereas hardwood flooring planks usually measure 3/8 inches in width and 3 feet in length.
  
  Typically, homeowners have an easier time gluing down or nailing bamboo planks, because fewer planks need to be installed to complete a room.
  
  

Benefits

• For those considering the environmental impact of their flooring, bamboo makes for an attractive choice. The slightly lower price also benefits cost-conscious consumers.
  
  For buyers looking for variety and a more natural look for their home, traditional hardwood flooring offers the best selection, at a slightly higher price.
  
  Durability depends on the variety of wood purchased, but bamboo and hardwood have comparable lifespans.