Is Bamboo Flooring Waterproof? Pros & Cons of Waterproof Bamboo Flooring

“Water, water, every where […] Nor any drop to drink”. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner describes the antithesis of bamboo flooring. Their natural fibres readily absorb moisture and swell much easier than their hardwood counterparts. That was true… until HydroPro Bamboo was developed and brought into the Australian market. You can now enjoy the beauty of bamboo flooring without having to worry about moisture or spills!

Waterproof bamboo is not a solid bamboo floor, but rather an engineered bamboo floor with multiple layers. HydroPro technology lets you enjoy natural bamboo flooring even in splash areas of your home as they are completely immune to warping and swelling when exposed to moisture.

What is Waterproof Engineered Bamboo Flooring?

When shopping for waterproof bamboo flooring, HydroPro Bamboo is the only truly water-resistant option in the market. The surface is a 2mm veneer of strandwoven bamboo. This is bonded to the 10mm thick waterproof core. For the more techno-savvy fellows, the 100% waterproof core is constructed from a composite of stone and polymer, although different to SPC hybrid flooring.

Waterproof bamboo floors are made of different layers:

1. Protective Coating – HydroPro Bamboo seals the surface with 10 coatings of lacquer to protect the natural bamboo from wear and tear, sunlight/oxidation, and of course moisture as well.
2. Real Bamboo Veneer – This is the good stuff that makes bamboo flooring… well, bamboo flooring! We offer HydroPro Bamboo flooring in multiple colours from brown coffees and walnuts, to yellow natural and even some cream beige options.
3. 100% Waterproof Core – Here’s the magic sauce that makes HydroPro Bamboo protected against warping and swelling when exposed to moisture or water. They also have extrusion channels running through the core that improve both noise and temperature insulation.

Pros of Waterproof Engineered Bamboo Floors

1. Water-Resistant: Fairly self-explanatory. Waterproof engineered bamboo flooring does not warp or swell when exposed to moisture, whereas traditional solid bamboo planks and hardwood flooring will!
2. Durable Surface: Modern surface lacquer technology and the natural hardness of bamboo flooring (14 – 16kN Janka Rating) means your bamboo floors can take more impact and scuffs than hardwood flooring.
3. Noise Insulation: Waterproof engineered bamboo flooring products use a special core that has extrusion channels. They enhance acoustic noise reduction by trapping reverberations, making them great for multi-residential living or upstairs areas!
4. Temperature Insulation: The same extrusion channels running through the core board also reduces heat loss, especially during winter. This can help save you heating costs!
5. DIY Friendly: Our waterproof bamboo flooring is designed with a patented Valinge locking system which makes them much easier to install compared to non-patented or tongue and groove options.
6. Bamboo Is A Renewable Resource: Unlike hardwood flooring, bamboo only takes 4 – 7 years to reach harvest maturity. They are much more sustainable and healthy for the planet.

Cons of Waterproof Engineered Bamboo Floors

1. Dearer Price: As you can expect, higher quality products tend to come with higher price tags. Waterproof bamboo costs more than your standard strand woven bamboo flooring. Looking to learn more? Check out how bamboo flooring is priced in Sydney & NSW.
2. Heavy Planks: If you are planning on DIY installing the flooring yourself, you’ll discover that the HydroPro Bamboo flooring range is heavier than your typical floating floor because of the waterproof core.
3. Settling Noise: As waterproof bamboo is a form of engineered bamboo flooring, they have a minor crackling noise which fades over time. This is common in many natural timber and bamboo flooring, especially if your subfloor is not perfectly flat.
4. Cannot Be Resanded: Technically you can resand bamboo flooring, however, the finished result will not look very good because bamboo flooring is 3 times harder than hardwood flooring!

Waterproof Bamboo Flooring vs Waterproof Hardwood Flooring

Water-resistant real timber is not unique to bamboo flooring. Waterproof engineered flooring is also available in a wide range of Australian hardwood floors and European oak wood flooring. Although there are minor differences in performance, the “best flooring material” really depends on your interior design and personal taste.

Heres a comparison table to sum up the differences:

Conclusion: Is Water-Resistant Bamboo Flooring Worth It?

Overall, the answer is overwhelmingly yes. Bamboo floors were incredibly popular as it gave a gorgeous natural look and were more affordable than hardwood or oak wood flooring. The only drawback of solid strand woven bamboo flooring is it’s proclivity to absorb moisture. Now you don’t have to worry about water resistance when you have HydroPro Bamboo flooring. Waterproof engineered bamboo flooring will likely bring a resurgence to its popularity, especially in Australia’s wet climate.

If you’re looking to learn more about bamboo flooring, we have an ultimate guide to choosing bamboo flooring, and our top-selling bamboo flooring brands in Australia.

Where can you buy waterproof bamboo flooring?

Look no further than FloorVenue, the first and leading waterproof timber, oak and bamboo supplier in NSW. We offer installation services and free on-site inspections within Greater Sydney. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!