Why Click Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring is Better Than Solid Bamboo

Bamboo flooring has become increasingly popular for homeowners seeking eco-friendly, durable, and aesthetically appealing options. Among the different types of bamboo flooring available, two prominent choices are click strand woven bamboo flooring and solid bamboo flooring. While both types have their merits, click strand woven bamboo flooring is emerging as the superior option in terms of durability, ease of installation, sustainability, and overall performance. In this blog post, we'll explore the key reasons why click strand woven bamboo flooring stands out as the better choice compared to solid bamboo flooring.

1. Durability and Strength

Click Strand Woven Bamboo:

Click strand woven bamboo flooring is made by compressing bamboo fibers under intense heat and pressure, creating an exceptionally strong and durable product. This manufacturing process makes the flooring 2-3 times harder than traditional wood species like oak, maple, or cherry. The dense structure of strand woven bamboo means it can withstand heavy foot traffic, furniture, and everyday wear and tear without denting or scratching easily. One of the primary reasons homeowners prefer click strand woven bamboo is its high Janka hardness rating, which measures a wood's resistance to wear and denting. Strand woven bamboo scores around 3,000 to 5,000 on the Janka scale, making it one of the hardest flooring options on the market. This makes it particularly suitable for high-traffic areas such as living rooms, hallways, and kitchens.

Solid Bamboo:

In contrast, solid bamboo flooring is less dense and often softer than strand woven bamboo. Although solid bamboo is still considered durable compared to many hardwoods, it lacks the superior toughness of strand woven bamboo. Solid bamboo typically scores around 1,200 to 1,500 on the Janka hardness scale, making it more prone to denting, scratching, and wear in high-traffic areas.

Conclusion: Click strand woven bamboo is the better option for homeowners who prioritize strength, durability, and longevity.

2. Ease of Installation

Click Strand Woven Bamboo:

Click strand woven bamboo flooring features a tongue-and-groove installation system known as the "click-lock" mechanism. This innovative design allows for a floating floor installation, where the planks interlock without the need for nails or glue. Floating installations are ideal for DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike because they are faster and easier to complete. Additionally, click strand woven bamboo flooring can be installed over a variety of subfloors, including plywood, concrete, or existing hardwood, without the need for extensive preparation. This makes the installation process more versatile and convenient, particularly for renovations or projects where time is of the essence.

Solid Bamboo:

Solid bamboo flooring typically requires a more complex installation process. Solid bamboo planks need to be glued, nailed, or stapled to the subfloor, which demands greater expertise and effort. This process can be time-consuming, expensive, and challenging for homeowners who want to take on a DIY project. The solid bamboo installation process may also limit where it can be installed. For example, gluing solid bamboo directly to concrete can present moisture issues if the subfloor is not adequately prepared, making it less suitable for certain environments, like basements.

Conclusion: The easy, hassle-free installation of click strand woven bamboo flooring makes it a better option for homeowners looking for quick, flexible solutions.

3. Moisture Resistance

Click Strand Woven Bamboo:

One of the key advantages of click strand woven bamboo flooring is its superior resistance to moisture. The compression process used to create strand woven bamboo produces a more tightly bound structure, which minimizes the absorption of water and humidity. While no wood or bamboo flooring is completely waterproof, click strand woven bamboo is better equipped to handle moisture exposure, making it suitable for damp or humid environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. In addition, the floating installation method of click strand woven bamboo allows for expansion and contraction, accommodating slight changes in temperature and humidity without damaging the floor.

Solid Bamboo:

Solid bamboo flooring, on the other hand, is more susceptible to moisture-related issues, such as warping, cupping, or swelling. Because solid bamboo is less dense than strand woven varieties, it tends to absorb water more readily. This makes solid bamboo flooring a riskier choice for areas with fluctuating humidity levels or the potential for spills and water exposure. Solid bamboo flooring is best suited for dry, climate-controlled environments, where moisture levels can be consistently managed. However, in homes with variable humidity or in locations prone to spills, click strand woven bamboo is a safer and more resilient option.

Conclusion: When it comes to moisture resistance, click strand woven bamboo outperforms solid bamboo, making it ideal for a broader range of rooms and conditions.

4. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Click Strand Woven Bamboo:

Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, growing up to 24 inches in a single day. The bamboo used in strand woven flooring is harvested from mature plants that can regenerate quickly, making it an environmentally friendly option. Click strand woven bamboo flooring typically undergoes fewer chemical treatments than traditional solid bamboo, further enhancing its eco-friendly credentials. Manufacturers of strand woven bamboo are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as using formaldehyde-free adhesives and ensuring responsible harvesting practices. This ensures that the production of click strand woven bamboo flooring has a lower environmental impact.

Solid Bamboo:

Solid bamboo flooring is also considered eco-friendly, as bamboo is a renewable resource. However, the production of solid bamboo often involves more extensive processing and the use of chemicals, including adhesives and finishes that may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, the durability of solid bamboo is not as long-lasting as strand woven bamboo, which could lead to more frequent replacements over time, increasing waste and resource use.

Conclusion: While both types of bamboo flooring are eco-friendly, click strand woven bamboo has an edge due to its superior durability and the eco-conscious production processes used by many manufacturers.

5. Cost and Value

Click Strand Woven Bamboo:

Although click strand woven bamboo flooring can be slightly more expensive upfront compared to solid bamboo, it offers better long-term value. Its exceptional durability, moisture resistance, and easy installation translate into lower maintenance and replacement costs over time. Additionally, because of its floating installation system, the cost of labor is significantly reduced, especially if you opt for a DIY installation. Investing in click strand woven bamboo means you are purchasing a flooring solution that can withstand decades of use without the need for frequent repairs or replacements, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Solid Bamboo:

Solid bamboo flooring typically comes at a lower initial cost compared to click strand woven bamboo. However, due to its softer structure and increased susceptibility to moisture damage, it may require more frequent repairs, refinishing, or even replacement. Over time, this can make solid bamboo flooring less cost-effective, particularly for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas.

Conclusion: While the upfront cost of click strand woven bamboo may be higher, its long-term value and durability make it the more cost-effective option in the long run.

When choosing between click strand woven bamboo flooring and solid bamboo flooring, it's clear that click strand woven bamboo flooring offers several significant advantages. From superior durability and moisture resistance to ease of installation and long-term value, it stands out as the better option for homeowners seeking a robust, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance flooring solution. For anyone looking to make a lasting investment in their home's flooring, click strand woven bamboo is a compelling choice that combines style, strength, and sustainability in one package.