Cali Bamboo Flooring Review: Everything You Need to Know
Are you considering new floors for your home but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? I get it. Choosing the right flooring is a big decision – one that impacts the look, feel, and function of your space for years to come. That‘s why I‘m excited to share my experience with Cali Bamboo – a brand that‘s revolutionizing the flooring industry with their sustainable, durable, and stylish products.
In this in-depth review, I‘ll give you an honest assessment of Cali Bamboo‘s offerings based on my own research and first-hand experience using their floors in my own home. We‘ll cover everything from materials and maintenance to price and performance so you can make an informed decision for your next project. So grab a cup of coffee and let‘s dive in!
What is Cali Bamboo?
First, let‘s start with the basics. Cali Bamboo is a San Diego-based company that specializes in eco-friendly building materials – namely, bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus flooring, as well as composite decking and fencing. Founded in 2004 by two surfers with a passion for sustainability, Cali Bamboo has grown into one of the leading brands in the green building industry with products sold in over 3,000 stores worldwide.
What sets Cali Bamboo apart is their commitment to creating beautiful, high-performance floors using renewable resources and low-VOC manufacturing processes. By utilizing fast-growing plants like bamboo and cork instead of traditional hardwoods, they are able to minimize their environmental impact while still delivering the durability and style that today‘s homeowners demand.
The Benefits of Bamboo Flooring
So why choose bamboo over other types of flooring? Let‘s look at some key benefits:
1. Eco-Friendliness
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth, with some species growing up to 3 feet per day! This means it can be harvested every 3-5 years without damaging the plant or surrounding ecosystem – compare that to the 60+ years it takes for most hardwood trees to reach maturity. Bamboo also absorbs carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen than equivalent stands of hardwood trees.
2. Durability
Despite its rapid growth rate, bamboo is incredibly strong and resilient. In fact, strand woven bamboo (which is what most of Cali Bamboo‘s floors are made of) is over 2x harder than red oak based on the Janka Hardness Test. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas and busy households with kids and pets. With proper care, a quality bamboo floor can easily last 30-50 years.
3. Style
Bamboo flooring offers a clean, modern aesthetic that complements a wide range of decor styles from traditional to contemporary. Because the bamboo stalks can be sliced vertically or horizontally, you get unique grain patterns not found in other wood floors. The natural color can also be stained or carbonized for a variety of rich, warm tones.
4. Affordability
While bamboo is technically a grass, not a tree, it offers many of the same benefits of hardwood at a lower price point. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install bamboo flooring is $6-$12 per square foot, compared to $4-$12 for laminate and $6-$20 for hardwood. Of course, prices vary based on factors like material grade, finish, and location, but overall bamboo is a budget-friendly alternative to traditional wood floors.
Cali Bamboo Flooring Options
Now that you know the benefits of bamboo, let‘s take a closer look at the different flooring options available from Cali Bamboo:
Solid Bamboo
Cali Bamboo‘s solid bamboo floors are made from 100% Moso bamboo cut into strips and laminated together into planks. Each plank showcases the distinct grain and nodes of the bamboo stalk for a classic look. Choose from 2 different grain patterns – flat (horizontal) or vertical – and a variety of color options from natural blond to rich mahogany.
Solid bamboo is ideal for on-grade and above-grade installations in houses, apartments, and low-traffic commercial spaces. However, because it is sensitive to moisture and humidity, it‘s not recommended for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or below-grade areas like basements. Prices for Cali Bamboo‘s solid bamboo start around $5-6 per square foot plus installation.
Engineered Bamboo
For more versatility and stability, consider Cali Bamboo‘s engineered bamboo flooring. These planks feature multiple layers of real bamboo bonded with marine-grade adhesives and finished with 13 coats of scratch-resistant aluminum oxide.
Because of their cross-ply construction, engineered planks can be installed above or below grade, as well as over radiant heating systems. They‘re also more resistant to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, so you can use them in bathrooms, kitchens, and even basements. Prices start around $6-7 per square foot plus installation.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
If you love the look of bamboo but need something completely waterproof, check out Cali Bamboo‘s Geowood line of luxury vinyl planks. These floors mimic the texture and grain of real bamboo with high-definition digital imaging and embossed surfaces. But unlike real bamboo, vinyl can handle spills, splashes, and even standing water without warping or staining.
Geowood planks click together for easy floating installation over almost any subfloor – no glue or nails required. They‘re also incredibly durable, with commercial-grade wear layers that resist scratches, dents, and fading. Prices start around $4-6 per square foot plus installation.
Cork
For something truly unique, consider Cali Bamboo‘s cork flooring. Made from the renewable bark of cork oak trees, these planks are naturally insulating, sound-absorbing, and hypoallergenic. They also have a soft, cushiony feel underfoot that‘s perfect for bedrooms, playrooms, and yoga studios.
Cork floors come in both glue-down tiles and click-lock floating planks for easy installation over any subfloor. Choose from a variety of colors and patterns, from traditional speckled cork to modern metallics and mosaics. Prices start around $4-6 per square foot plus installation.
Cali Bamboo Flooring Reviews
Don‘t just take my word for it – here‘s what other customers have to say about their Cali Bamboo floors:
"We installed the Vintage Chestnut Fossilized bamboo flooring throughout our entire main level and we absolutely love it! The rich color and rustic texture give our home so much character. We were also really impressed with how easy it was to install – the click-lock system made it a breeze." – Lauren S.
"After doing a ton of research on eco-friendly flooring options, we decided on Cali Bamboo‘s engineered eucalyptus for our kitchen remodel. The planks are absolutely stunning and really elevated the look of the space. We‘ve had them for about 6 months now and they still look brand new, even with heavy foot traffic and the occasional spill." – Jorge M.
"As a property manager, I‘ve used Cali Bamboo‘s vinyl planks in several apartment renovations and have been consistently impressed with the quality and durability. They are so easy to clean and maintain, and my tenants love the modern wood look. I also appreciate that they‘re waterproof, so I don‘t have to worry about leaks or moisture damage." – Lisa T.
Cali Bamboo vs. Other Flooring Brands
So how does Cali Bamboo stack up against other popular flooring brands? Here are a few key comparisons:
Cali Bamboo vs. Home Depot
While Home Depot does sell some Cali Bamboo products online and in select stores, you‘ll find the widest selection on the Cali Bamboo website. Buying direct also gives you access to their flooring experts, who can help you choose the right product for your needs and provide guidance on installation and maintenance.
However, if you‘re looking for the convenience of in-store pickup or want to see the floors in person before buying, shopping at Home Depot may be the way to go. They also offer a generous 90-day return policy on flooring, whereas Cali Bamboo only accepts returns on unopened boxes within 30 days of delivery.
Cali Bamboo vs. Lumber Liquidators
Like Cali Bamboo, Lumber Liquidators is known for their low prices and wide selection of hardwood and bamboo flooring. However, they have come under fire in recent years for selling flooring materials with high levels of formaldehyde – a known carcinogen.
In contrast, all of Cali Bamboo‘s floors are tested and certified by third-party labs to ensure they meet strict indoor air quality standards. They also offer longer warranties than Lumber Liquidators – up to 50 years for residential use on some products.
Cali Bamboo vs. Pergo
Pergo is best known for their laminate flooring, which is not actually wood but a printed photograph fused to a fiberboard core. While laminate is affordable and durable, it cannot be refinished like real wood and may look artificial up close.
Cali Bamboo‘s engineered hardwoods offer the same benefits of laminate – such as water resistance and easy installation – but with the added beauty and authenticity of real wood veneers. They also have a more robust click-lock system that prevents gaps and shifting over time.
Cali Bamboo FAQs
Still have questions about Cali Bamboo floors? Here are answers to some of the most common ones:
How long does bamboo/eucalyptus take to grow?
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world – some species can grow up to 3 feet per day! Moso bamboo, which is what most of Cali Bamboo‘s floors are made of, takes 5-6 years to reach maturity. Eucalyptus trees take longer, around 4-8 years, but that‘s still significantly faster than most hardwoods like oak and maple, which take 50+ years.
How does bamboo flooring hold up to dogs and moisture?
Bamboo is substantially harder than most wood flooring and has a higher resistance to moisture. However, it is still a natural product and can be damaged by standing water or pet accidents if not cleaned up quickly. For maximum protection against moisture, consider engineered or vinyl bamboo floors, which have additional layers of waterproofing.
Can you get bamboo flooring wet?
While bamboo is naturally moisture-resistant, it is not completely waterproof. Excess moisture from wet mopping, steam cleaning, or flooding can cause the planks to swell, warp, or discolor over time. To avoid this, use a damp mop or cloth for routine cleaning and wipe up spills immediately. For areas prone to water exposure, like bathrooms and kitchens, choose engineered or vinyl bamboo instead.
Is bamboo flooring eco-friendly?
Yes, bamboo is considered an eco-friendly flooring material because it is renewable, biodegradable, and grows quickly without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. It also releases more oxygen and absorbs more carbon dioxide than equivalent stands of trees. However, some bamboo flooring products may use adhesives and finishes that contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so look for brands like Cali Bamboo that are FloorScore certified for indoor air quality.
How much does it cost to install bamboo flooring?
The average cost to install bamboo flooring is $6-$12 per square foot, including materials and labor. However, prices can vary widely depending on factors like the type of bamboo (solid vs. engineered), the size and layout of your space, and the complexity of the installation. Floating click-lock floors are generally cheaper and easier to install than glue-down or nail-down methods. To get an accurate quote for your project, contact a local flooring installer or request a free estimate from Cali Bamboo.
Final Thoughts on Cali Bamboo
After extensive research and hands-on experience with Cali Bamboo flooring, I can confidently say that they are one of the best options on the market for eco-conscious homeowners who want the beauty and durability of hardwood without the high price tag or environmental impact.
What impressed me most about Cali Bamboo was their commitment to quality and sustainability at every step of the process – from sourcing materials to manufacturing to installation and maintenance. Their floors are not only beautiful and durable, but also safe for your family and the planet.
Of course, no product is perfect, and there are some limitations to keep in mind with bamboo flooring. It may not be the best choice for very high-moisture areas or homes with large pets, and some of the darker stains can be prone to scratching. But overall, the pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion.
Whether you choose solid bamboo, engineered hardwood, or luxury vinyl plank, you can feel good knowing that you‘re getting a quality product backed by industry-leading warranties and environmental certifications. And with Cali Bamboo‘s wide selection of colors and styles, you‘re sure to find the perfect fit for your home and budget.
So if you‘re ready to transform your space with sustainable, stylish flooring, give Cali Bamboo a try. Order some free samples, talk to their experts, and see for yourself why so many homeowners are making the switch. Trust me – your floors (and the planet) will thank you!
