It has come as no surprise to me that bamboo flooring is now a popular option for most homeowners. This tremendous growth in popularity can be attributed to its resilience, eco-friendliness, and unique aesthetic appearance that offers the warmth and comfort of natural-based flooring. A commonly recurring question is whether or not it’s possible to stain bamboo flooring. In this article, I want to discuss the possibilities of staining bamboo flooring along with some helpful information on how you can maximize the beauty and appeal of bamboo flooring in your home. So, with that being said, can you stain bamboo floors?
Technically, yes, you can stain bamboo floors despite the fact that bamboo is made from grass and not wood. What’s also true is that bamboo has a special or unique structure that makes it slightly more difficult to stain compared to hardwood flooring but it is indeed possible. There are several factors to be considered before staining bamboo flooring which will drastically influence the end result.
Before we discuss the steps on how to stain bamboo floors, I want to just touch on the semantics of bamboo.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, bamboo is actually classified as a type of grass that is processed into flooring material that offers great durability and stability.
Typically, hardwood floors are stained to enhance their rich color and tones but bamboo floors tend to be pre-finished. It comes in a variety of warm yellows, browns, and whites that offer a selection of different tones to choose from.
This is one of the main reasons why it’s considered a bit difficult to stain bamboo flooring like you would hardwood flooring.
Is Bamboo Hardwood Or Softwood?
Bamboo is neither hardwood nor softwood. It is actually a type of wood made from grass that reaches a certain stage of maturity. However, why it’s usually grouped together with other forms of hardwood flooring can be attributed to the fact that they share similar benefits like durability, strength, warmth, eco-friendliness, and texture.
In fact, some flooring experts would go so far as to claim that bamboo offers more strength, flexibility, and durability than traditional hardwood floors made from oak, mahogany, or ash.
On the flip side, bamboo also shares the same weaknesses as hardwood being that they are water resistant but not waterproof and they are susceptible to scratching, etching, and chipping.
I think the main differentiating factor between bamboo and other forms of wood flooring is color.
Bamboo can be limited to its pre-finished colors whereas hardwood floors tend to have a larger variety of wood and colors to choose from that can be further enhanced by staining.
How To Stain Bamboo Flooring
Step 1: Assess the quality of the flooring
When it comes to figuring out if bamboo floors can be stained, it is of paramount importance to assess the quality.
What this means is that you have to determine whether the type of bamboo used is strand wove, solid, and well-engineered as this type of bamboo flooring offers more density and stability.
The more dense, strong, and stable the bamboo is, the easier it is to stain without facing difficulties or challenges.
Unfortunately, if you find that the bamboo is low quality, meaning that they were made from heavily processed material or with thin veneers, it may not be appropriate to stain or the quality of the appearance may be lackluster when completed.
Step 2: Prepare the surface
Once you’ve deduced that your bamboo flooring is suitable for staining, you have to prepare the surface correctly to avoid issues and improve the finish.
This can be done by thoroughly cleaning the bamboo floors using a gentle, ph balancing, non-ammonia-based cleaner to remove dust, dirt, debris, and stains. Make sure the floors are thoroughly dried thereafter to avoid any issues while staining.
Once they are dried, you can start sanding the floor down lightly and evenly using fine-grit sandpaper. This could open up the surface pores allowing more of the stain to penetrate the bamboo.
All natural-based flooring has a porous structure.
This means that it has space for types of liquids or chemicals to penetrate deep into the wood. This space is also why natural-based floors are not waterproof and have to be sealed to create more water resistance.
Once you are done sanding, make sure to dust and clear the bamboo flooring at the end of this step.
Step 3: Select the right stain
Usually, homeowners who are staining their own floors tend to choose between water-based and oil-based stains depending on the type of flooring in their home.
For a more consistent color, water-based stains tend to be a good choice. They’re lighter and easier to work with.
Oil-based stains are richer and have a deeper texture to them but they are far less forgiving of mistakes which makes it slightly difficult to apply evenly and consistently.
To be on the safe side, it is always advisable to spot-test in an inconspicuous area to determine whether the stain you’ve selected is appropriate for your bamboo floors.
Step 4: Apply the stain to the bamboo floor
To achieve a consistent, smooth, and even application of the stain, it is absolutely important that you take your time and work diligently.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on the label of the stain and gather your tools in advance.
You will need a brush, an applicator (preferably lambswool), and a rag.
When applying the stain, follow the grain and the direction of the floorboards. So, if the floorboards are running horizontally, apply the stain in the same direction.
Start with a manageable section and work in increments without overlapping certain areas too much. It’s important to avoid using too much pressure when applying the stain and not use brash strokes either to avoid a patchy end result.
Step 5: Seal and finish
Before you seal the bamboo floors, it is important to allow the stain to cure or dry.
This can take anywhere between 24 hours to 72 hours depending on the quality of the floor, the temperature, and the air circulation.
Once the stain has completely dried, you can move on to sealing the bamboo floors for added protection and enhancement of the stain.
You need to find a compatible protectant or sealant, such as polyurethane or something more appropriate for bamboo floors. You may need to apply more than one coat of sealant to maximize longevity and durability.
Each coat will need an appropriate amount of time to dry before you apply another coat. In some cases, you may need to lightly sand between coats to smoothen the surface and achieve a professional finish.
A word of caution: If you are not familiar with staining flooring, it may be advisable to seek out the counsel or help of a professional. They will be able to use the best quality tools and products to maximize the appearance of your newly stained bamboo floors.
Final Thoughts
That brings us to the end of this article on whether you can stain bamboo floors. It is more than possible to stain bamboo floors but it depends on certain factors which we have discussed above.
I also hope that my step-by-step breakdown of how to stain bamboo floors provides you with the necessary information you need to get started with the process.
As always, be careful when altering the appearance of your floors, and seek out the counsel of a professional before you proceed on your own.
But, one thing is for sure, bamboo floors are a worthwhile investment for most homeowners!
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