Cork Flooring vs Bamboo Flooring: Cost Analysis and Long-Term Value

Cork and bamboo are two flooring choices with very unique qualities and which have become more and more popular in recent years. However, they come with distinct cost considerations and long-term benefits.

In this article, we’ll analyse the initial costs, maintenance expenses, and overall value of cork and bamboo flooring, to help you make an informed decision that suits your home and budget.

Let’s start with a summary that will give you an overview of some of the important differences, and explore things in more detail afterwards.

Summary

Overview of Cork Flooring

Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees and is a fully eco-friendly material. Known for its natural cushiony consistency and excellent insulation qualities, cork flooring is comfortable to walk on and looks elegant and unique.

Initial Costs:

The initial cost of the materials varies depending on factors like quality and thickness, typically starting from about 50 GBP/m² in the lower range. The cost of professional installation likewise varies: a typical value could be something like 30 GBP/m², and 50 GBP/m² for glue-down installation.

Maintenance and Lifespan Costs:

Cork can last a long time, but does require periodic sealing to stay resistant to water and prevent problems. The cost of resealing it every few years can add up, impacting long-term expenses. However, if well maintained, cork flooring can last 15 to 30 years.

Common applications

Cork flooring is popular in both residential and commercial buildings, and in all kinds of spaces: living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, offices and many others.

Homeowners enjoy how it can make a room much cosier, and its hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties – courtesy of a chemical substance named suberin in its composition – make it a great choice if you prioritise clean air.

Because of how well it absorbs sound, cork is also often used in playrooms and libraries, while kitchens benefit from its softness in particular, making the time you spend cooking more pleasant for your legs and feet.

Pros and Cons

The Pros:

• Comfortable
• Good insulation from sound and temperature
• Resistant to water
• Antimicrobial
• Hypoallergenic
• Eco-friendly
• Resilient
• Durable

The Cons:

• Susceptible to fading and scratching
• Requires periodic sealing

Overview of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is made from the stalks of the bamboo plant, which is technically a grass rather than wood. It’s known for its sleek, modern appearance and impressive hardness, which can rival or even exceed that of traditional hardwoods. Bamboo is also an eco-friendly option, as it grows rapidly and is sustainably harvested.

Initial Costs:

One of the main distinctions in bamboo flooring is between horizontal and vertical types (depending on the way the bamboo strips are glued together) and strand-woven (where the bamboo is cut into fibers, glued together, and compressed, resulting in a much denser material). Other variables, like quality and installation method, also factor into the cost. 

Prices for the material typically range from about 25 to 80 GBP/m², and installation costs should add an extra 10 or 20 GBP/m². Underlay and other preparation expenses may also be needed, adding a smaller amount to the total cost.

Maintenance and Lifespan Costs:

Bamboo flooring is not hard to maintain: mainly regular sweeping and an occasional mopping. It is reasonably resistant to water, but not more so than cork, and you will need to be careful and clean up any spills to prevent warping or discoloration. High-quality bamboo flooring can last 20 to 30 years, though refinishing every few years may cost approximately 20 GBP/m².

Common applications for bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring is more commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas, where homeowners take advantage of its elegant appearance. Its stylish look has made it popular in contemporary home designs and offices, and its toughness and long lifespan make it great for areas where a lot of people pass through, and resilience is a priority.

Though resistant to moisture, it is generally avoided in spaces with high humidity, like bathrooms or basements, unless especially treated. It’s especially vulnerable to mould.

Pros and Cons

The Pros:

• Strong and durable
• Modern and versatile aesthetic
• Low-maintenance

The Cons:

• Lower-grade bamboo may not be as durable
• Potential for scratches and dents in heavy-use areas
• Somewhat sensitive to humidity
• Vulnerable to mould

Cost Comparison: Cork Flooring vs Bamboo

• Upfront Costs: Cork and bamboo have comparable initial price ranges. Cork can cost approximately 50 GBP/m² or more; for bamboo, cheaper options are available, starting at around 25 GBP/m², but may sacrifice quality and durability. Premium options usually cost around 80 GBP/m² or more for bamboo and 100 GBP/m² or more for cork. Installing cork flooring tends to be more expensive than bamboo, although both types are often chosen for DIY projects by homeowners.
• Long-Term Costs: Over time, maintenance and refinishing costs can add to the total investment. Cork may require periodic sealing, while bamboo may need refinishing every few years, especially in high-impact areas.
• Value for Money: It’s important to note that bamboo generally has a longer lifespan (20–30 years) compared to cork (10–25 years), making it a more cost-effective choice over time. However, cork’s many qualities, like its comfortable surface, temperature regulation and sound-absorbing properties, are highly useful and valuable.

Factors That Influence Costs

Quality and Grade:

As with most things, you pay a price for quality. Higher-quality cork with better finishes will offer greater durability. Similarly, strand-woven bamboo—denser and stronger—will be more expensive than horizontal or vertical bamboo.

Area Size and Installation Complexity:

Naturally, the size of the area will affect your budget, along with the type of installation. For example, intricate patterns or uneven surfaces can increase installation fees for both types of flooring.

Additional Factors:

Environmental factors, in particular humidity, can affect the durability of both types of flooring. Some additional precautions - such as regular sealing - will be necessary in humid climates.

Conclusion

Both cork and bamboo flooring are popular choices that represent phenomenal value for your money, providing sustainable, eco-friendly, and visually appealing flooring solutions for your home. Cork is exceptionally comfortable and helps regulate room temperature and isolate exterior noise, while bamboo’s durability is one of the key factors in its value in the long term.

Don’t forget to take into consideration long-term expenses, along with your budget, preferences, and other factors that may be important to you, when deciding.

Portuguese Treasures offers a wide range of cork flooring with different designs, as well as cork flooring accessories to help protect and extend your flooring’s resistance and durability.

Read about other popular comparisons:

• Cork flooring vs Carpet
• Cork flooring vs Laminate
• Cork flooring vs Hardwood