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Do Bamboo Floors Need to Be Sealed? (Read This First!)

A bamboo floor looks good and is easy to keep clean. Many people choose not to seal it since it is so beautiful. But do bamboo floors need to be sealed? Your aim seems to be to make them look nicer. So, let’s get to the bottom of it.

Do bamboo floors need to be sealed?

Bamboo flooring is made of natural fibers but must be sealed. Sealing bamboo floors will keep them looking fresh, new, and clean for longer. A bamboo floor is just like a wooden floor so the sealant is mandatory. There are numerous sealants designed specifically for bamboo floors on the market.

However, if you have pets or children, sealing bamboo floors may be beneficial to prevent damage from pet urine and spills. Because bamboo is known for its ability to absorb moisture, regular mopping is essential for preventing water damage. 

However, not all types of bamboo flooring require sealing.

Type: 

Bamboo floors come in a variety of styles. And not all floor needs are the same. Consider the following scenario:

Engineered bamboo floors:

Engineered bamboo floors are not as natural-looking as traditional bamboo floors and require less sealing. If you clean your engineered bamboo floors with a damp mop regularly, you may not even need to seal them.

Carbonized bamboo flooring:

Sawdust is used to make carbonized bamboo flooring, which requires sealing. In a nutshell, if you have bamboo floors that haven’t been sealed and are frequently stained or wet, they may need to be sealed.

Color:

Color affects whether you need to seal bamboo flooring. Natural-looking bamboo floors may not need to be sealed. If your bamboo floors are dyed or painted, they’ll need sealing.

Dark bamboo floors:

Some believe that the darker the flooring, the more it requires sealing. This isn’t always the case, though. Some sealants are designed to prevent dark colors from fading or being disturbed by the sealant. 

If you have dark bamboo floors, they should be cared for in the same way that light bamboo floors are.

Light bamboo floors:

Light bamboo floors are less thirsty and don’t need to be sealed as frequently. If your bamboo floor is frequently wet or stained, a sealant may be necessary every few years.

Pattern:

Bamboo floors can deteriorate more quickly if they have certain patterns. If your floor has a lot of diagonal lines or checkerboard patterns, the sealant may be required more frequently.

Vertical bamboo flooring:

Vertical bamboo floors are particularly vulnerable to moisture damage. If you have vertical bamboo flooring, it’s a good idea to seal it once in a while.

Horizontal bamboo flooring:

Horizontal bamboo flooring must be sealed. Because bamboo floors are typically installed over a concrete or wooden substrate, any damage caused by water or traffic should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Strand woven bamboo flooring:

Many people choose to seal their Strand woven bamboo flooring to prevent water and dirt buildup, even though it is not required. This can help to preserve the wood’s natural color and finish while also lowering the risk of moisture and traffic damage.

Can you seal bamboo floors?

You can seal the bamboo floors. The application of a sealant to bamboo floors can help protect them from moisture and damage. However, there are some situations where applying a sealant or other treatment such as sealing your bamboo floors is not recommended.

You’ll need to vacuum and mop them regularly to keep them clean and free of moisture. In addition, if there is any water damage, you must completely dry the affected area before reinserting the bamboo stakes.

5 reasons why you need to seal bamboo floors

Bamboo flooring is popular in American homes. Its many styles and colors make it ideal for any room. Bamboo floors need sealing. Reasons:

To Defend Against Water Damage:

Bamboo floors are excessively vulnerable to water damage. This is because they are built naturally. Bamboo is a composite material that combines hard and soft elements. When water seeps through the flooring, it can rot the wood and cause mold to grow.

To Preserve the Appearance and Finish of The Floor:

Bamboo floors can be sealed to keep their appearance and finish. Dirt, dust, and other debris will accumulate on the flooring over time, settling between the bamboo slats. 

The sealant will protect the floor from these contaminants while also reducing the risk of moisture and traffic damage.

To Boost the Floor’s Stability:

Because bamboo is such a light material, it is susceptible to vibration and acoustic noise. These problems can be mitigated by sealing the floors. Sealants can also serve as a barrier against moisture and other potentially damaging elements.

To Reduce the Risk of Floor Moisture and Decay:

Bamboo floors absorb moisture naturally. When water seeps through the flooring, mold, and decay can develop quickly. By sealing them, you’re preventing this type of problem from occurring in the first place.

Foot Traffic on The Floor Is to Be Reduced:

Bamboo floors can be damaged in a variety of ways due to foot traffic. It not only wears down the flooring, but it can also lead to mold growth and water infiltration. The sealant will help to reduce foot traffic on the floor and reduce the likelihood of damage.

What kind of sealer do you use on bamboo floors?

On bamboo floors, there are a few different types of sealers that can be used. An oil-based sealant is the most common type. The purpose of this type of sealant is to protect the floor from moisture and other types of damage. 

It also aids in reducing the amount of foot traffic on the floor, lowering the risk of damage. Here are some sealants that can be used on bamboo floors:

  • Urethane
  • polyurethane 
  • acrylic
  • latex
  • glycol 

All of these sealers, however, are suitable for use on bamboo. If you do decide to use them, make sure you do so in a way that protects your floors from damage and decay.

How much does it cost to seal bamboo floors?

Bamboo floor sealing can be an expensive process. It could cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per room, depending on the type of sealer used. The cost of sealing a bamboo floor is less than $1 per square foot. 

Additionally, the sealing procedure will almost certainly require the services of a professional. This could result in an additional fee being added to the project’s overall costs.

The cost is determined by the level of protection desired and the type of sealant used.

Water-based, oil-based, or a combination of both types of seals are common. The best way to determine how many square feet of your floor need to be treated is to consider the finish you want.

How to seal bamboo floors?

Bamboo floors can be sealed in a variety of ways. It may only take a few minutes of your time and no special tools, depending on the method you choose.

Things you will need:

Here are a few basic items you’ll need to seal your bamboo floor.

  • Bamboo sealant
  • Paint or a sealant able primer
  • Sticky sandpaper
  • Ruler or another straight object
  • Trowel/spade
  • Cordless drill with 1/4-inch bit and screwdriver bit.
  • Make sure your floors are clean.

This is the most crucial stage. It will be difficult to apply the sealant if it is dirty, and it may even cause damage. If you have hardwood or tile, clean it first with a mild soap and water solution, then thoroughly dry it before continuing.

Getting the Floor Ready:

Your floor must be completely prepared before you can begin applying any sealant. This entails sanding the finish down to a rough base. Start with the 120-grit sandpaper and progress to the higher grits as needed. Take care not to damage the finish by removing too much of it. 

You simply want to get rid of any dirt, dust, or hair that could be hiding damage beneath the surface.

Use sealant:

The sealant can be applied in several ways, the most common of which is with a trowel. Apply a thin, even layer of sealant to the entire surface. Make a point of exploring all of the nooks and crannies. Before moving on to the next step, make sure the sealant has completely dried.

Prime or paint the surface:

If you don’t want to use a sealant, you can still paint or use a primer to protect your floor. Apply the paint or primer in the same manner as the sealant, but make sure to cover the entire surface. Allow time for it to dry before continuing.

Final Thoughts

A bamboo floor does need sealing periodically. This will prevent dirt and dust from collecting over time, which would otherwise cause damage. Before painting or applying any other type of finish, make sure your floor is clean and sealed with a sealant or primer.