Are you thinking about giving your bamboo floors a fresh new look? You’re definitely not the only one.
Many homeowners love bamboo floors because they’re eco-friendly, super strong, and add beautiful style to almost any space.
But over time, even the toughest bamboo floors can start to wear down. You might notice scratches, fading, or small dents that make them look tired.
Here’s the good news: you can refinish bamboo floors in many cases. But there’s a catch, and it’s an important one.
Not all bamboo floors are the same, and the kind you have will determine if refinishing is even possible.
In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know before starting.
You’ll learn which bamboo floors can be refinished, how the process works, and if you should try it yourself or hire a pro.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to bring your floors back to life.
Can You Refinish Bamboo Floors?
The short answer is – it depends on the type of bamboo flooring you have. Some kinds can be refinished easily, while others can’t handle it.
If you have solid bamboo flooring, especially the kind that’s at least 3/4 inch thick, then you’re probably in luck. That kind of floor can usually be refinished once or twice during its life.
Solid bamboo with horizontal or vertical grain can handle sanding. Strand-woven bamboo can be refinished, too, but it’s tougher to sand down because it’s much harder.
Engineered bamboo or bamboo laminate, though, often can’t be refinished at all.
What really matters is how thick the top layer is. Most experts say you need at least 2mm of wear layer for it to be safe to refinish.
Before starting anything, check your flooring type carefully. If you’re unsure, look at your paperwork or ask a flooring expert for help.
How to Refinish Bamboo Floors?
Refinishing bamboo floors is similar to refinishing hardwood, but with some important differences.
Bamboo is actually grass, not wood, and it can be up to three times harder than oak, meaning it requires special care during refinishing.
Below is my step-by-step guide to refinishing your bamboo floors the right way:
1. Find Out What Kind of Bamboo Floor You Have
Before you do anything else, it’s important to determine the type of bamboo flooring you have. You can check extra floorboards, look at your house papers, or talk to a flooring expert.
Bamboo flooring can look different depending on how it was made. Solid bamboo comes in three types.
Horizontal grain shows the “knuckles” or lines. Vertical grain looks more even and straight. Strand-woven bamboo is very hard and has a mixed, busy pattern.
If your floor is engineered bamboo or laminate bamboo, stop now. These have only a thin top layer and can’t be safely sanded or refinished.
2. Check the Floor for Damage
Walk around and really look at the floors. Are there little scratches? Do you see deep marks or water spots? Are any boards loose or broken?
Make a list or use painter’s tape to mark bad spots; that way, you know where the biggest problems are. Small scratches may not need full sanding.
A light buff and topcoat might be enough.
But big damage, like deep gouges or boards that move, needs extra work. You may even need to swap out some boards before you do anything else.
Start with a full check so you don’t miss anything later.
3. Clean the Floor Really Well
Your floor must be clean, very clean, before sanding. Move all the furniture out of the room, and sweep or vacuum the floor.
Make sure you use a vacuum made for hard floors. You don’t want to scratch anything worse. Next, clean with a product made for bamboo or hardwood floors.
Don’t use too much water. Bamboo can soak it up and get damaged.
Let the floor dry for at least 24 hours before you do anything else. This step helps you get better results later and keeps the floor safe from more harm.
4. Sand the Floor the Right Way
Sanding bamboo is not easy. Some types, like strand-woven, are super tough. Use a good-quality sander.
A drum or belt sander works best. In damaged spots, start with 60-grit sandpaper. Then go up to 80-grit, and finish with 100 or 120-grit for a smoother look. Always move with the floor’s grain.
Don’t let the sander stay in one spot. Keep it moving so you don’t make low spots or dips, sand around the edges with a hand sander or block.
Be ready to use extra sandpaper. Bamboo wears out fast because of its resins.
5. Get All the Dust Off the Floor
After sanding, you need to get rid of every bit of dust. Otherwise, the finish will look bad, and dust can make bumps or lines in the sealant.
Start by vacuuming the whole room with a shop vac. Use a soft brush tool so you don’t scratch anything. Then wipe the floor with tack cloths to grab tiny bits of dust.
To be extra sure, mop with a microfiber pad just barely wet with water or a special cleaner. Let the floor dry completely before you move to the next step.
This helps your finish go on smooth.
6. Put on the Sealant Carefully
Use a floor sealant meant for bamboo or tough wood surfaces. Water-based ones usually stay clear, while oil-based ones can last longer but might change color over time.
Apply the finish in small areas, around 3 to 4 feet wide. Use a foam pad or soft applicator to spread it out.
Always follow the grain of the wood. Keep the layers thin and smooth so they dry evenly. Make sure to keep the edge wet to avoid visible lines.
You’ll need 2 to 3 coats. Let each one dry fully, and gently sand between coats with fine sandpaper for better results.
7. Let the Floor Cure and Harden
The floor might feel dry after 24 hours, but that doesn’t mean it’s fully cured. Please wait at least 1 full day before walking on it with socks.
Don’t move furniture back for 3 days, and when you do, use felt pads under all legs.
Hold off on putting rugs back for a full week. Bamboo floors need time to harden fully. The whole curing process can take up to 30 days.
During this time, be gentle with the floor. Don’t drag furniture. Keep your shoes off. Avoid anything heavy. This care helps your floors stay smooth and last longer.
DIY vs Professional Refinishing
Refinishing bamboo floors isn’t always a simple job. Some types of bamboo, like strand-woven, are very hard to sand.
And if you’ve never worked on flooring before, it can be tough to get it right.
But depending on your floor and skill level, doing it yourself might be a good option and can save you a lot of money.
A quick look at when it’s better to DIY and when it’s smarter to call a pro:
| DIY Refinishing | Professional Refinishing |
|---|---|
| Works best for solid bamboo (not strand-woven) | Best for strand-woven or very hard bamboo |
| Good if you have past sanding experience | Great if you have no floor refinishing experience |
| Need a full weekend and the right equipment | Ideal if you’re short on time or energy |
| Can save 50–70% on labor costs | Includes expert tools and dust control gear |
If your bamboo is especially tough or your floors have serious damage, it’s worth paying more to get it done right.
Professionals bring both skill and tools that make the job cleaner, quicker, and longer-lasting.
Conclusion
You can refinish bamboo floors, but it only works if you have the right type of bamboo and use the proper steps.
The most important thing is to know what kind of bamboo floor you have before you start. If it’s solid bamboo, you can usually refinish it without a problem.
But if it’s engineered bamboo with a thin top layer, sanding it down could ruin the floor.
Refinishing your bamboo floor, by yourself or with help, can make it look almost brand new and help it last much longer.
Just remember that bamboo is harder than regular wood, so sanding it requires more effort and stronger tools.
If you’ve worked on floors before or enjoy DIY projects, you might want to try doing it yourself. But if the floor is in bad shape or you’re not sure how to do it, hiring someone might be safer.
Either way, it’s a great way to improve your space. Are you planning to refinish your floors soon? Let me know!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can bamboo flooring be refinished?
Solid bamboo can usually be refinished once or twice, depending on thickness and sanding depth. Strand-woven bamboo may allow only one careful refinish. Engineered bamboo often can’t be refinished unless the top layer is thick.
How much does it cost to refinish bamboo floors?
DIY costs range from around $1 to $3 per square foot, covering tools and supplies, and hiring a professional, which costs about $3–7 per square foot. Strand-woven bamboo refinishing tends to cost more due to its density and the special tools needed.
How long does refinished bamboo flooring last?
A well-finished bamboo floor lasts 5–10 years. Lifespan depends on foot traffic, cleaning habits, and protective steps like using rugs and pads. High-quality finishes with UV protection can also help the floor last longer.
Can you change the color of bamboo flooring when refinishing?
Yes, but results may vary. Bamboo doesn’t absorb stains like hardwood. Lighter stains often work better, especially on strand-woven bamboo. Always test a small area first and use a stain made for bamboo for best results.