2023 Cali Bamboo Flooring Prices, Installation, Reviews

Cali Bamboo flooring products are made from raw materials, making them one of the most eco-friendly options on the market.

Cali is one of the premier bamboo flooring manufacturers in the country.

This in-depth Cali Bamboo flooring review will analyze their products and help you determine if they are worth your investment. 

What Is Cali Bamboo Flooring?

This is a flooring product from Cali Bamboo, a company founded in 2004 by Jeff Goldberg.

The primary goal of the company is to manufacture environmentally friendly flooring products.

To achieve this, the company utilizes bamboo as the primary raw material. 

Cali Bamboo’s vision helps fight climate change and global warming because bamboo is among the fastest-growing trees on the planet.

The company believes using bamboo in building and construction can save many trees.

Did you know? Bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen than other trees.

Cali Bamboo Floor Prices

The average cost of Cali Bamboo flooring material per square foot is between $3.49 and $6.30.

That means a consumer will spend between $3,490 and $6,300 on a 1,000-square-foot space for the flooring alone. 

The cost of installation materials plus labor ranges between $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot.

Therefore, labor plus installation materials for a 1,000-square-foot space cost between $2,500 and $5,000.

The average cost of installing a Cali Bamboo floor on a 1,000 square space is between $5,990 and $11,300 in total. 

Please note that Cali Bamboo does not provide product prices on its website. However, they have a form you can fill out to request an accurate custom quote on the product you want to order. 

Cali Bamboo Flooring Cost By Material 

Material	Average Cost per Square Foot
Engineered Bamboo	$4.19 to $6.22
GeoWood Bamboo	$4.80 to $5.20
Luxury Vinyl	$3.49 to $3.69
Solid Bamboo	$3.79 to $6.24
Solid Eucalyptus	$5.80 to $6.30

Engineered Bamboo

The products under this collection are incredibly versatile and can be used in spaces prone to water spills and high foot traffic, including bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.

Other features of products under the Engineered Bamboo category include:

• Pet-friendly
• Emit very low VOCs
• Durable
• Easy click lock or T&G installation 

The price range for products in this category is between $4.19 and $6.22 per square foot.

GeoWood Bamboo

Planks listed under the GeoWood Bamboo collection have the following characteristics:

• Water-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Requires less acclamation 
• Comes with a quick locking system for easy installation 
• Scratch resistant
• Durable
• Good looking 

The price ranges between $4.80 and $5.20 per square foot. 

Luxury Vinyl

A few impressive characteristics of the products under the Luxury Vinyl category include the following:

• 100% waterproof
• Easy to clean 

The price range for this collection is between $3.49 to $3.69 per square foot. 

Solid Bamboo

The flooring products in this collection have the characteristics below:

• Pet-friendly
• Heel safe
• Ultra-low emission of VOCs 
• Impressive Janka rating of 3393-5407 lbs
• Durable 
• Have a 10-coat finish that resists scratches and scuffs
• Available in a wide variety of colors and textures

The price range for products in this collection is between $3.79 and $6.24 per square foot. 

Solid Eucalyptus

Some notable characteristics of the products in this collection include:

• Eco-friendly
• Durable and suitable for homes with high foot traffic
• 10-coat finish
• Easy to clean
• Suitable for homes with pets

The price range for the products in this collection is between $5.80 and $6.30 per square foot. 

Who Sells Cali Bamboo Flooring?

Cali Bamboo has many retailers and dealers across the country.

Some of the most prominent ones include Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Wayfair.

They also have their own warehouses allowing customers to order the products directly through their website. 

Who Installs Cali Bamboo Flooring?

A professional contractor can install Cali Bamboo flooring.

However, many products come with a click-lock installation design, making them an excellent choice for skilled DIY homeowners. 

The company provides detailed installation instructions and illustration videos for its flooring products on its website.

They also recommend following National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) installation guidelines when working with their products.

As long as you follow the steps provided carefully, you should be able to complete the installation successfully. 

Cali Bamboo Flooring Colors

Cali Bamboo Flooring has six main collections, each with a wide range of colors, including natural/tan, brown, dark brown, dark gray, light brown, light gray, white, black, and medium brown.

Some collections, like Cali vinyl, have vibrant colors like red and amber.

Cali Bamboo Flooring Warranty

Cali Bamboo provides a 50-year residential warranty and a 25-year commercial warranty for most of its products.

These warranties are much longer than what other flooring companies offer.

Note that all these warranties are limited and not transferable.

Cali Bamboo Flooring Reviews

Cali Bamboo feedback from the market is mixed.

Some customers are happy with the flooring, while others have complaints.

But notice the company has a comprehensive collection of products.

When reading reviews online, we suggest taking into account the specific product being reviewed. 

Nevertheless, positive reviews far outweigh negative ones.

Here are some positive reviews: 

• Great customer support
• Easy to install
• Looks great
• Unbeatable durability
• Ordering the product is seamless
• Safe for the environmental
• Lush to walk on
• Wide range of options

Negative reviews that have been left on the products include:

• Easy to scratch, warp, and crack
• Buckles 
• Doesn’t clean well

Here are overall ratings from various review sites

• Yelp – 3 out of 5 stars
• Houzz – 4.6 out of 5 stars
• Facebook – 4.4 out of 5 stars
• Glassdoor – 3.7 out of 5 stars

How To Clean Cali Bamboo Flooring

Maintaining your Cali Bamboo floor is relatively simple because it is easy to clean.

You can use a broom or a vacuum to remove dirt, sand, and grit from the floor.

Dirt and grit have sharp edges that can scratch the floor, so we suggest cleaning the floor frequently.

The company recommends using a vacuum with felt vacuum heads or a brush.

Avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar. If the vacuum has a beater bar, turn it off. 

We suggest mopping the floor using the Bona Pro Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Bona Pro Hardwood Floor Mop.

Alternatively, you can use a slightly damp cleaning cloth — the moisture on the cloth should be able to evaporate very quickly to avoid damaging the floor.

Pro Tip: Avoid using a steam mop or a wet mob because standing water may cause permanent damage to the product. Excess moisture can dull the finish leading to a cupped floor. 

How To Acclimate Cali Bamboo Flooring

Acclimating bamboo flooring is relatively easy.

Simply remove the flooring planks from the box and cross-tuck them individually on a palette in the area where you plan to install them.

Cali Bamboo suggests acclimating the flooring planks for at least five days and possibly longer for those in extreme climates. 

The relative humidity level for hardwood should be between 40% and 60%.

If the relative humidity range in the room you’re placing the planks is higher than the recommended range, simply set the environmental controls to normal living conditions and acclimate the product for a few more days. 

Pro Tip: We recommend mixing planks from various boxes during acclamation for a good color variety. 

How To Repair Cali Bamboo Flooring

The method for repairing Cali bamboo flooring depends on the type and extent of the damage:

Scratches

Ensure the area is clean and apply bamboo wood filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

We suggest using a wood filler with the same shade as the floor to make the repairs less noticeable.

For this, you might want to check with the manufacturer because it’s likely that they also sell the wood filler in the exact shade of the floor.

You don’t need a wood filler for slight scratches. Simply use a wood stain to hide them. 

Water Damage

In case of water damage, replace the damaged planks with new ones. 

Pro Tip: To avoid scratches, check the furniture legs frequently to ensure they have levelers and pads. If any pads are missing or broken, replace them immediately. Also, avoid dragging the furniture over the product. 

What Are The Advantages Of Cali Bamboo Flooring?

Relatively Affordable

On average, Cali Bamboo costs approximately $3.50 per square foot, making it more affordable than other flooring options like Mirage, Mohawk, Carlisle, Somerset, and Bruce, all of which cost more than $4.00 per square foot.

The company also provides longer warranties than most competitors.

Therefore, a homeowner who goes with a Cali Bamboo floor will likely spend less on maintenance than one who chooses another product. 

Eco-Friendly 

Going with flooring from Cali Bamboo is the best choice for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

The products are manufactured with sustainable, renewable materials which do not cause any pollution.

Wide Range of Shades 

Cali Bamboo styles and shades are diverse to match any homeowner’s flooring preferences.

So, whether you want a classic, rustic, or modern look, you can rest assured you’ll find the flooring that complements your style. 

Other pros of the product include:

• Some options, such as Vinyl and GeoCore, are 100% waterproof
• All the products have an impressive 4 out of 5 stars in online reviews
• Most of the products have a 50-year warranty, one of the longest on the market
• Durable

What Are The Problems With Cali Bamboo Flooring?

Subject to Weather Changes 

Cali Bamboo flooring is made from 100% natural materials, subjecting it to weather changes.

The product may shrink, buckle, cup, warp, or split in extreme weather conditions. 

Easy to Scratch

Many customers have complained that Cali Bamboo products are easy to scratch, making them less suitable for people with kids and pets.

Others complain that the product still appears dirty after cleaning.

While this might be attributed to the dulling of the finish due to using wet mops and steam mops, the complaints shouldn’t be ignored, especially if you like keeping a spotless floor. 

Requires Following Strict Installation Methods

There’s no doubt that Cali Bamboo products are among the most affordable on the market.

However, the installer must follow strict installation guidelines to ensure better performance and compliance with the warrant’s terms of service.

Violating these guidelines might compromise the product’s performance and even void the warrant. 

Subject to Atmospheric Conditions

Cali Bamboo is one of the most sensitive flooring options on the market.

It requires maintaining optimum environmental conditions to avoid damage and increase the flooring’s durability and strength.

An environment that’s too humid will negatively impact the product’s performance, thus reducing its lifespan.

Additional cons include:

• Sound issues, especially if the installation did not include an underlayment
• Resanding or recoating the product may invalidate the warranty
• Product collections like GeoWood and engineered wood may look and feel cheap
• Some products may not be heel safe

Cali Bamboo Flooring vs Trex

Cali Bamboo and Trex are different products with different purposes.

Unlike Cali Bamboo, Trex is a brand that makes composite decking material.

The decking is made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers. It is designed to look and feel like real wood.

Trex decking is known for its durability and resistance to fading and staining.

It is suitable for outdoor use because:

• It doesn’t need painting, staining, or sealing.
• It doesn’t warp, splinter, or rot.
• It doesn’t attract insects like termites. 

Cali Bamboo Flooring vs LifeProof

LifeProof is a brand that designs and manufactures waterproof, pet-proof, and kid-proof luxury vinyl.

The flooring is synthetic but mimics the look of hardwood and stone.

Some reasons why you might want to choose LifeProof over Cali Bamboo include the following:

• Lack of acclimation
• It comes with an attached underlayment, thus reducing your material and labor costs
• It is 100% scratch resistant

Cali Bamboo Flooring vs COREtec

COREtec manufactures luxury vinyl and tile floors that look and feel like hardwood or stone.

The flooring is synthetic but is praised for its durability, versatility, and affordability.

COREtec comes in various styles, textures, and colors and can be installed using click-lock or glue-down methods.

It is also waterproof and resistant to scratches, making it a popular choice for high-moisture areas.

Choosing between Cali Bamboo and COREtec flooring depends on a homeowner’s needs and preferences.

For instance, those who want an eco-friendly option are better off with Cali Bamboo, while those who desire more versatile flooring are better off with COREtec.

Cali Bamboo Flooring vs Flooret

Flooret is a flooring company aiming to revolutionize the flooring industry by offering affordable products and dismantling the current monopoly.

They offer vinyl and engineered hardwood flooring.

Many reviews mention that the products don’t scratch easily and clean beautifully.

However, some users have complained of clicking sounds and slight discoloration, especially when the flooring is exposed to sunlight.

Homeowners with pets and kids are better off with Flooret products because they are scratch resistant.

However, choosing between these two companies depends on your preferences and needs. 

Is Cali Bamboo Waterproof?

All the products under the Cali Vinyl flooring collection are 100% waterproof, while those under the wood and eucalyptus flooring collections are not.

Some products in bamboo, engineered wood, and cork flooring collections are water resistant, making them a bit more forgiving in case of water accidents.

We recommend carefully checking the product’s characteristics before purchase to better understand how it will stand up to water.

If possible, order a few samples and test them to test the water resistance listed by the company. 

Does Cali Bamboo Need Underlayment?

No, Cali Bamboo products don’t need additional underlayment.

However, we recommend installing an underlayment if you need better insulation or have a subfloor with minor faults.

If you decide to install an underlayment, we recommend using Cali Bamboo All-In-One Underlayment. It offers better walking comfort, sound reduction, excellent thermal installation, and one of the best moisture warranties in the industry. 

Does Cali Bamboo Floor Scratch Easily?

Cali Bamboo scratches easily compared to other types of flooring on the market.

In fact, this is one of the main complaints from past customers.

Customers with kids and pets may be better off with another brand. 

If you already have the flooring and want to save it from scratching easily, we recommend the following:

• Clipping your pet’s nails regularly
• Avoid dragging heavy objects across the flooring
• Vacuum the flooring regularly to get rid of sand and grit

Can I Refinish Cali Bamboo Flooring?

Generally, we don’t recommend refinishing or recoating Cali’s bamboo flooring products because doing so may void your warranty.

However, it’s possible to refinish engineered bamboo and solid floors if you consult with the company.

Just ensure an NWFA-certified professional does the job.

Also, ensure the coating used is aluminum oxide.

Unfortunately, you can’t refinish GeoWood bamboo floors. 

Is Cali Bamboo Flooring Good?

Whether Cali Bamboo is a worthy investment for your commercial or residential space depends on your needs and preferences.

For instance, it is one of the best choices for people who want to switch to sustainable, eco-friendly flooring options.

Unlike laminate and vinyl flooring, it doesn’t emit harmful substances into the atmosphere and is less likely to end up in a landfill at the end of its lifespan.

But that’s not all.

This flooring option is also durable, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing. 

On the downside, there are better options than Cali Bamboo for people who want versatile flooring.

It is easy to scratch, scuff, or warp making it less friendly for kids, pets, and heavy furniture.

It is also not waterproof and, thus, requires extra attention to clean and maintain.

It is up to you as a consumer to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the Cali Bamboo flooring product you want to purchase before making the final decision. 

Conclusion

Cali Bamboo is an excellent choice for homeowners who want affordable, durable, eco-friendly, and sustainable flooring.

The company’s vision is revolutionary because bamboo is a rich yet under-utilized natural resource.

If well-utilized, it can help us reduce the number of trees we cut down each year, thus contributing to the global efforts of fighting climate change and global warming.