Cali Bamboo is a flooring brand that first brought bamboo flooring to the US, based in San Diego, California. The company was founded in 2004 by two college friends. First, it offered bamboo fencing, and after that, it added bamboo flooring. Over the years, Cali Bamboo steadily expanded into the large brand it is now and offers and a wide variety of flooring, decking, fencing, and other products. In this Cali Bamboo Review, we are going to examine all aspects of the brand, including pricing. Let’s start by discussing the Cali Bamboo product range.
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Product Range
Cali Bamboo’s wide selection of amazing products now consists of 6 types of floors, decking options, and its Cali Bamboo marketplace area. The full range includes;
- Bamboo Flooring
- Cork Flooring
- Eucalyptus Flooring
- Wood Flooring
- Vinyl Flooring
- Engineered Flooring
- Composite Decking
- Bamboo Fencing
- Cali Marketplace (flooring tools/ care kits, poufs, area rugs, bamboo plywood, etc.).
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo Flooring is essentially the product that made Cali Bamboo expand. The brand’s bamboo flooring changed the game; the brand’s Bamboo is not only twice as dense as hardwood but is also made from 100% eco-friendly bamboo that also helps the planet by extracting CO2 from the atmosphere.
Cali Bamboo’s bamboo flooring selection offers both light and dark shades of bamboo with both modern and rustic finishes. Most of the collections are very strong; there is even a collection named ‘World’s Hardest Floors.’ Quite impressive.
Some of the bamboo flooring products are even 100% waterproof. The bamboo flooring planks measure anywhere from 3 to 6 inches in width and 1/4″ to 9/16″ in thickness. Cali Bamboo offers both engineered and solid bamboo floors. The Bamboo Flooring is backed by a strong 50-year warranty.
Eucalyptus Flooring
Another Eco-friendly option in Cali Bamboo’s catalog is Eucalyptus Flooring. Eucalyptus is extremely tough and has a much higher density than wood. Additionally, eucalyptus is renewable and can be harvested every 3-5 years. Cali Bamboo offers 2 types of Solid Eucalyptus floors, Mocha and Natural. The plank length is 48 inches, the width is 5-1/8 inches, and the plank thickness is 9/16 inches. The planks are extremely durable, with a 10-coat durability seal, which is backed by an excellent 50-year warranty.
Cork Flooring
Cali Bamboo’s Cork selection consisting of 4 products offers a quiet, warm and comfortable floor that is also eco-friendly. Cork is harvested from tree bark which is simply stripped from the tree after the cork regenerates. Cork Flooring is naturally water-resistant. Additionally, it provides thermal insulation for a warmer floor. Cali Bamboo ensures more durability with a high-resistance coating on all their cork products. The planks are 35-5/8″ long, 11-5/8″ wide, and 10.5mm thick. The range is backed by a nice 25-year residential warranty.
Engineered Flooring
The brand’s engineered flooring section offers Engineered Bamboo, Oak, Hickory, Maple, and another collection named GeoWood. GeoWood is a composite floor (wood and plastic); it’s 100% waterproof and comes with attached underlayment. Plank sizes vary with the type of wood, with some extra wide and extra long planks available. All options in Cali Bamboo’s wood flooring section come with durable multi-coat finishes. GeoWood and most of their Oak, Hickory, and Maple also come with a 50-year warranty.
Vinyl Flooring
Cali Bamboo’s vinyl range consists of 2 types of vinyl, one made with a composite bamboo core and one with a composite stone core. The vinyl layer is attached to these cores; the planks come with acoustic insulation and attached underlayment. Plank width is anywhere from 7 1/8″ – 9″ inches. All of the brand’s vinyl plank products have a 0.5mm (20mil) wear layer, are 100% waterproof, and come with a 50-year residential warranty.
Composite Decking
The brand also offers composite decking for a durable outdoor choice. Composite decking is made from wood and plastics; Cali Bamboo states that its decking is made from 100% recycled materials and is easy to maintain. The decking comes in plank lengths of 8 and 16 feet while being 4 inches wide. 8 different style options are available with a variety of shades and colors. This decking is supposed to be weatherproof and highly durable. This is backed by a 25-year residential warranty.
How durable is Cali Bamboo flooring?
Cali Bamboo’s flooring is one the most durable flooring on the market right now, if not the best. Cali Bamboo and Eucalyptus floors are twice or even three times as traditional hardwood types such as Oak, Hickory, etc. Just look at the hardness ratings.
| Wood Type | Janka Hardness Rating |
|---|---|
| Red Oak | 1290 |
| White Oak | 1360 |
| Maple | 1450 |
| Hickory | 1820 |
| Brazilian Walnut | 3684 |
| Cali Bamboo | 5574* |
| Cali Eucalyptus | 5574* |
The flooring comes with multiple layers of protective coats in order to prevent scratches and stains. If you are worried about moisture, then Cali Bamboo offers 100% waterproof options that won’t warp or buckle.
Warranty
Cali Bamboo offers an amazing 50-year residential warranty and a 25-commercial warranty on almost all of its flooring products. This is a great warranty compared to other flooring competitors and further boosts the brand’s durability claims.
The Green Factor of Cali Bamboo
In recent years global warming has had a huge impact on the flooring industry, and many brands had to adjust to a more eco-friendly business. Cali Bamboo was born out of Bamboo; bamboo itself is a very green eco-friendly plant, and so is their eucalyptus.
Bamboo is a renewable source of the material; the plant can be harvested every 4-5 years. The bamboo in Asia, which Cali Bamboo use, can grow up to 30 meters tall and 10-12 inches in diameter. Most importantly, Bamboo has some carbon-absorbing properties; bamboo can absorb more CO2 and release 30% more oxygen into the atmosphere than traditional wood forests. Simply put, Bamboo is very good for our environment.
Another eco-friendly material Cali Bamboo uses is Eucalyptus; Eucalyptus trees can be harvested every 3-5 years and go as high as a whopping 300 feet. Normal hardwood trees take 60 years to mature. Additionally, Eucalyptus wood is much stronger than traditional hardwood.
The only carbon footprint Cali Bamboo leaves is the transportation of its bamboo by boat from Asia. However, because bamboo is so light, a lot of it can be transported at once. Furthermore, instead of fossil-fueled boats, electric boats will be used in the future; they can be run on renewable energy.
Cali Bamboo Reviews Online
After researching Google for Cali Bamboo, we found that they have a good review profile on the Lowes website. Cali Bamboo’s fossilized bamboo range scored a great 4 out of 5 stars from 155 unique reviews. We also found Cali Bamboo reviews with similar scores on other websites.
Generally speaking, the brand has a good online reviews profile, therefore, adding more credibility.
Cali Bamboo Price
The entire Cali Bamboo product range is quite affordable. The brand’s fossilized bamboo is listed for as low as $3.79 per square foot, which is a very good price considering its durability. Cali Bamboo Vinyl is also affordable at only $3.59 per square foot. Overall the company’s pricing is a pretty good deal for the 50-year warranties and excellent durability you are getting.
| Cali Bamboo Range | Price per squared foot |
|---|---|
| Fossilized Bamboo – Java Brown | $3.79/ per Sq.Ft. |
| Fossilized Eucalyptus – Mocha | $6.00/ per Sq.Ft. |
| Cali Bamboo GeoCore – Copperstone | $4.99/ per Sq.Ft. |
| Cork – Brisa Brown | $3.29/ per Sq.Ft. |
| Cali Vinyl Pro – Classic Mesquite | $3.59/ per Sq.Ft. |
| Cali Bamboo Composite Decking | $105 per package of two |
| Engineered Hardwood – Odyssey | $5.99/ per Sq.Ft. |
Cali Hardwood Compared to Other Brands
| Hardwood Brand | Price per Square Foot | Overall Thickness | Warranty Residential / Commercial |
| Cali Bamboo | $3.50 – $8 | 12.7 – 14.2 mm | 50 Year / 15 Year |
| Bruce | $4 – $8 | 8 – 19 mm | 25-50 Year Residential |
| Mirage | $4 – $10 | 19 mm | 35 Year / 15 Year |
| Mohawk | $4.50 – $8.50 | 9.5 – 14.2 mm | Lifetime / 5 Year |
| Somerset | $5 – $9 | 12.7 – 19 mm | 50 Year / 5 Year |
| Flooret Hardwood | $5.50 – $5.95 | 11.3 mm | Lifetime / 10 Year |
| Doma | $6 – $10 | 12.7 – 19 mm | 20 Year / 10 Year |
| Shaw | $6 – $14 | 9.5 – 14.2 mm | 50 Year Residential |
| Lauzon | $6.50 – $11.50 | 19 mm | 25-35 Year Residential |
| K.D Woods | $8.50 – $25 | 12.7 – 19 mm | 25 Year Residential |
| Carlisle | $9 – $25 | 19 mm | Lifetime Structural |
Cali Vinyl Compared to Other Brands
| Product Name | Price per Square Foot | Overall Thickness | Wear Layer Thickness |
| Home Decorators Collection LVP | $1.79 | 4 – 4.2 mm | 8 – 12 mil |
| Mohawk SolidTech Essentials | $2.05 – $2.70 | 4.5 mm | 12 mil |
| ProCore Plus (Lowes) | $2.49 – $2.59 | 5 mm | 12 mil |
| Flooret Modin LVP – Base | $2.95 | 5 mm | 20 mil |
| Proximity Mills LVP | $3.49 – $6.99 | 5 – 6.5 mm | 22 mil |
| NuCore RigidCore 8mm | $3.79 | 8 mm | 22 mil |
| SmartCore Ultra XL | $3.89 | 7.5 mm | 12 mil |
| LifeProof RigidCore 7mm | $3.99 – $4.99 | 7 mm | 20 mil |
| Pergo Extreme | $4.19 – $4.79 | 5 – 6 mm | 20 mil |
| Mohawk SolidTech Plus | $4.35 | 6 mm | 20 mil |
| Armstrong Luxe Plank | $4.39 – $4.79 | 7.8 mm | 20 mil |
| Flooret Modin LVP – Signature | $4.50 | 7 mm | 40 mil |
| Mannington Adura Max | $5.49 – $5.99 | 8 mm | 20 mil |
| Coretec Plus Premium | $6.49 – $7.49 | 12 mm | 20 mil |
| Cali Bamboo Legends | $6.49 | 12 mm | 20 mil |
| Shaw Floorte Classic | $6.99 | 12 mm | 30 mil |
| Coretec Grande | $9.99 | 15 mm | 30 mil |
Where to Buy Cali Bamboo?
Cali Bamboo is widely available online through multiple stores. It is also stocked in Lowes and Home Depot; however, the best option is to buy from the Cali Bamboo website directly.
Installation
All of Cali Bamboo’s range can be installed using the floating method. This is by far the easiest installation method; however, their flooring can also be glued to the ground.
Most of the products require additional underlayment, and some cold sub-floors may need an extra coating of moisture sealer. Make sure your sub-floor is fairly level prior to installation; for best results, you should follow Cali Bamboo’s installation guides.
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Care and Maintenance
Care and maintenance are critical for a long-lasting vinyl plank or engineered floor. Below are some tips and instructions to keep your floors looking fresh for longer.
Keep Your Floors Clean
Vacuuming and mopping your floor regularly is vital to its lifespan. Dust and dirt act as abrasive and cause scratches on the wear layer. Hence why, it’s crucial to always vacuum your floor before mopping. Unfortunately, some vacuums will damage your floor, so it’s essential to only use a vacuum suitable for hard surface floors.
As for mopping, it’s important not to over-saturate your floor. For best results, we recommend using a spray mop that dispenses a fine mist of water mixed with a cleaning solution on your floor with the touch of a button. This also avoids spillages caused by having to use a water bucket. Furthermore, it would be best if you used a PH-neutral solution. Household dish soap is fine as long as you don’t use too much soap. For best results, we recommend using Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner.
Furthermore, it’s important to avoid all-purpose or multi-purpose cleaner as it’s often not PH-neutral. Contrary to the fact that some brands allow it, we recommend not using a steam mop. Although they are easy to use, they will cause your floor to become dull faster due to the heat. Speaking of heat, avoid exposing your floor to direct sunlight at peak hours; use blinds or curtains if necessary.
Protect Your Floor
There are several ways to protect your floor from damage. Below are some of the best and most common protection methods to adopt.
- Attach large-diameter felt pads to furniture legs. This allows heavy furniture to glide smoothly on your floor without causing scuffs and scratches.
- Avoid wearing shoes as they can bring in dirt and damage your floor. It’s best to wear socks.
- Place rugs in high-traffic areas such as the living area.
- Be wary of office chair casters; they can destroy your floor. Either replace them with floor-friendly blade casters or place down a protective chair mat.
- Maintain a room temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This prevents moisture problems.
- Place down walk-off doormats at house entrances to avoid bringing in dirt from outdoors which can scratch your floor.
- If you have a dog, nail trimming will prevent them from scratching the floor. Plus, most dogs like their nails to be trimmed now and then.
For extra info, follow Cali Bamboo’s Floor care & Maintenance guides.
Pros & Cons
Cali Bamboo Pros
- The durability of Cali Bamboo and Eucalyptus floors is some of the best you kind find on the flooring market.
- Cali Bamboo is fairly affordable for the average American; prices of their bamboo flooring are as low as $3.59 per square foot.
- The brand is very eco-friendly; most of the materials they use are renewable and help to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Cali Bamboo offers 100% waterproof options with their Vinyl and GeoCore ranges.
- The company scores 4 out of 5 stars on average in all of its online reviews.
- The brand offers a generous 50-year warranty on almost all of its flooring products.
Cali Bamboo Cons
- Some of the brand’s hardwood ranges can price at a higher $5.99 per square foot, which is quite expensive.
Our Verdict
Durability – 10 out of 10
In terms of durability, Cali Bamboo shines. They offer some of the most durable options you can find on the web with their Bamboo and Eucalyptus. Backed by a 50-year warranty, Cali Bamboo may be the most durable flooring brand in the US, in our opinion.
Affordability – 8.5 out of 10
Surprisingly we found Cali Bamboo flooring quite affordable for the average buyer. This includes both their Hardwood and Vinyl ranges. Some options are as low as $3.59 per square foot.
Style – 8.5 out of 10
The brand offers a wide array of beautiful styles and shades; both rustic and modern designs can be found in their large flooring catalog.
Overall Score – 9 out of 10
Overall, Cali Bamboo scores an impressive 9 out of 10 in this Cali Bamboo Review. The brand outshines all of its competition in durability. In fact, it is probably the toughest brand we have reviewed here at HomeFloorExpert. No wonder Cali Bamboo is so popular in the US.
What do you think of Cali Bamboo? Share your thoughts and experiences with the brand in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
Good Alternatives to Cali Bamboo
Proximity Mills Vinyl – If you want something affordable yet good quality, perhaps Proximity Mills Vinyl Flooring may interest you. The brand is US-based, and its vinyl planks are durable, featuring a waterproof SPC core and a thick 22-mil protective wear layer. You can choose from 11 stylish collections that include traditional and modern concepts. Many of their collections are relatively affordable, starting at $3.50 per square foot. In addition, Proximity Mills vinyl floors are rated Zero-VOC, meaning they don’t emit any harmful gasses over time which is great for your home’s air quality.
Mohawk – Mohawk is one of America’s top flooring manufacturers. The brand’s floors are known for their high quality and longevity. Mohawk offers an extensive range of vinyl, laminate, carpet, and hardwood flooring. They give you an option of both traditional and modern styles. Most of Mohawk’s floors are made in the US, which always helps. However, Mohawk isn’t the cheapest; most of their lines are priced at just above average compared to the rest of the market. If you’re looking for a trusted brand with lots of reviews and long-lasting floors, Mohawk is certainly one worth considering.
Shaw – Shaw is one of the largest flooring manufacturers in the United States. The brand has been around since 1967 and offers many types of flooring, including carpet, hardwood, and luxury vinyl plank. Shaw is known for their style and a vast arsenal of products. What we like about Shaw is its diversity. They offer both premium flooring lines as well as budget options. However, you should be wary of buying their cheapest lines. We always recommend going for the thickest and most scratch-resistant options, especially when shopping for laminate and vinyl plank.
It’s great that this article talked about how bamboo helps the planet by extracting CO2 from the atmosphere. My wife told me last night that she was planning to remove our flooring due to old age and replace it with bamboo flooring that could provide durability and elegance, and she asked if I had any idea what would be the best choice. Thank you for the information about flooring, and I will be sure to consult a trusted timber flooring service as they can help us with more information about their flooring process.
Cali Bamboo LVP was installed in my home in 2021. It never looks clean, even after just mopping it. I’ve tried Bona, a product called “Restore”, and I am on my second spray system for mopping. For the thousands I invested in the product, I could not be more disappointed. The installation by Lowe’s was a terrible experience and after it was re-installed there were still seams that are just not right. I cannot recommend this product. I hired a professional housekeeping company for a year, hoping the flooring would look better. It did not. The product sold for $93 for 24 square feet less a 10% veterans discount. Don’t buy it.