Alternative Flooring: Bamboo, Hemp Wood & Laminate
Looking beyond traditional hardwood? Whole Wood stocks bamboo, hemp wood, and laminate—three strong alternatives that balance look, durability, budget, and sustainability. Compare options below, then visit our San Carlos showroom + warehouse to see full-size boards and confirm what’s in stock today.
| Material | Look & Feel | Durability | Moisture Tolerance | Best For | Refinish? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bamboo | Modern, clean grain; strand-woven = bold texture | High (strand-woven is very hard) | Moderate (follow acclimation) | Active homes, modern spaces | No (replace boards if damaged) |
| Hemp Wood | Tight, linear grain; contemporary | Very High (dense composite) | Moderate (follow spec) | Design-forward projects, statement floors | Light re-sand on some products; check spec |
| Laminate | Photoreal textures; wide style range | High wear/scratch resistance | Water-resistant variants available | Budget-sensitive, rentals, playrooms | No (not sandable) |
Tip: Species sets the look; construction & material set performance and install method.
Bamboo Flooring
Fast-growing and design-forward, bamboo offers a clean aesthetic and impressive hardness—especially strand-woven products.
Why choose bamboo
- Exceptional hardness (strand-woven), great for busy households
- Contemporary look in naturals, caramels, greys
- Low-VOC finish options available
Consider
- Acclimation and humidity control are important
- Not refinishable like solid hardwood (plan for board replacement if severely damaged)
Best uses: living areas, bedrooms, hallways, light-commercial (per product spec)
Hemp Wood Flooring
Made from compressed hemp fibers with eco-conscious binders, hemp wood delivers a very dense, modern-looking plank with striking linear grain.
Why choose hemp wood
- Ultra-dense surface stands up to wear
- Distinctive contemporary look; takes stain consistently
- Rapidly renewable raw material
Consider
- Product lengths and formats vary by brand; confirm specs
- Follow manufacturer guidance for acclimation and adhesives
Best uses: modern homes, feature spaces, busy family areas
Laminate Flooring
Laminate isn’t wood. It’s a high-resolution decorative layer over a durable core. Today’s laminates are realistic, scratch-resistant, and budget-friendly.
Why choose laminate
- Excellent scratch and fade resistance
- Broad style selection (oak, walnut, hickory looks, stones, patterns)
- Click-lock floating installs; fast and clean
Consider
- Not refinishable; choose higher wear classes for longevity
- Moisture-resistant and water-resistant options exist -- verify product rating for kitchens/mudrooms
Best uses: rentals, playrooms, budgets, quick turnarounds
Installation & Subfloors (quick guide)
- Bamboo: glue, nail, or float (per product); acclimation required
- Hemp Wood: glue or nail (per spec); follow moisture testing and adhesive guidance
- Laminate: floating click-lock with proper underlayment; moisture barriers over concrete
Have a slab, radiant heat, or a tight timeline? Call us—we’ll match the right product to your site conditions.
See It In Person (and In Stock)
Our combined showroom + warehouse lets you compare boards and take home flooring the same day with no long waits.
(We don’t list prices online to keep supplier agreements and your project advantages. Ask for today’s deals.)