1. Can You Change the Color of Bamboo Flooring?

Yes - you can change the color of bamboo flooring, but only if the floor is sanded down to raw bamboo first.

Bamboo flooring cannot simply be painted or stained on top of the current finish. The existing clear coat must be fully removed so the new color can penetrate the bamboo surface.

Bamboo flooring color can be changed by:

• Sanding and staining (most common method)
• Applying a tinted finish
• Recarbonizing (factory process only, not DIY)

Once sanded properly, bamboo can be stained to darker, richer, or more modern tones.

2. Which Types of Bamboo Flooring Can Be Recolored?

Color change depends on how the bamboo is manufactured.

✔ Solid Horizontal Bamboo

Very easy to stain because the grain is smooth and consistent.

✔ Solid Vertical Bamboo

Accepts stain well, though the vertical line pattern may slightly affect absorption.

✔ Solid Strand Woven Bamboo

Can be stained, but absorption is uneven because strand bamboo is extremely dense. Professionals recommend gel stains or tinted finishes for better consistency.

✔ Engineered Bamboo

Can sometimes be recolored ONLY if the wear layer is thick enough to sand (at least 2–3 mm).

Laminate bamboo-look flooring CANNOT be stained or recolored.

3. Popular Color Options for Refinished Bamboo

Once sanded to natural bamboo, the floor can be transformed into a variety of tones.

✔ Dark Colors

• Espresso
• Dark walnut
• Ebony
• Jacobean

✔ Medium Tones

• Chestnut
• Caramel
• Mahogany

✔ Light Tones

• Natural blond
• Scandinavian whitewash
• Soft gray

Bamboo accepts darker stains more easily than very light or gray stains.

4. How to Change the Color of Bamboo Flooring (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Sand the floor down to raw bamboo

Use a professional belt sander with progressive grits:

• 36–40 grit (heavy cut)
• 60–80 grit (mid-sanding)
• 100–120 grit (fine finish)

This removes the original finish completely.

Step 2: Remove dust thoroughly

Vacuum between each sanding stage and wipe the floor with a tack cloth.

Step 3: Apply stain

• Oil-based stains penetrate deeper
• Gel stains work best for strand bamboo
• Water-based stains dry faster but absorb differently

Step 4: Seal with a protective finish

• Water-based polyurethane - clear, modern, non-yellowing
• Oil-based polyurethane - rich tone, extremely durable

Apply 2–3 coats for best protection.

5. When You Should Not Change the Color of Bamboo Flooring

Avoid recoloring if:

• The bamboo wear layer is too thin
• The floor has structural water damage
• The flooring is engineered with a <1.5 mm wear layer
• It is laminate bamboo-look flooring
• The planks are cupped, warped, or deeply gouged

In these cases, board replacement or installing new bamboo flooring may be necessary.

6. Final Answer - Can You Change the Color of Bamboo Flooring?

Yes - bamboo flooring can be recolored by sanding it down to raw bamboo and applying a new stain or tinted finish.

Solid bamboo can take color very well, while strand woven bamboo may require specialized stain products. With proper sanding and sealing, you can dramatically transform the look of your bamboo floors - from natural blond to deep espresso - and extend their lifespan for many years.