It is just as durable as wood floors - as for cost effectiveness, I think it's about the same amount as a good quality wood. The best part though IMO is that it's a renewable resource .
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
My family is in the floor covering business, so her it goes. Bamboo is very beautiful. It is about the same in durability as regular hardwood. Exact words from dad and brother "tougher than some, not as tough as others" I believe that both can be refinished if needed. I like that bamboo is renewable. I also like the look of bamboo.
If you are looking for something super tough because you have kids or big dogs, get a laminant. If that is not an issue go with what you like. Oh and regular hardwood adds more value to you home that other floors.
bamboo is beautiful -- i have seen it in a few homes and love the look. it is also (as i'm sure ifloor.com said) supposedly hard than many types of wood. when we were doing our floors, we narrowed it down to cork or bamboo but choose cork b/c we could get it prefinished. otherwise, it would have been bamboo all the way. when we were looking, ifloor had bamboo for only $3-something per sqare foot, which is a great price. (and if you call them they'll give you free shipping)