What Are The Pros And Cons Of Bamboo Cabinets?

Bamboo is making a name for itself in the sustainability community. It has become an increasingly popular choice for building materials, and household cabinetry is no exception. If you’re looking for a unique, eco-friendly upgrade for your kitchen, look no further than bamboo.

Highly durable and stronger than some hardwoods, bamboo cabinets are the epitome of the contemporary, minimalist style. It is an easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and sustainable material due to its quick regeneration.

Because they still aren’t the mainstream choice, bamboo cabinets tend to be more expensive with fewer style options available. They can cost anywhere between $12,000 and $20,000 for the average kitchen.

Let’s explore all the advantages and disadvantages that bamboo has to offer for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

Often thought of as a species of wood, bamboo is actually a very sturdy grass. In fact, wood is being replaced by bamboo more and more often because of its sustainable nature.

It’s no secret that bamboo grows quickly. In my first house, a neighbor to my backyard planted bamboo. I moved after a year and it had made its way about a foot from my patio. When used for building materials, however, its quick regeneration is a huge benefit.

Bamboo can be harvested every 3-5 years. The top of the stalk is harvested which allows the bottom to grow that much quicker. Compared to trees that die after harvesting, bamboo regenerates after 3 years. Its rapid growth means it can be used faster and more often than the hardwood of trees.

In order to construct cabinets from bamboo, the material needs to be treated in one of two ways. It can either be laminated or strand-woven.

For the laminated option, vertical bamboo slats are fused together through heat and pressure to form sheets. These sheets are cut to a dimension similar to plywood. They can be solid bamboo panels or bamboo plywood. The latter is when a thin surface of bamboo is laid over traditional wood.

Strand-woven bamboo looks closer to traditional wood. For this option, the stalks are pulverized, and the pulp is formed, glued, and compacted into planks. Strand-woven bamboo is generally harder than laminated bamboo. It’s typically used as a flooring option.

Even though bamboo is not wood per se, it’s still rated like wood by builders because of how frequently it’s substituted.

Bamboo is as hard or harder than oak and maple. In its natural state, bamboo has a Janka rating of 1300-1400. For comparison, red oak is rated at 1290, white oak at 1360, and maple at 1450.

All of this is to say that bamboo makes for a durable material, perfect for high-use areas, such as a kitchen. It won’t easily scratch, crack, or warp. You can also apply a protective coating to add to its durability.

The natural hues of bamboo are warm and neutral. Without treatments, it appears in blonde and honey tones, and its linear grains are highlighted.

One of the most common treatments of bamboo is to leave it unstained and add a waterborne finish. This type of finish makes for a scratch-resistant surface and is also eco-friendly. You can also use a natural or water-based finish to protect the bamboo.

Leaving bamboo unstained enhances the modern aesthetic. Its natural color adds warmth and character to what can be a cold and sterile style. The stark, clean lines are offset by the coziness of its natural color.

On the other hand, bamboo takes stains well. A darker stain can make the space feel more luxurious. Depending on the type of stain, the cabinets make take on the look of being multi-toned. This could make a real statement for your space, but it’s definitely a conscious style choice.

Because they are not a popular choice and therefore less available, bamboo cabinets tend to be more expensive than hardwood. For an average kitchen, bamboo cabinets can cost $12,000-$20,000. For premium bamboo, it can cost upwards of $35,000.

Bamboo is generally heavier than traditional wood, which can add to transportation costs and diminish its eco-friendliness.

To lower the cost of bamboo cabinets, you can opt for bamboo plywood instead of solid bamboo cabinets.

We discussed the basics and beyond about bamboo cabinets, but you may still have more questions. Here are some other things people wondered about the pros and cons of bamboo cabinets.

Though it won’t take as much wear as a kitchen cabinet, a bamboo vanity is a great choice. Most bathroom vanities are made from particleboard, so a bamboo vanity would be a much more durable option. When used in a bathroom, bamboo can inspire a beachy or Asian style.

Bamboo is naturally water-resistant, and its high durability makes for a great sink option. To clean a bamboo sink, use mild soap, water, and a soft sponge or cloth. You can also use one ounce of vinegar to one quart of water as a cleaning solution. Avoid ammonia-based and other harsh chemicals as they can damage the bamboo.

Although bamboo can be painted, a less expensive, hardwood option might be a better choice for that treatment. Many people choose bamboo specifically for its unique look which can be enhanced by staining. Painting bamboo would take away from its modern look.

Bamboo can be sealed with the following things: mineral oil, linseed oil, tung oil (also called Chinawood oil), teak oil, beeswax, or varnish. Both mineral oil and beeswax are food-safe options. However, tung oil is by far the most durable finish. It hardens when it dries, sealing moisture into the bamboo and making it waterproof. Tung oil also doesn’t darken with age like linseed oil or beeswax. Three or four coats of tung oil are enough for cabinets.

A beautiful, sustainable option for your modern kitchen or bathroom, bamboo cabinets offer a sleek and unique style.

Bamboo cabinets have many pros. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they are highly durable, even more so than some hardwoods. Low maintenance and easy to clean, bamboo cabinets can withstand scratches, cracks, and humidity. They accept stains well or can be left in their warm, natural state.

The downside of bamboo cabinets would be their cost and availability. Not enough people are in the market for bamboo cabinets. This makes style and sizing options limited, which in turn, drives up the price. Bamboo cabinets cost anywhere between $12,000 and $20,000 or $35,000 for top quality bamboo.

If you can afford them, bamboo cabinets are an excellent addition to the modern, minimalist aesthetic. On top of that, you can sleep well knowing your cabinets are helping the environment.