Bamboo Kitchen Cabinets - Part 3
We've been talking about the benefits of using bamboo for your kitchen cabinets. This is the last part of this series. Bamboo has a number of advantages and offers a very unique touch to the most important room in your home. Today I will talk about just some general things to think about when it comes to Bamboo kitchen cabinets.
Don't Overlook Good Quality Construction -
The quality of cabinet construction has a lot to do with their longevity and your ultimate satisfaction with them. Regardless of whether you choose bamboo or some other material, pay attention to those features that provide durability and quality.
An Alternative To Particle Board -
If you're not a fan of the mass-produced cabinets made with a hefty percentage of particle board, bamboo cabinets may be a good choice as they're typically made with solid bamboo or bamboo plywood, without the particle board. Since bamboo panels are engineered with adhesives, choose a maker that uses low or no formaldehyde bamboo.
Bamboo Cabinets Available Custom or RTA -
Bamboo cabinets, like their wood counterparts, are available as custom-built units as well as RTA (Ready To Assemble). The latter form makes it easy for do-it-yourselfers to obtain and install bamboo cabinets. They're shipped in a knocked-down format and designed to be easily assembled and installed.
Adhesives, Finish and Indoor Air Quality -
Consider the adhesives used in the raw materials that make up bamboo cabinetry as well as the finish. Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) finishes and low or no-added formaldehyde materials make for a greener and healthier indoor air environment.
Bamboo Cabinet "Green-ness" Depends on Perspective -
Remember that a lot of the bamboo that comes to North America or Europe typically originates in distant geographic locations. That increases the embodied energy costs (such as transportation) and environmental impact of this otherwise renewable material.
If you're a stickler on being as green as possible this may be something to consider. Alternatives might involve using cabinets that use more local renewable resources like wheatboard, reclaimed wood or locally sourced wood.
As far as for JSI Cabinetry, bamboo is sourced where the product is being manufactured, making the consideration a bit easier.
Bamboo is Dimensionally Stable -
This is just a techie way of saying that bamboo doesn't swell and contract as much as wood. This can be an advantage in the kitchen or bathroom where higher moisture levels are present which causes wood to swell and doors and drawers to stick.
All Bamboo Is Not Created Equal -
Bamboo is touted as being hard and eco-friendly. But harvesting before its time can result in sub-standard material properties. Stories exist of dented bamboo floors despite advertised claims of bamboo being practically as hard as steel. Improper management and increased demand for bamboo also threatens its continued sustainability. Check with any bamboo cabinet maker to best understand where the bamboo comes from and how it's processed to ensure you're getting quality material from reputable sources.
Currently JSI makes a bathroom vanity that is made of bamboo, called the Princeton Vanity. Take a look here or to ask any questions about our manufacturing feel free to ask!