Bamboo cabinets may very well be the next wave or fad stretching through cabinet
manufacturer’s websites, but it is here to stay. Although often associated with tiki torches,
swim-up bars, and tropical furniture, bamboo is a material that has several uses beyond island
chic. When compressed into a workable material for furniture and bamboo cabinets, the
finished product is a stylish, contemporary, even eye-catching work of art.
The beauty of bamboo cabinets starts with the process by which the bamboo plywood
manufacturers use to create the material. When the bamboo stalk reaches a height of 35-40
feet, it is harvested, inspected, and cut into linear slats. Additionally, the majority of bamboo
used in bamboo cabinets is derived from the Moso stalk indigenous to China. In fact, the
industry employs 6 million Chinese citizens. After harvest, the slats are dried out, glued, and
hydraulically pressed together to form a laminated sheet. Bamboo cabinets get their unique
look from the striations of color, texture, and linear patterns.
The next step in building bamboo cabinets is the choice of color. Most typical bamboo cabinets
have a caramel color, often called “carbonized.” This finish is achieved through a baking
process after the bamboo slats have been dried, but before lamination. The natural tone of the
plant is also commonly used for bamboo cabinets for a very neutral, yet modern look.
A more recent finish seen in publications of bamboo cabinets is the espresso or chocolate
finish. The material is toasted or burnt beyond its carbonized state, like a piece of toast to
form a very dark, rich tone. Although more difficult to work with because of its brittle nature,
bamboo cabinets built with the espresso material can form a very distinct appearance.
Although you can find bamboo cabinets that have horizontal grains, or even “woven” grains,
the most typical grain is vertical, due to its strength, beauty, and availability. Often, a 3-ply
construction is used on bamboo cabinets to yield a higher strength-to-weight ratio. Single-ply
construction can warp slightly. The multi-ply bamboo cabinets also generate more interest due
to the unique cut patterns.
Because of the sustainable nature of bamboo cabinets, the material has been a “hot” pick
for interior architects looking to achieve LEED points or have a “green” agenda. Bamboo is a
member of the grass family, and grows an astonishing 2 feet a day! Although not as strong
as hardwoods, the species is still a great alternative to those materials for building bamboo
cabinets, and for use as trim.
Beyond its intrinsic natural beauty, the design of the space and fully integrating the material
into the bamboo cabinets provides the best result. The classic slab or shaker styles are
prevalent, but companies such as JFModern are providing bamboo cabinets with unique
designs that will create a space that stands on its own. Taking into account light characteristics,
surrounding finishes, and ultimately the taste of the client is how companies are able to
build these bamboo cabinets that are one-of-a-kind. Many modern urban loft spaces and
contemporary homes are deciding to use bamboo cabinets as an alternative to the standard
wood species to stand out.
In summary, if you are interested in interior architecture, or possibly a home-owner looking
for the leading edge in kitchen or bath design, take a look at bamboo cabinets. Not only are
they extremely sustainable, but they yield a space that is distinctive and visually stunning. Be
prepared to pay a pretty penny for bamboo cabinets, however, as the base material runs $150
and up for the 4/8 plywood sheets. On the other hand, if you search enough, you can find
bamboo cabinets for an affordable price point.
-Jamie Mahoney
Sources:
-http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/go-for-the-green/green-brain-bamboo-grow.html
-http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5626548_bamboo-plywood-made_.html
