Deciding on kitchen cabinet materials can sometimes be a confusing task. This is because you have to put into consideration many factors like the cost, durability, resistance to climate, and of course style and taste. Considering these factors, no kitchen cabinet material beats wood.
Wooden kitchen cabinets come in a wide array of options to choose from, depending on your needs and the overall outcome you look forward to achieve. When it comes to durability, bamboo is the best for kitchen cabinets. This article discusses various benefits of bamboo when it comes to kitchen cabinets that you may have not have known before.
- Readily Available
Bamboo is readily available as a softwood tree that can be grown just anywhere as long as the climate allows it. Unlike other hardwood and softwood species like mahogany and walnut, bamboo can be grown even in our backyards. Bamboo boards are made from assembling laminated strips that are cut from the bamboo stalks. The best thing is that they do not take so long to mature. This makes them readily available, which reduces the upfront costs at the end of the day.
- It is Cheap
Of all types of wood, bamboo is the cheapest in both upfront and maintenance costs. Its ready availability makes it cheap when buying. It is also lighter and easier to work with since it is not that hard. This reduces the upfront costs because as long as you have the boards ready, you can install them by yourself. Since it is also relatively cheaper than most woods, you do not need an extra hand to hold the boards in place when installing high cabinets. It is highly durable and this means it needs fewer maintenance costs going forward.
- It is Sturdy
The feature that makes bamboo the most durable wood for kitchen cabinets is its sturdiness. Bamboo is the type of wood you need since kitchen cabinets always encounter abrasive items such as cutlery, pots, and knives. These might damage the cabinet material if it is not strong enough. It is resistant to water, heat, and stains, and this makes it ideal for kitchen cabinets because it cannot be affected by bacteria, wood rot, and warping.
- It is Resistant to Climate Change
When most people hear the word wood when weighing options for kitchen fittings like cabinets, they always think of hardwoods like mahogany and walnut. These are among the most durable woods and they are perfect for making things like beds and chairs. On the other side, they are not the best for kitchen cabinets. This is because most of these woods absorb humidity and warp. Since the kitchen is an area of intense humidity due to the cooking, the best wood for kitchen cabinets is bamboo boards. They do not absorb humidity, water, and heat, and for this reason, they will not warp like softwood and other woods. This translates to more longevity without the need for maintenance or repairs.
- It is Lighter
Being lighter than most of its hardwood and softwood counterparts, bamboo is the most ideal for kitchen cabinets. This characteristic makes it easier to hang when installing high cabinets, which is not possible with other denser hardwoods and softwoods.
- Brings in a Modern Look
Apart from durability, another crucial thing that comes with bamboo is the aesthetic look and feel that it offers. It has a strip of vertical grains, which makes it easier to clean the frequent and massive staining caused by foods and drinks in the kitchen. The boards come in airy light colors that add class and elegance to the kitchen area. That is not all; you do not even have to add any finish for the grains to be visible, as they are readily visible, vertically. This brings in the modern elegant look.
Any type of wood is good for kitchen cabinets provided you properly maintain it. One of the many ways to maintain kitchen cabinets is by avoiding the use of abrasive items like knives near the cabinets. Also, have a quality working kitchen range hood to minimize the amount of humidity produced when cooking, as this helps prevent moisture on the cabinet. No matter how durable or good the wood is, it will soon wear and tear if you do not practice the preventive measures. The best way to choose wood for your kitchen cabinets is by working with a contractor. They have the experience and skills to know what wood suits you best.