Free Shipping Over $3,000!

Cabinets Fit For Royalty, But Affordable For All!

Bamboo Kitchen Cabinets: All You Need to Know

By: Andrew Saladino | min

Modern kitchen with bamboo kitchen cabinets, silver hardware and granite countertops.

Although still not a widely popular choice for kitchen cabinets, bamboo has been on the rise for more minimalist, eco-friendly, and modern style kitchens. Often confused for a wood species, bamboo is actually a highly sturdy grass that has plenty of advantages when chosen for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

What's great about bamboo is that unlike most hardwood trees, which take decades to mature, it grows quickly and can be harvested about every three to five years. In comparison to hardwood trees that die after being harvested, bamboo also keeps renewing itself about every three years making it a truly sustainable alternative for cabinets, furniture, and flooring.

If you're considering bamboo kitchen cabinets, keep reading for a detailed breakdown of characteristics, costs, design ideas, and common finishes and stains used with bamboo.

Bamboo Kitchen Cabinets

When choosing bamboo kitchen cabinets, you're not only going for a greener choice but you're also choosing a sturdy, low-maintenance material. Learn all there is to know about bamboo cabinets, including a few disadvantages to help you make the best choice.

Modern kitchen with all white countertops and brown bamboo cabinets.
1

Characteristics
of Bamboo

Modern kitchen with all white countertops and brown bamboo cabinets.

Bamboo wood has a unique linear grain and it often shows the distinctive nodes or knuckles of the stalks. It's softer than most hardwoods but still incredibly resistant to chips, dings, and cracks. Bamboo kitchen cabinets tend to have a natural warm or neutral hue that gives your kitchen a fresh yet inviting feel.

Tip: As demand for bamboo cabinetry is relatively low, cabinet sizes are limited. Be sure to measure and design your new kitchen cabinets before committing to bamboo to ensure your kitchen's needs will be met.

Chocolate stained bamboo kitchen cabinets with black countertops.
2

Bamboo
Cabinet Finishes

Chocolate stained bamboo kitchen cabinets with black countertops.

Blonde and honey are the most common shades of natural bamboo kitchen cabinets. For a contemporary or sleek kitchen, it's recommended to leave bamboo kitchen cabinets with a natural or water-based finish. Bamboo also takes stains well so if you're looking for a warmer kitchen, a deep cherry or chocolate stain will accentuate its linear grain.

Tip: Although bamboo is resistant to dents, adding a protective coating will ensure the durability of your bathroom or kitchen cabinets. If you're looking for uniquely painted cabinets, maple or birch is probably a better choice.

Natural bamboo cabinets with a waterborne finish in a bright open kitchen.

Most bamboo cabinets have a waterborne finish. Waterborne finished bamboo cabinets are scratch-resistant and eco-friendly as the finish is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde-hazard free.

Minimalist kitchen with stained bamboo cabinets in gray.

A rich stain looks great over bamboo cabinets as it brings out the natural patterns in the grain and creates a one-of-a-kind kitchen aesthetic. Depending on the stain, keep in mind that your cabinets may look dual-toned or even tri-toned.

Honey colored bamboo kitchen cabinets with subway tile backsplash and grey countertops
3

Average Cost
of Bamboo Cabinets

Honey colored bamboo kitchen cabinets with subway tile backsplash and grey countertops

As bamboo is still a somewhat rare choice for kitchen cabinetry, you may end up paying more for bamboo than traditional hardwood. Bamboo is much heavier as well, which can scale transportation costs significantly. For an average kitchen, expect to pay anywhere between $12K to $20K, and up to $35K for top quality bamboo kitchen cabinets.

Tip: If you want to achieve the aesthetic of bamboo cabinets on a smaller budget, opt for bamboo plywood which is then placed over traditional hardwood as opposed to full, solid bamboo.

Bamboo Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

If you're set on bamboo cabinets for your kitchen, be sure to gather some inspiration from our bamboo kitchen ideas below. Put together a mood board with a color palette, accent pieces, hardware, and countertop choices.

Natural warm brown bamboo cabinets with white countertops.

Bring in warmth to a minimalist kitchen with soft brown bamboo cabinets.

Light bamboo cabinets combined with white vinyl cabinet doors.

Achieve an airy, open concept feel with natural, honey bamboo cabinets.

Modern style kitchen with stone gray bamboo kitchen cabinets.

For a rustic or industrial look, stain your bamboo cabinets in stone gray.

Bamboo Kitchen Design Inspiration

All white kitchen with accent gray bamboo cabinet doors. L shaped kitchen with warm brown bamboo cabinets and minimal hardware. Open concept kitchen with beige quartz countertops and bamboo kitchen cabinets. Modern kitchen with rustic elements including bamboo cabinets and brass hardware. Kitchen with bamboo kitchen cabinets with a smooth finish and a honeycomb tile backsplash.

Bamboo Kitchen Cabinets FAQs

Get any last minute questions you have on bamboo kitchen cabinets answered below. From common pros and cons over traditional hardwood choices to how to clean bamboo cabinets, you'll be ready to make the right choice for your kitchen.

Pros

  • Bamboo is sustainable and delivers the look of wood with little environmental impact.
  • It can be as hard as or harder than oak or maple hardwoods making it a sturdy choice for cabinetry.
  • Takes in darker finishes and stains very well.
  • Bamboo cabinets clean up easily with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.

Cons

  • The costs associated with transportation impact its environmental friendliness and affordability.
  • Like all wooden cabinets, bamboo surfaces may scratch with rough treatment.
  • Low demand can lead to limited choices in size, styles, and transportation.

Are bamboo cabinets durable?

Because they're as strong or stronger than certain hardwoods and resistant to chips and cracks, bamboo cabinets are an attractive, durable, and sustainable addition to any kitchen design or style.

Are bamboo kitchen cabinets expensive?

Since bamboo is still a more unconventional choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, bamboo kitchen cabinets tend to run on the higher-end. Transportation and quality of the materials can also significantly increase the overall price of bamboo cabinets compared to other kitchen cabinet costs.

How do you clean bamboo kitchen cabinets?

Bamboo cabinets are extremely easy to clean as they don't have to be treated with oil as other traditional hardwoods. A cloth with warm water and mild dish soap will be enough to remove tough grease stains.

Are bamboo cabinets environmentally friendly?

Since bamboo is a grass that regrows about every three to seven years, it's considered a highly sustainable option for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Bamboo cabinets also don't have to be treated with oil and an eco-friendly waterborne finish also further lessens the overall environmental impact. However, keep in mind that transporting bamboo is tricky and certain transportation practices can diminish its environmental friendliness.

Which kitchen styles look best with bamboo cabinets?

Because of its natural aesthetic, bamboo fits well with contemporary and minimalist kitchen design. For a clean and modern look, opt for a vertical bamboo grain. If you want your kitchen to look more spacious and cohesive with the rest of your home, a horizontal grain will work best. We recommend checking out our kitchen cabinet styles page for more inspiration.

Bamboo cabinets are a smart and creative way to bring a luxurious material into your home without the environmental impact. If you're ready to explore more ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets for your home, be sure to use our kitchen remodel estimator to start putting together your budget.

As Seen On
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On Grey's Anatomy
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings on HGTV
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings on DIY Network
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On Property Brothers
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On Apartment Therapy
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On BuzzFeed
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On Entrepreneur
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On Forbes
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On Huffington Post
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On SFGate
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On The Spruce
  • Kitchen Cabinet Kings As Seen On Yahoo!

Enter your email address and get 10% off your order. Enjoy exclusive access to special offers and news.

Connect with us

Please wait...

{{var product.name}} has been added to your cart

View cart & checkout Continue shopping