We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Affiliate Disclosure
Do something different with your kitchen and try a bamboo farmhouse sink. This sustainable alternative to traditional materials is both beautiful and functional. It’s prefect if you’re looking for something unique.
What is This Material?
As a plant, bamboo is actually a type of grass. However, the fibrous insides are super durable, making it the perfect alternative to wood.
Aesthetically, the two are very similar. You’ll still get a variety of brown tones, with plenty of visible grain.
However, it’s easy to grow, and grows quickly. That makes it substantially more eco-friendly than using traditional wood options. That’s why this material a better choice than an actual, wooden farmhouse sink.
Bamboo Farmhouse Sink Options
If you think this material might be right for you, check out these product options. You can also keep reading below to see the benefits and downsides of this material.
Double Basin
This double basin option is perfect if you want some extra organization. With two bowls, it’s easier to separate your dishes, or to have a dedicated prep space.
Unfortunately, it does make cleaning a bit more difficult. You have to worry about both basins as well as the divider, which can be a pain.
Single Basin
This option is a classic single basin one. If you want something simple and modern, this one is the perfect choice. It’s also easier to maintain than a double basin option, since you only have one large area to clean.
Rounded Edges
Aesthetically, this option is a little different in that it has rounded corners and more details on the front.
This isn’t a major difference, but it does add a lot of charm. It’s a better choice if you’re after something that will look good in a country or traditional space.
It also comes with a grid, which is handy for cleaning, etc. It keeps dishes off the bottom of the basin, which means less standing water and accumulated dirt.
Benefits of This Material
The two main reasons to choose this material are for its aesthetics, and the fact that it’s eco-friendly.
Aesthetically, it’s hard to beat because of the wooden appearance. That makes it a great option for rustic styles, since they focus heavily on natural materials. Although it also works perfectly to add a softer, cozier touch to a modern space as well.
Environmentally, it’s also a great choice. While there are some recycled metal options available, most fixtures are not sustainable or eco-friendly. If you’re serious about how your actions impact the environment, this material is better.
Of course, the main point of a fixture is to be a work horse. You want to make sure that it’s going to be able to stand up to whatever abuse it might face in your kitchen.
While this material is delicate in certain regards, overall, it’s very durable. It’s going to stand up to normal use, just like other materials.
Downsides of This Material
The biggest downside to this type of material is that it’s high maintenance. That’s because this material has a protective coating over it that must be preserved.
In that regard, it’s very similar to porcelain or cast iron. With these options, it’s also important to protect the coating, which is made of enamel.
For all these materials, there are some strict guidelines that you have to do your best to follow. This will help keep your fixtures looking good and functioning well for many years.
The first guideline is to remove standing water. With bamboo especially, you want to make sure that there’s no water remaining in the basin for long periods of time. That’s because standing water can cause odors, discoloration, and it can also break down the protective coating.
In fact, with options in this material, you can’t soak things. Again, you can’t have that much water in contact with the basin for that long. As such, don’t choose this fixture if you like to thaw items or soak pans directly in the basin.
The other guideline is to watch how you clean the basin. You can’t use strong chemicals, like bleach, and you also have to avoid solvents. With this material, gentle soaps and natural cleaners are the better choice.
You also can’t use any scrubbers or sponges that are too abrasive. Try to avoid tough scrubbing fibers altogether. Instead, go with microfiber towels and other, similar options.
The issue is that both of these things can actually strip the coating. And once the coating it gone; the actual fibers below will become damaged.
Luckily, the coating can actually be replaced. If you do make a mistake, you can always have it resealed. The process is easy enough to do yourself, with materials that you can buy at your local hardware store.
To maintain the best possible condition, you can also reseal it once a year. That way the coating is always fresh, and capable of protecting the basin.
Overall, with routine cleaning and maintenance, this type of fixture will remain in top shape. It’s certainly a commitment, but for some, the benefits outweigh the extra work.
Deciding on Your Fixture
If you’re still not sure if this material is good for you, consider how much work you do in the kitchen.
If you do a lot of cooking and cleaning, this option probably isn’t for you. You’re better off with a more practical choice, like stainless steel. Metal is durable and low maintenance, which makes it ideal for busy kitchens.
If you don’t cook that often, or if you don’t generate a lot of dishes, you have more options. You can choose a material for the aesthetics, even if it’s a little high maintenance.
Unfortunately, you’ll still have to commit to a regular care routine. However, it will be much easier if the fixture doesn’t see that much use anyways.
Of course, with this material you’ll also have to consider your impact on the environment. If you’re conscious of the environmental footprint you make, this material is a good choice. It can be sustainably sourced, making it a better option than metal and other materials.
All told, there are plenty of good reasons to choose this material for your fixtures. The question is if those reasons are worth the extra effort you’ll have to put into maintenance.
However, if you can maintain it, a bamboo farmhouse sink is a gorgeous, sustainable option.
