Through the years, bamboo has become a popular material for many products and most people are choosing bamboo for their homes, but is it a good option for bathrooms? Bamboo has many applications when it comes to sustainability and environmentally sound structures. It is lightweight but solid and is also durable. Check out the rest of the article below to find out the different bamboo products that you can have for your bathroom and if they are the ideal choice or not.
Is bamboo good in bathrooms? Bamboo is a good choice for your bathroom. It is durable, renewable, and sustainable. Bamboo is eco-friendly and can easily regenerate once it is cut down. There are a lot of bamboo products for bathrooms like toilet papers, bath mats, and bamboo flooring. Not only is bamboo lightweight, but it is also an eco-friendly alternative to plastic or wood.
Bamboo is known as a fast-growing plant that is both eco-friendly and useful when it comes to making quality products. While aesthetic is an important factor for any product, the benefits of bamboo multiply from there. Why choose bamboo furniture for your bathroom? Is bamboo furniture durable? How do you make bamboo water-resistant? Is bamboo cheaper than wood? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Let’s get started.
Is Bamboo Plant Good for Bathrooms?
The lucky bamboo plant is a unique-looking plant that you can have for your bathroom. It can grow at almost any light level. If you do not want to deal with the additional mess in your bathroom, this plant is your best choice because it does not need soil to grow. However, you need to place pebbles and a container of water so that it will take root. See to it that the container of water remains full so that it remains hydrated.
Bamboo Furniture in Bathroom
A sustainable and durable material that you can choose for your furniture is bamboo. It is ideal for bathrooms that have a tropical or natural theme. If you are hesitant about the natural color of bamboo, you do not have to worry because it can be painted like wood so you can easily blend it with the color scheme that you want to achieve. Moreover, you can stain bamboo furniture so that they resemble expensive wood-like teak.
Why Choose Bamboo Furniture for Your Bathroom?
Among the many benefits that you can get from bamboo furniture is that it is durable, strong, shrink, and swell-resistant, and it provides a natural look into your bathroom. You can choose from a wide array of bamboo furniture according to the aesthetic and function that you require. Let us take a closer look at each of these benefits below.
Strength
The tensile strength of bamboo is 28,000 per square inch which makes it stronger than steel which is only 23,000 per square inch. No other trees grow as straight as bamboo. Some knuckles might appear but these variances are dense and consistent and do not weaken the structure of the bamboo. To further enhance the strength of the bamboo, it can be laminated. Lamination offers another layer to combat wear and tear.
Swell and Shrink-Resistant
One of the advantages of bamboo furniture is that it does not shrink or well when exposed to atmospheric changes. They can be able to withstand the change from humid to dry air as well as the temperature changes.
Durable
Another reason why bamboo furniture is ideal for bathrooms is that they are durable and can be able to withstand everyday use. Bamboo is more resistant to damage as compared to traditional hardwoods. Bamboo bath mats are a good product because it can last for a long time and will not easily get damaged even if it is exposed to too much foot traffic.
Selection
Nowadays, more varieties, finishes, and styles are available for bamboo furniture. Furniture designers are making use of bamboo for innovative designs. They are also used for composite materials. You can find a wide array of bamboo furniture from chairs, shelves, to tables, and cabinets.
Appearance
If you do not want to have the natural color of bamboo on your bathroom furniture, you can choose to stain and color. Bamboo furniture has a fine grain and comes in a wide array of finishes and stains.
Is Bamboo Furniture Durable?
Bamboo furniture is strong and durable. It is considered one of the hardest woods. While bamboo is grass, it is considered one of the strongest materials available and even stronger than steel. You can check out this article that we have written titled, is bamboo a tree or grass? We have shared an in-depth discussion about bamboo.
How Long Does Bamboo Furniture Last?
Untreated bamboo furniture can last between 4 to 7 years. If you want your bamboo furniture to last longer than that, make sure that you choose the laminated and water-resistant ones so that they can be able to withstand weather and temperature changes for a long time.
✅ Video – How to Make a Nice Bamboo Chair
Ban bekas & kerajinan shared the video below on YouTube on how to make a chair with the use of bamboo. The video provides an overview reference on how to make the bamboo chair so that the design can be adjusted to your liking. Watch the video below to see how it is done.
Bamboo Bathroom Flooring
You can also choose to have bamboo flooring for your bathroom. Bamboo floors are more water-resistant and durable as compared to hardwood floors. On the other hand, do not install them in your bathroom or any areas in your house with excess moisture or water when they are not waterproof. Make sure that you waterproof your bathroom floors to avoid damage and so that they can last longer.
Advantages of Bamboo Flooring
While high-quality bamboo flooring is durable as compared to hardwood, not all bamboo flooring is created equal. If you prefer to have a modern, clean, and contemporary look for your floor, then bamboo is an ideal choice. Bamboo floors that are properly finished can be easily cleaned with mild soap. Depending on the thickness of the planks, you can also choose to refinish your bamboo floors.
Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring
One of the downsides of bamboo flooring is that it is limited to a few tonal shades. Moreover, inexpensive bamboo flooring is vulnerable to scratches. If it is not waterproofed, it can easily absorb water and moisture which makes it at risk of damage from excessive water and humidity.
✅ Video – Cali Bamboo Flooring Review
How to Hacks shared the video below on YouTube. It is a review of how bamboo flooring appears after three years of use. You can check out the video below for what the owner has to say about the bamboo flooring.
Bamboo Toilet Paper
If you want an eco-friendly and septic tank-safe option for toilet paper, you can choose those that are made from bamboo. Bamboo toilet paper is soft, thick, and comfortable to use. It is super absorbent as well. Bamboo toilet paper is 100% biodegradable. It is also septic safe which means that it can easily dissolve in your septic tank and will not cause any blockage. You can also check out this article that we have written that discusses the many benefits of bamboo toilet paper.
Why Use Bamboo Toilet Paper?
Bamboo toilet paper is an eco-friendly alternative to recycled and natural toilet paper. It is stringer but cool and soft to the touch. It is safer to use as compared to recycled toilet paper because it does not use any chemicals in its production. Moreover, this toilet paper is made from bamboo which is a sustainable and eco-friendly material that helps cut down on deforestation. Learn more about this topic by checking out this article titled, why use bamboo toilet paper?
Strong and Soft
The natural properties of bamboo make this toilet paper stringer as compared to those that are derived from hardwood. However, it is soft, cool, and comfortable to the skin. Bamboo toilet paper is ideal for all skin types. It is also flushable and will dissolve as soon as it gets flushed from the drain.
Reduces Deforestation
Recycled and hardwood toilet paper makes use of trees in their production. On the other hand, bamboo toilet paper is made from bamboo. Bamboo grows over 30 times faster as compared to traditional trees which helps reduce deforestation. It is also renewable and sustainable and will re-grow even if it is cut down.
Safer to Use
Take note the toilet paper made from recycled materials contains harsh chemicals like BPA and other substances. It is not skin-friendly and can also cause allergies especially to those with sensitive skin. On the other hand, toilet paper made from bamboo does not use harmful chemicals in its production. It is also antifungal, antibacterial, and hypo-allergenic.
Biodegradable
Bamboo toilet paper is 100 percent biodegradable. It can easily break down when flushed down the toilet so you do not have to worry about blockages in the drain, pipes, or sewage system. For more information, you can check out this article that we have written titled, is bamboo toilet paper biodegradable? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
✅ Video – Bamboo Toilet Paper Review
Strolling Through Life shared the video below on YouTube. She reviewed toilet paper that is made from bamboo. In the video, she also discusses what bamboo toilet paper is. Check out what she has to say about the product by watching the video below.
Bamboo Shower Mats
Bamboo shower mats are an ideal option for your bathroom as it has many benefits. Aside from their pleasing look, bamboo shower mats can also withstand mildew, strain, and water pressure. These shower mats are also designed to be elevated which helps keep water from sitting on the floor and damaging the material.
Are you experiencing mold on your mats? Check out this article that we have written that discusses how to keep bath mats from getting moldy. We have shared useful tips and information to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on bath mats.
Are Bamboo Bath Mats Good?
Bamboo mats are a good choice for your bathroom. They are durable which means that you can save a lot of money because there is no need to replace them often. Moreover, bamboo shower mats do not absorb water so it is safe from mold and mildew. They are also low maintenance and feature an elevated design.
Elevated Design
Bamboo bath mats have an elevated design to allow water to evaporate faster. This helps keep the mat and the floor clean and sanitary. As compared to traditional bath mats, water does not soak in bamboo mats which helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Durable
Bamboo is strong and durable which makes it a good material for bath mats. It can last for a long time and can be able to withstand foot traffic. Bamboo bath mats do not easily get damaged and are not prone to wear and tear.
Low Maintenance
Bamboo bath mats are low maintenance and can easily be cleaned. Because of its elevated design, it prevents dirt and mold from sticking into the mat which makes cleaning an easy job to do.
Bamboo Products Vs Plastic
As compared to plastic, bamboo is highly renewable, has antifungal and antibacterial properties, is natural, and is biodegradable. Take note that plastic can take up to 1000 years to degrade and is also one of the leading causes of pollution worldwide. If you want an eco-friendly alternative, bamboo products are your best choice.
Plastic is Non-Biodegradable
Plastic does not degrade. Rather, it photodegrades which means that it can only break into small fragments. This could still cause hard and dangerous to both wildlife and the environment.
Plastic is a Derivative of Petroleum
When it comes to the mass production of plastic, it heavily relies on petroleum and oil products that are non-renewable. This can contribute to a faster rate of depletion because the production of plastic is dependent on resources that are not replenished.
Bamboo is Affordable
Bamboo is fast-growing and is more affordable as compared to wood. It can take only three years for bamboo to mature fully and once they are grown, they are sustainable. The production costs are also less expensive since there is a little alteration in its composition to create various products.
Bamboo is Durable
Another benefit of bamboo is that it is durable and strong. The durability of bamboo depends on its variety. When it is left untreated, it can last for about two years. On the other hand, when it is properly stored and covered, it can be able to last for up to seven years before it began to rot. When it is used indoors, it can last for a very long time.
Bamboo has Anti-Microbial Properties
The natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of bamboo prevent the growth of bacteria. The presence of bamboo Kun, which is the anti-microbial substance that is found in bamboo fibers means that it does not need any chemical treatment or pesticides. Because of its anti-microbial properties, it is often used for toilet papers, toothbrushes, and bath mats.
What Happens when Bamboo Gets Wet?
While bamboo flooring is water-resistant, it can still be at risk of water damage when exposed to excessive water especially when water is soaked into the planks of the flooring for a long time. Signs of water damage on bamboo flooring include distortion, discoloration, and warping.
How Do You Make Bamboo Water Resistant?
To make bamboo water-resistant, you need to use a high-quality bamboo sealer. The sealer should contain water-repellent preservatives like wax, resin, or paraffin wax. Also, a binder should be included to lessen shrinkage, swelling, and degradation.
Is Bamboo Cheaper than Wood?
Depending on its availability, bamboo is cheaper than wood. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant and can reach maturity within five years as compared to hardwood trees that can take more than 30 years to fully mature. Bamboo is also more abundant and can be easily grown which makes it cheaper.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses if bamboo is good in bathrooms. Bamboo is a strong and durable material that is used to make various bathroom products and furniture. The advantages are that it is renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable. It is the best choice if you want to have a natural and eco-friendly bathroom. However, there are pros and cons when it comes to using bamboo products in your bathroom. Make sure that you weigh the pros and cons so that you can make the right choice. Thank you for reading!