Bamboo Countertops
Posted by Joyce Benson 1 Comment
Share this on:In a previous post, I wrote about the pros and cons of bamboo used as a flooring option. The pros seem to outweigh the cons, as bamboo is a durable surface material not only for flooring, cabinetry and wall panels, but also for countertops. When using this fast-growing grass (yes, it’s a grass) for an island countertop surface, there are some other considerations: food safety, durability, bacteria-resistance, style, and color choices, to name a few.
Color:
- The natural look (a light blonde hue) is a classic, but if you’re looking for something more dramatic, a carmelized color is possible, even without the use of stains or dyes. The bamboo culms or slats are pressure-heated to “brown” the sugar compounds naturally present in the plant, yielding a warm, amber appearance.
Style:
- Traditional parquet butcher-block (pictured here, courtesy of Teragren) provides a timeless look in any kitchen.
- More sleek-looking options include the use of vertical grain or strand bamboo.
Food Safety and Bacteria-resistance:
- Bamboo is naturally resistant to bacteria, making it an ideal choice in the kitchen.
- Look for bamboo countertops manufactured with food-safe, formaldehyde-free adhesives.
- To keep cleaning easy and improve stain- and water-resistance, choose natural finishes such as mineral oil, tung oil, linseed oil or beeswax finishes.
Durability:
- Bamboo is much harder than maple or oak as long as it is allowed to mature to 5 or 6 years before being harvested. Moso bamboo is grown in ideal climatic conditions and is a smart choice.
Tag(s): Green Furnishings, Kitchens And Baths
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One Response to “Bamboo Countertops”
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I like the idea of Bamboo countertops. It sounds much more sustainable and is naturally resistant to bacteria which is a plus in the kitchen and even harder than maple or oak.