Bamboo Countertops

Posted by Joyce Benson   1 Comment

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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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