subject: Go Green With Bamboo Countertops [print this page] Go Green With Bamboo Countertops Go Green With Bamboo Countertops
With an increasing number of people concerned about the environmental impact of their home fixture and fittings choices, they will be glad to know that there are now some eco-friendly alternatives. This environmental friendly alternative is bamboo. In today's construction industry you will see it being used for walls, furniture, cabinets and other home fixtures. Bamboo countertops are one of these home fixtures that green-conscious homeowners would do well to consider.
And these countertops made from bamboo are able to withstand wear and tear just as well as some very hard granite stones. They also have that unique look, if you are looking for something different. Their cost compares very well when compared with some of the more expensive materials, yet they are still very elegant. You can have a stylish looking bamboo countertop that will only cost you from $30 to $40 per square foot. With proper daily care and maintenance, your countertop will last just as long as a hard stone countertop.
If you are a discriminating homeowner, there are two types of bamboo countertops that you can choose. One is the bamboo laminated countertop where small strips of bamboo are glued together to form a plank. Then, several planks are glued together according to the required dimension of the project. After it is installed and the proper finish is done, the countertop surface is sealed to protect it from wear and tear.
The other method is to make the countertop using the end-grain. This is similar to the first one but instead of small strips and planks, the rectangular tops of the end-grain are the ones that are glued together. These glued end-grain pieces are then glued together to the desired measurement of the countertop. Then the whole surface is given the required finish and sealing.
Bamboo is hard and even harder than some hardwood, yet it is also prone to burning, scorching and staining. Therefore, you have to be careful not to place hot pans or pots in its surface for too long, or you are liable to scorch its surface. Cleaning it is done by simply using mild soap and warm water. If you find small scratches, have it sanded and then re-seal the affected area.
