Bamboo Countertops

Kitchen decoration and remodeling is an exciting job which can become complicated if you are not exactly sure about the kind of changes that you want to bring in to your kitchen. If you are done using those cold granite countertops and other stone countertops, then you can simply try kitchen remodeling by replacing the older countertops with bamboo countertops. They can also be an excellent replacement for the wood countertops that you have had in the kitchen, for ages. The best thing about these kitchen countertops is that they are eco friendly and solid as the regular wooden countertops. If you are doubtful whether they are suitable for your kitchen too, then you need to keep on reading the next section of the article.

Using bamboo countertops in kitchen and bathrooms is the latest trend. If you are a fan of ultramodern or contemporary furniture theme, then forget about these. In other words, if you want to implement ideas for modern yet rustic decor in the kitchen and bathroom, then bamboo countertops is the best option for you. If you are not aware, then let me tell you that bamboo is a renewable resource and hence, you can be assured that you are using eco friendly furniture.

Trends
Now let's discuss the popular trends of bamboo countertops. These countertops are available in a huge range of finishing and hence, you need to decide exactly where you want to use the countertop. For instance, whether you are looking for the best bamboo countertops for bathroom, kitchen or kitchen islands and then choose the finishing which is durable for that part of the dwelling. You can either get pre-finished countertops that are either finished with beeswax and natural oils or chemicals like polyurethane, which is a food safe wood finishing material. No matter which finishing you choose, you need to reapply it once a year.

There are three types of cuts that distinguish one bamboo countertop from the other. The first type is the horizontal cut, which is 5/8 inches wide and is taken from the face of the pole and shows joints of the reed on the surface. The second type is the vertical cut, which is ¼ inch wide and comes from the side of the split pole and provides more uniform look. The third type is the end grain, which comes from cross sectioning of bamboo poles and looks like small bamboo pieces joined together, same as the butcher block surface.

Care
However, if you are not a maintenance freak or are not interested in taking actions that are required for regular cleaning of wood or bamboo furniture and fencing then you may have to think again. Bamboo is quite delicate and the surface of your countertops can become rough if it come in direct contact with hot water or food items. You may also need to oil the bamboo countertop once in a while, so that they stay durable for longer. Last and most important thing to consider would be the cost of these countertops, which is around USD 45 per sq ft. When it comes to bamboo countertop care, apart from finishing and oiling, you also need to learn a few more things. They include, cleaning your bamboo countertop with a mixture of 1 quart water and a tablespoon of vinegar. You should always avoid using chemical based cleaning products on bamboo and wood countertops. If the countertop gets scratched, then you need to take immediate action and reseal it or sand it with eco friendly products. You should also need to be careful while placing hot pans, cups and serving dishes directly on the countertop, because it may nick the surface of the countertop.

Bamboo countertops are available in both light (muted golden undertone) and dark (honey) color shades of wood furniture. The cost is the higher side, but so is the cost of many other countertop materials that we use. At the end, all that I can say is that choosing these countertops totally depends on your personal choice. So, be wise and choose the best!