Bamboo worktops are becoming more and more popular. At the moment, they are in all of the home and lifestyle magazines. They look great in the glossy, staged pictures, but are they any good in reality? When you are faced with choosing which kitchen worktop to install in your own home, are there any reasons for picking bamboo worktops over all of the other countertop options available? This article will provide you with information to answer the above question. After getting to the end, having explored both the pros and cons of this type of kitchen counter, you should be in a better position to decide whether bamboo worktops are appropriate to your kitchen.
Looking first at the pros, perhaps the most overwhelming and benefit of installing bamboo kitchen worktops is the fact that they are a very environmentally sound choice. Unlike traditional hardwoods, which can often only be harvested once every 20 years, bamboo matures much more quickly. In fact it is possible to harvest bamboo every 3 to 5 years. In addition, because bamboo is a grass and not a tree, it is root system remains intact and this allows for quick regeneration and sustainability. Without a doubt, if you are striving to create a kitchen design with the least environmental impact, you should certainly consider the properties of bamboo.
This is not to say however that bamboo does not also offer a range of other benefits to a potential purchaser. In addition to being a very green choice, bamboo worktops are also very practical and functional. Compressed bamboo can often work out cheaper than other hardwood worktops. Yet it compares quite favourably in terms of its functionality. Bamboo is very hard and strong. It is difficult to dent and it is relatively resistant to warping and bending out of shape. Importantly, it is also quite water resistant and this is in stark contrast to many other solid wood worktop options.
Bamboo kitchen worktops also look really attractive. Bamboo has an interesting grain pattern and works well in a range of different kitchen designs. Bamboo responds well to oiling and staining and, as a result, the wood can be altered to fit in well with your existing kitchen scheme.
Despite these positive attributes, bamboo does have one negative aspect that is worth discussion. Although it is naturally quite a water resistant wood, like most other hardwood worktops a bamboo counter will require regular maintenance and care. If a bamboo worktop is not oiled on installation and regularly thereafter, it will be susceptible to water staining and marking. This is particularly true around sinks and where cooking splashes occur. Splashes and spillages must be dealt with quickly or else the surface will be damaged.
That said, it is clear that the benefits of a bamboo worktop seriously outweigh the negative points. If you are looking for a wooden worktop you’d be mad not to at least give some consideration to installing bamboo worktops in your home.