A breathtakingly beautiful countertop that doesn't cost a fortune, and is made from a renewable resource that takes months rather than decades to replenish itself. Sounds too good to be true, right? We're talking about bamboo, which is 16% harder than maple and yet 1/3 lighter in weight than oak.
At the AWFS show in Las Vegas in late July, we came across a booth that featured several different types of bamboo countertop. It comes in three configurations - vertical (side) grain; flat (face) grain; and end grain, which is usually presented as a parquet. It also comes in a rich brown color that the manufacturer calls "Dark", and a blond version that is named "Natural".

According to Totally Bamboo of San Marcos, California, bamboo is actually a grass that grows to a harvestable height between 3 to 5 years. Some species grow up to 2 feet per day. After harvesting, bamboo does not require replanting, it has an extensive root system that continually sends up new shoots, naturally replenishing itself, making it one of the most renewable resources known.
One of the more visually stimulating aspects of bamboo countertop is the huge variety of backsplash options it offers (above). These can include inlays, contrasting strips and vertical grains all mixed together.

To see more examples of these surpringly affordable bamboo countertops,
visit the company online at http://www.totallybamboo.com

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