Learning About Home Remodels

Learning About Home Remodels

About Me

Learning About Home Remodels

Hello, my name is Lelani. Welcome to my website about home remodels. As my family grew in size, the starter home we purchased began to feel much too small. Instead of leaving the home we had grown to love, we decided to expand one side to add a few bedrooms to the floor plan. Upon completing the new blueprints, we brought remodeling contractors onto the job to start the build. I want to explore all of the tasks performed by these contractors during the renovation process as well as other remodeling possibilities. I hope to inspire you to tackle your own remodeling projects in the near future. Thank you.

 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Bamboo Countertops

2 September 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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Bamboo is an alternative countertop material that provides a natural yet luxurious aesthetic to your kitchen or bathroom. Because of the distinctive features that bamboo possesses, bamboo countertops carry a unique set of advantages and disadvantages when compared to other, more traditional types of countertops. Understanding what bamboo has to offer your counters can help you decide if it is the right fit for your needs.

Advantages of Bamboo Countertops

Environmentally Friendly: One of the main advantages of bamboo countertops is the fact that bamboo is a green and renewable resource. Look for bamboo countertops that are advertised as being sustainably harvested, as this can help reduce your home's environmental impact.

Affordability: Another key draw of bamboo countertops is the fact that they tend to be more affordable than natural stone countertops (though the price difference will depend on the size of your countertops and the grade of material used). This can help you stay within your remodeling budget while still refreshing the appearance of your countertops.

Resealing: Unlike traditional natural stone countertops, bamboo countertops can have minor damage (like nicks and cuts) sanded down and then have their surfaces stained to restore your countertops to their original luster. This allows for much cheaper maintenance and repairs when compared to materials like granite and marble, which have to be completely replaced if they become cracked or damaged.

Disadvantages of Bamboo Countertops

Moisture Resistance: Though bamboo is actually a grass, not a wood, it is still susceptible to damage due to water exposure. Care needs to be taken to prevent excess moisture from being absorbed into bamboo to prevent warping from occurring. If bamboo countertops are installed in bathrooms or around sinks (or any other areas which have a great deal of moisture around them), you will need to have your countertops sealed regularly to ensure that they are adequately protected from water damage, driving up your long run costs.

Heat Resistance: Bamboo is not a very heat resistant building material, because it is made up of several different strands of bamboo all glued together. This means that if you leave hot pans and dishes on your countertops, you can cause the glue to melt. While this downside can be easily mitigated by making use of heating pads to prevent hot surfaces from coming in contact with the countertop, it is still something to keep in mind when considering bamboo as a countertop material.