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Archive for Kitchen Countertops – Page 3

Bamboo

Originally published on ashevillekitchentops.com

A highly sustainable countertop material

Bamboo is a beautiful, natural and sustainable alternative to traditional butcher block countertops. The warm look and feel of bamboo will add a unique and interesting element to your kitchen or bath. Bamboo offers an ecologically sensitive alternative to traditionally harvested timber.

Bamboo is actually a grass, not a wood, that grows to harvest maturity in about 5 – 7 years. It is self-replenishing and does not require any special fertilizers, making it one of the most renewable and sustainable construction resources around. The species we use for countertops, Moso, is not a food source or habitat for the Giant Panda.

Bamboo is harder and denser than most hardwoods, about 16% harder than maple. Our countertops are constructed with cross-band laminates, using a completely non-toxic, food grade, and formaldehyde free adhesive. Countertops come in two colors. Natural is the light color that is the normal color of the plant. Carmel is a dark, rich color that is acheived by heating the bamboo until it ‘browns’ the sugar compounds within the plant. The parquet end grain tops are 1 1/2″ thick, and edge profiles can be routed to suit any individual style. We have several finishes available, depending on the intended use and preference of the homeowner.

In addition to making beautiful, durable countertops, bamboo is also healthy for the earth. Bamboo releases about 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than traditional hardwoods. It absorbs carbon from the environment, and as a rapidly renewable resource it can be harvested without worry that it will run out. Bamboo countertops may be the perfect choice if you like the look and feel of wood but prefer a more sustainable alternative.

 

Care & Maintenance

Originally published on greenmountainsoapstone.com

Taking care of soapstone is simple.

Treated

We recommend applying a light coat of Soapstone Enhancer or Mineral Oil to all sinks and countertops upon installation. GMS Soapstone Enhancer and GMS Mineral Oil both enhance the inherent natural veining characteristics and crystallization detail of the stone.

Versatility of finish is one of the great pluses of soapstone. Not everyone chooses to color enhance their soapstone. Some homeowners love the natural, untreated soft-gray look. Others choose to bring out the color with GMS Soapstone Enhancer or Mineral Oil. Some treat it weekly, others monthly and some treat only when company is coming. However, when treating with mineral oil, the more often you treat after installation, the sooner you will not have to do it as often.

If your soapstone becomes scratched, follow the easy restoration instructions below:

STEP 1 – Sanding Scratches
Light scratches will disappear with a direct dab
of GMS Mineral Oil or GMS Soapstone Enhancer.
To permanently remove a deeper scratch, apply medium pressure to the scratched area with
an 80 grit sanding sponge. The deeper the scratch, the more sanding will be needed.

Untreated

STEP 2 – Oiling or Enhancing
After the scratch has been sanded out, apply a light coat of GMS Mineral Oil or GMS Soapstone Enhancer to the sanded area. The mineral oil application should be repeated 2-3 times over a 2-3 day period until the sanded area matches the coloration of the rest of the stone. GMS Soapstone Enhancer should be applied twice. The second application should be about 24 hours after the first.

Returned to its former beauty… To maintain your soapstone use a damp cloth or sponge with cleanser for cleanings when needed. Oiling will enhance the luster and color of the stone, and restore that brand new look. Subsequent coats should be re-applied as you see fit.