| One of the most prevalent materials in any home | | | | which often has similar coloring to red oak. This is |
| is wood but with growing concern for | | | | a popular choice because of the warmth in color |
| deforestation, choosing an ecologically responsible | | | | however it is important to remember that the |
| alternative such as bamboo has gained in | | | | carbonization process of boiling the bamboo tends |
| popularity. Wood is commonly used for cabinetry, | | | | to weaken the material. When properly finished |
| flooring, furniture, trim and even unseen items | | | | however, either is ideal for flooring, cabinetry or |
| such as frame work. Bamboo is a rapidly | | | | furniture. |
| replenished and sustainable material that can be | | | | There are a slew of bamboo manufacturers in |
| used to create many of these items, is | | | | existence and they carry a variety of products |
| surprisingly durable even though it is technically a | | | | ranging from kitchen cabinetry to flooring to |
| member of the grass family and is beautiful when | | | | furniture and everything in between. AlterEco, a |
| finish-treated properly. | | | | San Francisco based company, specializes in |
| Typically, bamboo suitable for construction can be | | | | creating beautiful cabinetry from bamboo. Their |
| harvested in just five years while most tree | | | | online showroom is full of gorgeous installation |
| species require upwards of fifty years to fully | | | | photos which truly display that bamboo, although |
| mature. The beauty in this is that ten times as | | | | limited in color, can be a perfect choice in either a |
| much bamboo can be produced in the same | | | | traditional or ultra modern setting. Flooring is one |
| amount of time it takes to grow one tree. | | | | of the most prevalent installation selections for |
| Spatially, it is a smaller radius than a tree so it | | | | bamboo and iFLOOR is a company offering a |
| requires less acreage to harvest an equal amount | | | | very wide variety in style and color of flooring |
| of material. In addition to rapid growth and a small | | | | planks. Reviewing their prices it is clear that not |
| footprint, bamboo displays similar benefits to | | | | only is this material friendly to the planet, it is |
| those of trees -- it helps prevent soil erosion and | | | | friendly to the wallet as well. A carbonized |
| releases oxygen which protects against pollutants | | | | alternative similar in color to Brazilian cherry is |
| to provide clean breathable air. | | | | almost 2 dollars less expensive than that same |
| The durability and beauty of this material are two | | | | cherry per square foot. The Bamboo Showroom |
| of the main draws in the realm of interior design. | | | | carries a bar and stool set that would provide a |
| When properly treated natural bamboo will be a | | | | fun and tropical feeling to indoor or outdoor |
| similar hardness to natural maple wood. Maple is a | | | | spaces for about half the cost of similarly styled |
| well known hardwood and has grown in popularity | | | | solid maple sets. |
| for its light blonde color and soft graining which | | | | It is easy to see why bamboo is gaining attention |
| makes it a perfect backdrop to many of today's | | | | in the world of design and construction. As a |
| modern furnishings and bold fabric colors. Since | | | | resource that grows up to ten times as fast as a |
| bamboo is a grass there are few options for | | | | tree, helps to produce clean air and a material |
| color (the material technically can not be stained) | | | | that displays many similar qualities to wood it is an |
| and natural blonde is a common choice. It will be | | | | Earth friendly alternative. On the next shopping |
| extremely durable when a proper finish is applied. | | | | trip for household amenities consider bamboo as |
| The second is known as carbonized bamboo | | | | the trend that is here to stay. |