Bathroom Vanity Top: Are Teragren Countertops Appropriate?

Thank you for reaching out to us with your question about a bathroom vanity top. Teragren has been a global leader in the design and development of bamboo furniture grade panels, veneer and countertops  since 1994. With 20 years of experience, we pride ourselves on creating products that are beautiful, durable and healthy. Our bamboo products benefit both consumers and the environment.

One can fabricate all of our countertops using traditional woodworking methods. Bamboo although a grass, will react much like a hardwood, once you engineer it into architectural grade panels. Consider expansion and contraction properties. Use the same wood working techniques; tools (carbide tipped best due to the hardness) and same options for adhesives and finishes.

 

Our complete Worktop Installation Guidelines may be found here on our website.

 

However here are some highlights for this particular installation:

A 3″ span from the sink cut out to the countertop edge is adequate. Delamination is not a concern, we warranty the pieces will be secure. The main considerations: acclimation; install to allow for expansion and contraction’; provide support and seal with a good water resistant finish

 

Acclimation:

 

the end grain does have the highest rate of expansion and contraction.  Acclimation to the site condition and allowing the material to find it’s equilibrium, will diminish the rate of movement that will naturally occur with relative humidity fluctuations inherent in any environment. Being an 1.5″ thick material, any cuts will expose the core. With the size you will cut, it won’t be too much of an impact. It might save some time to cut then acclimate.  Choice of the woodworker on this one.

 

Installation:

 

SUPPORT is key…  material made of thousands of little pieces can flex – especially at the small 3″ strip to the edge. Allowing for the expansion and contraction is the other important factor to any hardwood. Oversized screw holes and screws that are not too tight to restrict the ‘breathing’ are imperative. We advise against gluing down firmly, nailing or screwing down tightly that will prevent expansion and contraction of the material. Use adhesives that are 100% Silicone and other wood-suitable adhesives in moderation to supplement wood screw anchorage, especially at spots where access is difficult. Apply adhesive in daubs, never in a continuous bead. Do not use adhesive at both the front and back of the worktop, as this will conflict with expansion/contraction..

We always suggest to add a moisture barrier with a flexible sealer for sink areas.

 

Finishing:

 

The end grain, exposes the vascular system- you can see these as thousands of pinholes and, these act like straws.  A finish needs to saturate and “fill” the holes – so an application on both top, bottom and sides, will offer a ‘balanced’ finish. This will help maintain the proper moisture balance of the material. Finish prior to installing, them it’s just maintenance on the top.   Maintaining the finish is important:  if damage occurs to the finish, it may have one of two consequences:  Bamboo, as with any hardwood, if allowed to dry out, will eventually lead to cracking.  If allowed to have moisture intrude, will eventually lead to discoloration, warping and potentially wood rot.