The Bounty—and Beauty—of Fast-Renewing Bamboo

Bamboo is gaining popularity in the Western world as an attractive alternative to hardwoods. It is durable, beautiful and often less expensive than wood. In fact, it is harder than some popular hardwoods, including maple and oak. Most important, bamboo is a fast-growing grass, not a tree, so it is sustainable and a great alternative to hardwoods, which take decades to mature. Currently, the Forest Stewardship Council is considering certifying it as a non-forest product. You can find a wide variety of bamboo products these days, from furniture to kitchen products and even knitting needles. It's also being used for flooring, countertops and cabinets.

Bamboo Housewares:

The Chef's Resource: Extensive selection of bamboo cutting boards ($14.95-$59.95) and bowls ($19.95-$89.95), as well as a sushi plate ($29.95), bamboo tray ($59.95) and knife block ($59.95) (www.chefresource.com, 866-765-2433).

Crate & Barrel: Offers bamboo rugs ($65-$299), place mats ($5.50) and a cutting board ($31.95) (www.crateandbarrel.com).

Sur La Table: Has a wide variety of bamboo gift items, including spoons and spatulas ($2.95-$5.95), dish racks ($24.95), tea box ($27.95 or $44.95, depending on size), seven-piece salad set ($49.95 or available as individual pieces) and cutting boards ($31.95 or $41.95) (www.surlatable.com, 800-967-6696).

IKEA sells many baskets, including the bright blue Farnas ($12.99). Also roll-up blinds, 24 x 64.5 in. ($4.99) (www.ikea-usa.com).

Bamboo Flooring and Furniture:

Bamboo Hardwoods makes bamboo furniture, flooring and building materials. They sell a wide range of bamboo chairs, benches, bookshelves, beds and tables. King- and queen-sized beds range from $860 to $1,000. A 6 x 8 ft. fence costs $60 to $110. Bamboo flooring is available in four colors and several styles; prices range from $1.50 to $8.00 per sq. ft. (www.bamboohardwoods.com, 206-529-0978).

Environmental Home Center offers two lines of bamboo flooring ($3.29-$6.79 per sq. ft.) (www.environmentalhomecenter.com, 800-281-9785).

iFLOOR has dozens of options for bamboo flooring ($1.99-$7.88 per sq. ft.) (www.iFloor.com, 800-454-3941).

Smith & Fong Plyboo sells bamboo plywood in a variety of sizes. You can buy a 4 x 8 ft. sheet for $95-$215, depending on thickness (www.plyboo.com, 866-835-9859).