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Building With Bamboo

When it comes to building, few materials offer the look, durability and distinct charm of bamboo. Not only is it affordable, but bamboo is also one of the most environmentally friendly building materials in the world. Mass construction of any product or piece with wood can use acres of trees but with bamboo, the material is replenished quickly and effectively. Thanks to the speed of this regeneration, bamboo is as ecologically sound as it is beautiful.

When considering your bamboo project, the selection of the right diameter bamboo pole is important. The diameter of bamboo poles can range from 1/4" to 6 ' diameter. Also keep in mind that all bamboo tapers. Depending on the starting diameter a bamboo pole can taper anywhere to a 1/4" to a full inch over a 12' long bamboo pole. This is not usually a problem, but it should be kept in mind. If you are placing several bamboo poles, side by side, you want to alternate ends, placing the bamboo ends by thick end, thin end. This will even the bamboo poles out by the end of your section.

Another consideration when working with bamboo is that bamboo can split at any time. Not all pieces will split, but you never know for sure which bamboo pole will split. A way to combat this is to pre-split the bamboo. This is done with a table saw or by taking a large knife and placing it on the top of the thin end of bamboo and hitting it with a rubber mallet. If you use the mallet and knife technique the bamboo usually splits pretty cleanly. Keep some extra bamboo on hand, just in case. When complete you have 1/2 round pieces of bamboo you can then mount the 1/2 round pieces on your surface. They will look like full round pieces and will not split.

When cutting bamboo always use sharp, fine cut saw blades. This will prevent any splitting or fraying of the ends.

When attaching bamboo to a surface always pre-drill the bamboo. Pre-drill the hole so that the screw or nail that you are using slides thru the hole and that the head of the screw or nail is holding the piece in place. If you do not pre-drill the bamboo, the bamboo will split on you.

Many of the most environmentally sound products use bamboo for reasons above and beyond the environmental strengths that it has.  Constructing any home, piece of furniture or bamboo item is all about getting a perfect blend of many factors.  Luckily, bamboo is renowned for being a great choice of material for all kinds of reasons. Structural integrity and the overall appearance of the piece is always important to any craftsman. Using bamboo appropriately will show you the many benefits of this versatile material.  Some people are surprised at the overall strength of bamboo but it is this which actually makes it so durable and thus, makes bamboo so cost effective.

Traditionally, bamboo has been used to make all kinds of furniture for many years. As well as the aforementioned durability and environmentally sound elements, bamboo is also used for aesthetic reasons too. Building with bamboo can transform any home, room or space into a delightful, ambient space which exudes charm and promotes relaxation. From chairs to footstools, recliners and more, bamboo is warm and inviting and can make up much of your home.  You can accent other furniture, or make all your furniture bamboo.