Over the centuries, bamboo has been used for everything from walls and roofs to cooking and eating utensils. However, until recently, availability was limited to the regions where it grows. Using modern processing methods, bamboo has become more widely available throughout North America in products such as flooring, countertops, and cutting boards. But bamboo is also a great material for woodworking.
BAMBOO CHARACTERISTICS
Bamboo is actually classified as a member of the grass family. Most commercially grown bamboo is a species called Moso and is primarily imported from Asia. It has several characteristics similar to those of red oak. (See the box on the opposite page.) Compared to red oak, bamboo is harder but lighter, and has a finer texture. However, a large part of what makes bamboo so desirable as a building material is that it grows extremely fast. Plus, it regrows from the root stock, meaning the plant doesn’t die when the bamboo is harvested.
Even though raw bamboo has to be transported from overseas locations, it’s often touted as a “green,” sustainable material. But to be made into lumber products suitable for furnituremaking and other uses, it requires extensive processing. Bamboo stalks are segmented, hollow tubes with thin walls. They have to be cut into strips and laminated into boards, panels, and veneer using adhesives under high pressure.
VARIETIES. The strips can be glued together edge-to-edge (horizontal grain) or face-to-face (vertical grain) as shown in the upper photos at left. As you can see, horizontal grain exhibits the unique, interesting grain patterns by which bamboo is typically identified.
Carbonized bamboo (lower photos at left) is darkened by the application of heat during processing. This process actually caramelizes the sugars in the fiber.
Bamboo is extremely easy to machine with common woodworking tools, although it tends to splinter some when cutting across the grain. In addition, bamboo is naturally moisture resistant. This feature makes it well suited for items like cutting boards and countertops, although a finish is still recommended.
COST. As you might imagine, the extra processing and import expense can drive up the price of bamboo. Large panels can be pricey, and the cost of dimensional bamboo lumber is almost one and a half times the cost of red oak. One supplier I contacted listed a 3 ⁄ 4" x 8" - 97" board for $34.50, or $6.40 a board foot.
Additionally, most lumber dealers don’t carry bamboo products apart from flooring. So you may have to order it from one of the sources listed on page 67.
DESIGNING WITH BAMBOO
Few woods are as readily identified with Asian furniture styles as bamboo. Almost any project that uses bamboo takes on an Asian flair. The wide variety of bamboo products available (photos at right) gives you the option to use bamboo for almost any project part.
SELECTIVE USE IN DESIGN. The good news that not every part of the project has to be made from bamboo to take advantage of the look. For example, you can save money with the use of a secondary wood, as shown in the photo at left. Here, a less expensive wood (maple) is used for the drawer sides. Similar savings would be gained by using bamboo for the visible parts of a project but constructing the case from a secondary wood.
Another option is to use readily available hardwoods throughout ut a project and apply bamboo veneer to a few select parts. Bamboo veneer is available in 4' x 8' sheets in thicknesses from 0.6mm and up.
Often a small but prominent detail is enough to convey the style you want. Drawer knobs, door handles, legs, trim, and even inlays can be made from bam- boo to create unique features.
The end grain of bamboo can be quite noticeable, especially on big panels (photos at right). This look may be desirable on some projects, but it’s also easy to hide in areas where it looks too “busy.” Bamboo veneer edging is available for this purpose.
Bamboo may not be right for every project. But if you’re in the market to try something new, it offers a unique appearance that can look great on the right piece of furniture.
Working Characteristics: BAMBOO VS.RED OAK
Red oak has long been the go-to hardwood for furniture building, flooring, and a myriad of other uses in the United States. But the recent surge in popularity of bamboo has allowed it to gain a foothold in the marketplace. As the chart at right shows, many of the attributes that have long made oak a favorite among craftsmen and consumers is equaled (and in some cases, surpassed) by bamboo.
Taking into consideration the fact that bamboo can be harvested in as little as seven years without harming the plant, bamboo almost seems too good to be true. But, like any product, bamboo has its downsides.
BAMBOO DRAWBACKS. Lower grades of bamboo may be susceptible to dents and scratches. Also, potentially toxic chemicals can be added during the processing phase of bamboo imported from some countries. So the reliability of the manufacturer should be a consideration when selecting a product. And with its contemporary look, bamboo may be difficult to fit into a vintage décor scheme.
