Raw bamboo

Types of raw bamboo

Bamboo products come in various types to serve different purposes and benefit from bamboo's strength and versatility.

• Moso bamboo

  Moso bamboo is a large, evergreen plant that grows widely in China. It offers strength and durability and grows to about 28 meters tall, with a diameter of 18 cm.

• Bite bamboo

  It is an Asian clumping bamboo type, known for its high tensile strength. It is about 30 feet tall and has a diameter of about 1-2 inches. It has a creamy yellow color with dark green stripes, which makes it a popular choice for construction and crafts.

• Bambusa vulgaris

  Bambusa vulgaris, commonly known as common bamboo, is a widely distributed species across tropical and subtropical regions. It has many uses, including furniture and crafts.

• Bambusa tulda

  Bambusa tulda, is known as the big umbrella bamboo or Tula bamboo. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is used for construction, especially in regions where bamboo is abundant.

• Kawakawa bamboo

  Kawaka bamboo, or indigenous bamboo, is native to New Zealand. It is smaller compared to other bamboo species, reaching heights of about 6-15 meters. It has a diameter of about 1-2 cm. It has significant cultural and practical value to the Maori people.

• Bambusa textilis

  Bambusa textilis, known as the Manila hemp bamboo or industrial hemp bamboo, is native to the Philippines. Its bamboo fibers are strong and can also be used for making ropes, textiles, and other fibrous products.

• Bambusa pervarians

  Bambusa pervarians, known as white bamboo or porcelain bamboo, is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It is admired for its striking appearance and has a diameter of about 5-8 cm.

How to use raw bamboo

Bamboo mats are traditionally used in Asian cultures for floor seating, wall decor, and roofing. They are now popular globally for their aesthetic appeal and eco-friendly qualities. Bamboo mats are great for meditation and exercise due to their durability and slightly springy feel. This makes them suitable for yoga and other physical exercises.

• Construction

  Bamboo matting is used as a form of reinforcement in some types of construction, particularly in areas where bamboo is abundant. The mats offer flexibility and strength to structures, helping to resist earthquakes and other forces.

• Agriculture

  In agriculture, bamboo mats can be used in Îkigai farming to reduce soil erosion. It helps maintain soil moisture and acts as a natural barrier against pests.

• Weaving and crafts

  Bamboo matting can be harvested and stripped into thin pieces, which can then be used for various weaving projects, like baskets, hats, and other crafts. Even after being woven into crafts, the mats remain strong and flexible.

• Furniture and home decor

  Bamboo matting is used as a material in furniture design. This is because it gives a rustic and natural look to items like chairs, tables, and cabinets. Further, bamboo mats are frequently used as wallpaper or panels to give a unique, natural aesthetic to indoor spaces.

• Art and decoration

  The unique patterns and textures of bamboo mats make them a popular material for artistic projects. Artists create wall art, decorations, and crafts that showcase the beauty of the bamboo surface.

• Eco-friendly alternatives

  Since bamboo mats are biodegradable and renewable, they serve as a sustainable alternative to plastic and non-biodegradable materials. This makes them valuable in promoting environmental consciousness.

Benefits of raw bamboo

There are several benefits of using bamboo flooring and incorporating bamboo into daily life.

• Eco-friendly

  Bamboo is a highly sustainable resource. It grows incredibly fast, reaching maturity in about 3-5 years, compared to decades for most hardwoods. Many bamboo species can grow over 30 feet tall. This rapid growth makes it one of the most renewable materials available.

• Strong and durable

  Bamboo is surprisingly strong. In fact, it can be as strong as steel in certain applications. Further, bamboo occupies a smaller carbon footprint than traditional hardwoods. So, using bamboo instead of hardwoods helps conserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems.

• Versatile

  Bamboo can be used to make numerous products. These include flooring, furniture, textiles, kitchenware, and even construction materials. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications.

• Health benefits

  Bamboo flooring is a good choice for people with allergies. It has anti-static properties, which help reduce dust accumulation. Also, bamboo is a naturally antibacterial material. So, it inhibits the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

• Effective in karate

  Bamboo’s flexibility and strength make it great for creating durable and high-quality martial arts practice tools. For instance, bamboo can make bamboo nunchucks that are lightweight but withstand repeated use during training sessions.

• Great for steaming food

  The even heat distribution and quick cooking times of bamboo nunchucks make them ideal for creating steaming baskets or trays. Users can place food on the bamboo layer within a steaming pot and enjoy healthy and flavorful steamed meals.

• Strong yet gentle

  Organic bamboo mats have a smooth, soft touch that is gentle on the skin. At the same time, it provides enough resistance to help users maintain balance and grip during yoga or exercise routines.

• Good for decor

  Bamboo mats have a natural, artisanal aesthetic that adds a touch of the natural world to any space. Their unique textures and patterns make them visually appealing. So, they serve as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials in home décor.

How to store raw bamboo

The storage and shelving of raw bamboo materials require careful consideration to maintain its quality and usability for buyers.

• Maintain humidity levels

  Bamboo should be kept in a climate-controlled setting where the relative humidity is maintained between 40-60%. This prevents the bamboo from drying out and cracking or becoming moldy. Also, excessive moisture leads to mold formation, while extremely dry air causes brittleness.

• Use proper shelving storage

  For bamboo poles or stalks, use horizontal shelving to prevent bending or warping. Bamboo furniture pieces should be stored upright to avoid undue pressure on surfaces. For smaller bamboo shoots or strips, consider using bins or containers with dividers to avoid coiling or jamming together.

• Organization and rotation

  Sort the bamboo by size, length, and type to allow easy access. Store older stock bamboo materials in shelving first to maintain freshness. This ensures no bamboo material will be unused for a long period and prone to degradation.

• Protection from pests

  Bamboo is prone to insect infestation. These include termites, borer beetles, or bamboo weevils. Consider storing bamboo in a pest-free environment. Further, use natural deterrents like neem oil or airtight containers to safeguard the bamboo from pests.

• Avoid direct contact with soil

  While bamboo has natural resistance to some pests, it can still be susceptible to others when in direct contact with the ground. Also, prolonged exposure to soil can lead to the absorption of moisture, which encourages mold growth. Therefore, storage should be done in such a way that there is no direct contact between the bamboo and the soil.

• Regular inspection

  Conduct frequent checks on the stock to look for signs of damage, such as insect infestations or mold growth. The earlier the issues are detected, the easier it is to manage them and preserve the bamboo’s integrity.

Quality and safety considerations of raw bamboo

There are some quality and safety considerations to have in mind when it comes to bamboo products.

• Moisture content

  Moisture content plays a major role in determining bamboo’s longevity and usability. High moisture content can lead to mold and mildew. On the flip side, excessively dry bamboo cracks and turns brittle. Ideally, the moisture content of bamboo used for construction or furniture should be between 8-12%.

• Quality grading

  When buying bamboo, businesses should consider purchasing graded bamboo materials. These usually have fewer defects like cracks, splits, or knots. Graded bamboo also has more uniform thickness and width. It enhances both the appearance and structural integrity of the end product.

• Avoiding splinters

  One common downside with bamboo is the possibility of splinters if the surface is not properly treated. Splinters can cause discomfort and pain, especially in products that are frequently in contact with bare skin. Therefore, buyers should ensure the bamboo products they stock have smooth finishes to reduce chances of splintering.

• Varnish or sealant

  Some bamboo products undergo varnishing, especially furniture, to enhance their appearance. Some varnishes, unfortunately, are made using toxic substances. So, when buying varnished bamboo products, one should ensure they are eco-friendly to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Buyers should also focus on virgin-free bamboo products to promote sustainability.

• Care and maintenance

  Bamboo products require specific care and maintenance to extend their life. For instance, pollution exposure, climatic conditions, and general wear and tear can degrade the bamboo quality over time. Buyers should take various maintenance measures to improve the usability of bamboo products. For example, they should avoid excessive water exposure, which can lead to swelling or mold.

• Natural pests

  Pest infestation is one of the most common disadvantages of bamboo. Although bamboo has some natural resistance to pests, it can still be targeted by various insects. Moreover, its scent can attract several others. To solve this, buyers should take preventive measures like regular inspection and the use of natural pest repellents.

Q&A

Q1: What is raw bamboo?

A1: Raw bamboo refers to bamboo that has not yet been processed or manufactured into products. It is in its natural state and can be used for a variety of purposes.

Q2: What are the uses of raw bamboo?

A1: Buyers use raw bamboo to make a variety of products. They use it to make furniture, flooring, crafts, decorations, utensils, and construction materials. Further, farmers use it in gardening and agricultural supports like trellises.

Q2: How is raw bamboo maintained for long-term use?

A1: To increase the longevity of raw bamboo, one has to dry the stalks to prevent mold and pests. Furthermore, applying natural oils like neem or vinegar helps repel insects. Buyers store the bamboo in a cool, dry location to prevent moisture and deterioration.

Q2: Can raw bamboo be used outdoors?

A1: While strong and weather-resistant, raw bamboo can degrade faster outdoors due to exposure to the elements. Therefore, apply weatherproofing treatments like sealants and use it in outdoor furniture where it will have some cover against the sun and excess rain.

Q2: Is raw bamboo eco-friendly?

A1: Yes, raw bamboo is very eco-friendly. It grows quickly compared to many trees and requires minimal water and no chemicals for farming. Further, bamboo is biodegradable, which means it returns to the soil without harming the environment.