Bamboo lumber is made from the bamboo plant, a renewable resource that is environmentally friendly. It can be used for various building projects, but is expensive and not suitable for humid climates. Harvesting must be done properly to ensure maximum strength and prevent damage.
Unlike other types of lumber which are made from various types of wood, bamboo lumber is made from the bamboo plant, which is actually a type of grass. Bamboo material is usually compressed into sheets that can be made into lumber, a term generally used to describe wood at any stage of processing, from felling to finishing. Bamboo lumber is a popular choice for various applications, although this type of lumber can be quite expensive. Bamboo is a renewable resource, which means this type of lumber tends to be quite environmentally friendly.
Bamboo lumber can be used for a variety of building projects. Pieces of bamboo can be taped together to make cutting boards, which is a popular practice because bamboo tends to be naturally resistant to microbial growth and is resistant to scratching and pitting from cuts. Bamboo floors are also very popular in some areas of the world, though it is important to research the various characteristics of bamboo lumber before choosing it as a material for hardwood floors. As bamboo gains or loses moisture, it can begin to shift and warp, so it’s generally not the best flooring choice for exceptionally humid or year-round climates.
Supporting structures can be made from bamboo lumber, although this is rare because bamboo can be expensive. Bamboo is a fairly attractive choice for lumber as well, meaning it’s best used for applications that will be visible; the framing is often hidden by drywall or other structures, meaning the bamboo would be hidden from view. Because it’s not a convenient choice for framing, it’s usually used to make visually appealing objects, such as furniture, countertops, paneling, cabinets, and sometimes veneers.
Harvesting bamboo for bamboo lumber must be done properly to ensure maximum strength. This harvest is usually done at a particular time of year and at a time when the bamboo is in a growing season where sugar levels are at their lowest. The presence of sugar can increase the likelihood of insect and pest infestation, which in turn can lead to rotting, cracking, splitting or other types of damage. Bamboo also needs to be leached of its sap after harvesting, which can be a complicated process. Water is often run over and through the bamboo for an extended period of time to aid in leaching, so the bamboo must be properly dried to prevent splitting.
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