Using the products in projects FAQs

Things to know before you start

How flexible is bamboo? Can I use bamboo for construction in the UK and how do I install my bamboo fence panel?

Many approach bamboo and bamboo materials without prior knowledge (e.g., wanting to build an archway) and so this FAQ section is dedicated to all things installation and what to know before you embark on your bamboo project.

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Bamboo poles

Dried bamboo poles are not very flexible.

While there is a degree of flex (depending on the species), bamboo architecture in places like Bali are constructed using recently harvested bamboo. The green poles are dried and set into specific shapes, which is how bamboo bridges are made, for example.

Each bamboo pole is unique, so an exact figure cannot be given. Tapering varies a lot between species, with some of the thinner poles tapering down as much as 60%.

We try our best to stock quality poles that do not have extreme tapering (we expect an average of around 30%), but as bamboo is a natural product and there is no way to control nature and tapering, any projects that have a focus on diameter need to factor this in – perhaps by ordering the next size up.

For projects requiring poles that are less likely to taper, we recommend the Guadua bamboo.

Unfortunately not.

Often, bamboo poles are not perfectly cylindrical – wide at the base and tapering towards the top. Each pole is unique and the degree of tapering can also depend on the species. Wall thickness and node size also vary.

If ordering for a project requiring an exact internal diameter, we recommend going for a pole a few sizes up.

Very strong. Research has shown Guadua bamboo to have a similar tensile strength to steel and, as such, it is the world’s strongest bamboo.

Our friends over at Guaduabamboo.com in Colombia have a great page summarising research into the strength of their native bamboo, Guadua, citing extensive research conducted by the Larenstein University in The Netherlands.

On the page you will discover the mechanical properties, density, Janka hardness, and strength MOE (Modulus of elasticity) of Guadua bamboo, in comparison to Moso bamboo.

Click here to see the Guadua Bamboo research

No, unfortunately. This is down to current UK building & planning regulations surrounding commercial construction.

There are many people such as architects and university professors in talks with the government with the goal of getting bamboo approved within the construction industry (as it is in countries where bamboo grows).

We sell many bamboo poles for foundation piling, and the bamboo for this application appears to be growing. Elsewhere, bamboo is used for small structures and art installations. The likes of Bamboology’s sculptures and Atlas Domes’ geodesic domes for events are great examples.

 

 

Most of our bamboo is untreated.

On products that have been stated as treated, the bamboo is cured in Borax acid and salts. This is so the product can be legally shipped worldwide from the source forest.

Click here to view more information on the safety of our treated products.

We recommend a fine-toothed wood saw + medium grit sand paper to smooth the rough edges.

We cut the bamboo poles in-house using a circular chop saw and a band saw. To minimise fraying of the pole, the key is to cut slow.

Old methods of cutting bamboo featured a machete and hammer (though we wouldn’t recommend this!).

This depends on the bamboo species. 

  • Bamboo from our Natural Bamboo Poles category have a waxy exterior that resists application of paint.
  • The same applies for the Dark Bamboo Poles category, aside from the larger sized poles (60/80mm and up) as they have a naturally matte exterior.
  • Guadua bamboo has a matte exterior and customers have had success painting their bamboo.

Bamboo boards

Yes.

FSC® certified bamboo boards & veneers are available upon request. Please contact sales@ukbamboo.com for further information.

The standard sheet we sell is 8ft x 4ft.

We also sell A4, A2, and 4ft x 4ft sizes.

The following products are exceptions to this:

  • 1.35/1.5mm Bamboo Veneer
  • 3mm Bamboo Veneer
  • 40mm Bamboo Worktop

How the bamboo is laid out prior to pressing. Different arrangements give a different board face.

Plain-pressed


Imagine a ruler laid flat on a table. This is our bamboo slat. Lay multiple bamboo slats next to each other and subject to a pressing machine. Hey presto, you have Plain-Pressed! This results in the individual bamboo slat and node details being clearly visible. A ‘plainer’ look, compared to the side-pressed.

Side-pressed


Using the same ruler analogy, imagine all the slats on their side. The bamboo is then pressed to create a more detailed face to the bamboo plyboard.

The debate of side-pressed vs plain-pressed bamboo board ultimately comes down to personal preference on the look of the board.

Yes.

The boards and veneers are ideal for this. See product page for individual product recommendations (e.g., on the 3mm it features as a product highlight).

If you are unsure, please contact the team and we will answer your query: sales@ukbamboo.com

Bamboo fencing & roll screens

Here are a few recommendations:

Wooden fence


Place a gravel board down first to ensure the bamboo is off the ground. Pre-drill the bamboo screen/fence and using standard wood screws fasten them to the existing structure securing. Repeat this process at regular intervals. Pre-drilling is very important to avoid cracking the bamboo.

Wall


You will need to attach wooden battens to your wall first, ensuring these are perpendicular to the bamboo. Use the same process as above for installation over an existing fence.

If you require further advice, please contact us for further information.

Yes. 

To reduce the width of the roll screens, measure 5cm past the width you require. Cut the wire at that mark and take off the required number of poles to get back to your true measurement. Bend the wire downwards to lock the poles in.

Bamboo Decking, Cladding & Lumber

Yes.

FSC® certified products are available upon request. Please contact sales@ukbamboo.com for further information.

Bamboo processed and fused with Dasso patented technology.

The bamboo fibres are crystalised with CeramiX® particles and impregnated with phenolic resin (the same resin found in bowling balls), before being compressed to form ‘Fused Bamboo’. The result is a rich cognac coloured product, with the CeramiX® particles significantly extending the product’s life by offering additional protection against rotting, bacteria, fungus, moulds, and insects – so much so, the product comes with a 25 year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty.

An image showing the difference between Dasso XTR and CTECH, at a microscopic level.

For CTECH, the bamboo nutrients have been crystalised with the CeramiX® technology, whereas in the XTR, the nutrients have been removed via a patented heat treatment process to create the Fused Bamboo.

Starting with the patented fusion process, the nutrients (sugars and starches) are removed from the bamboo. The fibres are then impregnated with phenolic resin (the same resin found in bowling balls) and undergo a process of compression. The result is durable Fused Bamboo® with a hardness rating greater than hardwood (Durability Class 1 [EN 1534]) and resistance to rotting, bacteria, fungus, moulds, and insects.

Dasso XTR® comes with a 25 year Manufacturer’s warranty.

An image showing the difference between Dasso XTR and CTECH, at a microscopic level.

For CTECH, the bamboo nutrients have been crystalised with the CeramiX® technology, whereas in the XTR, the nutrients have been removed via a patented heat treatment process to create the Fused Bamboo.

Flexible bamboo wall panelling

What method you use depends on the wall’s surface.

We recommend a smooth flat surface to apply the panelling to. You can use either contact adhesive, a grip adhesive, or some customers have used heavy-duty double-sided tape. Follow instructions of the adhesive product you are using.

On uneven surfaces or where direct application is not permitted, attach the wallpaper to a backing like 4mm plyboard. Allow to dry and secure to preinstalled battens using screws, nails or panel pins.

H: 2.5m x W: 10m

Each of our Flexible Bamboo Wall Panelling is made from strips of bamboo secured to a mesh backing. Each roll has a height of 2.5m and a maximum length of 10m and we cut orders from this.

No.

This product is for interior-use only.

The wallpaper is easily cut along the vertical with a utility or ‘Stanley’ knife.

When cutting horizontally across the slats, we recommend wrapping the panelling into a tight cylinder with pallet wrap/cling film. Then cut using a power saw or by hand with a fine-tooth wood blade.

It is not recommended; however, customers have installed the product in a bathroom.

In bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas a waterproof sealant should be applied to the mesh backing. The front should also be treated with several coats of clear varnish.

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