Bamboo mats: the 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

In this Blog post we answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about bamboo mats. Many different types of bamboo mats have been available for years. From thick to thin varieties, split bamboo mats are also widely used in various garden and interior projects.

Here are the 10 most frequently asked questions about bamboo mats:

1. What are bamboo mats?

Bamboo mats are rolls made of natural bamboo sticks tied together. They are often used for decorative purposes in gardens, on balconies, in interiors or as a partition. Depending on the quality and thickness of the bamboo sticks, they are connected to each other.

The best and more expensive quality bamboo mats are provided with thicker galvanized steel wires that are drilled through the bamboo poles. The thickness of the wire often determines the lifespan of the bamboo mat.

A cheap bamboo mat is often made of split bamboo slats or thin bamboo sticks and thin galvanized steel wires are often wrapped around the slats or sticks. Often with these types of bamboo mats, multiple threads are used to hold the mat together.

2. What are bamboo mats used for?

Bamboo mats are used for privacy on balconies or in the garden, as a decorative fence, as wall coverings indoors or outdoors, and sometimes even as temporary sun protection or as roof cladding on pergolas or canopies. Bamboo mats are extremely suitable for mounting against an existing fence or fencing. This way you can quickly and easily create privacy with a fresh look.

3. Are bamboo mats sustainable?

Yes, bamboo is a sustainable material because it grows quickly and is renewable. As the bamboo stick ages, the material “lignifies”, making the bamboo stick harder. This is the reason that bamboo canes must be at least between 3 and 5 years old before harvesting. Bamboo is strong and resistant to weather influences, which means that bamboo mats will last a long time if properly treated and installed.

4. How do I install a bamboo mat?

Bamboo mats can be attached to existing fences, fences or posts with binding wire, staples, screws or even special bamboo fasteners.

Cheaper bamboo mats consisting of thin bamboo slats or thin sticks can be secured with staples, tied with binding wires or tie-wraps or screwed with short screws with a ring. You can screw the thicker bamboo mats to an existing fence or fencing. Make sure that you always pre-drill the bamboo and do not tighten the screw too tightly. You can also use binding wires or tie-wraps for these mats.

Tip! Always make sure that your bamboo mat is secured in enough places to prevent it from moving. If the wires are bent often enough, they can break, causing the bamboo mat to fall apart.

Also ensure that the bamboo mat does not come into direct contact with the ground. Assembly is essential for the longest possible lifespan of your bamboo mat.

5. How do I maintain a bamboo mat?

To keep bamboo mats in good condition, it is important to clean them annually with Bamboo Cleaner and a soft brush to remove dust and dirt. Applying a protective layer of Bamboo oil or Protector can help maintain the color and durability. Depending on where the bamboo mat is placed, the bamboo mat will age. Once grayed you can bring back the color with one of theBamboo Renovators .

6. Are bamboo mats suitable for all weather conditions?

Yes, bamboo can withstand the weather conditions well. Naturally, a lot of moisture will cause discoloration such as green deposits or some mold formation. This is a process we encounter everywhere and in the spring almost everyone is busy cleaning their garden. The same also happens with a bamboo mat in damp and wet weather.

The sun also affects the bamboo mat and will cause the bamboo sticks to burst open at warmer temperatures. The crack in the bamboo stick can become quite open. At colder temperatures the cracks become smaller again. This is a natural process that is part of the product.

In addition to crack formation, the sun (UV light) causes the bamboo mat to gray. How quickly the bamboo mat ages depends on how many hours of sunshine the bamboo mat receives. For example, when using a bamboo mat under a canopy or interior, we do not see any aging.

7. Are bamboo mats environmentally friendly?

Yes, bamboo is a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice due to its rapid growth. Sometimes people say “it's just mowing the lawn”, but selective felling must be done to harvest only the mature sticks and process them into bamboo mats. You do not have to replant bamboo after cutting it, as you do with trees.

8. Can I cut, trim or saw bamboo mats to size?

Yes, bamboo mats can easily be cut to size with a saw or sharp pruning shears. You can make thick bamboo mats to size by sawing off the sticks. For this we use a Japanese pull saw or sharp hand saw.

Shortening the width of a thick bamboo mat is easy by cutting the galvanized steel wires to the desired size. (Note! Always leave some extra wire to bend it).

Split or thin bamboo mats can be cut to size with sharp pruning shears or a sharp fine saw. These mats are more difficult to saw than the thick bamboo mats. You can optionally choose to shorten the roll with a cross-cut saw.

9. How long do bamboo mats last?

The lifespan of bamboo mats depends on a number of factors such as the quality of the bamboo, the thickness of the threads and the installation. The maintenance of the bamboo mats also ultimately determines their lifespan. A cheap bamboo mat easily has a lifespan of at least 5 years. A thick bamboo mat with proper installation and maintenance can last up to 25 years.

10. Are bamboo mats easy to remove?

Yes bamboo mats that are attached are easy to remove if necessary. This makes bamboo mats suitable for both temporary and permanent applications.

Conclusion:

Bamboo mats are a suitable choice when it comes to sustainable or environmentally friendly. Available in many different thicknesses, sizes and colors, so a suitable option for every project. You can view bamboo mats at Masters of Bamboo. Visit our showroom or simply order online.