
The production process of Guadua bamboo: From harvest to final product
How do we ensure that bamboo does not last 2, but 50 years? Bamboo poles are carefully treated after harvest to drastically extend their lifespan. Untreated bamboo naturally has a low resistance to insects and weather influences and would only last 2 years without treatment. In ideal conditions this can increase to 4-7 years, but professionally harvested and treated poles can last more than 50 years.
We take you through the process that our (Colombian) Guadua bamboo goes through – from harvest to transport.
Bamboo harvest
Mature bamboo stems, between 4-5 years old, are selected for harvesting. These guadua poles grow at an altitude of between 1200 and 1600 meters above sea level. These poles are carefully selected because they are more dimensionally stable, better suited for construction and split less quickly.
Bamboo selection
After harvesting, the poles are assessed and selected. The poles are actually constructed from different segments. The bottom part of the pole is most suitable for constructions. The middle and the top of the pole have more gradient and are suitable for other purposes. For example, the middle and the top are processed into esterilla mats. In this way, all parts of a bamboo pole are used. All poles are sawn to 6 meters as standard in Colombia. This is because this length is best suited to efficient export. This has to do with the length of containers.
Drilling through bamboo
You may have noticed that the Guadua poles always have a hole in the node. After the poles have been selected, the poles are sawn to the correct dimensions. Then a hole is made through the nodes of each pole. This is because bamboo naturally has a water-repellent outer layer. After all, it is difficult to treat the bamboo if the treatment agent cannot penetrate properly.

Treating bamboo
To treat the bamboo, a mix with boron is used that is mixed with hot water. Bamboo expands when warm. That is why it is good to use hot water, so that the treatment can penetrate every fiber. In a special treatment bath, the poles are then soaked with the treatment agent for 5 days.


Sun drying of bamboo
After the poles have been in a boron bath, they are dried in the sun for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. To ensure that the poles dry as consistently as possible, they are rotated every 1 to 2 days. This step has an added benefit: the sun removes chlorophyll, giving the bamboo its uniform beige color, ready for finishing with stain or paint.
Washing bamboo
All moss and surface stains are removed from the bamboo. Furthermore, each node is cleaned with a steel brush. This ensures that the bamboo has a clean and even appearance.
Bamboo storage and ripening process
After drying, the poles are stored to mature further. Bamboo is sensitive to humidity and must reach the correct moisture content before it is transported. The poles are stacked horizontally and remain here for an average of 4 months. After this period, the poles have the ideal moisture content of 15-18%.
Color codes
Have you noticed? Our Guadua poles are color coded on the thickest end. This indicates the diameter of the pole, so you can easily choose the right size for your project.
Ready for transport
When the bamboo is completely ready, it is loaded into containers and transported by ship to the Netherlands. After a journey of approximately 8 weeks, it arrives at our premises in Beverwijk. After a final check, we store the bamboo in our warehouse, ready to be delivered for your next project!
Do you need custom work for a project? Contact us for a free quote.
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