Het productie proces van Guadua bamboe: Van oogst tot eindproduct

The production process of Guadua bamboo: From harvest to final product

Table of contents

    Share

    How do we ensure that bamboo lasts not just 2, but 50 years? Bamboo poles are carefully treated after harvest to dramatically extend their lifespan. Untreated bamboo is naturally resistant to insects and weather 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 Guadua bamboo (originating from Colombia) goes through – from harvest to transport.

    guadua_poles_harvesting

    Bamboo harvest

    Mature bamboo stems, between four and five years old, are selected for harvest. These guadua poles grow at altitudes between 1200 and 1600 meters above sea level. These poles are carefully selected because, among other things, they are more dimensionally stable, better suited for construction, and less likely to split.

    guadua selection after harvest

    Bamboo selection

    After harvesting, the poles are graded and selected. They are actually made up of several segments. The bottom section of the pole is most suitable for construction. The middle and top sections have more of a gradient and are suitable for other purposes. For example, the middle and top sections are processed into esterilla mats. In this way, all parts of a bamboo pole are utilized. All poles are cut to a standard 6-meter length in Colombia. This is because this length best suits efficient export. This is related to the length of containers.

    guadua nodes pierced

    Drilling through bamboo

    You may have noticed that Guadua poles always have a hole in the node. After selecting the poles, they are cut to the correct size. A hole is then made through the nodes of each pole. This is because bamboo naturally has a water-repellent outer layer. It's difficult to treat bamboo if the treatment doesn't penetrate properly.

    bamboo pole treatment

    Treating bamboo

    To treat the bamboo, a boron mixture is used mixed with hot water. Bamboo expands in heat. Therefore, it's best to use warm water, allowing the treatment to penetrate every fiber. The poles are then soaked in the treatment solution in a special treatment bath for five days.

    guadua poles drying
    guadua poles drying

    Sun drying of bamboo

    After the poles have been soaked in a boron bath, they are dried in the sun for two to four weeks. To ensure consistent drying, they are rotated every one to two days. This step has an added benefit: the sun removes chlorophyll, giving the bamboo its uniform beige color, making it ready for stain or paint.

    Cleaning Guadua poles

    Washing bamboo

    All moss and surface stains are removed from the bamboo. Furthermore, each node is cleaned with a steel brush. This ensures a clean and even appearance of the bamboo. Guadua poles that harden under a roof

    Bamboo storage and maturation process

    After drying, the poles are stored to mature further. Bamboo is sensitive to humidity and must reach the correct moisture content before transport. The poles are stacked horizontally and remain there for an average of four months. After this period, the poles have the ideal moisture content of 15-18%.

    Guadua poles with different color codes for diameters

    Color codes

    Have you noticed? Our Guadua bamboo poles are color-coded at the thickest end. This indicates the pole's diameter, making it easy to choose the right size for your project.

    loading guadua poles into container

    Ready for transport

    Once the bamboo is completely finished, it's loaded into containers and shipped to the Netherlands. After a journey of approximately eight weeks, it arrives at our location in Beverwijk. After a final inspection, 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.

    Mysteryland bamboo main stage

    Leave a comment

    Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.