All about Bamboo

Black spots on Guadua bamboo? Read our blog to find out where they come from and what they say about the quality of the poles.

All about bamboo – sustainability, applications & special properties

From rapid growth to impressive strength, bamboo has it all. But what actually determines the thickness, colour, and shape of bamboo? In this blog, we delve into the world of bamboo and explain how growing conditions and species-specific characteristics determine the final appearance and quality of bamboo.

Everything you need to know about the properties and cracks of bamboo sticks and bamboo poles. Bamboo is a beautiful, versatile, and sustainable natural product that's increasingly being used for fences, garden projects, decorative elements, and even structures. But because bamboo is a natural material, it has unique properties that can influence its use. A common question from customers is why bamboo poles and sticks sometimes crack. In this blog post, we explain all about the properties of bamboo, why cracks occur, and why this isn't a cause for concern. Bamboo: A unique natural product No two bamboo poles or sticks are identical. This is because bamboo grows naturally and therefore exhibits natural variations in colour, thickness, and shape. This is precisely what makes bamboo so authentic and unique. When using bamboo sticks in a project, you may encounter slight colour variations or variations in diameter, but this actually contributes to the natural look. Thickness and colour differences in bamboo poles Bamboo poles are naturally thicker at the base than at the top. The stated size is always measured at the thickest end of the pole, so slight variations in dimensions may occur. Bamboo poles may also discolour slightly over time due to exposure to weather conditions. This is a normal process that enhances the charm of bamboo. Why do bamboo poles and bamboo sticks crack? A common characteristic of bamboo is the formation of vertical cracks. This occurs especially during hot and dry periods. The reason for this lies in bamboo's structure: the material contains moisture, and when the moisture content decreases rapidly due to heat and dryness, the outer surface shrinks faster than the inner surface. This tension difference leads to cracks. Does a crack affect the strength of bamboo? No, cracks in bamboo don't affect the structural strength or durability of the pole. Even with larger cracks, bamboo remains strong and usable. During wet and colder periods, the cracks may narrow, but they won't disappear completely. This natural process is a characteristic of bamboo that you should consider when using it in your garden or construction. Bamboo and fences: Cracks in bamboo mats and rolls Bamboo fences and bamboo mats can also crack. This is completely normal and a natural characteristic of the material. Although the cracks are initially noticeable, they gradually become more normal over time and do not negatively impact the lifespan or strength of the bamboo fence. Bamboo remains a living natural product Because bamboo is a natural material, it continues to behave as such. Small variations in colour, thickness, and texture give bamboo its unique appearance. This means no two bamboo structures will be exactly the same – and that's precisely the beauty of this sustainable material. Conclusion Bamboo sticks and poles are a strong, durable, and environmentally friendly material with unique properties. While cracks, colour variations, and thickness variations may occur, these do not affect the quality or strength of the material. By understanding why bamboo cracks occur and how to manage them, you can maximize the benefits of bamboo's natural beauty and versatility in your garden or building projects!

What steps does a bamboo pole go through before it is ready for transport? We explain it step by step in this blog.

Despite its many advantages, such as durability and aesthetic value, bamboo requires specific treatments to optimize its lifespan and performance. In this blog post we discuss why bamboo poles need to be treated and the different methods that can be used for effective treatment.