Bamboo Preservation

Most bamboos have a low resistance to biological degrading organisms and need specialized bamboo preservation techniques. A wide range of treatment methods are known to improve its durability.

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At Guadua Bamboo®, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive resources on the preservation and treatment of bamboo. On this page, you will find a wealth of articles and forum discussions covering various techniques and methods for preserving and treating bamboo to ensure its longevity, durability, and sustainability. Whether you are a bamboo enthusiast, a builder, or an architect, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to make informed decisions when buying bamboo poles for construction related applications. Join our community and delve into the world of bamboo as one of nature's most versatile and resilient materials.

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Bamboo Preservation, Bamboo FAQ

How Durable is Bamboo?

Bamboo Preservation, Bamboo FAQ

Without any protective treatment, most bamboo species have an average natural durability of less than 2 years. Stored under cover, untreated bamboo may last 4-7 years.

Bamboo Preservation, Bamboo FAQ

Bamboo Preservation

Bamboo Insect Infestation

Bamboo Preservation

Untreated bamboo, just like almost any other wood, has a high chance of being attacked by insects. Bamboo insect infestation occurs due to the presence of starch and other carbohydrates. Insects obtain their food supply from the bamboo and degrade it.

Bamboo Preservation

How to Remove Bamboo Mold

Bamboo Preservation

The forming of mold, spores and mildew on the surface of bamboo canes is not uncommon, especially when bamboo is not 100% dry, or when products are shipped internationally in ocean freight containers.

Bamboo Preservation

Leaching Bamboo

Bamboo Preservation

Storing bamboo in water or "leaching bamboo" is a traditional bamboo preservation method, used by indigenous communities and farmers of several Asian and Latin American regions. In Latin America it has been the tradition to transport bamboo from the mountain and jungle areas towards the urban centers by means of bamboo rafts.

Bamboo Preservation

Chemical Bamboo Preservation

Bamboo Preservation

Chemical preservation (with or without the help of special equipment) ensures long term protection. Depending upon the method of bamboo treatment, chemical preservatives can impart short term or long term protection.

Bamboo Preservation

Drying Bamboo Poles

Bamboo Preservation

Drying bamboo poles requires more time than wood of similar density. This because bamboo possess hygroscopic materials (compound that easily absorbs moisture) that may contain 50-60% moisture content, depending on the felling season, area of growth and species.

Bamboo Preservation

Forum Discussions

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Bamboo Drying Method in Colombia

What is the drying method being adopted in Colombia with tubes running into bamboo?

Do Tonkin Canes Need any Treatment if Used for Ski Poles?

I'm making alpine ski poles of tonkin bamboo. Do tonkin canes really need any treatment if they will be used for ski poles? Once they are "converted" into ski poles they will either be stored indoors or outdoors in cold and dry conditions on high altitude.

Treatment for Rain Gutters Made from Bamboo

What kind of treatment would you recommend for rain gutters made from bamboo? Let’s assume you want to collect that rain water for your crops, so no toxic chemicals. For this application, is doing nothing equivalent to using boric acid borax?

Bamboo Surface Treatment

I want to build a bamboo structure in Maharashtra, India with a very moderate rain fall. Would somebody please suggest me relatively inexpensive bamboo surface treatment which will make my structure safe for at least 20 years.

Bamboo Turning Black with Outdoor Use

We are doing a project using bamboo as facade under intense sun and rain in summer ( subtropical climate). We did the boric borax solution treatment beforehand already, however under the rain season, some selective bamboos are blackened intensely, why is that and what other solutions/ treatments can prevent such situation from happening?

Treatment for Bamboo Poles Buried in Soil

I want to use bamboo poles as structural elements in my ranch but we have water sprinklers to keep certain crops fresh all year. How can we treat the poles in order to keep it in use at least 6 years buried in soil inside the wet ground?

Fire Resistant Protection for Structural Bamboo

I have a question for my research, what would be the best preservation technique to use on structural bamboo? It needs to be fire resistive too. Will a boric acid-borax solution suffice? Or would an additional clear external intumescent coating help?

Submerging Bamboo in Sea Water

I've read that submerging bamboo in sea water is another traditional treatment of bamboo. How long-lasting will the bamboo be using this treatment?

Curing Bamboo Posts for Vineyards

I have read your article about poles and the durability of bamboo but do you think it would be feasible to treat bamboo for use as posts in vineyards? I live in the Margaret river wine growing region of western Australia where thousands of CCA treated pine posts are used.

Safe and Ecological Preservation of Bamboo

I want to understand more about bamboo preservation techniques that offer excellent protection against rot and insects. I am searching for a solution that will be environmentally safe, to both nature and the inhabitants.