Guadua Bamboo Poles
With more than 16 years of experience, we take great pride in being the leading expert, producer, and exporter of the highest quality Guadua Bamboo Poles in Colombia. Our passion and commitment to excellence made us the #1 source for premium bamboo products.
As pioneers in the industry, we have perfected the art of cultivating, harvesting and processing bamboo, ensuring that each pole meets the strictest quality standards. Our loyal base of returning customers is a testament to the trust and satisfaction they find in our products.
Guadua Bamboo, also known as "The Strongest Bamboo in the World" or "Vegetal Steel" is a giant South American bamboo species with a higher tensile strength than mild steel. Its extraordinary load bearing capacity (MOE 17204 N/mm2) makes it the #1 preferred bamboo among visionary builders and architects specialized in green and sustainable construction around the world.
About Guadua Bamboo
Guadua Bamboo SAS is the largest producer and exporter of wholesale Guadua bamboo poles in bulk from South America. We ship from Colombia, the country with the best quality and most abundant supply of Guadua angustifolia in the Americas. Not only is Guadua native to Colombia, the country also has a long tradition with bamboo construction, preservation techniques and advanced manufacturing.
Guadua angustifolia is considered to be the world's strongest bamboo with a tensile strength greater than steel, which makes it the preferred species for construction and load bearing applications.
In contrast to popular beliefs, South American Guadua also surpasses its famous competitor from Asia: Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). See the following study from the Larenstein University in the Netherlands to learn more about the extraordinary mechanical properties of Guadua angustifolia.
Bamboo Poles Wholesale
All our giant bamboo poles are dried to a moisture content of between 15-18% to avoid cracking in drier climates and boron treated against insect infestation and mold forming.
The standard length of our poles for export is 6 meters. A 40' HQ container can load about 1000 poles of 6 m length (mixed diameters).
All poles can be cut to your specifications.
Ø 5-7 cm
Guadua Bamboo Pole
Ø 7-9 cm
Guadua Bamboo Pole
Ø 9-11 cm
Guadua Bamboo Pole
Ø 11-13 cm
Guadua Bamboo Pole
Ø 13-15 cm
Guadua Bamboo Pole
Guadua Bamboo SAS
Why are we Different?
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No Middleman
We are the only company in Colombia that export without the use of middleman. Translators or online marketeers that charge commissions to the bamboo producer for selling their products is common practice.
With Guadua Bamboo SAS you buy your products directly from our farm. From harvest to processing and export, everything is under our own management without the use of intermediaries.
This ensures that earnings go directly to the farmers and workers while assuring the lowest prices on the market for our customers.
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Large Inventory
Guadua Bamboo SAS has the largest permanent inventory of bamboo poles in the Americas. We can ship container orders within days, not months.
Buying bamboo from the other side of the world can be a risky and stressful endeavour. Colombian exporters often ask for a hefty payment upfront. Basically they need your money to start producing, which usually results in very long waiting times.
We believe that our clients deserve better, that’s why we invest heavily in holding large inventory so that you can select the bamboo you need. No delays, no surprises.
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Worldwide Distribution
Over the years we have established long term and exclusive partnerships with importers and distributors in Europe and the USA.
From Colombia we cannot ship less than full container loads because currently there are no affordable ways to export large size bamboo poles with courier services.
However, if you are interested in working with our top class construction grade Guadua bamboo poles, than rest assured that our poles are available in many different countries around the world. Simply ask us for a distributor in your area.
Bamboo Poles Production Process
Just as with regular wood, most bamboo species have low resistance against insects and other biological degrading organisms. Without any protective treatment, most bamboo species have an average durability of less than 2 years. Stored under cover, untreated bamboo may last 4-7 years, depending on the species, length and thickness of the stems.
Professionally harvested and treated Guadua poles on the other hand have an average service life of more than 50 years (examples of 100+ year old houses exist in Colombia). The process of producing top quality construction grade bamboo poles involves many different aspects which we will explain in great detail below.
Bamboo Harvest
Only mature bamboo culms of 4-5 years old that grow on altitudes between 1,200 and 1,600 m above sea level are selected and harvested. These Guadua culms are extremely strong and hardened (lignified) which maximizes the mechanical properties for construction related applications.
Bamboo poles selected by these parameters also shrink and crack less when dry and have a higher natural resistance against future insects attacks, fungus and other microorganisms. See this article if you are interested to learn more on harvesting bamboo poles.
Bamboo Selection
Guadua angustifolia is a relatively thin walled bamboo species (on average 13 mm) except near the base where wall thickness is much greater compared to the center and top part of the bamboo stem.
In order to provide top quality poles for export, we only select the sections near the base as these are most sought after for construction. The remaining middle and top parts of the bamboo stem are transformed into flattened mats and smaller diameter poles. No part of the bamboo is waisted.
Puncturing Bamboo
After the bamboo stems are harvested and transported to our factory they are cut to the required size and and all nodes (diaphragms) are perforated.
Because bamboo has a natural water repellent outer layer, it is impossible for preservatives to enter the bamboo fibers from the outside. Therefore, our mix of non-toxic minerals needs to be introduced from the inside where the fibers can absorb the solution.
A steel rod with a large drill bit welded to the tip is used to penetrate each node throughout the length of the Guadua pole.
Bamboo Preservation
The preservation of bamboo is extremely important for the durability of the poles. We use a non-toxic boron solution which is colorless and dissolves in hot water.
Our 13 m treatment tank is equipped with a heating system that reduces the normal processing time from 4 days to only 8 hours. High temperatures also expand the bamboo fibers allowing the natural sabia to exit (due to osmotic pressure) and the solution to enter and maintain at a higher concentration, therefore guaranteeing the immunization.
The method of soaking / diffusion is ideal when Guadua poles are used for construction or further industrial processing. This treatment also allows the bamboo poles to dry faster compared to the Boucherie (sap-replacement) method.
Boron also acts as an excellent fire retardant; therefore, all of our bamboo poles have a certain degree of protection against fire compared to non-treated bamboo.
Sun Bleaching Bamboo
Following the treatment process, our bamboo poles undergo a sun-bleaching procedure by being exposed to open air for a period ranging from 2 to 4 weeks. In order to prevent cracking and to ensure consistent drying, the poles are rotated every 1 to 2 days.
The purpose of the sun-bleaching method is to remove the presence of chlorophyll in the outer layer of the bamboo poles. This process guarantees that the poles acquire a pleasant, uniform beige color, which is most preferred as a construction material. Moreover, this uniform color makes it easier to apply stains or paints, if required.
Washing Bamboo
All mosses and surface stains are cleaned off with a high pressure washer, and later each node is cleaned individually by hand with a steel brush.
Cutting Bamboo
We cut all our bamboo poles to a standard 6 meter length. This length is strategically chosen, as it allows us to make the most efficient use of our shipping methods. With the majority of our orders being transported in 40 ft containers, we are able to fit two rows of these 6-meter poles. By optimizing the available space within the container, we effectively minimize the cost of shipping for our customers.
To achieve this desired length, we use two circular saws that are positioned at a fixed distance. This setup enables us to precisely cut each bamboo pole right after the node (or as close as possible). The inclusion of nodes at the ends of the poles is a deliberate choice. It serves as a protective measure during transport, preventing any potential damages that may arise from the weight of the stacked poles. Hollow ends, if present, are at risk of becoming crushed or cracked, but by incorporating nodes, we ensure the integrity of our bamboo poles throughout their journey.
Storage & Seasoning
Drying bamboo poles requires more time than wood of similar density due to its unique composition and structure of thick culm walls and dense nodes. Bamboo is a natural hygroscopic material, composed of long fibers embedded in a lignin matrix, which allows it to absorb and release moisture from the surrounding air.
As a result, the drying process for bamboo involves stacking the poles horizontally on raised beds in a well ventilated and covered area. The seasoning process requires on average 4 months until a moisture content between 15-18% is achieved.
Properly dried bamboo poles become more stable, lighter, and less prone to cracking, ensuring their longevity and structural integrity when used in a range of projects. Well-dried guadua bamboo poles are not only aesthetically appealing but also enhanced their strength, making them an ideal choice for sustainable and eco-friendly construction.
Our factory currently counts 16 modules of which 12 modules are permanently reserved to store inventory for export. This is the equivalent of 6 x 40 ft containers.
Color Coding
All our bamboo poles are color coded by diameter class. This allows our customers to efficiently manage and organize their stock upon unloading their container at the destination.
To determine the classification, we measure the diameter of each pole at the base, which is the widest end. For instance, our poles painted in red fall within the diameter range of 9 to 11 cm at the base.
A natural characteristic of bamboo is that they taper from one end to the other. Guadua Bamboo poles, however, are much less conically shaped than most other bamboo species. The average taper of our poles is approximately 2 cm over a 6 m length. So if the diameter of a 6 m long pole is 10 cm at the base, than the diameter at the opposite end will be around 8 cm.
Quality Statement
Species: Guadua angustifolia
Origin: Colombia
Age: 4-5 years
Part of the culm: Base (thick walled and short internodes)
Cut: max. 20 cm after end nodes
Treatment: 5% disodium octaborate tetrahydrate
Fire resistance: EN 1350-1: Class ± D-s1
Cracks: None to minimal cracking
Straightness: max. 1 slight curve per pole
Color: Beige / light brown, occasionally with black spots
Drying: Sun bleached and air dried
Moisture content: approx. 15-18% (at the time of loading in Colombia)
Estimated durability indoor: min. 50 years
Estimated durability outdoor: 15 years (if no direct soil contact, and regular application of UV and water repellent top coating)
Density: 669 kg/m3 at MC: 11.2%
Strength (Class C35): MOE: 17204 N/mm2 - MOR: 77.92 N/mm2
International Shipping
We ship our Guadua bamboo poles worldwide by either 20ft or 40ft containers, we do not export less than a full container load. Smaller quantities can be ordered directly from one of our certified distributors.
The standard length of our bamboo poles is 6 m (or 5,88 m in case of a 20ft container). Below we have compiled a chart to give you an idea of the approximate capacity of a container according to the diameter class of the bamboo poles.
Of course we can mix different diameters and length into a container. Feel free to contact us for a detailed calculation and quote based on your specific needs.
Our Certification
We are often asked if our bamboo poles in Colombia are FSC certified, the answer is NO.
First and foremost, the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification is primarily designed for timber-based forest products. While it is true that FSC does offer certification for some bamboo products, it is not particularly well-suited to bamboo cultivation in Colombia.
The Colombian government has established a rigorous certification system for bamboo production. This system ensures that bamboo is harvested responsibly, respecting ecological and socioeconomic principles. The certification process involves a thorough analysis of the bamboo forests prior to harvesting and includes strict audits and inspections of all aspects of the harvesting and treatment process, such as environmental impact, labor laws, conservation efforts and the needs of local communities.
Adding FSC certifications would only add unnecessary costs and redundant paperwork that would not contribute to the sustainability or quality of the product. Therefore, we focus on promoting the responsible and sustainable harvest of bamboo in Colombia through the existing certification process. Our bamboo poles are guaranteed to be of high quality, sustainably-sourced and socially responsible!
Examples of our Guadua Poles in Use
Guadua bamboo poles have become increasingly popular in Western construction projects due to their remarkable strength and versatility. One notable example is their utilization as structural elements in eco-friendly buildings. These poles provide excellent support, even in earthquake-prone areas, making them an ideal alternative to traditional materials such as wood, steel or concrete.
Another application is in the construction of bridges, where guadua bamboo poles serve as sturdy beams, showcasing their load-bearing capacity. Additionally, guadua bamboo poles are often used in the creation of elegant and sustainable furniture pieces, adding an exotic touch to interiors while reducing carbon footprint. Today Guadua poles are used for art installations, fences, gazebos, cladding, ceiling covers, and this list goes on...
In all these examples, guadua bamboo poles demonstrate their vast potential and ongoing contribution to innovative and environmentally friendly construction practices. Visit the photo gallery below and get inspired by some of our previous project from around the world!
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