Using bamboo as a building material is not new. Bamboo has been used in construction for over 5,000 years. If you’re considering commercial bamboo building materials for your next project, this is for you. Bamboo construction materials are favored when certain elements are sought after. Does your property need a tropical touch with natural beauty? Are sustainability and green design a priority? Do strength and quality matter? Building with bamboo is a must. If any or all of these statements are true, then you should seriously consider adding commercial bamboo building materials to your supply list.
Choosing the Right Commercial Bamboo Building Materials
How will you use bamboo as a building material? The possibilities are almost endless. Depending on the type of bamboo you pick, you can enjoy the tensile strength of light steel, a sturdiness that’s just right for flooring, or a friendly flexibility that’s easily bent into shape. All our Bamboo has been specially treated to prevent “Powder Post Beetle” infestation which is why we tell customers never just to cut a piece of bamboo grown in the yard and then start building with it. Once the beetle lays eggs, destroying the bamboo is the only way to eliminate them.
If you can imagine it, you can probably use bamboo to build it. This material is a fantastic choice for fencing, walls, support poles, flooring, bridges, roofs, and even complete structures. It can be used in furniture, as accent pieces or trim, or to form room dividers or screens. The possibilities are incredible.
There are several types of bamboo building materials. From large bamboo poles to decorative bamboo poles. Each type of bamboo can look fun, elegant, and attractive. However, choosing the right option is vital for the best result.
Solid Bamboo Poles
Solid bamboo poles are richly colored in hues of honey and tan. They’re a top pick for people whose priority is strength. This bamboo has incredibly dense walls. In fact, the poles have wall thicknesses between 60% and 99%. They’re suitable for any project that requires weight bearing, so they’re often used in the construction of structures and furniture. At amaZulu, we pressure treat our solid bamboo poles to protect against the Powder Post Beetle. They average 1.5 inches in diameter and are available in lengths of 8 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet.
Tre-Gai Bamboo
Tre-gai bamboo poles showcase the surprisingly numerous shades of tan. These large bamboo poles also provide more texture with pronounced nodes for a naturally rustic look. These large bamboo poles are another great choice when you’re looking for sturdy, construction-friendly bamboo. Its wall thicknesses are between 50% and 100%, so Tre-Gai is a long-lasting and split-resistant material. At amaZulu, the Tre-Gai poles are pressure-treated to protect against the Powder Post Beetle. They average between 2-3 inches and 3-4 inches in diameter. Lengths of 8 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet are available.
Petung Bamboo
Petung bamboo is a strong choice that’s also referred to as dragon bamboo or giant bamboo. Its dense walls grow big and quick. The result is a sturdy bamboo in shifting shades of tan and sand with straight walls, evenly spaced nodes, and few marks to mar its beauty. It’s ideal for supports, roof beams, decorative accents, and other features. At amaZulu, we offer 12-foot poles with diameters averaging 1.5-2 inches, 2-3 inches 3-4 inches, and 4-5 inches. If you’d really like to make a statement, we offer 18-foot poles with diameters averaging 5-6 inches. With those dimensions, it’s easy to understand why Petung bamboo is called giant!
Bamboo is an excellent material, but you’ll want to choose wisely. Some products are only suitable for decorative purposes. If you need help selecting the right type of commercial bamboo building materials for your next project, reach out to the professionals at amaZulu, Inc. We’ll be delighted to assist you.
