Can bamboo replace all hardwoods?
07 Mar '07 from David Kurland
Bamboo can, and I predict will, replace all hard woods in the near future.
Bamboo is a grass, and reproduces and replenishes itself in months, while it takes six decades to grow an oak or a cedar; a maple takes just a few years less. In the People's Republic of China, a variety known as Mao Bamboo grows in 27 months to a height of 60 feet and 10-12 inches in diameter, straight as an arrow too. The center 40' is converted into strips of very dense, strong, bug, fungi, termite mold resistant, non-expanding product which, when laminated together, can be used as flooring, table tops, dimensional lumber, joists, scaffolding, roof and siding shingles.
This bamboo can be cut and turned to replace most hardwoods. Added water based stains and other finishes can make this most durable of products resemble oak, maple, mahogany, pine, cedar, etc. The only question would be: "Why do it?" since the bamboo look in itself is so desirable and varies endlessly.
bamboo flooring
Although bamboo does offer the potential as a sustainable flooring material, there are certain caveats that many consumers are overlooking. As with all building products, an accurate life cycle analysis is needed. At this time, most bamboo flooring is imported which means it must be shipped from long distances. In addition, the main sources of bamboo in Asia do not have a good record of ensuring materials are being properly harvested. Finally, if a potential customer lived in Pa. (the breadbasket of hardwoods) locally obtained hardwoods could actually be a more sustainable product than bamboo. Finally, an often overlooked source of hardwood is wood recycled from the demolition of old buildings.