AKA: Carbonized bamboo, natural or amber bamboo
What: A giant of the grass family. One of the fastest growing plants in the world. Bamboo can grow to full height within a few months (40 foot high).
Where: Bamboo forests in China
Properties: Slightly less hard than hard maple (Janka 1380), unless it has been carbonized which makes it softer. Is available natural or in amber colors which is gotten by a heat treatment called carbonization. Bamboo is considered a green product because of it’s short harvesting time and it’s ability to once cut, keep growing again.
Workability: Machines and sands easily. Can be finished, although can be difficult to color match across wide expanses.
Uses: Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, paneling, poles, countertops, pulp for paper, fencing, fuel, and even fabric.