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.
Many well-cared for bamboo utensils can stick around in your kitchen for 10 years or more (in fact, our founders have a set of bamboo kitchen tools that have been around since 2003).
Durability and lifespan
Well grown and harvested bamboo, protected from excessive rain, sun and ground contact can last for 10's of years, while poorly treated bamboo may only survive a year or two at best.
May not be as sturdy as hardwood:
While bamboo is a durable material, it may not be as sturdy as traditional hardwoods. This can make it less suitable for high-traffic areas or for furniture that needs to support a lot of weight.
Bamboo is biodegradable
If you simply throw your bamboo products away, they will take approximately 3-5 years to fully decompose. This is a massive difference compared to plastic which can take anywhere from 10-100 years. However, bamboo is compostable as it's a natural fibre.
The most sustainable way to dispose of bamboo is definitely to compost it! If you have the means, the time and your bamboo product is 100% natural, then this is certainly the way to go. If you are the owner of a non-natural bamboo product, check in with our friends at Terracycle who might just have a solution for you.
While it is often believed that bamboo is termite-proof, the inner portions of raw bamboo culms contain cellulose fibers (starches and sugars) that attract insects, including termites. Once these fibers are removed, the bamboo is no longer appealing to termites.
Excessive exposure to moisture or high humidity levels can cause bamboo to swell, warp, or develop mold and mildew, leading to a loss of its natural charm. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the natural color of bamboo, causing it to lose its original vibrancy and luster over time.
Bamboo exhibits exceptional biodegradability characteristics. This remarkable property arises from its natural composition, which enables it to decompose organically over time.
However, bamboo itself is a natural organic material which is rich in protein, carbohydrate and other nutrients and is prone to mildew, being eaten by moths and rotting. Therefore, bamboo outdoor products must undergo fungus-resistant treatment according to their varying environmental applications [3].
there is only one exact way for determine the age of the bamboo, and it is mark the bamboo after they start to grow, but there is a traditional methods used for farmers for determine the age approximately, when the bamboo has a intense green color the age is less that 2 years, when the bamboo has a lot of white marks ...
Felled and untreated bamboo poles are not particularly durable, but if the bamboo furniture is properly pre-treated, it can have a lifespan of up to 50 years.
It's recommended that you don't wash bamboo in the dishwasher as the harsh detergents and heat can be too much for the material to take. When you come to wash our bamboo bowls, cups or plates make sure you remove the silicone cup liner or silicone bowl/plate base and wash the bamboo element by hand in warm soapy water.
Bamboo culms are extensively used for structural and decorative purposes. Under certain atmospheric conditions culms can split longitudinally with detrimental effects on their appearance and structural integrity.
Generally, bamboo is not susceptible to bugs. It is one of the more resilient plants, which is what makes it a great option for container or in-ground planting.
So, if you have a bamboo worktop in a kitchen, it is best to use a bamboo varnish because even if you are very careful you will have to rub, scratch and clean your worktop very frequently. You may ask yourself: can you varnish bamboo? Well yes, varnish is still the best protection for bamboo furniture.
Benefits of Borax and Boric Acid Treatment
Treating Guadua bamboo with borax and boric acid, following the NTC 5301 standard, brings several key benefits: Boosted Longevity: This treatment helps Guadua last longer by guarding it against pests like termites and beetles, as well as fungi.
Bamboo plants are known for their ability to attract snakes. But what makes them so appealing to these slithering creatures? Learn more about the reasons behind this phenomenon and how you can keep your garden safe from snake invasions.
Unchecked, running bamboo can easily invade a neighbor's yard, popping up through asphalt driveways and dislodging sidewalks, as much as 30 feet from where it's intended to be grown. Since bamboo tends to like moist soil, the roots have been known to clog sewer lines and water pipes.
Bamboo's greatest weakness is its poor durability in its natural state. The material attracts insects and fungus, which cause decay, and untreated bamboo structures don't last more than a few years.
Grass herbicides, also known as glyphosate herbicides, are the most effective pesticides for killing bamboo. When applying herbicides to your bamboo shoots, spray new shoots as early as possible. The earlier you apply the herbicide, the more effective it will be.
The most effective method for removal of bamboo is to dig out the entire root and rhizome mass as thoroughly as possible, including fragments. To make the job easier, water the area deeply a few days before digging.