Area rugs made from bamboo are quite attractive and they are relatively inexpensive. A member of the grass family, fully grown bamboo can range in size from the dwarf bamboo which is only about one foot tall to the one hundred foot tall giant timber bamboo. Bamboo grows not only in China as we westerners normally think. It also grows naturally in other regions of Asia and around the world. A hardy species, bamboo grows in regions from jungles to mountains, from North America to Asia. Bamboo plants exist that grow best in cold climates and there are some that flourish in desert climates.
Bamboo has many uses. It is used for food, in making furniture, scaffolding, floors, musical instruments, fencing, even entire homes in some areas. Because of its durability, strength, and low cost, it is thought of as an ideal material for many purposes. It has even been used to build custom bicycles. Bamboo scaffolding is used in Hong Kong and in China, though China now limits their use to buildings of less than six stories. In China the giant panda bears eat bamboo leaves, shoots, and stems. The mountain gorillas of Africa eat bamboo as well.
When bamboo is going to be used for construction purposes it stands to reason that it needs to be used when the stems (culms) are at their strongest. It is also necessary that the sugar levels in the sap are at their lowest to lower the possibility of pest infestation. Timber bamboo is allowed to mature for two to three years or five to seven years dependent upon the species of bamboo. Wild bamboo does not grow as fast as that grown on farms and well maintained. The wet season is when most of the growth occurs for new bamboo and the sap starts to dry in the dry season. Due to these reasons, it is best to harvest the bamboo at the end of the dry season.
Leaching is usually required after the bamboo harvest. This is the process whereby the remaining sap is removed from the stem. One common way to do this is to raise the bamboo off the ground and lean it against the clump for on or two weeks. Another way is to put the bamboo under water completely. If the bamboo is going to be treated for additional strength or pest prevention, water is often pumped directly through the stem itself, removing the sap.
As stated before, construction, including flooring, is one of the common uses of bamboo. One way it is used is by cutting and laminating the bamboo into planks and sheets. They do this by cutting the stalks into thin strips and then making them flat by planing.This process includes cutting the bamboo into thin slats and then planing them flat. These slats are boiled and then dried and eventually glued together. Once ready, they are pressed and finished, possible with stains. This kind of laminate flooring is becoming popular in the United States and are no longer just a boutique material. They are now found in big stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. Bamboo area rugs are made in a similar manner, just on a smaller scale with thinner strips.
When made into a fabric, bamboo is considered to be as soft as cashmere. Bamboo naturally resists bacteria and fungi, helping it to fight off disease and insects. These properties are not affected by washing and help prevent bamboo from holding odors as many other fabrics do. For these reasons and more, area rugs made from bamboo are a natural choice for the consumer. Bamboo can be dyed to achieve many colors but is considered at its most beautiful when it is left in its natural color. Bamboo rugs have caught the attention of modern designers and are recommended for many home decors.
