Bamboo
Phyllostachys edulis (syn. Phyllostachys pubescens) / Moso Bamboo · Bamboo
- Type
- Bamboo
- Origin
- Native to China and East Asia; widely cultivated globally in tropical and temperate regions
- Hardness
- 1,300 to 1,400 lbf (Hard - comparable to Red Oak or Sugar Maple)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; naturally resistant to moisture when finished properly, but susceptible to mold if left damp
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Linear, parallel vascular bundle structure typical of laminated bamboo strips; straight fine-textured vascular rays visible as small dashes
Color & Appearance
Warm amber to light carbonized golden-brown hue, showing darkening and slight scorching/heat discoloration along the neck from culinary use
Hardness (Janka)
1,300 to 1,400 lbf (Hard - comparable to Red Oak or Sugar Maple)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; naturally resistant to moisture when finished properly, but susceptible to mold if left damp
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot equivalent; low raw material cost, highly economical for mass manufacture
- Wood Age Estimate
- Utensil shows 2 to 5 years of active use based on surface wear, oil absorption, and thermal scorching on the handle
- Sustainability Status
- Extremely Sustainable; highly renewable fast-growing grass, CITES Unlisted, widely available with FSC certification
Common Uses
Kitchen utensils, cutting boards, flooring, cabinetry, disposable or reusable tableware, structural ply-bamboo
Geographic Origin
Native to China and East Asia; widely cultivated globally in tropical and temperate regions
Workability
Easy to laser-cut, CNC-mill, and mold into kitchen utensils; prone to splintering across fibers if worked with dull tools
Finish Recommendations
Food-safe mineral oil, beeswax blend, or walnut oil; reapply regularly to prevent drying and cracking
Notable Features
Monocot grass anatomy lacking true growth rings; lightweight, highly flexible, low thermal conductivity, non-toxic food-safe surface
