Bamboo (Carbonized/Natural strand-woven)
Phyllostachys edulis · Bamboo
- Type
- Bamboo
- Origin
- Native to China and East Asia; widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions globally.
- Hardness
- Approx. 3,000 lbf (Extremely Hard). Strand-woven bamboo is significantly harder than traditional vertical or horizontal bamboo grains.
- Durability
- Durable. Highly resistant to mechanical wear and indentation. Naturally resistant to rot and insects due to high silica content, though susceptible to moisture-induced swelling if not sealed.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Linear, fibrous, and uniform. As a grass, it lacks true wood grain; the visible texture shows vascular bundles compressed into a strand-woven pattern, resulting in a dense, multi-directional fibrous appearance.
Color & Appearance
Features a dual-tone appearance: the top section is carbonized (honey-amber/brown) created by pressure-steaming, while the bottom section is closer to a natural blonde/tan. It exhibits moderate luster under a factory finish and will fade slightly if exposed to direct UV.
Hardness (Janka)
Approx. 3,000 lbf (Extremely Hard). Strand-woven bamboo is significantly harder than traditional vertical or horizontal bamboo grains.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable. Highly resistant to mechanical wear and indentation. Naturally resistant to rot and insects due to high silica content, though susceptible to moisture-induced swelling if not sealed.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $8.00 per square foot (typical for high-quality strand-woven flooring).
- Wood Age Estimate
- 5-10 years (product age). The material itself was harvested at biological maturity (5 years), but the wear and surface debris suggest the installation is several years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Highly Sustainable. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that reaches maturity in 5 years; often FSC certified and considered a rapidly renewable resource.
Common Uses
Flooring, wall cladding, heavy-duty countertops, decking, and modern furniture.
Geographic Origin
Native to China and East Asia; widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions globally.
Workability
Difficult. The high density and silica content rapidly dull saws and planer blades. Prone to splintering and requires carbide-tipped tools and pre-drilling for fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Typically comes factory-prefinished with aluminum oxide. For refinishing, use high-quality polyurethane or water-based floor finishes. Requires thorough sanding due to density.
Notable Features
Contains high levels of silica; dust can be respiratory irritant. Very heavy and dense compared to standard hardwoods. Lacks vascular rays and growth rings found in dicot hardwoods.