How can I frame out a door and window with bamboo?

Purchase poles 8’ long and about 2” in diameter (wider if the doorframe or window frame is too wide for two 2” of half rounds to cover). Split the poles and use the half rounds side by side so that the nodes match up. Do not try to miter the corners. Instead let the uprights go up above the horizontal pieces and cut them square on the ends. Then cove the horizontals to the verticals. For a more Asian look, let the horizontals go beyond the frame and cove the vertical tops to the horizontal. You may also buy flat bamboo--made from very large diameter bamboo--split to 2” wide and 6’ long pieces that are 0.5” thick. These can be used like any other piece of molding.



An alternative: buy wide poles (4” diameter or more) and frame the door with the half rounds for a very bold look. Secure with flat head countersunk brass screws. Pre-drill the bamboo and countersink for the screws. Don’t over-torque the screws.