FAQ - about bamboo poles

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Bamboo Poles
	Phyllostachys by pole
	Tonkin by pole
	FAQ - about bamboo poles
		Can bamboo be used as stair railings and balustrades?
		Can you treat poles to meet fire code for use in restaurant?
		I'm builiding a boat. Which bamboo is best for outriggers?
		What bamboo is best for making a sailboat yard?
		Where in Europe can I buy specialty bamboo poles?
		Which bamboo would work for a whisker pole for a yacht?
		Which poles would be most suitable for Filipino dance?
		How do I rip a pole of bamboo? I want to make half-rounds.
		How costly is it to line a wall with bamboo half-rounds?
		Can bamboo be painted?
		What is a good protective waterproof stain for bamboo?
		Can you tell me more about the dimensions of Henon poles?
	Phyllostachys Poles by bale
	FAQ - about DIY bamboo projects & cultivation
	Black Bamboo by pole
	Iron Bamboo

Can bamboo be used as stair railings and balustrades?

Cracking of the bamboo makes this inadvisable. Click the link for more details.

Which poles would be most suitable for Filipino dance?

Tonkin is the most commonly used Tinikling bamboo in the U.S. It will work fine for traditional dances. Most people order the 12' poles for this use: their cost is listed on the website. Be aware that shipping is fairly costly, since UPS will not carry anything that long.

Can you treat poles to meet fire code for use in restaurant?

The answer is yes, IF. The IF: If the bamboo has been split to half rounds (or smaller) or has a relief cut from end to end. Click the link for more details.

How do I rip a pole of bamboo? I want to make half-rounds.

This is fairly straightforward. Fashion a vee-shaped jig with the bottom of vee aligned with the table saw blade. Have a catcher to receive the halves and run it through being careful not to twist as you go.

I'm builiding a boat. Which bamboo is best for outriggers?

The best poles for outriggers are Bambusa tulda. You might also be able to use Dendrocalamus strictus. Freight for poles of the correct length is likely to be high. Contact us if you need help finding a (more) local supplier.

How costly is it to line a wall with bamboo half-rounds?

The diameter of the bamboo makes a difference. If you use small diameter bamboo the bamboo cost is less but it takes more labor to put it up. The cost per sq foot is about $3.25 for 2” bamboo. The weight is 1.25 lb./sq. ft.

What bamboo is best for making a sailboat yard?

Ideally you would use a single (unspliced) pole of Phyllostachys nigra "Henon" bamboo. Freight for a pole of the correct length is likely to be high. Contact us if you need help finding a (more) local supplier.

Can bamboo be painted?

Yes and no. The inside of the bamboo is a great wood to paint. The outside skin has a waxy coat that makes painting difficult unless sanded, or until the UV of the sun has weathered it to grey. The paint will not harm the bamboo.

Where in Europe can I buy specialty bamboo poles?

There are several places that grow bamboo, although they typically do not market poles for sale in the same manner we do. They are worth contacting for information. Click the link for more details.

What is a good protective waterproof stain for bamboo?

Cabot Australian Timber Oil for hardwood decks and outdoor furniture. It comes in at least three colors, natural, mahogany, and a sort of pecan.

Which bamboo would work for a whisker pole for a yacht?

The ideal would be a pole of Phyllostachys nigra "Henon" that is at least 3 years since shooting, is 5 cm at the butt, and 4.2 meters long, straight, and a first cut. Click for more details.

Can you tell me more about the dimensions of Henon poles?

The 13' long poles that are 3" in diameter on the butt taper at the top to 1-7/8" normally, in the worst case to 1-3/4". The weight of a pole calculates to approximately 13 pounds when dry and can vary from 12 pounds to a maximum of 15 pounds.