Bamboo based products are in vogue. From housing to furniture to packaging, transport and the most favorite of all, flooring; bamboo is currently gaining attention from all over the world. As a very important non-timber forest resource, bamboo plants come with several socio-economic benefits that only users can guarantee. If one looks at the plantation across the world, no less than 1200 species are found to grow in 14.5 million hectares areas. Some common places where bamboo can be found in abundance are Asia, Latin America, Africa and many more. Among them, China and India are two nations where the plant grows sufficiently, excepting for few provinces.

Concept of bamboo veneer

Man has improved his living conditions like never before. The demand for modern building, fittings and floorings, decorating and the like has increased. Hence, it makes complete sense to choose bamboo products for construction of floors, paneling and other uses.

But given the numerous species of bamboo plants available throughout the world, choosing the best can pose problems. The ‘Moso Bamboo’ variety is the best of the lot to be used for producing numerous commodities. When zeroing on the bamboo veneer, check for manufacturing processes, which includes the natural ones and also carbonized plywood. This is largely because the color of the bamboo reflects certain changes when heated, like lighter shade darkens markedly.

Process of deriving bamboo veneer

Taking into consideration bamboo fibers, the processing technology involves steps like milling of fiber, resin application and overlaying. All this cannot be possible if bamboo veneer is not present well in advance. But the art of veneering is not known to all. Since it’s an art that dates back to several years, it would be wise to know that the thin slice of the material is glued to any inferior material base like multiplex, particle board or MDF and finally it gets made into doors, panels, furniture, floors and more.

If you are looking forward to using bamboo veneer, it is produced after laminating the thin individual strips and making the same into blocks with a waterproof adhesive. Later, when the block gets soaked for about two weeks and a little more, then the slicing is made into 0.6mm veneer sheets. The same sheets are then backed with some fabric.

Sheets of varying sizes can be produced and sometimes customer layups are also available in few stores. For example, the compound curves, pre-cut sizes and cross grain lay-ups can all be made from the bamboo veneer. In fact, some stores also specialize in other techniques to finish a host of projects.

Factors governing selection of bamboo veneers

Though the veneers can be found in several styles and patterns, there are three vital factors to assess:

- Grain: Mostly, the bamboo varieties are the vertical, horizontal or strand woven types. The best thing about the latter is its resemblance to traditional wood, while the other two are appropriate for modern designs.

- Thickness: Veneers can be available in thin sheets with varying measurements between 0.5-1mm. The thick panels are usually meant for block type furniture or countertops.

- Color: Given the choice of colors in bamboo plywood, most customers have a difficult time finding the apt one. However, they can also get it custom-stained. Ideally, there are three colors- natural (blonde), carbonized (brownish or honey) and tiger (marbled or neopolitan), which is a blend of natural and carbonized ones.

Reasons to choose bamboo veneer

Not one, not two but there are plenty of reasons why one must opt for bamboo veneers.

The availability factor is a big plus point. The growth cycle of bamboo plants is so quick that there are no shortages to be found. The market has a lot of supply and you can select a befitting one for your need.

The products look great. Whether larger parts like countertops and paneling or smaller items like kitchen utensils, bamboo ensures versatility.

Strength of bamboo is comparable to steel and higher than even concrete. The ease with which it can be used and compressed make it a likeable option.

Bamboo veneers are preferred largely fir eco-friendliness. About 35% more oxygen is produced compared to hardwood like oak, helping purify the polluted air. Besides, bamboo production has provided jobs to unemployed sections and outlying communities too.