The word “bamboo” may conjure images of tropical rainforests or tiki bars, but in fact this natural resource is finding a second home as an alternative to hardwood flooring and other products. As an incredibly fast growing plant, bamboo can yield a greater amount of resource material in a shorter amount of time. Many commonly used woods, including cherry and oak, require 25 to 50 years of growth before they can be harvested and sold. Bamboo, on the other hand, can be harvested every two to five years. No other plant in the world grows faster than bamboo, with some varieties growing several feet in a single day. As a natural material, bamboo is a certified “green” material that has been utilized recently in the construction and renovation of building following “green” construction practices.

As a building material, bamboo is versatile, lightweight and durable. In fact the overall durability of bamboo rivals most hardwoods and is often thought to be nearly as strong – or even stronger than — steel. Logically, a material that is durable, fast growing and affordable is an attractive substitute for wood. Since wood and bamboo can be used for the same projects, bamboo is a possible alternative for many building projects.

Recent applications of bamboo have included everything from buildings to clothing to bicycle frames to chopsticks. The plant itself is edible, and grows quickly in a wide variety of environments. Homeowners are also finding use for bamboo as decoration for their home tiki bar, whether in the form of a potted bamboo plant or the use of bamboo wood to add the right ambiance to the bar construction itself. Bamboo’s other applications include preventing soil erosion. One of bamboo’s strongest points is that it is inexpensive, yet amazingly strong, even when compared to traditional Western building materials. There are over 1200 species of bamboo worldwide, and likely just as many applications for this wood.

The sleek stalks of the bamboo plant have long been seen in tiki bars and restaurants seeking to recreate the ambiance of a rustic hut on a tropical island. This material has long been used all over the world for building purposes, and makes great inspiration for those seeking to replicate an Eastern or island influence in their home. In fact, split bamboo is an excellent choice for the walls or roof of a tiki bar, even in your own basement or backyard. Bamboo has also been used for the creation of furniture. Bamboo strips can be used as flooring, table mats, and even woven roofing for a tiki hut.

This aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly building material makes an excellent choice, whether you’re going for a modern and updated look or a kitschy tiki feeling. This amazing plant is enjoying a surge in popularity, and new uses for it seem to be introduced every day. This material is expected to become a hot commodity over the next few years as more people seek out “green” building supplies. Bamboo proves that it is possible to construct modern buildings and uniquely furnished interiors while remaining “green” and earth friendly.

Author Bio: Royal Tiki has a wide range of Tiki, hand-carved on Hawaii. Also check for current specials on Tiki bar statues

Category: Home Management
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