Bamboo Preservation Methods

Bamboo preservation methods can be divided into non-chemical (traditional) and chemical methods. The selection of the appropriate treatment method depends on:

• State of bamboo; green or dry.
• Form of the bamboo: round bamboo or splits.
• End applications; in ground contact, exposed to atmosphere, undercover, structural/non-structural.
• Scale; quantity to be treated and available time.
• Potential causes of decay; biotic (fungus/insects) and abiotic (cracks/weathering).

Bamboo Preservation: Boucherie Method

Non-Chemical, Traditional treatment methods

These are ancient methods which have been practiced in areas where bamboo commonly grows. They are simple and cost-effective without the use of chemicals or supporting equipment. However, these methods are in general not appropriate for long-term protection of bamboo.

Chemical treatment methods

Chemical preservatives are used to protect bamboo products from degradation. These are well established methods providing good protection even in adverse conditions.

Related articles about Bamboo Preservation:

• Natural Bamboo Durability
  Without any protective treatment, bamboo durability is less than two years with most bamboo species.
• Selecting Bamboo Culms for Harvest
  Selecting bamboo culms for harvest is an important part of bamboo plantation management and will influence the quality of the bamboo poles.
• When and How to Harvest Bamboo?
  Timing plays a crucial role when harvesting bamboo, it's one of the most important traditional bamboo preservation methods.
• Leaching Bamboo
  Immersing bamboo in water, or leaching bamboo, is a traditional bamboo preservation method used by many indigenous communities and farmers.
• Chemical Bamboo Preservation
  Chemical bamboo preservation (with or without the help of special equipment) ensures long-term protection. Depending upon the method of treatment.
• Drying Bamboo
  Drying bamboo requires more time than wood of similar density. This because bamboo possess hygroscopic materials that may contain 100-150 % moisture content.
• Bamboo Insect Infestation
  Untreated bamboo, just like almost any other wood, has a high chance of being attacked by insects.
• Bamboo Mold and Bamboo Fungi
  The forming of bamboo mold and white spores on the surface of bamboo canes is not uncommon, especially when bamboo is not 100 % dry.