How to make Crushed Bamboo Mats?

To make crushed bamboo panels or bamboo mats, the round bamboo poles need to be flattened. It is crucial to use fresh cut, green bamboo poles of about 4-5 years old. As shown in the illustrations below, the first step is to break the nodes of the bamboo culm. This can be done with a hatchet. The second step is to make one vertical incision in the bamboo culm with a spade so all the inner nodes are completely perforated. The better you perform this action the easier it is to manually open up the bamboo culm and to crush it with a mallet until it's flat.

Splitting a Bamboo Pole

After the bamboo is flattened it is very important to remove the inner white layer of the bamboo. This particular part is extremely attractive to insects. When the bamboo mats are completely cleaned, the next step is to threaten them against future insect attacks. The curing is done by submerging the crushed bamboo in a tank with a mixture of preservatives (borax + boric acid) and water. After submerging the bamboo for several days in this tank the drying process can start, which takes about 1-2 months.

Cleaning Crushed Bamboo Mats

The bamboo mats are set up straight to dry. This for two main reasons; first to stimulate the moisture content to leave the bamboo faster, and second to increase airflow between the stored bamboo. To avoid direct contact with tropical rain showers or direct sunlight, the bamboo panels should be dried under roof. In Latin America these bamboo boards are called "esterilla".

Guadua Bamboo Mats

Applications with Crushed Bamboo

Bamboo Ceiling Mats:

In construction crushed bamboo is frequently used as a ceiling options. Staining or painting the bamboo can also add extra character to your home.

Bamboo Wall Mats

Because of the strength and flexibility of bamboo, crushed bamboo ia also excellent to use in wall construction. In combination with natural plasters this is probably one of the most natural wall systems available in the world.

Bamboo Floor Mats

Finally bamboo mats can be used in flooring as well. This is a beautiful alternative to conventional flooring methods and will bring a very unique look and feel to your home.