How to Bend Bamboo Poles
Bending bamboo, isn't that difficult. In case of freshly cut, green bamboo you could even dry bamboo in a mold to adjust the shape, or by applying heat. However, once dry, bamboo cannot be bend anymore (in a permanent lasting shape that is), unless you apply a special technique that we explain at the bottom of this page!
Bending Bamboo with a Flame Torch
Photo by: Stéphane Schröder © www.guaduabamboo.com
In some case you would also want to “un-bend” bamboo, because bamboo poles aren't always straight, and when working on a particular project, bends may cause technical difficulties or are just unwanted for aesthetic reasons. In bamboo furniture construction, fencing, artisan works, bends are often corrected with a cut, and this technique works for either round bamboo canes or split bamboo.
Making Bend Bamboo Straight Again!
Make a V-shaped cut just below the node, try to make the cut as close as possible towards the node, this will make the correction less visible! Make the cut relatively narrow, when the bamboo is not that heavily bended. When the bend is more dramatic you will need to make the cut a little wider to have enough space to make the correction. Make the cut as deep as two-thirds of the total diameter so that the bend can be corrected appropriately.
This technique not only works for correcting bends it is also suited to make arc shapes or round edges, as in this bamboo chair example.
Bamboo Chair with Bend Arm Supports
Photo by: Stéphane Schröder © www.guaduabamboo.com
Watch this video for instruction on how to bend bamboo in a 90 degree angle.
Bending green bamboo in a 90 degree angle is a very useful technique in bamboo furniture design (to shape the back or arms of a chair for example).
Bending Bamboo by Applying Heat
The next video demonstrates how to bend bamboo by applying heat on freshly cut, green bamboo. This technique is also used to stain bamboo furniture and to give it a caramel or dark brown finish.
There are a few tricks to prevent the bamboo canes from splitting when applying such high temperatures to the bamboo.
Drill small holes closely to the nodes so excessive vapor from inside the bamboo internodes can escape easily.
Always try to move the flame torch in the direction to which the bamboo grows. In other words move from the thickest end towards the narrower end.
Perforate the nodes with a rod and fill the bamboo with sand (to prevent it from breaking).
Bending green bamboo with a butane torch in Colombia.
Bending Dry Bamboo Poles
Bending dried bamboo poles requires another approach than green bamboos. Dry bamboo will flex back into it original shape, therefore, once under tension the nodes should be heated with a flame torch. The heat will cause the bamboo to set and will therefore maintain its shape.
Bending dry Guadua bamboo poles in Colombia.
Can dry bamboo be put into water for it to be able to bend? I am also building a grapevine trellis, am I able to cement the bamboo poles into the cement, would it last?