Consumers are becoming more aware of “green” ecologically friendly products. Stylish bamboo shades and bamboo furniture are beautiful, durable and inexpensive but they are also made from a renewable resource that does not damage our environment. Even though bamboo is used like wood, it is really a plant in the grass family. It is the fastest growing plant in the world. For centuries elegant, beautiful furniture has been made from bamboo. Now bamboo will also help save the planet.
Bamboo only takes five years before it is ready to be harvested while hardwood trees can take up to fifty years or more. This qualifies bamboo as a renewable resource. It is considered “green” because bamboo is farmed without using any fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
All sorts of furniture are made from bamboo. Bamboo’s durability and strength make it an ideal furniture building material. It does not swell or shrink when wet like wood does. It can tolerate temperature extremes and humidity. It is very strong with a tensile strength of 28,000 per square inch. Bamboo’s fine grain is very attractive. Furniture made of bamboo is stylish.
Bamboo timber is grown on plantations. The harvested bamboo timber is used to make laminated plywood and bamboo poles. The round stalk is cut into strips and then dried in a kiln. The strips are glued together to make the plywood. Bamboo poles are made from the stalks. Similar to wicker, the bamboo poles can be weaved. The laminated bamboo plywood is used just like any other wood timber.
Bamboo is useful in many things besides furniture. It can be made into fabric or paper. Bamboo fabric is used to make window shades and blinds. It is a food used in Asian cooking. It is even used to make musical instruments.
Avoid imitation bamboo and bamboo look-a-likes when shopping for bamboo furniture. You want the real thing. In order to ensure that you have ecologically sound bamboo verify that is has been grown and harvested using a natural sustainable method. Glues and veneers must not contain any toxic chemicals. Choose furniture that only uses water-based stains. By following these guidelines you will be contributing to a green environment. The very finest bamboo furniture is made in small villages by artisans who have been bamboo furniture makers for generations.
Bamboo furniture is easy to clean and maintain whether used outdoors or indoors. Wash about every two months with a solution of water and light detergent. Apply an anti-mildew agent about every six months or more frequently if you live in a humid climate. Dust bamboo furniture a couple times a week. Make sure to clean up any spills immediately. By following these simple rules your bamboo furniture will last for many years.
Bamboo shades and furniture will compliment any contemporary style. Bamboo is very popular in furniture; it is made in many motifs and styles other than Asian. You may want to start off with just a few pieces. It will add a simple elegance to your room’s dcor, starting, perhaps, with window shades.
For a limited time offer, you can visit the website of Jesita Jerik, at bamboo shades, with all of her window shades on display.