Furniture shoppers have started to change their habits with making purchases towards more eco-friendly choices in the last decade. In bedroom furniture this is also becoming a popular trend with the many choices now available in materials and construction now being used. Renewable materials are quickly becoming the choice in platform beds, nightstands, chests and dressers. Bamboo with its quick growth, sustainability and exotic look makes it a smart choice for bedroom furniture products.

Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is a species of plant that covers roughly 8 million acres throughout China. It reaches its maximum growth in 5-7 years, where the stalks can be cut and harvested. Many stalks grow back to replenish what has been harvested but can also be replanted from seedlings. Consider many species of oak take 50 years of growth, are harvested and must be reseeded. Bamboo can be harvested on average 7 times in that span making it much more efficient. Bamboo provides oxygen through photosynthesis and provides food through shoots that are harvested and cooked seasonally that grow at the base.

Bamboo characteristics are unique when being compared to oak, maple, ash and other species of wood. Bamboo exhibits an exotic grain across the surface that provides a look all its own. The grain often moves in different directions and finishes in various shades allowing the exotic look of the grain to show through. It can be provided color through a kiln process that actually caramelizes the bamboo on the surface which gives it a caramel color or patina on the surface. This color combined with the unique nature of the grain of the bamboo is hard to find in most products.

Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource found in many types of furniture today. While many believe it to be a wood, bamboo is actually considered a plant. Moso bamboo is a popular choice for many furniture manufacturers as it gets very hard and can easily be made into bamboo boards. The boards can then be manufactured into a variety of products including furniture such as bamboo platform beds, dressers, chests and nightstands.

Consequently bamboo provides more than just material for furniture. It is also used in kitchen items such as cutting boards, utensils and handles. It is also found in flooring, musical instruments and carrying poles that are used throughout Asia. Very few domestic manufacturers in the United States currently manufacturer using bamboo however there are some companies that have begun importing bamboo boards into the United States.

In conclusion bamboo presents furniture shoppers with a unique choice in today’s furniture. It reaches maturity in 5-7 years, can be harvested and grows back again making it a green choice. The exotic grain of the species and unique caramelization of the surface creates a look that can’t be achieved with any species of wood. It is strong and hard making it a great choice for furniture, flooring and home accessories. For individuals wanting a look all their own, bamboo is clearly the smart choice.