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Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionBamboo Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Bamboo is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameHundreds of species among dozens of genera from the Poaceae (grass) family (Many timber-producing bamboos are from the Phyllostachys and Bambusa genera)
Janka hardness1,410 lbf
Average dried weight31 lb/ft³
Best fitSmall novelty items
Overview
Why choose Bamboo?
Bamboo is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Most timber bamboos come from southern Asia. Common uses include small novelty items, turned items, carving, window blinds, furniture, woodwinds and chimes, musical instruments such as flutes, scaffolding, ladders, fishing rods, flooring, paper and veneer.
Scientific nameHundreds of species among dozens of genera from the Poaceae (grass) family (Many timber-producing bamboos are from the Phyllostachys and Bambusa genera)
DistributionMost timber bamboos come from southern Asia
ShrinkageDiameter: 10-16%, Wall Thickness: 15-17%
DurabilityBamboo used outdoors is perishable and breaks down within a few years.
Bamboo colour, grain, and figure
The colour is generally uniform, from pale yellow to nearly white. Live bamboo left standing too long often develops fungal decay that stains the wood with patches and streaks of brown or black.
Bamboo belongs to the grass family and is a monocot, so it has no heartwood, no sapwood and no growth rings. The texture is very uniform, falling between medium and fine according to density.
Working notes
Bamboo behaves differently from typical woodworking stock. It is not necessarily hard to work, but some species call for extra care.
Serious reactions are rare, but skin irritation has been reported from bamboo.
Bamboo should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Bamboo
Best projects
Common uses include small novelty items, turned items, carving, window blinds, furniture, woodwinds and chimes, musical instruments such as flutes, scaffolding, ladders, fishing rods, flooring, paper and veneer.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Bamboo from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Bamboo FAQ
What is Bamboo best used for?
Common uses include small novelty items, turned items, carving, window blinds, furniture, woodwinds and chimes, musical instruments such as flutes, scaffolding, ladders, fishing rods, flooring, paper and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Bamboo beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Bamboo?
The buying section on this page links to any Bamboo Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.