About Bamboo

Bamboo Vs Wood : Why Is Bamboo Better Than Wood?

Posted on by BAMBOOEX Content Team

Bamboo, a perennial flowering plant belonging to the grass family, has been utilized in construction since ancient times. In today’s modern world, it has gained significant attention as people become increasingly aware of environmental concerns. Bamboo-made products, including chairs, stools, cutting boards, and drawers, are becoming increasingly prevalent. The allure of bamboo has captivated a growing number of individuals.

The surge in popularity prompts the question: Why are so many people gravitating towards bamboo-made products and disregarding other types of wood? Why Is Bamboo Better Than Wood? To understand the advantages of bamboo over wood, it is essential to compare them across various criteria. Here are several points of comparison:

Why Is Bamboo Better Than Wood?

Air Freshness

bamboo vs wood why is bamboo better than wood 1

Oxygen is vital for all living beings, including humans and animals, and its importance surpasses that of water and food. In this aspect, the cultivation of bamboo surpasses the cultivation of wood-producing trees. Bamboo has a remarkable capacity to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, outperforming other tree species by more than four times. Bamboo continually emits oxygen into the atmosphere throughout the year, contributing to improved air quality.

Soil Protection

bamboo vs wood why is bamboo better than wood 2

While all trees and plants play a role in soil protection, bamboo exhibits a unique ability to actively safeguard its surroundings from flash floods and soil erosion, surpassing the capabilities of other wood-producing trees. Bamboo excels in creating a protective environment due to its dense growth and interlocking root system. When bamboo grows in close proximity and in large numbers, it forms a solid barrier, minimizing gaps between plants. This characteristic enables bamboo to effectively prevent soil erosion and reduce the impact of flash floods. In contrast, other tree species typically have more significant gaps between individual trees, limiting their ability to offer similar levels of protection.

Weight

In today’s modern society, there is a growing preference for lightweight and comfortable . When it comes to shopping for kitchen utensils like cutting boards, bamboo-made products are a reliable choice, particularly when weight is a factor to consider. Bamboo-based kitchen utensils are significantly lighter compared to those made from dense wood planks such as oak or mahogany. The same applies to other bamboo items, such as bathroom tables, which offer a lighter alternative to their counterparts crafted from heavier wood materials. This lightweight nature of bamboo products contributes to their appeal and convenience for individuals seeking more portable options.

bamboo vs wood why is bamboo better than wood 3

Ductility

Bamboo possesses a certain level of ductility due to its fibrous and composite structure. While it may not exhibit the same level of ductility as metals, bamboo can withstand bending and flexing to a certain extent without fracturing or breaking. The fibers in bamboo are arranged in a parallel manner, providing strength and flexibility. This natural ductility allows bamboo to be used in applications where some degree of bending or shaping is required, such as in furniture, handicrafts, and construction. However, it’s important to note that the ductility of bamboo may vary depending on the species, age, and processing methods used.

Water-Resistant

bamboo vs wood why is bamboo better than wood 4

When it comes to water resistance, bamboo-made products have a clear advantage over products made from traditional wood planks. Unlike many wood products that are not resistant to water, bamboo exhibits a higher level of water resistibility. In the case of spills or exposure to liquid, wood surfaces typically require immediate drying or cleaning to prevent damage.

In contrast, bamboo-made products, including bamboo flooring, do not absorb water as readily. While they are not completely waterproof, they offer superior water resistance compared to wood flooring. This means that bamboo products do not require immediate drying or cleaning in the event of spills or moisture exposure. Their inherent water-resistant properties make them a more suitable choice for environments where water or liquid contact is more likely to occur.

Tensile Strength

Bamboo-made products are known for their remarkable tensile strength, often surpassing that of steel, setting them apart from other wood planks. The unique structure of bamboo, consisting of long fibers and a composite arrangement, contributes to its exceptional strength. As a result, bamboo-made items, including drawer organizers and other products, exhibit a high level of durability compared to wood sourced from certain tree species like mahogany (although oak is an exception to this). The robust nature of bamboo allows it to withstand considerable stress and strain, making it a preferred choice for applications where strength and durability are key factors.

Eco-friendliness

bamboo vs wood why is bamboo better than wood 5

While trees play a crucial role in environmental conservation, it is important to consider the impact of their harvesting on sustainability. Cutting down trees such as maple, oak, or mahogany requires a long replacement turnover time, often exceeding 10 years and sometimes ranging from 20 to 50 years.

In contrast, bamboo presents a more eco-friendly alternative. Bamboo does not require replanting after harvesting. When bamboo stalks are removed from the ground, new shoots automatically regenerate from the existing root system, ensuring a continuous growth cycle. Moreover, bamboo has a significantly faster growth rate compared to other wood-producing trees. This rapid growth allows bamboo to be harvested more frequently, providing a sustainable supply of material without depleting resources or contributing to deforestation.

The self-regenerating nature and fast growth of bamboo make it an environmentally friendly choice, offering a renewable and sustainable resource for various applications.

Price

The affordability of products often plays a significant role in purchase decisions for many individuals. When the price of a product exceeds their budget, some people may opt for alternative choices. In the case of wood and bamboo planks, there can be notable differences in price.

Wood planks, depending on the type and quality, can range in price, with some exceeding $10 per square foot. On the other hand, bamboo planks tend to be more cost-effective, typically ranging from $5 to $7 per square foot. This lower price range for bamboo makes it a more budget-friendly option compared to certain wood varieties.

The relatively lower cost of bamboo planks allows individuals to consider them as a more affordable alternative without compromising on quality or aesthetics. This price advantage of bamboo over some wood planks makes it an attractive choice for those seeking cost-effective options for flooring or other applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bamboo emerges as a superior choice when compared to other wood planks across various factors. From its strength and durability to its eco-friendliness, water resistance, affordability, soil protection, and positive impact on air quality, bamboo demonstrates numerous advantages. By opting for bamboo-made products and utilizing proper care and maintenance, one can expect to enjoy their functionality and longevity for an extended period. Overall, bamboo’s unique properties and sustainable nature make it a compelling option for those seeking reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective materials.

Contact us : 

I hope I get the chance to cooperate with you soon!