Bamboo - A Truly Renewable Resource!

China is relatively poor in wood resources but is one of the few countries that is rich in bamboo resources. Bamboo, a member of the grass family, is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly building products. Every April, new bamboo shoots grow out of the extensive bamboo root systems found on many mountains in Southeast China. Hundreds of different species of bamboo are found in many countries through out the world; however, China is the major producer of bamboo construction products and its history of bamboo utilization covers thousands of years.

Bamboo flooring was introduced in the U.S. as a new product in 1990. Initially, there were relatively few manufacturers and production was of questionable quality. After it became apparent that bamboo flooring would be a viable product in the world market, better-qualified entrepreneurs entered the industry. Our manufacturers are among the most successful of these new investors.

Although more than 1,200 species of bamboo have been identified worldwide, only Phyllostachys pubescens (known in China as Mao, Moso or hairy bamboo) has the wall thickness, color, structure, density, and strength to provide the necessary raw material for bamboo flooring. Mao bamboo grows up to two feet on the first day after sprouting from its underground root and attains its maximum height of 60 to 90 feet in six months.

Maturation to the point of harvesting requires at least four years. However, greater hardness is obtained when the culm is allowed to continue growing until the bamboo reaches six to eight years old. This is the age range required by GreenWood.

The cut bamboo is processed into flooring that can be compared in hardness to domestic hardwood. However, unlike wood, bamboo will continuously develop new growth from its underground root system... truly a renewable resource!