How to Make Bamboo Furniture

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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Bamboo is a hollow grass that is available in many varieties. While you can make some types of bamboo furniture yourself, it is often difficult and requires a great deal of skill. Those without bamboo furniture making skills should stick to manageable projects such as bamboo wall coverings or a simple bamboo framed coffee table.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • One 5 foot pole of 3 inch diameter bamboo
  • 15 feet of 1 inch diameter split rattan
  • Eight 1/2 inch corner braces with screws
  • Drill
  • Finishing nails
  • Wood glue
  • Hammer
  • Sandpaper
  • Miter box
  • Spray shellac
  • Pencil
  • One 2 foot by 4 foot sheet of MDF (medium density fiberboard)

Gather Your Supplies

Step1
Visit the Bamboo Fencer website to choose from a variety of bamboo poles (see Resources below).
Step2
Discuss your project with your bamboo pole seller to be sure you select the appropriate products.

Prepare the Split Rattan

Step1
Measure out the split rattan to match the sides of your MDF sheet. The MDF sheet will form the table top.
Step2
Cut the split rattan at a 45 degree angle using the miter box. This is so that the corners of the rattan meet to make a square corner.
Step3
Sand the newly cut ends of the each piece of rattan. Make sure you sand only in the direction away from the cut--if you sand towards the cut, the rattan will splinter.
Step4
Spray the rattan pieces with shellac over newspaper or other protected surface.
Step5
Allow the rattan pieces to dry, then shellac again. A third coat may be necessary.
Step6
Hammer a finishing nail slightly into the corner of a rattan piece.

Attach the Split Rattan to the Tabletop

Step1
Place wood glue on the end on the rattan piece and press it onto the edge of the MDF sheet.
Step2
Hammer the nail in the rest of the way.
Step3
Repeat this process with the remaining three rattan pieces.

Prepare the Bamboo Legs

Step1
Cut the bamboo into four 10 inch pieces.
Step2
Sand the freshly cut edges.
Step3
Pre-drill holes into each leg where the corner brace will attach.
Step4
Screw the corner braces onto the legs.

Attach the Legs

Step1
Position each leg 2 inches in from the corner of the tabletop and mark with your pencil.
Step2
Screw the corner brace into the tabletop to secure the bamboo leg.
Step3
Attach the remaining legs until your furniture is complete.

Tips & Warnings

  • Avoid splintering by sanding bamboo and rattan away from any cut you have made.
  • Bamboo cannot be easily painted.

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eHow Article:  How to Make Bamboo Furniture

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