How to Make Bamboo Furniture

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (13 Ratings)

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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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

Step 1

Visit the Bamboo Fencer website to choose from a variety of bamboo poles (see Resources below).
Step 2

Discuss your project with your bamboo pole seller to be sure you select the appropriate products.

Prepare the Split Rattan

Step 1

Measure out the split rattan to match the sides of your MDF sheet. The MDF sheet will form the table top.
Step 2

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.
Step 3

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.
Step 4

Spray the rattan pieces with shellac over newspaper or other protected surface.
Step 5

Allow the rattan pieces to dry, then shellac again. A third coat may be necessary.
Step 6

Hammer a finishing nail slightly into the corner of a rattan piece.

Attach the Split Rattan to the Tabletop

Step 1

Place wood glue on the end on the rattan piece and press it onto the edge of the MDF sheet.
Step 2

Hammer the nail in the rest of the way.
Step 3

Repeat this process with the remaining three rattan pieces.

Prepare the Bamboo Legs

Step 1

Cut the bamboo into four 10 inch pieces.
Step 2

Sand the freshly cut edges.
Step 3

Pre-drill holes into each leg where the corner brace will attach.
Step 4

Screw the corner braces onto the legs.

Attach the Legs

Step 1

Position each leg 2 inches in from the corner of the tabletop and mark with your pencil.
Step 2

Screw the corner brace into the tabletop to secure the bamboo leg.
Step 3

Attach the remaining legs until your furniture is complete.