How to Cure Bamboo Poles

Bamboo poles must be cured or dried before you can use them for sturdy projects.

Residents of Japan have used the shoots and trunks of bamboo trees for generations, creating houses, instruments and weapons from the sturdy poles. Before you can use bamboo for anything sturdy, though, it must be cured or dried. Under the right conditions, curing bamboo can be as simple as leaving it to stand in the sun for a few weeks. However, that method does not work in extremely hot or humid areas, and drying times will vary by climate. Instead, use a direct heat method to remove the moisture and resins from the bamboo and make it ready for use.

Things You'll Need

• Protective gloves
• Blowtorch or fire pit
• Rag or cloth

Instructions

1. Wear protective, heat-resistant gloves when curing bamboo; you will be working with intense heat for this project.

2. Light a fire in a fire pit or use a blowtorch with a small flame. The heat from the fire should be about 250 degrees F.

3. Hold the bamboo pole over the flame, allowing the flame to touch but not ignite the bamboo. You will begin to see the bamboo's resins rise to the surface.

4. Remove the pole and wipe away the resins with a rag or cloth. Repeat the heating and wiping process until the bamboo no longer produces resin. The color should change from a deep green to a light green or yellow.

5. Stand the bamboo poles upright in a cool, dry place to cool and dry completely. Inspect the bamboo for cracks before continuing with your project.

Tips & Warnings

• Air drying bamboo will produce cured poles, but if your area has temperature and humidity fluctuations or the climate is very different from that of bamboo's natural habitat, the process can take more than a month. Air drying can also lead to more cracking in the bamboo.

• Never try to cure bamboo over fire without gloves; the bamboo will be hot to the touch.

References

• Primitive Ways: Bamboo Thoughts and Curing
• JM Bamboo Nursery: Using Bamboo
• Green Home Building: Preservation of Bamboo