Preserving bamboo

[TonyF]

I'm currently helping a chum to demolish a very large stand of bamboo. She has no use for it so I'm going to use it for all the usual stuff, canes and supports etc.

But I also have a nice plan which uses bamboo to build a pergola and as some of the stuff is thicker that my wrists, I'm thinking of using what I'm cutting.

But, unlike the canes and supports which I can replace every couple of years, if I build a pergola I want it to last a fair while.

So, does anybody know what to use to preserve bamboo and give it a longer life?

[Hazel at the Hill]

i would think a varnish of some sort (yachting varnish?), Tony, but I'm sure someone with experience will be along soon....

[Flummery]

Couldn't you dunk the ends in that sort of paint you use for outdoor buildings? Or are you thinking of the whole lot, not just the bit in the ground?

[TonyF]

The whole thing really, try to prevent it splitting longways.

[rustylady]

I would suggest making sure it's thoroughly dry before you try to build anything with it. A bit like seasoning wood for building - slow and cool is best. Not sure about preservatives, which to use. I do know bamboo (specially the thick bits) are used for building (including houses) in foreign parts, so as long as it's not dried out too quickly I should imagine it's pretty long lasting.