Although many characteristics of bamboo are similar to those of hardwoods, bamboo is not wood. It is classified as grass that is much denser, and therefore stronger than hardwoods. It also grows much faster than hardwoods, making it an easily replenishable resource.

 

There are about 1,200 varieties of bamboo in the world, but Dasso uses only Mao Bamboo (phyllostachys pubescens) because its diameter, color, structure, density and strength is most suitable for the production of bamboo flooring and furniture paneling. This bamboo variety can grow about 2-3 feet the first 24 hours when spouting from ground in spring. In 6 months, a stalks height and diameter can become mature and can be harvested after 4 years.

 

The bamboo material at this time has fine physical and mechanical properties, which is comparable to high-density hardwood timber. Chart 1 displays the detailed characteristics of Mao bamboo.
 

The bamboo stalk is hollow inside and the outer wall is circular. Dasso only uses the outer wall as construction material. The outer wall consists of pulp and membranes. The thin outside green layer is high-density silicon that yields hardness equivalent to hardwoods and a smooth surface of wax like material. The thicker inside yellow layer is loose and fragile.