raising bamboo in the US

[calbino]

I am a small businessman who would like to pursue raising bamboo in the US for the purpose of possibly developing a commercial flooring company here. I have been to the Philipinnes in part to look into the raising of the plant but have not really gone to far with the due diligence yet. I would love to have as much input as possible on this matter and see what developes from here! Calbino

[toisan]

Dear Calbino,

Stay away from what the Chinese Can do until you can be competetive with pricing. That is A tough nut to crack.

Regards,

Paul

[calbino]

Yeah I thought of that also. But my thinking is two fold. If I can raise it in the Philipines, I would cut much of the labor costs off the top. Second, I figure that since bamboo flooring is coming on in popularity, that there will a need for the plant for supply here. We have a need for wood for construction here and there are several companies that would surely purchase wholesale good local 'trees' to manufacture with. I know as I travel around the US I see many areas where they harvest hardwoods all over. There will be a point where Bamboo will be needed locally for the same companies who manufacture flooring etc. Speculative I know, but doesn't it make sense? And since it takes 5 - 7 years to maturity it would be a fast renewable material. Calbino

[toisan]

Bamboo flooring domestically made but you may have a long wait before it is competitive with the Chinese.

Have you looked at using the veneer ? The rotary peeled veneer is something they(Chinese) gave up on because they couldn't find a use for. I have seen some wall paneling and other items made with the veneer and I feel it has possibilities. Not only is it different, strong but a little goes a long way.

Regards,


Paul

[sasa fool]

There is a very small portion of the US that has the appropriate climate to grow bamboo to the size necessary for flooring or other lumber uses. Probably the most reliable area would be from mid to upper states of GA, AL, MS, LA, SC south the the gulf or to north FL and this ideal growing range is experiencing an extreme drought this year. Chipboard products have a bright future and the growing range could broaden as culm diameter is not as critical as with lumber usage.

So I think that you are right on in thinking about growing it elsewhere but Mexico would be very advantageous in terms of shipping vs the Philippines and there are native Mexican species of the genus Guadua that are desirable for some lumber uses.

[calbino]

Thanks for the reply. I am considering the southe as well. Besides, my wife is really tired of Iowa! Yes I would need to be able to grow a much larger diameter of plant and need to produce flooring.
I am not really very good at decorating so I never thought of the use of wall coverings. I am of the construction back ground and tend to be more structural in mind set. But as far as the business end of things goes, I will sure start considering it. I am thinking of the Philipinnes because of my wife and the ability to find and purchase land and labor there. I am still in the investigation stage and will need to go there again soon. My sister in law is buying a lot over there now for her and her husband to build a home for them to stay in when they go to visit. Calvin

[hdesousa]

I think the US Dept Agriculture promoted bamboo cultivation from the 1920's to the 1950's. Don't know why they gave up on it.
Do a basic search here for "bamboo".
http://naldr.nal.usda.gov/

[CaroleMeckes]

I think the US Dept Agriculture promoted bamboo cultivation from the 1920's to the 1950's. Don't know why they gave up on it.
Do a basic search here for "bamboo".
http://naldr.nal.usda.gov/

There is quite a great resource there of USDA publications...

thanks for the link,
Carole

[calbino]

Thanks, I'll check it out. Cal

[Paraboo]

Calbino, I have been doing exhaustive research for the same purposes. It would be very interesting to speak further. Please let me know if you would be interested.