Crushed Bamboo Mats & Bamboo Panels
Crushed Bamboo Panels also known as Esterilla de Guadua
Crushed Bamboo Mats or Bamboo Panels utilized in the construction industry serve as excellent source of bamboo fiber, employed by numerous bamboo structural startups.
Colombian Guadua angustifolia flattened bamboo mats are made from flattened bamboo poles. Our Bamboo Mats or Crushed Bamboo Panels are mainly used in the modern industry offering lower-cost, eco-friendly green products with top-performing quality by ulitilizing bamboo's strength and flexibility.
The process to obtain our eco-friendly bamboo mats or crushed panels is relatively similar to the strand-woven bamboo process. We select the finest Guadua poles, matured between 1000 and 1400 meters above sea level. Crushed bamboo is made when these poles are harvested, cleaned, and transformed into flattened bamboo poles. This marks the creation of crushed bamboo, known as an "Esterilla." Following this process within the Guadual (inside the bamboo forest), the crushed bamboo is transported to a designated factory for treatment.
Imza Arquitectura
Prevention of insect and fungus damage is done by submerging the bamboo in tanks with a sodium borate solution. Depending on the weather conditions, the bamboo poles are left to sun-bleach, gradually transitioning from green shades to a yellowish-tan hue. Once the desired color is achieved, air drying of crushed bamboo is done to reduce moisture content prior export.
To ensure the highest quality, all crushed bamboo used for construction purposes, undergo a meticulous inspection and selection process before being offered to any Best Bamboo customers.
Due to the mechanical properties of these bamboo mats, engineers, architects, building technicians, master builders, and craftsmen are increasingly using bamboo and actually mats are used as a raw material in the construction, architecture, arts & crafts, décor, and design industries.
Key Features:
Lower costs compared to other materials used in traditional construction systems
Lower transportation costs
Better thermal and acoustic conditions
In harmony with the environment
Excellent physical-mechanical properties, high degree of uniformity, flexibility, and bearing capacity provide seismic-resistant properties
Multiple uses varying from wall and bamboo ceiling paneling, to mainly used as fiber to make value added bamboo products such as flooring and beams
Mats are used for both interior and exterior use
Crushed bamboo wall mats can be applied with wallpaper using indoor or outdoor adhesives
Clear answers to common doubts:
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One of the distinct advantages of flattened bamboo mats over traditional round poles lies in their transport efficiency. When bamboo poles are flattened, they become compact panels that can be stacked neatly, reducing the amount of empty space during shipping. This streamlined form not only allows more material to fit per shipment but also lowers freight charges and handling costs.
These savings quickly add up, making flattened bamboo mats especially attractive for manufacturers looking to optimize expenses—whether they’re destined for engineered flooring, IKEA-style furniture, or sophisticated composite beams from the likes of Smith & Fong or MOSO. The result? You get a high-performance, eco-friendly material that’s budget-friendly all the way from the forest to your building site.
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When it comes to crafting high-quality crushed bamboo mats, using freshly harvested, green bamboo poles is essential. Bamboo that is about 4-6 years old remains supple and easier to work with, making the splitting and flattening process much smoother compared to dried or overly mature poles. The elasticity and moisture content of green bamboo help retain the integrity of the fibers, allowing for cleaner, more precise results. This approach also reduces the likelihood of splits and cracks, ensuring the finished esterilla is both durable and visually appealing.
This careful selection at harvest is crucial—it sets the foundation for the entire production process, guaranteeing mats and panels that meet both structural and aesthetic standards.
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After flattening, it's essential to carefully strip away the inner white layer of the bamboo. This layer, sometimes called the parenchyma, is particularly attractive to insects, making the bamboo more vulnerable to pests if not fully removed. Beyond pest prevention, cleaning off the inner portion also ensures a smoother, more stable surface ready for further treatment and finishing. This critical step not only extends the life of the bamboo mats but also enhances the final product’s durability and appearance—meeting the demands of the construction industry for long-lasting, sustainable materials.
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Typically, the air drying process for crushed bamboo mats ranges from one to two months. This gradual drying period helps ensure the bamboo reaches optimal moisture content, making it stable and ready for use in further manufacturing or construction applications. The exact duration can vary based on humidity and weather conditions, but patience during this stage is crucial for producing high-quality, durable panels.
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Have a big project in mind? Please note that for large quantities or custom-made crushed bamboo mats, processing times can extend up to three months before your order is ready to ship. We recommend planning ahead and reaching out if you have specific timelines or delivery requirements—we’re happy to help ensure your order arrives when you need it.
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Once the bamboo mats have been thoroughly treated and allowed to dry, they typically reach a moisture content of around 13-18%. For specialized applications that demand even lower moisture, it's possible to further reduce this percentage upon request. This meticulous drying process not only enhances the performance of the material but also plays a key role in protecting the bamboo from moisture-related concerns, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of construction and design projects.
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Wondering about bulk orders? If you’re considering large-scale applications, it's helpful to know that a standard 40-foot high-cube (HQ) shipping container can typically hold approximately 4,320 crushed bamboo mats, each measuring 4 meters in length (about 13.1 feet). This makes worldwide shipping cost-effective and logistically straightforward for projects of any scale—whether you're outfitting eco-friendly resorts in Bali, US, or designing urban green architecture in Berlin.
Presentations:
Our 4-meter long and 35cm-wide sections can be available in the following presentations:
Rustic Mats: A rugged decorative appearance with a distinct hue made from the world’s strongest bamboo.
Polished Mats: Cut lengthwise, brushed at nods, final finishing consisting of linseed and turpentine oil layering.
Panels for construction of plant nurseries, stables, and the like.
Lengths can be cut to fit specific projects.
Available in bundles for bulk orders.
What is Crushed Bamboo Used foR?
This striking photo by Sebastiao Salgado displayed on a wall covered with The Best Bamboo® crushed mats at the Aqua Mater exhibition in Paris.
Wall Panels: Our crushed bamboo can be used as wall coverings, panels, and as wall support systems offering a less expensive solution than CHB, brick, or even drywall. This super-strong raw material translates into earthquake-resistant, fire-retardant, and waterproof walls offering outstanding thermal and acoustic conditions.
Ceiling Panels: Walls, ceiling, and floor panels for indoor and outdoor tropical architecture and designs, which can be painted or stained to add color or a rustic look to any design.
Flooring: Our versatile bamboo mats or crushed panels can also be used in hardwood flooring either with a natural or sanded finish, guaranteeing a solid and resistant material.
Beams and Timbers: Our flattened bamboo is also used as fiber is transformed into beams and timbers offering outstanding mechanical properties with a tensile strength exceeding mild steel, making them an excellent choice as strong load-bearing structures.
Furniture and Arts & Crafts: Artists and designers can let their imagination run free with the beautiful aesthetic and varying hues, contrasts, and colors of our bamboo mats and crushed panels offering an avant-garde look!
Structural Wall Panels: Crushed bamboo panels in tropical architecture are also used as a substitute for traditional walls. They are stacked atop each other, intertwined with wire, and plastered with adobe. To achieve a sleeker appearance, they are subsequently plastered with cement and sanded for a super chic finish!