MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Bamboo Plywood (5mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 25mm)

Bamboo
organic › Plant-Based › Bamboo
organicplant-basedbambooplywoodengineered-panelcross-laminatedrenewablecarbon-negativecabinetryjoineryfurniturelow-formaldehydeNAF-availableimportedISO-22157
ATLAS CODE
ORG-BAM-EBP-003
Bamboo Plywood (5mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 25mm)
Category organic
Material Family Plant-Based
Regulatory Status Combustible
Density
650-1100 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
-5 to -30 (net) kg CO2-eq/m2
Fire Class
Combustible
Lifespan
30-50 years
Description

Bamboo plywood is an engineered panel product manufactured from bamboo strips cross-laminated and bonded with adhesives to create high-strength, dimensionally stable sheets. Mature Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) culms are split into uniform strips, dried to 8-10% moisture content, sorted for quality, then arranged in alternating grain directions (typically 3-7 plies depending on thickness) and hot-pressed with phenol-formaldehyde, melamine, or no-added-formaldehyde (NAF) adhesives. The resulting panels offer mechanical properties exceeding most hardwood plywoods — flexural strength 60-120 MPa and tensile strength 80-140 MPa with density 650-850 kg/m3. Available in standard 2440x1220mm sheets from 5mm (cabinetry veneer) to 25mm (structural applications). Australian suppliers include House of Bamboo (Sydney), FA Mitchell (LETObamboo range), and Plyboo, with all product manufactured in China. Bamboo plywood costs approximately 20-25% more than conventional hardwood plywood but offers superior strength, sustainability credentials, and distinctive natural aesthetic.

Primary Sectors
[Industrial]
Typical Uses
  • Cabinet construction and joinery
  • Furniture manufacturing
  • Architectural wall panelling and ceiling linings
  • Countertops and work surfaces (strand-woven grade)
  • Structural sheathing and subflooring
  • Exhibition and display construction
  • Marine and RV interior joinery
  • Acoustic panels (perforated with absorber backing)
24401220mm
Size
Primary Form [Standard / Sheets: / 2440x1220mm / (8'x4'). / Also / Available: / 2440x610mm / (half / Width). / Thicknesses: / 5mm, / 9mm, / 12mm, / 15mm, / 18mm, / 25mm. / Custom / Sizes / Available / On / Request / From / Some / Suppliers / (longer / Lead / Time). / Source: / Fa / Mitchell; / House / Of / Bamboo / Product / Ranges]
Dimensional Tol. ± [Thickness: +/-0.3mm. Length/width: +/-1mm. Squareness: within 1mm per 1000mm diagonal. Comparable to hardwood plywood manufacturing tolerances.] mm
Recycled Content 0-5
Renewable Content 85-95
Recyclability 65-80
Embodied Carbon -5 to -30 (net) kg CO2-eq/m2
Embodied Energy 15-20 MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio — exceeds most hardwood plywood mechanicallyRapidly renewable bamboo resource (5-7 year harvest cycle)Excellent dimensional stability from cross-laminated constructionDistinctive natural grain patterns — self-decorative exposed finishNAF (no added formaldehyde) adhesive options availableExcellent machinability with standard woodworking toolsWide thickness range (5-25mm) for diverse applicationsCarbon-negative material lifecycle when accounting for bamboo sequestrationConsistent grain pattern and density compared to natural timber plywoodsCompatible with standard plywood joinery techniques (dado, rabbet, biscuit, dowel)
Cautions
All product imported from China — no Australian bamboo plywood manufacturing20-25% more expensive than conventional hardwood plywoodQuality varies significantly between manufacturers — adhesive and pressing standards differEdge sealing essential for moisture protection (exposed cross-grain edges absorb readily)Combustible material — NCC limitations for exterior and fire-rated applicationsFormaldehyde emissions from some adhesive systems (must specify E0/NAF)Colour variation between panels and batches — specify from same production run for visible applicationsLimited structural grade certification in Australia (no CodeMark or JAS-ANZ accreditation)
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES ORG-BAM-EBP-003
Density (Dry) 650-1100 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 0.65-1.10
Porosity 5-20 %
Water Absorption 3-12 %
Hardness 1380-5000 lbf Janka
UV Resistance poor-without-treatment
Chemical Resistance good
pH Tolerance 6-8 pH
Available Colors
Natural (light blonde/straw — original bamboo colour)Carbonised (caramel to dark amber — heat-treated)Tiger/Marbled (mixed natural and carbonised strips)Stained (accepts standard timber stains for custom colours)
Surface Finishes
UV-cured lacquer (factory-applied, high durability)Natural oil (penetrating, matte, renewable)Polyurethane (site-applied, various sheens)Wax (low sheen, natural feel)Unfinished (for custom workshop finishing)
Texture Options
Smooth sanded (180-220 grit, ready for coating)Raw/unfinished (natural bamboo surface for custom finishing)Brushed (light texture for contemporary aesthetic)
Pattern Options
Horizontal grain (flat-pressed — wide bamboo strip face with visible node markings)Vertical grain (side-pressed — narrow edge strips, linear striped pattern, more uniform)Strand-woven (compressed fiber — dense, mottled pattern, unique texture)Cross-ply edge (exposed edge grain shows alternating layer orientation)
Compressive Strength 45-85 MPa
Tensile Strength 40-140 MPa
Flexural Strength 30-120 MPa
Elastic Modulus 5-16 GPa
Impact Resistance good J/m
Creep Resistance good
Abrasion Resistance good
Thermal Conductivity 0.14-0.30 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.03-0.19 m2K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 1300-1600 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 0.003-0.005 mm/mK
Ignition Temperature 240-400 degC
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 25-33 STC
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05-0.15 NRC
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 25-55 %

Plywood manufacturing techniques were first applied to bamboo in China during the 1990s as manufacturers sought sustainable alternatives to tropical hardwood plywoods facing supply constraints and deforestation concerns. The technology builds on traditional bamboo processing methods used in Asian construction for centuries. Modern bamboo plywood development accelerated in the 2000s with improvements in adhesive technology, pressing equipment, and quality control systems. International standards development through ISO 22157 (2004, revised 2019) provided standardised testing protocols. Australian market introduction began around 2005-2010 through specialist importers as sustainable building practices gained momentum. The material gained recognition in architectural specification through projects by firms like Kengo Kuma and Shigeru Ban. Current developments focus on NAF adhesive systems, structural grade certifications, exterior-grade formulations, and the emerging cross-laminated bamboo (CLB) technology as a bamboo alternative to CLT.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION ORG-BAM-EBP-003
Flame Spread Index 75-150 FSI
Smoke Developed Index 100-300 SDI
Combustibility Class Combustible
Ignition Temperature 240-400 degC
Fire Resistance Rating 20-35 minutes
Heat Release Rate 150-300 kW/m2
Toxicity of Combustion moderate
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) -5 to -30 (net) kg CO2-eq/m2
Embodied Energy 15-20 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 250-600 L/kg
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 5%
Renewable Content 100%
LEED Points 4-7 points
Circular Economy Score 6.5-7.5 /10
Toxicity Classification low
VOC Emissions 10-124 ug/m3
Skill Level Professional (standard carpentry/joinery)
Crew Size 1-2 people
Installation Time 2-12 hours/10m2
Curing Time 0 (panel) / 24-48 (adhesive joints) hours
Temperature Range 10-30 degC
Humidity Range 35-55 % RH
Required Tools
Circular saw or table saw with carbide-tipped fine-tooth blade (60+ teeth)Router with carbide bits for edge profilingDrill with HSS or brad-point bits (pre-drill near edges)Random orbital sander (120-220 grit for finishing)Clamps for assembly and glue-upEdge banding iron or machine (if concealing edges)Dust collection/extraction system (bamboo dust is fine)Moisture meter for acclimatisation verification
Certifications Required
No specialist certification — standard carpentry or joinery qualificationsWorkshop safety certification (dust management, tool operation)Follow manufacturer-specific handling and installation guidelines
Weather Limitations
Indoor installation and fabrication preferredProtect from rain and sustained moisture during storage and installationAcclimatise to installation environment for 48-72 hoursDo not install in unconditioned spaces with >65% RH sustainedAdequate ventilation for dust control during cutting
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY ORG-BAM-EBP-003
Material Cost 30-130 AUD/m2
Installation Cost 15-80 AUD/m2
Annual Maintenance 0.50-2 AUD/m2/year
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 60-160 AUD/m2
Market Availability moderate-specialist
Lead Time 7-84 days
Supply & Logistics
Design Life 30-50 years
Warranty Period 10-15 years
Maintenance Interval none (interior) / 2-5 (exterior) years
Service Temp Range -10 to 60 degC
Dimensional Stability 0.1-0.2 % change
Certifications Held
ISO 22157 material testingManufacturer quality management systemsNo CodeMark or JAS-ANZ certification currently for bamboo plywood in AustraliaFSC certification available for bamboo plantationsMOSO EPD for specific productsGreen Star contribution for rapidly renewable materialsE0/E1 formaldehyde emission class (manufacturer dependent)NAF adhesive options available from selected manufacturersCARB Phase 2 / EPA TSCA Title VI compliance (many brands)
Fire Code Compliance
Combustible under AS 1530.1Acceptable for interior lining in most building classes (NCC Part C — subject to Group Number classification)AS 5637.1 fire hazard Group Number testing may be required for wall and ceiling liningsBushfire zones: combustible panel limitations apply per AS 3959
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 — treated as timber panel equivalentAS 1720.1 — Timber Structures (applicable design methodology with appropriate testing data)No specific Australian Standard for bamboo plywood — relies on performance-based assessmentASTM E84 — Surface Burning CharacteristicsASTM D5456 — Structural Composite Lumber Products (applicable methodology)ASTM E1333 — Formaldehyde from Wood ProductsISO 22157:2019 — Bamboo structures — Physical and mechanical propertiesISO 12460 — Formaldehyde release from wood-based panelsISO 16572 — Timber structures — Wood-based panelsBS EN 13501-1 — Fire classification (Euroclass D/E untreated)BS EN 636 — Plywood specifications (applicable methodology)BS EN 717-1 — Formaldehyde emission chamber method

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: ORG-BAM-EBP-003 Schema: v3.0
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