Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about ZHUART Bamboo products
Product Dimensions & Customization
1. What product lengths are available?
We currently produce a maximum length of 4200 mm.
Standard lengths are 1850 mm, 1860 mm, 2000 mm, and 2440 mm. We can also customize other lengths upon request.
2. What widths are available?
We first hot-press our bamboo panels into large boards and then cut them into finished profiles. The maximum board blank width reaches 1260 mm. Maximum sanding width is 600 mm. Standard decking widths are 65 mm, 100 mm, and 137 mm; maximum decking width is 208 mm. Custom widths are available.
3. What thicknesses are available?
Wall cladding comes in standard thicknesses of 8 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, 18 mm, and 20 mm. For decking, standard thicknesses include 18 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm. Standard thicknesses for panels and beams: 18 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm.
We can also customize other thicknesses upon request.
4. Are products available from stock? What is the lead time?
Many standard products are available from stock.
If stock is insufficient, standard products typically take around 7 days for production. For customized products, the factory will confirm the lead time based on your specific requirements.
Color & Appearance
5. What colors are available?
ZHUART Thermo Bamboo is available in two collections.
(1) Deep Carbon Series: Charcoal represents the untreated color after high-temperature carbonization, while Deep Charcoal features an oiled finish.
(2) Light Carbon Series: Main colors include Chestnut and Golden Oak. We can also customize other colors upon request.
6. Will there be color variation?
Yes, slight color variation is normal. Since we make our products from 4–6 year old natural bamboo, variations may occur due to differences in bamboo age, growing region, and sunlight exposure. Although the bamboo fibers undergo thermal modification, complete color uniformity cannot be guaranteed. Surface oiling can help achieve a more consistent appearance.
Raw Materials & Manufacturing
7. What raw material is used for ZHUART products?
Our products are made from reconstituted natural Moso bamboo, with approximately 85% bamboo and 15% phenolic resin.
We use 4–6 year old Moso bamboo, which offers more uniform material properties and better long-term stability. We use only the bamboo fiber layer, known as bamboo meat, as it has the most consistent structure and optimal bonding performance.
8. What type of phenolic resin is used?
We use Dynea™ phenolic resin, which complies with strict environmental and safety regulations in both the EU and the US. Dynea’s resins are well known for their low emissions and exceptional bonding performance in structural outdoor applications.
9. Do you crush the bamboo into powder?
No. We process the bamboo into fibers or strands instead of powder. This method preserves the natural flexibility and strength of bamboo more effectively.
10. What is the difference between Deep Carbon and Light Carbon products?
Deep Carbon products undergo longer and more intense thermal treatment — vacuum carbonization at above 220°C, leading to a dark color. Light Carbon products are treated with steam carbonization at 100-140°C, resulting in a light color.
Property | Density | Material | MOE |
Deep Carbon | 1150 kg/m³ | Moso bamboo ~88% | ~20000 N/mm² |
Light Carbon | 1200 kg/m³ | Moso bamboo ~83% | ~14000 N/mm² |
11. What is the difference between new-generation Light Carbon and traditional Light Carbon products?
In 2021, ZHUART developed its new-generation Light Carbon products as an upgrade to traditional light carbon bamboo materials. We completely revised the process, improving raw material selection, fiber separation standards, carbonization temperature, adhesive impregnation, and post-molding anti-mold treatment. As a result, these products offer significantly better mold resistance and durability compared with traditional light carbon products.
Durability & Performance
12. Does the material absorb water?
The surface may get wet, but unlike natural wood, the material does not absorb water. Through thermal modification, we reduce hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, which effectively controls water absorption in outdoor environments.
13. Will the material crack?
You will not see large cracks like those found in solid wood. Very fine hairline cracks may appear, and we consider this normal. However, if a crack penetrates through the entire thickness, exceeds 1 mm in width, and extends longer than 20 cm, we would classify it as a product quality issue.
14. Will the material deform?
Over long-term use, slight dimensional changes may occur, mainly minor expansion in thickness or width. These changes are generally invisible to the naked eye. Unless caused by external damage, severe deformation, splitting, or breakage will not occur.
15. Will the product develop mold?
(1) Deep Carbon products do not mold themselves. Surface mold may occur due to external environmental factors, but it can be easily wiped off. Because carbonization above 220°C fully degrades nutrients such as sugars and carbohydrates, it prevents mold growth.
(2) Light Carbon products may still contain residual nutrients and therefore carry a higher mold risk depending on the installation season and environment. However, our new-generation Light Carbon products have significantly improved mold resistance and durability.
16. Can the product be used in coastal environments?
Yes. Coastal environments present some of the most demanding outdoor conditions due to salt and humidity. ZHUART products have performed very well in locations such as Sanya (China), and the Maldives.
Surface Treatment & Maintenance
17. Will the surface oil fade?
Surface oil fading occurs over time and is considered normal.
Due to the material’s high density (1150-1200 kg/m³), oil penetration is limited to the surface. We use water-based exterior oil, which have lower adhesion compared to indoor sealed coatings.
18. How often does decking and cladding require maintenance?
Residential use: We recommend once per year.
Commercial projects: Frequency depends on the owner’s maintenance preferences.
For a “like-new” appearance: Oil every 6 months.
To achieve a natural weathered look: Oiling is optional and may be omitted.
19. What is the recommended maintenance procedure?
Step 1: Clean surface dirt and residue with water.
Step 2: Let the boards dry fully.
Step 3: Apply water-based exterior oil or WOCA oil. Recommended consumption is 30–50 g/m².
Learn more: Maintenance Guide
20. What maintenance oil do you recommend?
We recommend WOCA oil. With annual maintenance, the oil gradually penetrates the surface, making the boards smoother and richer in appearance over time.
You may also use other water-based exterior oils or hard wax oils, but apply them in thin layers only.
Installation
21. Can the boards be installed without gaps?
No. Thermal expansion and contraction require installation gaps:
Minimum gap between boards: 3 mm
End-to-end gap: 0.5 mm
Light Carbon products require slightly larger gaps (up to 1 mm) due to higher expansion rates.
22. Is oiling required after installation?
No, oiling is not required.
23. Is protection required during installation?
During installation, temporary protection mats may be used to prevent scratches from tools. However, all coverings must be removed after work each day to allow the boards to breathe. Over-protection may trap moisture and negatively affect the material’s performance.
24. Can I cut the boards on site?
Yes. All cut ends must be properly sealed using a board end sealer or wax to prevent water penetration.
Warranty
25. What warranty period does the factory offer?
(1) Deep Carbon products come with a 15-year warranty. We have produced these products continuously since 2011, and they represent our most mature and proven material. For reference, projects installed in 2012 remain in use today without material replacement. The material actually becomes smoother with more foot traffic.
(2) New-generation Light Carbon products come with a 5-year warranty. We developed this product line in 2021 as an upgrade to traditional light carbon bamboo materials. This warranty reflects real-world performance data collected since the product line launched in 2021, rather than relying solely on accelerated lab tests.
