What is bamboo?

Bamboo is stronger and more flexible than most wood, as it has longer fibres. It can grow up to one metre per day and produces twice as much oxygen compared to other wood species. The bamboo that IKEA uses is ready for harvest after 4-6 years. Bamboo is a grass, not a tree, and does not need replanting. It not only grows like grass, but spreads like grass.

Bamboo is a strong and flexible species of grass that can grow up to a metre per day. It spreads quickly and doesn’t need replanting. Also, bamboo produces twice as much oxygen as trees.

Strong, flexible and one of the world's fastest growing plants – bamboo has many uses that make it an excellent renewable material. It’s a type of grass and usually grows without the need for fertilizers or irrigation. After being harvested, it grows new shoots that are ready for harvesting after 4-6 years. At IKEA we use bamboo for items like furniture, bathroom decor, baskets and lamps – and we are constantly exploring more areas of use for this versatile material.