Q&A for How to Cure Bamboo

An architect who designs large elaborate bamboo homes and buildings says they soak the bamboo in Borax and water before heat-treating it, followed by it drying out then sealing or varnishing it, and it should last a lifetime.

Many species of bamboo grow to their full heights in the first season, so height is not a determinant of age. If the bamboo still has a shiny green look or its growing sheath, it most likely is too young to harvest (thin walled).

Wood glue works well on breaks, moderately well on the inside of the culm and not at all on the outside of the culm. Polyurethane will flake off the slick exterior of the culm as it naturally swells and contracts with temperature and humidity, so it's not a good idea to coat bamboo in polyurethane.

If you put holes at the bottom of it to drain out excess water, it should last a long time with proper care. Tying the top and bottom to avoid it splitting should also help.

Borax is a fire preventative. It is, however, water soluble and should be protected from rain to preserve the fire protection quality.

Once a bamboo stalk is cut, it stops growing, so you won't have any issue. Just tie your plants to the stalk and watch your garden grow!

Yes. Japan uses its many ocean harbors to store harvested bamboo because bamboo must be leached of its starch and the best way to do that is in flowing water - either fresh or salt - for six months to a year. It prevent insects from feeding on the starch, which weakens the bamboo. Leaching the starch then drying the bamboo, otherwise known as curing, will allow it to last hundreds of years.

No, not if you prepared it correctly. Putting a plant-safe oil and wax as mentioned above will make it shiny and it will also make it last longer.