Post #214842 by Formikahini on Wed, Feb 15, 2006 3:16 PM

Here's a post in "Creating" (the forum you should be looking and asking in):

http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=18316&forum=7&14

These guys are examining the issues with bamboo.

But know that in Asia, bamboo has been used in place of steal and wooden beams in several-story buildings. Hard as a rock, but with enough give to withstand earthquakes.

Bamboo Ben would be an expert; poke around here for his posts. He builds aMAZing and durable bamboo structures of all kinds, indoor and out. I don't know that he would say that his outdoor ones will be standing for his grandchildren, but they'll be beautiful for as long as any of us would be enjoying them!

An option is also to add bamboo or rattan elements (corners, edges, etc.) to your wood of choice. But get SOMETHING Asian in there!!

Unless all you want is a Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffet style, Central American palapa hut. Again, entertaining - but not tiki.