The process of producing Bambrella® umbrellas starts with the careful selection of the bamboo. After years of research and rigorous testing we found Moso bamboo to be the only species of bamboo suitable for outdoor use. The characteristic of Moso bamboo, that which sets it apart from over a thousand other species of bamboo, is the size of its fiber strands. These strands, which are smaller and more tightly condensed than other species, are similar to the structures found in fine grained hardwoods like teak. We had found other bamboos with larger strands that were not so tightly condensed; these were more like softwoods, as the fibers/strands would peel individually as well as be more susceptible to mold and mildew.

Once the bamboo has been harvested, the bamboo is split down the length of the pole into strips which are then planed flat and readied for lamination. The first stage of the lamination process is to kiln dry the strips. This gradually reduces the moisture content in order to stabilize the bamboo, as well as further prevent any incidence of cracking, warping or splitting. The next stage is the carbonizing process. This process removes the starch, thus giving the bamboo a rich golden color. Using a hot press, we then laminate the bamboo strips together in order to make different sizes of lumber. The hot press lamination process virtually guarantees that the glue is applied evenly and completely in between the pressed bamboo strips. The end result is a much more reliable and even adhesion when compared to cold press lamination methods.

This is the basic process, but to really make the bamboo suitable for outdoor use is actually a far more technical process, and has taken many years of research and development in order to solve. Next, the bamboo is then precisely machined into different shaped and sized components before being carefully finished with our specially formulated penetrating oil. The umbrellas are then carefully assembled using quality 304 brushed stainless steel fittings and the covers of your choice.