How to Make Bamboo Furniture

Gather Your Supplies

• 1

  Visit the Bamboo Fencer website to choose from a variety of bamboo poles (see Resources below).

• 2

  Discuss your project with your bamboo pole seller to be sure you select the appropriate products.

Prepare the Split Rattan

• 3

  Measure out the split rattan to match the sides of your MDF sheet. The MDF sheet will form the table top.

• 4

  Cut the split rattan at a 45 degree angle using the miter box. This is so that the corners of the rattan meet to make a square corner.

• 5

  Sand the newly cut ends of the each piece of rattan. Make sure you sand only in the direction away from the cut--if you sand towards the cut, the rattan will splinter.

• 6

  Spray the rattan pieces with shellac over newspaper or other protected surface.

• 7

  Allow the rattan pieces to dry, then shellac again. A third coat may be necessary.

• 8

  Hammer a finishing nail slightly into the corner of a rattan piece.

Attach the Split Rattan to the Tabletop

• 9

  Place wood glue on the end on the rattan piece and press it onto the edge of the MDF sheet.

• 10

  Hammer the nail in the rest of the way.

• 11

  Repeat this process with the remaining three rattan pieces.

Prepare the Bamboo Legs

• 12

  Cut the bamboo into four 10 inch pieces.

• 13

  Sand the freshly cut edges.

• 14

  Pre-drill holes into each leg where the corner brace will attach.

• 15

  Screw the corner braces onto the legs.

Attach the Legs

• 16

  Position each leg 2 inches in from the corner of the tabletop and mark with your pencil.

• 17

  Screw the corner brace into the tabletop to secure the bamboo leg.

• 18

  Attach the remaining legs until your furniture is complete.