Timber requirements:
- Legally sourced
- Sustainably sourced – most common certifications are FSC and PEFC.
- Consider other materials if source country suffers from high levels of deforestation
Common sizes
| Size | Use |
| 5cm x 5cm | Non-structural elements |
| 5cm x 10cm | Non-column structural elements |
| 10cm x 10cm | Columns |
Bamboo requirements:
Harvesting
- Harvest bamboo in dry season.
- Cut bamboo just above the first node.
- Always use sharp tool or saw to avoid damage to bamboo.
- Keep bamboo upright for two to three weeks. This helps to reduce the starch content of culms and as this lessens the a chances of insect attack.
Treatment
- Water treatment works better when bamboo is newly cut, dry bamboo does not absorb water as well.
- Bamboo needs to been treated in clean or running water.
- Bamboo needs to be treated for a minimum of 40 days.
Selection
- Ensure that there are no cracks in the bamboo.
- Avoid culms with any sign of deterioration or infection.
- For the main structure of the house, select 3-5 year old bamboo.
- Select fresh and light greyish green colored bamboo that is almost fully grown.
Common sizes
| Size | Use |
| 6-10cm diameter | Non-structural elements |
| 10cm | Columns and other structural elements |