Could Bamboo Be a Viable Alternative to Lumber?

Utah-based builder Concord Homes is ditching traditional lumber and opting for bamboo for new-home construction. The reasoning goes farther than combating rising lumber prices, Concord Homes told KUTV. The builder wanted to use a mix of plywood and bamboo for some time because of its smaller impact on the environment. The material comes from a northern California company Bamcore, which says it's energy-efficient, good for the environment, strong, and durable. Using the new material can save between $5,000 and $10,000 in building costs.

Jaren Davis, executive officer of the Salt Lake Home Builders Association, said he hasn’t heard of other builders using bamboo but said this is one of several ways builders are trying to evolve.

“It’s important to us to have our builders out finding new, innovative ways to do things,” Davis said.

Davis noted other builders are using pre-built walls, concrete, and even light metal in construction, all to try to find new ways to do things.

“These new ideas are coming into the market,” Davis said.

As for bamboo, the house in Draper is the first one Concord Homes is building using that material, although some of the house still consists of traditional lumber. Philo said the company plans to use bamboo on new townhomes in Eagle Mountain and Spanish Fork which should be finished next year.

Could buyers notice a difference in what they pay since the builder isn’t relying on expensive lumber?

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