DIY supplies: bamboo procurement

[Isheian]

Bamboo being the super building stuff that it is (I currently have a curtain rod made of one), I was wonder how people are managing to procure it? Online I have been looking at about $265 shipped (that's 2 bundles of 5 poles each at ten feet long). So does anyone know a better way to get some of the wonder material at a better price?

[icedfire477]

Check your local Craig's list. Many people have more than they can handle and will give it up for free. If you don't see any, put an ad in the wanted section. I found someone who had bamboo drying and ready for the taking, and was willing to trade for whatever.

[Cannibal]

Plant some and wait a few months, you won't be able to stop it from taking over.
It does, in fact, grow here in Colorado. You have to water the crud out of it since we are so arid, but there are a couple of species that do well here.

What are you looking for specifically? I found several suppliers, but for the $$ amount you're talking, it would be a bunch of the stuff.

[Cannibal]

I just made a couple of calls and this might help.

I spoke with 3 local lumber shops. They all said they could special order it. Might, or might not, save you some coin on the shipping. Nobody could give me much information as it would be a special order, but nobody seemed to have any issues with it....except Lowes and I think I just got the wrong person on the phone.

[avi]

contact some Judica stores in your area...There is a holiday coming up where it is used and sold....I know here in NY it is always available this time of year.

[colonel r]

I know in TN, this stuff is just a nuisance. I ask and people will give it to me just to remove it. If ever in TN, bring your truck and I will load you up.

R

[KerMegan]

it grows wild around here (DFW) also, many of the runoff ditches host a colony, and the highway dept will spray weed/grass killer to keep the vegetation from encroaching on the road/shoulder, or blocking the highway signs; pretty sure you can just pull over and start lopping bits as you need. (your local ordinances may vary; be sure to put hazard lights on, leather gloves and steel-toed boots could be your new best friends)

[vinnya42]

I have bought my bamboo at a local hardware store in Boulder (mcguckins)...so check local stores.

Vince

[Catavarie]

I can walk to just about any area with more than 5 trees and cut down all I want.

[PDA]

Check in "Home Goods" if you have one locally. I found a bundle of 5 ft poles there. Worked out at 25 cents per pole.