Make: Volume 82

back-to-back strips. Add to that the four 4-foot

strips for the X brace.

Splitting the green bamboo will be the most

difficult part of building this gate. It takes some

practice to get the hang of it. Split the bamboo

from the top down; it’s easier. Much difficulty and

time may be saved if your bamboo supplier will

agree to split your 2" diameter poles into 8 strips

using a specialized bamboo splitter tool.

Bamboo strips are used back to back, in pairs,

so a “finished” side always faces out. Soak the

strips in water or wrap in wet newspaper until

just before use.

Use a sturdy and very sharp knife to rid each

strip of pithy material from inside, ...