Bamboo construction involves the use of bamboo as a building material for scaffolding, bridges, houses and buildings. In many parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America, it works as a low-cost alternative to timber and steel for certain structures. Bamboo, like wood, is a natural composite material with a high strength-to-weight ratio useful for structures. Bamboo's strength-to-weight ratio is similar to timber, and its strength is generally similar to a strong softwood or hardwood timber.