1. Treat bamboo like you would wood. Do not leave in rain or harsh sunlight. Covered balconies and outdoor sit-outs are fine. 2. Cracking of bamboo is completely normal as it is a natural material, and it generally won't impact the structural integrity. 3. The brass tagara can be polished to your desired shine, or you can leave it to age and oxidize. 4. We are happy to repair, reweave and repolish your piece for as long as you own it, on request.