Bamboo decking might be something that you’ve never considered before. It’s not a traditional timber that most people think about when planning to set up a new deck and most people will likely immediately think about their experiences with the timber in the past and perhaps assume that bamboo decking would not be durable enough for their home, but in fact, it’s a great solution for all exteriors. Here are some of the pros and cons of choosing bamboo decking.
Some facts about bamboo decking
Bamboo decking has some unique properties that make it wonderful – it is denser than most hardwoods, has a clear grain and can be stained and sealed very easily making it ideal for outdoor areas. The timber also has a high level of resistance to insects and decay and can maintain an impressive five rating. When manufactured in the right way, high-quality products will last for many years and remain very stable. It’s also a much more ecologically conscious choice because it can be harvested must faster than most other kinds of hardwoods, maturing in just three to five years it also absorbs up to four times more than carbon dioxide than other hardwoods which means it’s great for air quality and tackling pollution.
Two types of bamboo decking
There are two main types of this product that offer very different benefits and drawbacks. Firstly there are solid planks which are preferential for outdoor spaces. These involve longer solid lengths of timber which are laminated together, these are hardier because they won’t split or break. Strand woven is the other option but you’ll see it more often inside, it’s made with chips of timber and isn’t made to withstand the elements. Heat, moisture or the cold will cause it to wear.
Check the warranty before you buy
Before you buy any products check what the warranty is like. Your flooring should have a long warranty, it needs to last a long time after all and should be expected to be able to withstand different elements and a lot of wear and tear. Don’t pick a product with a poor warranty or a poor history of performance.
How does it compare to composite and hardwoods?
The timber is shorter which makes it much easier to work with on-site and means that it can be quickly and easily installed. It is much easier to avoid waste and is much lighter and simpler to work with compared to hardwoods that do not come in consistent lengths. Composite boards are more consistent but also quite heavy and involved more wastage. Cost-wise you’re likely to spend much less on it compared to hardwoods and might expect to spend a similar amount on composite boards.
Will the weather be a problem?
If you live in a place whether the winters are harsh and your bamboo decking is likely to be exposed to a lot of rain, snow, or ice then it’s very important that you seal your deck and check warranty recommendations carefully. Generally, they are best in milder climates where heavy rain or snow is less common.
This is a great option if you love a contemporary look that is environmentally friendly and naturally produced. The technology and product lines around this amazing timber are growing rapidly so there’s little doubt that it will begin to appear in the outdoor spaces of many homes around the world. Get in on the trend and choose this beautiful timber for your exterior space, it’s durable, affordable and will give your home a stunning modern look and feel.