How To Ensure Your Bamboo Fencing Lasts For Years

Find out what you can do to ensure that you get the maximum life expenctancy out of your bamboo fencing.

You can’t go wrong using bamboo fencing in your yard. It’s a great way to camouflage or dress up an existing fence that needs help. And installing a new bamboo fence is one of the best ways to achieve a unique look for your yard, and do it affordably.

But to ensure that your bamboo fencing lasts for years to come, here are a few easy things you can do.

1. First of all, be aware that bamboo is a grass, so it has different characteristics than wood. Because it is a grass, it will deteriorate rapidly if it stays in direct contact with the ground.

You can keep moisture problems at bay with proper treatment, but there is no treatment you can use to prevent the damage that will occur if bamboo lies on the ground.

So, in places where your fence comes in contact with the ground, use boards or some wire mesh as a barrier between ground and bamboo. That way you can have a fence that fits tightly against the grass or earth at the bottom, but still has the bamboo look.

2. If you find that the bamboo panels have begun to sag and are in danger of touching the ground, install new stainless steel fasteners along the sagging areas. Do this at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom of the panels, for added strength.

3. As a natural product, bamboo is susceptible to damage from harsh weather and exposure to the sun. This damage can be minimized by applying a sealant or outdoor stain, or varnish containing UV protection that is suitable for your particular region.

Before applying any product, be sure to thoroughly clean the bamboo. You can use a pressure washer or scrub brush. Allow the bamboo to dry thoroughly before applying a generous amount of the stain or sealer. This should be done every year or so, depending on the conditions in your area.

4. Check frequently for signs of damage. You can do this quickly just by walking around and having a look. If you notice areas where there appears to be a problem, you can do a couple of things.

Rough sections of the bamboo fencing panels can be sanded using fine grit sandpaper. Smoother surfaces stay cleaner and are less likely to break down. Another option is to clean the problem area thoroughly and then apply a protectant.

5. Inspect your fence at least once a year for rusty screws, staples, or wires that are part of the bamboo fence panels. If they have begun to rust or appear to be breaking down, it’s a good idea to replace them with stainless steel or coated fasteners. Surface rust can be scrubbed with a wire brush. Then apply a lubricating spray for protection.

6. Certain types of bamboo stand up to harsh environmental conditions better than others. The smaller in diameter the bamboo canes, the stronger they will be. A solid cane fence will be more resilient than a split bamboo fence.

You won’t regret your decision to install bamboo fencing. You will end up with a fence that will last for years, while providing an aesthetically pleasing accent for your yard.