A very important decision that most people have to make while building on a deck is selecting the ideal material to be used. Given how the decking is subjected to rough activities and footfall, there’s a requirement of choosing a durable material to withstand all these and more effects of nature.

Bamboo rightly fits the bill in this regard. Though most people still have apprehensions about going for it, yet given the widespread popularity that bamboo is currently enjoying for its eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness, it is a good choice for decking.

The entry of bamboo

Strange as it may sound but even five years back, there was no real bamboo decking meant for outdoor purposes till very recently people started realizing its importance.

There’s not much difference in how bamboo decking is done at the patio and it resembles indoor flooring greatly. Bamboo being a soft plant however is extremely hard and strong. As per the Janka hardness scale employed by engineers and designers to compare hardness, density and durability of materials, the bamboo plant comes with a rating of no less than 1200-1400 Janka. Even if one compares it with oak, it measures up to the same.

However, one needs to check on the particular species of bamboo used. For example, the ‘Moso Bamboo’ variety is the ideal one and most users are satisfied with it. Besides, factors like growing conditions, age of the bamboo plant and the like must be considered likewise. Older bamboo when given time to mature completely yields harder production than those cut down early.

Bamboo actually takes very little time to grow compared to wood. But that doesn‘t imply that the lesser known species should be used to cater to the growing demands.

Why the craze for bamboo decking?

There are sufficient reasons why bamboo should be used for decking and more. Here are few:

- Highly dense
- Consistent clear grain
- Easy staining and sealing
- Good fire rating –Class A of ASTM E-84
- Extreme stability when manufacturing is proper
- Absorbs carbon dioxide almost 4 times more than hardwood

Help towards forests

Bamboo decking works wonders for forests, especially when compared to 30-50 year hardwood forest. Compared to that, a 3-5 year growth period for bamboo makes it the perfect plant for mass consumption. Since it can be harvested every three to five years, the damage caused to the surrounding forests is minimal. The thick root system is not harmed and therefore, it becomes easy for the plant to regenerate. Naturally, the process of erosion is also reduced to bare minimum towards the ecosystem.

Types used for decking

Basically, there are two types of bamboo decking.

First are the solid laminated ones, which are constructed from long lengths of the plant. They are laminated using glue under extreme pressure. The processes employed are patented, which accounts for high stability and less-breakage possibility.

The other and most popular ones are strand woven bamboo types. Best meant for indoor flooring purposes, the material is also a great one for decking. It’s usually made of very small chips of the bamboo, but the design is such that extreme heat, cold or moisture can ruin it.

Composite vs. Bamboo decking

Now the question that arises here is how well suited is bamboo decking against the composite ones. It will be fair enough for a comparison of both.

- Maintenance

Good quality composite means periodic cleaning is a must. Now bamboo needs considerable staining and oiling, as per instructions from manufacturers. Usually, bamboo decking services are very smooth, so its slippery nature makes it less susceptible to build up of molds, mildew and the like.

- Installation ease

Most composite ones rely on concealed fastener system, which reduces the installation time by several notches against traditional decking, characteristic to bamboo decking. But the reality is bamboo doesn’t require these hammering on the side of the board or pre-drilling. So, there is no complexity in installing.

- Cost

Though both costs more or less the same, but the environment-friendly nature of bamboo gains greater points than the composite counterparts. With composites of PVS and virgin plastic available aplenty, choosing the brand however is of prime importance.