When building a deck, many people immediately think of hardwood. It’s known as sturdy, robust, and suitable for outdoor use. However, what is often overlooked is that a more sustainable and at least equally strong alternative exists bamboo decking. This environmentally friendly option is rapidly gaining ground in gardens, on roof terraces, and in hospitality venues, and not without reasin.
In this blog, you’ll discover why bamboo is an excellent choice for your outdoor deck.
What exactly is Bamboo Decking?
Bamboo decking is not made of hollow poles or decorative bamboo stalks, like the ones often seen in garden fencing. It is made from laminated MOSO bamboo strips a high-quality, solid bamboo material specially cultivated for applications like decks and patios.
MOSO bamboo is a fast-growing grass species that can be harvested within five years. The bamboo strips are glued together under high pressure and temperature, creating an exceptionally stable, hard, and wear-resistant material. This laminated bamboo is not only stronger than many hardwoods but is also more dimensionally stable and more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
The difference from ordinary bamboo poles is primarily in the production method and application. While loose bamboo stalks are often hollow and less stable, laminated bamboo planks are solid, durable, and suitable for intensive outdoor use. They also have a sleek, modern appearance that fits perfectly with contemporary gardens and terraces.
The Disadvantages of Hardwood Decking
Although hardwood was the standard choice for decks for years, there are also clear disadvantages associated with this material. In an era where sustainability and ease of use are becoming increasingly important, it is wise to carefully weigh these drawbacks.
Slow-Growing Source and Deforestation: Many popular hardwoods, such as Bankirai or Azobé, come from tropical rainforests. These trees take decades to grow. Large-scale logging contributes to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Even when the wood is FSC-certified, it remains an environmentally taxing choice.
Risk of Splintering: With frequent use and under the influence of weather conditions, hardwood planks can begin to form splinters. This makes the material less comfortable and safe, especially for bare feet or playing children.
Often More Expensive for Good Quality: High-quality hardwood is scarce and therefore costly. Cheaper variants are often less durable or require more intensive maintenance. This can significantly drive up the total long-term costs.
The Advantages of Bamboo Decking
More and more people are choosing bamboo as an alternative to traditional wood species. This is not surprising, as bamboo decking offers various advantages in terms of sustainability, maintenance, and appearance.
Sustainable Material: Bamboo grows exceptionally fast and is ready for harvest within a few years. This makes it a renewable resource with a low ecological footprint. Unlike hardwood, bamboo does not contribute to deforestation—it regrows from the same root system.
Extremely Strong and Stable: Laminated MOSO bamboo is remarkably hard and barely warps. The material can withstand heavy loads, making it highly suitable for intensive use in both private and commercial outdoor spaces.
Weather-Resistant: Bamboo decking is highly resistant to moisture, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations. This makes it suitable for use in diverse climates without rapidly weathering or discolouring.
Modern Appearance: Thanks to its fine grain structure and warm color, bamboo planks have a sleek, natural look. They suit both modern gardens and more classic designs.
Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Tropical Hardwood: Bamboo offers the advantages of a hard material without the environmental burden of tropical wood. This makes it a responsible choice for those who value sustainability without compromising on quality or lifespan.
When to Choose Bamboo Decking?
Bamboo decking is not only sustainable but also versatile in its application. In the following situations, bamboo decking is a particularly suitable choice:
For New Construction or Sustainable Renovation: Are you planning a new deck or renovating an existing outdoor area? Then bamboo is a future-proof choice. Thanks to its long lifespan, stable structure, and environmentally friendly origin, it fits perfectly into sustainable construction projects.
As an Alternative to Tropical Hardwood: Bamboo offers the same robustness and luxurious appearance as tropical hardwood but without the ecological disadvantages. It is an excellent substitute for hardwoods like Bankirai or Ipe, which often come from vulnerable forest areas.
For Design or Modern Garden Projects: Due to its even finish and natural color tones, bamboo aligns seamlessly with sleek garden designs and architectural landscapes. The material provides a neat, modern look and forms a cohesive unit with other natural elements.
For Professional Use: Bamboo is also a reliable choice in commercial settings. Think of restaurant patios, rooftop terraces in apartment complexes, or public outdoor spaces. Thanks to its high wear resistance and low maintenance requirements, bamboo planks remain beautiful for a long time, even with intensive use.
Bamboo Decking from Bamdura
Bamdura supplies high-quality decking planks made entirely from laminated MOSO bamboo. This material is known for its exceptional hardness, stability, and durability. Thanks to a careful production process where the bamboo strips are compressed and glued under high pressure a solid and dimensionally stable product is created that lasts for years, even under severe weather conditions.
Bamdura’s decking planks are produced with consideration for people and the environment. The bamboo is rapidly renewable and sourced from controlled, sustainable cultivation. Moreover, the finishing is done with great precision, giving the planks a sleek appearance and making them easy to install.
View our bamboo decking here and discover what bamboo can mean for your outdoor space.
Bamboo decking is a sustainable, stylish, and practical alternative to traditional hardwood. It combines a natural look with exceptional strength and is also easy to maintain. Whether it’s for a modern garden, a restaurant patio, or a sustainable building project: bamboo offers a responsible choice without compromising on quality or appearance. Choose wisely. Choose bamboo.
