Replies

1. 
   orientalbamboo | Mar 05, 2012 08:11am | #1

   Bamboo decking

   Hi Jamie,

   Plyboodex is manufactured using a process called strand woven bamboo.

   This technology is well developed and proven for indoor flooring, but has seen it's fair share of challenges as an outdoor product.

   Initially factories simply cut the strand woven planks to a dimention suitable for outdoor decks. The problems with this approach soon became aparrent as decks started failing after a short period of exposure to the elements. Back to their drawing boards they went as the warranty claims started rolling in.

   Significant progress has been made in developing strand woven blocks suitable for outdoor use. 

   Whilst we only specialize in bamboo products for southern Africa, where we experience extremes in climatic zones, I can say that if you choose the correct supplier in Boston, you will have a VERY durable deck if you are using strand woven bamboo.

   Here are some pointers from our experiences:

   • Strand woven bamboo is extremely dense, it therefore does not absorb oil based treatments very well. We suggest an outdoor varnish specifically designed for high density hardwoods for the finishing.

   • Some manufacturers supply their planks pre-oiled. This will need to be cleaned before applying a varnish.

   • Make sure the installer seals the cut ends before screwing down the planks.

   • Make sure the installer seals all the sides of the planks with an equal number of coats.

   • Make sure the installer seals the drilled holes as well.

   • Many of these tips apply to other decking materials as well.

   We have no relationship with Plyboo at all. But, that said, they have been in the bamboo game since the beginning, so have a lot of experience in bamboo products. We have personally visited a number of their factories, and they are all well managed.

   Hope this helps.

   Bradley - Oriental Bamboo

   bamboo boards, plywood & panels

1. 
   calvin | Mar 05, 2012 05:58pm | #2

   Bradley

   Thank you for the enlightening post!

   Too often we get spam'd by someone just looking to insert a link to their product.  You post didn't do that, it followed the guidelines that some of here at BT have had in mind.  I don't know if you read the thread on it-

   http://forums.finehomebuilding.com/help-and-feedback/forum-suggestions/rules-commercial-entities-posting-here

   but you sure did follow the ideas.  You offered info, qualified the source, gave us your background and mentioned your base-South Africa.

   Thanks!

2. 
   jamieemerson | Mar 08, 2012 09:30pm | #3

   Thanks!

   Bradley,

   Many thanks for your very thorough and insightful response.  It was more than I had hoped to get and it sounds like with proper attention to details it should work.

   Thanks,

   Jamie