I need to replace the decking on our ground-level deck, and the original redwood is no longer available here. At Menards I saw some bamboo decking that looks nice and would probably not clash badly with our other decks.
What does anyone know about bamboo decking? How durable is it? Does it have any problems (other than cost, of course)?
(Note this isn’t click-lock flooring or some such, but roughly 6×5/4 solid wood decking, apparently of glued strips.)
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Replies
Dan
No experience at all. My first question is what are their recommendations for its use with minimal air circulation being ground level?
I do know that the first few (that I was aware of) distributors of bamboo decking from about 5 or so years ago are no longer around. Or perhaps they're doing business under another name.
With that written? I'd opt for laminated strip bamboo over the strand/woven/chip style. More stable, and with predictable as well as fewer glue lines, it'll be less prone to breaking down under UV and changes in weather.
If you narrow down your choices, read the maintenance for it. You need to baby it it some ways, Anchor Seal the cut ends when you install, as well as annual maintenance.
I'd consider you to be early to the game if you chose to install it. You'll be the talk of the neighborhood. Hopefully because it was a good choice and not because you'll have to tear it out after a few years due to product failure.
I'd say rake a chance if youre in a moderate climate. If your deck will see snow? Extended freeze/thaw? Ninety-degree summers with bright sunshine? I'd lean towards chosing something else.
Just an opinion.
Well, it would be covered with snow three months out of the year, but other than that it's a mild climate.