Mistakes You're Making That Are Breaking Down Your Bamboo Fence's Durability

Whether you're trying to make your own tiki bar or just need a bit of privacy from your neighbors, bamboo is a natural choice for fencing. Bamboo has inherent properties that make it stronger than your average fence post, and it can stay standing for decades. Plus, bamboo is a sustainable choice with a unique, warm aesthetic. However, like all wooden structures, a bamboo fence requires proper care if you want it to last as long as possible. When neglected, bamboo fencing can deteriorate like any other organic material. This goes doubly for exterior fencing that is exposed to bugs, moisture, and other elements that break down the bamboo's durability. That's why it's imperative that you avoid mistakes such as forgoing timely fence inspection for damage, ignoring maintenance like cleaning and sealing, and inadequately securing the fence for stability.

If you know anything about how to grow bamboo plants, you might think that these strong stalks can take care of themselves, but that's not the case when it comes to a bamboo fence. To make sure your bamboo fence maintains the vibrant color and durability that you paid for, you have to avoid these mistakes.

The best thing you can do to ensure your bamboo fence stays strong is to inspect it regularly. Otherwise, small problems can start to build up, and an issue that would have taken minutes to fix has now caused significant damage. To avoid this, give your fence a thorough inspection at least once a year. You should keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear during your survey, but be especially cognizant of damage from pests and fungi.

Since bamboo is a natural material, it can be a magnet for bugs such as mites, ants, and termites. Not only can these insects break down your fence over time, but they can also spread to other areas of your lawn. Additionally, bamboo fencing can accumulate mold if it is exposed to a lot of moisture, leading to further deterioration. This is why it's so important to check your bamboo fence every couple of months — if you catch evidence of mold or insects early, you can usually tackle the problem yourself with a fungicide or pesticide. But if you don't notice the pests eating away at your bamboo until it's too late, you'll have to fork over big bucks for an exterminator and a new fence.

As you undertake your fencing inspection, also look out for areas that could do with a bit of cleaning. Bamboo that is covered with dirt and leaves is more susceptible to mold and rot since the debris traps moisture. Any small sections of the fence with an extra layer of grime can be quickly cleaned with water, dish detergent, and a bristle brush. These tools are also helpful for cleaning sustainable bamboo products for your home. You could also use a pressure washer to clean the fence if you have one lying around, but a bit of elbow grease should be enough to get rid of any caked-on dirt.

Along with regular spot-cleaning, bamboo fencing should be deep cleaned once every couple of years to keep it looking fresh and to improve its longevity. First, spray down the entire fence with either a commercial bamboo cleaner or a homemade solution of water and vinegar. A bottle attachment for your garden hose could be helpful for this step — try this EVILTO High-Pressure Hose Spray Nozzle from Amazon. After coating the bamboo in a cleaning solution, wait half an hour before scrubbing away any excess dirt and rinsing the fence with water. It can take the bamboo fencing at least two days to completely dry, so cleaning day is best scheduled during dry, warm weather.

To make sure the time you spent cleaning your bamboo fence doesn't go to waste, be sure to add a coat of sealant after the fence is dry. If not sealed, your fence will become vulnerable to all manner of external elements, particularly moisture, which can cause mold and rot. A good seal should also make it harder for grime to stick to the fence, cutting down the amount of time you have to spend cleaning. This extra layer of protection makes sealing your bamboo fence a key step if you want it to last as long as possible. Not to mention, it also lessens the impact of ultraviolet rays, so the bamboo doesn't fade and maintains its bright golden color.

In order for the product to be effective, bamboo sealant should be applied on a dry, warm day with no chance of rain for the following week. The fence needs to be completely coated, so you may want to use a brush or paint roller to help you get into every nook and cranny. When you're done, let the sealant dry for at least three days. Then, use a rough brush to add some texture to the dried sealant surface before repeating the entire process again.

While sealing your bamboo fence will protect it from some environmental factors like moisture and UV rays, it will take more effort to guard your fence from inclement weather. That's why one of the biggest mistakes you can make when installing a bamboo fence is forgoing a proper foundation. Bamboo is strong, but it will easily buckle to strong winds if it's just stuck haphazardly in the ground. To keep your fence strong, after you place each fence post, fill the hole with cement so that it stays in place. You can also help bamboo fencing stay durable by leaving space between it and any plants or foliage that could overgrow the fence, weighing it down.

The efficacy of a bamboo fence relies a lot on what type of environment it's in, and they won't work for every type of yard. Before you commit to installing one, check out our tips on how to determine what style of fence your home needs.