Frequently Ask Questions

Can I stain bamboo?

Bamboo can be stained and colorized but it all depends on what type of bamboo you are working with. We recommend rough sanding to remove some of the silica surface. Applying a gel stain will produce a novel effect and texture. Another option is to add a tint to polyurethane which works well to enhance and protect the bamboo.

Is insect infestation possible?

All of our bamboo materials are treated in a variety of safe and natural ways to prevent any insect infestation. Beware of Non-ecological treatments incorporating diesel fuel and pesticides, which are typical of most Chinese bamboo products.

Will diameter be the same the entire length of the bamboo poles?

Bamboo is a naturally irregular product, so normally it will not be uniform in diameter. This depends somewhat on the species but especially on the length of the pole in question. As a rule you should expect some variation in taper.

Will bamboo split if you nail or screw into it?

We recommend pre-drilling whenever possible. We like to use a flip countersink and try to always drill at the node band since this is the strongest part of the pole and is also much less visible.

Will bamboo crack in the cold weather?

Bamboo is prone to slight cracking or checking in zero-moisture cold conditions. Once split or drilled, bamboo will not crack. Bamboo fencing has been known to last up to 20 years in cold, winter conditions.

How strong is bamboo, are they all the same?

Strength of course varies by species, origin and maturity of the individual plant. For large bamboo nothing can compare to the superlative strength of Guadua Angustifolia, the Construction Graded poles imported from the Colombia. The fencing panels bamboo poles from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia are of smaller diameter and are best suited for fencing and other non structural applications. The Tonkin variety of bamboo brought from China is much more irregular, thin-walled (weaker) and is usually immunized with toxic chemicals.

How durable is bamboo?

With proper maintenance bamboo can retain its original beauty for many years. Of course outdoor placement will require more frequent maintenance than indoor placement. Maintenance consists of annual refresh of UV top coats.

When I think of bamboo fence, I think of the rolls of fencing sold at a hardware store. After six months it starts flaking and turning gray. How is your bamboo fencing different?

There are over 1,400 different types of bamboo in the world. The bamboo you are thinking of is in fact a “reed” not bamboo. The bamboo that Bamboobarry sells is in fact a “pole”.

How do I prevent mold and mildew?

By buying from Bamboo from Bamboobarry you are insuring yourself against mold and mildew issues. Bamboobarry, unlike most suppliers of bamboo, requires superior treatment of our bamboo products.

Be sure to check out our photo gallery for design ideas and inspiration. We offer detailed installation instructions for all of our materials. We will be happy to share any ideas or tips to ensure you select the best material and achieve the most beautiful result possible.