Bamboo decking boards - technical advantages and uses

One of the greatest challenges with wooden decking lies in its dimensional stability. Untreated wood is prey to humidity and changes in temperature, which results in it warping, cracking or splintering. But this problem is virtually eliminated with bamboo decking boards because they undergo a heat treatment and high-pressure compression which makes the bamboo fibres more dense. Their dimensional stability as is as good as, if not better than, that of a tropical hardwood. Thanks to this stability, bamboo decking boards are the perfect choice for large surfaces where regular joints and straight lines are essential. Think of roof terraces and pool surrounds.

When it comes to hardness, top-of-the-range bamboo decking boards surpass many traditional hardwoods. They can withstand regular heavy loads, falling objects and significant footfall. These qualities make bamboo decking boards the ideal choice for boardwalks, HoReCa terraces and walkways with heavy traffic.

Photography: Andres Valbuena, Moso®

Because of a specific manufacturing process, bamboo decking boards have a high density and a uniform structure. This means they absorb very little humidity, significantly reducing risks such as mould or rotting, or insect infestations. They are also highly resistant to the sun, rain or frost, so they remain just as functional whatever the weather. And here’s another advantage: our high-end bamboo decking boards come with a 25-year warranty, our promise to you that they will last.

New bamboo decking boards are a warm brown colour, naturally. Over time, the surface will develop a patina, bringing out the typical grain of bamboo. This gives it a natural look, similar to that of hardwood. This patina is purely aesthetic: it in no way affects the material’s technical properties or longevity.

With HoReCa terraces and other public spaces, people often prefer to keep the boards looking new. To achieve that, all that’s required is to apply Woca Exterior Wood Oil, in a Teak or Walnut tint, once a year or as needed.

Photography: Tomeu Canyellas, Moso®

Photo: Moso®

A bamboo terrace is noted for being sustainable. Bamboo grows so fast that it can be harvested after four or five years, while many hardwood varieties need several decades to reach the same stage. This incredible growth rate makes bamboo a bio-based raw material with strong development potential. The result is a remarkably low carbon footprint throughout the production cycle.

Bamboo has also more than earned its place in a circular construction approach. Thanks to the Grad® invisible installation system and its ingenious accessories, decking boards can be fitted easily and seamlessly. And they can then be unclipped and used again without any loss of quality, should they need to be reconditioned or if work needs to be done under the terrace for instance.

For projects seeking environmental certification such as BREEAM, LEED or DGNB, the fact that our bamboo decking boards are also available with the FSC® label is an added bonus.