Bamboo Slat Screen

Here are a few recommendations:

Wooden fence

Place a gravel board down first to ensure the bamboo is off the ground. Pre-drill the bamboo screen/fence and using standard wood screws fasten them to the existing structure securing. Repeat this process at regular intervals. Pre-drilling is very important to avoid cracking the bamboo.

Wall

You will need to attach wooden battens to your wall first, ensuring these are perpendicular to the bamboo. Use the same process as above for installation over an existing fence.

If you require further advice, please contact us for further information.

Yes. Following a year of weathering in the garden, use a wood stain / wood oil to bring back the colour.

Bamboo weathers naturally like timber and may develop hairline cracks but does not rot easily.

We recommend the wood stain to be UV resistant and can either be water or solvent-based. Please ensure you follow the instructions of the wood stain/preserver you are using.

Bamboo is a natural product and due to the UK’s wet weather bamboo may develop mould or a slight discolouration.

If you do find discoloration it may be how the bamboo has grown. Discoloration does not affect the integrity of the bamboo pole. If you discover mould, it is usually surface mould and can easily be wiped off. In more extreme cases, we recommend using a mould removed – please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the mould remover.

To keep the bamboo looking its best, refer to the aftercare “Q: My bamboo has gone grey. Is there a way to restore it?”

To a certain extent, but as this is a natural product (like wood) there is little that can be done.

Bamboo is a plant – as it dries out it changes size and shape (much like the stem of a flower or a tree branch). Although our bamboo is dried carefully for 6 – 8 weeks prior to export, the poles will have residual moisture. Once the poles are installed in your project in the UK, normal temperature fluctuations cause the bamboo to expand and contract. This can occur whether the poles are inside or outside. Hairline cracks or larger splits may occur as a result. As a natural product, there is little that can be done to prevent this.

Half round poles and slats of bamboo are less prone to cracks, as the tension created within the whole pole’s cylindrical shape is released. We recommend the use of half rounds for projects and some bamboo poles have their nodes pierced to achieve a similar affect.

The following techniques are recommended (but do not guarantee against any cracking or splitting occurring over the lifetime of your poles):

• Option 1: Drill small holes just above the nodes.
• Option 2: Knock the ‘internal nodes’ (the wall) through with a broom handle or a sharp spike.
• Option 3: Knock the internal nodes through and soak the poles in wood preservative or wood oil.
• Option 4: Avoid water ingress for upright poles by plugging the tops of your poles. (Please note: leaving a top node intact will act as a natural rainwater plug). Treat with wood preservative or varnish for extra protection (clear silicone mastic works for small diameter poles).

Follow the spec sheet aftercare guidance with annual or bi-annual maintenance of applying wood oil or protective varnish.

Our bamboo comes from all over the world, via our trusted supply network.

China

• Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)
• Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)
• Speckled bamboo (Phyllostachys bambusoides f. lacrima-deae)

Africa

• Vivax bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax)

Indonesia

• Java Black bamboo (Gigantochloa atroviolacea)

Colombia

• Guadua bamboo (Guadua angustifolia)

Yes. 

To reduce the width of the roll screens, measure 5cm past the width you require. Cut the wire at that mark and take off the required number of poles to get back to your true measurement. Bend the wire downwards to lock the poles in.