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Bamboo has turned out to be an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for homeowners today. Due to its incredible properties and a wide scope of creativity, it has become a favorite material for several green revolution visionaries (like architects and builders). Also, Bamboo can absorb the shocks of seismic activity and physical traffic far better than the rigid concrete and steel structure, which further makes it a top choice.
Due to its natural characteristics and versatility, bamboo has become an excellent choice for fences and privacy screens. Its opaque nature and dark-toned texture can provide continual privacy without the need for any maintenance.
For fencing, both bamboo cane and rolled bamboo use wood frames to hold the poles together, featuring a unique and beautiful design. This means fencing not only increases the aesthetics of your backyard but also introduces a natural semblance. Bamboo fencing is quite famous in American and Asian countries like Japan, China, and Bali.
Now let’s talk about how to install bamboo fencing and all other things related to it:
How to make a bamboo fence, its different types, and installation techniques
With an array of unique designs, bamboo fencing can beautifully integrate with any kind of landscape. Here are some typical types of bamboo fencing along with their making:
Kenninji
Popularly known as classic screening fence, this style has no gaps in between the poles or panels. This fence uses vertical slats of bamboo held over a wooden frame and horizontal split corms – that is tied with Shuri Nawa (palm) rope.
Misu
This type of fence uses the horizontal bamboo poles as slates, which are supported by wide vertical supporting panels on both sides. To ensure maximum durability and sturdiness, the entire fence is further attached with dark ties.
Otsu
Otsu is a bamboo fence technique where broader bamboo poles are used as ‘Stilts’ and narrower ones as ‘Rails’. To achieve the ‘airy and open’ look, the bamboo slats are further meticulously woven throughout the rails.
Yotsume
Appreciating the beauty and importance of nature, this open style garden fence is very popular in the industry. In this fencing, various broad and horizontal rails are held up by the pickets on alternate sides. One of its unique features is that the appearance of this fence aesthetically differs from distinct angles.
Ryoanji
As an open and short-length fence, Ryoanji is an ideal choice for gardens and backyards. Here, the trellis of narrow bamboo shoots is connected to broad rails that are supported by posts/panels.
Twig Fence
Boasting the casual and tropical visage, the twig fence is the best way to add an element of freshness and natural appeal to your backyard. It features few bundles of bamboo twigs that are supported by both horizontal and vertical poles.
Why should You consider Building Bamboo Fencing?
Artistically satisfying, highly durable, and environmentally sustainable, Bamboo fencing can add a new dimension to the concept of conventional fencing. Its unique texture and solid characteristics make it both versatile and fashionable at the same time. As bamboo is available in various styles, shapes, sizes, and colors, you can easily match the fence aesthetics to the rest of your home. Bamboo fences are resistant to sunlight, weather conditions, and even physical trauma. Unlike hardwood, it is lighter in weight, and therefore, simple and easy to install.
Where to Build Bamboo Fencing?
Bamboo fencing guarantees the utmost privacy and resilience as they are woven together strongly. So when used as bamboo fencing panels, they act as a privacy screen, room divider, or a boundary wall for your house.
On the other hand, bamboo fencing rolls are an ideal option for covering an existing wall, wooden fence, or mesh panel. Similarly, the bamboo poles can be used to decorate the garden or the patio in your backyard. Its natural beauty and wide versatility can beautifully transform a dull space into an impressive one.
How to Install Bamboo Fencing?
The installation process of the bamboo fencing is directly related to its high durability, manoeuvrability, and minimal maintenance. Since it is available in multiple fence heights, colors, shapes, and sizes, the installation process of ‘Bamboo panels’ and ‘Rolls’ differ broadly.
Installation of Bamboo Panels
Bamboo panels are eco-friendly and affordable ways to cover old wooden or chain-link fence. The bamboo fencing panels can be attached to a basic wood fence frame using the following technique:
- Use the drilling machine and dig 18 inches deep holes. Make sure that you place 4-by-4-inch lumber at the desired height into the holes.
- Make a mixture of concrete and water in the peanut butter consistency. Now, pour the concrete into the hole and flatten it with a trowel.
- Once the concrete is settled, screw 4 long nails near the top and bottom of the posts.
- Now, attach the bamboo frame via the pre-drilled holes.
Installation of Bamboo Rolls
Rolled bamboo fencing is made with the small bamboo reeds or split bamboo canes that are tied together into rolls.
- Measure the length of the roll and place it on the wall for estimation. Now, outline the fence’s course and mark it with chalk.
- Make 2-2 holes at the top and bottom of the wall. Concrete these holes and allow it to dry for 3-4 hours.
- Unroll the bamboo fencing and to the next post, pull it out and secure it with nails on the second post.
The Installation Process for the Existing Chain-linked Fence
Since the existing fence will be galvanized, its installation might be complex and may require professional help:
- Make necessary adjustments and ensure that the chain-link fence supports the installation of bamboo fencing.
- Install a spacer at the bottom of the fence to reduce ground contact and enhance the leveling.
- Unroll your bamboo along the chain-link fence and attach the top and bottom ends with the galvanized wire.
- Once the roll is attached, make sure that you tighten the wires with the pliers.
- In the future, if you need to replace the bamboo roll, ensure that you don’t overlap the two rolls. You can simply untie the wires at the end and remove the roll with pliers.
Decoration Ideas for Bamboo Fencing
Bamboo can add an element of style and beauty to any space. It is functional and can be customized in a number of ways to decorate your space with something unique and interesting. Here are some ideas to take inspiration from:
- Using it as a living room divider
- As a privacy screen in your bedroom
- As a bathroom divider
- For the backyard, there are many ideas
For those who appreciate the rustic and contemporaneous ambiance, ‘Going Green’ is all that you need. You can add a beautiful and simple row of planters, including ornamental grasses, a mobile vine wall, or a beautiful hedgerow.
For a tall and contiguous bamboo privacy fence, colorful flowers and plants can create a secluded outdoor shower. Such a lush landscape adds additional privacy and a distinct look from every possible angle.
A natural thick rolled bamboo fencing supported by an iron security gate offers double-layered privacy. You can also incorporate a sunken planting bed decorated by a lovely bamboo fountain with a stone basin.
If your budget is low, then the best ways to add a modern touch to your backyard or patio can be with hanging potted plants on the posts or wall planters around the fence, adding a simplistic beauty element to it.
So by using bamboo fencing in a functional manner, all these beautiful ideas can be easily incorporated into your backyard. Additionally, you can also drive hooks and hangers for ornaments, add lattice on the fence-top to train plants up, and use small sections of fences to create partial barriers.
How Long will Bamboo Fencing Last?
Being weather-resistant, a bamboo fence ensures excellent durability. With its proper use- treatment, maintenance, and care, they can last as long as 20 years. For the best return on your investment, here are some expert tips to follow:
- Although bamboo poles are durable and resistant to termites, they can eventually decay and get susceptible to degradation. Therefore, it’s important to coat the poles with wood-protectant liquids or oil-paints, at least once a year. While applying the protectant, use the paint brush and cover the top and bottom areas of the poles.
- Due to prolonged exposure and excess dirt, your bamboo fence can get caked in the soil or dust. This not only tarnishes the durability of the bamboo fence but also induces a slow decay. Thus, the soil should be removed occasionally by gentle water cleaning and brushing technique.
- When bamboo fences become loose, they can drop from the panel and touch the ground. Thus, it’s important to tighten the screws or wires, at least twice a year.
Conclusion
With beauty, sustainability, and versatility as its key properties, bamboo fencing stands as the best choice for backyards and indoor decorations, adding an element of intimacy, style, and organic appeal to any space.
