Used to create everyday objects for over 4000 years, bamboo’s long life makes it a Chinese symbol of longevity. Although most people think of it as a hardwood, it is actually a natural grass. A highly stable material, it is stronger and more durable than nearly all wood. All of these desirable attributes combined with its amazing longevity quite simply make it an ideal building material for outdoor living spaces, such as decks and patios, with a luxurious and exotic flare.
Highly sustainable, bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet and can be harvested approximately every four to six years. Even though it is considered to be a very invasive species, a strong, dense and difficult to control plant with the ability to take over an entire lot (acreage) over time from just one sapling, it is environmentally friendly. It doesn’t require pesticides or other harmful chemicals for protection, it captures carbon effectively and doesn’t endanger hardwood forests like other natural materials (pine, hardwoods, etc.)
Tranquil bamboo deck alongside a Zen inspired water feature. Photo courtesy Dasso XTR.
Over time, it’s inevitable for weather, sun and moisture to cause wooden boards to warp and twist. Wood will swell as it absorbs water and then shrink as it dries out again. Some types of boards are less likely to be seriously affected by the changes and some are drastically affected. Bamboo has a natural resistance to these elements and in comparison, will not swell or contract with moisture in the air. With its hard exterior and cellular interior, it is both flexible and elastic, making it very resilient without breaking. Bamboo does not have rays or knots the way wood does, so when stress is applied, it is evenly distributed over the surface.
Knowing all these benefits of bamboo, it’s easy to see why bamboo decking has become so popular in recent years. Versatile in terms of color, bamboo can coordinate with almost any exterior décor of your home, as it can be stained in a wide range of hues from light natural to dark chocolate tones, allowing you to create just the right aesthetic for your particular project. As for maintenance to keep its exotic appeal, it requires no more work than you would need to do for a hardwood deck and the actual maintenance is very similar.
This rooftop deck is built using bamboo decking.
Our most current deck project is under construction. We are using bamboo furnished through Dasso XTR bamboo decking. Dasso is the global leader in the development and production of innovative bamboo products and is manufactured with strand woven technology, a patented process that fuses carbonized bamboo to make it suitable for exterior use. These homeowners can rest easy knowing their deck will stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at it. Be sure to check back with us to see the progress and the final reveal of this stunning outdoor living structure.
Archadeck of Central Maryland is a leader in outdoor design & construction in Montgomery County, Howard County, and the surrounding area. We strive to continue to offer our clients the most current design and most dependable building material options in the industry. Our professional and talented staff are experts at helping homeowners, like you, get the most out of every season. Contact us today to learn more at (301) 926 – 3001 or email at centralmaryland@archadeck.net or montgomeryco@archadeck.net.
Maryland Custom Outdoor Builder - Decks, Porches, Patios, and More 