Time: Dependent on deck design and size | Tools Needed: Circular saw, Drop saw (with fine tooth blade), Drills, Level, Stringlines, Hammers, Toolbelt with small tools (tape measure, pencil, rulers, squares, etc)

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world. So when you use Bamboo X-treme® Decking, you know you will have a sustainable product under your feet. I’ve really enjoyed working with this material on our deck and been impressed with how simple it was to install once the deck structure was built. 

When building a deck with Bamboo X-treme® Decking keep in mind the following tips:

• You can construct the deck structure as you would with any other decking. However an essential aspect with is to space the joists at 462mm centres.  As each of the decking boards are 1,850mm long, this will ensure an end-match over a joist – meaning less cutting, wastage and time to install.

• A unique factor with this decking is the end-matching tongue in groove join. You can’t have a join system like this with most other decking products as they move or warp too much.  You’re more likely to get movement from the timber framing than you will from the Bamboo X-treme Decking sitting on top, so it pays to get good quality, dry timber for the framing.

• The decking comes with sufficient powder-coated stainless steel clips and screws to fix the decking board down, which is what makes the “invisible” fixing system.

• Take your time with your setup and construction of your deck structure, in particular joists. Having this setup right will make laying the decking quick and easy. 

• Use a sharp fine tooth blade when cutting the bamboo decking, to get clean cuts. 

• You won’t have as much wastage as you would from normal decking, but any excess is great for furniture and matching planter boxes.

This blog was sponsored by Plantation Bamboo, Bamboo specialists supplying bamboo flooring, decking and panels all over NZ.