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Bamboo Decking Installation & Maintenance Guidelines
1. Before Installation
1.1 Let Boards Acclimate
Unpack your bamboo deck boards and lay them flat on site for at least 48 hours before cutting or installing. This lets the bamboo adjust to local temperature and humidity. Store extra boards in a dry, well ventilated area. You can wax cut board ends to help stop moisture from getting inside.
1.2 Support Frame (Joist) Rules
Use durable subfloor: such as bamboo joists, hot dip galvanized steel tubes, or aluminum frames. Subfloor should be no less than 60x40mm.
Important rules:
Tongue and groove narrow ends must sit fully on a joist (never join boards in empty space between joists).
Subfloor/joist spacing 300–465mm, with 465mm being the maximum.
Add cross supports every 1.8 meters to stop movement.
Keep the deck at least 100mm above the ground for good airflow and drainage.
Lay weed fabric under the base to prevent weed growth blocking water flow.
1.3 Expansion Gaps
No gap needed between narrow ends (widthwise).
5–8mm gap between side edges (lengthwise).
Leave 10–15mm space between the deck and walls, posts, or fixed structures.
2. How to Install
2.1 Hidden Clip System (Recommended)
This method leaves no visible screws on the deck surface.
Lay the first board flat with the correct walking side up.
Clip stainless fasteners into the board side groove.
Drill and screw the clips firmly into the joists.
Slide the next board into the clips and tap gently with a rubber mallet for a tight fit.
Stagger board end joints (minimum 300mm offset) for a stronger, neater deck.
2.2 Face Screw Method (Visible Screws)
Use this if you prefer fixed surface screws.
Mark screw spots 20mm from each board edge above every joist.
Pre-drill small holes to avoid cracking the bamboo.
Use only stainless steel deck screws.
Screw slowly with low drill power.
Secure both edges of each board at every joist.
2.3 Moldings
Use finished edge moldings for deck borders and stairs for a clean, professional look.
2.4 Screws for Timber Subfloors and Hot Dip Galvanized Steel Tubes
For timber subfloors, thread cut self-tapping screw is used. For hot-dip galvanized steel tubes, self-drilling screws are suggested.
2.5 Screws and Clips for Coastal Area
Coastal area has strong salt spray, which is corrosive, therefore specially treated 316 stainless steel clips and screws are recommended.
3. Simple Maintenance & Cleaning
Bamboo decking will naturally fade grey to white over time. If you want to keep the original warm brown color, you need annual oil treatment.
3.1 Regular Cleaning
Sweep leaves, dirt, and sand regularly and often to prevent surface scratches.
Deep clean once a year with a standard wood/bamboo deck cleaner (oxalic acid based).
Scrub gently with a stiff brush, rinse thoroughly, and let dry fully for 24–48 hours.
Do NOT use high pressure washers — they damage the bamboo fibers.
3.2 Oil Protection (Color Preservation)
Residential decks: re-oil once per year.
Sunny, coastal, or pool decks: re-oil twice per year (spring and autumn).
Use exterior bamboo/wood deck oil with UV protection. Apply thin, even coats on a fully clean, dry deck and wipe away excess oil.
3.3 Winter & Ice Care
Use soft brooms or plastic shovels to remove snow.
Always shovel along the length of the boards, never across them.
No rock salt or chemical chloride de-icers — use only pet safe, salt free ice melt.
Avoid metal scrapers and snow blowers on the deck surface.
3.4 Pool & Coastal Areas
Rinse salt residue monthly with fresh water.
Clean and oil twice a year.
Make sure water drains away and does not pool on the deck.
3.5 General Rules to Avoid Damage
Put felt pads under all outdoor furniture legs and replace worn pads.
Wipe up spills (food, oil, chemicals) right away.
Never use bleach, ammonia, abrasive powder cleaners, wire brushes, or steam cleaners.
4. Natural Color Change (Normal Weathering)
1–8 weeks after install: slight lightening of the brown color.
2–6 months: fades to an even silver brown shade.
1 year+: turns stable silver grey if not oiled regularly. Shaded areas fade much slower.
