Bamboo Fencing Guide for Home Owners

If you are thinking of using bamboo fencing, then it might be of interest to state that this term is a generic term which covers the overall look than a specific product. There is a wide range of bamboo products which can be used to make fences to enhance privacy, hide unsightly areas, or even for cladding purposes. In the section below, we shall explore some of the important factors to take into consideration before setting up the fence.

Tools & Supplies Recommended for Installation

Before you start installing a bamboo fence, you should gather all the necessary tools to facilitate smooth installation. You will need an electric drill, a hammer, 1/16 inch drill bit, a level, and wood screws for fastening the bamboo poles. You will also need galvanized steel wire on which the bamboo panels will be fixed to.

Bamboo fencing Poles

A significant aspect of fencing with bamboo is the selection of the right poles. Good fencing poles should be carefully selected from the finest types such as Tonkin Bamboo. It should have also been processed to meet the highest standards of quality before installing them.

Application of Bamboo in Your Home

Bamboo materials can be used indoors in a number of ways such as fencing to create barriers or section inside a room. Alternatively, it can be cut and hang as a decorative material on a window to provide some sort of naturally textured curtain. Apart from the window, you can also use it for decoration behind pieces of art. You can simply cut it and hang the woven bamboo panel on the window to create a natural tropical décor. Alternatively, you can also use it up on the ceiling as a decorative piece of art without incurring great expenses or worrying about environmental damage.

Installing the Fence

Once you gather the tools and supplies needed to set up the fence, you should be ready to proceed with the installation. There are two ways in which you can install the bamboo fencing panels-externally and on the interior. When setting up the fence, it is recommended that you should use 2 layers of materials which have a support frame (in between) for enhanced beauty and strength on each side.

Installing Bamboo on a Chain Link Fence

Well, if you want to install a bamboo poles on an existing chain link then you should first know how to go about the process and what factors you should consider. If you are installing a new fence then you will most likely need a supporting structure. So, if you already have a chain link fence, then make sure that the chain link fence can support the bamboo installation, but if the fence cannot support then make the necessary modifications such as reinforcing the fence. Also, consider installing a spacer beneath the fence so as to reduce contact with the ground, which in turn, preserves the fence and ensures the bamboo remain at the proper level.

Once you are ready, you should unroll the bamboo fencing panels along the chain link and the poles should be capped side up and be levelled. Next, attach either of the ends with a galvanized wire at the bottom and top, then pull the panels tight to the chain link. After that, fasten them using pliers. The remaining portion of the panels should be attached with wires and spaced evenly at 12-14”

Note, if you want to add a second roll of fencing then you should make sure that neither of the two rolls overlap nor have gaps. After installation, the fence may require trimming. This means you will have to untie the wires at either ends and remove some of the poles to make them fit then tie the wires by twisting them together at the ends.

Common Styles of Bamboo Fencing

There are at least a dozen styles of bamboo fences that can be installed in your yard and these are common in Asian style gardens. The fencing style can be simple and versatile like connecting the panels of bamboo using wires, which is a common installation, or as complex decoration in works of art. Some of the common styles of bamboo fencing are highlighted below:

  • Ryoanji – is typically an open fence which is short and suitable for gardens. It incorporates lattice of narrow bamboo shoots which are linked to bottom and top rails and supported by pole

  • Misu -is another favourite style used for screening fence. It employs horizontal bamboo poles which are hoisted on a broad vertical support on either sides of the fence and then attached with dark ties

  • Kenninji – style of fencing is a typical classic screening design which leaves no gaps. It comprises bamboo panels supported by a combination of half-round rails linked to shauro nawa ties.

  • Yotsume – is an open-style fence which comes with a considerable number of broad horizontal rails linked together by pickets on both sides. The outlook of this fencing style changes based on the angle from which it is observed.

Otsu  - employs broad bamboo poles plus narrower pole (as rails). It features bamboo slats woven on the rails to create an open look.

Summary

Functionally, bamboo fencing can be used to liven up your home by creating a relaxed atmosphere because of the enclosure it creates. There is a wide range of bamboo products that can be used to make fences or screening to hide unsightly areas such as walls. These materials are environmentally-friendly and reduces the need for wood/timber which causes deforestation. They are durable which makes them convenient and dependable for prolonged use in a variety of climatic conditions. Bamboo is also amendable to aesthetic finish and coloring to create variety of styles.

On the downside, it tends to split after sometime. It is susceptible to decay and unless they are protected from moisture, they are bound to rot. Installation can be carried out in several ways, but the common style is to string the poles together.