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bamboo fence installation

BY Catherine LiTue Nov 4, 2008 at 9:57 PM
This blog is written by a member of our blogging community and expresses that member's views alone.

Bamboo fence  is a good choice when you want to create privacy or add an exotic touch to your landscape. Bamboo fences are lightweight, durable, resistant to water, low maintenance, and relatively inexpensive.

 

ITEMS NEEDED

 

Power saw               Harmer               Level

 

Post hole digger    Power drill         Tap measure

 

There are several styles of bamboo fences to choose from. The most common styles are constructed of 1” diameter bamboo poles or 1/2” diameter bamboo canes. The pieces of bamboo are arranged vertically side by side and held together with heavy-duty galvanized wire, which does not rust. Other popular designs include woven bamboo, which consists of smaller canes tied together in bundles, and split bamboo (the outer surface of the bamboo cane) made of 1/2 “ thick slats tied together with wire. Woven and split bamboo fences last about 10 years, while fences constructed of bamboo poles or canes have a lifespan of approximately 20 years. Bamboo, because it is a live plant, is dried, cleaned and fumigated before being used in fence construction.

 

Bamboo fence comes in rolls or in panels. Panels are usually 6 or 8-feet wide, whereas the length of a roll varies depending on manufacturer. Fence heights also vary, but are typically 3, 4, 6, or 8 feet high. When installing a bamboo fence, always leave several inches of clearance under the fence to prevent contact with moisture in the ground, which will cause the bamboo to decompose and rot. If the height of the fence needs to be adjusted, use a bamboo saw to make a clean cut and prevent jagged edges. To cut rolls to a specific length, use sharp wire cutters to cut the wires holding the bamboo fence together.

 

Installing a roll of bamboo fence over an existing chain link fence is easier than using panels. Unroll the fence and attach it to the top, bottom, and then middle of the first post with 12-inch length pieces of heavy-duty galvanized wire. Use a pair of pliers to pull the wire through to the other side and twist the wires to secure the fence. Use 10-inch lengths of galvanized wire to attach the bamboo fence to the top and bottom horizontal stringers of the chain link fence every 4 to 6 feet. Adjust the length of the galvanized wire as needed, depending on the dimensions of the posts and stringers.

 

When the end of the roll is reached, attach the new roll using galvanized wire at intervals of at least 12 inches. Continue fastening the bamboo fencing to the chain link fence until you reach the last post, adjusting the vertical alignment as needed. Wrap the bamboo fence around the corner of the last post and fasten it securely to the pos with galvanized wire. To install a woven or split bamboo fence roll over a board fence, there is an option of using a staple gun to staple the bamboo fence to the board fence instead of attaching it with wire. Use stainless steel staples to prevent rusting.

 

When installing bamboo fence panels or a rolled bamboo fence as a stand-alone fence, it is necessary to construct a framework of vertical posts and horizontal stringers. Posts should be 4” x 4” in size and made of cedar/carbonized/pressure treated wood to prevent rotting where they are in contact with the ground. Space the posts to accommodate the width of the panel or every 6 feet on center if using a fence roll. Install the posts in the ground in accordance with local building standards.

 

Panels generally have horizontal stringers already attached to the panel; however, if they do not, or you are using a fence roll, use cedar / carbonized / pressure treated wood, or large bamboo poles for the stringers. If bamboo poles are used, drill holes in the bamboo to accommodate the galvanized wire prior to installation. For a 6-foot high fence, three evenly spaced horizontal stringers (2”x4” wood planks or bamboo poles) should be nailed (wood planks) or attached with wire (bamboo poles) to the top, bottom and middle of the post. Attach the bamboo fence to the frame using galvanized wire as described above for chain link fences. Each post id shaped according to its use. Before installing, lay down the post on the floor. Each post is grooved & pinned to receive the panel. End post have one groove, Line post have two grooves opposite to each other, Corner post have two grooves 90o from each other, Gate posts could have one groove, when used without any connecting panels, or two grooves if used in line. Flanges are used for mounting the post. For hard surface a flat flange is provided. For soil installation the flange has 2 ft extension which goes in cement. Flanges are coated beige to match bamboo.Each bamboo post has a steel insert 20” up from the bottom of the post for added strength. Pins stick out of the groove to match the panel.3) Connect panel to post by matching the holes in the section with the pins on the post, drill pilot hole with drill bit (do not use stainless steel screws without the pilot hole, bamboo will split). Insert the #10 X 3 1/2” stainless steel flat head screw.

 

FINISH

 

Each component has been factory coated with 3 coats of outdoor varnish with UV protection. If you want to retain the original shine a coat of varnish with UV protection should be applied after installation and once a year thereafter. If not coated the bamboo will turn into beautiful silver gray color pleasant and natural to eyes. If used indoor coat when desired.

Here comes a useful link

http://www.chinabamboogarden.com/bamboo-fence-trellis-edging.asp

 

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Recent Comments | 3 Total

August 6, 2009 at 11:39pm by amanda holis

what are your thoughts about bamboo vs. cedar for a privacy fence, in terms of life and overall cost? the bamboo looks wonderful.

September 6, 2009 at 6:12pm by Alice Wakeman

I’m thinking about changing my current Houston fence to a bamboo fence. I want my garden to have a less conventional feel to it. Thanks to this useful guide I now know exactly what type of bamboo I should be looking for.

September 6, 2009 at 6:15pm by Alice Wakeman

I’m thinking about changing my current Houston fence to a bamboo fence. I want my garden to have a less conventional feel to it. Thanks to this useful guide I now know exactly what type of bamboo I should be looking for.