Bamboo Fencing

“Good fences always make good neighbors but do good neighbors always make good fences?” If you want to be a good neighbor, build a good fence and you can do that through using practical, natural, and readily available materials such as bamboo. Fences are important in defining space and property. This holds true for either domestic or commercial properties. Among the many types of fences, bamboo fences are probably the most practical, effective as well as sustainable type of fence.

Bamboo fences along with many bamboo products maybe new to the western world but these have been used for decades in Asia particularly in Southeastern nations and tropical regions where it grows abundantly.

As the popularity of bamboo products increase so as the consciousness of people today on green buildings and sustainability. Bamboo is one of the best tools in achieving an eco-friendly living. There are many housing developments and construction projects that have extensively used bamboo as a building material.

Facts about Bamboo

• Bamboo symbolizes friendship in India while it is a symbol of longevity in China.
• Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plant in the world which can grow 39 inches or 100 cm in a 24-hour period with the right conditions.
• Bamboo has been used as scaffolding in many construction projects in Asia before steel. But continuous use of bamboo scaffolding is still present in many Asian regions because of its availability and lesser cost.
• Bamboo shoots are edible.
• Bamboo shoots can be process to become pickles.
• Whole houses can be made of bamboo.
• Paper can be made of bamboo
• Bamboos can be made as animal cages.
• Bamboos can be made into house furniture.

Benefits of Bamboo Fences

There are many reasons in switching to bamboo as fences. One is that bamboo fences are very versatile. They can be easily mended, cut and bent. Bamboo fences are also are durable and flexible. A wind tunnel test was conducted by the Homebuilder’s Association of America and found that bamboo fences scored the highest against other natural building materials. The fact is bamboo grows in regions where wind and rain are frequent. Bamboo fences are naturally antibacterial which means molds and mildew is avoided. This also makes bamboo fences maintenance free which can last long for many years.

Bamboo fences are visually appealing even simple stalks or panels bound together can already achieve this through its color, texture and other natural characteristics. Bamboo fences can either be allowed to retain its natural color or it can be treated or it can be stained if you want to add a darker hue.

Bamboo fences are cheaper than other fencing materials and can be easily assembled and disassembled when needed. The discarded wood can be used also used as firewood and is safe to the environment. It also burns better than hardwood. Bamboo furniture or other bamboo made products can be reclaimed.

Types of Bamboo Fences

Commercially Made Bamboo Fencing
This can either come as rolls or panels which are held together by strong galvanized wire.

Traditional Japanese Bamboo Fencing. Like many Asian nations, Japan has extensively used bamboo in fencing as well as many other design elements in their gardens and landscapes. The most common types are Yotsume, Royanji and Keninji. The Yotsume consists of wide horizontal rails which are supported by pickets, while the Royanji is suited for gardens for its short height. The Keninji are made from bamboo panels supported by half-round rails attached with twines.

Aside from warding off unwanted guests, bamboo fences can also:

1. Serve as windbreakers, especially when planted, it can break strong winds during a hurricane. If you have a few planted around your house, this can be a huge advantage

2. Hedges. Another great option for bamboo is when planted to function as hedges. It can grow and spread very fast without using pesticides and much care. In fact, bamboos as hedges are even tougher than stalks stuck together to form a fence.

3. If you want to give a tropical or a more natural touch to your property, a bamboo fence is a great option because there is no need to for additional redesigning.

Ecological Impact of Bamboo Fences

Bamboo Fences are great alternatives for fencing because the raw material is easy to obtain. Unlike hardwood, bamboos can grow faster; it only takes months to grow compared to trees. In a bamboo’s raw state, the ecological impact is vast when it comes to helping in reducing carbon content in the air and can keep the soil intact, keeping it from eroding. Well treated bamboo can retain its durability for over two decades, if bamboo is to be used as commercial fencing material, the demand for steel will be reduced and this will greatly contribute to the environment.