Terraces made of bamboo are a real eye-catcher. But only if they look clean and well-groomed. Is there a need to catch up here? Then grab the sponge and off you go.
When you hear bamboo, you tend to think of the bamboo mats that serve as privacy screens, rather than a terrace covering. But in recent years, the fast-growing grass has established itself as a terrace covering. It is resilient and also more durable than some local wood.
However, in order to maintain the natural beauty of bamboo decking, you need to keep the deck clean, cleaning it with water twice a year and treating it with decking oil from time to time. After a short time, the difference between a well-kept and an unkempt terrace is easy to see. So it's worth investing a little time and effort.
» Keep the bamboo terrace clean regularly
Keep your decking as free as possible from dirt. Dust and other debris such as leaves or pine needles can easily be swept off. Fresh bird droppings can be removed with a damp paper towel.
First scrape off dried-on excrement with a flat knife and then remove the remaining wafer-thin layer with a cloth or sponge. Also make sure that water does not accumulate at any point on the bamboo terrace for a long time. There shouldn't be any risk of decay.
» Cleaning bamboo planks - this is how you do it
You should thoroughly clean the bamboo decking at least twice a year - preferably once in spring and once in autumn.
❶ Use lukewarm water and a scrubbing brush or a strong hand brush, which must not have metal bristles. Also avoid using aggressive cleaning agents.
❷ After you have loosened the surface of the dirt with a scrubber or brush, it can be easily rinsed off with clear water. Choose a warm, dry day to clean to allow moisture to dry quickly.
If you like the needleworkIf cleaning with a brush and water is too strenuous, you can also use a high-pressure cleaner as an alternative. Set a low pressure level so that the floorboards are not damaged. First test the result in a well-concealed spot, for example under the patio bench or where flower pots are usually placed.
» Oiling planks prevents rapid graying
Bamboo decking boards are exposed to the elements such as sunlight, heat and rain, which initiate a natural aging process. You cannot stop this process forever, which is initially visible as a gray discoloration of the floorboards. However, regular treatment with decking oil can significantly slow down the aging of the wood. There are special care oils for the treatment of bamboo decking. During my research I came across two different shades:
» Bamboo care oil coffee
» Bamboo care oil espresso
Oiled planks are less exposed to UV radiation than untreated bamboo wood due to the pigments contained in the oil. In addition, water has difficulty penetrating oiled surfaces and the floorboards dry more quickly after a downpour.
» By the way: There are both untreated bamboo decking boards on the market, as well as boards that have been pre-treated in the factory. However, if your decking boards lack protection, you shouldn't wait too long to oil them.