One of the most frequently asked questions about bamboo decking is "how durable is bamboo decking?" and we are happy to provide you with a complete answer. Bamboo decking boards have only been on the market since 2009. As a result, the lifespan of the material is not as well-known as that of hardwood. Nevertheless, the answer to the question "how durable is bamboo decking?" can be answered with certainty: X-tremely durable!
Lifespan is based on durability classification
The lifespan of wood, bamboo and other natural materials can be compared by means of a classification according to the European standard EN 350. In the wood industry the classification is:
- Durability Class 1 = very durable, expected life span 25 years or more
- Durability Class 2 = durable, expected life span 15-25 years
- Durability Class 3 = moderately durable, expected life span 10-15 years
- Durability Class 4 = little durable, expected life span 5-10 years
- Durability Class 5 = not durable, expected life span 5 years or less
MOSO® Bamboo X-treme® is tested in accordance to test the application of products in direct contact with the ground (standard CEN/TS 15083-2) and the application of products without ground contact (CEN/TS 15083-1). According to both tests, MOSO® bamboo decking boards achieve Durability Class 1. This means that the world's most popular bamboo decking has a life span of 25 years or more.
Bamboo decking has a 25 year lifespan and warranty
The classification of durability class 1 gives bamboo decking an expected lifespan of 25 years or more. But how can bamboo, a grass be used as decking for that long?
Wood and bamboo decking both have a tough job, to hold up in all type of weather conditions, from rain or snow to bright sunshine. The horizontal installation of the boards means that they can remain damp, allowing for the moisture and mold can begin to rot the material. This does not happen as quickly with bamboo because the material is engineered according to the strictest quality criteria. The bamboo is processed from stem to strip and then compressed into a panel, that is profiled as the final board. This is done with heat and high pressure which changes the composition of the material:
- Due to the thermal treatment, the final bamboo boards contain hardly any sugars, which prevents molds from infesting the boards.
- By high compression, the material becomes very dense and heavy, which means that moisture can hardly penetrate the material and cannot cause damage.
- This combination of heat and compression makes the material very stable, it does not move, unlike many types of wood which shrink, expand, bend or twist.
Thanks to the production steps from bamboo stem to bamboo decking board, MOSO® offers a 25 year warranty.
Production method determines quality and lifespan
Not all decking boards are produced the same way or offer the same quality. Bamboo decking is produced by turning bamboo strips into a Bamboo X-treme® Decking board. In the thermal modification process, the technical properties of the bamboo are improved with heat and compression.
MOSO® has improved the production steps several times in the last 10 years and ensures that the decking boards are of the best quality. Learn more about the thermal modification process.
Maintenance will extend the lifespan
We've all heard it before, proper maintenance can extend the life of your product, and it's true. Luckily, bamboo decking has a fairly low level of maintenance in the spring or fall, requiring only a cleaning of the deck and an annual oiling for color change if desired. Learn more about the color change of bamboo exterior products. Unlike softwood, maintenance oil is not necessary to stop Bamboo X-treme® from rotting.
Without this maintenance, the deck boards will age, the surface will become rougher and appear like a truly natural material. If you ever consider the deck to be too rough or the color too gray, then it is time for maintenance. Learn more about bamboo decking care and maintenance.
Bamboo decking Toolkit
If you want to know all about the benefits and possibilities of bamboo decking, we offer you our complete Decking Toolkit. This document includes all information about the material, the installation, the maintenance and what you can expect from a decking that is both sustainable and durable.
