Installation & Maintenance

Correct installation and regular care are important to ensure the long-term performance and appearance of your BamTech Bamboo Decking.

BamTech is a natural exterior bamboo product. Like premium hardwood decking, it responds to sunlight, moisture and changing weather conditions. Following the recommended installation and maintenance guidelines will help your deck perform beautifully for years to come.

Installation

Before Installation

Before installation begins, ensure the site and substructure have been properly prepared.

  • Plan for drainage: Water must be able to drain freely from beneath the deck. Avoid areas where standing water can collect.
  • Allow for ventilation: Maintain at least 80 mm clearance beneath the decking and a minimum 20 mm gap from walls and fixed obstacles to encourage airflow.
  • Prepare a suitable sub-frame: Use exterior-grade joists with a minimum size of 40 × 60 mm.
  • Joist spacing: For BamTech’s 1850 × 137 × 20 mm boards, joists should generally be positioned at approximately 462.5 mm centres.
  • Inspect the boards: Bamboo is a natural material, so variations in colour, grain and appearance are normal. Inspect boards before installation and plan the layout accordingly.

Board Installation

BamTech decking can be installed using an appropriate concealed clip system or a correctly executed screw-down fixing method.

For a professional finish:

  • Maintain approximately 5–6 mm spacing between adjacent boards.
  • Ensure board ends are correctly supported by the sub-frame.
  • Use suitable stainless-steel exterior decking fixings.
  • Pre-drill fixing points where boards are screw-fixed to reduce the risk of splitting or cracking.
  • Maintain consistent alignment and spacing throughout the installation.
  • Install the deck with a slight fall to allow rainwater to run off naturally.

Cutting & End Sealing

This is an important part of the installation process.

BamTech board ends are factory treated. Whenever a board is cut during installation, the freshly exposed end must be resealed with a suitable exterior end sealer or wax before installation.

This helps manage moisture movement through the exposed ends of the bamboo.

Professional Installation Recommended

Every deck and site is different. Substructure design, drainage, elevation, coastal exposure and surrounding structures can all influence an installation.

For the best results, we recommend that BamTech Bamboo Decking is installed by an experienced decking professional and in accordance with the complete BamTech Installation Guide.

Care & Maintenance

Natural Weathering

Exposure to UV and the elements will gradually alter the appearance of your BamTech deck.

The original brown tones may lighten over time and, if left to weather naturally, the surface will eventually develop a more weathered or grey appearance.

Minor surface checking, small cracks or changes in texture can also occur as the bamboo responds naturally to outdoor conditions.

If you would like to retain or restore the warmer brown appearance, the deck can be maintained with a suitable water-based exterior penetrating oil.

Initial Maintenance

We recommend inspecting and carrying out the first maintenance treatment approximately 4–8 weeks after installation, where required.

This initial treatment helps protect the deck as the bamboo begins adjusting to its outdoor environment.

Routine Cleaning

Keep your BamTech deck free from accumulated dirt, leaves and debris by sweeping it regularly.

For a deeper clean:

  1. Wet the decking thoroughly with clean water.
  2. Apply a suitable exterior wood or bamboo cleaner according to the product instructions.
  3. Scrub along the direction of the bamboo grain using an appropriate stiff nylon or silicon-carbide cleaning brush.
  4. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water.
  5. Allow the decking to dry completely before applying any maintenance oil.

Avoid aggressive high-pressure cleaning, which may damage or roughen the bamboo surface.

Oiling Your BamTech Deck

Once the deck is completely clean and dry, a suitable water-based exterior decking oil can be applied to help protect the surface and refresh its colour.

Apply the product in accordance with the oil manufacturer’s instructions and remove any excess oil rather than allowing it to build up in grooves or joints.

Allow the deck to cure fully before exposing it to water or returning furniture to the area.

How Often Should BamTech Be Maintained?

As a general guideline, BamTech should be inspected and maintained once or twice per year, depending on:

  • Sun and UV exposure
  • Rainfall and humidity
  • Coastal conditions
  • Poolside exposure
  • Foot traffic and general use

Decks exposed to high rainfall, strong sunlight or demanding coastal conditions may benefit from more frequent maintenance.

Stains, Marks & Surface Weathering

Deal with spills and stains as soon as possible.

For deeper marks or areas that have become rough or heavily weathered, light sanding may be required before refinishing. Sand in the direction of the bamboo grain and ensure all sanding dust is removed before applying the appropriate finishing treatment.

Simple Care. Long-Lasting Beauty

A little regular attention goes a long way.

Keep your deck clean, allow it to breathe and drain properly, inspect it periodically and maintain the surface when required. These simple steps will help your BamTech deck age beautifully while retaining the natural character that makes bamboo unique.

Download Full Bamtech Installation & Maintenance Guide