Should You Get A Bamboo Fence?

When most people think of fencing materials, they focus mainly on wood, metal and vinyl. However, there's another fencing material to consider: bamboo. Though not as popular as the formerly mentioned materials, bamboo is gaining ground as a fencing choice across the country. Is it the right choice for your yard? Look over these pros and cons as you make the decision:

Pros of Bamboo Fencing

Bamboo is eco-friendly. If you're trying to build your home as sustainably as possible, bamboo is a great choice. It grows much faster than trees, which means that harvested bamboo is easier to replace than harvested wood from trees. Also, bamboo is very environmentally friendly do grow, since it does not require fertilizer or pesticides.

Bamboo is lightweight. It is lighter than metal, and in most cases, also lighter than wood. This makes it a great choice if you're building a large fence – you don't have to haul as heavy a material.

Bamboo provides a natural look without the common downfalls of wood. If you're going for a rustic or traditional look but don't want to have to deal with sanding and staining wood, bamboo is a great low-maintenance choice. It looks natural, and it requires a lot less work than a wooden fence, since it does not necessarily need to be stained. It also does not attract bugs, so you won't have to spray it with insecticides like you do some woods.

Cons of Bamboo Fencing

Bamboo can be expensive. Though it's easy to produce, it does not grow everywhere. If you don't live in an area where bamboo is produced, you may pay a lot for a bamboo fence since the materials will have to be shipped in.

Bamboo does not provide a great noise barrier. If you're hoping that your fence will keep the noise of nearby traffic out of your yard, you need to look elsewhere. Because bamboo is so lightweight, it's not great at absorbing noise.  Concrete, stone, and wood are all better choices for noise barriers.

Bamboo must be protected from contact with the soil. It can become overly moist and start rotting if it comes into contact with the soil. Thus, most bamboo fences are designed with a base layer of wood, vinyl or some other material to which the bamboo is attached.

If you live in an area where bamboo grows, have a little money to spend, and are not trying to protect your home from noise, bamboo can be a great option. Weigh these pros and cons carefully, and talk to a fencing expert in your area, like Hahn-AA Fencing, to discuss your options.