Bamboo is a plant of ancient and increasing importance to humanity that has been revered in the East for hundreds of years. Old cities, like Kyoto, with their bamboo-made monasteries and tea houses are a lasting testament to this amazing plant.

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet. It has been clocked surging skyward at a rate of 60cm in 24 hours. Its astonishing versatility, lightweight strength, striking beauty in both its natural and finished state, are qualities that have given bamboo a longer and more varied role in human evolution than any other product.

The majority of Brightfields Bamboo is harvested after 3 - 5 years. Our 3 year Moso Bamboo garden fences in 200 x 200m, are 20 - 25mm in diameter.
Our 5 year Moso Bamboo is 240 (H) x 100cm in 35 - 40 cm diameter.
All our Moso fencing is internally wired with plastic coated wire to prevent rusting.

The Brightfields range consists of three different colour variations:

Natural:
The all-time favourite. Freshly cut poles are kiln dried, with the high pressure and temperature extracting the moisture. As a result, the poles turn a golden yellow colour. They are then sprayed with a lacquer finish for weather protection.

Mahogany:
The bamboo poles are rolled over glowing hot coals. They brown like kebabs, and are then lacquer finished.

Why use bamboo?
Bamboo is the greener choice. In utter contrast to wood, bamboo is a rapidly renewing resource that poses no detrimental effects to our ecology.Its many varieties in colour and shape make bamboo the perfect creative medium for landscape designers; while its versatility makes it suitable for DIY installations. From the practical cladding of unsightly boundary walls to creative screens and water features, the qualities of Brightfields Bamboo will transform your living space into a tranquil paradise.

Durability of MOSO Fences It is difficult to predict the durability of outdoor bamboo fences, as it depends on weather conditions. The Japanese, for example, completely replace the bamboo fences around their temples ever 12 years, in addition to regular maintenance. The main damaging factor on bamboo is the sun. Fences exposed to full sun all day will age sooner, turning a silvery-grey colour similar to timber. Bamboo doesn't rot - it becomes brittle, and may crack with age. Exposure to water encourages the growth of moulds and fungus on the bamboo, but these can be washed off with a stiff brush and hose. Cracks in whole canes may allow water to collect inside the culms, leading to discolouration and mould. Weathered bamboo becomes more porous, enabling oil, varnish or stain to penetrate. This does not happen when the bamboo is new. Vanishing and staining bamboo extends its life - simply rubbing an oily cloth of linseed oil when necessary maintains it.

FACTS

• Bamboo is a woody grass that can provide six times more cellulose than an acre of pine
• Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth - it can grow up to 120cm in a single day
• Pandas do not east Moso bamboo
• Japan lists over 1048 uses of bamboo
• Bamboo is harder than oak
• Weight for weight, bamboo is stronger than steel
• Bamboo regenerates itself
• India and China have the world's largest bamboo forest

FAQS

" I purchased some bamboo screens some time ago for use in the garden. In the beginning, they were a beautiful light yellow colour, and seemed to be varnished. As soon as the first rains fell however, they were stained with a brownish colour with what seemed like dirt coming out of the bamboo. With some effort, this could be washed off, but over time it has been getting worse. Is this normal? Is it going to continue getting worse or is there some way I can prevent or stop it?

" A few months ago, I bought a number of sections of bamboo fencing from Builder's Friend at Cape Gate. I noticed that after recent rains, one section seemed to be absorbing water. I understood that the sections are treated to withstand being outside?

Answers
Natural weathering is quite normal. The lacquer is really cosmetic and will last until the sun bleaches the bamboo to a whitish colour. The rain will allow fungus to grow, turning the bamboo a silvery grey - just like wood when left outside. When the bamboo is dry and the glassy outer surface is sufficiently porous, you can rub linseed oil (sunflower oil) onto it. This will bring out a rich mahogany colour. You can also treat it with a polyurethane sealant, or even paint it if necessary. Otherwise, allow nature to take its course.

The discolouration can be removed by rubbing Jik on it to remove the fungus. After some time however, it will reappear. You will also notice that the more exposed areas tend to weather more than the shaded areas. However, the bamboo will not rot, nor will its integrity be compromised in any way.

Bamboo Maintenance & Care

This is the cold hardy variety 'Phyllostachys iridescens' famous for its use in construction and scaffolding. Weight to strength ratio bamboo is stronger than steel and will last for up to 20 years or more if maintained regularly..

Bamboo poles have a smooth glassy surface which are protected with a strong coat of lacquer finish. Allow at least a season for Bamboo to naturally age to a grey silvery colour (like any wood when it is exposed to the elements). At this stage the Bamboo's smooth surface is sufficiently pitted and dry enough to be treated as a wood.

1) Wipe down with damp cloth to remove any dirt.
2) Apply a good quality Linseed Oil and Turpentine 50/50 mix and repeat for a second and third coat if necessary
3) OR choose any colour PVA paint and apply 2 coats
4) Bamboo may crack or split. This is a natural process and does not affect the integrity of the bamboo nor is its strength compromised.
5) Bamboo may mildew in wet weather but will not rot. Use I part bleach to 3 parts water solution. Leave for 20 minutes and rub with a green scotch brite pad and rinse with hose. Allow Bamboo to dry thoroughly and then seal again with Linseed Oil.