A bamboo decking is made to be enjoyed in every season. Thanks to the sturdy and low-maintenance properties of bamboo, your terrace stays beautiful for a long time. With simple cleaning and the right maintenance, you keep the appearance fresh and well-kept. Cleaning bamboo is also easy when you know what to look out for. In this article, you will discover which steps ensure a lasting beautiful result.

Cleaning a bamboo decking with a brush

Bamboo decking maintenance: what is the difference compared to wood?

A bamboo decking resembles wood, but pressed bamboo has a very dense structure. Compared to many hardwood and softwood species, it absorbs moisture less quickly. As a result, the surface often remains stable for longer.

The Gumax® bamboo decking naturally has a deep, warm brown tint. Would you like to retain that colour for as long as possible? Then regular cleaning and timely oiling are important.

Cleaning a bamboo decking: this is how to tackle it

If you see dirt or build-up, clean the surface in the same way as wood: wet it, clean with a suitable outdoor cleaner and rinse. Does the surface feel a bit rougher afterwards? Then carefully sand away lightly raised fibres once the material is completely dry.

For cleaning the Gumax® bamboo decking, we recommend using a suitable outdoor cleaner, such as WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner. This cleaner is suitable for removing dirt and green build-up on outdoor wood and bamboo.

WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner for cleaning a bamboo decking

Step-by-step plan for cleaning a bamboo decking:

  • Remove loose dirt with a broom.
  • First wet the surface thoroughly with clean water (preferably with a garden hose).
  • Mix the cleaner with water in a ratio of 1:2.
  • Apply the mixture with a soft brush.
  • Always scrub in the lengthwise direction of the planks.
  • Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water.
  • Let the surface dry for at least 24 hours.
  • Carefully remove any raised fibres with sandpaper once the material is completely dry.

In case of extreme dirt, the cleaner may be applied undiluted. Does the decking feel a bit rougher after cleaning? Then it is usually a matter of light fibring. You can easily resolve this by lightly sanding and then re-oiling the decking.

Removing green build-up from your decking

Green build-up mainly appears in places where little sun reaches and where moisture lingers longer. Use a suitable cleaner for bamboo to remove green build-up. For stubborn build-up, a product based on oxalic acid can offer a solution. Always work according to the product instructions and rinse well with clean water. This way, you keep your decking clean and safe to walk on.

Bamboo decking oil or stain?

Many people wonder whether they should stain or oil a decking. Stain often forms a film on the surface. Oil, on the other hand, penetrates the material and nourishes it from the inside.

For the Gumax® bamboo decking, we recommend a suitable outdoor oil. This supports the natural colour appearance and helps to limit the influence of sunlight. Whereas wood often discolours faster and requires more frequent treatment, with bamboo a good oil treatment mainly helps to keep the colour appearance stable.

Oiling a bamboo decking: this is how it works

After cleaning, you finish the bamboo decking with a suitable outdoor oil, such as WOCA Exterior Wood Oil in the colour Teak. The Teak variant contains pigment. This pigment helps to limit the influence of UV radiation, so the warm colour of the bamboo remains more stable. Because bamboo naturally has a deep dark brown tint, the pigment is barely visible in practice.

WOCA Exterior Wood Oil Teak for oiling a bamboo decking

This is how to apply the oil:

  • Always clean the surface first and let it dry for at least 24 hours.
  • Lightly sand the surface with grit 120 when it is completely dry.
  • Work in dry weather and at least 13°C.
  • Stir the oil well.
  • Apply a thin, even layer with a pad holder or brush. Treat the end grain first.
  • Remove excess oil with a cotton cloth.
  • Let the oil cure for 24-48 hours and do not expose the surface to water during this period.

With regular maintenance, your terrace remains a comfortable and atmospheric spot in your garden. Through timely cleaning and the right treatment of the material, you will enjoy a well-kept appearance for years.