When choosing decking material for outdoor projects, the decision often comes down to balancing aesthetics, durability, environmental impact, and maintenance needs. While timber decking is still the most popular solution, bamboo decking and composite and plastic decking are increasingly popular choices. While each has its own features, bamboo decking stands out for some compelling reasons.

Here’s why bamboo decking may be the superior choice over composite and plastic decking:

A natural carbon store, bamboo is renowned for its rapid growth and high sustainability.  Unlike many hardwoods that take decades to mature, bamboo can be harvested in just 4 to 6 years.  This quick renewability makes bamboo a highly sustainable resource, significantly reducing the environmental footprint compared to composite and plastic decking, which often use significant amounts of fossil-fuel-derived materials.

SIMDECK bamboo decking offers a natural, timber-like appearance that designers and homeowners find appealing.  Its unique grain patterns and warm tones can create a visually stunning outdoor space that mimics the beauty of traditional wood without the associated drawbacks.  While some high-end composite decking attempts to replicate the look of wood, many products still fall short in achieving the authentic appearance that natural bamboo provides.

SIMDECK bamboo decking is incredibly hard, dense, and durable.  It is resistant to scratches, mould, and termites, ensuring a long lifespan with minimal maintenance.  While composite and plastic decking materials are also known for their durability, they can be prone to fading and scratching over time, especially if not fully capped.

SIMDECK bamboo decking has also been tested for bushfire resistance and is rated for applications up to BAL-29.

One of the standout benefits of SIMDECK bamboo decking is its low maintenance requirements.  Bamboo does not need to be sanded, stained, or painted, which are common upkeep tasks for traditional wood decking.  It maintains its appearance and integrity with simple cleaning routines, making it an excellent choice for commercial and retail applications or busy homeowners who want a beautiful deck without the hassle and cost of extensive maintenance.

Bamboo decking often features precise, stable, and easy-to-install designs.  Products like SIMDECK Bamboo are end-matched for quick and easy installation, reducing the time and labour involved in completing decking projects.  Additionally, bamboo’s natural stability means it is less prone to warping and splitting compared to some composite and plastic options, which can expand and contract with temperature changes.

SIMDECK bamboo decking is covered by a 25 year warranty to give you total peace of mind and an assurance that your new deck will be enjoyed for years to come.

While composite and plastic decking materials can be expensive, especially those that are fully capped or have extensive warranties, bamboo offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality or performance.  It provides the performance benefits of composites with many of the environmental advantages of timber, striking a balance that appeals to both budget-conscious and environmentally-minded specifiers and purchasers.

While the initial purchase cost of bamboo decking may be slightly higher than timber alternatives, the ease and speed of installation and substantially reduced maintenance costs deliver a very competitive total cost of ownership over the life of the deck.

In conclusion, bamboo decking presents a compelling alternative to composite and plastic decking.  Its sustainability, natural beauty, durability, low maintenance, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance outdoor spaces.

For those weighing their options, bamboo decking offers the best of both worlds: the performance of a modern material and the environmental benefits of a natural product.

SIMDECK_Bamboo_Brochure

We are currently updating our installation and maintenance guides.

These will be made available as soon as they are completed.