Modern & Stylish
Bamboo N-Durance Decking
When looking for the most beautiful decking boards to fit into a modern outdoor space or stylish garden, then Bamboo N-durance is a great hardwood or composite decking alternative.
The brown caramel colour suits every design and creates a warm ambience. The flat or grooved side of the boards are suitable for various applications and, above all, ensure a deck has a luxurious appearance
Why N-Durance?
At Plantation Bamboo, we introduced Bamboo N-Durance decking as an alternative to the well-proven Bamboo X-Treme decking option to meet the demand for a lighter coloured decking – after the successful performance of this decking around the world over the last four years.
While both bamboo decking options are made from Moso bamboo (the giant bamboo species) and share similar strength and durability, Bamboo N-Durance has a lighter caramel colour and requires annual oil maintenance for protection against fungi.
In contrast, Bamboo X-Treme decking undergoes thermal heat treatment for fungal protection and is considerably darker.
Bamboo N-Durance decking’s slightly increased density and its lighter, caramel colour cater to specific customer preferences, offering a great option alongside the well-established Bamboo X-Treme decking.
Fastest growing hardwood alternative
Bamboo N-Durance decking offers an eco-friendly, durable alternative to scarce tropical hardwoods.
Our Dutch supplier, MOSO® transforms the rapidly renewable resource bamboo into beautiful, natural outdoor decking with a warm caramel colour. Bamboo N-durance® is made from the fast-growing Moso bamboo, which shoots new stems every year.
Harvesting around 20% of the bamboo poles yearly does not result in deforestation as the Moso bamboo root system, with its rhizomes, allow it to continue growing.
Using a patented process, our supplier enhances its hardness, stability, fire safety, and durability beyond top tropical hardwoods.
This unique method effectively makes bamboo suitable for outdoor use, eliminating rot and mould risks.
Exclusive to Plantation Bamboo in New Zealand, Bamboo N-Durance decking features a hardwood-like grain with distinctive bamboo nodes, combining functionality with a unique aesthetic.
Install decking quickly & economically
Due to the special symmetrical shape of the grooved length sides of the boards, Bamboo N-Durance® decking offers the possibility to choose between the grooved or the flat surface of the boards.
Powder-coated stainless steel clips and screws are provided, enabling fast and efficient installation.
The stability of the decking allows for tongue-in-groove end-matching of the decking boards, giving a high quality, snug finish, which is not possible with less stable decking products..
Additionally, the fixed length boards ensure very easy transport, handling, and fast installation.
Builders say that they can install this decking around twice as quick as most timber decking options.
Superior quality and unmatched durability
Bamboo N-Durance decking is exceptionally hard, dense and stable, and has been tested for durability (class 1 of EN350 standard – the best possible class available), ensuring maximum performance.
A unique Outdoor Density® process, combining special crushing, steam pressure treatment and compression, provides Bamboo N-Durance with incredible durability. This process significantly increases the density of the material – making the bamboo boards very hard and strong.
As a last step, Bamboo N-Durance decking boards are treated and finished with WOCA (teak colour) decking oil that prevents fast weathering and limits surface fungi development.
*) Class 1 according to EN 350 / CEN/TS 15083-2, simulated graveyard test / Class 1 according to EN 350 / EN 113-2 (CEN/TS 15083-1), Class 4 for EN 335 and strong fungi resistance according to EN 846
Simple Maintenance
Bamboo N-Durance decking is a lighter caramel colour and hasn’t been thermally treated.
The caramel colour tends to stay in the decking longer than with Bamboo X-treme decking, but it does require annual maintenance, with cleaning and re-oiling, to ensure the decking remains protected against fungi (whereas the thermal treatment of X-treme decking protects against this).
Cleaning and re-oiling the decking is quite a simple task.
Explore Our Bamboo N-Durance Decking Gallery
We have so many amazing images from projects over the years, truly showcasing what our bamboo product can do.
FAQ's
We’ve addressed the most frequently asked questions about our bamboo products. Still have a question? Contact Us >
More reasons to choose N-Durance
Bamboo N-Durance decking is a symbol of eco-conscious living, offering unmatched advantages over traditional hardwoods.
Bamboo grows rapidly, reaching maturity in just four to five years – a stark contrast to traditional hardwoods that take decades. By choosing bamboo, you’re embracing a solution that nurtures our planet.
Bamboo N-durance® Decking is very stable, as a result of the unique Outdoor-Density® process. The boards are more stable than any tropical hardwood and, therefore, can be produced with an end-match join system. The installation can be done without gaps between the ends of the boards, which is unique for (hardwood) decking.
Bamboo N-durance® is a natural product that can vary in colour, grain and appearance. The warm caramel colour and texture will change over time, depending on the maintenance schedule. The decking will gradually turn a lighter caramel colour, months after installation and without further maintenance, will turn grey as a result of UV radiation (similar to most other wood species) and the boards become slightly rougher. Regular cleaning and maintenance (every 1-2 years) with an outdoor anti-fungal finish, such as a coloured Woca Exterior Wood Oil (Teak colour) ensures that the decking will stay beautiful for years.
Thanks to the experience obtained with the highly popular, darker Bamboo X-treme® Decking and, based on the results of the Durability and Use Class classifications of Bamboo N-durance®, Plantation Bamboo offers a 25 year warranty on Bamboo N-Durance Decking.
Product Specifications and Instructions
Explore installation, sizing and general product info below.
Please see our detailed Installation & Care Instructions or video here.
The symmetrical shape of the outside surface offers the choice between either a ribbed or a flat surface (either side can be used). With correct joist set-up, Bamboo N-Durance decking can be quickly installed using the powder-coated stainless steel clip and screw fixings supplied (for “invisible” fixing – no unsightly nails or screws visible). This system saves up to 50% in time and cost of labour to install the decking boards.
Below is a photo of the main clip provided with the decking (plus 25mm stainless steel screw). On the right is the NEW edge/starter clip (also powder-coated stainless steel). The edge/starter clips are sold separately in bags of 25 clips/screws – for $8.50+GST per bag.
Installation Summary
- Install a suitable, fixed, stable and durable sub frame
- Determine which side of the board will be used: the grooved or flat side
- Fix the boards on the joists/sub frame with the stainless steel clip and screw fasteners provided (to be inserted in the edge grooves of the board) – with joist spacing of 462.5mm, to ensure the boards end-match over a joist
- It is suggested to allow a 1-2% slope (for water run-off) and ensure good ventilation of the decking
- After installation: make sure proper cleaning and maintenance is done
- When an outdoor finish is not regularly applied the typical bamboo wood grain structure will become more visible
- Bamboo N-Durance® is pre-oiled with WOCA Exterior Wood Oil (Teak colour). In order to maintain the rich caramel colour it is recommended to reapply WOCA Exterior Wood Oil 3 to 4 months after installation, or as needed
- Maintenance with WOCA Exterior Wood Oil (or similar) is required every 1-2 years to maintain the anti-fungi surface resistance and the luxurious appearance
- Before installation, store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, and protected from weather influences, dirt and dust
- For further info: please see the installation/maintenance instructions.
- Like any untreated hardwood species when exposed to outdoor conditions, Bamboo N-Durance decking will slowly turn grey over time, if left un-oiled, creating a very natural look.
- Bamboo N-Durance decking requires an annual clean and re-oil, to restore the caramel colour and to protect the decking against development of fungi. See HERE for further details on the suggested WOCA oil.
- Surface weathering, due to climate conditions, will be more noticeable on the flat side of the decking, compared to the ribbed side. However, Bamboo N-Durance decking will not warp, buckle or shrink/expand to the extent that most other decking products tend to.
The decking boards are all 1850×137 x 20mm (140mm wide with the gaps that the clips provide) and are tongue-in-groove end matched for easy and attractive installation. Bamboo N-Durance decking is sold in boxes of 5 boards, measuring 1.267sqm per box (weighing 31kg), and comes with powder-coated stainless-steel clips and screw fixings.
- Please visit our Dutch supplier’s website for more information on them or Bamboo N-Durance decking
- For supply of the WOCA oil for the decking see HERE
- Density: +/- 1,200 kg/m3
- Resistance to Indentation – Brinell Hardness: ≥ 9.5 kg/mm2 (EN1534)
- Reaction to fire: Class Bfl-s1(EN13501-1)
- Flame Spread Index: Class A (ASTM E84)
- Slip resistance: R 10 (CEN/TS 16165 Annex B – DIN 51130)
- Modulus of Elasticity: 12090 N/mm2 (mean value – EN 408)
- Bending strength: 99.6 N/mm2 (characteristic value – EN408)
- Biological durability: Class 1 (EN350 / CEN/TS 15083-2),simulated graveyard test; Class 1 (EN350 / CEN/TS 15083-1)
- Superficial preservatives and finish: comply with European biocide product regulation (BPR) and are not listed on the restrictions list of REACH Annex XVII/candidate list
- Effectiveness against surface fungi: Class 0, Strong fungi static (EN ISO 846), treatment only superficial.
- Use Class: Class 4 (EN335)
- Environmental Product Declaration – EPD (EN 15804) (www.moso.eu/epd)
- Contribution LEED BD+C – v4: MR1, MR2, MR3 (FSC®), EQ2 v2009: MR6, MR7 (FSC®), IEQ 4.3, IEQ 4.4
- Contribution BREEAM: MAT1, MAT3 (FSC®), MAT5
- Warranty: 25 years
Watch an Installation in Action!
Both Bamboo X-Treme and N-Durance decking are relatively quick and simple to install. See this handy 5 minute installation guide video (installation is the same for both decking types).
“Plantation Bamboo X-treme decking was a product I really enjoyed working with, it was really easy to put down and it looks great!” Caleb Pearson, Winner The Block NZ 2013
It's not just us that LOVE Bamboo!
What customers are saying about our bamboo decking...
"The product has been a joy to use. Result is straight clean lines and great finish. Would recommend this as the only decking to consider. Everyone from builders to friends have been impressed with the ease of install and the good looks of the finish."
+ Geoff, Tauranga
What our customers are saying in Google reviews...
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer the most popular questions asked about our Bamboo Decking. Still have a question? Contact Us >
General
Bamboo decking is made by compressing strands of bamboo (the giant bamboo species, called “Moso”) under extreme heat and pressure. The bamboo is first harvested, shredded into long, thin fibres, then combined with a resin binder and compressed into dense, durable planks. This process results in a strong, stable product that performs like hardwood decking.
This video show how the bamboo x-treme decking is made:
- Yes. We have two bamboo decking available:
Bamboo X-treme decking – initially comes in brown to darkish brown colour when installed, which turns more to a caramel colour several weeks after installation, gradually changing to a silver-grey colour over time – and a lovely natural grain becomes more obvious.
If a darker (or different) colour is preferred, maintenance should be carried out with WOCA exterior oil (with preferred colour) or a comparable water-based oil/saturator with colour pigments – to bring the deck to a colour of your choice. This short video explains:
Bamboo N-Durance decking: is a caramel colour due to the WOCA teak-coloured oil finish applied at manufacture. This bamboo decking option hasn’t been thermally treated (like bamboo x-treme decking has), so requires a little more maintenance with re-oiling every 1-2 years to maintain the colour and protection against fungi etc.
Each decking board is 1850mm long, 137mm wide, and 20mm thick. With spacing clips, the effective width is 140mm. Each box of decking contains 5 boards, covering 1.267 square metres (9.25 linear metres). We supply 18 clips and screws per sqm of decking.
- Bamboo decking often only requires 3-5% wastage as all boards are straight and uniform in size – some other timber decking options can require 10-30% wastage due to warping of boards, knots in the wood, not being straight, etc.
- The “invisible” stainless steel clip and screw fixings provided – makes it much quicker, easier and cheaper to install than most decking boards (as you don’t need to screw through the decking
- The strength and size of boards (with tongue and groove end-matching) – means you can space the joists at 462mm and have less cutting and wastage (= less costly to install), as you only need to cut the boards at the end of a row
- Being bamboo, it’s an eco-friendly, sustainable decking option, made from rapidly renewable bamboo
- Our bamboo decking is very hard, dense and stable – made to last. Due to its stability, unsightly gaps are not likely to open up, nor will the boards warp or buckle (like many timbers tend to)
- The decking comes with a 25 year warranty
Composite decking is made from a mix of plastic and wood fibres, while bamboo decking is a natural product made from compressed bamboo. Bamboo offers a more natural aesthetic, is harder and denser, and generally has a smaller environmental footprint.
As bamboo decking naturally weathers, it has a more textured surface that provides reasonable grip. As with all outdoor surfaces, it may become more slippery when wet or so regular cleaning of dust/dirt etc, is recommended. We haven’t received much feedback to say that bamboo decking is slippery, or any more slippery than other deck types.
Bamboo decking is not particularly hot to walk on in bare feet (compared to the likes of composite decking that tends to be quite “burny” on the feet) – and we have sold thousands of square metres of bamboo decking over the years all over New Zealand (with very little feedback on being too hot).
While it’s primarily designed for outdoor use, some people use bamboo decking for covered or semi-enclosed areas like sunrooms or enclosed patios. For fully indoor use, however, consider bamboo flooring options specifically manufactured for interior conditions.
Sustainability
Yes. Bamboo is one of the most sustainable resources on the planet—it regenerates quickly (only taking 4-6 years to grow to full maturity) and absorbs more carbon than most trees.
More information on bamboo and sustainability here.
The bamboo used in decking is typically grown in sustainably managed plantations in China. We source all of our bamboo products from MOSO Bamboo, a Dutch world-leader in bamboo innovation, who contract out the production of the decking to several factories in China – made to stringent specifications. MOSO have a large team of specialists in China carrying out Quality Assurance testing and production management.
The manufacturing process uses modern, eco-conscious techniques to ensure durability and minimal environmental impact.
Bamboo decking is a cost-effective choice over its lifespan. While initial costs may be comparable to hardwood or composite decking, its low maintenance, high durability, and long life make it an excellent long-term investment.
Due to the simple and fast installation process (with clip system), customers can often save up to 50% in installation costs
With the head side (end-matching) tongue-in-groove join there is a lot less cutting and wastage compared to other timber decking options – as you normally only need to cut the board at the end of a row.
Feedback from a customer:
“Just a short note to say we are delighted with the Bamboo x-treme decking. Our builder found it went down really well, and fast. With regards budgets, we noticed a saving of around $2-3K over the whole deck over other hardwoods we priced due to the speed it went down and the fact the fixings were included in the price.“
Chris – Red Beach (103sqm deck)
Leftover boards can be repurposed for various projects like planter boxes, raised garden beds, fascia boards, balustrades, benches, and more. The boards cut and finish cleanly, making them ideal for creative DIY uses.
Installation
Each board is 1850 x 137 x 20mm (140mm wide with the gap that the clips provide). A box contains 5 boards, covering 1.267m² (9.25 linear metres).
Bamboo decking is easy to install with the supplied stainless steel clip system, especially when joists are spaced at 462mm centres. Boards are uniform, straight, and free of knots, reducing cutting and waste. Many builders (and DIY’ers) find it much faster to install than traditional timber decking.
No. The high density of bamboo decking means nails won’t penetrate effectively (they would bend!). The preferred and most common method for installing bamboo decking is with the supplied powder-coated stainless steel clips and screws. Installation is quick and easy with a clip being screwed on each joist and the decking boards firmly secured in place (with the end-matching tongue in groove join being secured over a joist).
There isn’t a dedicated edge board, but many customers custom-cut decking planks to create step edges, fascia boards, balustrades, seats and other features. The boards cut cleanly and can be sanded or routed for a smooth finish.
Here is a short video showing a tip on how to finish deck edges:
Watch this video for an example: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mGLId4SQHF0
It’s largely a matter of preference. Bamboo X-treme decking will naturally weather to a silver-grey over time. For those wanting to maintain the original colour or add protection, a high-quality penetrating oil (such as WOCA oil) is recommended every few years.
Bamboo N-Durance decking requires cleaning and maintenance with an outdoor anti-fungal finish, such as a coloured WOCA Exterior Wood Oil (Teak colour) every 1-2 years, ensuring that the decking will stay protected and beautiful for many years.
Yes, but you’ll need to install a timber subframe on top of the concrete or old deck to create proper joist spacing (typically 462mm centres) and airflow. Sometimes customers have used adjustable pedestal feet to support the subframe. Direct installation on concrete is not recommended due to moisture concerns and lack of ventilation.
Our bamboo decking only comes in one length – 1850mm long, and one width 137mm (140mm wide with the gap the clip provides).
When the surface underneath the decking is not fast drying, there should be at least 100mm distance between the decking and the surface underneath.
No. Most customers don’t tend to apply the end-grain sealing wax, but our supplier MOSO Bamboo does recommend it being applied to the cut ends of boards. You can normally purchase end-grain sealing wax from large hardware stores like Mitre10 or Bunnings.
Durability
Bamboo is a natural product, which can vary in colour, grain and appearance. The colour will change over time as the decking weathers (like any timber product will), depending on the maintenance schedule.
Some customers prefer the weathered look, where a natural bamboo grain is more obvious. Others prefer to oil the decking to a colour of choice.
With bamboo N-Durance decking the caramel colour will last longer, but needs to be topped up/maintained with WOCA oil (or similar, that has anti-fungal protection) every 1-2 years or so. Oiling in this way will ensure the decking is well protected and looks great for many years.
See the Decking Installation and Care Instructions for further information.
Absolutely. Bamboo decking is thermally treated (or oil treated in bamboo N-Durance decking case) and is incredibly hard, dense and highly stable, designed to endure New Zealand’s intense UV rays, rain, and seasonal temperature changes.
The manufacturing process makes the bamboo decking extremely dense and stable. Generally, bamboo decking won’t warp, buckle or crack to the extent that most other timber decking tends to. The decking boards are very uniform in size and nature, due to the production process.
Over time, some cracks on the surface and/or ends of the boards can arise from the different drying characteristics of the surface and cross-cut ends. This normal phenomena does not affect the stability or durability of the board. The surface of the boards will tend to get a little rougher over time and may form some splinters or cracks as a result of continuous water absorption and desorption due to dry and wet weather periods.
Dimensional change or cupping of the boards can occur after installation, but less so than most other decking products. The above phenomena are normal for most hardwood species and bamboo decking at times.
However, any rough patches or surface cracking can normally be quite-easily smoothed off with a light sanding or brushing – this is best done prior to oiling the decking too.
Yes, bamboo x-treme decking is commonly used around swimming pool areas.
As with any wooden product used outdoors, there is always a risk of formation of splinters. However, splinters from bamboo decking are normally smaller than (tropical) hard wood splinters. Any splintering can be sanded off for a smoother finish, if desired. A regular application of oil (more frequently around swimming pools) is recommended to reduce the formation of splinters.
The clips and screw fixings provided are made of strong stainless steel (304-grade) – with the clips having an additional powder-coated protection layer – so are highly resistant to corrosion, even in coastal/beach environments.
Provided the bamboo decking is well maintained and cleaned it will last a very long time. This decking is well proven around the world (in all sorts of extreme environments) as a high quality decking product. Our supplier recently increased the warranty from 10 years to 25 years – as they have great confidence in the durability and lifespan of bamboo decking in all sorts of climatic conditions.
Oiling is required for bamboo N-Durance decking, to protect it and preserve the lovely caramel colour.
For the optimum finish, it is recommended that bamboo N-Durance decking is oiled with a high quality penetrating oil (like WOCA water-based, anti-fungal oils – which come in a range of colours). Oiling is quite a easy process and may be required every 1-2 years or so, depending on use, conditions etc.
See the Decking Installation and Care Instructions for further information.
Yes, it is naturally resistant due to its high density and thermal treatment. However, like all exterior surfaces, regular cleaning to remove dirt/dust, etc is important—especially in shaded or damp areas—to prevent surface build-up of organic material.
Bamboo N-Durance decking needs more regular oil protection every 1-2 years (as it isn’t thermally treated in the same way bamboo X-treme decking is), to prevent mould/mildew issues.
Yes. Bamboo decking can be lightly sanded if needed to refresh the surface or remove superficial cracking, splintering or damage. After sanding and cleaning, you can re-oil the decking to make it look like new again.
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Plantation Bamboo Decking – Strong, Sustainable, Stylish.
