You don’t need to cover your entire yard. Many people install screening along one section of their fencing to create an accent wall or cover up a damaged or ugly portion of their fence. Bamboo rolls typically come in 6–8 ft (1. 8–2. 4 m) rolls. Expect to spend $100-200 on each bamboo roll depending on the height that you choose.
You can purchase custom-sized bamboo screening if you live near a company that cuts bamboo to size, but most bamboo screening is 3. 5 ft (1. 1 m), 4 ft (1. 2 m), 5 ft (1. 5 m), 6 ft (1. 8 m), or 8 ft (2. 4 m) tall. If your fence doesn’t match these heights, decide whether you want the bamboo to be a little short or a little tall.
You can always stain the bamboo after you install it if you want to change its color.
Thinner bamboo may be less than 0. 5 inches (1. 3 cm) in diameter. Thicker stalks may be bigger than 1. 5 inches (3. 8 cm) in diameter.
There aren’t a ton of bamboo screening manufacturers, so you probably have to have it delivered. You may be able to pick it up in a truck if you live near the company, though! You can install screening on both sides of a fence if you’d like to cover it entirely. If you do, order twice as many bamboo rolls.
This process is much easier if you have assistance. If you can, ask a friend or family member to help you carry the bamboo. They can also help you brace the screening as you’re installing it.
If you have someone helping you, have them brace the area next to where you’re working to keep the roll pushed against the fencing.
When drilling through the bamboo, place the head of each screw in the center of a bamboo stalk to keep the roll secured to the beam behind it.
Repeat this process by unrolling your new sheet next to the roll that you’ve just finished installing. Bamboo rolls aren’t especially heavy, so you really don’t need more than wood screws to hold them in place.
A pilot hole is a small hole that makes it easier for the threading on a screw to catch. Use a pilot drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of your screw for this. You cannot drill the bamboo directly into the masonry since the grout can crumble over time as the bamboo sways a little in the wind. The support beam acts as a platform for the bamboo so it won’t come loose.
This is a lot easier if you have a friend or family member hold the bamboo in place for you.
It is exceptionally tricky to install bamboo on both sides of a chain link fence, so you’re better off not doing this on your front yard unless you only want to cover the exterior fence.
Don’t use all of your weight to pull the wire tight before crimping it. If you pull too hard, you may crack the bamboo.
