Cladco Bamboo Decking Installation Guide

We recommend a slightly sloping base of concrete at 100mm thick, to allow for drainage. It is suggested to have a slope of around 5mm to every metre.

Level the ground by removing soil or turf, ensuring you clear away all debris and rocks. Once the area is even, lay the weed mat to help prevent regrowth beneath the decking.

If you need to overlap your weed mat, make sure you use enough fabric to cover any gaps. Once cut to size and pinned into position, cover your weed mat using your preferred aggregate, such as stones, bark or chippings, ensuring no weed mat material is visible.

We recommend leaving a space of 450-500mm between rows of joists. Deck tape can be applied to protect timber joists from moisture at cut ends. For raised decking areas, ensure posts are placed at 1m intervals across the installation for adequate support.

Fix starter clips to the joist ends, then lay the first decking board. Leave a slight gap between any walls and the starter clips in case of expansion.

Our bamboo boards are easily fastened to the joists of a supporting substructure with the help of our stainless steel screw and fixing clip system. Start at the outside of the area to be decked. Place your first board and fix it to each joist it crosses using a row of starter clips.

In the groove across the edge of the bamboo board, position fixing clips and screw into supporting joists using screws provided, for every supporting joist use one fixing clip. Our stainless steel wood screws are recommended for their durability and resistance to corrosion. A 6-7mm gap between decking boards is created by fixing clips.

Slide the next board onto the secured fixing clips from the first installed board, fit a fixing clip set to fasten the alternate side of your board, a single fixing clip is to be used per supporting Joist. To fit the rest of the boards, proceed with a similar method. Make sure the decking board ends are fully supported. It is advised to have no cantilever or overhang.

Where the ends of two bamboo boards meet, known as butt joints, a 2mm gap must be left between each board. At the meeting point, fixing clips should be used to hold both boards securely in place.

The boards should not be placed directly onto the ground, and need to be fixed to the joists. Between rows of joists, the recommended space is between 450mm and 500mm. Double joists are required where there are two decking boards that meet at the ends. Screw composite joists into your concrete base.

Before laying your first decking board, you must fix a starter clip onto the end of the composite joist. Starter clips need to be placed at every joist end where your bamboo boards will sit. You should also leave a slight gap between the joist end and any walls.

Our bamboo boards are fastened easily to supporting substructure joists using Cladco fixing clips and stainless steel screws. From the outer sides of your structure, lay your first bamboo board and, with a row of starter clips, fix it onto each joist that it crosses.

Fixing clips are then slotted into the grooves on the sides of each board and screwed into your supporting joists with screws provided. An individual fixing clip is used per joist. We suggest opting for our stainless steel wood screws due to their durability and reduced chance of corrosion. Between your bamboo decking boards, fixing clips will give a 6-7mm break between boards.

To install the next of your boards, slide it onto your fixing clips securing the first bamboo board and fit an additional fixing clip set which will secure the adverse side of your board, use a single fixing clip to every supporting joist. With similar steps, fix the remaining decking boards. Board ends must be adequately supported. It is recommended to not have an overhang or cantilever.

Each board should be held into place with a fixing clip where two board ends meet. Allow 2mm of spacing between butt joints.

In extreme weather conditions, such as snow or ice, take extra care when walking on your decking to reduce the risk of slips.

If using a de-icer, choose one containing calcium chloride to help prevent damage to the boards. This may leave a light residue on the surface, which can be quickly washed away.

Avoid using sand, grit, or shovels on the decking, as these can scratch or mark the surface.

Cladco bamboo decking comes with a 10-year supplier’s warranty, reflecting the board’s exceptional strength and durability. To maintain its appearance and performance, some regular cleaning and upkeep are recommended to keep your decking area looking its best.

The first round of maintenance should be carried out immediately after installation. Thereafter, we recommend cleaning your bamboo decking every six months using water and a brush to remove any dirt or debris. Once the boards have dried naturally, apply an outdoor water-based oil to provide additional protection and preserve the decking’s appearance.

Chemicals in everyday household products can cause discolouration to your decking, so take caution when using products like insect repellent and suncream.