This DIY bamboo fence is a sturdy, stylish solution that blends beautifully with your landscape.
We built ours step-by-step using simple tools, budget-friendly materials, and a bit of patience—and now, we’re sharing the full process so you can do it too.
Step 1: Set the Fence Posts
Start by digging and placing your fence posts. We spaced ours every 6–7 feet, which resulted in a total of 13 panels. Make sure everything is aligned and the ground is leveled where possible.
Step 2: Place the Joist Hangers
Identify the position of your joist hangers, following the natural contour of the land. For sloped yards, like ours, we recommend starting at the higher end (ours went from right to left).
Step 3: Account for Bamboo Width
When installing the hangers, be sure to place them far enough back to allow for the width of the bamboo posts. This avoids bulging once the bamboo is in place.
Step 4: Level the First Joist
Insert a 2×4 into the hanger and use it as a leveling tool to help position the opposite hanger evenly. This ensures your panel will be straight.
Step 5: Install the Bottom Hanger
Repeat the same process for the bottom joist position.
Step 6: Mark the Cut Line
Measure visually and draw your cut line. Perfection isn’t necessary here—a straight and clean mark is enough for solid cuts.
Step 7: Cut and Fit the Lumber
Go ahead and cut the wood according to your marks. They should fit snugly into the hangers.
Step 8: Confirm the Fit
Double-check the fit of your stringers. They should slide in securely and lay flat without gaps or twists.
Step 9: Secure the Stringers
Use inexpensive fence panel boards to hold your horizontal stringers in place. This doesn’t need to be pretty—it’s all about strength and stability.
Step 10: Trim Stringers
If any boards extend past the desired panel length, mark them and trim them off with a saw.
Step 11: Reinforce from the Back
Get behind the fence panel and reinforce the stringers with additional screws. This gives the whole panel more strength.
Step 12: Double Check Stability
At this point, your stringers should feel rock solid. If they wobble, add a few more reinforcement screws.
Step 13: Remove the Panel
Now that the frame is secure, you can remove the entire panel from the posts and take it to your workstation.
Step 14: Set Up Your Workstation
Use two sawhorses to support your panel. Lay it flat with the stringers facing upward so you can begin installing bamboo posts.
Step 15: Choose Your Screws
Screw size depends on the thickness of your bamboo. We used self-drilling exterior screws, which saved us time and avoided predrilling.
Step 16: Start on One Side
Choose a starting side (we went left due to a slight slope). Insert screws through the bamboo and into both stringers, keeping the spacing consistent using your finger as a guide.
Step 17: Load Up on Bamboo
Time to start adding bamboo! Grab a handful at a time and test the fit.
Step 18: Accept Imperfection
Some bamboo will curve or bend—it’s part of the natural aesthetic. Unless you’re super precise, don’t worry about minor inconsistencies.
Step 19: Pack the Bamboo In
Fit each bamboo post tightly next to the previous one. You’ll need to rearrange occasionally to get the snuggest fit.
Step 20: Don’t Worry About Height Yet
Your focus right now is on getting the bamboo tightly packed, not trimmed to final height.
Step 21: Leave a Clean Edge
At the final post, leave a consistent gap similar to your starting side. This gives the panel a clean, framed look.
Step 22: Inspect the Panel
Step back and assess how it looks. This is the time to make any tweaks.
Step 23: Secure the First Bamboo Post
Take your time here. Measure carefully and screw in the last post you laid down first, using “measure twice, drill once” as your mantra.
Step 24: Fasten the Rest
Go down the line and screw in all the bamboo posts to the top stringer.
Step 25: Repeat for the Bottom
Now screw all the bamboo posts into the bottom stringer for maximum strength.
Step 26: Mark the Top Cut Line
Use a heavy, straight tool to draw a clean line across the tops of the bamboo posts.
Step 27: Draw and Verify
Double-check your line before you cut—this is your final visual line.
Step 28: Cut the Tops Even
Using your saw, cut straight across the marked line for an even, tidy finish.
Step 29: Trim the Bottom
Repeat the same process along the bottom edge. We kept our bamboo heights between 64–66 inches, depending on slope.
Step 30: Admire the Work
You’ll now have a complete, polished-looking bamboo panel.
Step 31: Install the Panel
Return the finished panel to its position on the fence line and slide it into place.
Step 32: Secure the Panel
Screw it securely into the posts to hold it in place permanently.
Step 33: Fill Side Gaps
Use pre-cut bamboo pieces to fill any side gaps between panels. Drill them in for a seamless appearance.
Step 34: Repeat for All Panels
Continue the process until all your panels are up. It’s repetitive, but it goes faster with each one.
Step 35: Weatherproof the Ends
To protect your investment, add flat paneling on top of the bamboo to cover any exposed ends. This prevents water from getting in and helps extend the life of the fence.
Step 36: Accommodate Trees
If your fence needs to go around trees, no problem. Adjust your panel layout to work with nature instead of against it.
Note: Be patient with each step and stay consistent with measurements—accuracy early on makes the rest easier.
Other Details Display
- Fence spacing: 6–7 feet
- Panel size: ~64–66 inches high
- Total panels: 13
- Preferred screws: Self-drilling exterior screws
- Tools used: Power saw, drill, measuring tape, sawhorses
- Protective finish: Flat paneling over bamboo ends
- Materials: Bamboo poles, 2x4s, joist hangers, basic fence boards
Summary
This bamboo fence project is both practical and beautiful, offering a durable solution that enhances any yard with natural charm. Whether you’re aiming for privacy or visual appeal, this DIY bamboo fence delivers results that last.
This plan is a contribution by [mmays1]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.