I should have gotten a privacy fence. Too much squeeze for the juice. $300 in clear UV coating, days of staining and now, it is gray, mildewed and splitting. Mind you, I bought the manufacturer's TWP coating, 2 x 4's for the base (I bought 14!) hired a pro to install and it covered a new chain link fence. What a way to try and save a buck. Never again! Note: I know bamboo is supposed to weather with age. I grew up with bamboo growing wild on our land. This bamboo was cut green before it was ready.