Bacchus -

I've seen estimates that range from 5 to 20 years. I think it depends on the climate as well. The two small bamboo fences in our garden have been in place for about 7 years: they're still intact, but their faded colour makes them they look old and a bit shabby. Perhaps they would have aged more slowly if I'd treated them with wood preservative. Still, I don't intend to replace them unless either they rot & fall down, or I can buy some synthetic "canes" (made from vinyl I think). I understand this keeps its fresh colour & appearance indefinitely & is quite popular in Japan.

Herb

The typical life expectancy of Japanese style bamboo fences is 5 to 7 years. They last longer, but may look a bit tattered. Keep from sprinkler overspray and keep moss, turf and plants from touching if possible. A small roof structure on the fence helps it last longer. Tie waddle and other structural knots with copper wire and cover with palm rope to hide. Keep waddle and fence slats in good repair as the fence ages and this will help hold everything else together longer.

I have wanted to experiment with poly sprays but haven't had the guts!

I can vouch for the success of treating bamboo with a UV protected Matt exterior varnish. Having done this 2 years after construction the canes achieved a nice level of agedness before they were then sealed. I think this looked much better than if they were first treated when new. I think this treatment has considerably extended the life span of the fence but another 2 or 3 years down the line it could probably do with another treatment. And that is in the cold damp weather of NW England.

I was originally considering bamboo for an outside shower enclosure but it will be a wet environment so I have scrapped that idea. I may go with cedar and then roof it like a japanese wall/fence.

Outside shower? Plant live clumping bamboo!

A capital idea !!