Inside Our First Certified Installer Workshop in Nairobi
On Wednesday 23 September 2026, we welcomed a group of carpenters, fundis, contractors and flooring installers to our Nairobi factory for the first We Do Bamboo Certified Installer Workshop.
The goal was simple: give installers a better understanding of the material they work with, show them how our bamboo composite decking and cladding is made, and share the installation techniques that help create a better finished project.
It was also the first step in building our Certified Installer Network: a group of installers we can train, work with and confidently refer to customers across Kenya.
Installers from across Kenya
Participants joined us from Nairobi, Kiambu, Thika, Ruiru, Nakuru, Machakos, Nyeri and other parts of the country.
Some had been working in construction and carpentry for more than five years. Others were younger installers looking to add composite decking and cladding to the services they already offer.
Several participants also work on hospitality and lodge projects, including in the Maasai Mara, where outdoor materials need to deal with heavy use, changing weather conditions and ongoing maintenance demands.
That mix of experience made the day especially useful. It meant we were not only teaching, but also learning from the people who work with building materials on site every day.
From bamboo to finished board
We started inside the factory.
Participants followed our production process from locally sourced bamboo through to finished composite boards, giving them a better understanding of what the material is, how it is produced and how different board profiles are designed to perform.
From there, the workshop moved into the practical side of installation.
We covered:
Factory production: how locally sourced bamboo becomes finished composite decking and cladding.
Understanding bamboo composite: what installers need to know about moisture, UV exposure, termites and maintenance when explaining the material to customers.
Hands-on installation: substructures, joist spacing, expansion gaps, board spacing, fixing methods, tools and finishing details.
Decking and cladding applications: how installation requirements change depending on the product and project.
Assessment and certification: a practical assessment for installers who want to become part of the We Do Bamboo Certified Installer Network.
What installers told us
One of the most valuable parts of the workshop was the discussion.
Installers asked detailed questions based on real situations they encounter on site, and several themes came up repeatedly.
Installers want a complete system
Boards are only one part of an installation. Clips, screws, fasteners and finishing accessories all affect how quickly a deck can be installed and how it performs afterwards. Installers told us they prefer to source a complete, compatible system rather than combining components from different suppliers.
The finishing details matter
Customers notice the small things. Installers were particularly interested in hidden fixing systems, neat fastening points and ways to achieve a cleaner final appearance.
Different projects need different solutions
A residential terrace and a heavily used lodge deck do not necessarily need the same board profile or substructure. For higher-traffic and commercial applications, factors such as board selection and joist spacing become even more important.
Good installation starts with good expectations
Installers also play an important role in explaining the product to the customer.
That includes what a composite surface looks like when wet or dry, how the material behaves outdoors and what customers should expect as the deck settles into its environment.
This kind of feedback is important to us.
Because we manufacture locally in Nairobi, conversations with installers do not stop at the training room. Their feedback goes directly back to our production and product development teams.
Why installation matters
A good decking material still needs to be installed correctly.
The substructure, ventilation, joist spacing, expansion gaps and fixing method all influence how a deck performs over time.
That is why we want to work more closely with installers rather than simply supplying boards.
By training installers directly, we can help create more consistent installations and give homeowners, architects, lodges and developers access to people who understand the products they are working with.
For us, the Certified Installer Network is not just about a certificate. It is about building a stronger connection between the factory, the installer and the finished project.
Planning your own project? Read our guide to choosing decking and cladding for your home in Kenya or see our guide to decking costs in Kenya.
Want to join the next workshop?
This was our first Certified Installer Workshop, but it will not be the last. If you are a carpenter, fundi, flooring installer or contractor and would like to take part in a future training session, we would like to hear from you.
And if you are planning a decking or cladding project and are looking for an installer familiar with our products, get in touch with our team.
