Do you plan to redo your deck? If you're wondering how to stack and store your hardwood decking upon receiving it, then this post is for you!
When unloading the decking, it is crucial to ensure adequate ventilation between the boards. The goal is to mimic the stacking arrangement from the truck, allowing air to circulate beneath and through the stacked decking, preventing warping.
This is achieved through three simple steps:
-placing the initial set of boards on wood blocks
-inserting wood stickers (shims) between the boards
-leaving the decking uncovered for acclimation over a period of 5-7 days.
After proper stacking, it is essential to allow the boards to acclimate to the local climate for optimal results, with a recommended waiting period of 5 to 7 days before installation. If you are concerned about protecting your decking during the acclimation phase you can temporarily cover decking with THIN sheets of plywood to sheild from sun, debris, or rain.
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Remember: do NOT cover your decking!
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Not in a garage. Not in a vault. Not under a tarp. If you cover the decking, all that warping, twisting and cupping will be your fault! In all seriousness, this is the part of the process that even professional installers sometimes forget.
If you cover wood decking with plastic, or store in a garage, the straightness of the wood can become compromised since any coverage will trap in moisture. Allow the decking to settle in the open air and when it comes time to install, you'll be working with straighter boards.
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