Brazilian Wood Depot, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is your go-to source for premium Brazilian hardwoods, including Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Massaranduba, Tigerwood, Purpleheart, and Brown Balau. Owned and operated by experts Eric and Sam, we serve residential and commercial clients across the nation who demand the finest Brazilian hardwood materials.
Tropical hardwoods like Ipe have a captivating history that brings forth specific care requirements both before and after installation. While some might mistakenly label premium tropical decking as “maintenance-free,” the reality is quite different. Upon arrival at your job site, your decking is far from a finished product. Even after installation, it remains a durable and low-maintenance deck that can endure for many years, possibly decades, but it still necessitates some care to reach its full potential. And this care begins even before you start the installation process.
Why Your Brazilian Hardwood Decking Requires Time to Acclimate
We understand your anticipation. You’ve meticulously selected and invested in your Brazilian hardwood decking, and you’ve been patiently waiting for the ideal moment to purchase your lumber and build your dream deck. As soon as it arrives on the job site, you’re eager to commence working with this exquisite Brazilian hardwood. However, for a smooth installation and to ensure your deck’s longevity, there’s a crucial step you must take: you need to allow your Brazilian hardwood decking to rest.
Wood movement is a common cause of various issues, and while it can be predicted and mitigated, it cannot be entirely prevented. When dealing with dry lumber for outdoor applications like decking, the shift in moisture levels from its place of origin to the lumber dealer and then to the job site can be quite substantial. Although Brazilian hardwoods, such as Ipe, Cumaru, and others, are notably stable, they still require time to adapt to their new environment. Trust us, it’s better for any significant movement to occur before installation rather than after.
How to Properly Allow Your Brazilian Hardwood Decking to Rest
The recommended acclimation period can vary from a few days to a few weeks. For precise guidance related to your lumber order, it’s advisable to consult your supplier. Regardless of the duration, it’s essential to store your decking boards under some form of shelter to shield them from direct exposure to the elements. Properly stacking the boards to allow air circulation around them is also crucial. Make sure to include an acclimation timeframe in your project plan before the actual installation begins.
Additionally, you should account for wood movement as you plan the gaps between the boards. Factors like the lumber species, board width, and the time of year will all influence how you space the boards. Allowing your boards to rest before installation can save you from potential challenges during and after the process. The end result will be a more stable deck that stands the test of time.
