Wood Prep
No matter which decking profile you choose for your new cumaro deck, you must let the acclimate the boards before doing anything else. Acclimation is the process of equalizing the moisture content of the wood with the moisture content of the air in your area.
Wood naturally absorbs moisture in damp climates, while releasing moisture in dry environments. This causes the boards to shrink or expand. Failing to account for this motion before installing your deck will result in your deck warping or cracking. By letting the decking acclimate, you eliminate most of these problems.
To properly prepare your cumaro decking for installation, follow these steps:
- Store the decking outside.
- Keep the wood elevated off the ground, with spacers between each layer of stacked decking.
- Do not cover the wood with a tarp or similar covering.
This process can take several weeks depending on your local climate, so make sure you plan ahead. If you have any questions, just ask.