Wood Prep
No matter which decking profile you choose for your cabin deck, you must let the boards acclimate before installation. Acclimation is the process of equalizing the moisture content of the wood with the moisture content of the air in your area.
Wood will absorb moisture in damp climates, and release moisture in dry climates. This results in the deck boards shrinking or expanding. If you do not account for this motion before installing your deck, your boards will warp or crack. By letting the decking acclimate, you will eliminate much of the movement due to moisture.
To properly acclimate your deck boards, follow these instructions:
- Store the wood outside.
- Keep stacked wood elevated off the ground, with spacers between each layer of the stack.
- Do not cover the wood with a tarp or similar covering.
This process can take several weeks, so make sure you plan ahead. If you have any questions, please ask us.