Acclimation

Acclimation is a vital first step that many people neglect. Wood is a porous material that naturally adapts to the moisture content of the surrounding environment. This process can take a while, and will cause the lumber to either shrink or expand. If you install your Brazilian decking without letting it acclimate, the wood will warp or crack.

The wood must be allowed to sit outdoors for several weeks. The exact time will vary depending on your local climate. The deck boards should be stored in an area comparable to the final installation site. Do not cover the decking with a tarp. When you stack the deck boards, put spacers between each layer to allow plenty of air flow across each face of each board.