Cumaru Deck Tiles: Plan Delivery, Storage and Jobsite Access

Understanding Cumaru Deck Tile Packaging

Cumaru deck tiles are crafted from tropical hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown grain and strength. They are typically available in two standard sizes: 12 x 12 inches (1 square foot per tile) and 24 x 24 inches (4 square feet per tile).

These tiles are usually packaged in bundles or stacked on pallets, depending on the quantity ordered. While individual tiles are manageable, a full pallet can be heavy and require mechanical assistance for unloading and relocation. Knowing the approximate dimensions and weight of your total order will help you plan for appropriate handling equipment and storage space.

For example, a project requiring 100 square feet of coverage using 24 x 24 inch tiles would need 25 tiles. This quantity might be bundled or consolidated onto a smaller pallet. A larger project, such as 500 square feet using 12 x 12 inch tiles (500 tiles), would likely arrive on multiple pallets, necessitating greater logistical planning.

Confirming Delivery Truck Access

Before your Cumaru deck tiles arrive, confirm the type of delivery vehicle that will be used. Standard freight trucks require ample space for maneuvering, especially when backing into driveways or navigating residential streets. Consider the width of your street, any overhead obstructions like tree branches or utility lines, and the turning radius required for a large truck.

If your project site has limited access, such as a narrow alley, a steep incline, or a shared driveway, you may need to arrange for a smaller delivery vehicle or plan for off-site transfer. Communicate any access restrictions to your supplier well in advance to avoid delays or additional charges on delivery day. Confirm if the delivery includes a liftgate service for easier unloading, especially if you do not have a forklift available.

Planning for Unloading and Staging

Once the delivery truck arrives, you'll need a clear, safe area for unloading. For palletized shipments, a forklift or pallet jack is ideal. If manual unloading is necessary, ensure you have adequate help. Cumaru is a dense hardwood, and even individual bundles can be heavy. Always lift with proper technique to prevent injury.

Staging refers to the temporary placement of materials near the work area. For a rooftop terrace project, this might mean unloading at ground level and then moving the tiles via elevator or crane. For a ground-level patio, you might unload directly into the backyard. Minimize the distance materials need to be moved to reduce labor and potential damage.

Selecting a Temporary Storage Location

Cumaru deck tiles, like most natural wood products, should be protected from direct exposure to the elements before installation. Choose a storage location that is dry, level, and offers protection from rain, snow, and prolonged direct sunlight. A garage, covered patio, or a well-ventilated shed are suitable options.

If outdoor storage is unavoidable, stack the bundles on sleepers or pallets to keep them off the ground and cover them with a waterproof tarp, ensuring adequate airflow to prevent moisture buildup. Avoid storing tiles directly on soil or concrete without a moisture barrier, as this can lead to warping or staining. The goal is to keep the tiles stable and dry until they are ready for installation.

Jobsite Access and Material Flow: A Hypothetical Example

Consider a hypothetical project: installing Cumaru 24 x 24 inch deck tiles on a 400 square foot rooftop terrace of a three-story building. This project requires 100 tiles (400 sq ft / 4 sq ft per tile). Assume these tiles arrive on two standard pallets, each weighing approximately 1000 lbs.

**Delivery Day:** The freight truck arrives at the building's loading dock. The loading dock has a clear access path, but the truck does not have a liftgate. A rented pallet jack and two strong helpers are used to manually offload the pallets from the truck onto the dock.

**Staging Area:** The pallets are moved to a secure, covered area within the ground-floor parking garage, serving as a temporary staging point. This area is close to the building's freight elevator.

**Jobsite Access:** The freight elevator is reserved for a specific time window. During this time, the pallets are broken down into smaller, manageable bundles (e.g., 5-7 tiles per bundle) that fit into the elevator. These bundles are then transported to the rooftop.

**Rooftop Storage:** On the rooftop, a designated, shaded area is prepared. The bundles are stacked on lumber sleepers to keep them off the roof membrane and covered with a breathable, waterproof tarp. This ensures the tiles are protected from sun and rain while awaiting installation over the next few days.

This example highlights the need to plan for each stage: delivery, ground-level staging, vertical transport, and final jobsite storage, considering equipment, labor, and building restrictions.

Before you order

• Confirm delivery truck size and access requirements for your site.
• Verify if liftgate service is needed and available for your delivery.
• Plan for sufficient labor or equipment (pallet jack, forklift) for unloading.
• Identify a dry, level, and protected area for temporary material storage.
• Consider the path materials will take from delivery point to installation area (e.g., stairs, elevators, gates).
• Protect stored materials from moisture, direct sunlight, and potential damage.
• Communicate any access limitations or special delivery instructions to your supplier in advance.

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

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