Cumaru Decking: Plan Delivery, Storage and Jobsite Access

Understanding Cumaru Decking Characteristics for Logistics

This tropical hardwood is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and fungi, and carries a Class A fire resistance rating. While these properties make it an excellent choice for decking, they also contribute to its weight and density.

A typical 1" x 5.5" Cumaru board, available in lengths from 3 to 24 feet, can be quite heavy, especially at longer lengths. For example, a single 1" x 5.5" x 20 ft board would weigh approximately 53 pounds (5.5 inches x 1 inch / 144 cubic inches per board foot x 20 feet x 5.75 lbs/bf). This weight needs to be factored into delivery vehicle requirements, offloading methods, and the number of people needed for handling.

The material is typically kiln-dried (KD) to reduce moisture content and improve stability. Proper storage upon arrival is crucial to maintain this condition and prevent warping or checking before installation.

Planning for Delivery and Offloading

Before your Cumaru decking arrives, confirm the delivery vehicle size and your property's accessibility. Large trucks may have difficulty navigating narrow residential streets, steep driveways, or areas with low overhead clearances (e.g., tree branches, power lines). Discuss these potential obstacles with your supplier in advance.

Consider the offloading process. Cumaru decking is heavy, and manual offloading can be labor-intensive and risky. If a forklift or other mechanical assistance is needed, ensure you have access to one or arrange for a delivery service that provides this. If manual offloading is the only option, ensure you have sufficient help on site. Plan for a clear, level area for the delivery truck to park and for the decking bundles to be placed.

Inspect the order immediately upon delivery. Check for any visible damage to the packaging or the boards themselves. Verify the quantities and profiles against your order sheet. Document any discrepancies or damage with photos and notify Lumber Plus promptly. This ensures any issues can be addressed before installation begins.

Choosing the Right Storage Location

The storage location for your Cumaru decking should be carefully selected to protect the material from environmental factors and jobsite hazards. An ideal location offers protection from direct sunlight, rain, snow, and excessive humidity or dryness. A covered, well-ventilated area, such as a garage, carport, or temporary shelter, is recommended.

Avoid storing decking directly on the ground. Use stickers (small wood strips) to elevate the bundles, allowing for air circulation beneath and preventing moisture absorption from the ground. Stack the bundles flat and level to prevent warping. If storing outdoors, even under a cover, ensure the area is well-drained and the material is protected from ground moisture. Consider using a tarp or plastic sheeting over the bundles for added protection, but ensure there is still some airflow to prevent moisture buildup.

Jobsite Staging and Material Acclimation

Once delivered and stored, the decking may need time to acclimate to the local environment before installation. While Cumaru is kiln-dried, allowing it to stabilize at the jobsite's ambient temperature and humidity for several days to a week can help minimize movement after installation. Keep the material in its bundles during this period, but ensure it's still stickered and protected.

For jobsite staging, plan how you will move the boards from the storage area to the installation point. Heavy boards will require careful handling to prevent injury or damage. Having a clear path, free of obstructions, will make this process more efficient. If your project involves multiple levels or difficult access, consider how you will transport boards to those areas.

Minimize the distance between your storage area and the deck frame. Repeatedly moving heavy boards over long distances can be tiring and increase the risk of accidents or damage to the material. Organize your staging area to allow easy access to the required board lengths as needed.

Worked Example: Delivery and Staging for a 12'x20' Deck

Imagine you are building a 12-foot by 20-foot Cumaru deck using 1" x 5.5" boards. The total area is 240 square feet. Assuming a typical board length of 12 feet, you would need approximately 50 boards to cover the area, accounting for cuts and waste. Each 1" x 5.5" x 12 ft board weighs roughly 31.8 pounds (5.5 inches x 1 inch / 144 cubic inches per board foot x 12 feet x 5.75 lbs/bf).

Your total order would be around 1,590 pounds of Cumaru decking. This weight typically requires a flatbed truck for delivery. If your driveway is long and gravel, you'll need to confirm the truck can safely access the delivery point. If not, arrange for the material to be dropped at the curb or a more accessible location.

Upon delivery, you'll need at least two people to manually offload the bundles, or a forklift if available. For storage, clear a 12'x4' space in your garage or under a temporary canopy. Lay down several 2x4s or similar stickers on a level surface, spaced about 2 feet apart, to elevate the bundles. Stack the Cumaru bundles neatly on top of the stickers. Cover with a tarp, ensuring air can still circulate. Allow the boards to acclimate for at least 3-5 days before beginning installation.

Before you order

• Confirm delivery vehicle size and property accessibility (driveway width, overhead clearances).
• Determine offloading method (manual labor, forklift) and arrange necessary help or equipment.
• Identify a suitable, protected storage location (covered, level, well-ventilated).
• Acquire stickers (wood strips) to elevate decking bundles off the ground for airflow.
• Plan for material acclimation time at the jobsite before installation.
• Establish a clear, safe path for moving boards from storage to the installation area.
• Inspect entire order for damage and quantity upon delivery; document any issues.
• Confirm local delivery and service options by providing your project ZIP code.

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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