Confirming Your Order and Delivery Details
Before your deck tiles leave the supplier, verify all order details. This includes the quantity, specific species (such as Ipe, Garapa, or Cumaru), and tile dimensions (12 x 12 or 24 x 24 inches). Confirming these specifics helps prevent errors that can lead to costly returns or project delays.
Crucially, discuss delivery logistics with your supplier. Inquire about the estimated delivery date and time window, the type of delivery vehicle, and whether the delivery includes curbside drop-off or requires additional services like liftgate delivery or inside delivery. Clarify any specific access requirements for the delivery truck at your project site.
Assessing Jobsite Access
Before delivery, evaluate the access points to your project site. Consider the path the delivery truck will take, any potential obstructions like narrow streets, low-hanging branches, or overhead power lines. For multi-story projects, assess elevator capacity, stairwell dimensions, and any restrictions on material transport within the building.
For rooftop installations, consider whether a crane or hoist might be necessary. Some buildings have specific hours for deliveries or require permits for large vehicle access or material hoisting. Planning for these details in advance can prevent significant logistical hurdles on delivery day.
Planning for On-Site Storage
Deck tiles, particularly those made from hardwoods like Ipe, Garapa, or Cumaru, need proper storage to protect them from the elements and potential damage. Identify a secure, level, and dry area for storage. This location should be as close to the installation area as practical, but also out of the way of ongoing construction or foot traffic.
If storing outdoors, cover the tiles with a waterproof tarp, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Elevate the tile bundles off the ground using stickers or pallets to allow air circulation and protect against ground moisture. Direct sunlight can cause hardwoods to weather and change color prematurely, so a shaded storage area is often preferable.
Worked Example: Staging for a 24x24 Ipe Deck Tile Project
Imagine you are installing 24 x 24 inch Ipe deck tiles on a 15-foot by 20-foot rooftop terrace. This area is 300 square feet. Since each 24 x 24 tile covers 4 square feet, you would need 75 tiles for full coverage (300 sq ft / 4 sq ft per tile). We recommend ordering a small percentage extra for cuts and waste, so let's plan for 80 tiles.
Your building has a freight elevator with a maximum capacity of 2,000 pounds and a door opening of 48 inches wide by 84 inches high. Each 24 x 24 Ipe deck tile bundle (typically 5 tiles) weighs approximately 70 pounds. This means 80 tiles would be 16 bundles. The total weight for 16 bundles is 1,120 pounds (16 bundles * 70 lbs/bundle), which is within the elevator's capacity. Each bundle measures roughly 24.5 x 24.5 x 6 inches, easily fitting through the elevator door.
For storage, you identify a 5-foot by 8-foot section of the rooftop, away from the immediate work area but accessible. You arrange to have two pallets delivered alongside the tiles to keep them off the rooftop membrane. The bundles will be stacked no more than three high to maintain stability and prevent excessive pressure on the lower tiles. A heavy-duty tarp will be used to cover the stack, secured to prevent wind uplift, but vented to prevent condensation.
Delivery is scheduled for a Tuesday morning between 9 AM and 11 AM. You confirm that the delivery truck will have a liftgate to lower the pallets to the ground level, and you have arranged for a hand truck to move the bundles to the freight elevator. This pre-planning ensures a smooth process from delivery to storage, minimizing potential issues on the job site.
Protecting Materials During Installation
As installation progresses, maintain good material handling practices. Move only the necessary quantity of tiles to the immediate work area to avoid clutter and potential tripping hazards. Keep unused tiles covered and protected from weather and construction debris.
Use appropriate tools for cutting and handling, ensuring clean cuts and minimizing waste. If working with hardwood deck tiles, protect them from scratches or impacts, especially on visible surfaces. Any offcuts that can be reused for smaller areas should be stored neatly to be incorporated into the layout.
Before you order
- Have I confirmed the exact quantity, species, and size of deck tiles with my supplier?
- Do I know the estimated delivery date and time window?
- What type of delivery vehicle will be used, and does my site have adequate access for it?
- Are there any specific building or site restrictions for deliveries (e.g., hours, permits, elevator access)?
- Have I identified a secure, level, and dry storage area on site?
- If storing outdoors, do I have a waterproof cover and materials to elevate the tiles off the ground?
- What is the plan for moving materials from the delivery point to the storage area, and then to the installation area?
- Have I accounted for any potential need for liftgate services, cranes, or hoists?
- Are there any specific local regulations or building management rules regarding material storage on site?
- Who will be present to receive and inspect the delivery?
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
How should I store deck tiles if my project is delayed?
If your project is delayed, it's crucial to store deck tiles properly to prevent damage. Keep them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, ideally indoors. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, stack them neatly on stickers or pallets, off the ground, and cover them with a breathable, waterproof tarp. Ensure air circulation to prevent moisture buildup and mold. Avoid direct sun exposure for extended periods.
What should I do if some deck tiles arrive damaged?
Upon delivery, inspect all bundles for visible damage before signing the delivery receipt. Note any damage directly on the delivery paperwork. Take photographs of the damaged items and contact your supplier immediately. They will guide you through the process for replacements or claims, which is often time-sensitive.
Can I store deck tiles vertically to save space?
Storing deck tiles vertically is generally not recommended, especially for extended periods. It can lead to warping or bowing, particularly with hardwood tiles, due to uneven weight distribution and moisture exposure. Flat, horizontal stacking on a level surface is the preferred method to maintain their integrity and prevent deformation.
Ready to Plan Your Deck Tile Project?
Request a material quote with your project dimensions, desired deck tile profile, and ZIP code. Confirm current availability and service options for your location.
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