The Importance of Pre-Delivery Planning
Before your hardwood decking even leaves the lumber yard, it's crucial to consider the logistics of its arrival. Hardwood decking, especially species like Ipe or Cumaru, is significantly heavier than composite or treated lumber. This density requires robust equipment for offloading and a clear plan for where it will be stored.
Think about the path the delivery truck will take, any overhead obstructions, and the available space for a forklift or other heavy machinery. A smooth delivery process minimizes handling, which in turn reduces the risk of damage to the material and speeds up the start of your project.
Jobsite Access: Truck Routes and Offloading Zones
A typical delivery truck carrying hardwood decking can be quite long and heavy. Assess your jobsite for clear access routes. Are there narrow gates, steep driveways, or soft ground that could impede a large vehicle? Confirm the weight limits of any driveways, culverts, or bridges the truck might need to cross.
Designate a clear, level offloading zone that is easily accessible to the delivery truck. This area should be free of debris, overhead power lines, and other obstacles. If a forklift is needed for offloading, ensure there's ample space for it to maneuver safely.
Consider the dimensions of the longest boards you've ordered. Ipe and Cumaru are available in lengths up to 24 feet, which require considerable space for handling. Plan for enough clearance to move these long pieces from the truck to your storage area without bending or damaging them. If your project is in a confined urban area, discuss potential street closures or special permits for delivery with your supplier and local authorities in advance.
Proper On-Site Storage for Hardwood Decking
Once offloaded, hardwood decking must be stored correctly to prevent damage and acclimation issues. Hardwoods are sensitive to moisture fluctuations; improper storage can lead to warping, checking, or other defects.
Store the decking in a dry, level, and well-ventilated area, preferably under cover from direct sunlight and rain. Elevate the material off the ground using stickers or dunnage to allow for air circulation. This helps prevent moisture absorption from the ground and promotes even drying.
Keep the original packaging or strapping intact as long as possible. If boards must be unbundled, restack them carefully, ensuring proper spacing between layers. Protect the ends of the boards from excessive moisture or drying, as this is where checking can most easily occur. A common practice is to cover the ends with a moisture-resistant sealant if they will be exposed for an extended period before installation.
Material Staging and Workflow Efficiency
Staging refers to organizing your materials on the jobsite in a way that optimizes workflow. Rather than simply stacking all the lumber in one spot, consider how you will access specific boards as needed. For a large deck, this might mean separating different lengths or profiles of boards.
Position your staged materials as close to the work area as practical, without obstructing construction or creating safety hazards. This minimizes the distance workers need to carry heavy boards, reducing fatigue and increasing efficiency. However, ensure the storage location doesn't interfere with other aspects of the build, such as foundation work or framing.
For example, if you are building a multi-level deck, consider staging materials near each level to avoid excessive vertical transport. If your design incorporates different board widths or patterns, separate these bundles to streamline selection during installation.
Worked Example: Planning a Decking Delivery for a 300 sq ft Deck
Let's consider a hypothetical 300 square foot deck project using 1x6 Ipe decking boards, primarily in 16-foot lengths. Ipe has an air dry density of approximately 5.75 lbs/bf. For 300 sq ft, assuming 1x6 nominal dimensions, you'd need roughly 600 linear feet of 1x6 boards (300 sq ft / 0.45 sq ft/linear ft for a 5.5 inch face) plus a typical waste factor of 10-15%. Let's say you order 690 linear feet.
A 1x6 board is nominally 0.75 inches thick by 5.5 inches wide. For 690 linear feet, the board footage is approximately 690 * (5.5/12) * (0.75/1) = 316.25 board feet. At 5.75 lbs/bf, the total weight would be around 1,818 pounds, or just under one ton. This weight is significant, even for a relatively small deck.
For a delivery of this size, a standard pickup truck or small trailer is insufficient. A flatbed truck with a forklift for offloading is typically required. The offloading zone should be a level, paved, or compacted gravel area, at least 20x20 feet, allowing the forklift to safely maneuver and place the bundles.
Storage would involve stacking the Ipe bundles on 4x4 or 2x4 dunnage, spaced every 2-3 feet, elevating them off the ground. The stack should be covered with a tarp or plastic sheeting, secured to allow air circulation but protect from rain and direct sun. Ideally, this storage would be in a garage or under a temporary canopy near the deck's footprint, but not directly in the construction zone.
Before you order
- Confirm delivery vehicle size and weight capacity for your property.
- Identify a clear, level, and obstruction-free offloading zone.
- Verify overhead clearances (power lines, tree branches) along the delivery path and at the offloading site.
- Plan for a forklift or other heavy equipment if needed for offloading.
- Designate a dry, level, and covered storage area for the decking materials.
- Ensure proper elevation of stored materials off the ground using dunnage/stickers.
- Protect board ends from moisture and excessive drying.
- Stage materials near the work area, separated by length or profile if necessary, without impeding construction.
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 heavy is hardwood decking compared to other materials?
Hardwood decking, particularly dense tropical species like Ipe or Cumaru, is significantly heavier than common alternatives. For example, Ipe has an air dry density of about 5.75 lbs/bf, meaning a single 1x6x16 foot board can weigh over 40 pounds. This density contributes to its durability but necessitates careful planning for handling and transport.
Do I need special equipment to offload hardwood decking?
For larger orders, yes. Due to the weight and length of hardwood decking bundles, a forklift or other heavy lifting equipment is often required for safe and efficient offloading from the delivery truck. Always confirm with your supplier whether offloading assistance is included or if you need to arrange it independently.
How long can hardwood decking be stored on the jobsite before installation?
While hardwood decking is durable, it's best to install it as soon as reasonably possible after delivery. If storage is necessary, ensure it's in a controlled environment as described in this guide: dry, level, covered, and elevated. Prolonged storage, especially in inconsistent conditions, can increase the risk of the wood acclimating unevenly, potentially leading to issues during or after installation. Always follow the manufacturer's specific storage recommendations.
Request a Material Quote for Your Hardwood Decking Project
Ready to plan your hardwood deck? Provide your project dimensions, desired profile, and ZIP code to request a material quote. Our team can confirm current availability and discuss service options, including delivery specifics for your location. Visit our Hardwood Decking product page for more information on available species like Ipe and Cumaru, or our general Decking page for other options.
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