Understanding Your Hardwood Siding Order
Hardwood siding, whether it's Brazilian hardwood like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, or Tigerwood, or a thermally modified option such as Ash or Ayous, comes in various profiles and lengths. Each type of material has specific handling and storage requirements. For example, longer boards or larger quantities will require more space and potentially different handling equipment.
Your order will likely arrive as bundled units, often strapped for transport. These bundles can be heavy and bulky. Confirm the total lineal footage or square footage ordered, the number of bundles, and their approximate dimensions and weight with your supplier. This information is essential for planning the delivery vehicle size, offloading equipment, and storage capacity.
Preparing for Delivery Day
Delivery day requires preparation to ensure a smooth and safe offloading process. First, identify a clear, level, and accessible area for the delivery truck. This area should be free from overhead obstructions like power lines or tree branches and have sufficient space for the truck to maneuver and potentially turn around. Consider the turning radius of large delivery vehicles.
Communicate with your supplier about the type of delivery vehicle (e.g., flatbed, box truck) and offloading method (e.g., forklift, crane, manual). If a forklift is required, confirm who is responsible for providing it and operating it safely. If manual offloading is necessary, ensure you have adequate labor available. For residential projects, delivery often means curbside drop-off, so plan how the material will be moved from the street to your storage area.
Before the truck arrives, clear any pathways from the offloading zone to the storage area. Remove debris, level uneven ground, and ensure gates or access points are wide enough for the bundles. If the weather forecast predicts rain, have tarps or temporary shelters ready to protect the material immediately upon arrival.
Jobsite Storage: Protecting Your Investment
Proper storage is paramount to prevent damage, warping, or moisture absorption in hardwood siding. The goal is to keep the material dry, flat, and protected from direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and ground contact. Hardwood siding should never be stored directly on the ground. Use dunnage (spacers) to elevate bundles, allowing air circulation and preventing moisture wicking from the soil. These spacers should be evenly spaced to support the full length of the boards and keep them flat.
Store bundles in a covered, well-ventilated area, such as a garage, shed, or under a sturdy tarp supported by a frame to prevent water pooling. If storing outdoors, ensure the tarp is secured to prevent wind damage and allow for some airflow to prevent condensation. Avoid storing siding in areas prone to standing water or excessive humidity.
Keep bundles away from high-traffic areas to prevent accidental damage. If the project is ongoing for an extended period, periodically inspect stored materials for any signs of moisture, mold, or insect activity. Maintain a consistent environment as much as possible to allow the wood to acclimate to local conditions gradually, minimizing the risk of movement after installation.
Managing Jobsite Access and Material Flow
Efficient jobsite access ensures that materials can be moved from storage to the installation point without unnecessary effort or risk. Plan the sequence of material use. If certain sections of siding will be installed first, store those bundles closer to the corresponding work area, if feasible.
Consider the path from storage to the wall. Are there stairs, narrow doorways, or uneven terrain that will impede moving long, heavy boards? Plan for any necessary equipment, such as dollies or additional personnel, for moving materials. Maintain clear pathways throughout the jobsite, free of tools, debris, and other obstructions, to ensure safety and efficiency.
As installation progresses, periodically re-evaluate your storage and access plan. You may need to consolidate materials, move bundles closer to active work areas, or adjust pathways. The goal is to minimize double-handling and keep the installation process flowing smoothly.
Worked Example: Planning for a Small Siding Delivery
Consider a homeowner ordering 300 lineal feet of 1x6 Ipe hardwood siding for an accent wall. The boards are typically supplied in random lengths, averaging 10-12 feet, and bundled into units of approximately 50 lineal feet. This project would require 6 bundles.
Each bundle of 1x6 Ipe (actual dimensions approximately 3/4" x 5 1/2") contains roughly 27.5 square feet of face coverage. At an average weight for Ipe of 69 lbs per cubic foot, a 50 lineal foot bundle would weigh around 190-200 lbs. Six bundles would total 1140-1200 lbs.
For delivery, the homeowner confirms with Lumber Plus that a box truck will be used for curbside delivery. They prepare a clear, level 15-foot section of driveway near the garage door. Upon delivery, the bundles are manually moved into the garage. Inside the garage, two sawhorse setups are prepared, each with three 2x4s laid perpendicular to the sawhorses, spaced about 2 feet apart, to act as dunnage. The bundles are stacked on these supports, covered loosely with a tarp to protect from dust but allow airflow. This setup keeps the Ipe dry, flat, and off the concrete floor, ready for installation.
Before you order
- Confirm delivery vehicle type and offloading method with supplier.
- Identify a clear, level, and safe offloading zone on site.
- Clear pathways from offloading zone to storage area.
- Designate a secure, covered, and well-ventilated storage location.
- Ensure dunnage (spacers) are available to elevate materials off the ground.
- Have tarps or temporary shelters ready for immediate protection if storing outdoors.
- Plan for sufficient labor or equipment for material handling.
- Consider the flow of materials from storage to installation points.
- Communicate delivery and storage plans with your contractor or installation team.
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 long can hardwood siding be stored on-site before installation?
The duration for on-site storage depends on the material type, local climate, and storage conditions. Ideally, installation should occur as soon as possible after delivery. However, if stored properly—dry, flat, elevated, and protected from direct weather—hardwood siding can be stored for several weeks or even months. Always inspect materials before installation for any signs of damage or moisture.
What happens if hardwood siding gets wet during delivery or storage?
If hardwood siding gets wet, it's crucial to dry it out properly before installation. Separate the boards to allow air circulation, stack them with spacers (stickers) between layers, and place them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not install wet or damp siding, as this can lead to warping, cupping, or other issues as it dries after installation.
Do I need special equipment to move hardwood siding bundles?
For larger projects or heavier species like Ipe or Cumaru, mechanical equipment such as a forklift or pallet jack may be necessary for offloading and moving bundles. For smaller quantities or lighter materials like thermally modified Ayous, manual handling by a team of people may be sufficient. Always assess the weight and length of your bundles and plan accordingly to ensure safety and prevent injury or damage to the material.
Plan Your Hardwood Siding Project with Lumber Plus
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