Understanding Jatoba Decking Material Characteristics
Jatoba is a very durable, high-strength wood, resistant to termites and weather changes. It has an air dry density of 4.67 lbs/bf and a specific gravity of 0.94. However, this density also means that individual boards can be heavy, requiring appropriate equipment and personnel for handling.
The wood is supplied Kiln Dried (KD), typically in profiles such as 5/4"x6" (1" x 5.5" finished) and lengths ranging from 3 to 24 feet. The specific dimensions and length distribution in your order will influence the overall weight and bulk of the shipment. Planning for these physical attributes is essential for safe and efficient jobsite management.
Planning for Delivery and Offloading
Before your Jatoba decking arrives, confirm the delivery vehicle type with your supplier. Large orders typically arrive on flatbed trucks, which may require specific access points or offloading methods. Ensure your delivery location has adequate space for the truck to maneuver and park safely.
Consider the method of offloading. While some deliveries may offer forklift service, many residential or constrained jobsites will require manual offloading. Gather sufficient help or arrange for appropriate lifting equipment if manual handling is not feasible. Protect the material during offloading; avoid dropping bundles or individual boards, which could cause damage.
Jobsite Access and Staging Area Selection
Evaluate the path from the delivery point to your intended storage or staging area. Are there narrow gates, uneven terrain, or obstacles that could impede movement? Clear the path in advance to ensure a smooth transition of materials.
Select a staging area that is close to the project site but out of the way of ongoing construction activities. The area should be level, well-drained, and easily accessible. This minimizes the effort required to move boards to the work area as needed and reduces the risk of accidental damage.
Proper Storage for Jatoba Decking
Jatoba decking, like other hardwoods, needs protection from direct sunlight, rain, and excessive moisture changes before installation. Store the material in a covered, dry location, such as a garage, shed, or under a tarp that allows for air circulation.
Stack bundles neatly on level dunnage or blocking, elevated at least 6 inches off the ground. This prevents moisture absorption from the soil and allows for air circulation around the bundles. If storing for an extended period, consider placing stickers (small wood strips) between layers of boards to promote even acclimatization and prevent warping or mildew.
Worked Example: Delivery and Staging for a 500 sq ft Deck
Let's consider a hypothetical 500 square foot deck project using 5/4"x6" Jatoba decking. Assuming an average board length of 12 feet, each board covers approximately 5.5 square feet (1" x 5.5" / 144 * 12 ft). You would need around 91 boards (500 sq ft / 5.5 sq ft per board), plus an allowance for cuts and waste, perhaps totaling 100-110 boards.
Given Jatoba's air dry density of 4.67 lbs/bf, a 12-foot 5/4"x6" board (approximately 6.875 board feet) weighs about 32 pounds. A shipment of 110 boards would weigh around 3,520 pounds. This weight necessitates either a forklift for offloading or a team of at least 2-3 individuals for manual handling, carefully moving bundles or individual boards.
For a project like this, plan for a clear delivery path at least 10 feet wide and a staging area of approximately 10 feet by 12 feet to accommodate stacked bundles while allowing for access and movement. The staging area should be near the deck footprint, perhaps on a paved driveway or a cleared, level section of the yard, covered by a heavy-duty tarp secured against wind and rain.
Before you order
- Confirm delivery vehicle size and site accessibility.
- Arrange for offloading assistance (forklift or sufficient personnel).
- Clear a path from delivery point to storage/staging area.
- Identify a level, dry, and protected storage location.
- Prepare dunnage or blocking to elevate material off the ground.
- Ensure adequate space for material storage and movement.
- Consider weather protection for stored materials (tarps, covers).
- Review local building codes or homeowner association rules for material storage duration.
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 soon after delivery should I install Jatoba decking?
It is generally recommended to allow the decking material to acclimatize to the local environment for a few days before installation. Keep it stored properly, elevated, and covered, but allow for air circulation to help it adjust to ambient humidity and temperature. This helps minimize potential movement after installation.
Can I store Jatoba decking directly on the ground?
No, it is not recommended to store Jatoba decking directly on the ground. Direct contact with soil can lead to moisture absorption, staining, and potential warping or mildew growth. Always use dunnage or blocking to elevate the material at least 6 inches off the ground, ensuring good airflow underneath.
What happens if my Jatoba decking gets wet during storage?
While Jatoba is naturally resistant to weather changes, prolonged exposure to rain or standing water during storage can cause boards to swell, stain, or develop mildew. If the material gets wet, unstack it to allow for thorough air drying, then restack with stickers to promote even drying before installation. Always strive to keep the material dry and protected.
Ready to Plan Your Jatoba Decking Project?
Request a material quote with your project dimensions and desired profile. Confirm current availability and service options for your ZIP code to ensure a smooth delivery and project start. Visit our product page for more details: Jatoba Decking.
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