Choosing Jatoba Decking for a Renovation: What to Check First

Assessing Your Existing Deck Structure

Before selecting any new decking material, a thorough inspection of your existing deck structure is essential. This includes the joists, beams, posts, and footings. Look for any signs of rot, decay, insect damage, or structural instability. Even if the surface appears sound, underlying issues can compromise the safety and longevity of your new deck.

For a renovation involving a material like Jatoba, which has a specific gravity of 0.94 and an air dry density of 4.67 lbs/bf, the existing structure must be robust enough to support its weight. If the existing frame is significantly older or shows signs of wear, a structural engineer's assessment or a complete replacement of the substructure might be necessary. This step is critical to ensure the long-term performance and safety of your renovated deck.

Evaluating the Existing Decking Material and Fasteners

Consider the type of decking material currently installed. If it's a softwood that has deteriorated, it's likely the fasteners are also at the end of their lifespan. Removing old decking can sometimes reveal hidden damage to the joists below, so plan for potential repairs or replacements.

Jatoba decking is typically installed using either face fastening or hidden fastening systems. If your existing joist spacing or framing does not align with the requirements for your chosen Jatoba fastening method, adjustments will be needed. For example, some hidden fastener systems may require specific joist spacing or a continuous sub-surface for proper installation. Pre-drilling is recommended when installing Jatoba due to its density. This detail should be considered if you are reusing any part of the existing structure that might be impacted by new drilling.

Understanding Jatoba's Characteristics for Renovation

Jatoba, or Brazilian Cherry, is recognized for its high-strength and durability, offering excellent resistance to decay, termites, and weather changes. This makes it a suitable choice for exterior applications where longevity is a priority. It naturally resists mold and fungi.

One distinctive characteristic of Jatoba is its color aging. It develops a deeper, richer red hue over time, which is why it's also known as Brazilian Cherry. This natural color evolution should be considered in your renovation planning, especially if you are matching it to other existing elements or have a specific aesthetic in mind. It polishes to a beautiful shine, allowing for various finish options.

Worked Example: Assessing a 10x12 Foot Deck Renovation

Imagine you have an existing 10-foot by 12-foot deck with pressure-treated pine decking that is showing significant wear.

Your first step is a detailed inspection of the joists, beams, and posts. The remaining joists appear sound, but the existing fasteners are rusted.

Since Jatoba is a dense hardwood, you decide to use 5/4"x6" (1" x 5.5" actual) kiln-dried boards. You plan to use a hidden fastening system, which requires careful alignment and pre-drilling. The total area is 120 square feet. Allowing for cuts and waste, you might estimate needing approximately 20-25% extra material depending on board lengths and layout. If you choose 12-foot boards, for example, each board covers 5.5 inches x 12 feet = 5.5 inches x 144 inches = 792 square inches or 5.5 square feet. For a 10-foot width, you would need approximately 10 feet / 5.5 inches = 21.8 boards, so 22 boards per 12-foot run. With 12-foot board lengths, you would need 22 boards. For the total 120 square feet, this means roughly 22 boards * 12 feet = 264 linear feet. Adding 20% waste for cuts and errors brings it to approximately 317 linear feet of Jatoba decking. This example highlights the need to address structural deficiencies before installing a premium material and to calculate material needs based on board dimensions rather than just square footage.

Considering Ventilation and Drainage for Longevity

Proper ventilation and drainage are critical for any deck, especially when installing a durable hardwood like Jatoba. Ensure there is adequate airflow beneath the deck to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rot in the substructure over time. If your existing deck has poor ventilation, consider modifications such as adding lattice or ensuring sufficient spacing between ground and joists.

Water should drain away from the house and the deck structure efficiently. If your renovation involves re-decking over an existing impermeable surface or an area with standing water, address these drainage issues first. While Jatoba is resistant to weather changes, protecting the entire deck system will extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance.

Before you order

• Inspect all structural components (joists, beams, posts, footings) for rot, damage, or instability.
• Verify existing joist spacing is compatible with Jatoba board dimensions and chosen fastening system.
• Assess the overall condition of the existing substructure to support the weight of Jatoba.
• Determine if any structural repairs or replacements are needed before installing new decking.
• Evaluate existing drainage and ventilation to ensure optimal conditions for a hardwood deck.
• Consider the aesthetic impact of Jatoba's natural color aging and plan finishes accordingly.
• Confirm local building codes and permits required for your renovation project.

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

Keep planning your project