Scandinavian Thermally Modified Wood: Plan Delivery, Storage and Jobsite Access

Understanding Scandinavian Thermally Modified Wood

Scandinavian Thermally Modified Wood is a Nordic softwood selection that undergoes a heat and steam treatment process. This modification enhances its dimensional stability without the use of chemical preservatives. The result is a material with expressive Nordic grain and a warm, natural tone suitable for both interior and exterior architectural surfaces.

The chemical-free modification process makes this wood a distinct choice for projects seeking natural character and improved performance. Its suitability for diverse applications means that whether you are planning a facade, an interior feature wall, or a soffit, careful handling from delivery to installation is essential to preserve its inherent qualities.

Pre-Delivery Site Assessment and Access Planning

Before your Scandinavian Thermally Modified Wood arrives, conduct a thorough site assessment. Evaluate the access routes for large delivery vehicles, ensuring there is ample space for trucks to maneuver, unload, and depart safely. Consider overhead clearances, tight turns, and potential obstructions like trees, power lines, or existing structures.

Identify a clear, level, and dry area for unloading. This area should be close enough to the final storage location to minimize manual handling, but also out of the way of ongoing construction traffic. If the delivery involves a forklift, confirm that the ground is stable enough to support its weight and movement. Communicate any access limitations or specific delivery instructions to your supplier in advance.

Selecting a Secure Storage Location

The chosen storage location for your Scandinavian Thermally Modified Wood must offer protection from the elements, including direct sunlight, rain, snow, and excessive humidity. Ideally, materials should be stored indoors in a climate-controlled environment. If indoor storage is not feasible, select a covered, well-ventilated outdoor area.

Ensure the storage area is elevated off the ground to prevent moisture absorption. This elevation also promotes air circulation, which is vital for preventing mildew and warping. Protect the bundles from dust, dirt, and construction debris using appropriate coverings that allow for some air movement, avoiding airtight wraps that can trap moisture.

Handling and Stacking Best Practices

When handling Scandinavian Thermally Modified Wood, always lift rather than drag the bundles to prevent scratches, dents, or other surface damage. Use appropriate lifting equipment for large bundles to ensure safety and prevent material distortion. If manual handling is necessary, ensure enough personnel are available to support the full length of the boards.

Stack the wood neatly and evenly on level supports. Place stickers (small, evenly sized pieces of wood) between layers of boards, aligning them vertically with the support blocks below. This practice ensures consistent air circulation around each board and helps prevent warping or cupping. Keep stacks stable and secure, especially if they are tall, to prevent shifting or collapse.

Worked Example: Planning for a 200 sq ft Facade

For this example, assume you need approximately 400 linear feet of material, which translates to about 67 pieces of 6-foot boards, or 33 pieces of 12-foot boards, or a mix. Let's assume the material arrives in 10-piece bundles of 12-foot boards, so you'd order 4 bundles (40 pieces, providing some overage for cuts).

**Delivery Planning:** The delivery truck is 40 feet long. The jobsite has a narrow driveway leading to a backyard storage area. You must confirm with the supplier that a smaller delivery truck or a specialized unloading service (e.g., a truck with a moffett forklift) can navigate the driveway. If not, an alternative drop-off location (like a street-side curb) must be arranged, with a plan for immediate transfer to the secure storage area.

**Storage Setup:** The designated storage area is a covered patio. You will need at least three 2x4s, each 8 feet long, to serve as ground supports, elevating the material. Place these supports evenly spaced, perpendicular to the wood length. Then, as you stack the four bundles, place 1-inch thick stickers every 2 feet between each layer of boards to ensure ventilation. This setup protects the wood from ground moisture and allows air to circulate, maintaining the wood's stability until installation.

Before you order

• Confirm delivery vehicle size and site access routes.
• Identify a clear, level, and dry unloading zone.
• Select a secure, weather-protected storage location.
• Ensure storage area is elevated off the ground (minimum 6 inches).
• Gather necessary blocking and stickers for proper stacking.
• Plan for sufficient personnel or equipment for safe material handling.
• Communicate all site-specific details and limitations to the supplier.

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

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