TimberTech Decking: Plan Delivery, Storage and Jobsite Access

Before Delivery: Site Assessment and Preparation

Before your TimberTech decking order arrives, assess your jobsite to identify the best location for material staging. Consider factors such as accessibility for the delivery truck, proximity to the installation area, security, and protection from environmental elements. A clear, level area is ideal for unloading and storing bundles of decking.

Ensure there is ample space for the delivery vehicle to maneuver safely. If access is restricted, discuss potential solutions with your supplier in advance. Confirm the delivery date and time, and ensure someone is available to receive and inspect the shipment upon arrival.

Receiving Your TimberTech Decking Shipment

Upon delivery, carefully inspect all bundles of TimberTech decking. Check for any visible signs of damage, such as bent boards, scuffs, or broken packaging. Compare the delivered items against your packing slip and order confirmation to verify quantities, colors, and board profiles (e.g., 1" x 5.5" grooved or square edge boards).

It is important to document any discrepancies or damage immediately. Take photographs and note details on the delivery receipt before signing. This documentation is crucial for addressing any issues with the carrier or supplier.

Proper Storage to Protect Your Investment

TimberTech decking, whether Azek PVC or capped composite, should be stored in a way that protects it from damage and environmental exposure. Store bundles on a flat, dry surface, elevated off the ground to prevent moisture absorption and improve air circulation. Use wood blocking or spacers to create an even, stable base.

Protect the decking from direct sunlight, rain, snow, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Covering the bundles with a breathable tarp or plastic sheeting can offer protection, but ensure there is still adequate airflow to prevent condensation and mold growth. Avoid storing materials directly on concrete or asphalt for extended periods without proper ventilation.

For TimberTech Azek PVC decking, which is impervious to moisture, storage considerations primarily focus on physical protection and maintaining board straightness. For capped composite lines like TimberTech Pro or Edge, while highly durable, protecting them from prolonged standing water and direct, intense sunlight before installation can help preserve their finish.

Jobsite Access and Material Staging

Efficient jobsite access and staging minimize handling and potential damage. Position stored materials as close to the work area as practical, without obstructing pathways or creating safety hazards. If the deck is on a second story, plan how materials will be safely lifted to the elevated area.

Avoid stacking bundles too high, which can be unstable and dangerous. Distribute the weight evenly to prevent warping or bending of the boards. If your project involves different board lengths (e.g., 12, 16, or 20 ft), consider organizing them by length for easier access during installation.

Worked Example: Planning for a 300 sq ft Deck

Consider a hypothetical project for a 300 square foot deck using TimberTech Pro decking, with a standard board profile of 1" x 5.5". If we assume a typical coverage of approximately 2 linear feet per square foot of deck surface, this project would require around 600 linear feet of decking. If ordering in 20-foot lengths, this translates to about 30 boards. Allowing for cuts and waste, a purchase of 32-35 boards (around 640-700 linear feet) would be a reasonable estimate.

These boards would likely arrive in 2-3 bundles. For a typical suburban backyard, the ideal staging area might be a cleared section of the driveway or a grassy area adjacent to the deck footprint. The area needs to be level, dry, and large enough to accommodate the bundles without impeding other construction activities or vehicle access.

A 10-foot by 4-foot space, elevated on 4x4 lumber blocks and covered with a breathable tarp, would be suitable for storing these bundles. This setup keeps the boards off the ground, allows for air circulation, and protects them from weather until they are ready for installation. Ensure the path from this storage area to the deck frame is clear for easy transport of individual boards.

Before you order

• Assess delivery truck access to the jobsite.
• Identify a clear, level, and dry area for material storage.
• Ensure someone is available to receive and inspect the delivery.
• Verify quantities, colors, and profiles against the order.
• Document any damage or discrepancies on the delivery receipt.
• Elevate decking bundles off the ground using spacers.
• Protect materials from direct sunlight, rain, and extreme temperatures.
• Ensure adequate airflow around stored bundles.
• Plan for safe and efficient material transport to the installation area.
• Organize boards by length if multiple sizes are ordered.

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