How to Acclimate Your Decking
Upon receiving your deck boards, you must allow them sit for a few weeks before starting construction. This will allow the moisture content of the wood to equalize with that of your local climate, and is known as acclimation.
When you acclimate your decking, store the wood in an outdoor area comparable to the final build site. Do not cover the boards with a tarp. Stack them with spacers between each level so that the air can flow freely along every side of every board.
Proper acclimation your decking will prevent the boards from developing warps, cracks, and buckles after installation. These problems are caused when the lumber absorbs moisture from or releases moisture into the surrounding air, causing the decking to shrink or expand. By letting the deck boards acclimate, you can help prevent all of these issues.
