Mahogany Installation Guide

Installation Requirements

If Products are used to build a deck, Green World requires that Products be installed pursuant to the following specifications to ensure warranty validation:

Prior to Installation

Always check with local building codes and an architect prior to constructing. Follow all building codes that apply in your area. Since there are many different variables one can encounter on an installation project, it is your responsibility to test the material for suitability for your project prior to constructing. Follow all manufacturers’ installation instructions for the individual products used on the project. If any building codes or manufacturers installation instructions contradict or differ from information provided by Green World Lumber, contact us for written clarification prior to starting your project.

MATERIAL HANDLING & STORAGE

• Genuine Mahogany deck boards supplied by Green World Lumber are for outdoor use only.
• Store out of direct sunlight and keep dry by covering. Covering also prevents premature oxidation and fading.
• Stored decking should be kept off the ground at least 4″ (used 2×4’s for dunnage, or scrap pieces of lumber).
• Use dunnage (separating sticks) between rows of stacked lumber for ventilation during acclimation.
• Stack deck boards with the longest lengths on the bottom, building to the shortest lengths on top. Mahogany decking is heavy, so do not stack more than several feet high. Use enough support dunnage (such as 2×4 studs) so that your stack does not sag from its weight. Line your dunnage up vertically for maximum stabilization.
• Allow wood to acclimate and stabilize to installation environment humidity levels before installation!
• Allow a minimum of two weeks to properly acclimate the wood. Failing to properly acclimate the wood before installation could cause the wood to crack, buckle, warp, etc. after installation.
• Wood will naturally darken upon exposure. There may be lighter/darker areas on boards (i.e. – where banding straps have been) that will darken and even out with the rest of the board after exposure.

CUTTING

• Use all safety precautions when using tools, including wearing safety glasses and breathing mask.
• Carbide-tipped saw blades are recommended for smooth cuts.
• Go slower as you cut through the Mahogany to get a smooth cut. This will minimize splintering on the bottom of the board.
• It is recommended that you use a 10″ to 12″ compound miter saw to ensure smooth, straight cuts.
• Always cut with the good face up to minimize end-cut splintering.
• Seal all fresh-cut ends with an end-sealer.

INSTALLING

• Genuine Mahogany should never be attached to a solid surface such as concrete. Sleepers, stringers, or joists should be used to fasten the deck boards to the structure. Proper drainage and ventilation should be considered to avoid movement, cupping, and checking.
• Ventilation – Allow for air flow underneath and between the deck boards in your design for maximum long-term stability. Follow proper gapping/spacing recommendations below for best results. Decks should be built at least 24″ above the underlying surface and have open ventilation from three sides. In all cases, it is necessary to have at least 50% unrestricted airflow.
• Spanning – For minimal waste and a strong deck, we recommend that you build your deck on 12″ spans.
• Gapping – Allow a 3/16″ gap between board widths on 4″ (3-1/2”net) wide decking, and 1/4″ gap between board widths on 6″ (5-1/2”net) wide decking for drainage, airflow and expansion. Use 1/4″ and 3/16″ strips of scrap plywood or nails with equivalent shank size for gauging.

FASTENING

• Face screwing or edge screwing are the most effective methods of installation. Do not use hidden clip fasteners or nails!
• Face screwing – use higher quality #10 or greater, stainless steel screws, With minimum penetration into joist of 1-1/2” for superior corrosion resistance and maximum holding power, driven with a slow speed drill into a pilot hole and countersink to prevent splitting. Use two fasteners to attach decking to each joist, approximately 3/4″ from the edge of each side of the board.
• Pre-drill to the diameter of the screw shank to avoid splitting. The screw tip will bite into the joist below to hold the board in place.
• Pre-drill to avoid splitting. Screws require a pilot hole and countersink. Use of a countersink/drill bit combo is recommended. Judge the depth of the countersink based on the screw head size. Trim heads require little to no countersink, while wider heads require a deeper countersink. Also, consider the depth of the countersink if using plugs to hide the screw heads.
• While coated or galvanized steel fasteners have been used, they may stain the wood black and have a shorter service life, and are therefore not recommended
• Plugging will help conceal the fastener head. Plugging is an aesthetic that is sometimes preferred, however is labor intensive. Use species specific 3/8″ diameter plugs and set the depth of your countersink using a stop collar to accommodate the plug, approximately 1/4″ deep. Using a dab of exterior adhesive, tap the plug into place using a rubber mallet and allow the adhesive to set. Using an electric hand planer, plane the remaining material nearly flush with the deck board. Go over again with a belt sander, spot sanding where needed to ensure flush plug. Alternately, many contractors use a sharp chisel with the bevel face down parallel with the deck surface and chisel away excess material. While this method is quicker, it will lead to raised and indented areas on the plugs. Spot sanding can minimize this result.

SANDING

• Spot sand where necessary.
• Orbital sanding is not recommended as it can leave circular scratches in the grain.

END SEALING

• End sealing all cross-cut boards with a wax-based product is recommended to minimize cracking, which may occur as moisture escapes the wood.
• It is recommended that fresh cuts be sealed immediately after cutting.
• Do not get end sealer on the face of the board, as it will cause staining.
• For best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the container.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

• Periodic cleaning with simple soap and water and a stiff brush will keep your deck looking new.
• Pressure washers are not recommended. Using a pressure washer can have a sand blasting effect and tear wood fibers, causing a course and uneven surface. A simple garden hose with a spray nozzle should be sufficient.

FINISHING

• Before applying finishes, brush and clean the surface to remove dirt and dust
• Seal decking with a high-quality penetrating oil sealer on all four sides prior to installation. Sealing only one side can create uneven moisture flow which increases the likelihood of cupping.
• A periodic cleaning and a light coat of finish will be required to maintain original color.
• Fully spot test any oil- or water-based coating before general application to determine compatibility.
• Follow all manufacturers’ instructions for applying sealers and finishes.
• The lifespan of a finish will vary, depending on the weather extremes; however, expect an annual maintenance and perhaps a regular over-coating of high traffic area.

Disclaimer

Green World Lumber, Genuine Mahogany decking products are carefully selected and inspected to ensure the finest quality. However, all natural wood is subject to expansion and contraction as the moisture in the environment surrounding the wood changes. Shrinkage, expansion, checking, slight cupping, and other movement are normal occurrences in all hardwood decking. Natural wood products are subject to variances in color, grain, density, and performance