The Importance of Acclimation

Before building a new Alameda deck, the decking must be allowed to acclimate for 1-4 weeks in an environment similar to where your deck will be built. A completed deck will be exposed to the elements, and the acclimation period will prepare the boards to handle those conditions. You wouldn't install your deck indoors or cover the completed thing with a tarp, so why would you do that to the boards? Instead, stack your boards outside with spacers between every layer, allowing for lots of air flow across every surface of each deck board. Improperly acclimated lumber will shrink and/or expand, resulting in warps, buckles, and end checks.