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Tongue & groove flooring installation recommendations


  • 100% natural, uniquely beautiful, dark red in color
  • 100% clear grade; always double-checked by KAYU™ exclusive graders
  • Extremely strong and durable; used for over 50 years extensively in the USA and abroad in the most demanding applications such as wharves, boardwalks, fishing boat decking and mine shaft timbers
  • Class A Flame Spread Rating, resistant to termites and fire
  • Easy maintenance to regain original look or simply allow to weather to a nice silver patina
  • Kiln dried for consistent application, no need to acclimate or wax the ends; very minimal surface checking
  • Sourced only from countries that are leaders in ecological, sustained forestry


Density Comparison Guide

Wood/SourceLBS/CU FTKG/M3
BATU (RB) – INDONESIA60960
MEMBATU (RB) – MALAYSIA54865
BANGKIRAI (YB) – INDONESIA641020
KAPUR – INDONESIA53830
BUKIT (DRM) – MALAYSIA53830
IPE – BRAZIL661050
CUMARU – BRAZIL671070
WESTERN RED CEDAR – USA/CANADA33530
DOUGLAS FIR – USA/CANADA48770
REDWOOD – USA40640

Sources:

  • Malaysian Timber Industry Board
  • Malaysian Timber Council
  • Department of Forestry Indonesia
  • International Tropical Timber Organization
  • Center Technique Forestier Tropical
  • US Department of Agriculture


Listing Service

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION
OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
FIRE ENGINEERING - BUILDING MATERIALS LISTING PROGRAM
LISTING No.8110-2069:0001
CATEGORY:8110 -- DECKING FOR WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE (W.U.I)
LISTEE:KAYU INTERNATIONAL INC.PO BOX 368, West Linn, OR 97068
Contact: Natalie Smith (503) 557-7296 Fax (503) 557-7262
Email: Natalie@kayu.com
DESIGN:KAYU™Batu (Red Balau) solid hardwood board, reddish brown color, covers products 3/4”
and thicker x 5-5/16” and wider, nominal density of 55.8 lbs/cubic feet. Refer to the
manufacturer's installation instructions and product data sheets.
RATING:Class A Flame Spread.
INSTALLATION:In accordance with listee's printed installation instructions, applicable codes and ordinances
and in a manner acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
MARKING:Listee name, Model number, rating and SFM label.
APPROVAL:Listed as decking material for use in the Wildland Urban Interface areas.
NOTE:Test Protocol 12-7A-4A


KAYU 25 year Warranty

KAYU™ International Inc. hereinafter “Warrantor” warrants that KAYU-Batu™, which is a naturally durable and stable wood, will not suffer structural damage from rot, termite damage, or fungal decay for at least 25 years, when:
  • Purchased from an official KAYU™ dealer as our normal “clear grade”

  • Used in a residential structure

  • Installed with a minimum gap between 3-1/2″ boards of at least 3/16″ inches and minimum 1/4″ between 5-1/2″ boards.

  • Installed with a minimum ground clearance of 48 inches; with well-ventilated airflow underneath which means at least two sides of the deck allowing at least 50% unrestricted air flow. Water must not be allowed to become “standing” underneath the deck and must have proper slopped, drainage.

  • Decking is sealed with a high quality penetrating oil sealer, on all four sides prior to installation. Sealing one side can create uneven moisture flow.

  • The installation must meet all applicable construction and safety codes.

    • Purchaser’s sole remedy for any claim will be only for replacement of KAYU™ decking material for the affected material claimed. Our warranty does not include installation labor.
    Warrantor does not warrant that, and purchaser is solely responsible for determining whether KAYU-Batu™ meets any applicable safety, building codes, health or other regulations. Warrantor shall not be liable for installation or re-installation costs or for any indirect, punitive, consequential, or exemplary damages of any kind whatsoever arising from purchaser’s purchase of KAYU-Batu™ or any KAYU™ decking.
    KAYU™ decking products are all stable hardwoods, with proven performance in decking applications for decades. Excessive movement is defined as twisting or warping over a half inch. ANY visible quality issues must be dealt with PRIOR to installation. Minor surface checking is a normal occurrence and is not a warranty issue.
    The above remedy is exclusive and is in lieu of all other remedies, expressed, implied, or statutory, including but not limited to any and all other obligations, or liabilities. In order to validate the warranty, you must answer the following questions and mail to the address below within 100 days of installation.
    To validate your warranty send the following information to:
    KAYU International, Inc. PO BOX 368, West Linn, OR, 97068
    You must include:
    1. Copy of your purchase receipt
    2. Dated photograph showing proper deck spacing (place a ruler/tape measure in the photo for reference)
    3. Your name
    4. Your address
    5. Where you purchased the decking
    6. Date deck completed


    Sustainable Forest Management

    Origin of KAYU Batu Hardwood. Sustainable forest view after cutting.

    Sustainable foreset view after cutting. Origin of KAYU Batu Hardwood.

    		The earth is 70% water and 30% land. Tropical rainforest covers 7% of the world’s landmass, representing 1.7% of the earth’s surface. The tropical rainforest contains more than half the flora and fauna in the world and is an important factor in the conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen. But tropical rainforest is not alone in assuring the globe’s environmental balance: boreal and temperate forests are no less important and so are the world’s oceans.
    While the tropical rainforest can be found in 85 countries around the world (FAO), 90% of these forests are concentrated in 15 countries, which have more than 10 million hectares each.
    According to FAO estimates, the extent of the world’s forest decreased by some 180 million hectares between 1980 and 1985. This represents an annual loss of 12 million hectares. This is due essentially to the growing needs of local inhabitants of food, fuel, industrial and mineral products. The rate of deforestation is indirectly in proportion to the rate of population expansion and the poverty of the country. Of the annual production of timber from tropical forests, 85% is for fuel; 10% is for local timber needs and 5% for export (FAO). The link between the exports of tropical timber and deforestation in the tropics is much less than generally known. Moreover, because of better economic value, tropical forests providing timber for export tend to be better managed.
    Download the document to find out more


    KAYU™ Tongue & Groove Flooring Installation Recommendations

    Sealing
    The material should be treated with a penetrating sealer on all 6 sides.
    Dark Red Meranti, (commonly referred to as Mahogany) is kiln dried but can still absorb moisture, so it is important that the material is sealed thus minimizing the dimensional change. Lengthwise, there is virtually no expansion; therefore neatly trimmed ends can be butted tightly together.
    Nailing
    Nailing success has been achieved with 7d or 8d finish nails. Stainless steel will provide the least amount of staining, although galvanized nails also work well. Blind nail through the tongue at about 45%. The nail must penetrate the joists when face nailing within ¾” of the edge or end of the board. Pilot holes are recommended to prevent splitting.
    Ventilation
    Ventilation is important. Do not box in the deck underneath as the moisture underneath a boxed deck will be absorbed by the bottom side of the board. The sun and wind will dry the top side of the board which will cause cupping.
    • Slope the soil underneath the porch away from the center
    • Install a moisture barrier on the ground underneath the porch.
    • Leave 2 feet of exposed soil around the perimeter under the deck.
    • Allow a ½” gap at the wall of the house and use trim board to cover.
    • Slope the deck ¼” per foot away from the house.
    • “Vent” (leave space around) columns/posts allowing for movement of flooring. If the flooring expands, it could move the posts.


    KAYU Batu Decking Installation Guide

    Keep your decking material clean and dry prior to treating. Treat all six sides prior to installation. It is critical to understand that treating only one side actually creates an unequal moisture transfer and will increase the likelihood of cupping.

    Penetrating oil finishes are the best at protecting your deck and minimizing maintenance. We also recommend your finish has U.V. inhibitors to reduce fading from sunlight and a mildew retardant to minimize unsightly black mildew that may form in especially wet areas. End waxing is not necessary.

    Please make sure to follow your local building codes. It is very important to leave adequate ventilation under your deck; 18” minimum from the ground. The interlocking grain and overall strength of Batu will allow you to span 24”. We recommend however that you consider 16” for an even stronger deck.

    KAYU Batu is kiln dried, so there is virtually no shrinkage. However, any kiln dried wood product will expand when exposed to moisture. Please leave 1/4” between all boards side to side; this is also very helpful in allowing debris to fall freely to the ground below. Batu does not shrink or expand end to end, so trim the ends neatly and butt tightly.

    You have the finest decking material there is; don’t try to save a little on the fasteners. Stainless steel screws or nails are the only way to go. Although KAYU Batu is nailable, we recommend pre-drilling for the best results.

    Finally, spring is a good time to clean and refinish your deck. Or if you prefer to let your deck “silver out” a light pressure washing is sufficient.