• Keep your KAYU hardwood deck boards clean, dry and out of direct sunlight before installation and finishing.

Finishing:

• 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 in order to maintain original color.

Ventilation and Air Flow:

• Check and follow your local building codes
• Allow adequate ventilation for proper air flow to reduce cupping and checking potential.
• For maximum long term stability, install deck with a minimum ground clearance of 18”, with at least two sides of the deck open.  In all cases, it is absolutely necessary to have at least 50% unrestricted airflow. 
• Create a slope for drainage so there is no chance of standing water.
• If a minimum ground clearance of 18” is not available, we recommend 5/4 X 4 decking.

Maximum Allowable Decking Spans

KAYU Batu and Yellow Balau Decking:

KAYU DRM and KAYU Siap (Pre-Finished) Decking:

• For increasingly stronger decks, we recommend narrower spans.

Spacing:

KAYU decking is kiln dried. Unlike air dried boards shrinkage is very limited.  However, excessive moisture may cause the boards to expand slightly.

• Install 6” (5-1/2” net) decking with a minimum gap of 1/4” between each deck board.  4” (3-1/2” net) decking should have a minimum gap of 3/16” between each board. Also allow ¼” from any structures such as foundations or rail post.
• In more demanding applications, such as boat docks, decks built closer to the ground and decks with less airflow, a minimum gap of 5/16” for 6” decking and a minimum of ¼” for 4” is required.
• KAYU decking does not shrink or expand end to end, so neatly trim ends and butt together.

Fastening:

• Pre-drill pilot holes and countersink for all screws using higher quality #10 or greater, stainless steel screws, with a minimum screw penetration into joist of 1-1/2”.

• Face screwing or edge screwing are the most effective methods of installation. Do not use hidden clip fasteners or nails!

Safety:

• Though we have had no reports of irritation of any kind with our hardwoods, we still recommend wearing protective eyewear, dust masks and gloves during installation.

Disclaimer:

• KAYU hardwood 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.