Properly installing your new KAYU tongue and groove flooring is extremely crucial for long lasting performance.
Sealing
Be mindful of excess moisture in the air. KAYU Batu and KAYU Dark Red Meranti (commonly referred to as Mahogany) T&G are kiln dried but can still absorb moisture.
When using your KAYU T&G for exterior porches is important the material is sealed with a penetrating sealer on all four sides, 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 degrees
- 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. 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.
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.
