Building a deck now in hot South Carolina. I purchased #1 premium deck boards very nice appearance no knots etc..
The boards are very wet and even though I was sure to put them in the bark up position some are cupping because of the high heat of the summer sun. I think the rapid drying conditions are causing this.
Is there a recommendation for slowing the initial drying phase?
I am going to stain the deck but everything I’ve read says not to do so for months or even a year after install.
Best Answer
Ideally a person would hold off using freshly treated lumber and let it dry out in a controlled stable environment. At this point, after installation, I think I would try to keep it out of direct sunlight. If at all possible, put up some sort of a sunscreen to prevent the rapid drying of the surface. You might even go so far as to lay down a lightweight, fast drying carpeting while the wood dries out.
If it's drying out that quickly, I see no reason why you wouldn't go ahead and apply a good quality penetrating sealer. The wood will continue to dry out from below and the edges over time, but at a slower, less damaging rate.