All decking and railing materials are to be kiln-dried to an average of 15% moisture content before milling and milled without showing any manufacturing defects, with uniform dimensions.
The wood must be free of any rot or decay. Minimal sapwood is allowed, not exceeding 10% of the width of any given piece or one foot in length on edges. No incipient decay caused by fungi is allowed. Minimal discoloration caused by weathering or chemical reactions is allowed.
All pieces must be structurally sound and maintain its original strength. Small worm-holes that do not impair the strength of the wood are permitted, provided they are scattered and not excessive to cause a bad appearance. No worm-holes with a diameter over 1/8” are allowed, except if properly sealed and sanded.
Surface checks or other drying defects are permitted only if not excessive. Extensive checking, twisting or excessive splits are not allowed. Checking is considered excessive when the appearance of any board is obviously impaired by the abnormal presence of surface checks and substantially different than a sound board.
When factory applied, the coating must be even and uniform, providing protection for all four sides of the wood. A sealant must be applied on both ends of every piece during installation.
The decking must be regularly maintained and cared for with a suitable product whenever the coating starts to fade or change the original color.
No creosote, pentachlorophenol, preserving salts or chlorides are to be applied under any circumstances.
Stains developing from ventilation stickers when drying are not considered a defect but should not be excessive as showing strongly through the coating or conspicuously present in many boards of any given lot.
