Post installation the deck boards will begin to season and mature. This is a progressive process and takes up to 5 years depending on the extent to which the boards are exposed to the elements. The signature green tinge will begin to fade initially to a more neutral colour and then progressively to an attractive silver grey. Surface checks will begin to appear, predominantly along the central portion of the boards (between the anti slip inserts), these are a natural (and unavoidable) characteristic of the timber as the moisture content of the timber fluctuates in line with the ambient conditions.

 

Typically the moisture content at or near the surface will be as low as 7 or 8% in the summer months and as high as 20%+ in winter. As a result surface checks are more prevalent in the summer months and may almost disappear in winter. The surface checks are the natural way that the timber accommodates the small dimensional changes caused by temperature and moisture, they do not affect in any way the structural integrity of the timber or the service life of the boards and underlines the fact that this is a natural product.

 

Typically 60% of the maturing process occurs in the first 12 months, reaching 90% after approximately two years. Please see the photographs below of a newly installed deck and a two year old installation that is highly exposed to the elements.