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Massaranduba Deck Installation Guide
Everything you need to install Massaranduba (Brazilian Redwood) decking — joist spacing, board gaps, acclimation, fastener rules, pre-drilling, and species-specific tips.
Janka Hardness
3,190 lbf
Fire Rating
Class A
Lifespan
50+ years
Density
67 lbs/ft³
Massaranduba Wood Properties for Installation
Pre-Drilling
Required — always. Extremely dense.
Workability
Difficult — comparable to Ipe in density and tool requirements
Color
Deep reddish-brown. Darkens with age, eventually weathers to silver-gray.
Tannin Bleed
Moderate — deep red tannins may bleed onto adjacent surfaces initially.
Blade Note
Premium carbide-tipped blades required. Similar tool wear to Ipe.
Joist Spacing for Massaranduba Decking
Board Spacing for Massaranduba
Between Boards
3/32"
End Gap (Structures)
1/8" from fixed structures
Airflow Under Joists
18" minimum unobstructed air under joists
How to Acclimate Massaranduba Before Installation
Allow 7–14 days for Massaranduba to acclimate to your local climate before installation. Store boards on blocks at least 12" off the ground with proper ventilation between layers. Cover with plywood — never plastic or tarps.
Climate Note
Massaranduba excels in marine and high-moisture environments. Its extreme density handles freeze-thaw, salt spray, and constant water exposure exceptionally well.
Fasteners for Massaranduba Decking
- Fastener type: Stainless steel only (304 or 316 grade).
- Edge distance: 3/4" minimum from board edges
- Pre-drilling: Required — always. Extremely dense.
Massaranduba Installation Tips
Pre-drill EVERY hole — Massaranduba is one of the densest woods available
Use sharp carbide-tipped bits and replace them frequently
Protect adjacent light-colored surfaces from red tannin stains
Seal all end cuts within 24 hours
Allow full acclimation period — this dense wood adjusts slowly
Excellent for marine and dock applications — highly water-resistant
Common Massaranduba Installation Mistakes
Underestimating density — Massaranduba is as challenging to install as Ipe
Not protecting adjacent surfaces from red tannin bleeding
Insufficient acclimation time
Using dull drill bits — causes burning and poor holes
Skipping end-grain sealer
Using galvanized fasteners
Build Your Custom Installation Plan
Get a printable, jobsite-ready plan with fastener spacing, joist layout, and climate-specific guidance.
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Massaranduba Installation FAQ
Common questions about installing Massaranduba decking.
For 1×4 and 1×6 Massaranduba boards, maximum joist spacing is 16" on center max. For 5/4×6, you can go up to 24" on center max. For 2×6, up to 32" on center max. Always verify with your local building code.
Required — always. Extremely dense.. Massaranduba has a Janka hardness of 3,190 lbf, which makes it essential to pre-drill to prevent splitting and broken fastener heads. Use brad point or Forstner drill bits for the cleanest holes.
Allow 7–14 days for Massaranduba to acclimate to your local climate. Store on blocks 12" off the ground with proper ventilation. Cover with plywood (NOT tarps or plastic). For a customized estimate, use our Acclimation Calculator.
Stainless steel only (304 or 316 grade). Never use galvanized fasteners with Massaranduba — they cause black staining and corrosion. For a clean look, use pregrooved Massaranduba boards with hidden fastener clips.
Leave 3/32" between Massaranduba boards for ventilation and expansion/contraction. Leave 1/8" from fixed structures from fixed structures like walls or posts.
Massaranduba decking can last 50+ years outdoors with proper installation and minimal maintenance. It's Class Class A fire rated and naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects.
Massaranduba requires more care than softwood or composite due to its density (3,190 lbf Janka). Difficult — comparable to Ipe in density and tool requirements. With the right tools (carbide-tipped blades, stainless steel fasteners) and pre-drilling, both DIYers and contractors install Massaranduba successfully.