Mangaris™ Diamond

Mangaris™ Diamond is one of J&W Lumber's newest additions to our decking line. It is a tropical Merbau (very similar to Ipe) that is being imported from Indonesia. Slightly softer than Ipe (but still extremely hard) Mangaris™ Diamond offers a clear grade, tight grained board that has a very uniform yellowish brown color. Typical grain patterns are slightly more pronounced than Ipe. Merbau does contain some tannins and tiny dark brown dots of tannin oil may be seen prior to and during installation. These surface tannins are normal and will dry and weather away quickly and not be an issue in the performance of the deck. The wood is naturally fire-resistant and resists rot and insects well, it is 4x harder than Redwood or Cedar.

Indonesia is far from being the slash and clear cut country that many Americans have seen it portrayed as. The Forestry Department of the Indonesian government has a firm commitment to the environment and in maintaining it’s sustainable forests. Plantation grown hardwoods are one of the country’s major, long-term industries. Logs are routinely DNA tested to assure they have been harvested from managed forests. Millions of acres of Indonesia are set aside as “No Harvest” zones to assure the beautiful forests of their land remains for generations to come. For more on Indonesia’s lumber policies visit: http://www.tataenterprises.net/environmental.htm

Applications

Mangaris™ Diamond decking boards are Kiln-dried and available in all common decking sizes from 1x4 – 2x12, S4S and E4E with a full compliment of posts, balusters and handrails available as well. Keep deck boards clean, covered and out of direct sunlight prior to installation and sealing.

Allow product to acclimate to the temperature and humidity on your jobsite for 4 to 7 days prior to installation.

Install Mangaris™ Diamond at least 12” to 16” above ground and allow sufficient ventilation underneath and to the sides. Airflow is vital to dimensional stability on all hardwood products. Do not enclose to ground, use lattice panels to shield understructure if so desired.

Safe Handling

Installers should wear protective respiratory masks to avoid wood dust, wear gloves and eye protection to avoid allergic reactions. Avoid working in an enclosed area whenever possible and remove splinters promptly to avoid infection.

Cutting, End Sealing, Drilling

Carbide tipped saw blades and quality drill bits and countersinks are needed for working with Mangaris™ Diamond and all hardwoods. Choose a counter sink bit that is designed for use with the fastener you’ll be using. After end cutting Mangaris™ Diamond always seal fresh cut ends with a wax, J&W recommends “Anchorseal” to help prevent moisture “wicking”. End waxing will help prevent cupping, warping or splitting.

Span

Always consult your local building codes to assure you are complying with your local building codes. Generally speaking 1x4 and 1x6 can be installed on joists that are 16” on center. 5/4” and thicker boards can be installed on 24” O.C. but many builders prefer 16” O.C.

When installing deck boards on an angle reduce joist spacing to 12”. Consult local building codes for the final say.

Installation – Kiln–dried Mangaris™ Diamond should be sealed on all 4 sides.

Mangaris™ Diamond is Kiln-Dried so there is very little shrinkage lengthwise. Deck board ends can be butted together. Gap deck boards at least 1/4” and keep ¼” gap between starter space and any solid posts or structures. Managris™ Diamond will expand in cold, wet weather and contract in hot weather, this gapping is necessary to help avoid buckling. These recommendations are provided as guidelines only, check with a J&W professional for more information specific to your area.

Fastening

J&W Lumber recommends top screwing Mangaris™ Diamond only. Use #10 stainless steel bugle head screws that will penetrate the joists at least 1 ½”. In general the larger head surface of a bugle head screw will offer more “hold down” than trim head screws and will help keep the deck boards laying flat. The screws are available with Mahagony colored heads. ¼” x 3/8” Mangaris plugs are available to completely hide the #10 bugle heads if you find the head size bothersome.

Non-stainless steel screws should be avoided as they can cause discoloration near the screw.

Pre-drill pilot holes to help avoid splitting. Go in ¾” from board ends and ¾” in from the sides of the boards and counter sink them. Use a quality countersink stop so all screw heads go in consistently just below the deck surface, do not install too deep into the wood. Use two screws at every joist assuring board ends meet over joists, sister an additional joist if needed to assure board ends are solid.

Finishing KD Mangaris Diamond

If left unfinished (to weather naturally) Mangaris™ Diamond will age to a smooth silver gray color and remain relatively maintenance free. Prior to and during installation you’ll likely see some small, brownish colored spots of tannin oil not much larger than a pinhead. These will dry quickly and weather away. Sealing will prevent much of the tannin bleed and it does not negatively affect the performance of the deck.

Kiln-Dried Mangaris™ Diamond should be sealed on all four sides and end waxed prior to installation. The sooner the product is sealed assures it will stay free of water stains and reduce tannin bleed. As with all staining or painting projects we recommend doing tests on scrap boards prior to finishing your entire deck to assure there is no unwanted color change.

If sealing or staining use a hardwood sealer/stain that is designed especially for hardwood decking. If it is your desire to keep your hardwood deck looking like a piece of furniture be aware that there can be considerable yearly maintenance involved, including repeated finish applications.

At J&W we suggest an oil based hardwood stain with UV inhibitors such as SuperDeck or Penofin. Due to the high density of Mangaris™ Diamond very little sealer/stain will penetrate the product, hence the yearly maintenance. Follow manufacturers directions carefully and do not over apply. Generally speaking you will be applying a light coat and wiping off any excess with a clean clothe after 20 minutes.