Hi all,

I've been lurking the forums for quite some time while prepping for our deck project. So far I have been able to get answers to all my questions by searching the forums.

But, I couldn't find anything (or am blind) about whether or not it makes a difference what face of the decking is installed up. You know, when viewing the board from the end the grain curves (cups?) up or down.

Thoughts?

Our project in a nutshell:

~475 square feet of 1x6 Ipe decking, stairs (~8' rise ) and railing.

Decking to be installed with 1/8" gap using face screws ( headcote trim head ). Railing will consist of Ipe posts with on edge 2x4 Ipe rails, 1x6 Ipe top cap, 5/8" square face mount pickets (can't wait to pre-drill all those holes)

Location: Minnesota

Thanks for all the great informative posts and thanks in advance for help with this one.

Josh