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Porches & Decks

Best fastners to use for IPE decking

16 years ago

I am getting ready to build a deck using IPE decking. I believe the IPE has been kiln dried. I'm thinking of using the EB-TY fastener. Can anyone tell me the longterm downside of using these. I've heard they prevent expansion and contraction of the wood which can cause warping or splitting. Thanks in advance.

Alex

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Comments (7)

alb1k
16 years ago
I think you should be sure how the ipe was dried before you install it. Kiln vs. air dried can make a big difference in how the material will behave and what gaps to use when installing it.

Ask the supplier how it was dried and if they know that, ask them what gap to use.

No fastener is going to prevent expansion / contraction of wood. As John would tell you, cross ventilation under the deck will do the most to prevent warping.
deckman22
16 years ago
I am not a fan of the hidden fastener systems including the eb-ty's. As the above poster noted, eb-ty's will not help prevent the boards from expanding & contracting. If you want a hidden fastener look I would suggest going with plugs. The best fasteners imo for ipe are SS screws face screwed. I use the headcote (brown) #8x2 1/2" screws for all ipe jobs I do.

Al
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I used the Swan Secure Woodpecker #10, 2 1/2 inch, with star head. I believe they are 316. I think this number relates to corrosion resistance, with 316 being rated higher(and more expensive) and recommended for seashore type applications. Most commonly used otherwise is the 305. I think the 410 is more brittle. I installed 5/4 ipe decking with these( after predrilling the ipe, nor the joists) using an impact driver and had no problem with breaking, stripping, etc. Google their website for more good info, or call customer service. They are happy to help. Just my experience. Alan
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From as John Hayatt Calls it Im the "wallet" point of view...=-( ....so take it as you will ( I do get my hands dirty though and can play with the big boys), I used the Ipe clip Hidden Fastners and found them to be great on install and seem to be holding up just fine about a years and a half later. Ipe is a diffrent kind of work it takes a little patience and a bit of muscle. A good deck builder is good with his hands and should be able to build anything confidently. Go with some one you feel comfortable with. To hid the strings and ledger board Advanatge Trim and Lumber supplied me with 5/4 x8 and 5/4x12 I just had to cut them on site to fit. Bruce I checked out that site and it seems like to much work for me it looks like alot of pre-drill and screw, if I where you I would check out the Ipe Clip Hidden fastners I got mine at the place im always talking about Advantage Trim Take Care
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Jim, I just cant see you diging up really old posts, going on and on about it, with out some type of goal. Exactley what are you trying to prove??? Go to my site, All the ipe projects have 116 on them. As you can see they are not Red or Redwood or anything close to that. Saying it is makes me Mad clear and simple. Now if you put 116 on say preasure treated,garapa or any light color wood then Yes its going to come out a different color than 116 on ipe. This is basic 101 wood finish. Any of the resin base twp products can be mixed together to come up with a different color. I have used combos like that when puting finish on Garapa and other woods. I put cedar tone natural on ipe one time because the Wallet asked for it the result was bad but I did what they wanted however for ipe its most always the 116. Ipe itself is not one color it ranges from almost black to a light tan 116 levals out the differances but the result is not Red. Any color chip you get from Any finish store is going to be different on another kind of wood other than the wood used on the chip you cant expect them to have samples of finish on every kind of product. Just get off it Man. Its up to the Customer to know if one finish is the right one for them. There is no way twp is showing product online / samples / or color chips that dont match up with what they sell. You might not agree with what they call it if so just pick another name for your self and call it that but it Defentley is what they say it is and what they say they sell is what they sell. The JonMon has been a little tense latley after a long term project was real hard on me. This is a mixed site if I could I would edit my last response but O Well. J.
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I have several projects out over 5 years old doing just fine with T&G 3/4'' ipe. No T&G material actually comes together in the joint and George and I do a little different mill for it plus I cut a 1/2'' slot in the toungue every 3' or so. Works good for me. I use construstion adhesive under all my decking it gives a little hold down power and protects the decking from all the water escaping from the green pt lumber in the frame. The clip guys want you to use it because its really heavey bodied and helps make up for the decking not really being fastened to the frame. If you use enough of it you wont hear the clips/decking poping and creaking. I would not do a 14'clear span at all. I am thinking it is the 28' area you are planing to do this. If it were mine I would break up that 28' into three sections with a 9'4'' span. John
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brooklyndecks
16 years ago
I totally agree with Al...the deckman22. I just finished a deck today. Face screwed and plugged (when I plug, I use #10 buglehead screws)...so beautiful that I'm gonna put it up on my website.

The best hidden fastening system involves plugging the screwholes. anything else is a crapshoot.

steve
john_hyatt
16 years ago
John agrees with Al and Steve far as the clips go using them is a gamble and soaks up a lot of labor/$

For the no fastener look I go with T&G ipe. J
digm
16 years ago
Brooklyndecks - I looked on your site and couldn't see the 'dots' of the plugs over the screwholes. Am I missing them in the photos or are they completely concealed with plugs? Also, my concern with plugs - in addition to seeing them - is that they dry up and come out?
Al - do you have any photos of what the headcote screws look like in deck?
John - Do you have to purchase the ipe T&G'ed or can the grooved ipe I have for clips be made to work in a T&G system?

DM
brooklyndecks
16 years ago
Digm,

I color match my plugs (which I make), so they aren't too visible. The plugs never come out...however, they will need to be sanded down again in the future because the decking and plugs expand/contract at different rates. This causes the plugs to be about 1/64" proud of the deck surface...enough to barely catch your fingernail.

I also use the "headcote" trimheads, and have been singing their praises here since they were developed. They are a good alternative to plugging.

steve
john_hyatt
16 years ago
Ipe has to be milled to T&G, the pregrooved material has the groove on both sides. Man, a lot of Folks have a lot of trouble using those clips. J

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