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DIY Decking

post #1 of 5
10/31/07 at 4:38am
Thread Starter 
Would like to DIY project with IPE decking. Not sure of whether to use hidden fasteners or screws. Has anyone worked with this IPE decking, or have experience? I am still debating if hiring an experienced carpenter is a better way to go.
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post #2 of 5
10/31/07 at 5:59am

Re: DIY Decking

I've seen it used in a number of home improvement shows. It looks like a nice product. If you have decent skills and the correct tools, it should be a snap to install.

How does this relate to building speakers? That's what this section of the forum is for.

-Robert
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post #3 of 5
11/4/07 at 8:42am

Re: DIY Decking

I worked for about 20 years building custom decks. I have used pressure treated, cedar, redwood, ipe etc. I have never used the hidden fasteners before but I do know that ipe was the most dense decking I ever used. I use a 32oz hammer; this hammer could be dropped from as high as I could hold it without marring ipe, not true for any of the other products. Every hole had to be pre-drilled for either nailing or screwing. Ipe produces a very nice finished product. Nice choice for the deck. Sorry I have no input on the hidden fasteners.
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post #4 of 5
11/9/07 at 4:12pm

Re: DIY Decking

Quote:
Would like to DIY project with IPE decking. Not sure of whether to use hidden fasteners or screws. Has anyone worked with this IPE decking, or have experience? I am still debating if hiring an experienced carpenter is a better way to go.
I built a small deck with Ipe and I would strongly recommend the screwless decking option. 1st, it looks better. 2nd, it will be easier to install (vs drilling and screwing the boards). Keep in mind that Ipe will turn gray after awhile (due to U/V exposure). U/V marine varnish can inhibit this coloration. When you purchase the Ipe, get it pre-notched on the edges (and buy a few non-notched boards for the end). I recommend EB-TY hardware for this application because it doesn't require you to hammer something into the wood. As BobN mentions, hammering is basically impossible with this wood. I would also recommend pre-finishing the boards before installing them (let them dry 1st)... this way you have finish on both sides and that will help minimize warping.
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post #5 of 5
11/10/07 at 8:21am

Re: DIY Decking

I too have used the eb-ty biscut type fasteners for a large 12x20 ipe deck. You need to cut a biscut slot in the edge of each board at every joist. You then need to drill and then drive stainess screws. I also used liquid nails along each joist under the decking. It took around 4x as long as doing a PT deck but it looks like furniture. If you want to keep the deep reddish brown color, you will need to oil it every 2-3 years. I use australian timber oil by cabots I think. I built the deck around 8 years ago and it still looks new.
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