First time here. Building a two level deck. 2×6 Port Orford Cedar boards. Any advice on concealed fasteners? I looked at the Simpson DBT1Z, something about it I didn’t like. Considering Deckmaster or Shadoe Track for the lower deck (I have good access to the underside) and Eb-Ty for the upper (no access to underside, will be attaching to trex over a membrane). I would appreciate any feedback about these systems or other suggestions. Thanks
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I don't know of a hidden fastener that would keep the Trex in place. Remember that it expands and contracts 3/16" for every 20 degree variance in temperature.
Most of the decks we do are TK cedar and we gun them down with 2 1/2" hot dipped galvanized ring shank nails. The only reason for hidden fasteners on a cedar deck would be if you are using clear cedar.
Are you a homeowner or a contractor?
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the reply. I am a homeowner, but my father-in-law is a contractor. The cedar deck boards are clear and beautiful. On the upper deck the cedar will be attached to trex sleepers over the membrane.
Michael
Since you are a homeowner you will have the time and can afford to use something like Eb-ty's which are installed using a biscuit jointer. To pay a contractor using this method is very costly.
Ebty's are plastic biscuits with a spacer that would work very well for this application.
http://www.ebty.com/
If you dont own a biscuit jointer you could probably rent one but if I were you I would tell the wife that this is a required tool for the installation :-)Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"