Hey there everybody
I’m doing my first deck finish with Deckmaster Hidden Fastener system.
I was wondering if anyone has any tricks tips or techniques to hand out.
Decking is Diamond Decking 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ ironwood.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks Jim
Replies
Decking is Diamond Decking 3/4" x 5 1/2" ironwood."
IPE?????
WSJ
wsj
looks and cuts like IPE, they're calling it ironwood. I'm sure the name comes from it's sturdy wieght.
Ever use the Deckmaster system?
Jim
Ever use the Deckmaster system?"
Jim,
Yes on IPE, which is the same thing as Ironwood. IMO, the advantage over EB-TY is you can remove individual planks if you havs access from below. Be forwarned, the labor is something like 3 times than fastening the decking the conventional way. ie two 2 1/2" screws per joist through the planks.
I would not use the system on a deck for myself, but that's just me. Some people think exposed fasteners are ugly.......So is an IPE deck that isn't pressure washed and re-stained every year. Something to think about.
Link to IPE deck using deckmasters I helped build:
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=32014.1
WSJ
Yeah, make sure the underside of the deck is just above your head. I did mine crawling underneath. Looked great, but I'm not sure my body ever recovered. Also, expect to have a person above holding the board in place. The manufacturer says it can be done be one person from above, but that person is way better than me.
BTW, if you end up in a corner and have to face screw, I had very good luck countersinking and plugging. I cut the plugs from scrap and dropped them in a cup with water. Then I used Gorilla glue, applied with a small brush in the hole and tapped the plug in. After it cured, I hit them with a belt sander.