Replies

1. 
   dualpurpose | Aug 08, 2002 10:19am | #1

   have used eb-tys on 6 projects @ 7000 square feet mostly with trex, but one job of hardwood.  I found that after learn to properly stage the work with one man cutting the slots and one installing clips and screws it went almost as fast as screw down.

   for a totally screwless deck start in the middle or where you can hide the toe nailed screw on the last board behind skirt board.

   My customers love the way that  the deck kind of floats under foot nothing to grab little bare feet

1. 
   vasalesman | Aug 08, 2002 12:17pm | #2

   Eb-Ty only gives 1/8" spaces between boards.  TREX requires 1/4" for summer installations and 3/8" for winter ones.  If there is ever a problem with the TREX, it will be the very first thing they point out.

   Al

2. 
   vasalesman | Aug 08, 2002 12:27pm | #3

   Eb-Ty is a good product that gives nice results.  My only thought using them on Pau Lope it because it is some extremely hard, your biscuit joiner gets brutalized.  If you haven't bought one yet, get a heavy duty tool and not an entry model.  BTW, Pau Lope is only a brand name, not a species.  You'll get the same material if you buy it or Ipe (pronounced e-pay) or Ironwood.

   Al

3. 
   Mongo | Aug 10, 2002 08:06am | #4

   I've used a Eb-Ty with ipe many times.

   Other tips? These are from a post I made several months ago:

   After cutting to length, all cut ends of boards should be end sealed. Use a paraffin or water-based wax emulsion end sealer. End sealing helps reduce most end checking. The sooner the ends are sealed after cutting, the more effective it will be.

   If a natural weathered look is desired, Ipe will normally season in 6 to 12 months. The wood will turn a silvery gray color and no further maintenance will be required except for normal cleaning. If you intend to allow your deck to weather naturally, a wood stabilizing agent such as "Seasonite" (by Flood Co.) should be applied immediately after installation. This stabilizing agent can also help prevent minor surface checking that has the potential of occurring on some of the deck boards during the natural drying and seasoning process of the wood.

   For installations where a "finished wood" appearance is desired, apply a premium penetrating oil finish with a high U.V. inhibitor rating such as "Penofin" (by Performance Coatings) as soon as possible after installation. If the installation will take several days, you may want to Penofin the wood after each day's work. Protect your stock pile from sun exposure with a tarp. 

   The Penofin UV inhibitor should be reapplied periodically to maintain the desired color, depending upon the exposure to the sun and surface wear. Usually a reapplication every few years will suffice.

4. 
   J7223 | Aug 13, 2002 01:54am | #5

   We havae used the LexAnn clips on a few jobs with Ipe( Pau Lupe) they do look great when your done, but it takes a while and it is hard on the bisket jointer, we use two dewalt machines because it is easy to get the blade out,,so far not many customers are willing to pay for this kind on installation,,John Hyatt deckmastersllc.com