Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 05, 1999 10:12pm | #6

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   I will be installing about 2500 LF of 5/4 X 4 cedar decking next month. What should I use for fasteners; screws or nails? The deck is totally covered by a porch and will receive minimal rain - even though I live in the Pacific Northwest!

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   Guest_ | Jan 04, 1999 04:11pm | #1

   *I would use stainless steel screws from Manasquan Fasteners. Their prices are very reasonable and the screws have a self drilling tip.

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   Guest_ | Jan 04, 1999 04:27pm | #2

   *Haven't had any experience with true cedar, but did a deck 18 months ago with 1 x 6 Port Orford Cedar (Chamacyperis sp.). Used steel screws with a proprietary, galvanized like coating (Scorpion brand I think). No staining yet.Fast-Tap's proprietary coating is spposed to be even better (reviewed in FHB a while back) but significantly more expensive than galvanized, though still less expensive than SS.The problem with SS, other than cost, is that it's SOFT. The Robertson / square heads tend to strip out easily and the screws themselves shear if you need to torque them down. The shearing problem is somewhat alleviated if you go up the #12's but they can tend to split the wood and the heads are still soft. (Come to think of it I think I drilled pilot holes for the screws at the butts to avoid splitting).In either material, I'd use #10's to avoid the shearing problem.scott

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   Guest_ | Jan 04, 1999 06:52pm | #3

   *I'd use any of the hardware/systems where there are no visible fasteners through the deck. I used one called Dek-clips (or something like that - advertised in FHB) but there are others. They take a little longer but not only does staining problem go away the deck has a cleaner look.

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   Guest_ | Jan 04, 1999 08:13pm | #4

   *If you want a clean look with no visible fasteners, and have a biscuit joiner, check out http://www.swansecure.com or call 800-966-2801.

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   Guest_ | Jan 05, 1999 10:40am | #5

   *Terry:I installed a few hundred sq. feet of this material here in the NW using a galvanized nail...no staining problems yet, it's been two years. Frankly, I don't see a lot of staining problems in cedar, and when I do, it's usually because someone used drywall screws to install fence boards...sheesh! I think a nice, high tech ring shanked stainless nail would be a nice idea, but probably over kill IMO.Brad

3. 
   jack_keating | Jan 05, 1999 10:12pm | #7

   *b Go with Deckmaster fastening system. I b believe it is advertised in FHB. The overallb look is incredible