Trying to get a general consensus as to the ease/difficulty/yank out hair factor of installing an Ipe deck with the metal biscuit/clips. I am told you biscuit the edge of the board (5/4 x6) at every joist intersection and insert these metal clips into the slot, screw down the clip into the joist and then insert another board into the back edge of the previously screwed down clip. About right? I would just like to hear from anybody who has used this system as to its performance- i think i can guess about its speed of installation. thanks!
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I did the biscuit thing on my own deck. The only difference is that I used plastic biscuits. They are working out fine. The deck has been in place for three years now. This method takes a long time. I'm no novice when it comes to using a biscuit jointer (I use the Lamello brand) and it still took a long time. Be sure to use a dust pickup on the cutter, that Ipe dust will go everywhere and it's not nice to breath. The system makes for a nice look, so I'd do it again especially considering the cost of the Ipe. The only other way would be nails or screws and plugs since my deck is just off the ground and I can't get under it. The screw & plug method would be even slower.
Oh yea, figure out a method to layout the biscuit slots.....story stick, etc. Measuring and marking is a drag.
I used Eb-tys on mine and was very happy. I went thru 2 blades, but it's worth it. I also wish the stainless #1 square drive screws were a little harder; they seemed to be too soft for Ipe. I had to be very aware of the 'line-up' of drill and screw, any deviation would bend screw. I did not have an impact driver at the time, but would think that would help.
I never have visible fastners, no nail pops, snags, and if I want, I could sand my deck and 'refinish' it. I am still having issues with a finish, but have heard great things about Penofin, and will try it out in spring.
When I worked for a deck builder, he ordered the IPE with a slot cut in both sides of all the boards then used the biscuits for attachment. The slot corresponded with the biscuit thickness with minimal slop so it took that part of the process out of our installation. It still took some time to set but not nearly as long as it could have.
Did the slot run the whole length of the board? I had this idea that if you had a router bit that cut the same dimension slot as a biscuit cutter you could run it down both sides of the board pre installation. Then you could place the biscuits just about anyswhere. Then i read your post and it sounds like the same thing- is it?
I had this idea that if you had a router bit that cut the same dimension slot as a biscuit cutter you could run it down both sides of the board pre installation">
AB,
Would be easier and much quicker if done on a table saw with the correct width blade and a properly set up fence.
WSJ
Yeah- now I'm liking it. Have to be done really well- no wobble of the cut at all- but very possible.
Darn.....wish I'd thought of it. I'll remember this......
Ripping that much ipe doesn't sound like fun to me!
When installing ebtys we double cut the biscuit slot (wider) so it's not as important to be right on the money and it doesn't take that much time.
Good slotting,
Don
Yeah I wondered about that. If the joiner has to cut a slot the exact size of the biscuit or if bigger is better b/c it gives you some wiggle room. It still is going to function as the hold down for that edge, right?
Same thing. If you're trying to save the milling cost of the company, you could do it but workshopjon has the idea right.
We did our deck with the EB-tys and bisquit cut slot system and we also glued the boards to the joists with PL premium. I hear that now the gluing is frowned on because it doesn't allow the wood to move seasonally. Its been two years and the deck still feels solid though I am unhappy with the lame finish we used- Sun Frog don't use it.
Around here you can get the 5/4by6" ipe boards with the slots cut right from the lumber yard. The guy at the yard told me that its very common now a days. Why chew up your tools and spend the time to cut the slot yourself? Let the mill do it, they've got the giant machines for the job.
Daniel Neuman
Oakland CA
Crazy Home Owner