Deck Installation Instructions Using EB-TY® Hidden Deck Fasteners™
EB-TY® Hidden Deck Fasteners™ make installation easy. They help you install beautiful decking without splinters, nail holes or visible fasteners - above or below the deck. The dark color of the ultra-violet resistant polypropolene fasteners blends with the shadow of the joints.
You do all the work from above, so your deck can be as close to the ground as you want to make it. EB-TY fasteners automatically set even 3/32" or 1/4" spacing between deck boards and ensure all deck boards are at a level, uniform height. You need only one EB-TY fastener and one screw wherever a deck board intersects with a joist.
Getting Started Review the installation instructions provided prior to installing the EB-TY fastening system.
The EB-TY fastening systems have been designed to accomodate special board spacing and board thickness. To ensure top quality results, moisture in deck boards should reach the appropriate moisture level of the surroundings prior to installation.
Installing the first board
Apply a bead of exterior construction adhesive to each joist approximately 3/8" in width
Fasten one side of the first deck board using screws and plugs. Use a 1/8" drill bit with a 3/8" countersink.
Drive in a #7 x 2-1/4" stainless steel trim screw (supplied) at each joist of the first deck board
Glue and insert 3/8" IPE wood plugs (supplied) into each countersunk hole
Carefully remove any part of the wood plug that protrudes, using a small saw or belt sander
Cut a slot (or kerf) in deck board intersection using a 1/8" router bit or plate joiner, (biscuit cutter #20)
HINT: Adjust router or plate joiner (biscuit joiner) height so that the bottom edge of the EB-TY fastener is flush with the bottom of the deck board.
NOTE: If using pre-grooved decking no slot or kerf cut is necessary
Place the EB-TY in the slots at each joist
Install one #7 x 2-1/4" stainless steel trim head screw (supplied) in each EB-TY fastener at a 45 degree angle. Don't over tighten screws, just tighten snug to the EB-TY fasteners
Hint: Drill an angled 1/8" pilot hole for each screw when installing hardwood decking to avoid splintering and to insure that the decking is pulled tight to the joist
Installing Additional Deck Boards
Apply a bead of exterior construction adhesive to each joist, approximately 3/8" width.
Cut a slot at each intersection with a joist on each side of the next board. Do this in a production-like manner to maximize your efficiency and save time.
Place the board so the slot slips over the exposed EB-TY fasteners. The fasteners will maintain uniform spacing between the deck boards.
Use a BoWrench® or a clamp to straighten boards if necessary.
Place EB-TY fasteners in the slot at each joist. Install one #7 x 2-1/4" stainless steel trim head screw in each fastener at a 45 degree angle. Tighten snug to the EB-TY fasteners.
Repeat the above process until all deck boards are fastened with the exception of the final (outside board).
Installing the Final Outside Board
Cut slots or kerfs ONLY on the inside of the final board.
Place the board so the slots slip over the exposed EB-TY fasteners.
Fasten using screws & plugs, following the same procedure as with the first board.
