Hi All,
Half-way through installing 2×6 cedar using shadoe track on a 28×14 deck. One concern I had was the holding power of cedar…but seems ok at this point, just use all the screws recommended.
Observations:
Two days to this point (15 – 12footers and 15 – 16 footers) as in this is going a LOT slower than planned as I have to shuttle along on back under joists. And why can’t I buy Robertson (square head) screws that match the drivers anymore? Ill fitting screw-heads just add more time to install.
Wish I had known the track comes in colours other than galv. as you can see the track though the gaps.
Angle of screw determines the direction the board is pulled – not always a bad thing as it allows you to make minor adjustments.
Screw track down to joists. Wouldn’t recommend ring shank nails especially when using natural decking.
You have to be able to be underneath the deck for a proper install.
My cost is Can$6.65 per 8ft.
The track is fairly lightweight so that re-screwing is not quite as effective subsequent times due to holes spreading.
The end result is looking very good and no worries about water sitting in screw holes. Should be good for the Wet Coast on Vancouver Island.
Cheers
Replies
Concerning shuffling around on your back under the deck; Would a creeper, like auto mechanics use, work? I suppose the ground is too soft. Tarps? Doesn't sound like much fun.
Good point Danno. Lay some 1/2" ply down and give a creeper a try. I don't see why that wouldn't end the pain sooner.Thanks.
You're welcome. I thought about plywood, but was afraid there'd be no way to get it in there. That'd be good if you can do it.
(I used to have to crawl around on my belly in a crawl space and hated that--there was no room for anything other than me (I did put a vapor barrier on the dirt though). There was so little space the previous owner had to dig a hole for the new furnace and left it so that the sides were always caving in on the furnace--had to dig out to be able to replace the filter! I finally dug out the caved-in dirt and filled plastic mesh bags with it and stacked them against the sides of the hole to kep them from caving in more. Sorry for the hijack!)
I understand your pain with screws and bits.
On my deck I tried to use the combo phillps/square drive bit that came in the box of screws. Junk in one word Junk!
I used a square drive bit from Senco intended for their auto drywall gun. Much, much better. 1200 sq ft deck used two bits, one for me and one for my buddy helping. Both bits are still good and still used. Impact driver was used to drive the screws.