Hidden fasteners with garapa decking
richardi
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
My GC would prefer to face nail rather than use a hidden fasteners (to minimize cost). I like the unblemish look but at what cost.
I read many posts and their relative feedback but its difficult to nail down (pun intended) which is good system that doesn’t t take all day to install.
I am open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks
Replies
There is no such thing as a "good system that doens't take all day to install." If you want somethig better than face nails you'll have to get off your wallet. The clips are about $.50 each and the screws are anywhere for $.15 to $.35 each. That's per board per joist. This doesn't include the considerable amount of extra labor to install them.
good suggestion
Let's say my GC lets me take the work away from him and/or his subs, what fastner/technique would you recommend? And why?
I haven't looked at the systems recently, but there are several good ones, and most are oriented as much to the DIYer as to the pro.
Hidden Fasteners
Interesting looking deck material, haven't seen that one before. Click on the link for a quality (no plastic) hidden fastener, marine grade aluminum w/stainless steel fastener. I didn't see the option of getting the decking pre-kerfed for a hidden fastener, is it available??
http://www.screwsolutions.com/The-Ultimate-Hidden-Deck-Fastener-System_c_17.html
not pre-kerfed
I saw the material the other day and it does not have a slot. One would have to be cut thus increasing the labor cost. Even creating slots at the rafter with a biscuit joiner would require more labor than face nailing.
Have you heard of the Camo tool?
Yes, I've used the Camo tool and screws on two decks now. We really like it and it is easier to use then the clips and screws although
it still cost about $.50 per board per joist not including the $50.00 for the tool.
Tool
Richardi,
Using the tool on a hardwood application would seem to create a lot of splitting, screwing through the edge of the board. Using the fasteners on the face, either nails or screws, will take additional time in the way of pre-drilling, if you are using stainless steel. The clip system that I talked about earlier are very user friendly, a plus if you should decide to do it yourself.
Good luck either way.
No, it doesn't split at all. Works very well actually. I'll be using it on all my deck jobs uless something better comes along.
Garapa Deck
Update -
I visited my new house last weekend and saw that the deck boards have had a slot cut into both edges and a piece was fastened to a temporarly work table with a hidden fastener. A good indoor task for a very cold day last week.
So my preference was acknowledged by the GC!
Thanks everyone for all of your input.