EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners
Find here information on Hidden Deck Fasteners for all types of Deck materials;We believe that Any
Time is Deck TimeTM. All year round, your deck is
an extension of your home. During the day, your deck allows you to bask in
sunshine, and at night, it allows you to enjoy the glittering sky. So
whether you're planning to build a deck or renovate one, make a smart
investment: Choose EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners.
For more than 20 years, our family-owned business, Eberle Builders Inc., has
been building top-quality homes and decks. In 1997, we invented EB-TY Hidden
Deck Fasteners so we could build decks for our clients without hundreds of
nail and screw holes, splinters and pop ups. Now, our award winning,
leading-edge product line is available for you. Use our deck fasteners to
build or renovate your deck. And use them for other building projects, such
as boardwalks and boat docks.
EB-TY's easy-to-install Hidden Deck Fasteners will enhance the beauty and
safety of your deck. They will give your deck a clean, uniform appearance.
They are virtually invisible from top or bottom, so they highlight the
beauty of all types of woods and composites. They are made of ultra-violet
resistant polypropylene, so they are maintenance-free and compatible with
any climate. They avoid your having to use nails, which rust and allow
moisture to seep in and harm your wood. Plus, your friends and family can
safely walk barefoot on your deck: You will never have pop-up nails or
splinters.
Deck Installation Instructions Using EB-TY®
Hidden Deck FastenersTM
EB-TY® Hidden Deck FastenersTM
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 polypropylene fasteners blends with
the shadow of the joints.
You do all 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 that 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.
To- Getting Started
First, review the installation instructions provided before
installing the EB-TY fastening systems.
The EB-TY fastening systems have been designed to accommodate special board
spacing and board thickness. To ensure best quality results, moisture in
deck boards should reach appropriate moisture level of the surroundings
prior to installation.
Install 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
trim-head screw at each joist of the first deck board.
Glue and insert EB-TY® 3/8" IPE Tapered Wood Plugs
(Part Code: IPLUG01) 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 at each joist and deck board intersection
using a 1/8" router bit or plate joiner (biscuit cutter #20).
Note: Adjust router or plate joiner (biscuit cutter) 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 EB-TY fasteners in the slots at each joist.
Install one #7 X 2-1/4" stainless trim-head screw in each fastener at a 45°
angle. Don't over tighten screws, just tighten snug to the EB-TY fasteners.
Note: Drill an angled 1/8" pilot hole for each screw when installing
hardwood decking to avoid splintering and to ensure 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" in width.
Cut a slot at each intersection with 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 the custom built tool 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 trim-head screw in each fastener at a 45° angle. Tighten snug to
the EB-TY fasteners.
Repeat the above process until all decking 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 and plugs, following the same procedure as with the
first board.
Fasteners/Square Foot Chart
Count the number of joists and multiply by the number of deck boards. To
determine the number of deck boards, divide deck width in inches by the
width of the boards (3.5", 5.5", etc).
|
Number of EB-TY 3.5" boards w / 16 on center joists |
Number of EB-TY 2.75 |
Contact info for EB-TY Hidden deck;
EB-TY® Hidden Deck-Fastening
SystemsTM
Blue Heron Enterprises, LLC
P.O Box 5389
North Branch, NJ 08876
1-800-Get EBTY (1-800-438-3289)
Fax: 908-534-8658
Frequently Asked Questions regarding EB-TY®
Hidden Deck FastenersTM
The following helpful hints are answers to questions most frequently asked by our customers. While our answers are meant to assist you, they may not necessarily pertain to your individual building project. Please contact your building-material supplier, contractor, architect or EB-TY if you require more specific information.
What are today's hottest trends in decks?
Decks have become one of the most important features of
American homes today. More and more people are coming to realize that having
a deck enhances the value of their home. We're all busy these days, and we
view our home as a safe haven, a place where we can enjoy relaxing times
with our family and friends. Decks are an easy and convenient way to extend
your living space. They help put us in touch with Nature, and bring fresh
air and sunshine into our lives.
How did you identify the need for hidden deck fasteners?
For more than 20 years, our family has been building top-quality homes. We
are interested in the aesthetics of deck design — and so are our customers.
So we wanted a way to create beautiful decks with precise, straight lines,
which are extremely difficult to achieve with nails and screws.
What are other disadvantages of using screws and nails to
build a deck?
For one thing, using screws and nails often results in
splinters, gouges, hammer damage and holes. Also, not only do screws and
nails eventually rust, they also allow moisture to seep into the wood,
leading to water damage. In contrast, our deck fasteners can't rust, cannot
damage the deck boards and actually enhance the beauty, long life and safety
of the deck: They don't pop up like screws and nails do. That's good news
for people who love to be barefoot when they're outside, enjoying their
deck.
Do EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners work with all kinds of wood
and composites?
Absolutely. Our award winning, leading-edge Hidden Deck Fasteners work with any kind of wood or composite you choose for your deck. [Link to products page.]
Why do you use the phrase "Anytime is Deck TimeTM"?
We think that no matter what time of the year it is, any time
is a good time to enjoy your deck. Decks aren't only for summertime fun.
Even in the middle of winter, people grill dinner on their decks. So no
matter what time of the year it is, your deck will enrich your lifestyle
morning, noon and night.
What are the most common mistakes people make when building a deck?
Building a deck is a smart investment for any home. But a lot
of people make the mistake of not having a sound plan for making their dream
deck a reality. For example, they may not consider the importance of how the
finished product will look. Often, they choose screws or nails to fasten the
deck boards without realizing how screws and nails can create safety hazards
— popping up, causing splinters — as well as rusting and allowing water
damage, both of which mar the beauty of the deck.
Are your EB-TY Hidden Deck Fastener durable? Will they last?
Our fasteners are the most reliable, long-lasting fasteners on the market. They are manufactured in the United States and made of ultra-violet resistant polypropylene. They can't rust, and they're guaranteed to last 100 years under normal use.
Are EB-TY products guaranteed?
EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners are guaranteed to last 100 years with normal use.
Are EB-TY® Hidden Deck Fasteners easy to install?
Yes. In fact, customers have told us our hidden deck
fasteners are easier to use than others because they don't require two
persons to install. And they are always installed from above, so they're
ideal for decks that are low to the ground.
Are EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners time-consuming to use?
EB-TY deck fasteners actually save time, in the long run. As
with all quality projects, building a beautiful and long-lasting deck is not
achieved instantaneously. However, our customer research shows that, once
you've read the instructions, installation of our deck fasteners can be done
efficiently and with no problems.
What about cost? Aren't EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners more expensive than
others on the market?
Our customers tell us EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners are the
best value on the market. While our price may be a bit higher than those of
some of our competitors, you¹ll see a payoff in your investment, in terms of
the look of your deck, its ability to provide you and your family pleasure
for years to come and the value it adds to your home. In addition, you will
not have to spend money to redo your deck or pay to replace popped-up nails
and screws.
How can I have EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners delivered?
It's easy. Call our toll-free number — 800-438-3289 — and we'll have them
delivered to your door either overnight or by standard mail service,
depending on your timetable.
What size boarding — in terms of length and width — works best for EB-TY installation?
EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners work with any size decking
material. Original Big EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners work especially well with
thicker boards, such as 2"x4" and 2"x6", decking material. These larger
fasteners are ideal for heavy-duty applications such as docks, boardwalks,
etc.
EB-TY L.C. and L.C. Jr. "Live CylinderTM"
1/4" Hidden Deck Fasteners are for use with kiln-dried decking and
other composites that expand as moisture level increases with temperature
increases.
What kind of ventilation system must a deck have for EB-TY
Hidden Deck Fasteners to work best?
Allow air to flow freely through the skirting, as well as below the deck.
Ventilation is essential for a deck's long-term stability. Lack of
ventilation prevents the quick evaporation of water draining through your
deck, creating a constant source of moisture on the back of the deck boards.
Moisture can lead to cupping with some brands of decking.
How can I have a lumber yard pre-groove my decking material
to accept EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners?
It's simple. Just print out the schematic below and bring it
to your lumber yard. They'll use it to set their routers to create perfect,
pre-grooved decking material.
How many EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners are needed for a square
foot of decking?
The number of fasteners needed depends on the width of the
deck boards and the spacing between joists, as shown in the chart below:
|
Number of EB-TY 3.5" boards w / 16 on center joists |
Number of EB-TY 2.75 |
How do I install end-to-end boards (butt joints)?
When installing end-to-end boards, commonly called "butt joints," follow these tips:
Cut the spacer (keel) off the bottom of the EB-TY fastener (thereby making it a conventional biscuit). Make a biscuit cut at the ends of both deck boards, slip the modified EB-TY into the biscuit cut, thus creating a continuous board with the joint centered over the joist (do not install screws). Install the same as you would any other continuous board. (Should you need more joist space, you can sister the joist.)
How can I replace a previously installed EB-TY deck board?
To replace a board that has been previously installed with EB-TY Hidden-Deck Fasteners, use a reciprocating saw to cut all the EB-TY fasteners along the side of the board that¹s farthest from your house or building. Now carefully pry out the board, working from the side on which you cut the fasteners.
Use a 1/8" router bit or plate joiner (biscuit cutter) to cut slots (kerfs) at each joist on the side of your new deck board closest to your house or building. Now install the new board, sliding the slots over the existing exposed EB-TY fasteners. Fasten the opposite side of the new board using screws and plugs at each joist.. Use a 1/8" drill bit with a 3/8" countersink. Drive in a #7 x 2-1/4" stainless trim-head screw
Why is construction adhesive needed?
Construction adhesive acts as an insulator, helping eliminate squeaking and creaking after your deck boards have settled, so your deck will sound solid years after installation. Depending on which exterior construction adhesive is required for your climate area, the adhesive also provides additional holding power.