EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners,
the world's premier Hidden Deck-Fastening System for Ipe', composites and all types of decking materials
 

We believe that Any Time is Deck Time^TM. 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 Fasteners^TM

EB-TY^® Hidden Deck Fasteners^TM 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.
 

Getting Started
 

Review the installation instructions provided by the lumber supplier and / or producer prior to installing the EB-TY fastening systems.

The EB-TY fastening systems have been designed to accommodate special board spacing and board thickness. To ensure top quality results, moisture in deck boards should reach 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 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 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 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).

 

Contact us:
 

EB-TY^® Hidden Deck-Fastening Systems^TM
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 Fasteners^TM
 

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.
 

Why did you invent the EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners?
 

In 1997, we invented EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners because we wanted a way to build beautiful, long-lasting decks using all kinds of wood without the unsightly damage caused by screws or nails when fastening deck boards.
 

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 Time^TM"?
 

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. See our installation directions [Link to installation page].
 

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 Cylinder^TM" 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:

 

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.

Customer Testimonials
 

Want to know more about EB-TY^® Hidden Deck Fasteners^TM? We think the best way for you to learn about us is to listen to our customers. Here's what they have to say:



"Our builder was truly dedicated to our needs when we decided to build a deck off our kitchen and dining room. He had great taste when it came to choosing Ipe' imported hardwood for the entire project. He truly understood the importance of curb appeal and was clearly in touch with tomorrow's trends and technology. Using the EB-TY Hidden Fastening System was a wise investment as we can see the Ipe' without nails and screws! We are planning to add a deck off our master bedroom and we will certainly use EB-TY for that project. We have a beautiful addition to our outdoor living space."

T.S., Home-owner
Sarasota, Fl.

"My family can't really express adequately our appreciation for the excellent way our deck project turned out using EB-TY Hidden Fastening Systems. We now have a beautiful deck built out of natural woods...a perfect addition to our dream home."

G.P., Do-It-Yourselfer
Madison, WI

"I cannot tell you how impressed that I am with the EB-TY. Every single person that I have shown our deck to is impressed by the beauty the system provides our composite wood. This is the first winter that I didn't hit nails and screws while shoveling and cleaning the deck. We made the best decision by choosing EB-TY."

K.R., Homeowner/Do-It-Yourselfer
Vermont

"When we were planning our home, I asked that extra attention be made in the building of our deck overlooking the lake behind our home. Everyone teased me about my special questions regarding woods, composites as there is such an increasing amount of product available to build outdoor decks. Once we made our decision we looked at hidden fastening systems that would allow us to have the proper spacing required for the wood we chose for our deck. We chose EB-TY as they offered a fastening system that allows the 3/32" spacing required for our decking material. We live in an area that has very hot summers, with some humidity and very cold, wet and snowy winters. The EB-TY allows our wood to work with the elements and we have no popped nails! Our family is so happy with our deck. It is great for relaxing and entertaining. This summer we plan to use the EB-TY for the rebuilding of our dock down at the lake. Thank you for a product that truly works...beautifully."

Mrs. S.S., Homeowner/Do-It-Yourselfer
New Mexico

"Our overall experience using EB-TY Hidden Fastening Systems with new and renovated deck projects is fantastic. I would use EB-TY again in a second. I have already recommended EB-TY to other builders who build decks. And, I save time and money by not having call-backs as the EB-TY allows the woods and composites to expand and contract without popping nails or screws. The quality of our finished building projects is unmatched in the Milwaukee Metro area."

M.W., Builder/Contractor
Milwaukee, WI

"EB-TY made a stressful process much more enjoyable. It was fun making our selections and picking features for our deck. Once my husband got the hang of the EB-TY install instructions he built the deck of our dreams and the envy of the neighborhood. Now all the neighbors come to our house for the outdoor fun."

Mrs. A.H.B., Homeowner/Do-It-Yourselfer
Ft. Worth, TX

"We would first like to thank you for creating the EB-TY Hidden Fastening System and what a wonderful way to build a new deck. Our first thought was that, "It is beautiful! " We though about building a deck ourselves, but did not have the time. It is obvious that we made the right decision to have an architect design and a contractor to build our deck. When the architect mentioned hidden fastening systems, we didn't know what they were. Our builder researched your website and told us that he had "found what we needed to use to build a beautiful, safe, and long-lasting deck." The deck looks wonderful! It's everything that we imagined and our dream and blueprint was followed exactly."

S.P., Family, Homeowner
WA

"The deck is exceptional. We are sold on EB-TY! Our next EB-TY project is the boardwalk to the beach."

B.B., Homeowner
San Diego, CA

"As a builder, I recommend the EB-TY Hidden Fastening System process for working with quality decking materials that our customers demand. I like the way the EB-TY allows the beauty of the wood or composite to shine through."

R.W., Builder/Developer
VA

"We have a construction company, and we specialize in decks. We've been in business 18 years. We started using EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners several years ago. Using your product cuts our production time by 40 percent, because we don't need to screw down the top boards. We can go as fast as the biscuits can be installed. EB-TY's systems save us money, in terms of our own labor costs, and so they save our clients' money, too. Safety is also a definite factor: Customers like the fact that, with EB-TY, there are no nails, so the decks are safe to walk on barefoot. And our customers love how the finished decks look."

Darrin Fontana, Owner
Fontana Construction
Setauket, N.Y.

"Before I was introduced to EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners, I was always looking for a product with a lot of durability. Many of the decks and docks I build are in extreme weather areas and EB-TY are the best in all areas. Ninety Eight percent of my decks are built with Ipe and the EB-TY Hidden Deck fasteners allow the beauty of the wood to be all you see. My customers and I like the look of the EB-TY products. Sometimes our customers may balk at the fact that installing EB-TY takes longer, but when I explain how much longer it will take to plug and sand screw holes , they tell me to go with EB-TY. It's what works best."

R.J.Y., Contractor
Portland, Ore.

"I was building a relatively large deck (20 x 30 square feet) with composite deck boards placed at a 50-degree angle and picture framed. I wanted deck fasteners that would enhance the look of the deck. I'm an engineer, and after reviewing samples of other fasteners on the market, I chose the EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners. I like EB-TY's fasteners because they are essentially biscuits that fit into a side groove in the board and are easily cut with either a router or biscuit joiner. Other systems use barbs that puncture the sides of the deck boards and require a lot of force. If a board is struck incorrectly, or if a barb is misaligned, an expensive board could be damaged. The EB-TY fasteners allow easy placement and fitting of boards with a uniform spacing — and at a uniform angle — across the entire deck. I also like the fact that EB-TY products are made in the U.S."

W.J., Homeowner
Flemington, N.J.

"We're building a new deck that extends out from our family room. We chose EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners because they're attractive. We're using Ipe, which is beautiful, dense Brazilian wood. Installing the biscuits may take a bit more time, but anything worth doing is worth doing right. We also like EB-TY's products because they're safe. We used stainless steel nails on the deck we built for the front of our house. Whenever it snows, those nails always seem to pop up and catch the snow shovel. That doesn't happen with EB-TY."

S.B, Do-It-Yourselfer
Lee, N.H.

"I think EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners are great. They take more time to install than the ordinary deck fastener, but they're worth the effort. I have four children, and, when we were building our deck, I knew I did not want our contractor to use screws. Screws are ugly, and they're toe killers. Today, our deck is the focal point of our home, and we use it all year round. And I have no doubt having such a beautiful deck has added to the value of our home."

P.B., Homeowner
Medford, Ore.

"We are architects and construction managers. Our firm is based on the island of Nantucket, Mass. We get a lot of wind-driven rain and water exposure. Our projects tend to be high-end residential jobs, and we use top-quality wood, mostly mahogany. We use EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners because they don't deteriorate in our salt-water environment. They extend the life of the deck. Our clients like EB-TY fasteners for aesthetic reasons: The fasteners make it easy for our carpenters to create nice, straight rows when fastening the boards. EB-TY deck fasteners are a great product, and we constantly encourage others to use them."

David Bentley
Bentley & Churchill Architects
Siasconset, Mass.

"We have lawn furniture, umbrellas and tables on our new deck, and I spend a lot of time out there. The deck looks fantastic. When you're building a deck, the quality of the finished product, the way it looks, is important. So, after doing research online, I chose EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners. They're a great product. If you use screws and drills, the deck will look like Machine Gun Kelly used it for target practice. With my old deck, I couldn't go barefoot because I'd get splinters from pop-up nails. And EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners are simple to use: You don't have to be an engineer to figure out how to use them."

C.H., Homeowner
E. Wakefield, N.H.

"We're homebuilders and general contractors, and we're a family-owned business. I would recommend EB-TY Hidden Deck Fasteners to other contractors. We chose them because they're the best product out there. The advantage of using EB-TY fasteners is that there are no holes in the wood. It's a more uniform look, more finished. You pay a little more, but our customers are happy with the results."