Decking Fasteners' Choices;

Many sizes of Invisi-Fast give you the flexibility you need to properly space certain types of Decks.
The new sizes are 1/8", 3/16" and 1/4". Please be sure to check with the composite deck manufacturer for proper deck board spacing when using the Invisi-Fast Hidden Deck Fastening System. 

 For a chart of Manufacturer's Recommended Spacing, Each 100 piece kit covers aprox. 70 square feet..

Introduction to Hidden Deck Fasteners 

• _{Under deck design helps prevent premature wood rot around the fastener giving a clean look from above}

• _{Helps keep labor costs down, compared to other fastening systems}

• _{No special tools needed for installing.}

• _{Will not corrode like galvanized deck fasteners}

• _{Easy installation for the average homeowner}

 

Kit Includes 500 pieces only (440 with a spacer and 60 without for perimeter fastening) When ordering, specify 1/8", 3/16", or 1/4" spacer. Kit #2 - $199 Kit Includes 500 pieces (440 with a spacer and 60 without for perimeter fastening) as well as 1500 ACQ Compatible Deck Screws for installation. When ordering, specify 1/8", 3/16", or 1/4" spacer. Kits also available with Stainless Steel screws. To order click here or call 1-866-766-9427

Requires approximately 1.75 pieces per sq. feet of deck (joists 16" on center) Contractor and Distributor discounts available

A Self-locking board bender and tongue and groove joining tool.

Basic tool binds itself to any 2x (1-1/2") joist.  • Custom size grippers or adjustable grippers available from factory  • Frees up hands and legs          • Seconds to operate              $42.95

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.

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).
 

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.

Why  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

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- 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:

 

ow 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.