Eb-Ty -- Installation

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.
stainless steel deck screw

composite deck screw

Glue and insert EB-TY^® 3/8" IPE Tapered Wood Plugs (Part Code: IPLUG01) into each countersunk hole.
deck screw gun

Carefully remove any part of the wood plug that protrudes, using a small saw or belt sander.
deck mate screw

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).
stainless deck screw

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.
star stainless screw

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.
stainless steel self drilling screw

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.
composite decking fastener

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.
composite decking fastener

Use a BoWrench^® or a clamp to straighten boards if necessary.
stainless steel tek screw

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.
decking fastener

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
Hidden Deck Fasteners needed
Dimensions

3.5" boards w / 16 on center joists
5.5" boards w / 16 on center joists
3.5" boards w / 24 on center joists
5.5" boards w / 24 on center joists

Number of EB-TY
Hidden Deck Fasteners needed
per square foot

2.75
1.75
2.00
1.00