How to Install Deckwise Ipe Clips®

Ipe Clip kits come complete with most of the components that you will need for installation. However, there are a few supplies that you will need to gather before beginning. You will need waterproofing tape such as JoistTape, a router bit if your boards have not been pre-grooved, wood glue, a rubber mallet, a sander or 80 grit sandpaper if you are installing hardwood boards, and construction adhesive. If you are installing a PVC/Composite deck and want the lead and final boards to have hidden screws, consider purchasing the Pro Plug System. They make plugs to match most popular deck boards.

Getting Started

Begin by applying DeckWise® JoistTape™ or other waterproofing tape to the joists. JoistTape™ effectively prevents wood rot. Note that it even seals around deck screws, allowing it to provide ultimate protection. You will also want to make sure you use waterproofing tape as it is a preventative measure against shifting joists. Changes in weather can cause board movement, even when they are perfectly even during install. JoistTape™ will serve to prevent squeaking that can result from uneven joists. Initial board installation is different depending on the deck boards you are installing. See below for separate instructions for hardwoods and for Composite/PVC boards.

For Hardwood Decks:
Use the 1/8 " drill bit included in the kit to pre-drill a pilot hole for the initial face-driven screws. Drill to penetrate the deck board while making sure to NOT drill into the underlying joist material. Use a 3/8 " countersink bit to create a hole approximately 1/4 " deep. Note that you may create a hole up to 3/8 " deep depending on your deck board thickness. Installation tip: be sure your countersink bit is sharp and leaves a clean edge so that once the plug is installed the surface will be smooth and seamless. Next, drive a deck screw from the kit into the countersunk hole and secure it down into the joist below. Squeeze a drop of wood glue into the countersink hole. Complete by inserting a 3/8 " tapered Hardwood Plug and tap it with a rubber mallet (to protect the deck surface) so it now fits seamlessly into the hole. Immediately wipe away any excess glue that may come to the surface. The glue will secure the plug as well as act as a moisture barrier to seal the hole. Installation tip: Make sure to find the wood grain on the plug and align it with the deck board grain. This will create a consistent surface and a professionally finished look. Once the glue is dry, remove any excess plug material above the surface of the deck board. You may use a flush cut pull saw, belt sander or an orbital sander with 80 grit sand paper. Sand until the plug is flush with deck surface. A round orbit sander with 80-120 grit sand paper works best.

For PVC/Composite Decks:
Use the Pro Plug® System to properly hide the screws on the face fastened initial board. The system has 3 components, the Pro Plug tool, screws, and plugs. Use only Pro Plug System components to fasten this first board or it will not work properly. First, use the Pro Plug Tool to drive the screw through the board and secure into the joist. Then finish with the plug. Tap in with a rubber mallet or hammer. It is a much simpler process than the wood deck install. Make sure to line up the grain of the plug with the grain of the board for the best-finished product.

How to Groove Deck Boards. (If using pre-grooved boards, skip to the next step.)
Use a biscuit jointer or a router with a 5/32" X 1/2" slot cutting bit to cut a slot in the edge of deck board above each joist. Deckwise makes a router bit that can be purchased separately from the Ipe Clip kits. When cutting into the board, you want to center the groove in the board so there is a symmetrical profile. See diagram below.

A= 5/32" B= ½" C= Measure of deck board thickness D= (C-A)/2 This will center the groove in the board

Hardwood Decks Only- Clip installation
Insert one Ipe Clip® into the groove above each joist. When two boards meet on a single joist, only one fastener is required. Drill a 1/8" pilot hole at a 45° angle through the center of the clip and into the deck board. This is where a screw will then be secured to install the clip into the hardwood decking. Pre-drilling is only required for installing Ipe Clips in hardwood. This prevents splintering and makes sure the decking is fastened securely to the joist once the screw is driven in the next step. Insert the stainless steel screw at a 45° angle through the predrilled hole and down into the joist. Once the board is secured to the joist you can proceed to the next fastener on the next joist. Each board should be fastened with one fastener and one screw per joist. Installation tip: Using a screw gun with a clutch setting is ideal for this. Just turn the clutch down to avoid overdriving screws.

Installing Butt Joints- for either Hardwood or Composite decks
Where two boards meet on a single joist, the preferred method is to use a sister joist parallel to the main joist. Install 2 (two) Ipe Clip® Hidden Deck Fasteners -- one on each joist -- where the boards meet. However, only one centered fastener can be installed at their meeting point.

Composite/PVC Decks Only- Clip Installation
Insert the Ipe Clip into the groove right over the joist. Be aware, the screw is installed differently than in hardwood decking. Install the screw straight down through the center of the Ipe Clip® fastener (not at an angle!) and into the joist. Use only as much torque as needed to snuggly join the board to the joist. Then proceed to install the next fastener on the next joist. Fasten each board using one fastener and one screw per joist. Installation tip: Using a screw gun with a clutch setting is ideal for this. Just turn the clutch down to avoid overdriving screws.

Finishing up, all deck types
Slide the next deck board onto the installed Ipe Clip® fastener from the previous board. Again, if pre-grooved decking is not being used, prepare the board. Both sides of the board need to have slots cut for Ipe Clip installation. When using Ipe Clip® ExtremeKD® or ExtremeS®, use the DeckWise® Deck Spacer tools provided to ensure that fastener legs are not crushed while keeping your deck boards tight. Remove spacer tools as soon as any deck board is fastened On the last deck board, you will fasten the outside edge with surface screws. The screws can be concealed by countersinking a 3/8" hole and using the wood plugs supplied. This is the same process that was performed for the initial step, see the beginning of instructions for details. Remember, if you are using composite/PVC decking, Starborn Industries makes plugging systems that can be used. If you are using their Pro Plug System, do not predrill the deck or use the screws from the Ipe Clip kit for this. The Pro Plug System plugging kit has its own predrill and screws that must be used for it to work properly. To finish, note that it is recommended to apply a small amount of construction adhesive on the outside joist for securing the last or outside edge deck boards.