Ipe Decking Connectors

Step 1: Installing the First Board

• Apply a bead of exterior adhesive to each joist (if you have a larger area to install, you may want to do this as you go so that it does not dry before completion), approximately 3/8” in width. While this gives more holding strength to the boards, its primary purpose is to help prevent any squeaking from uneven joists. Even though your joists may seem even, changes in weather can cause them to move in the future.
• Use an 1/8” drill bit with a 3/8” countersink to pre-drill a hole for the initial face driven screws. All Ipe Clip® Hidden Deck Fastener complete systems have an 1/8” High Speed Drill Bit included in them.
  

• Install the initial face screws for the fi rst board. All Ipe Clip® complete fastener kits have extra stainless steel screws included in them for this step.

Step 2: Plugging the face screwed boards

• Place a dab of glue into the countersink hole from steps 1 & 2. Insert an Ipe Clip® 3/8” Tapered Ipe Plug and tap it down so it fi ts snug into the hole.
• After the glue on each plug has set, remove any part of the Ipe plug that protrudes above the deck board. You
  can accomplish this by using a small saw or belt sander.

Step 3: Cut slots for Ipe Clip® Hidden Deck Fasteners (May not be necessary)

• If you are not using pregrooved decking, use a biscuit jointer or a router to cut a slot in the edge of deck board above each joist. You will want to center this groove in the board so that you have a symmetrical profi le. It is recommended to apply a small amount of construction adhesive on the joists as deck boards are installed.
  
  Note: Pre-grooved decking is now available from many decking suppliers.  is eliminates the need for using a biscuit jointer or router.

Step 4: Insert Ipe Clip® fasteners

• Insert Ipe Clip® fasteners into the groove on edge of the deck board.

Step 5: Predrill a pilot hole (for hardwood decking only).

• Drill an 1/8” pilot hole at a 45° angle for each screw when installing Ipe Clip fasteners into hardwood decking. You only need to predrill through the hardwood. This is to avoid splintering and to make sure the decking is pulled tight to the joist by the screw in the next step.

Step 6: Screwing Ipe Clip® fasteners

• Run the stainless steel screws at approximately a 45° angle through the hole in the center of the Ipe Clip® fastener, through the deck board, and down into the joist. It should not take much torque to fasten the deck board.
• Once the board is snug to the joist, that is all you need. A screwgun with a clutch setting works great for this as you can turn the clutch down to as little torque as you need.
• Fasten each board using one fastener and one screw per joist. Where two boards meet on a single joist, only one fastener is needed.

Step 7: Installing deck boards over exposed side of the Ipe Clip® fastener.

• Again, if pregrooved decking is not being used, use a biscuit jointer or a router to cut a slot into the edge of the next deck board above the joist.
• Slide this board onto the Ipe Clip® fasteners protruding from the previously fastened deck board.
  
  

Installing Additional Deck Boards

• SIMPLY REPEAT ABOVE STEPS (1-7) UNTIL LAST BOARD

Step 8: Installing the last deck board

• On the last board it is necessary to fasten the outside edge by surface screws. These screws can be concealed by countersinking a 3/8” hole and using the wood plugs supplied.
• It is also recommended to apply a small amount of construction adhesive on the joist for the last deck board.

Recommended Method of Wood Plug Installation (For 1st and Last Deck Board)

1. Drill an 1/8” pilot hole for the stainless steel trim head screw.
2. Drill a 3/8” countersink hole approximately 3/8” deep.
3. Drive screw through the pilot hole.
4. Put a few drops of glue into the hole (Polyurethane based Gorilla Glue Brand recommended).
5. Insert tapered wood plug into hole. Tap slightly with hammer.
6. When glue is dry, knock excess plug off with a sharp chisel or saw. Sand smooth so that plug is flush with deck surface. A round, random orbit sander with 120 grit sand paper works best.
   

Helpful Installation Tips

• Pre-grooved decking is now available from many decking suppliers.  is eliminates the need to cut slots above each joist.
• If the fastener is tipping down when screw is installed, making the next board diffi cult to install, then stand the screw more vertical.  e screw should
  be installed at approximately a 45° to 65° angle.
• A Hardwood Wrench™ is useful to straighten deck boards and maintain consistent joint spacing.
• Do not over tighten screws.  ey should be fl ush or slightly above the surface of the Ipe Clip® fastener.
• Assure that wood decking has been acclimated to your climate before installing deck boards. For most decking, one week on the job site should be
  suffi cient to prevent deck boards from excessive shrinkage.
• Use only the stainless fasteners provided as other metals may stain your decking.
• Coat decking with proper deck fi nish after installation to reduce any wood shrinkage or movement.
• Use an end wax on end grain cuts to help prevent checking.

Installation Videos

Ipe Clip® Installation Video

Bo Wrench Decking Tool