Decking Installation

Installation Questions for Ipe Decking and all Brazilian Hardwoods

Tongue and Groove:  T&G Ipe Decking is perfect for any covered porch area.  You should install your T&G decking in a random length pattern. It adds unique character to your deck.  It is absolutely beautiful.  If you look at any covered porch historical home you will see that is how early craftsman installed such decking.

Ventilation: The design of the installation must allow for adequate ground-side ventilation. Proper air circulation beneath the deck is critical to insure dimensional and mechanical stability of any decking boards.   Ventilation also helps reduce the potential for cupping.

A note on 5/4 vs. 4/4 decking.  Customer purchases of 5/4 over the past year has dropped dramatically!   Most customers tell us that 5/4 is just too expensive and you really do not need it.  

Should I use 5/4 or 4/4 decking?  For any deck with 16" centers on joists, 4/4 decking is ample.   This question usually arises when a builder is scoping 20" or 24" on centers.   Using 20" centers for joists instead of 16" centers really does not save you much time or money.  I've noticed other websites that have used 24" centers on joists with good results. So, this 20" or 24" center must be okay. We do not recommend it because none of our contractors have ever tried it. They simply prefer 16" centers because they like the added strength and security this provides with very little difference in cost or labor.   In summary, 5/4 costs 35-40% more, is not structurally necessary and doesn't add anything aesthetically.   The difference you will pay between 5/4 and 4/4 is far greater than the 16" center PT joists and labor to install them.  Finally, always check with your local building code before starting your deck project.  Many areas in Florida and Louisiana (and other southern states) will mandate deck and dock minimums. 

Joist Centers: 12" or 16" or 20" oh my:  See paragraph above.

Deck Spacing:  Some shrinkage will occur as the wood seasons and dries. The typical rate of shrinkage can be approximately 1/16” on 3/4 x 3-1/2” deck boards and 1/8” on 3/4 x 5-1/2 and 1 x 5-1/2 deck boards. (Please note: In hot, dry regions, shrinkage may exceed the averages). When installing Ipe deck boards during the winter season, when temperatures are below 40º, we suggest the boards be spaced with a 1/16” gap. Deck boards requiring straightening should be secured in the desired position until properly fastened. Screws may break if used to force boards into position.

Fastening: Boards must be pre-drilled to help prevent splitting of the wood by the fasteners and we recommend only the use of stainless steel fasteners for your Ipe decking installation.

Fasteners: For residential and light duty commercial installations, we recommend the use of stainless steel Headcote screws, 2-1/2” minimum length. The head of the Headcote screw is much smaller than the typical bugle-head screws required for softwood deck boards, and will be much less noticeable. When using the surface screw method, pre-drill pilot holes with a specially designed Smart-Bit. The Smart-Bit drills and counter-sink a perfect hole as it has a collar to prevent your drilling too deep.  We recommend two (2) screws per joist when installing the deck boards. Always consult your local building codes for deck board fastening requirements.

Hidden Fasteners: Local builders recommend the IpeClip extreme system.  Their reasoning was that the Ipe Clip is quicker to install and is much easier than other systems.  Unlike other hidden fasteners the Ipe Clip Extreme is installed completely from the top of the deck.  Frequently decks are either high or very close to the ground. In these cases, a below deck hidden fastener would either require a ladder or laying on the ground.  Either way it would require you to be constantly looking up and turning your head and neck into a cramped and un-natural position.  The Ipe Clip, being installed from the top of the deck requires no additional body strain.  It also avoids moving ladders beneath a deck every few minutes.