WRC 5/4 x 6 Deck Board Fastening & Finishing
I’ve got my two decks all framed up and am ready to lay down the boards. When I started out we had planned to use Ipe, but then we added a second deck, post and beam features…… You get the idea.
Job Specs: Location = Toronto, Boards = 5/4×6 Western Red Cedar #2 or Better Knotty, Two Decks = 640 sqft total, Finish = UV Seal
I hope to get some consensus on best practices for the following:
Fastening: How should I fasten the boards?
Which hidden fastener system works well with WRC?
If face screwing, which screws should I use and do I need to pre-drill?
Protecting:
I would like to preserve the warmth and natural tone of the finished deck. I plan to use a UV sealant like Cabot. I realize this will involve washing the deck semi-annually and hopefully seal every other (or more).
If this was your deck and you had plenty of hands to help, would you pre-finish boards: sand, seal, cut & end seal?
What is best practice?
Board Pattern:
I picked up the Decks & Outdoor Projects vol 3 (FHB) magazine a couple weeks back which showed a nice board detail on an Ipe deck. Can’t remember the specific pattern name, but it was a picture frame border, 3 courses wide, butt joints which used a biscuit joint for strength.
Can I still attempt this pattern with WRC, or is it too soft?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
Few Decisions Made
I've made a couple decisions:
Fastening: will use the DeckMaster system. I hope the expense and time are worth it!
Protection: will be taking the edge off certain board ends when cut (pattern) and already have the sander out and a keen father so I'll have the belt sander out to finish the boards with 80 grit and give them a coat of Cabot's prior to install.
Q: Should I seal the cut ends of the boards? I'm guessing yes.
Board Pattern: haven't found definitive answer but I'm going to stick with the pattern and just add some blocking so the joint lands on it.