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Q I like the look of a deck surface without exposed nail- or screwheads. A local deck builder recommends the Eb-Ty system. Is it worth the extra money?
A I like the fastener-free appearance as well. If you’re building an upscale deck with an expensive tropical hardwood or clear cedar, I think the Eb-Ty system is worth the added money. In this system, a biscuit edge-fastens boards to one another and to joists with the precision of a cabinetmaker’s biscuit system (see photo). The tough, black, UV-resistant polypropylene biscuit is practically invisible in the 3/32-in. space between boards. The result is a beautiful, unmarred deck surface.
Click image to enlarge.
The Eb-Ty black plastic biscuits edge-fasten deck boards together. Each biscuit is screwed into the joist below, where they are almost invisible.
However, you must be willing to shell out some dough for the fasteners ($1 per sq. ft. of deck). And you will have to buy (or perhaps rent) a biscuit joiner. Your labor hours will add up quickly too. You have to precision-cut slots into each side of every deck board at every joist, apply adhesive to the joist under each board, and insert the biscuits and screw them into the joists. Consequently, decking fastened with the Eb-Ty system will take you two to three times longer to install than basic decking attached with screws.
Deck pros who have used this system recommend careful wood selection because warped boards make attachment more difficult. And avoid wet lumber (with a moisture content greater than 15 percent) because radical shrinkage may compromise the adhesive bond.
For more information, check out www.ebty.com or call (888) 438-3289.
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