Hardwood decking, which screws/hidden fixings.

[RickyLee53]

Hello,

Today I've tried to lay some hardwood decking (in between the rain). It is Red Balau hardwood.

I purchased some "clips" which go into the side of the decking and are concealed. However, they are very flimsy, and more or less impossible to hammer into the side of the boards without bending. I think they are made for softwood.

There are some fixings that you can biscuit joint into the sides, but they are expensive, look labor intensive and are plastic.

Can you 45 degree into the sides of the boards? If so, i'd need a super small head on the screws.

Has anybody used these? Are there any type of jigs for side screwing. (i've seen ones in the states but nothing in the UK)

http://www.free-instruction-manuals...ree-instruction-manuals.com/pdf/p47111670.pdf

I have over 30sq meters to put down.

Thanks for any help.

 

[r896neo]

I like the spax decking screws as they have a torx head not pozi and have a very small head. They would all need to be pre dilled though.

This is also a cheap place to buy them

http://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/...ecking_screws/11759/spax_decking_screw/279681

 

[RickyLee53]

I like the spax decking screws as they have a torx head not pozi and have a very small head. They would all need to be pre dilled though.

This is also a cheap place to buy them

http://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/...crews/11759/spax_decking_screw/279681[/QUOTE]

I went and picked up one box from screwfix this afternoon. I'm not sure if to try and hide them at 45 degrees through the side or just screw 2 per plank on the top.

Then I have to think about a gap. Do I use one, the timber has been "laying" for around a month. Will it still have high moisture? I'm considering laying tight in the thinking that it'll only shrink as it ages not expand.

 

[r896neo]

If you lay them butted the uneveness as they shrink is much more noticable.

i.e a 3mm gap opening to 5mm is less of an issue than a 0mm-2mm

Either invest a few quid in clips that work or go for the face fixing as normal.

The small spax at least are not as obvious.

I can't offer any reviews or advice on clips.

 

[RickyLee53]

I did some experimenting and you are correct. Face fix is the only way. I've read a few reviews on clips and cannot see anything that looks suitable. There are a few boards that aren't straight so I'd have no chance with most clips. Good point on the spacing. I'll let you know how I go on tomorrow.

Thanks for your help.

If you lay them butted the uneveness as they shrink is much more noticable.

i.e a 3mm gap opening to 5mm is less of an issue than a 0mm-2mm

Either invest a few quid in clips that work or go for the face fixing as normal.

The small spax at least are not as obvious.

I can't offer any reviews or advice on clips.