Stronger Installations Help Decks Evolve

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Each year, schools, universities and other learning institutions spend tens of thousands of dollars either refurbishing dilapidated decks or creating lavish spaces complete with multiple tiers, stadium seating, atriums and dining sections.

Once considered either a pricey luxury or on the other side of the spectrum, an afterthought that was haphazardly attached to virtually any exterior, decks are now an integral part of outdoor living, providing high-end entertainment value on either a small or grand scale.

Creating a Perfect Outdoor Space

As an expression of the educational experience itself, it’s no wonder that so many campuses place such a high value on creating the perfect outdoor space. This extends from the choice of deck boards to the fasteners that are relied upon to tie it all together for decades-and provide the looks and performance that are right for everyday lifestyle, whether it’s meeting friends for coffee or studying into the late hours.

Given the demands on every level, it’s also no wonder that structural integrity and aesthetics are always the primary concerns. Natural woods continue to dominate the deck scene, while the market for low-maintenance capped composites and PVC products continue to rise. To keep pace with the growth of all types of decking, manufacturers have steadily introduced and updated fastener options to ensure the construction of long-lasting, durable decks that can survive even the most demanding climates and the rigors imposed by students annually.

The traditional galvanized screws that are face-fastened through the top of the board are not expensive, however along with being visible and unattractive, they can rust, split the wood surface making it vulnerable to moisture penetration, and pop over time, creating a hazard. They can also get red hot in the sun, since metal heats up much more quickly than wood or composites-not exactly barefoot-friendly during hot spring and summer days.

These issues have set the stage for a fastener-free look that is easy on the feet and eyes. However, contractors found that existing systems were costly and time-consuming – costs that ultimately result in higher tuitions. “End users are looking for outdoor deck styles that mirror the indoors,” said Dominick Paragano, a sixth generation builder and owner of Paragano Construction in Short Hills, NJ. “That is why a fastener-free look has risen to the top of their lists-they want a clean, luxurious indoor flooring look taken to the outdoor deck.”

Aesthetic Demands Called For Alternatives

More aesthetic demands, he noted, have given way to an evolution of alternatives such as biscuit joiners for wood and several types of rather complex hidden clips and plugs for alternative decking. Today, edge-fastening is the next generation of deck fastening which employs a simple technology that is up to 4X faster to install. This method is in a category of its own and is comprised of simple proprietary guides and driver bits that drive the deck screws into the edge, or side, of each board powered by a drill.

The guides can be used on standard and narrow boards, and provide a variety of spacing choices, including a no-gap option for treated wood decks that can also be used with secondary spacers when wider gaps are desired. “My crews are addicted to edge fastening,” said Paragano, “because it so fast and easy, and very intuitive.” He noted they jokingly wanted to figure out something else to do with the guide because they saved so much time on the job.

The faster and more affordable edge-fastening method has advantages that extend beyond the enhanced aesthetics of a fastener-free surface. It guides the fastener into the edge of the deck board on both sides, for strength and stability. Since the fastener is not fully exposed on the surface, the edge-fastening method actually adds life to the deck, by reducing moisture absorption and surface cracking around the fastener.

Increased Safety on Campus Decking

From a safety perspective, edge-fastening provides the peace of mind of never having to worry about protruding and unsightly screws loosening over time to create tripping or bare feet hazards. No matter if the board is square shouldered or grooved, there are no clips that have to be held in place at just the right angle or time-consuming plugs. To further fulfill the desire for smooth, fastener-free surfaces and high-speed installation, one edge-fastening system has been developed that combines the speed of a collated tool with the convenience of stand-up installation.

In addition, edge-fastening works equally well with most forms of decking ranging from composites and PVC to pressure-treated softwoods, cedar, and tropical hardwoods like mahogany and Ipe. “When it comes to speed, strength and a beautiful surface, I think edge-fastening is the wave of the future,” said Paragano. As more contractors seek to bring the beauty and comfort to college campuses, they will continue to investigate new fastening systems for decks that speed installation and save time and labor-with stunning results.

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About the Author
Chip Manger -- with over 31 years of experience in the lumber and decking industry -- is Vice President of Business Development for CAMO Edge Fastening at National Nail, in Grand Rapids, MI.