Deck repair question

[Holmz]

If you go with screws versus nails for "hangers" so to speak, make sure that you are using hangers and screws from the same manufacturer so that you have an assembly.  Last thing you would ever want would be a catastrophic event and then have brand a not compatible with brand b.
...

Sounds like a system?

 

[Bob D.]

+1 on the Camo system. I haven't used it extensively but
did a repair on a small deck and it worked well.

I was considering the Kreg system but after checking in with
a few friends and some online research decided on Camo.

 

[tvgordon]

I did notice the number of steps involved with the Kreg when watching a few videos on it.  Very similar to their woodworking jigs which  I have used.

I have also looked in to the Camo system which seems to do away with predrilling the hole.  It looks like it would speed things up a bit.

Peter,  the fasteners and metal connectors will be from the same manufacturer - probably Strong Tie

Tom

 

[bkharman]

The Cano system is great. Takes a bit longer (obviously) than face screwing, but looks great when done. If you are using a harder wood (like Ipe), you will still want to predilection. Those screws won't "drill" through on their own.

Here is a portion of a PT deck I did recently.

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rvieceli]

[member=21412]bkharman[/member] Bryan looks good. Are those 5/4 X6inch PT boards for the deck surface?

Thanks

ron

 

[bkharman]

[member=21412]bkharman[/member] Bryan looks good. Are those 5/4 X6inch PT boards for the deck surface?

Thanks

ron

You would be correct Ron!  We only replaced the boards and handrails. Looks kind of funny until the PT boards dry out a bit and everything gets a coat of stain. We did it to help sell the place and it was well worth the time and money!

Thanks for the comments!

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cheese]

I did a cedar deck with the Camo system. Very happy with the results. The Camo tool automatically spaces each board and stainless fasteners are available.

 

[tvgordon]

Camo it is!

Cheese,  do you have any experience with cedar decks?  The reason I ask is a contractor advised against using cedar for the deck boards because it tends to splinter.  I was going to go with cedar before that advice. 

Have any of you guys had issues with cedar splintering?  I want to buy the right deck boards the first time and want them to last.  I've been looking at everything from pressure treated to Azek.

Tom

 

[Holzhacker]

I've done numerous cedar decks. No idea what that contractor is talking about in terms of a splintering issue. Maybe crappy quality cedar or him not wanting to deal with staining. I guess if you leave the cedar un-stained maybe but then it would be no different than a treated wood 5/4 deck. I always treat cedar with Sikkens or equivalent. Just sort of dumb not to.
One of the things I tell clients about treated 5/4 and staining or even cedar is that staining extends the useable life span of the deck. What that means is less cupping, splitting or splintering so you can walk around with your bare feet.
Around here at least decks run in price and quality from 5/4 treated as the entry level, then cedar, then the composites.

 

[Naildrivingman]

I've done a lot of decks using natural wood (cedar, Ipe, treated, fir).  The one common factor with all wood on the flat is that eventually they will crack and the grain will lift.  In the case of splintering, I wonder if that person was referencing grain lift?  I've not personally seen a deck with splinter, but I have seen plenty with grain lift.

I always tell people that all wood is like our skin.  To keep our skin from deteriorating prematurely, we need to use lotion and sunscreen.  Anything made of natural wood and exposed to the elements needs to be treated the same way.  I like products like Sikkens.  They dry slower, which to me means they penetrate better, but nothing is going to be a magic bullet treatment for natural wood on the flat exposed to the elements.

 

[tvgordon]

Thanks guys,  I hadn't heard that cedar isn't a good choice either until I talked to that contractor. 

Holzhacker,  the decks are priced the same around here too.  One estimate I got was $12k for treated,  $18k for cedar and $25k for composite.

I did see Menards has bamboo deck boards for special order. 
Tom