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| Step 1.
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| Apply DECKMASTER® Hidden Deck Brackets on alternating
sides of all joists flat against the joist top. On perimeter joists, apply
brackets end-to-end on the inside of the joist only. Fasten with DECKMASTER®
Joist Screws through every other hole in the side of the bracket. |
Courtesy WORKBENCH Magazine
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| Brackets are alternated to give equal support to the
joist. Because the screws go in at a 60 degree angle there is some tension to
pull the boards in one direction. Alternating the brackets allows the joist to
have equal tension on both sides of the joist thereby equalizing the holding
power from both sides of the joist. |
| Step 2.
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Working from the top of the deck, lay each deck board on the joist. Reach
underneath the deck board and drive a minimum of two DECKMASTER® Bracket Screws
through the bracket, up into the deck board. If you have sufficent space you
can install from below.
A DeckMate® spacer is handy for proper spacing.
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| Step 3.
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Where deck boards end with a splice over the joist, fasten brackets to both
sides of the joist. If a random splice pattern is used, cut a bracket the width
of the deck board and attach to the opposite side of the joist from the
full-length bracket.
Cut brackets the length of the deck board and attach to opposite side of joist.
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| Step 4.
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| Continue to attach deck boards as in number 2 above, maintaining
your desired spacing between boards. if there is no access underneath the deck,
the last board(s) should be attached through the surface with screws.
Countersink the screws and plug the holes to maintain surface appearance. |
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The DECKMASTER brackets are 22.5" long and are meant to be alternated on each
side of the joist to give equal support to the joist as the screws go in at an
angle.
ESTIMATING THE NUMBER OF DECKMASTER® HIDDEN BRACKETS NEEDED:
| How Many Brackets Do I Need?
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| Deck Size |
Joist Spacing
|
| Square Ft. |
16" O.C. |
24" O.C. |
| 25 Sq. Ft.
|
10
Brackets |
10
Brackets |
| 50 |
20 |
20 |
| 75 |
30 |
30 |
| 100 |
40 |
30 |
| 200 |
80 |
60 |
| 300 |
120 |
90 |
| 400 |
160 |
120 |
| 500 |
200 |
150 |
|
Joists spaced 12 inches on center will require 100
brackets for every 150 to 175 square feet of deck surface.
Joists spaced 16 inches on center will require 100
brackets for every 225 to 250 square feet of deck surface.
Joists spaced 24 inches on center will require 100
brackets for every 325 to 350 square feet of deck surface.
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To Determine Exact Count:
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Measure the length of each joist.
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Determine the total joist length in inches (mm) and divide the number by 22
(559).
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Count joists where deck boards splice as two joists.
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For random deck board splice pattern, include additional brackets to be cut
into shorter pieces.
Add a few more for splices, stairs, or special patterns and your ready to get to
work.
Deckmaster Deck Board & Joist Screws
DECKMASTER® has made it easier for you to select your screws. Beginning in May
1999 we will be providing the screws you need with the brackets. Look for the
red, green and blue boxes that show “brackets and screws now included.”
| You will need the following for each application: |
| 10 - 8x1" Joist screws are required for each
bracket. |
| 12 - Deck board screws are required for each
bracket when using 4 inch wide deck boards. |
| 8 - Deck board screws are required for each bracket
when using 6 inch wide deck boards. |
Selecting The Correct Color Coded Boxes
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Blue Box
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For solid core composites having a true
thickness of 1" to 1 1/2", Deckmaster recommends using the Blue Box Kits. |
|
Green Box
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For solid core composites having a true
thickness of 1 1/2" or more, Deckmaster recommends using the Green Box Kits. |
|
Red Box
|
For solid core and hollow core composites
having a true thickness of less than 1", Deckmaster recommends using the Red
Box Kits. |
Click here to find out which DECKMASTER Product you should buy with your
composite product.
The Size(s) Of Box(es) Needed
DECKMASTER® has two different boxes in each color:
* please see FAQs for ChoiceDek
| Contractor 100 Pack
|
Includes 100 brackets, 1200 deck board screws, 1100 joist screws, and a pro bit
tip. Use the 100 Pack for your large decks.
On large decks you will need several boxes.
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| Consumer 10 Pack
|
Includes 10 brackets, 120 deck board screws, 110 joist screws, and a pro bit
tip.
Use the 10 Pack for fill-in, or on very small decks, stairs, or benches where
you don't need an entire box of 100.
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Helpful Tools
In addition to standard carpentry tools, the following is recommended:
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KNEE PADS
- installing the system from the top is fastest
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SCREW GUN, DRILL
- Screws are designed for "one stroke" installation. Higher volt cordless drill
need to be fully charged. For most applications a standard screw gun or drill
may be used. In tight areas, an offset drill or screw gun is recommended.
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TIN SNIPS or 7" Abrasive blade for circular saw.
Used to cut brackets where needed.
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DECKMATE SPACER #DM60275 for 1/8" and 3/16" gap
spacing - order now
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1/8" wood drill bits
for pre-drilling for #10 DM screws - see FAQs for "hard to access spots"
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3/8" wood drill bits
for counter sinking screw heads
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3/8 Plug cutting bits
for making plugs
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Exterior Glue
such as Gorilla Glue or Titebond for plugs.
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Additional #2 Square Drive bit tips - order
now
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