Naturally, when you decide to add a deck to your home, you want it to be perfect. After all, this outdoor space will become an extension of your living area and will be a place where you’ll create many lasting memories with family and friends. With a deck, you can:
- host a barbeque party with friends and family
- soak up the sun with a good book
- stargaze on warm summer nights
- enjoy breakfast or coffee while watching the sunrise
- have a space to relax while enjoying your garden
- have extra space to entertain guests
Simply put, your deck is an important part of your home, and you want to choose the best materials for it.
What makes Ipe decking stand out?
Before we list the benefits of using Ipe clips, let’s first understand why Ipe wood is a popular choice for decking.
Ipe, also named Lapacho or Brazilian Walnut, is a dense and highly durable wood from the forests of Central and South America. It is a popular choice for decking because of its unmatched durability, low maintenance requirements, and visual appeal.
Its tight grain, high natural oil content, and interlocking fibers make it resistant to many elements that can damage other wood types. In fact, Ipe is so durable that it has been used for centuries to build boardwalks and structures in coastal areas.
What’s the best way to install an Ipe deck?
When it comes to installing an Ipe deck, you want to make sure that the decking boards are securely attached to the joists. But, using traditional methods like face-fastening can lead to many problems, including:
- unsightly screws that disrupt the smooth surface of your deck
- exposed screws that can become a safety hazard for bare feet or pets
- potential damage to the boards from water accumulation in screw holes
Fortunately, there is a solution that eliminates all these issues – Ipe Clip Extreme.
Why choose Ipe Clip Extreme?
Ipe Clip Extreme is a hidden fastening system specifically designed for use with Ipe decking. This advanced fastening method is highly praised by local builders for its efficiency and ease of use when installing Ipe decking.
What makes the Ipe Clip Extreme particularly user-friendly is the fact that installation happens entirely from above the deck, eliminating the need for awkward positioning during setup. Additionally, these clips cleverly ensure a consistent gap of 3/32″ [2,38 mm] between each deck board, removing the step of measuring spaces manually. This consistent spacing is critical, as it accommodates the natural expansion and contraction of wood over time, ensuring the deck’s long-term durability and aesthetic appeal.
The purpose behind having a smaller gap is to prevent small objects like leaves and debris from getting stuck in between the boards, causing moisture accumulation that can lead to rot. Not only does this method eliminate the need for pre-drilling and face-fastening, but it also results in a smooth, nail-free surface with minimal risk of damage to the decking boards.
Where to buy Ipe Clip Extreme
If you’re sold on using Ipe Clip Extreme to make your deck-building process easier, ABS Wood has a wide selection of Brazilian hardwood materials and accessories.
For boards to fit Ipe Clip Extreme, a specific groove is required; this can either be prepared at our specialized milling facility or manually executed at your project site using a biscuit cutter. Most contractors we work with prefer having us pre-groove the boards, as it significantly reduces onsite labor.
If you have any questions about the Ipe clip extreme or would like to order it, please feel free to contact us at 352-508-4990 or 404-549-4840.