Posts

What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

Image
  If you’re looking to build a new deck, choosing the right decking material and the right deck fastening system are major considerations. There are many excellent choices of hardwood, softwood, and composite materials which pros and cons for each. Today, we are going to focus on hardwood vs. softwood and share how you can choose the right hidden clips for your decking projects with either choice.  First, it should be stated that “soft” wood and “hard” wood are not characteristics that we would feel by manipulating a board with your hands - this is more of a terminology to describe the different structures and decorative abilities of each. They come from different types of trees, many times from different parts of the world. Softwood When many folks think of a standard 2x4 beam outside of the industry, they are likely thinking of a softwood product. Softwoods are sourced from all around the world and have a diverse application from furniture, to decking, to structures, and everything
Post a Comment
Read more

Why Do Home Owners like Deck Clip Fasteners?

  If you’re looking to build your own deck, or remodel what you have, or work with a contractor, you might not be thinking about how the individual deck boards are going to be laid out and secured to the deck beams. A lot of homeowners might not know the entire industry of deck clip fasteners and alternative ways to adhere deck boards to the deck structure. You could simply drill holes through your deck boards to secure them, or you can use hidden fasteners of decking like Black Talon universal deck clips for a seamless look to your deck without drill holes.    Nails and Screws: Even though these are reasonably simple tools, there have been advances in nails and screws over the years. Newer types of metals are resistant to corrosion and rust, and have better design for easier installation. Some can even be bent while installing! However, a downside to using this method is that ungrooved decking can sometimes expand and contract due to moisture or temperature changes. Screwed
Post a Comment
Read more

Why Hidden Deck Fasteners?

  Many of us may have never heard of hidden deck fasteners before, or may have never noticed small screw holes or any engineering on the decks that we've stood on. However, to a lot of homeowners, it's very important to have hidden deck fasteners in their outdoor living space. Why is that?   The traditional way of building decks includes putting the screws straight through the deck board into the joist below. These can be unsightly, especially if the homeowner has invested in a high-quality hardwood such as TigerDeck. Depending on budget, homeowners might opt for deck clips that are out of sight in order to maintain the seamless beauty of the deck boards that were purchased for the project.   It might seem like a small thing, but for those who pay attention to the little details, and wish to have an elegant entertaining space, hidden deck fasteners might be the one thing that is able to subtly impress your guests. For the best deck clips in the industry, consider Blac
Post a Comment
Read more

Deck Design 101

Decks might seem to be very simple additions to the back or front of your home, but there is a lot of intentionality that can (and should) go into decking. The engineering of the deck of is of course very important to get right, and we always recommend building through a certified contractor. For those who want to DIY a deck project, or want to understand what goes into the parts of the deck that you can’t see, read further.   Railings   Deck railings are both very important in terms of form and function. There are local codes that dictate how tall railings need to be, how much space can be between each balusters, and generally what type of materials go into the design. The basic design of a railing includes several posts with balusters in between, with a handrail that connects everything together. The posts can include a decorative cap or can be simple in design. Many designs can include painted accent pieces or mesh in between to protect small children and/or animals.   
Post a Comment
Read more

Spring is coming! Are you ready for outdoor entertaining?

  During the pandemic, people spent more time at home where many folks were looking at ways they could improve their living space. This includes outdoor amenities , and most importantly, their decks. Now that it is becoming safer to spend more time entertaining, it might be a good time to think about how you can get your deck ready for entertaining this year. With spring just around the corner, let's look at some practical improvements to get your outdoor living space ready. New or rebuilt? Many home plans already include a deck, but some homes don't have one quite finished . Regardless, for any deck that needs some major Improvement, it's important to consider how that deck is going to be put together. Of course going with a qualified contractor, and choosing the right type of wood or composite will help create an outdoor living space that is both safe and long-lasting. When it comes to fastening the boards to your deck, there are several choices. For both wood and compo
Post a Comment
Read more

The Key Advantages of Hidden Fasteners

The Key Advantages of Hidden Fasteners Whatever the age of your decking, annual deck maintenance is critical in preserving your deck for as long as possible.  Sadly, the more you procrastinate and put-off deck maintenance, the shorter the lifespan of your deck. Here’s what you should do first; check the ledger area, studying the joists and cleaning out any gunk. The next inspection is one that’s often overlooked, and that’s the fastenings of your deck boards.  Traditionally, deck boards were secured in place using two exposed deck screws. However, this method has become outdated, as screws and nails damage deck boards. A more recent implementation is the use of hidden fasteners .  Hidden deck clips , otherwise called hidden deck board fasteners, are an alternative means of holding deck boards in place. These tiny fixtures are capable of providing strength and sturdiness to the entire deck structure. Hidden fasteners have become very well respected due to the range of benefits they prov
Post a Comment
Read more

Extend the Life of Your Deck with Universal Hidden Deck Fasteners

Image
Extend the Life of Your Deck with Universal Deck Fasteners Outdoor decks are the perfect place to enjoy a great time with family and friends. They are a private place where you can host guests and allow children to play freely. With the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, more and more people are starting to see the value of installing an outdoor deck, and many who opt for one value longevity and function as top criteria. Decking should be sturdy enough to hold up to extensive use and bad weather, as well as look aesthetically appealing, and once you get these two right, a good quality outdoor deck can add value to your property. As such, it is imperative to pay close attention to the finer (but no less significant) details of your deck. Pay particular attention to sizings, quality, materials, and the finishings of the decking boards you wish to install. The material choices you make can be very significant. If we take fasteners and nails as an example, they may appear minor but they are t
Post a Comment
Read more