The Top 7 Decking Tools Every Professional Needs

Having a proper installation process is key for great results when putting together a deck.  And that’s why we are thrilled to be an authorized  DeckWise dealer, which allows us to offer the best decking tools on the market, with high quality, durability,  and a wide variety. 

Check out some of our products at Brazilian Lumber and learn more about their use:

1. Decking Tools: Hidden Fasteners

The purpose of hidden deck fasteners is to give the deck a seamless, uniform look with and clean lines.  Unlike face screws, hidden fasteners are installed from the sides of the boars so they are less visible.  

Another advantage of using the hidden fastener system is that they are less exposed to water and thus last longer.  DeckWise®  makes a great ipe hidden fastener called Ipe Clip^® which is made out of a malleable plastic polymer resin coating over a rigid stainless insert.  

The advantage of using these special hidden fasteners is that they will not react to the wood or stain it should there be a lot of rain or wood expansion.  Hidden fasteners come in three basic colors that are intended to camouflage them – brown, grey, black – in order to best match the exotic hardwood that is being installed.

2. Decking Tools: Stainless Steel Deck Screws

 Ipe hardwood is often chosen because it is weather resistant, especially near the ocean.  In order to maximize the length of the installed ipe it is important to use stainless steel screws. DeckWise® stainless steel screws for ipe hardwood come in 305 grade stainless steel and 316 grade stainless steel. 

 Depending on whether the ipe is installed near the ocean water or in the ocean water, the grade needs to be adjusted, with 305 grade stainless steel being installed near the water and 316 being able to be installed right on the water.

The length of the screws ranges from 1” to 3 ¹/₈” and the screw heads com in six different colors (Shadowline Black, Hardwood Brown, Stainless Steel, Cedar, Rosy Brown or Outdoor Grey).  Stainless steel screws have to enter at least 1” into the deck frame. Usually 2” screws are used for 1×6 ipe deck boards and 2¹/₂” screws are used for 5/4×6 ipe deck boards.

3. Decking Tools: Hardwood Plugs

Each hardwood is unique, so thankfully deck plugs come in each type of exotic hardwoods.  Most commonly used are ipe plugs and cumaru plugs. These hardwood plugs are placed into the small hole that exists when a screw is drilled into a deck board.  A small amount of glue is placed in the hole, which is then plugged with the hardwood plug (it looks a little like a cork for a wine bottle, but much smaller).  Then the plug is sanded to the level of the deck board so that the place of entry is virtually invisible.

4. Decking Tools: Waterproofing Tapes

This tape is placed over any wood flashing to create a waterproof barrier.  WiseWrap^® JoistTape™ by DeckWise® ^® is made of polyethylene and uses a rubberized asphalt mastic adhesive.  It is very thin, approximately 37mm, which means it will not affect the deck measurements.  

This added layer of protection help guarantee the frame of the deck and prevents wood rot and decay caused by trapped water or heavy rain season. Each roll measures 3″ wide by 75′ feet long and specs out at 35-40 mil thick. Easily apply to decking joists, around deck support posts and over ledger boards.  

For wooden posts that go directly into the ground, WiseWrap^® LedgerTape™ by DeckWise® ^® is recommended.  Made out of the same flexible polyethylene material, this self-adhesive can be easily wrapped around in-ground wood creating a nice barrier against moisture from the soil and fungi.

5. Decking Tools:Deck Board Straightening Tools

One of the most important things for the aesthetics of a deck is that the boards are lain straight and are spaced out evenly. DeckWise® ^® makes a Hardwood Wrench™ which is designed to bend any warped hardwood board. It has eight times the bending power of other tools, with a push force of about 1100 lbs. It is attached to the joist and then it has a handle that is rotated to straighten the deck board, which is then cam locked into place while the fastener is installed.

6. Decking Tools: Deck Spacers

Although most decks are string lined, human error and warped boards can sometimes mean deck boards are not evenly spaced.  Uneven gaps between deck boards are unsightly and unprofessional.  By using deck spacing tools such as DeckWise®  WiseGuides decking spacers or Speedeck gauge, which can keep the distance between each board precise.  The DeckWise®  board spacers come in five different sizes, ¹/₈” (3,2mm), ⁵/₃₂” (4mm), ¹³/₆₄” (5,2mm), ¹/₄” (6,4mm), and ⁵/₁₆” (8mm), with each size coming in a unique color for easy identification. 

7. Decking Tools: Ipe Oil

Technically not hardware, but still, a very important part for finishing a deck.  Ipe needs to be periodically stained in order to maintain its dark brownish color. If left unoiled, it will turn a silver or gray patina.   DeckWise® formulated a special oil and sealant that is made exactly for ipe and cumaru.  Ipe oil adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, especially because it has a U.V. defense enhancer.

If you would like more information about these products one of our team members would be happy to assist you.  Please call our office 954.404.8011 or if you prefer, you can send an email to sales@brazilianlumber.com for a quote.  Brazilian Lumber is an authorized dealer of all DeckWise^® products.