BWD Will Provide the Following:

  • BWD Deck Clips; Includes 25% Double Wide Clips (BWD Exclusive)
  • Deck Clip Scrwes: #8 x 2.5″ 599 Magni Coated Steel; Size 2 Square Drive (Stainless Steel available upon request)
  • Size 2 Square Drive Bits with Ultra-Narrow Neck
  • Pro Plug Plugs with Screws
  • Pro Plug Drill Tool
  • End Wax
  • Messmer’s UV Plus Oil (optional)

Recommended Tools/Hardware

  • Drill (Cordless Recommended)
  • Exterior Construction Adhesive (Liquid Nails or similar); Acts as joist leveler, joist protection, and additional staying power for decking
  • Gorilla Glue (or similar Poly Based Adhesive); For Gluing Plugs
  • Biscuit Jointer or 5/32″ Slot Cutting Bit (Not needed if using pre-grooved boards)
  • Bowrench Board Straightening Tool (Not necessary, but helpful)

Step 1: The First Board

Apply the adhesive as you go, to prevent pre-mature drying. Apply adhesive to the joist and ledger board. Adhesive helps to fill in imperfections of the joists, preventing creaking, keeps deck boards on their centerline and protects the joists from rot.

Step 2: Pre-Drill for Screw and Plug

Use the Pro Plug Drill bit to create 1/8″ pilot holes and (approx.) 5/16″ plug holes in the surface of the deck board every 16″-24″. These pilot holes must be near-center of the ledger board. Do not let the Pro Plug Drill bit overheat, to prevent bit from breaking.

Step 3: Drive Starter Screws

Use the Screws in the Pro Plug Kit (2.5″ Stainless Steel) to fasten the deck board to the ledger board. You can also use alternate composite/coated screws in lieu of SS screws.

Step 4: Glue the Plugs and Sand (if necessary)

Use the Glue Cap included in the Pro Plug Kit (optional) to apply (poly-based) glue to the interior walls of the pre-drilled holes. Pro Plugs should fit perfectly in the holes. You may need to apply pressure with a flat piece of wood to make the plug flush with the surface of the board. Wipe clean any glue. Sand if necessary using 80-100 grit paper with random orbital electric sander. Consider waiting for any finish sanding until the deck is complete and before Oil is applied.

Step 5: Apply Kerf or Groove (if not pre-grooved)

Using a 5/32″ Slot Bit and Router (or biscuit jointer), create a groove in the center of the side of the deck board. If boards are pre-grooved, move to next step.

Step 6: Insert Clips and Screw to Joist

Insert BWD Deck Clips into the grooves, at the joists, (typically 16″ OC). Use the #2 Square Drive Bits to drive 2.5″ Screws through the hole of the clips, directly into the joist. Screws should go straight down into the joists, not at an angle, and should not penetrate the decking board. Drive the screws down so that the head of the screw is roughly at the center of the board (approx. 3/8″ from surface of the joist). Do not over-tighten or the clips will be difficult to insert into the next board’s grooves.

Step 7: Insert the Next Board

Repeat Step 5, if necessary. Continue to apply adhesive as you go to adhere the decking to the joists. Insert the next board in place while aligning the previously installed clips into the grooves of the board. Apply pressure by hand or Bowrench (if necessary) and repeat Step 6 until the Last Board.

*Cover your Butt! Joints (Boards that Meet End to End)

If you have any boards that meant end-to-end aka “Butt Joints” this message is for you! You may have noticed that there are about 25% of the Double Wide clips in your bag of BWD Deck Clips. Those are for Butt Joints! This way, you don’t have to scab a piece of blocking to your joists OR try to squeeze two clips on one joist. Another helpful tip- use your orbital sander to soften the sharp, square ends of those butt-joined boards and allow a 1/16″ gap at this joint. This makes the joints look intentional AND beautiful! Just like no one wants to see your butt, no one wants to see a square-edge butt joint! For the perfectionists- put a 1/8″ round-over bit on your router and make the ends match the sides of the boards, perfectly.

Step 8: The Last Board

Approach this board just as you did the first one, in steps 1-4. Spot sand if necessary and finish with one coat of Messmer’s UV Plus for Hardwood Decking. Follow specific instructions for oil finishing, per manufacturer.