I have to admit that it kind of baffled me why someone would ask why we make our products in the US; but his follow up clarified the reason he asked. You see throughout his 60 years of life, this dealer has personally seen the shift from U.S. manufacturing go to China and other parts of the world. He has also been in this industry for a while; so he is familiar with competing products that are made overseas. The reason he asked me why was actually his sarcastic way of being impressed. After we got past the why question the conversation shifted to more of an interrogation. He was really curious just how much of the manufacturing we did in house and how we could compete with products manufactured off shore.

It actually gave me a deep sense of pride in my company and the products we manufacture as I told him that we do it all in house. You can walk through our 70,000 square foot facility and see every aspect of our manufacturing process. We have a team of in house engineers, product development specialists, quality control directors and an army of the finest workers the country of Florida has to offer. Even though I have seen every aspect of the manufacturing process a thousand times it’s still amazing to walk through our plant and see it happen all under one roof.

As to the question of how do we compete, well the answer is simple. Prior to coming to Ipe Clip®, the company I worked for did 80% of its manufacturing overseas and I can tell you first hand, it was a rough battle. Sure the initial products that companies receive and initial production runs are of decent quality. However, the over all quality often declines as the overseas manufacturers move less experienced operators into the work. In addition to this you are often dealing with an unmotivated and poorly paid workforce. A workforce that will not be conducive to producing the best quality work. Then, as time passes, the initial savings begin to erode, in some cases to the point where the savings have morphed into additional costs! The delivery and quality issues add to your costs as well as a number of other factors. Also, as seen in China, wages will inevitably start to rise as the demand for labor increases and the labors demand for consumer items rises also. We even see workers in places like China striking for more money.

The bottom line is we, as a company, are trying to fix what has been broken in the US mind set for years. We not only want to manufacture U.S .made products, we also want to lead the manufacturing system back one fastener and one worker at a time.

The ideas for our products come from years of working knowledge in the construction industry and the close relationships we have with our dealers and distributors. With those ideas, the Ipe Clip® Team will continue to grow and manufacture products in the U.S. I personally look forward to having many more conversations as I did with this customer. Sure we are just one company out of the millions in the US; but hopefully our conviction and pride will serve as a role model for others.
Christopher Shope
National Sales Manager
cshope@ipeclip.com

After…

The boardwalk overlooks the Sampit River Harbor and is lined with restaurants, antique shops, galleries, and specialty stores. The Harborwalk, in its existing condition, was showing signs of wear. More importantly, it was slowly becoming a hazard to visitors. The boardwalk was originally constructed with pressure treated pine. Although this was acceptable in the distant past, we now know that pine doesn’t hold up over time. The existing pine boards had been found to have rotted in places. In other places the boards were splintering and many had nail pops. As the concern for the safety of the guests increased, the idea to renovate this historic boardwalk took shape.

An engineering firm was hired by the city of Georgetown to make recommendations on the most appropriate way to repair the boardwalk. This firm suggested that Ipe, a Brazilian hardwood, be used to replace the existing pine boards. Ipe is naturally rot and decay resistant, is extremely dense, and has a class A fire rating.One of the major improvements to the Harborwalk was the addition of Ipe Clip® brand hidden deck fasteners. One of the main areas of concern with the original boardwalk was nail popping. Ipe Clip® hidden deck fasteners eliminates this danger altogether. “It’s gratifying to know that our product was used in such a historic project and that it was chosen with safety concerns in mind,” said Dan Schiefer, General Manager of the Ipe Clip© Company. “Ipe Clip® has worked for years to design and manufacture hidden deck fasteners that not only blend in with every environment, but will also keep guests safe.”

There is no clear cut answer to this question as it is basically a cost analysis for each job. If you are a do-it-yourselfer with the time to cut your own grooves, you could save some money on materials by using a biscuit joiner or router to cut the grooves in the boards yourself. However many contractors prefer pre-grooved lumber as this will cut the labor rates down and speed up the install.

For those of you still wondering which is better for the structural integrity of the deck boards, both methods are proven to hold the boards firm to the joist and have been used successfully on deck projects throughout the world. Both installation methods are correct so feel free to choose the one that fits your project the best.

Maxwell Blake

•    Penetrates the densest of deck boards such as Ipe much better than a water-based seal.
•    Less skill is required to apply an oil-based sealer because no drips or lap marks will show.
•    Since Ipe Oil™ actually penetrates the wood, there are no traffic marks and the finish will wear gradually by erosion. This will allow for an easy refinish without having to strip the deck boards first.
•    Contrary to popular belief, oil-based sealers can provide a resistance to mildew. With more decks than ever being constructed from Ipe, Tigerwood, Cumaru, and other exotic hardwoods; these exotic hardwoods are naturally oily and adding an oil-based sealer actually enhances the deck board. Even if applied to domestic hardwood, most oil-based sealers now have ingredients added to them to deter the growth of mildew and algae.

Always look for a sealer that states the following three things:
1.    repels water
2.    preserves wood
3.    screens out UV rays

Some finishes only claim to repel water. Don’t be duped and settle for less. Your deck deserves the very best, and that best is Ipe Oil™!

The question has been asked time and time again, “What is included in the Ipe Clip® hidden deck fastener complete kit that is not included in the Ipe Clip® hidden deck fastener 100 count kit?”

The Ipe Clip® complete kit includes everything you need to complete your decking project. You receive the plugs needed to cover the face screws on your first and last board. Ipe Clip® hidden deck fasteners are always sold with stainless steel screws for the installation of your deck boards. We also include both the high speed drill bit for predrilling and a screw gun tip for use with a cordless drill. When using Extreme4™ or ExtremeKD™ hidden deck fasteners, 3 spacer tools will be included. And last, but certainly not least, an instruction sheet to help you get started.

The Ipe Clip® complete kit includes the following:

• 175 – Ipe Clip® Hidden Deck Fasteners
• 190 – #8×2” Stainless Steel Trim Head Screws
• 12 – 3/8” Tapered Ipe Plugs 1 – 1/8” High Speed Drill Bit
• 1 – T10 Star Drive Screw Gun Tip
• 1 – Instruction Sheet
• 3 – Spacer Tools (included with Extreme4™ & ExtremeKD™ fasteners)

The Ipe Clip® 100 count kit is just as the name implies. You receive 100 Ipe Clip® hidden deck fasteners and 100 stainless steel screws. If using the Extreme4® or ExtremeKD® fastener, you will also receive 3 spacer tools. And just like the complete kit, we always include an instruction sheet.

The Ipe Clip® 100 count kit includes the following:

• 100 – Ipe Clip® Hidden Deck Fasteners
• 100 – #8×2” Stainless Steel Trim Head Screws
• 1 – Instruction Sheet
• 3 – Spacer Tools (included with Extreme4™ & ExtremeKD™ fasteners)

Each kit obviously covers different square footage and is dependent on board size and joist spacing. If you need any help in determining which kit to use or how many to use, please give us a call and one of our sales representatives will be more than happy to assist you!

Maxwell Blake

• DeckWise™ stainless steel screws are ideal for vertical installation of hardwood deck boards among other uses. The self-tapping point ensures minimal grain tear out while also speeding up installation. Our DeckWise™ heads are available in stainless, or in Colormatch black & brown to match any number of species. Sizes include 1-1/2”, 2”, 2-1/2”, and 3-1/8”.

• DeckWise™ Drill&Drive is a 4-in-1 tool which allows builders to pre-drill, countersink or counterbore, then flip the countersink insert and drive the screw. This process speeds up the deck board installation process and is up to 4 times faster than standard drilling and driving operations.
• DeckWise™ hardwood plugs are available in Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, & Massaranduba. These plugs are carefully milled to ensure a tight fit into even the hardest deck boards.

• DeckWise™ Deck Spacers – There are five different sizes available, each a different color for easy recognition. The available sizes include 1/8”, 5/32”, 13/64”,1/4”, & 5/16” and are ideal for any type of decking installation.
Doug Reid, Creative Director adds, “We had a number of builders try out our products and were excited to see that each application was very successful. With DeckWise™, we’re certain that builders and homeowners will be able to construct stronger, more reliable hardwood decks.”

The Ipe Clip® Fastener Company has dedicated a lot of time in the training of all sales team members, dealers, and distributors. We do this to ensure that the right questions are asked so that the right product is chosen for each and every project.

Air-dried decking – Ipe Clip® Extreme™ fasteners which spaces boards at 3/32” should be used. Air-dried decking has a high moisture content which causes the wood to shrink as it acclimates. In other words, the gap between your boards will get larger so you want to use a deck fastener that starts with a small gap space. Ipe Clip®Extreme4™ can also be used. This leaves a 5/32” gap space. It’s a little larger but still does the job for those that want or need a slightly larger gap space.

Kiln-dried decking – Ipe Clip® ExtremeKD™ fasteners which offer a ¼” gap space should be used. Kiln-dried decking has a lower moisture content which results in the boards expanding as they acclimate. As you probably guessed, this means your gap spacing will come together so you will want to use a deck fastener that leaves a larger gap space during installation. Ipe Clip® Extreme4™ can also be used. This leaves a 5/32” gap space. It’s a little smaller but still does the job for those that want or need a smaller gap space.

Composite decking – Always check with and follow the manufacturer’s recommended gap spacing. Each is different and can vary from 3/32” gap spacing to 1/4″ gap spacing.

PVC Decking – Like composite decking, check with and follow the manufacturer’s recommended gap spacing. PVC decking is a little different in that the gap spacing for one part of the country may be different for another part of the county as PVC is more controlled by temperature.

Know what type of decking you have, know what the manufacturer’s recommended gap spacing is, and let us help you choose the Ipe Clip® brand fastener that’s right for you!

The Ipe Clip® Fastener Company is proud to announce the winner of our 2010 photo contest!

We would like to extend our congratulations to Mitica Leontescu, owner of Creative Fences and Decks, located in Tigard, Oregon which serves the greater Portland metro area. Mr. Leontescu is the lucky winner of Ipe Clip®’s photo contest as well as the recipient of the coveted $1,500 prize!

The winning photo above was taken in Parkdale, Oregon on an 800 acre pear and apple orchard. This orchard has been owned and operated by the Laurence family for three generations. The Laurences contacted Mitica and requested that a deck be built onto their main house. After discussion, the newly constructed deck now extends around not one, but two sides of the house making the backdrop of Mt. Hood a stunning picture and project.

“Ironically, it was the first project in which we used the Ipe Clip® fasteners”, said Mr. Leontescu. “The project took three weeks to complete and the Laurences are very pleased with the outcome of the finished deck project. We have used the Ipe Clips® on several projects since. The Ipe Clip® is the only hidden fastener I am willing to use on ipe. I do not trust the other products in this climate. I love the clean look!”

I believe everyone will agree that this is the end result of a master craftsman using the highest quality of materials. Breathtaking! Thank you Mitica, and again we extend our congratulations from everyone here at Ipe Clip®!

We are very pleased with the outcome of this year’s contest. The number of entries made it difficult to narrow down a winner as did the actual projects themselves. We received submissions of decks, stairs, railings, siding, etc. We stand amazed at the level of creativity in our customers. Please visit http://piccontest.ipeclip.com to enter Ipe Clip®’s 2011 decking Photo Contest. You are allowed to enter as many different projects as you would like, so it’s certainly not too early to start now. Maybe your next project will be the $1,500 winner!

You should know that although hardwoods expand and contract on their width, composite boards expand and contract on their length. You not only want to make certain that you are following the manufacturers suggested gap spacing between deck boards, but you want to make certain that you have allowed adequate room between your deck and any structure. The last thing you want to see is buckling and cupping issues because you built your deck right up against a structure. Then when it starts to move, it has nowhere to go.

When installing hardwood deck boards, you place a screw at a 45 degree angle through the Ipe Clip® fastener, through half of the deck board, and then down into your joist on just one side of your deck board. So as your deck board expand and contract, one side is always firmly attached tight to your joist. You wouldn’t want to use this same method with composite decking. As mentioned above, it moves on its length and you need to allow it to do so. When installing Ipe Clip® fasteners in composite decking, you will want to place the screw at a 90 degree angle straight through the Ipe Clip® fastener and right down into the joist. This allows the deck board to stay in place yet allow it to expand and contract at will.

By following the guidelines above, your Ipe Clip® brand fasteners can be used on a broad range of decking products and are quite versatile.

Maxwell Blake

·     The first is the obvious; the look. Ipe Clip®  hidden deck fasteners create a truly pristine looking surface. There are no nail pops, mushrooming, or unsightly screws.

·     Ipe Clip® hidden deck fasteners have superior hold down power than the traditional face screwing. Our deck fasteners are installed at a 45 degree angle. This angle creates a firmer, stronger, and more enduring hold to the joist.

·     Ipe Clip® hidden deck fasteners are designed for air-dried decking, kiln-dried decking, pvc decking, and composite decking. Each decking material requires different gap spacing to allow for the natural contraction and expansion of deck boards. Our fasteners are designed specifically with this in mind, offering 3 different gap spaces.

·     Ipe Clip® hidden deck fasteners are installed differently depending on the type of decking material. Hardwood decking is installed by screwing down through half of the deck board then down into the joist; all at a 45 degree angle. This keeps the deck board attached to the joist while allowing it to naturally move on it’s width. Composite and pvc decking is installed by screwing through the fasteners and straight down into the joist, allowing it to naturally move on it’s length.

The benefits of using Ipe Clip® hidden deck fasteners far out-weigh any other option.

Maxwell Blake