Went through this myself. Tried the plastic fasteners first.What a pain.Took them back and got the steel fasteners. Much easier. Best of luck to you all.
The tip by lipz516 of not "overtightening" the t clips is spot on, and in my experience absolutely necessary. The grooves in the t clips are tight already, and screwing too tight will warp the groove and even compress that area of the board compared to the next one being installed. The technique of using an 18" length of scrap deck board and a rubber mallet would be familiar to people like myself who have installed grooved engineered wood flooring. I also made my long joists in the frame closer together, making the decking not so flexible. A less flexible frame means a less flexible deck, and I for one do not like walking on squishy floors.
If you leave the fixing screws slightly loose until you have fitted all the boards you should find it easier to get the boards under the clips. After all the boards have been fitted go back and tighten down all the screws fully.
Thank you for the vid. We tried to install clips and despite not screwing them down all the way, we could not get the second board to seat into the clip. After just about hanging each other, we decided to screw the boards down--big mistake. I have seen vids about how to approach that method but, of course, that was after the fact. I am wishing we just would have used wood. Anyway your idea about the clamps was good as well as your demonstration of the clips. I did read the paperwork, but seeing this is so much better. Nothing like being a rank amateur. We are still deciding about using wood and taking the other stuff back. Thanks, Kasey.
Paula P this was a trial and error install myself actually. The clamps were an idea I had and worked out perfect. I did have to screw a board down a couple of times to push off of but it worked well. The only other advice I can give is to look at all of your boards to ensure they are straight. I had one with a slight curve and said oh I can get it straight with clamps... not so much they all started to curve after that one. I was using 12 footer's so the curve is noticeable for sure. glad it could help u though.
I just did an 18x12 deck snd this system is garbage. The t clips fight you on every joist, I thought that the first few boards would suck, but it sucked on every single deck board. I don't recommend ultra deck at all. Go with Trex or Correct Deck, it's much easier and less headache
I installed a very small deck with this material a few years ago and I love the results. But I do remember fighting to get every stinking board in place. I live in Minnesota with severe weather extremes, and it has held up beautifully. Now I am doing a much larger deck and I clearly have to devise a different system. So far it's a nightmare. I thought they would have improved the boards or the T clips, but no. The official installation video says, "some force may be required." Yeah, no kidding. I am not stupid and I have some skills, but I am going to improvise something. Not sure what, but I'll get it somehow. I won't use this material again unless I come up with some magic technique.
We just did the Rustic version on a 240sqft deck (also in MN, hi!) - a combination of not over-tightening the T-clips, and using an 18" piece of scrap decking placed in the grooves along with a hammer to help tap 20' boards into place seemed to help greatly. We've had to go back and tighten a few clips afterward, but it wasn't so bad. Checking to make sure everything's straight after every board was VERY helpful. They're just a bit too flexible for it to be an easy job. . .(also, we went through a LOT of the T15 drill bits - those things are brittle as heck)
Same problem here. Had to have someone push the decking in with a 2x4 as a tapped them in with a rubber mallet. I left the clips really loose and the boards still wouldn't go in without significant force. Especially the warped boards.
Hi Kasey, How has this decking held up for you? Do you have any sagging? Did you do 16" oc joists? How much sun does your deck get? We are looking at using it on a deck that gets significant morning and afternoon sun.
you're right it sucks! After trying to get it in today in the hot sun I wish to hell I didn't buy it. The solid with the tool that gives the angle would have been the way to go. Maybe tomorrow I'll find some magic result because I need to because I own all this crap now - lol I liked your video
Wild Wilson...I just did an 18x12 fusion ultra deck and the t clips are garbage...hate it...way too over priced too..it looks ok, but man its s bitch trying to get them in to stay true
Couldn't get a clamp to fit in between the previous boards to clamp. Made a 1/8 steel "T" shaped bracket that fits the gap then clamp between the bracket and board.
I personally think the system is junk. What I did was screw those T-faseners down about half way and then ram the next board in...put the T-faseners on the other side to hold that new board in place. I then went back to tighten the T-fasteners from the previous board. I do not think it was time efficient at all but the deck boards stayed straight and true off my control lines. Needless to say, i'd rather do a trex deck. Hah!
Thats what I found worked best as well. The clamp method would be difficult when you are a great distance from something to push off. Otherwise a grat idea.
I'm doing this deck now and found the same thing. I'm leaving the previous row of screws s little loose, then bringing in the deck board. When I have that one (loosely) fastened into place, I go back and tighten the screws on the other side. No way of getting the boards under the T after it's been tightened. Not particularly happy with Menards on this one.
I just put in a 16 X 16 deck with the clip system. I found it difficult at first but I found that I was tightening the screws too tight. I also noticed that the clips actually do go a certain way as well but it's hard to see because the writing is small.
Well i watched another video and clear as mud it says to put the arrow toward the board. Would have been nice to include this info in the written instructions.
You're setting the T fasteners too tight. Leave them slightly loose and the system works great. The fact that you have to use quick clamps should have told you that the system is way too tight. I'd be surprised if you didn't break some tongue and grooves installing this way.
@@kaseyyoung3332 yeah man I'm installing menards composite with these hidden t-clips on a 720 square foot deck and these things by no means let you just zip one board down and then slide in the rest no matter how loose they are. With me using 16' boards I have 2 seams per 40' row and the composite is NOT straight. I'm having to clamp, strap, and hammer. Then move down 30" and do the same thing again. The plastic flaps that I suppose are there to help grip the composite prevent you from just sliding the next board in. These things are giving me a nice finish, but between how warped the composite is and how hard it is to get them into place, it's making my life SO difficult.
The directions say to only use 2 clips per board not a clip on each joist or every other joist as you stated. May have been why you had such a hard time installation.
Awful decking all grades suck. Color’s don’t match samples. I keep installing but no one is satisfied with the product Inspire is 12$ a square foot for product alone
Went through this myself. Tried the plastic fasteners first.What a pain.Took them back and got the steel fasteners. Much easier. Best of luck to you all.
Thanks for the idea of using the clamps. That was a life saver for me.
The tip by lipz516 of not "overtightening" the t clips is spot on, and in my experience absolutely necessary. The grooves in the t clips are tight already, and screwing too tight will warp the groove and even compress that area of the board compared to the next one being installed.
The technique of using an 18" length of scrap deck board and a rubber mallet would be familiar to people like myself who have installed grooved engineered wood flooring.
I also made my long joists in the frame closer together, making the decking not so flexible. A less flexible frame means a less flexible deck, and I for one do not like walking on squishy floors.
If you leave the fixing screws slightly loose until you have fitted all the boards you should find it easier to get the boards under the clips. After all the boards have been fitted go back and tighten down all the screws fully.
Thank you for the vid. We tried to install clips and despite not screwing them down all the way, we could not get the second board to seat into the clip. After just about hanging each other, we decided to screw the boards down--big mistake. I have seen vids about how to approach that method but, of course, that was after the fact. I am wishing we just would have used wood. Anyway your idea about the clamps was good as well as your demonstration of the clips. I did read the paperwork, but seeing this is so much better. Nothing like being a rank amateur. We are still deciding about using wood and taking the other stuff back. Thanks, Kasey.
Paula P this was a trial and error install myself actually. The clamps were an idea I had and worked out perfect. I did have to screw a board down a couple of times to push off of but it worked well. The only other advice I can give is to look at all of your boards to ensure they are straight. I had one with a slight curve and said oh I can get it straight with clamps... not so much they all started to curve after that one. I was using 12 footer's so the curve is noticeable for sure. glad it could help u though.
Thank you! I think to save our marriage :) we are going to just use wood and treat it well. Take care
just started to install this decking today and Id say its a joke
I just did an 18x12 deck snd this system is garbage. The t clips fight you on every joist, I thought that the first few boards would suck, but it sucked on every single deck board. I don't recommend ultra deck at all. Go with Trex or Correct Deck, it's much easier and less headache
I installed a very small deck with this material a few years ago and I love the results. But I do remember fighting to get every stinking board in place. I live in Minnesota with severe weather extremes, and it has held up beautifully. Now I am doing a much larger deck and I clearly have to devise a different system. So far it's a nightmare. I thought they would have improved the boards or the T clips, but no. The official installation video says, "some force may be required." Yeah, no kidding. I am not stupid and I have some skills, but I am going to improvise something. Not sure what, but I'll get it somehow. I won't use this material again unless I come up with some magic technique.
We just did the Rustic version on a 240sqft deck (also in MN, hi!) - a combination of not over-tightening the T-clips, and using an 18" piece of scrap decking placed in the grooves along with a hammer to help tap 20' boards into place seemed to help greatly. We've had to go back and tighten a few clips afterward, but it wasn't so bad. Checking to make sure everything's straight after every board was VERY helpful. They're just a bit too flexible for it to be an easy job. . .(also, we went through a LOT of the T15 drill bits - those things are brittle as heck)
Same problem here. Had to have someone push the decking in with a 2x4 as a tapped them in with a rubber mallet. I left the clips really loose and the boards still wouldn't go in without significant force. Especially the warped boards.
So, you missed the note in the Menards installation video that states. Do not sink the t-clip until after the next board is installed.
How did you install your deck to avoid the hassle using the clips?
He missed a ton more than that lol. I love videos when people complain about things that are just done wrong.
Hi Kasey, How has this decking held up for you? Do you have any sagging? Did you do 16" oc joists? How much sun does your deck get? We are looking at using it on a deck that gets significant morning and afternoon sun.
you're right it sucks! After trying to get it in today in the hot sun I wish to hell I didn't buy it. The solid with the tool that gives the angle would have been the way to go. Maybe tomorrow I'll find some magic result because I need to because I own all this crap now - lol I liked your video
Wild Wilson...I just did an 18x12 fusion ultra deck and the t clips are garbage...hate it...way too over priced too..it looks ok, but man its s bitch trying to get them in to stay true
Thanks Dude!
Couldn't get a clamp to fit in between the previous boards to clamp. Made a 1/8 steel "T" shaped bracket that fits the gap then clamp between the bracket and board.
I personally think the system is junk. What I did was screw those T-faseners down about half way and then ram the next board in...put the T-faseners on the other side to hold that new board in place. I then went back to tighten the T-fasteners from the previous board. I do not think it was time efficient at all but the deck boards stayed straight and true off my control lines. Needless to say, i'd rather do a trex deck. Hah!
Thats what I found worked best as well. The clamp method would be difficult when you are a great distance from something to push off. Otherwise a grat idea.
I'm doing this deck now and found the same thing. I'm leaving the previous row of screws s little loose, then bringing in the deck board. When I have that one (loosely) fastened into place, I go back and tighten the screws on the other side. No way of getting the boards under the T after it's been tightened. Not particularly happy with Menards on this one.
It says right in the menards video to leave them loose until the next board is in
The starter board is supposed to be fastened down with the starter clips.
I don't think the quick clamps are suppose to be screwed down until both sides are in. They should be made to screw between the boards.
How has the deck held up over the past couple years? Which color did you use (is it rosewood?) and do you have any photos of the complete deck?
I just put in a 16 X 16 deck with the clip system. I found it difficult at first but I found that I was tightening the screws too tight. I also noticed that the clips actually do go a certain way as well but it's hard to see because the writing is small.
Non of there videos say the clip goes a certain way, Nice you point that out, maybe the company should. Thanks
Well i watched another video and clear as mud it says to put the arrow toward the board. Would have been nice to include this info in the written instructions.
You're setting the T fasteners too tight. Leave them slightly loose and the system works great. The fact that you have to use quick clamps should have told you that the system is way too tight. I'd be surprised if you didn't break some tongue and grooves installing this way.
The system is a pain in the ass , I feel your pain
you screwed the t to tight.
Leave it a little loose to start with then put the other board on the go back and tighten it down. way easier
Josh Altringer it did not matter if I led them loose and tightened them after or what I did. The board would not stay in place without the clamps.
@@kaseyyoung3332 yeah man I'm installing menards composite with these hidden t-clips on a 720 square foot deck and these things by no means let you just zip one board down and then slide in the rest no matter how loose they are. With me using 16' boards I have 2 seams per 40' row and the composite is NOT straight. I'm having to clamp, strap, and hammer. Then move down 30" and do the same thing again. The plastic flaps that I suppose are there to help grip the composite prevent you from just sliding the next board in. These things are giving me a nice finish, but between how warped the composite is and how hard it is to get them into place, it's making my life SO difficult.
The gap left by the t clip is not wide enough to fit the drill bit in, at least that's the way on the menards "rustic" decking
@@Afraidof7 It is if you use the supplied bit there is just enough room.
@@HHI455 I did and there isn't enough room
Putting these clips in is harder than framing the whole deck 🤦♂️
This stuff is garbage. It shrinks, and they won't honor the warranty. Avoid this stuff at all costs!
Thank you for this video. The factory video wasn't very good.
The directions say to only use 2 clips per board not a clip on each joist or every other joist as you stated. May have been why you had such a hard time installation.
No, You misread that. I'm reading it right now. It says install T clips at every joist.
You're using the wrong drill bit. Read the instructions closer.
I just finished a ultra deck with them clips, they suck balls! The decking is week also. I don’t recommend their decking.
I think this whole hidden fasteners think sucks
This stuff sucks!! Thanks for the video.
Awful decking all grades suck. Color’s don’t match samples. I keep installing but no one is satisfied with the product Inspire is 12$ a square foot for product alone
There are instructions and obviously this guy didn’t read them cuz you did it WRONG....😂🤣😂