Frequently Asked Questions:

1.    Which width deck board thickness’ can the Tebo install?

        1"x;  5/4"x;  2x"

         5-5/8" - Do not use deck boards with a width greater

        than 5-5/8".

2.    With which types of deck boards can the Tebo be used?

    A.  Pressure treated

    B.  Cedar, redwood, cypress

    C.  Mahogany    

    D.  Composites

    E.  IPE  A drill fixture is available for use when checking  is

         an issue.

3.    Will the Tebo Deck work with warped boards?

Yes, 2 Tebo fasteners can lock the end of a deck board with proper spacing while you work the board onto the third leg of the Tebo.

With other wood and composites, the crown can create a 1/8’" spacer between boards.

A spacer can also be used between boards.

5.    Does the Tebo have enough holding power?

The Tebo is stainless steel.  Since it locks into the side of the joist and deck boards they can’t back out and shrinkage of joist boards actually tightens the Tebo.

6.    What about cupping, can the Tebo handle this?

The Tebo actually helps reduce cupping. Screwed and nailed down boards allow the edges of the deck boards to float and when the boards shrink the outside cups up. Since Tebo attaches to the side of the deck boards, cupping can be greatly reduced.

7.    Can the Tebo Decker be used with angled deck boards?

Yes, most deck board layouts are compatible with the Tebo Decker. 

A.) Many deck board manufacturers specify 16" on center or some other dimension on center. Since placing the deck boards at an angle lengthens the space spanned, we would recommend that the joist be installed perpendicular to the deck boards to maintain the on center recommendation.
B.) If you build a deck with the deck boards on an angle, the TEBO will work well if the right side of the joist deck board intersection exceeds 90 degrees. The tool aligns the fastener so that it keeps the third leg of the TEBO at a 90 degree angle to the deck board. This allows the next deck board to be driven on the third leg properly. If the angle is less than 90 degrees, you would need to fasten from the left side of the joist and bend each third leg out to a 90 degree angle. 

8.) What happens when a board is damaged and needs to be replaced?

Consider a board within the periphery of the deck; not an outside edge board.  Therefore, this is how we recommend you replace a board on a deck that is construction with Tebo staples as the deck board fastening system (this is shown in our installation video that is now included with the Tebo Decker).

1.)    Saw a 3" wide piece out of the center of the board to be replaced, the length of the board.  Be careful not to cut into the joist deeply or contact he Tebo staples protruding into the deck board.

2.)    Remove the cut-out center piece and carefully pry the 2 remaining strips of the board front he Tebo staple.  On the side that was connected to the 3rd leg, bend the protruding leg back against the deck board.  This leaves the staple legs on the side that was connected to the joist and the deck board sticking out to receive your new board.

3.)    Check the staple legs that remain to ensure they are pointing in parallel with the joist and not bent upward or downward, and tap the new board down into the opening and onto the staple legs.

4.)    After adjusting the board for even spacing, install a Spotnails 15 gauge stainless steel brad into the unattached side of the board, at a 45 degree angel at each joist deck board intersection.

1.    What is the Tebo made of?

304 Stainless steel, which allows for longevity, wood compatibility with cedar and redwood and the tensile strength allows use with composites.

2.    How was it developed?

A home builder who got tired of seeing fasteners on the face of his decks and callbacks when nails and screw backed out of boards. He worked on developing a hidden fastener that was easy to use.  5 years of development resulted in patents to the Tebo and Tebo Decker.

3.    How long has it been used?

The first decks were built in the beginning of 1999. Follow up tests reveals great performance.

4.    What is needed to install the Tebo?

The Tebo Decker tool comes with a mallet. Tebo fasteners are all you need.

5.    How long are the legs of the Tebo?

The tow legs that go into the joist and deck are a 45⁰ angle are 7/8". The third prong leg is 9/16" which allows for plenty of penetration.

1.    What are the benefits of hidden fasteners?

While appearance is the biggest benefit, many other benefits are included:

    Safety: You eliminate splinters that occur around nails and screws. Nail heads and screws can raise above boards and catch bare feet.

    Longevity of deck boards: Since nails and screws have a higher chance of splitting deck boards, using the Tebo reduces splitting and increases deck board life.

    Snow shoveling: While it’s not an issue in warmer climates, hitting a nail or screw head with a shovel can be a real annoyance.

Why should Tebos be used instead of other hidden fastener?

This one’s easy – easy to use. With other hidden fastener you need to be on your knees or under the decks. The Tebo drives all boards and you install while standing up.

Speed of installation: all other hidden fasteners require multiple steps to attach the fasteners. The Tebo Decker operates like a hard wood-flooring tool. One strike of the mallet and the Tebo is installed.

Is the Tebo expensive?

Compared to other hidden fasteners the Tebo costs about the same per square foot. But you save a lot of time (money) on the labor.

For a 200 square foot deck using 6’ boards you will spend about $120.00 for the Tebos, a small price to pay for and beautiful long lasting deck.

4" deck board 16" on center joists = 2.6 / sq. ft.

4" deck board 12" on center joists = 3.4 / sq. ft.

6" deck board 16" on center joists = 1.6 / sq. ft.

6" deck board 12" on center joists = 2.2 / sq. ft.

* This will vary slightly depending on design variables

MOISTURE CONTENT in wood and the climate where it is being installed causes variation in the width of the deck board.  Wood with a high moisture content can shrink dramatically in dry climates.  Wood that is relatively dry can swell in moist climates.  All these issues can affect the spacing requirement during installation.  The installer should learn about these issues before installing any deck bards.  Improper installation that results in the combination of deck board spacing and shrinkage in excess of 3/8" may cause the deck boards to withdraw from the third prong and reduce the stability of the decked surface.  Wood that can shrink or warp may cause uneven spacing between deck boards.

PRESSURE TREATED WOOD (PT) is often shipped to lumber yards and job sites with a high moisture content that could result in considerable shrinkage across the width of the deck boards.  All 6" dimensional PT Southern Pine for deck boards is milled to 5 1/2" at a 19% moisture content level.  Dimensions greater than 5 1/2" indicated added moisture from the pressure treating process.  We do not recommend that you use PT deck boards that have expanded to a wide greater than 5/8" because in some circumstances these board can potentially shrink in excess of 3/8" in most cases.  PT deck boards will shrink after installation and accordingly.  We recommend that you install PT deck boards tight together in anticipation of such shrinkage.  Excess shrinkage can be avoided by using PT wood that has been dried after the pressure treating process.   (Wood with ADAT and KDAT symbol has been certified to be dried after the pressure treating process.)

OTHER WOODS AND COMPOSITES - We recommend that you use the general spacing suggestion of the manufacturer or supplier of the deck board material.  However, we do not recommend any installation spacing greater than 1/8" nor any spacing that, combined with shrinkage, will exceed 3/8".