Shadoe Track HFS

pscinteriors

Okay, so I am working on a bid for an addition and part of the framing package is a 20x30 deck off the addition.I don't do a whole lot of work with architects, but this project is for my friends parents.Ive got the prints and the architects specs and they are calling for 5/4 x 6 Ironwood Decking atached with the Shadoe Track hidden fastener system.The specs call for flexible flashing over the PT joists, install sdaoe Track and from what I can tell you screw up from underneath.
Okay well part of the deck is just above ground height and from what I can tell this seems like it would pain in the Ass to install. I have never used any of these track systems before and am not sure what kind of labor time I am looking at compared to top screwing the boards...
I know alot of you say all these systems are crap. But I have to go with architect specs on this one...we allknow how they hate it when you change anything or tell them there specs are no good.So I figure Ill bid it with this system and maybe later find something better.
Any ideas or suggestions would be helpfull.Or if anybody has actually used this system plaese tell me how your success was.
Thank You,
NIck

BuiltByMAC

Figure double your labor time to install an underdeck track system...maybe more since it would be your first one and it's ground level.
Shadoe track is cheaper and is not nearly as beefy and solid as Deckmaster - (http://www.grabberman.com/Deckmaster/)

I bought a single run of the Shadoe track and built a sample in my shop - I didn't like it - it was like using metal drywall corners (flimsy) to attach the decking...

Use a right angle drill to run screws up in your confined space. Square head screws "stick" to the bit better than phillips for one-handed screwing. I've heard good things about Lox screws (http://www.lox.com/) for their ability to "stick" to the bit as well.

There are other options out there - you could get the decking grooved and use a top side HFS.

Mac