What a weekend! 450 square feet of IPE deck on a new foundation to
replace an old cedar structure that was rotting out, top and bottom.
Started bright and early (0600) Friday and just about done at 1400
today (Monday). Dallas heat/humidity made it a real sweater, but lots
of Gatorade and a couple of advils each evening kept the old body from
pooping out. Had help Friday (hired type) digging holes for the posts
and laying out the foundation, after that it was a 1 man show.

http://web2.airmail.net/xleanone/index.html/Deck/

A few comments:

1. IPE is not as bad to cut or rout as its reputation might lend one
to think, but -
2. IPE splinters are nasty! Small but very strong and sharp.
3. Getting the boards to come together on the IPE clips requires a
BUNCH of Bessey clamps to span 14'. Hook 'em plate to plate and just
keep adding clamps. Had to use the old pipe clamps and 5' of pipe at
one point. The boars weren't greatly off kilter, but 5/4 IPE does NOT
bend across a 5 1/2 inch width willingly.
4. IPE clips are neat, look great, but they do take time to get in.
5. Round the corners off as you go if you don't want a nasty gash on
your shin bone (DAMHIKT).

If anyone needs about 275 IPE clips (the ones with the SS insert) and
the SS screws to go with them, drop me an email. I dicker easy!

Regards.