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Ipe Clips Comparison — Ipe Clip® vs Camo® vs EdgeClip™ Hidden Deck Fasteners
Compare the most popular Ipe clips and hidden deck fastener systems side by side. Each hidden fastener has different strengths depending on your priorities — installation speed, long-term performance, gap spacing control, or expansion management for dense exotic hardwoods.
Need Help Deciding?
Best Ipe Clip for Most Hardwood Decks
Deckwise® Ipe Clip® — The #1 Hidden Deck Fastener for Exotic Hardwoods
Ipe Clips & Hidden Deck Fasteners — Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Deckwise® Ipe Clip®Best | Camo® Clips | EdgeClip™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designed for Ipe | Yes — engineered specifically for exotic hardwoods | Universal system; not Ipe-specific | Works with many woods; requires pre-grooved boards |
| Fastening Method | Through-board into joist | Edge-driven screw | Clips into groove |
| Gap Spacing Control | 3/32", 5/32", 1/4" options | Fixed ~3/16" gap | Determined by clip size |
| Expansion Management | Allows controlled lateral movement | Limited expansion control | Limited expansion control |
| Pre-Drilling Required | Yes | No | Minimal |
| Installation Speed | Moderate (pre-drill required) | Fast | Moderate |
| Long-Term Performance | Excellent — minimizes board movement | Good | Good (with proper groove depth) |
Ipe Clip & Hidden Deck Fastener — Detailed Product Breakdown
Deckwise® Ipe Clip®
Pros
- • Engineered specifically for Ipe's density and hardness
- • Through-board fastening provides superior holding strength
- • Choose your exact gap spacing (3/32", 5/32", 1/4")
- • Allows controlled lateral movement during expansion/contraction
- • Proven track record with exotic hardwoods
- • Reduces cupping and warping over time
Considerations
- • Requires pre-drilling (standard for Ipe)
- • Slower installation than edge-driven systems
- • Slightly higher cost per clip
Camo® Clips
Pros
- • No pre-drilling required
- • Faster installation process
- • Works well with many wood species
- • Edge-driven design is simple to use
- • Lower cost per fastener
Considerations
- • Fixed gap spacing (less control)
- • Not specifically designed for Ipe's density
- • Less control over expansion/contraction
- • May not provide optimal long-term performance with very dense woods
EdgeClip™
Pros
- • Simple, straightforward installation
- • Clean hidden fastening appearance
- • Works with pre-grooved boards
- • Moderate installation speed
Considerations
- • Requires pre-grooved boards (added cost)
- • Groove depth critical with dense exotics
- • Limited expansion control
- • Not specifically optimized for Ipe
Gap Spacing & Ventilation
Proper gap spacing is critical for Ipe decking. Tighter gaps look cleaner but require excellent ventilation underneath the deck. Wider gaps provide more forgiveness if airflow is limited.
3/32" Gap
Tight, seamless appearance
Requires: Excellent airflow (18"+ clearance below joists). Best for elevated decks with open ventilation.
5/32" Gap
Balanced option
Best for: Most installations. Good balance between aesthetics and ventilation tolerance.
1/4" Gap
Safer for limited airflow
Use when: Ventilation is restricted or deck is close to ground. More forgiving for expansion/contraction.
Need installation guidance? See our Deck Installation Guide for complete instructions on ventilation, acclimation, and fastening.
Alternative: Camo Edge Fastening
The Camo Edge Fastening System offers a middle ground between traditional face-screwing and full hidden clips. It drives screws at an angle through the board edge — partially hidden from view but not completely concealed.
Best For:
- • DIY installers who want faster installation
- • Projects with tighter budgets
- • Users comfortable with partially visible fasteners
- • Applications where speed matters more than pure aesthetics
Trade-offs:
- • Screw heads are visible from certain angles
- • Less control over gap spacing
- • Not a true "hidden" fastener system
How to Fasten Ipe Decking With Pre-Drilling
This video demonstrates proper fastening techniques for Ipe decking using the Camo edge-drive system (no pre-drilling required).