Correct me if I'm wrong but it sounds like you basically screwed the deck down rather than nail it - by using the blocks (acting as large washers) you avoided damaging the deck surface and keeping the deck smooth. Then you removed the blocks leaving only small holes --- did you fill these? with what? How did the result look?

Personally I nailed my deck down but then I used filler to flatten out the nail dents - avoiding that step would be nice.

Thanks Mark

> Don:

> I will try to explain the system we used. If I do not do a good enough job
> return Email me and I will send you a sketch.

> We have 1 1/2 long drywall screws so we made a whole lot (50 or 60) 1 1/2
> x 1 1/2 blocks from 3/4 plywood. We drilled a hole in the center of each
> block slighly larger than the screw.

> We first epoxied up the sheers and deck beams, then carefully placed the
> deck in it's proper position ONLY ON THE DECK BEAM. We used one of the
> blocks/ screws and drove it home with a drill. This centered the deck and
> provided a "hinge" for it.

> When we attached the side of the deck, we marked each location (4"
> spacing) with the spacing block described by CLC and on several web sites.
> We would mark 5 or 6 on each side then one person held the deck in place
> while the other drilled the block/ screw combo.We alternated sides and
> walked right up the sheer to the end then we finished up by doing the same
> on the rear deck.

> After the epoxy cured we removed the screws and blocks. the result was a
> very smooth and even deck.

> So, in reality, we did the deck the same way as CLC describes it but we
> used 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 3/4 blocks with 1 1/2 drywall screws instead of
> nails. This method requires at least 2 people.