Hidden Deck Fasteners: Maximize Decking Project Success

Installing decking can be tricky business. While exposed screws may seem like the easiest option, they can leave your deck surface dotted with unsightly blemishes. Hidden deck fasteners offer a camouflaged alternative to face screws, creating a seamless finish for your composite or hardwood decking.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about hidden deck fasteners. We’ll explain how they work, look at the most popular systems, and offer tips for choosing and installing concealed fasteners for your next deck project. Read on to learn the secrets to flawless, screw-free decking.

What Are Hidden Deck Fasteners, and How Do They Work?

Hidden deck fasteners, also called concealed fasteners, are systems that allow you to install deck boards without screws piercing the top surface. Rather than driving screws through the deck boards, hidden fasteners clip, screw, or staple boards from the underside or sides, hiding mechanical fasteners from view.

Most hidden decking systems involve grooved deck boards with tabs, clips, or channels on the sides or bottom that allow them to be fastened discreetly to deck joists or underlying boards. The variety of hidden fastener options varies based on the decking material, but composite, PVC, and hardwood decking can all be installed with concealed systems.

Why choose hidden deck fasteners?

Besides the obvious aesthetic benefit, hidden deck fasteners offer a few advantages over traditional face-screwed decking:

• A flawless surface: Face screws inevitably take away from the beauty of a deck. Hidden fasteners keep the surface free of blemishes for a smooth look.
• No snags: Protruding screw heads can catch toes and paws. Concealed systems mean zero snags.
• Less screw maintenance: Exposed fasteners can back out or corrode over time. Hidden fasteners don’t require the same screw maintenance.
• Works with all decking: Both composite and wood decking have hidden fastener options for a screwless surface.

As long as you don’t mind the additional cost and installation intricacy, hidden fasteners are worth considering for your deck project.

The Most Popular Hidden Deck Fastener Systems

Now that you know the benefits of concealed deck fastening systems, let’s take a look at some of the top hidden deck fastener options and brands on the market today:

CAMO Hidden Deck Fasteners

CAMO offers a full line of hidden deck fastening products for capped composite, PVC, and hardwood decking. Their fasteners feature corrosion-resistant, stainless steel screws for durability.

• Edge Deck Screws: Designed for grooved composite and vinyl boards. The screws angle into the sides of the boards from the deck frame below.
• Stainless Steel Deck Screws: For pine, cedar, and redwood boards. Screws attach boards from below through grooved sides.
• Clips: Clips are specifically designed for grooved hardwoods like ipe and mahogany.

TimberTech Concealoc Hidden Fasteners

Part of their proprietary system, TimberTech Concealoc fasteners let you install TimberTech composite or PVC decking with no face screws. The concealed fasteners utilize a plastic bracket and clip system to discretely attach boards.

Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners

Designed exclusively for Trex composite decking, the Trex Hideaway system uses a hidden plastic fastener that fits into grooves along Trex boards to fasten them invisibly to joists. The system is formulated specifically for Trex expansion and contraction.

Kameleon Hidden Deck Fasteners

The Kameleon line from DeckWise includes both hardwood and composite systems. The Ipe Clip fastens hardwoods discretely, while the DT Clip attaches grooved composite boards from below. Both are made from durable polypropylene.

Cortex Hidden Fasteners

Cortex offers an advanced hidden system involving screwing or nailing deck boards into place from the side at a 45-degree angle. A proprietary jig tool is used to attach boards through channels at optimized angles.

Eb-Ty Hidden Fasteners

Eb-Ty manufactures concealed deck fastening products for composite and hardwood decking. Composite boards install their TLoc clips from above, while hardwoods use the LLoc system to fasten into slots from the side.

This covers some of the most common and reputable hidden deck fastener brands available. Always ensure any system you choose is compatible with your particular decking manufacturer and type.

Choosing the Right Hidden Fasteners for Your Deck

When it comes time to choose hidden fasteners for your project, there are a few factors to consider:

• Decking Material: Ensure the system works with your specific decking, whether composite, vinyl, cedar, IPE, etc. Not all fasteners work with all deck boards.
• Grooved vs. ungrooved boards: Many systems require pre-grooved deck boards made to fit the fastener, while some can be used with ungrooved lumber by routering tracks during installation.
• Fastener Spacing: Verify the clips, screws, or staples meet code-required spacing for deck board attachment. They must be robust enough to securely fasten.
• Decking Span and Size: The fastener system must be strong enough for the spanning needs of your decking boards and joist spacing. Consider heavier-duty options for larger projects.
• Ease of Installation: Some hidden fasteners are easier to install than others. Make sure you understand the steps and requirements.
• Hardware Requirements: Know whether the system needs specialty screws, drivers, router bits, jigs, or pliers so you have the proper deck building tools.
• Fastening From Above or Below: Decide whether you want to fasten boards from above or below. Both have pros and cons.

Considering these factors will ensure the hidden fastener system you choose works successfully on your specific deck. Always consult manufacturer specifications too.

Key Tips for Installing Hidden Deck Fasteners

While hidden fasteners simplify the final deck board appearance, they can complicate the installation process compared to exposed face screws. Here are some key tips to make installing concealed fasteners easier:

• Carefully read all manufacturer installation guidelines for the system. Proper use is key.
• Check required joist spans and adjust framing if needed to accommodate system requirements.
• Ensure a flawless frame with joists perfectly level to allow seamless board attachment.
• Use the appropriate screws, and never overtighten or strip the heads.
• Use the proper drill/driver speed and torque setting for the screws.
• Take time to properly line up the first board since this establishes the straightness for the remaining boards.
• Use straight-edge boards to test alignment periodically as you work across the deck.
• Consult manufacturer directions on best practices for butt board seams so gaps don’t occur.
• Watch a video tutorial to understand the motions and process before beginning installation.

While it takes precision and attention to detail, proper installation will reward you with a blemish-free deck surface that looks like it was constructed from a single, flawless plank of wood.

Answers to Common Questions About Hidden Fasteners

As you shop for hidden fasteners and plan their installation, a few nagging questions may arise. Here we answer some of the most common FAQs about concealed decking systems:

Do hidden fasteners work with all decking materials?

They work with most, but not all. Manufacturers offer hidden systems for popular capped composite lumbers like Trex, TimberTech, and Azek. Many also accommodate wood varieties such as cedar, redwood, ipe, and mahogany. But some fasteners are exclusive to certain brands of decking.

What is the best hidden deck fastener?

There is no single best product. Assess your specific deck plans and choose the system that best suits that material and design. CAMO deck fasteners are a popular choice and compatible with many deck board types.

Can you install composite decking without screws?

Yes, composite and PVC decking can be installed without visible screws using hidden clip, channel, or cleat-style fastening systems. Grooved boards are required for most applications.

What is the easiest hidden fastener to install?

Fasteners that attach from above, like the Trex Hideaway system, are generally easiest overall, avoiding the need to work underneath. But take time to understand the specific steps for any system before installing it.

Do hidden fasteners cost more?

Yes, hidden fastener systems typically cost $15 to $30 more per square foot compared to using traditional screws or nails. But the aesthetic benefit often justifies the extra investment.

How do you attach deck boards without screws?

Concealed systems use clips, channels, cleats, or internal fixing points engaged from the side or below to fasten boards without visibly penetrating the top walking surface. Some specialty tools and decking grooves are typically required.

The Takeaway on Hidden Fasteners

Hidden fasteners promote an elegant, seamless deck surface safe for bare feet by concealing the mechanical fasteners required to secure deck boards. Quality hidden systems are compatible with a wide range of decking materials, including wood and composite boards.

While concealed installation takes more precision, the aesthetic payoff can be worth the effort. Doing your homework on the best system and installation method for your particular deck can lead to fast success.

Before beginning your next deck project, consider:

• The pros of hidden fasteners like a screw-free surface
• Recommended systems for your specific decking installation type and plan
• Proper installation steps and requirements
• Potential drawbacks like higher costs and difficult assembly

Approaching hidden fasteners informed and prepared will set you up for an expert, flawless-looking finished deck. Installation precision leads to fastening success.

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