Everything You Need To Know About Hidden Deck Fasteners For Composite Decking

General Hidden Deck Fastener FAQs

What Are Hidden Deck Fasteners?

Hidden fasteners are small devices used to secure composite deck boards without being visible. Most hidden fastener systems have two components: a clip and a screw. The clip is inserted into a groove on the side of the deck board, and the screw is driven through the clip and into a joist to attach the board to the deck frame.

What Are The Benefits Of Hidden Deck Fasteners?

Hidden deck fasteners provide a clean, polished look to your deck while also being a strong, reliable fastening option. By installing below the surface of the deck, hidden fasteners avoid creating holes in your deck boards. 

This also helps to preserve the integrity of the boards and makes them easier to replace in the future if needed. In addition, hidden fasteners can help to avoid potential problems such as cracking, splitting, or mushrooming of the deck boards.

What’s The Difference Between Hidden Fasteners And Deck Board Plug Systems?

Both hidden deck fasteners and decking plug systems are effective ways to secure your deck boards while creating a smooth, unblemished surface. Hidden fasteners install between deck boards, holding them in place via grooves in the board edges.

A plug system works by driving deck screws through the top of the deck boards and into the space below the surface. The screw heads are then covered with small, circular plugs.

Can I Use Hidden Fasteners On Wood Decking?

Hidden fasteners can be used with grooved wooden deck boards. If your wooden deck boards have square edges, you will need to router a groove into the wood in order to use hidden deck fasteners. Be sure that the grooves are the right size and the right height to match the hidden deck fasteners you plan to use.

Choosing Your Hidden Deck Fasteners

What Are The Best Hidden Deck Fasteners?

The best hidden deck fasteners are the ones that best match the rest of your project. Many deck board manufacturers have their own hidden fastener systems designed to work best with their boards. If there’s a hidden fastener system made to match your brand of deck boards, it’s best to use the same brand of boards and fasteners to keep your warranty.

Hiring a deck building specialist can save you the trouble of choosing the best hidden deck clip and screw systems for your composite deck as they will have the expertise to select ones on your behalf. 

Do I Need Specific Deck Boards To Use With Hidden Fasteners?

If you’re planning to use hidden deck fasteners, get composite deck boards with grooved edges. Most brands offer grooved-edge options. The groove is what allows the hidden fastener to attach your board without driving a hole through your deck surface.

Installing Hidden Deck Fasteners

How Do I Install Hidden Deck Fasteners?

In general, hidden deck fasteners are attached to the side of the deck boards. The hidden fastener clip slides into the groove to hold the deck board down, while the hidden fastener screw drives down into the joists of the deck frame to attach the whole hidden fastener securely to the frame.

Every hidden deck fastener system will install slightly differently. Check the product page of each hidden fastener system for specific installation instructions.

Can I groove my own deck boards?

If you don’t have grooved deck boards but still want to use hidden deck fasteners, you can try cutting grooves into the sides of the boards yourself. Use a slot cutting router bit to make sure the grooves are the right size and depth to match the hidden deck fasteners you plan on using. However, it is recommended that you purchase grooved deck boards for a smoother installation process. 

Conclusion

A hidden deck fastener also known as a hidden clip and screw system gives your composite deck a sleek and quality finished look, with easier access to replacing boards that may get damaged in the future without the need for replacing the whole deck.

Hiring a professional deck builder is recommended for an inexperienced DIY’er or amateur deck builder, so that your finished product will look and feel quality.