Advantages of Hidden Fasteners for a Cleaner, More Durable Composite Deck
When building a composite deck, the method of deck board fastening can easily be overlooked, but plays a crucial role in both its appearance and longevity. Traditional composite screws, usually color matched to the deck boards, are often used, but we believe hidden fasteners offer a superior finish and longevity due to their low profile and corrosion resistant stainless steel construction.
A Cleaner, More Polished Appearance
One of the main reasons we choose hidden fasteners over standard composite screws is the enhanced visual appeal. Traditional composite screws, even when color matched and installed perfectly, remain visible and interrupt the clean lines of the decking. Over time, exposed screws may also collect dirt, discolor, or corrode, further detracting from the deck’s appearance.
Composite screws are notoriously difficult to install perfectly, they often end up under-driven, sticking up slightly to catch on an unwary toe, or over-driven, leaving a recess that looks unseemly and accumulates debris. Installers also need to snap chalk lines to align screws in straight lines and carefully locate and pre-drill for screws or the installation will tend to look sloppy.
Our Preferred Installation Method
Our go-to hidden fastening system - We use Camo Edge Clips, a stainless steel hidden deck fastening system which installs between grooved composite or PVC deck boards. These clips disappear from sight and leave a clean, smooth deck surface.
On square profile boards such as picture frame borders and inlays, we use stainless steel composite screws with matching plugs that hide the screws. Certain deck boards and thinner material don’t allow for hidden fasteners or plugs, so for these we instead use carefully placed and color-matched fasteners.
Controlling for Long-Term Movement - Composite & PVC Boards expand and contract with temperature, and this can cause issues if only hidden fasteners like Camo Edge Clips are used. In addition to hidden fasteners, we install two composite deck screws per board at the board ends to reinforce the fastening system for long-term reliability.
Aesthetics and Longevity
Along with a cleaner look, hidden fasteners contribute to the long-term durability of composite and PVC decking by preventing common issues associated with exposed screws:
No Surface Penetration: Traditional screws create holes in composite boards, breaking through the protective outer cap. This exposes the core of the material, which could increase the risk of moisture infiltration and potential swelling over time. For modern composite decking, this usually isn’t enough to be noticeable, but hidden fasteners eliminate this issue by securing the boards at the edges rather than through the top surface.
Increased Longevity, Reduced Maintenance: Epoxy-coated composite screws can corrode over time when exposed to moisture and contact with treated lumber. Hidden fasteners like Camo Edge Clips, built with stainless steel, are designed to withstand harsh conditions while remaining concealed beneath the decking surface.
Conclusion
Using the right fastening system improves both the look and longevity of your deck, that’s why we here at Tool & Trade use hidden fasteners as a standard on all our decks. Through eliminating visible screws and their long lasting stainless steel construction, they help create a deck that looks great for decades.
If this sounds like a lot, that’s because it is.
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