There are a couple of considerations if screws are used directly through the boards. Real wood decks expand and contract as the seasons change. However, a router will be required, and this adds to the overall job time. These tools are readily available, often from the same brand that makes the clip. Where slots are not present, a cutter can be used to create them. Conversely, although money can sometimes be saved by buying hidden fasteners off-brand, fit needs to be checked carefully. Clips designed to fit the popular Trex or Azek decking boards may not be suitable for competitor products. It’s important to know what width the guide can accept, especially if using nonstandard-size boards or reclaimed materials. Standard lumber is called 6-inch-wide, but the actual dimension is 5½ inches wide. With screw and plug systems, the width of the board doesn’t matter at all, but most guides used for drilling through the sides of boards have a limit to the board size they will fit. The size and shape of the decking boards can have a major impact on which hidden deck fastener system is best. Usually these clips are used for composite or PVC boards, though a version does exist specifically for softwood. The shape usually incorporates automatic spacing. They have a central hole that is used to screw them to the joists. Most have “wings” that fit in a precut groove in the board. Most do require the use of a proprietary driver and special screws but can be used in real wood, composite, or PVC boards. A guide provides the perfect angle for the screw and also automatically spaces the boards. A faster approach to fixing through boards and into the joists is to use a guide that allows screws to be driven at an angle through the side of the board so no plug is needed.The main drawbacks are that the process is slow, and it cannot be used on composites or PVC. If the deck is being finished with a stain, the plugs become difficult to notice. A wooden plug is then glued in place, hiding the screw head. A special two-stage drill bit counterbores a hole, allowing the screw head to be driven below the surface. Screw and plug systems are usually the cheapest.However, there are variations on each, covered below in more detail. The second is to use a clip to hold the board, with that clip screwed to the joist. The first method is to screw directly through the board into the joist below. There are two basic approaches to fixing decking boards with hidden fasteners. The following section presents the technical and practical aspects of these devices. Understanding their strengths and suitability for particular kinds of boards is vital in choosing the best hidden fasteners for a deck. While all of the hidden fasteners in this guide are relatively easy to install, a variety of different approaches are used. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hidden Fasteners ALSO CONSIDER: TimberTech CONCEALoc Fastener. BEST FOR COMPOSITES: TREX Hideaway Plastic Fasteners with Screws.RUNNER UP: Starborn Industries Pro Plug System Wood Deck Kit.
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