Best Hidden Deck Fasteners

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Best Hidden Fasteners for Decking

If you’re building a deck and prefer a seamless finish, choose a hidden deck fastener system. By eliminating visible screws and nails, you’ll get the high-end look you want and improve safety by reducing snags and splinters. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hidden deck fasteners, from understanding how they work to selecting the best option for your deck.

What Are Hidden Deck Fasteners?

Hidden deck fasteners are specialized hardware designed to secure deck boards without having screws or nails visible on the surface. Unlike traditional methods that use face screws, hidden fasteners create a clean aesthetic by allowing you to attach boards from the edges, from beneath, or by using plugs that render the screws nearly invisible. They’re ideal for both composite and wood decking. While alternatives like color-matched screws do help disguise the hardware on the deck’s surface, true hidden fasteners are engineered to be entirely out of sight.

Types of Hidden Deck Fasteners

The design of hidden fasteners varies depending on the decking material and board configuration. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

• Clip Fasteners: Ideal for wood or composite grooved-edge boards, universal clips slide into grooves in the edge of the board and attach to the joists with screws. One popular option is Trex Hideaway® Universal Hidden Fastening Clips, which simplify installation and ensure even spacing.
• Screw-and-Plug Systems: For solid-edge boards, systems like Trex Decking Plugs combine screws with color-matched plugs to hide fasteners. This method is particularly effective for composite decking as the plugs perfectly match the decking in color and texture because they are made from the exact same material as the decking itself.
• Below-Board Fasteners: These fasteners attach underneath the deck boards for complete invisibility. They’re especially well suited for wood decking. Attaching boards from beneath is a less common solution, because the bottom side of the decking isn’t always easy to access.
• Screw-Only Fasteners: This system requires a tool or jig that establishes spacing and holds the board steady while the screw is being driven in. These are suitable for most wood deck boards, but may not be an approved fastening method for composite boards.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hidden Deck Fasteners

Hidden deck fasteners can significantly enhance the appearance and longevity of your deck. Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re selecting a fastener system:

• Not all grooves are created equal. Be sure the fastener system you choose matches the groove profile of your deck boards.
• High-quality materials, such as stainless steel or reinforced nylon, are essential for resisting weather and wear over time.
• Fastener systems like the Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Fastening Clips simplify installation, reducing labor time while delivering consistent results.
• Hidden fasteners may cost more upfront than traditional methods. However, their aesthetic and functional benefits often justify the investment.
• Using fasteners carried by your local lumberyard or home center can be more convenient if you run out—you won’t be held up by waiting for an online delivery.

● Always use the hidden fasteners recommended by the manufacturer of the decking you are using.

Pros and Cons of Hidden Deck Fasteners

Hidden fasteners offer many benefits, but not every system is a perfect fit for every job. It’s important to weigh both the benefits and potential drawbacks before choosing the best solution for your project.

PROS

• Enhanced Aesthetics: Achieve a smooth, uninterrupted deck surface.
• Increased Safety: No protruding screws or nails to cause injuries.
• Long-Term Durability: Eliminating penetrations on the surface of a deck board can prolong the life of both the board and the framing underneath.
• Faster Installation: Products like Trex Hideaway® Universal Hidden Fastening Clips can be installed with a tool that greatly speeds up installation.

CONS

• Higher Cost: Upfront expenses can be higher than traditional screws or nails.
• Complex Installation: Some systems may require specialized tools and more than one step to complete.
• Compatibility Issues: Not all fasteners are suitable for every type of decking material.

Hidden Fasteners for Wood Deck Boards

Wood decks benefit immensely from hidden fastener systems. They provide a refined look without visible screw heads or nails, or stains caused by poor-quality fasteners.

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Edge fasteners

Edge fastener systems, like this one from Camo, rely on a jig to perfectly align the screw into the edge of the deck board as it’s being driven in.

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Screw-and-Plug Systems

Screws anchor the boards to the frame, and matching wood plugs conceal the screw heads for a natural appearance. However, the wood plugs won’t match the surrounding wood surface, as composite plugs do on composite decking.

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Grooved Board Fasteners

Fasteners like these from Simpson Strong Tie work with hardwood deck boards with precut grooves, or with boards with grooves custom-cut by a router bit or biscuit jointer. It’s also possible to create grooves in softwoods like cedar, but that’s less common because of the increased risk of splitting.

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Underside Fastening Systems

Although less frequently used, underside fastening systems secure boards from below, making the fasteners virtually invisible. Dekmount is one such brand found at some home centers.

Hidden Fasteners for Composite Decking

Hidden fasteners are a game changer for composite decking. These systems are designed to work seamlessly with both grooved and square-edge composite boards, ensuring a polished look without compromising structural integrity. Check out your options below:

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For Square-Edged Composite Boards

Square-edge composite boards require specialized solutions, with the screw-and-plug system being the most effective. Here’s how it works: Screws are driven through the deck board into the framing below. A special bit countersinks the screw into the material to a specific depth. Composite plugs matching the board’s color and texture are then inserted into the countersink for a flawless finish. There are several options to choose from, including Trex Hideaway® Deck Plugs, a highly durable and easy-to-install option.

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For Grooved-Edge Composite Boards

Grooved composite boards are tailor-made for hidden clip systems. Clips fit into pre-formed grooves and securely attach the boards to the deck frame. Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Fastening Clips are made from durable glass-filled nylon and are secured with stainless steel screws that will last the lifetime of your deck.

Specialty Hidden Fasteners for Composite Decking

A wide variety of hidden fastener systems work well for typical deck boards; however, when you’re dealing with butt joints, perimeter boards, and other deck components, you’ll need a more specialized fastener. Many deck builders choose to use plugs on deck boards when clips aren’t an option, but here are a few more solutions to help keep your deck looking sleek and seamless:

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Butt Joint Clips

Trex Hideaway® Butt Joint Clips are ideal for aligning boards end-to-end, ensuring a clean, flush appearance. Trex butt joint clips can eliminate the need for additional blocking on the joists.

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Starter Clips

These black, stainless steel fasteners designed exclusively for Trex, are used to install the very first deck board.

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Hidden Fasteners for Fascia Boards

Trex Composite Fascia Boards screws and plugs allow you to get the same fastener-free appearance to complement the clean look of the hidden fasteners you use on your composite decking

Learn More About Hidden Deck Fasteners

To learn more about hidden fastening systems, check out these other great articles:

● 3 Ways to Fasten Your Deck

● Installing Composite Decking

● Deck Building Tools: What You'll Need

● How to Fasten Trex Enhance^® Decking