Are Hidden Deck Fasteners Worth It?

Hidden deck fasteners make your deck look great. They’re out of sight, so all you see is the clean, unmarked deck surface. It’s no surprise people love them so much. They also eliminate the problem of exposed nail or screw heads injuring a foot, or catching a chair. But are hidden deck fasteners really worth it? Let’s have a look at this article.

Are you embarking on a deck-building or renovation project? If so, have you given hidden deck fasteners due consideration? When selecting hidden deck fasteners for your decking project, it’s crucial to consider their benefits and disadvantages. While they may cost more than traditional clips or screws, they create a clean, unmarked surface. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to first understand what these fasteners are.

What Are Hidden Deck Fasteners?

Hidden deck fasteners are a type of decking accessory that allows deck boards to be attached to the joists underneath without the need for visible nails, screws, or clips on the surface of the deck boards. These fasteners are designed to conceal the connection between the deck boards and the substructure, creating a clean and nail-free appearance.

Most hidden deck fasteners consist of clips and screws. Different types and brands of hidden deck fasteners are available, each with their own installation methods, compatibility requirements, and cost considerations. Some work by clipping into grooves on the sides of the deck boards, which then lock into place on the joists with no screw on the decking baord itself. Some systems may require drive the screw through the deck boards and then fix on the board.

What Are The Benefits Of Hidden Deck Fasteners?

Hidden deck fasteners add to the look and function of your deck, while providing the same strong hold you’ll get from other fastening options.

1. Elevate the look

One of the most welcomed benefits of using hidden deck fasteners is the enhancement to the overall visual aesthetic of your deck. As these fasteners are designed to install discretely beneath the surface of your decking boards, they eliminate the need for unsightly holes and protrusions that traditional screws would create. By removing these visible blemishes, your deck acquires a clean, smooth and beautiful appearance. This clean and refined look not only elevates the visual appeal of your outdoor space but also contributes to a more enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere.

2. Extend deck longevity

By avoiding the need to drill holes directly into the decking board surface, hidden deck fasteners maintain the structural integrity of the deck boards, and thus reduce the risk of potential issues such as cracking, splitting, or mushrooming, which are common occurrences when traditional screws are used. As a result, the decking is able to withstand the elements and wear and tear for a longer period of time, extending its lifespan and durability. Furthermore, by preserving the integrity of the decking, you are also more likely to maintain the validity of your decking warranty.

3. Enhance the safety

When you install hidden deck fasteners instead of traditional screws, you eliminate the potential hazard of exposed screws on the decking surface. Without these protruding screws, there is no risk of tripping or sustaining an injury while walking barefoot on the deck. This significantly enhances the safety of your outdoor space, making it a more enjoyable and worry-free area for relaxation, play, and entertainment, especially for families with children and pets.

4. Easier for DIYers

Compared to driving screws on the deck surface, using hidden deck fasteners is like a foolproof operation and is easier for DIYers. Besides, hidden fasteners offer greater fault tolerance compared to traditional screws. If a fastener is incorrectly installed, it can typically be removed and repositioned without damaging the deck boards. But if you wrongly fix screws on the deck surface, your deck boards have no second chance to be used.

What Are the Disadvantages of Hidden Deck Fasteners?

So are hidden deck fasteners perfect? Hidden deck fasteners offer an attractive and streamlined appearance for deck construction, but they also have some potential disadvantages that should be considered before making a decision on which type of fastener to use.

1. Higher cost

Hidden deck fasteners tend to be more expensive than traditional deck nails or screws. This increased cost can add to the overall budget for deck construction.

2. More installation time

Installing hidden deck fasteners can be more time-consuming than using nails or screws. This is because each fastener needs to be precisely aligned and secured to the joist and deck board.

3. Limited compatibility

Hidden deck fasteners are not compatible with all types of decking materials. Some fasteners work best with certain types of wood or composite decking, while others may not be suitable for use with certain materials.

4. Potential for Larger Gaps 

Hidden fasteners can create slightly larger gaps between deck boards compared to traditional methods. For example, certain fasteners like the Trex Hideaway automatically create a 1/4” gap between boards.

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

Hidden deck fasteners and decking plug systems are both ways to fasten your deck boards down while hiding screw heads and creating a smooth, unblemished surface. Hidden Fasteners install between deck boards, holding down boards via grooves in the board edges. With a plug system, you drive deck screws through the top of your deck boards and below the surface, filling the space above the screw head with a small, circular plug that hides the screw.

If you’re not sure whether to use a hidden deck fastener system or a decking plug system, give our team a call. We can learn more about your deck project to help guide you to the best system based on your deck plan, experience level, and desired deck look.