Can you use hidden fasteners for wood deck boards?

Decking can be installed with hidden fasteners to create a clean looking surface that is smooth to bare feet. Hidden fasteners can be used with composite, vinyl, cedar, ipe or other exotic hardwood material.

How do you put space between deck boards?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You may want to consider using a saw blade with a wider kerf in other words wider teeth to speed up efficiency wider teeth will make a wider cut.

How far apart should decking screws be?

Be sure to follow a minimum gap of 5mm to 6mm between individual deck boards. Use 15mm screws and fix them from the end of each board when joining two boards in a run.

What is the gap for Trex hidden fasteners?

1/4”

Q: What size gap between the boards? A: The Trex Hideaway hidden fastener will automatically create a 1/4” space between each decking board.

How do you install hidden screws on a wood deck?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Against each other and screw in a five millimeter screw in the gap between the planks attach the remaining planks with installed deck dry connectors to the joists.

Are hidden deck fasteners worth it?

Hidden deck fasteners are a nice way to keep the surface of your deck looking clear and unencumbered. But they are not the right fastener for all decks. In fact, using hidden deck fasteners inappropriately is a formula for failure. Some deck projects require the stronger fastening power of face screws.

Should there be a gap between decking boards?

The amount of space between deck boards should be anywhere from ¼” to 3/8” inch. You want plenty of space for water to flow between the boards and to allow small debris to fall to the ground. Deck board spacing greater than 3/8” of an inch can become problematic.

Do you leave a gap between decking boards?

Determining Deck Board Spacing



When using wood decking, you want a gap of at least 1/8 of an inch after your decking has dried out. If you’re using decking that’s already been dried out, you can leave a 1/8-inch gap when you install. Many decks will use “green” wood, or wood that hasn’t been dried down or kiln dried.

What happens if you don’t space deck boards?



Without the right deck spacing, the boards may expand, cup, and buckle out of place. As a result, you may have to replace broken decking, or reinstall the boards with wider spacing to prevent further cupping and buckling, which can be time consuming and expensive.

What is abutting gap?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You should use a 3 to five millimeter gap at the end of every board a six millimeter gap at the side of every board. And six to 13 millimeters of butting up to a fixed object like a wall.

Can you install composite decking without gaps?

Gaps between composite decking boards encourage water-runoff. Decks are built on a substructure that should provide “paths” for water to flow away. If we build a deck without gaps, the water will be stuck on the decking surface and the pooling water will gradually cause some harm to the decking boards.

Do Trex hidden fasteners go on every joist?



Secure fastener and continue along the length of the board, adding fasteners at every joist. 6. Slide second board into place, making sure fasteners fit into groove.

How many hidden deck fasteners do I need?

How many hidden deck fasteners will I need for my specific deck size?

Deck Size(square feet)
100 300
Joist spacing on center Number of fasteners needed
12” 210 672
16” 175 512

How do you use decking clips?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The edge clip you simply slip over the joist for the edge x clip squeeze the wings together and slide it into place to notch around the board place a board tight against the post.

What is the best way to fasten deck boards?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Sprues should be driven just deep enough to dimple the surface of the wood. Once the decking is tacked in place snap temporary chalk lines along the path of the underlying joists.

How can I hide my nails in my deck?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Long enough to allow the decking material to acclimate to the site conditions and minimize shrinkage apply a bead of exterior construction adhesive to each joist. About 3/8 inch wide fasten.

How do you hide screws on a deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Once set just drill the hole load the screw. And drive it home. The Kreg deck jig is equipped with three drill guides a center guide and two angle guides.

Which is better for decks nails or screws?

Decking screws are better than nails when building a deck. Decking screws hold down your decking more securely than nails and will stop your decking from warping. Also, you can easily remove screws for deck maintenance without causing damage.

Should I pre drill holes for deck screws?

While it is not considered necessary to pre-drill wood screws, it is highly recommended by professionals that you do so. When you do not drill pilot holes in advance, you are essentially putting extra pressure on the wood surrounding the screw (weakening it) and increasing the chances of the wood splitting or cracking.

Should you countersink deck screws?



A good countersink bit is necessary to fasten the wood decking. Tapered bits are preferable. They provide a good “slip hole” through the high-density hardwood decking and a smaller tapered hole in the deck joist or framing. Stainless steel deck screws are the only choice for fastening tropical hardwood decking.