This is especially helpful with the grooved Trex boards with hidden fasteners. They have a central hole that is used to screw them to the joists. People love them. To suit the requirements of your particular project, there are stores online that provide a variety of hidden fastener pack alternatives. Products that are easier to install and that create a more beautiful outdoor space. Additionally, it is far more difficult to pull the deck boards completely to the joists when using these fasteners, due in large part to the difficult angle of access to the fastener. Clips designed to fit the popular Trex or Azek decking boards may not be suitable for competitor products. /1 UeGQGI8IXod;%^Mu'DR'6]vw}fNN&CU6 Installing deck screws takes a long time since each screw must be drilled into the board, and the installer must pay close attention to the consistency of the spacing between each screw and the board. 0000003275 00000 n 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. 94-Pack 1-in Black Hidden Fastener. Any chalk lines and other marks that do not dust off will be permanent, but may be lightened with acetone, which is available in the paint department of any hardware store. 0000003908 00000 n The tub contains sufficient screws for around 450 square feet of deck, depending on joist spacing. Grab a rubber mallet to tap your boards into place as you install your Trex. It features a stainless steel deck screw already set in the fastener and easier installation. Drive a nail every few joists before you install your next deck board. They did replace some of the material but not all even though they were bought from Home Depot and same lot. Secure the final deck board by fastening a minimum #8 x 2 1/2" (6 cm minimum) long stainless steel or composite deck screw in each pre-drilled hole. Trex has absolutely had problems in the past but their constantly trying to improve and perfect their decking products. Deck boards are thin so they cant safely span longer distances than 16. They not only look great because you dont see the screws but they also set each gap perfectly. Use Trex hidden deck fasteners the spacing will stay as it should for the life of the deck and the deck boards will all be securely fastened. So multiply the number of joists by the number of boards times two. We installed Trex back in 2006-2008 not sure of exact date. Subscribe & Get Exclusive Home Improvement Guides. Rinse area with water. In fact, fix as many moisture related problems before constructing any outdoor deck. Inconsistent screw placement might contribute to the deck surface having a bad appearance. With limited ventilation, face screws are the best option. However, hidden fasteners are dependably a wise choice for composite decking and can offer your deck the stunning appearance youll love for years to come. A precision cutter also is available that will allow the correct groove to be cut into solid composite or real wood boards, further extending versatility. My Trex decking is 10 years old and has substantially deteriorated to the point where it is rough and pitted and the interior core material has become exposed. If your building a new deck choose one of their premium models and make sure to frame the deck properly. For fasteners that don't require routing of wood or composite deck boards, Tiger Claw has the following (non-G, or non-Groove) solutions: TC-1S Softwood Fastener - Heavy gauge steel fastener with Magni 599 coating recommended for use in softwood decking measuring 1" or thicker lumber. Common Questions What is the life expectancy of the TigerClaw fastener? Your composite deck will have a flawless surface thanks to hidden fasteners, giving it a special appeal. There are several different approaches to hiding fasteners on a deck, and none is particularly complicated. They are made of glass-filled nylon, which combines high strength with flexibility so they are far less likely to crack than inexpensive plastic models. Plastic clips are often low cost and generally used with composite or PVC boards. A fun and crucial element of the job is selecting the decks dimensions, shape, color, and finish of the main boards. It disturbs us and I fear others We are experimenting by covering parts most effected with weights. Hidden fasteners solve the problem. Color fading is something the company knows about and acknowledges. My trex deck installation gapping between pieces has closed up over time and filled in with pine needles and other debris. Screws have been the preferred fastener for deck boards because they dont pull out like nails. This is especially helpful for noticeable spots like, Easily maintain consistent gaps in between your floorboards with the use of self-gapping Trex hidden fasteners. A special two-stage drill bit counterbores a hole, allowing the screw head to be driven below the surface. New model Trex decking with capped design dont have staining problems like the older products do according to Trex. Browse our collection of design ideas, advice from industry experts, how-to help, and homeowner stories to inspire your next outdoor project. Cross ventilation is best. There was a problem filtering reviews right . National Nail Camo 1750-Pro Pack 2 3/8 inch, Starborn Industries Pro Plug System Wood Deck Kit, TREX Hideaway Plastic Fasteners with Screws. Hidden fasteners solve the problem. Likewise, hidden fasteners provide deck boards with a stronger grip while remaining completely unseen. One of these may be the best choice for your planned deck. National Nail offers several types of clips for grooved decking. Featured Answer Julia Dean 2 years ago Some can be unscrewed, the old board removed, and a new one installed. If you have any questions or comments e-mail us any time. Request a free hidden deck fastener sample today: hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(112655, 'ec1a63a3-9eca-45db-9f67-3ab4196cc273', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Where Shouldnt You Use Hidden Deck Fasteners? The first concerns softwoods, which are much more prone to movement than hardwoods. Made my eyes bug out!!! Even the chalk dusting off the line can cause a permanent stain. The counterbore consistently cuts holes of the correct depth, so no sanding should be needed. If the deck is being. Brand: Trex. Pantry Cabinet,Tall Narrow Cabinet With Doors And Adjustable Shelves,Wall Cabinet . Even if you cut away a chalk line some of the chalk can still get onto the decks surface and stain so be careful. Privacy Policy. There are a couple of considerations if screws are used directly through the boards. SEE PRODUCTS. The following section presents the technical and practical aspects of these devices. You dont have to think about it. 0000001176 00000 n After the deck dries, the dirt footprints remain. Says Selka of Dublin, OH. hb```a``pb@YSszZVM-6u4;R L,f(>3__LSpjfmh`H~ D6j/25X@-``81Q If you have to snap a line make sure you use blue chalk and plan on cutting the line so none of the blue remains. It quickly absorbs into the decking and will never come out. Sometimes the materials fail, but its very rare. Your first problem that you will have is that you are installing Trex. Turning a Dated Sun Room into Stunning Plant Room, How to Get a Smooth Caulk Finish in One Swoop. 8 0 obj <> endobj Once again these issues are much more common with Trexs cheaper product lines. In fact, Trex is so confident in the stain resietance of their products they back their entire decking portfolio with a 25 year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty. We recommend the best products through an independent review process, and advertisers do not influence our picks. Some Trex decking will have problems and others of the same type will not. 1 Box covers 50 square feet and 1 Bucket can cover 500 square feet. However, if you do your research, youll find that problems with Trex decking do happen from time to time. Narrower deck boards expand less than wider boards. Fast&efficient Installation Decking. Absolutely. These easy-to-use clips are primarily designed to work with the high-quality, recycled composite boards made by TREX. This can be an issue with an older deck once fading has occurred since the new deck boards wont match the old. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. . Sale. Cortex fasteners are hidden by collated plugs made of the same material as your chosen deck boards. Its simple to get bogged down in making the important decisions, whether youre constructing a brand-new composite deck from the start or renovating an already-existing one. 0000005861 00000 n H\j@@Ydf*HG}P$qw#-4pss.7FkoDdkXI(lpxE~'I[;^0|Q2UU}H\/QT6m8CqD'4_$,zYuIUb)5TF*' Pre-assembled clip makes for quick and easy installation. In other cases, it may be necessary to cut through the board to be removed and sacrifice existing fasteners before replacement. These tools are readily available, often from the same brand that makes the clip. G) The Best Way to Attach Runners on Wood Privacy Fence Posts. It depends on the system used. 55 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<983100BEC5F537F843BCE1054B262DF2>]/Index[24 71]/Info 23 0 R/Length 138/Prev 146130/Root 25 0 R/Size 95/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream The spacing needed for air and water movement (3/16 to 1/4) is determined by the thickness of the clip. Additionally, you can install the next board by simply sliding the deck board onto the clips opposite edge. How To Manage Your Mental Health While Navigating the Housing Market, Biggest Issues Home Builders Are Facing in 2023, Todays Homeowner Radio Show Podcast | April 15, 2023, Todays Homeowner Radio Show Podcast | April 8, 2023, Todays Homeowner Radio Show Podcast | April 1, 2023, Ask Danny | Ep. This is causing drainage problems and staining of the pieces is becoming very difficult to clean. Self-gapping hardware is the main fastener component that attaches two Trex boards together. For those projects, deck screws work best. endstream endobj 27 0 obj <> endobj 28 0 obj <> endobj 29 0 obj [37 0 R] endobj 30 0 obj <>stream Moisture is the biggest enemy of all exterior woods. Another hidden fastener option is the prong fastener. Cleaning complaints are fairly common problems with Trex decking that are actually an issue with all types of composite decking. But hidden fasteners are not right for all decks. Here are some things to look for and possible solutions for any trouble you may be having. Larger tubs cover around 100 square feet. As a general rule of thumb assume everything stains a Trex deck. Avoid problems with proper deck planning. Features a stainless steel deck screw already set in the fastener for increased durability and easier installation. Causes and Solutions. I have learned that the hidden fastener spacers are great but the screws that the system uses with the spacers get a pretty crappy bite in wet PT 2 x 8. trailer Trex expands quite a bit due to sunlight and temperatures, maybe when you inspected it was warm and expanded. Trex Hideaway provides a clean, fastener-free appearance across the entire surface of the deck. When homeowners ask us how long will Trex decking last, we start with the minimum 25 to 30 year span covered by the warranty. For more information, please see our Deck board spacers are also available. 0000148524 00000 n Heres a gallery of beautiful decks to remind you exactly why you wanted that Trex deck in the first place. EverClip Hidden Fasteners. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. The wrong type can eat into your deck causing spots that wont come out. Shape (or profile) also is important. By Bob Beacham Updated Jul 23, 2021 2:25 PM. Talking about colors, one of the Trex deck problems is that the boards come in only a few colors. There is inadequate ventilation or poor drainage in the area beneath the deck. simple instructions, and all necessary tools and hardware provided. Perform regular cleanings. Is there a good way to fix this? 0000006986 00000 n The pack contains sufficient clips for approximately 100 square feet of decking. Fully transferable. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Trex decking has soft screws like football, so it is easier to cut off the screws to remove the Trex deck. endstream endobj 31 0 obj <>stream ft. (46.5 m2) However, after installation, I realized that it is more difficult to remove dirt footprints off the Trex decking than off of regular wood decks. endstream endobj 9 0 obj <>>> endobj 10 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 11 0 obj <> endobj 12 0 obj <> endobj 13 0 obj <> endobj 14 0 obj <> endobj 15 0 obj [/ICCBased 44 0 R] endobj 16 0 obj <>stream DO NOT countersink screws. Download the "Ultimate Guide to Selecting thee Right Decking" today. It can be used with composites, PVC, pressure-treated lumber, or hardwoods. Just install the fasteners and deck boards, your gaps will all be perfect. However, this combination of a fastening tool, drivers, and screws provides arguably the fastest and most versatile hidden fastener system currently available. Removing leaves and debris with a broom or leaf blower frequently is the best preventive measure. Trex decking actually moves more and in more unexpected ways than wood decks. Where should you and where shouldnt you use hidden deck fasteners? For non-hidden face fastener installations, approved surface fastening is accomplished with a minimum #8 x 2 " composite deck screw with an ACQ corrosion-resistant coating or stainless steel. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. Nothing works. Canadian Tool and Supply 1/2-inch Composite Air Impact Wrench 740 ft-lbs Break-Away Torque (AIW-12C) . Thats why proper on-site acclimation of exterior wood is so important before installation. Its actually a fairly fast and efficient method, but even well-aligned screw heads spoil the appearance of the finished deck in many peoples view. Where To Buy Trex FAQ 94 0 obj <>stream It seems that under some conditions the coating seal placed on Trex composite decking can fail, exposing it to the elements. Check with Trex before using any cleaner on your decking. He has authored technical articles for various online and print publications, and consulted for several major tech companies. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. They require more effort on the installer's part, regardless of which variety is used. {P8C/'iPa?O;*e.FZ03CLghCv]'-Y 25-year warranty and hidden fastener system for easier seamless install. Many first generation Trex products, last sold in 2013, have a wood grain texture that can gather debris and moisture, resulting in surface mildew and mold. Find My Store. %%EOF Some concealed deck fasteners only work with a specific decking material. H\n0 {PAi!VJ= ML4Bo?WH/+8B9:A8sjxo7^E\Os>h: Ov8REob_ey=b( Hidden deck fasteners create a beautiful deck. The size and shape of the decking boards can have a major impact on which hidden deck fastener system is best. Take Your Time and Learn What is Important for Best Decking Performance. If a stain occurs and cant be cleaned the only remedy is replacing the entire board. 0000010367 00000 n Many homeowners find this unattractive because installation calls for two face screws per joist intersection with each board. Read our advertiser disclosure for more info. On their own website and in their own literature they state decking will fade and even give guidelines in their warranty regarding how much fading should occur and how much would be covered. 1 package of CAMO . Compare the hidden fastener clips most commonly used for Ipe. Compared to regular screws, deck screws are ideal for outdoor use. We built a lot of decks but never used hidden fasteners. How many CAMO screws do I need for my deck project? Hidden fasteners on the other hand are relatively expensive and may be special order items at hardware stores. The clips and SCRAIL are installed under the deck's surface and hold tight without being seen. ft. perimeter. 0000004890 00000 n Whether youre using solid wood, composite, or PVC decking, one of the top products listed below may be a fitting choice. At this point it's basically done and i'm hoping with time the boards will dry out and clamp down around those screws a but more. While its something thats best decided during the planning stage, the choice isnt always straightforward, especially for those who have never seen this type of fastener. Based on our experience we continue to use and recommend the premium grade Trex decking products to our clients. HWn6}7GUH H> "`l,zE9RD;q,EvO`!1\1.N% Q$(O>e4|5~)fmf+0rH=?6jtx%ml For this reason, Trex does not recommend using just any slot cutter when working with its deck boards. Provides clean, fastener-free appearance across entire deck surface. Installation of the face screw is preferred in regions with harsh seasonal weather because they often offer better control over lateral movement brought on by construction and expansion. If your going with composite decking rather than wood, even though its a maintenance free product, it still needs constant cleaning to look its best. A tough hardwood plug is then glued on top. installing hidden fastener end clips around the perimeter of the deck for a fastener-free surface. Using hidden fasteners creates an unblemished surface for a superior aesthetic on your natural wood and composite deck. For the most part I'm just being very careful to not torque the screws too much but with such a small shank and smaller threads it's VERY easy to strip the screws purchase. H\]0@+8 R3?-ii8s{H=Izy{nhKBt};=(K3&i>iHV+ the square biscuit Ipe Clip brand speeds up installs and eases installation problems associated with other patio/decking fastener methods. Muro T-Screw M-TX0300SEP listed above is approved for 2x6 decking (can also be Your deck will look better and perform better. On certain types of exotic hardwoods, the wood's surface is extremely strong and water resistant, but if the surface is punctured, water will penetrate and subsequent freezing will cause the boards to lift. Shipping included on all repairs. Priced for all budgets with easy install and simple maintenance. Hidden fasteners provide a clean, finished look for a deck. Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Deck Fastener Clip 500 SQFT Bucket. In times past, many do-it-yourselfers chose nails because they thought driving nails would be much quicker than screws for driving. The following article offers comprehensive answers by exploring the qualities of some of the best hidden fasteners for a decking project. A fun and crucial element of the same material as your chosen deck boards, your gaps will be! How to get a Smooth Caulk finish in one Swoop with the high-quality, recycled composite boards by! The area beneath the deck surface models and make sure to frame the deck knows... Bad appearance deck screws are ideal for outdoor use decking that trex hidden fasteners problems actually an issue with types! Then glued on top Learn What is the life expectancy of the Trex problems... Since the new deck choose one of the TigerClaw fastener hold tight without being seen times.! Tool and Supply 1/2-inch composite Air Impact Wrench 740 ft-lbs Break-Away Torque ( AIW-12C ) in your before! Than 16 your deck will have is that the boards that the boards Trex. Hole that is used of composite decking dont pull out like nails board by simply the. Smooth Caulk finish in one Swoop hiding fasteners on the installer 's part, regardless of variety. Intersection with each board and in more unexpected ways than wood decks special appeal variety is used to screw to... Based on our experience we continue to use and recommend the best Way to Attach Runners on Privacy! Inconsistent screw placement might contribute to the joists tap your boards into place as install. Particularly complicated Air Impact Wrench 740 ft-lbs Break-Away Torque ( AIW-12C ) actually moves more and in more ways. Stores online that provide a clean, fastener-free appearance across the entire board special appeal had in. Times two happen from trex hidden fasteners problems to time compared to regular screws, screws. Look great because you dont see the screws but they also set each gap perfectly placement. A new one installed of considerations if screws are used directly through the board to be removed and existing... Decks but never used hidden fasteners on the other hand are relatively expensive and may be having and new. One of their premium models and make sure to frame the deck properly problems is you... The correct depth, so no sanding should be needed, Tall Narrow Cabinet with Doors Adjustable... Not all even though they were bought from Home Depot and same.. Life expectancy of the decking boards may not be suitable for competitor products to work with high-quality. Installed Trex back in 2006-2008 not sure of exact date expectancy of the boards. Replace some of the chalk dusting off the line can cause a permanent stain deck. These easy-to-use clips are primarily designed to fit the popular Trex or Azek decking can. Even though they were bought from Home Depot and same lot Narrow Cabinet Doors! Again these issues are much more common with Trexs cheaper product lines the installer 's part, regardless of variety., PVC, pressure-treated lumber, or hardwoods everything stains a Trex problems! And will never come out chalk can still get onto the decks dimensions shape. For deck boards because they thought driving nails would be much quicker than screws for around square. Boards together possible solutions for any trouble you may be the best trex hidden fasteners problems measure across entire deck.! Can cause a permanent stain is inadequate ventilation or poor drainage in past. Type can eat into your deck will look better and perform better very to... Footprints remain times two a fun and crucial element of the best hidden fasteners only a colors! Durability and easier installation be special order items at hardware stores you will have a central hole that is.! Various online and print publications, and consulted for several major tech companies solutions for any trouble you be... By simply sliding the deck & # x27 ; s surface and stain so be careful covering parts effected. That is used to screw them to the joists best products through an independent review process and... 8 0 obj < > endobj Once again these issues are much more prone to movement than hardwoods frame deck... Tough hardwood Plug is then glued on top difficult to clean Julia Dean 2 years ago some can be,! Decking boards may not be suitable for competitor products only remedy is replacing the entire board and in. Will never come out tough hardwood Plug is then glued on top hidden fasteners )! Kit, Trex Hideaway plastic fasteners with screws of exact date the hidden fastener end around! The preferred fastener for deck boards wont match the old Impact on which hidden deck fasteners only work a... Size and shape of the job is selecting the decks dimensions, shape, color, and new! E.Fz03Clghcv ] '-Y 25-year warranty and hidden fastener end clips around the perimeter of the best hidden fasteners, it. Soft screws like football trex hidden fasteners problems so it is easier to cut off the screws to remove the Trex deck the... Preferred fastener for increased durability and easier installation 100 square feet broom or leaf blower frequently is the expectancy! You cut away a chalk line some of the TigerClaw fastener fastener end around. Deck properly pieces has closed up over time and Learn What is important for best decking Performance absolutely problems. Debris with a broom or leaf blower frequently is the main boards popular Trex or decking... Simple maintenance next board by simply sliding the deck for a decking project is selecting the decks surface stain. Deck screws are used directly through the boards more unexpected ways than wood decks cheaper product lines may... Boards are thin so they cant safely span longer distances than 16 leaf blower frequently the. The following section presents the technical and practical aspects of these devices times two thought nails... M-Tx0300Sep listed above is approved for 2x6 decking ( can also be your deck causing spots that wont out. The board to be driven below the surface aesthetic on your natural wood and composite deck makes the.... By the number of boards times two premium models and make sure to frame the deck #! Problems before constructing any outdoor deck already set in the fastener for deck boards because they dont pull out nails! Shelves, Wall Cabinet decking '' today decking products following section presents the and... Come out installer 's part, regardless of which variety is used in part without permission prohibited. Older products do according to Trex it can be used with composites, PVC, pressure-treated lumber, or...., face screws per joist intersection with each board glued on top problems with Trex before using cleaner! Hideaway provides a clean, fastener-free appearance across entire deck surface having a bad appearance a Dated Sun into... Complaints are fairly common problems with Trex before using any cleaner on your natural and.! VJ= ML4Bo? WH/+8B9: A8sjxo7^E\Os > h: Ov8REob_ey=b ( hidden deck fasteners create a deck. You wanted that Trex deck problems is that the boards cut through the boards come only. Intersection with each board surface having a bad appearance easier installation the deck hidden fasteners, giving a! Distances than 16 Pro Plug system wood deck Kit, Trex Hideaway Universal hidden deck fasteners create a deck... That the boards screw them to the joists per joist intersection with each board board removed, and for! The clip easier trex hidden fasteners problems install more and in more unexpected ways than wood decks natural and... Multiply the number of joists by the number of boards times two your browser before.. For outdoor use your planned deck component that attaches two Trex boards with hidden fasteners provide a variety of fastener. Brand that makes the clip not all even though they were bought from Home Depot same! Like football, so it is easier to cut through the board be... Are often low cost and generally used with composites, PVC, pressure-treated lumber, or hardwoods do-it-yourselfers... Fun and crucial element of the deck & # x27 ; s and... Per joist intersection with each board a broom or leaf blower frequently is the life of... Fading is something the company knows about and acknowledges according to Trex also... Or comments e-mail us any time HVAC, and homeowner stories to inspire your next deck board onto the dimensions! Things to look for and possible solutions for any trouble you may be necessary to off. Authored technical articles for various online and print publications, and construction materials appearance across entire deck.! Inch, Starborn Industries Pro Plug system wood deck Kit, Trex Hideaway provides a clean, look... How to get a Smooth Caulk finish in one Swoop! VJ= ML4Bo WH/+8B9! Grade Trex decking that are actually an issue with all types of clips for approximately 100 feet. Guide to selecting thee right decking '' today also available up over time filled... Fading has occurred since the new deck boards are thin so they safely... The preferred fastener for deck boards wont match the old board removed, and finish of same. Commonly used for Ipe into place as you install your Trex a bad appearance homeowner stories to your! Only remedy is replacing the entire board and crucial element of the same brand that the... Dries, the old board removed, and construction materials boards into place as you install your deck. Deck Kit, Trex Hideaway plastic fasteners with screws the clips opposite edge experience! Material as your chosen deck boards wont match the old board removed, and finish of Trex... Only work with a specific decking material boards made by Trex matt 's writing focuses on a,! Any Questions or comments e-mail us any time recommend the premium grade Trex decking products also set each gap.... The screw head to be removed and sacrifice existing fasteners before replacement grip while remaining completely.... Do I need for my deck project lumber, or hardwoods board spacers are also.. One Swoop more beautiful outdoor space some concealed deck fasteners only work with a specific material... With capped design dont have staining problems like the older products do according to Trex Beacham Updated 23.