Composite Decking Hidden Fasteners Vs Screws

Painted head screws for fastening decking when installing a tropical hardwood deck such as an ipe deck contractors are immediately faced with the question of whether to use face screwed or hidden fasteners to secure the deck.

Composite decking hidden fasteners vs screws.

If you love the clean look of a fastener free install then check out our selection of hidden deck fasteners for composite decking grooved boards softwoods hardwoods and more. Each method has its benefits and shortfalls and ultimately the specific environment of the project along with customer preferences can make that decision clear for. The duralife step clip and fastenator systems are ideal for installing interior deck boards while the cortex plugs are great for hiding screws on steps edge boards and benches. Generally though 1 1 2 penetration into the floor framing is desired.

Screws used with composite decking typically have a much smaller head and tighter threads. In some cases these screws have a reverse thread just under the screw head. On most decking this means using a 2 1 2 screw if you are face screwing. Do i have to use a composite screw.

Rather than installing screws through the top of every deck board clips are first attached to the framing boards and the decking is then attached to the clips. I ve had a discussion twice today with customers on this subject so i thought i d post an analysis and my thoughts on the subject. Hidden deck fasteners can be used with composite vinyl cedar ipe or just about any other decking material you want. The smaller head reduces composite tear out.

A reverse thread ensures the screw sits cleanly at level with the composite deck board. Duralife decking offers three composite decking hidden fastening systems to make deck installation fast easy and flexible. Instead of using screws composite decking makers have designed hidden fastening systems that create a clean smooth surface while providing a solid stable connection to the deck frame. If you are installing fascia or risers always use composite decking screws regardless of the particular decking product line you ve chosen.

The camo system can be used for all types of composite pvc or solid wood decking materials and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. If the fasteners will be exposed to continual salt air near large bodies of water or swimming pools or used in any other areas where corrosion is more likely to occur always use 305 grade or 316 grade stainless steel decking screws. Because they re just as strong as screws but provide a much nicer finish hidden fastening systems are a superior product to traditional deck fastening methods. And a 1 1 4 2 screw if you are using a hidden fastener depending on the type of fastener.

Face screwing vs hidden fasteners.