Trex Hidden Fasteners vs Screws: Which to Use
By Dave KileBuilding a deck is an exciting venture, filled with decisions that shape the look, feel, and durability of your outdoor space. I’ve worked with many homeowners planning their backyard retreats and it’s safe to say that fasteners have never been at the top of their list of concerns.
However, fasteners do play a crucial role. They’re a necessity, securing the deck boards to the joists beneath. But they’re also an aesthetic choice. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be second-guessing your fastener choice when you step out onto your new deck. So, let’s explore the differences between deck screws and hidden fasteners to help you make the best choice for your project.
Hidden Fasteners vs Deck Screws
When it comes to securing your deck boards, deck screws and hidden fasteners stand as two distinct contenders, each with its own benefits and considerations. Let’s take a closer look at these options.
Deck Screws
Deck screws offer a traditional approach to fastening, with screws driven through the face of the deck boards into the underlying joists, leaving visible screw heads on the surface. Typically installed using a power drill, these screws are spaced approximately every 16 to 24 inches along the length of the boards. There are lots of deck screws out there, but the most popular choice among the deck owners I know are, without a doubt, color-matched screws.
Color-matched screws are coated or painted to match the color of the decking material. Some composite decking brands, like Trex, offer their own screws. Trex composite decking, a top pick among my clients, has Trex Color-Match Screws that they recommend for superior color matching. Screw manufacturers also offer colors to coordinate with various decking brands, colors, and wood stains, making it easy to find a close match.
While traditional metallic-finish screws don’t appeal to everyone, they can serve as a deliberate design element to enhance your overall aesthetic. For example, I’ve seen bright stainless-steel screws on a dark ipe deck impart a cool industrial vibe that embraced contrast for a truly unique effect.
Pros of Deck Screws
- Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of decking materials, including wood, composite, and PVC.
- Simplicity: Straightforward installation process without specialized tools or expertise required.
- Durability: Choose screws engineered with corrosion-resistant materials (and with UV protection if color-matching) to withstand the rigors of outdoor exposure.
Cons of Deck Screws
- Visible Fasteners: Screw heads are visible on the deck surface, which may detract from its appearance.
- Pre-drilling: May require pre-drilling holes to prevent splitting, especially for harder woods.
- Accumulation Trap: The crevices introduced to the deck surface by face screws can trap dirt and debris, in addition to contributing to pooled water in the recesses.
Hidden Fasteners
Hidden fasteners secure the decking boards to the joists while keeping the screws out of sight. Hidden fasteners are most popular with my clients, whether they’ve selected exotic wood, quality composite decking, or economical lumber.
There are two main types of hidden fasteners that I always introduce to my future deck owners: Plug systems and hidden clips.
Plug Systems
Plug systems use screws to secure the decking, and are then hidden by small plugs, typically made from the same material as the boards. These plugs blend with the surrounding decking, creating a virtually fastener-free appearance.
Installation is relatively simple. Face screws are driven down through the deck board surface with a countersink, then the matched plugs are inserted into the holes and tapped into place until they sit flush. This creates a uniform deck surface, free from the distractions of visible fasteners. An added benefit I appreciate: The plugs help seal out moisture from the fastener site.
For my Trex decks, I choose Trex Hideaway Plugs made from the same decking material, but there are also plenty of plug manufacturers that offer exact matches for multiple composite brands as well as natural wood decking options.
Deck Clips
Deck clips are designed to completely hide your fasteners, delivering a truly fastener-free decking surface. These hidden systems are largely created for grooved deck boards; if you’re installing solid boards, you’ll need to seek out special clips for non-grooved decking.
For most clip systems, the clips are inserted into the grooved edges between the decking boards, then screws are driven directly through the clips and into the joists. No screw holes are made in the boards and the clips are hidden from view for a sleek, uninterrupted surface.
Clip systems may be designed specifically for a decking brand, such as Trex Hideaway, or designed to be universally compatible, like Tiger Claw TC-G Hidden Fastening Clips. Additionally, some systems have special clips for picture frame perimeters and starter boards, including TimberTech’s CONCEALoc Hidden Fasteners and Trex Starter Clips.
Pros of Hidden Fasteners
Plug systems offer the following advantages:
- Clean Surface Finish: Plug systems conceal and camouflage fasteners.
- Reduced Maintenance: With no fastener crevices to trap dirt and debris, plug systems offer easier maintenance and cleaning.
- Color-Matched Plugs: Plug systems offer matches for a wide range of decking brands and board colors.
Hidden clips boast these features:
- Seamless Appearance: Hidden clips deliver a sleek decking surface with fasteners that are out of sight.
- Enhanced Protection: With no deck board perforation, clips minimize water penetration, reducing the risk of moisture damage.
- Uniform Board Spacing: Clips maintain consistent board spacing across the deck for a neat appearance as well as air circulation and water drainage that prevents moisture buildup.
- Structural Integrity: Hidden clips reduce lateral movement by allowing boards to expand and contract naturally.
- Easy Installation: With pre-assembled clips, installation is streamlined.
Cons of Hidden Fasteners
- Specific Compatibility: Most hidden clips are designed for grooved decking boards.
- Grain Alignment: Plugs require grain alignment with the deck board for optimal blending, making installation more time-consuming. However, some plugs are collated with pre-aligned grains.
- Installation Complexity: Installing hidden fasteners may require additional time and attention compared to screws alone, especially for a first-timer DIYer.
- System Cost: Hidden fasteners are more expensive, requiring specialized clips or plugs in addition to screws. Additionally, a setting tool may be recommended or required.
Tips for Choosing the Right Deck Fastener Option
Consider the following factors when choosing your deck fasteners:
Hidden Fasteners |
Deck Screws |
|
Appearance | Matching plug colors effectively hide fasteners; clips provide a completely fastener-free surface | Coordinating colors available, although still visible |
Complexity | Requires extra steps and precise installation | Straightforward installation process |
Durability | ||
Accessibility | May pose challenges for board maintenance, depending on the system | Offers easy access to remove and replace individual boards |
Cost | Higher upfront costs | Most cost-effective |
Installation Time | May require additional time initially; generally quick for experienced installers | Installs quickly, but add time if pre-drilling is required |
A successful deck project involves planning and informed decision-making, right down to the smallest details. Whether you opt for color-matched deck screws or hidden fastener systems like deck plugs or clips, by carefully considering the advantages and limitations of each, you can create that perfect outdoor space to reflect your style and vision—with a deck surface that you’ll happily to gaze across and enjoy for years to come.