If you’re installing a new deck and you’d like it to have a state-of-the-art appearance, you may want to consider hidden deck fasteners. This relatively new method is often used in deck construction for high-end properties. Hidden deck fasteners are normally made from materials such as powder coated steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, reinforced fiberglass, and plastic. There are a number of advantages these fasteners have to offer as well as a few disadvantages. This article will explain some of the pros and cons of hidden deck fasteners.
Hidden Deck Fastener Advantages
1. Hidden Deck Fasteners are Aesthetically Pleasing
One of the main selling points of hidden deck fasteners is that they can give a deck a seamless look. If you use this system to secure your decking boards, there won’t be any unattractive nails or screws showing on the top of your decking boards. With these inconspicuous fasteners, all you’ll notice is smooth, beautiful wood.
2. Hidden Deck Fasteners Promote Safety
Deck screws can wiggle their way up over time. They can cause a safety hazard when people get their toes caught on them while walking across the deck. Hidden deck fasteners, on the other hand, don’t pose this type of risk. They’re installed in such a way that they should remain flush with the surface of your deck.
3. Hidden Deck Fasteners Help to Prevent Water Damage
Any time you use a nail or a screw, you have to puncture the decking board’s surface. This can lead to problems down the road when water seeps into the wood through these puncture holes. It can cause the wood to decay and become uneven. With hidden deck fasteners the surface of the wood is never punctured, so water can’t get inside the boards and cause damage as easily.
Deck Fastener Disadvantages
1. Hidden Deck Fasteners are Costly
Compared to deck screws, hidden deck fasteners can be an expensive choice. Whether or not they’re a practical option for you will depend in part on your budget.
2. Hidden Deck Fasteners May Allow More Movement than Screws
Because many of the hidden fasteners on the market don’t actually attach by puncturing the deck boards, their hold on the boards may not be as secure as you could achieve with deck screws. This looser grip could allow the boards to move more over time, which could make them creak. In order to try to avoid this problem, it’s best to use hidden fasteners in decks that are elevated, located in places where they won’t be exposed to excessive moisture, and when using narrow, thick boards.
Figuring out how you want to secure your new deck is a matter of personal taste. Before deciding on an option, ask your installer if your warranty will be impacted at all by your choice of deck fasteners. Some manufacturers only offer warranties if you use their specific brand of fasteners. Consider your budget and your preferences when it comes to both the practical and aesthetic issues involved. If you take time to do your homework, you can find the deck fastener that’s ideal for securing your dream deck in place for years to come.
