Hidden Fasteners vs Deck Screws?

Question

I am building a deck about 27'x16' that's 27" above the ground. It will be framed out of pressure-treated lumber. I will be using trex accents madeira composite decking running perpendicular to the joists. I have researched about hidden fastening systems for the decking and I particularly like tiger claw's tc-g and similar systems (I'm willing to cut slots in the planks with a router). I do not want to get a system where I must s***w or nail from underneath the decking. Price is a concern for me but not too big a deal. From all my research, I still have one question. Are hidden fasteners worth the heavy pricetag? Or should I just use composite deck screws? If you do prefer hidden fasteners, what are some recommendations or suggestions?

Answer 1

I have to agree with answer #1 on a few points, and certainly Tiger Claws, OR their equivalents, are great for interior flooring. Certainly anyone choosing composites is less worried about cost, than about durability.

   I'm also not a fan of TREX, but they have evolved to keep up with the competition. I suspect part of any class action suit deals with installations, and the early production of the product.

   Even with a composite decking material, I still space the "planks", and the choice is pretty much a personal one, for you, in hiding fasteners, or using the proper decking screws, that won't "Mushroom" the composite. Aesthetics may be your major concern? In either case any fastener won't weather in the same way, or time frame as composite decking will. AND in ALL cases, the elements eventually win.

Steven Wolf

AKA: The Deck Doc

Just my two "sense"

Answer 2

There are specialty deck screws that are made for the Trex. They come in two colors so they don't show up like a sore thumb and they don't mushroom the Trex. They are called Deck Mate. They come in two colors, pine and redwood, and many lengths. Of course, they can be covered with wood filler if you prefer. They are kind of pricey as far as screws go, but probably cheaper than the other fasteners.

Answer 3

Counter sink the screws, and come back with wood filler an fill then in. The deck s***w that I have see are like dry wall s***w, and s***w in flush with the top of the wood. If fact I do use a lot of dry wall s***w for my wood projects, including my deck.

Answer 4

If price was a concern, you wouldn't be using a composite decking.  If you are spending thousands of dollars on Trex (personally I wouldn't waste my money on trex..ie class action lawsuit), then why would you ruin the look by driving screws through the top?  I used ConcealLoc by Timbertech, and they would work well if you router the boards.  I have never used tiger claw.  Before you buy, check out IPE boards such as AZEK,Correct Deck CX, Timber Tech XLM, etc.  Also, why not look for a product that is already grooved to accept a HFS instead of spending hours behind a router.  Just my opinion.