What are decking fasteners?
There are a variety of decking fastener systems used to install composite and PVC decking. These systems vary in functionality, installation time, and cost, so it’s important to understand the differences while planning your decking project. Fasteners can cost up to 30% of the decking materials, so it’s crucial to plan fasteners into your budget early in the process. We hope this comprehensive guide will help make your choice easier when shopping for your deck project with Warehouse ’71!
Looking for more information on how to find the right fastener system for you? Our video on Hidden Fasteners for TimberTech® and Deckorators® Decking – What You Need to Know serves as a great introduction!
Clip Systems
Clip system fasteners securely attach deck boards together from the joist to eliminate the look of visible screws or nails. Clip systems can only be used for grooved deck boards.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Automatic board spacing (you don’t need a spacer tool)
Cons
- Generally expensive
- Can only be used on grooved decking
- Requires purchase of screw and plug or face fastener system for stairs and picture frame
CONCEALoc for TimberTech® ($$$)
TimberTech CONCEALoc® is a stainless-steel fastener exclusively designed for the TimberTech® grooved decking product line. TimberTech® partners with Tiger Claw to develop a patented system that delivers a quick and easy installation process and allows for a superior deck surface. The clip fasteners provide automatic 3/16” spacing between deck boards.
Shop CONCEALoc for TimberTech® here
EDGELoc for TimberTech® ($$)
TimberTech EDGELoc® is a nylon clip fastener exclusively designed for the TimberTech EDGE decking. With its 12 collated clip strips and pre-set screw, this fastener delivers a simple installation process, resulting in a fastener-free deck surface. The joist positioning feet center the clip on the joist for stability, and clips provide automatic 3/16” spacing between deck boards.
Shop EDGELoc for TimberTech® here
Stowaway for Deckorators® ($)
Deckorators® Stowaway™ Hidden Fasteners are plastic clip fasteners with stainless steel screws designed to discreetly secure deck boards to joists using the grooved edges of decking. The Stowaway screw comes preloaded and pre-set, making the installation process faster, which saves you time and money. Stowaway hidden fasteners provide consistent 1/4” spacing between deck boards. Deck boards are automatically spaced at proper intervals, so the need for predrilling and countersinking are eliminated.
Screw & Plug Systems
A screw and plug system secures deck board to the joist with countersunk screws. The screw heads are later covered with matching plugs for a more seamless appearance and superior hold to the joists. Screw & Plug systems can only be used on Full Profile deck boards, not scalloped back boards.
Pros
- Completely concealed fastener look
- Longer lifespan because fasteners are not exposed to elements
- Very strong hold of deck board to the joist
Cons
- Time consuming to install
- Doesn’t automatically space during installation
- Can be expensive
Cortex for TimberTech® ($$$)
Cortex Hidden Fastening System for Decking partners with TimberTech® to offer two quality choices of fasteners: CORTEX for TimberTech Azek® and CORTEX for TimberTech PRO & EDGE®. Both are compatible with all TimberTech® decking colors and conceal fasteners for the entire deck, including first and last boards, perimeter and stairs. Plugs are made from real TimberTech® deck boards for a seamless finish; the new thread design reduces installation torque and dramatically increases fastener strength.
ProPlug for Deckorators® ($)
Pro Plug for Decking is a fast and easy way to conceal fasteners and screw heads when installing decking boards by using two screws per joist connection. The drill bit (sold separately) is specially designed to countersink the screws at just the right depth; not too deep leading to an unsecure connection, and not too shallow, preventing the plug from setting flush with the deck surface.
Side Screws
Side screw fastener systems involve screwing the fasteners into the sides of decking boards on an angle to fasten them to the joist. This system requires installation tools and can only be used on PVC deck boards.
Pros
- Spacing provided during installation
- Completely hidden fastener
- Cost-effective, relatively quick to install
Cons
- Can only be used on PVC square edge boards
- Requires purchase of screw and plug, or face fastener system for stairs and picture frame
SIDELoc for TimberTech® (From $$)
The TimberTech AZEK SIDELoc Guide is designed exclusively for installing AZEK square shoulder, capped polymer deck boards. This hidden fastening system provides superior holding power that requires no pre-drilling. This seamless installation tool uses stainless steel screws to resist screw shear and installs with a 1/8” gap.
Shop SIDELoc for TimberTech here
Face Fasteners (Screws)
Face fastener systems are a type of fastening system where screws or nails are driven directly into the front or face of an object to secure it in place. They have color match heads that blend into the surface of the board for a camouflaged appearance.
Pros
- Most cost-effective fastener option
- Relatively quick to install
- Very secure hold of deck board to the joist, reducing movement over time
Cons
- Exposed fastener head on deck surface
- Doesn’t automatically space during installation
TopLoc for TimberTech® ($)
The TOPLoc® face fastening system takes the guesswork out of which screw installs most efficiently and delivers a color-matched fastener option ideal for dense boards or other circumstances where hidden fasteners are not preferred.
TOPLoc® screws are compatible with TimberTech® decking finishes. TOPLoc™ screws are specifically designed for TimberTech® deck boards and eliminate the ‘mushrooming’ effect—a result of a standard decking screw pushing composite wood material above the deck’s surface, creating a raised bump.
Shop TOPLoc for TimberTech here
CAPTOR for Deckorators® ($$)
CAP-TOR xd screws are designed to provide a smooth, clean finish for fastening PVC and composite decking. The epoxy-based polymer head coating is color matched to blend into the deck, providing a less visible screw. The reverse thread design prevents mushrooming and other surface defects. They are compatible with all major composite and PVC decking brands.
Shop CAP-TOR xd screws here
About Warehouse ’71
At Warehouse ’71, we sell high-quality building materials at unbeatable prices. Our products, colors and styles are timeless and modern and still offer their full manufacturer’s warranty. We also have blog articles on our website that you can use as inspiration or resources for revamping your outdoor living space. Check out our website and follow us on social media to stay updated! Check out our store here.
