1. Grooved PVC & Composite Decking Boards
Decking that is grooved on both sides allows for installation using hidden fasteners, creating a sleek deck surface without any visible screws. These grooved boards are typically used for the primary decking area, which includes everything except for the deck picture frame and steps.
How should you attach grooved decking boards?
To install grooved decking boards, it is important to use clipping systems instead of screws and fasteners. While many decking brands offer their own specific decking clips, there are also universal decking clip manufacturers that produce clips that fit perfectly with many different decking brands.
Decking clips can be made from either stainless steel or durable plastic material, depending on the brand and manufacturer. Although some clips are made from plastic, there is no need to be concerned as they are designed to be long-lasting and able to withstand regular use on your deck. Stainless steel is always used for screws when it comes to decking clips.
1.1. Brand Specific Decking Clips
For all types of TimberTech/AZEK decking, ConcealLoc clips are recommended by TimberTech.
For all types of TimberTech/AZEK decking, FusionLoc clips are recommended by TimberTech.
TimberTech recommends using EDGELoc clips for grooved decking boards in the TimberTech EDGE line.
TREX recommends using the Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Fasteners as the fastener of choice for their brand.
1.2. Decking Clips from Third Party Manufacturers
Several screw manufacturers have created universal clips that are suitable for installing a variety of decking brands, and DeckMart stocks the CAMO clip, which is a top third-party manufacturer of hidden fasteners for decking. The CAMO clip is both universal and simple to install, and is competitively priced compared to clips that are specific to particular brands. The CAMO clip is highly regarded among contractors, but it can also be used effectively by DIY enthusiasts. Moreover, it is compatible with multiple decking brands carried by DeckMart, including TimberTech/AZEK, TREX, Fortress, Fiberon, and Clubhouse.
note: Certain brands of Composite & PVC decks, such as Zuri and TruNorth, require specific clips provided by the manufacturer and are not compatible with universal deck clips. To find out more information, please consult your local supplier.
CAMO Hidden deck Clips
A straight installation layout of decking boards is achieved by using these clips in combination with a deck wood substructure.
When utilized with a deck wood substructure, these clips enable a diagonal installation layout of decking boards, as well as when TREX RainEscape is installed beneath the deck.
When employed with a deck metal substructure, these clips enable the straight and diagonal installation layout of decking boards.
2. Square Edge PVC & Composite Decking Boards
2. Square Edge PVC & Composite Decking Boards
Decking boards with square edges do not have side grooves and are therefore intended to be installed using face screws. These square edge boards are typically used for the picture frame of the deck, as well as for stair treads and other areas where visible deck grooves would detract from the appearance of the deck.
The recommended type of screws for a given board may vary depending on the shape of the underlying surface. Composite boards may have either a Scalloped or Solid back side, while PVC boards are always solid in shape.
Solid boards
These boards are compatible with both the plug system and color-matching screws.
Scalloped boards
Color matching screws are compatible with these boards, and in some cases, the plug system is also compatible.
2.1. Plug System
DeckMart offers Starborn Pro Plug System, which is just one of several available Deck Plug systems. The Pro Plug® System for PVC and Composite is an easy-to-install plug fastening system that is considered superior for use with PVC/Composite Decking, and it supports a variety of leading decking products. The system includes:
- Epoxy-coated carbon steel or stainless steel screws in various lengths (from 2" to 3"),
- Unique patented tool for driving screws to the correct depth and tapping in plugs for an even surface,
- Plugs made from actual PVC/Composite deck material for a perfect match.
2.2. Color Matching Screws for Composite & PVC Decking
A wide selection of colour-matching screws for composite and PVC decking is available in various colors that can match popular decking products such as TREX, TimberTech, AZEK, Fortress, and ZURI, among others. DeckMart provides Starborn's Cap-Tor colour-matching screws, available in sizes ranging from 2" to 3". Cap-Tor® xd screws are engineered to provide a consistent, uniform finish in composite and PVC decking. Cap-Tor xd is approved for use with all major deck brands. The screws come in two material options: epoxy coated carbon steel and stainless steel.
3. PVC & Composite Fascia Boards
3. PVC & Composite Fascia Boards
4. Grooved Hardwood Decking Boards
DeckMart suggests purchasing composite or PVC decking boards as they offer comparable durability and longevity with less maintenance needed, while also contributing to environmental conservation.
5. Square Edge Hardwood Decking Boards
- A plug system for wood
- Face screws with color-matching trim heads
- Edge screws with Trim Head, utilizing the Camo edge tool for assistance.
5.1. A plug system for wood
Starborn Pro Plug for WOOD
5.2. Face screws with color-matching trim heads
5.3. Edge screws with Trim Head, utilizing the Camo edge tool for assistance.
6. Redwood Decking Boards
- Face screws with color-matching or Stainless Steel trim heads
- Camo Edge screws with utilizing the Camo edge tool for assistance
6.1. Face screws with color-matching Flat head screws
6.2. Camo Edge screws with utilizing the Camo edge tool for assistance
7. Cedar Decking Boards
- Face screws with color-matching or Stainless Steel trim heads
- Camo Edge screws with utilizing the Camo edge tool for assistance
7.1. Face screws with color-matching Flat head screws
7.2. Camo Edge screws with utilizing the Camo edge tool for assistance
