![]() Reinforced nylon or metal alternatives are widely available. Nevertheless, consistent activity on the deck risks eventual fracture, so they may not be the best choice for high-traffic decks. These aren’t subject to the same movement as real wood. Plastic clips are often low cost and generally used with composite or PVC boards. If clips are being used, the material they are made from has a bearing. The second concerns oak, which contains tannin that is highly corrosive to ordinary steel screws, so nickel-plated or stainless steel screws should be used. As a result, they can become loose over time, so a clip might be a better option. The first concerns softwoods, which are much more prone to movement than hardwoods. There are a couple of considerations if screws are used directly through the boards. Real wood decks expand and contract as the seasons change. However, a router will be required, and this adds to the overall job time. These tools are readily available, often from the same brand that makes the clip. Where slots are not present, a cutter can be used to create them. Conversely, although money can sometimes be saved by buying hidden fasteners off-brand, fit needs to be checked carefully. Clips designed to fit the popular Trex or Azek decking boards may not be suitable for competitor products. It’s important to know what width the guide can accept, especially if using nonstandard-size boards or reclaimed materials. Standard lumber is called 6-inch-wide, but the actual dimension is 5½ inches wide. With screw and plug systems, the width of the board doesn’t matter at all, but most guides used for drilling through the sides of boards have a limit to the board size they will fit. The size and shape of the decking boards can have a major impact on which hidden deck fastener system is best. Usually these clips are used for composite or PVC boards, though a version does exist specifically for softwood. The shape usually incorporates automatic spacing. They have a central hole that is used to screw them to the joists. Most have “wings” that fit in a precut groove in the board. Most do require the use of a proprietary driver and special screws but can be used in real wood, composite, or PVC boards. A guide provides the perfect angle for the screw and also automatically spaces the boards.
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