Trex Hidden Fasteners: A Comprehensive Guide to a Seamless Deck Build

When it comes to building a deck, the aesthetics are just as important as the functionality. Traditional deck screws, while effective, can sometimes mar the beauty of a deck with their visible heads. Enter Trex Hidden Fasteners – a game-changer in the decking world.

These fasteners provide a clean, seamless look, ensuring that the focus remains on the beauty of the deck boards, not the hardware. In this guide, we’ll delve into what Trex Hidden Fasteners are, how to install them, and how many you’d need for a 100 sq ft deck build.

What are Trex Hidden Fasteners?

Trex Hidden Fasteners are innovative deck fastening systems designed to secure deck boards without visible screw heads. Made specifically for Trex decking, these fasteners provide a smooth surface and enhance the longevity of the deck by reducing the potential for moisture ingress at screw points.

Benefits of Using Trex Hidden Fasteners:

1. Seamless Look: No visible screws mean a cleaner, more polished appearance.
2. Durability: Reduces the risk of splitting and cracking in the boards.
3. Uniform Spacing: Ensures consistent gaps between the boards for a professional finish.

How to Install Trex Hidden Fasteners:

1. Preparation: Begin with a clean and level joist structure. Ensure that the joists are spaced appropriately for your specific Trex decking product.
2. Starting the First Board: Lay down the first deck board and secure it with Trex Hideaway® Start Clips.
3. Position the Fastener: Slide the Trex Hidden Fastener into the space between two deck boards.
4. Secure the Fastener: Screw the fastener into the joist using the provided screws, ensuring it’s flush with the top of the joist.
5. Slide in the Next Board: The next deck board will slot into the groove of the previous board, covering the hidden fastener. Press the board down firmly.
6. Repeat: Continue this process, ensuring each board is securely fastened and consistently spaced.
7. Finishing: For the last board, you may need to use traditional deck screws if the edge will not be covered by a fascia board.

How Many Fasteners Do You Need for a 100 sq ft Deck?

The number of fasteners you’ll need depends on the width of the deck boards and the spacing between joists. For instance, if you’re using 6-inch wide boards with 16-inch on-center joist spacing:

1. A 100 sq ft deck is typically 10 feet by 10 feet.
2. You’d have approximately 22 deck boards across the 10-foot width.
3. With 16-inch on-center joist spacing, you’d have about 7 joists across the 10-foot length.
4. This means you’d need fasteners for the gaps between the 20 boards across 7 joists, totaling around 140 fasteners.

However, always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations and consider buying some extra fasteners especially if you have a more complex deck layout.

Conclusion:

Trex Hidden Fasteners offer a fantastic solution for those looking to achieve a flawless deck surface. While the installation process might seem a tad more intricate than traditional methods, the end result is a stunning, screw-free deck surface that’s built to last. Always ensure you have the right number of fasteners and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best results. Happy decking!