Trex Hidden Deck Fasteners are a game-changer for creating a sleek, screw-free look on your composite deck. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, these fasteners simplify the process while delivering a polished finish.
Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about Trex Hidden Deck Fasteners to help you plan and execute your decking project with confidence.
1. How wide is Trex decking with hidden fasteners?
Trex decking boards have a finished width of 5.5 inches. When paired with Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners, which create a consistent 1/4-inch gap between boards, the total width per board (including the fastener gap) is 5.75 inches. This uniform spacing ensures a clean, professional appearance.
2. What is the labor cost to install Trex decking with hidden fasteners?
Using Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners can reduce labor costs compared to traditional face screwing or face screwing with plugs. Why? Hidden fasteners require only one screw per joist, as opposed to two screws (and potentially two plugs) for face-screwed installations. This streamlined process makes installation faster and easier, potentially saving you time and money on labor.
3. Do Trex hidden fasteners go on every joist?
Yes, you’ll need to install one Trex Hideaway Hidden Fastener for every joist. Be sure to account for your joist spacing when calculating the number of fasteners needed. Many installers prefer 12-inch on-center joist spacing for composite decking, which requires more fasteners than the standard 16-inch spacing. For stair installations, joist spacing may be even tighter (e.g., 8 inches), so plan accordingly to ensure you have enough fasteners.
4. How big of a gap do Trex fasteners leave?
Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners are designed with a spacing leg that automatically creates a consistent 1/4-inch gap between deck boards. This gap promotes proper drainage and ventilation, enhancing the longevity of your deck.
5. Can you use Trex fasteners with TimberTech decking?
No, Trex Hidden Fasteners should not be used with TimberTech decking. Using non-compatible fasteners can void the warranty on TimberTech products. Similarly, TimberTech fasteners should not be used with Trex decking, as this could also void the Trex warranty. Always use the fasteners recommended by the decking manufacturer to ensure warranty coverage and optimal performance.
6. How do you use Trex hidden fasteners?
Installing Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners is straightforward:
- Place the fastener into the groove of the Trex deck board.
- Drive one screw straight down through the fastener into the joist.
- Repeat for each joist along the board.
This simple process ensures a secure hold and a clean, screw-free surface, making installation faster than traditional methods.
7. How do you remove Trex decking with hidden fasteners?
If you need to replace a Trex deck board, removal is easy:
- Locate the screws securing the board.
- Remove the screws on both sides of the board.
- Slide the board out.
This hassle-free process makes repairs or replacements quick and straightforward.
8. How many fasteners are needed for Trex decking?
The number of Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners required depends on your joist spacing. You’ll need one fastener per joist for each deck board. For example, 12-inch joist spacing will require more fasteners than 16-inch spacing. Be sure to calculate based on your specific deck design, especially for stairs or areas with tighter joist spacing.
9. Can you use Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners with all Trex deck boards?
Yes, Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners are compatible with all Trex decking products, including both grooved and non-grooved boards. For non-grooved boards, you can use a special Trex router bit to create the necessary grooves, following Trex’s installation guidelines.
Conclusion:
Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners offer a reliable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for installing Trex decking. By addressing these common questions, we hope you feel more confident in planning your deck project. For more details or to purchase Trex products, visit the official Trex website or contact a certified Trex installer. Ready to build your dream deck? Get started today!